My 15 Favourite Reads of 2018

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2018 brought me lots of lovely reads, I’m happy to say. Out of the 102 books I read, I rated quite a few 5 stars… 18, according to Goodreads. When I looked through that list though, I dropped off three as I couldn’t really see myself re-visiting them. These top 15 are the ones I’d read again if I could find the time; or they have simply popped up in my thoughts or conversations several times since reading.

The Romance Stories

If you’ve followed by blog throughout 2018, I’m sure it will come as no surprise to see Jessica Redland’s name pop up in my list of favourites… twice in fact!

Dreaming About Daran made me laugh, cry and everything in between. If I wasn’t a fan of Jessica’s before, this book would have sealed it.

Christmas at the Chocolate Pot was my absolute favourite Christmas read of the season. The heartwarming tale would have been a delight at any time of year though.

I started off 2018 with a wonderful young adult romance, 180 Seconds by Jessica Park. This one inspired me to try more young adult books as well.

 

The Fantasy Books

A genre I had hardly read anything in, is fantasy. I am pleased that three of these managed to make it into my top 15.

Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern was another early 2018 read and one that I haven’t stopped thinking about. I really really hope to find a chance to read this magical adventure once again.

Lady Jane Grey by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows has to be the most hilarious fantasy story ever written. Admittedly, I didn’t even realize that it veered into fantasy territory when I first started, but that didn’t stop me from enjoying every crazy little twist, turn and historical aberration.

Children of Blood and Bone was a 2018 hit for many, myself included. I’m looking forward to the sequel later this year.

 

The Historical Fiction Reads

These three memorable novels took me to three different continents at varying times…. although WWII features in two of them and the subsequent Cold War effects are featured to some extent in all three.

Memoirs of a Geisha stole my heart with its descriptive prose and atmospheric narrative. It was part of my 3 Classics Challenge and I hope to read it again… maybe even watch the movie this year.

Daughters of the Night Sky is a heart-gripping tale about a crew of Russian female fighter pilots who defy all odds with their perseverance and bravery.

Next Year in Havana is another one that pulled on my heartstrings and even challenged my approach to teaching the Cuban Revolution. I’m looking forward to reading this author’s follow-up, When We Left Cuba.

 

The Cozies, of course

With a blog named after Cozy Mysteries, you wouldn’t be surprised to see that most of my favourites come from that genre. Also, 2018’s favourite series for me is most definitely Spells and Caramels. Thank goodness Erin is a writing machine and keeps this cozy junkie in supply!  Actually, James and Libby have also been releasing their books pretty quickly. Yaay!

Full Moons, Dunes and Macaroons brings a major story arc, in the Spells and Caramels series, to a brilliant, action-packed conclusion that I enjoyed immensely.

Airships, Crypts and Chocolate Chips is probably the first Cozy that made my heart pound in trepidation and anticipation… and don’t ask about the brilliant backstory that comes full reveal in this one!

Another favourite series that launched this year is the Braxton Campus Mysteries. Broken Heart Attack is the second book in the series and is a great example of how James J Cudney can really make some characters come alive… plus I love the Francesca drama! 

The fourth top placing cozy mystery is Midnight Snacks Are Murder by Libby Klein, also the second book in a 2018 series. I can’t wait to continue with this series in 2019.

 

And the last, but certainly not least, two spots go to a Contemporary novel and a Children’s Book.

Father Figure by James J Cudney was another book that invaded my thoughts for months after reading. The main characters span a generation but their deep and richly developed issues are connected and bound together by life altering secrets. Juicy stuff!

Probably not since I was the target audience have I read a children’s/ middle grade book that touched me as deeply as Robbie Yates’ The Kooky Kids Club. This wonderful read is one I would recommend over and over again.  With a cute, personalised invitation, it was also the star of my favourite blog tour for 2018, organised by Digital Reads.

 

There we go, my favourite 2018 reads.  I hope you enjoyed yours as well; and I hope we all enjoy more great books in 2019!