Another year has whipped by, and here I am again, looking over my Goodreads list to figure out which books I enjoyed the most. It’s so hard to decide. I reread a lot of old favorites, plus some new books from my favorite authors, and other books too. Here are the winners for the year:
January
Brandon Sanderson won for this month with Sunreach, Evershore, and Redawn.
February
Skunk and Badger, and Egg Marks the Spot, by Amy Timberlake were delightful children’s books that belong with Frog and Toad. I loved them!
Pony, by R.J. Palacio is a haunting western adventure for middle grade that older folks will enjoy too.
The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea, by Axie Oh, is a mysterious, well written YA fantasy. Loved it!
Defender of the Faith: The B.H. Roberts Story, by Truman G. Madsen — a wonderful biography with deep insights into Roberts’ life and beliefs.
March
Saving CeeCee Honeycutt, by Beth Hoffman — a women’s fiction with wonderful insights, beautiful descriptions and delightful characters.
April
The Emerald Tide, by Davis Bunn — a clean romance with a gorgeous setting and likeable characters.
Lily of the Valley, by Sarah M. Eden — another beautiful historical romance. Thank you, Sarah!
May
Surprised by Hope: Rethinking Heaven, the Resurrection, and the Mission of the Church, by N.T. Wright — This book, by an Anglican Bishop, was insightful and well written.
The View From Saturday, by E.L. Konigsburg — a children’s book with a lot of twists. Wonderfully done.
June
The Sweet Rowan, by Kiera Dominguez – the first book in a series of captivating fantasy/ clean romances.
July
Linnets and Valerians, by Elizabeth Goudge — a middle grade historical fiction, beautifully written.
August
The Rithmatist, by Brandon Sanderson – a fantasy/mystery which continues to be one of my favorites.
The Heirloom Garden, by Viola Shipman – a women’s fiction, rich in description and feeling. I loved this book!
September
Adjacent but only Just, by Nichole Van — a beautiful historical romance.
October
Alcatraz vs The Evil Librarians, by Brandon Sanderson — A middle grade/children’s book that must be read aloud, because there is so much humor in it for the adults. I laughed so much!
Catwings and Catwings Returns, by Ursula K. LeGuin — two beautiful children’s stories with incredible illustrations by S.D. Schindler. I love these books!
November
Mile 21, by Sarah G. Dunster — an LDS clean romance that takes a deep look at the grieving process.
The Best Intentions, by Sarah M. Eden — a clean historical romance that I loved!
December
The Evolution of Thomas Hall, by Kieth Merrill — a Christian romance and more: beautifully written.
O Jerusalem, by Laurie R. King — a mystery adventure that is one of my favorites.
Peace Like a River, by Leif Enger — It’s hard to put this book in a category. It’s a beautifully told story that touches your heart.
Now tell me your favorite books for the year! Happy reading and Happy New Year!
Carol Nicolas 