According to Goodreads, I read 38 books this year. I actually read more than that, but I don’t often review the non fiction books (I really must!). Here, in no particular order are 10 books that stood out for me. I’ve linked to longer reviews if you wanted details:

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas – I read this book while my daughter and husband were chain watching Fresh Prince of Bel Air, so we had some interesting discussions around the dinner table. The story was compelling and absorbing and I loved it. I’ve be recommending it to all kinds of people all year (including aforementioned husband).

Not Your Cinderella by Kate Johnson- I loved this book. It’s a royal romance, with social commentary. More than anything, I fell in love with Prince Jamie. (Obviously, he’s comes second to my own Prince Benedict, but it’s a pretty close second!). The book made me laugh, made me go ‘aaah’ and made me think.

The Heights by Juliet Bell – a 1980s retelling of Wuthering Heights. Another absorbing read. I stayed up until very, very late because I was so engrossed in it.

Intermediate Thermodynamics by Susannah Nix – lovely geek girl joy!

One Summer in Italy by Sue Moorcroft – Another atmospheric book. I felt like I’d been on holiday. I could almost taste the chilled white wine drunk on a sun drenched terrace.

Earthbound by Emma Barry and Genevieve Turner – A couple of workaholic science bods fall in love. I adored Eugene Parsons (I quite liked him when he was the grumpy arse in Star Dust, so I was bound to like him when he was the hero in his own book!). I also loved Charlie and her struggle to be taken seriously even (especially!) when she was RIGHT.

The Magician’s Lie by Greer Macallister – this is another book that I fell into and couldn’t stop reading. It’s dark and wonderful.

Living in the Past /by Jane Lovering – a time slip with a cranky hero and mud. Lots of it. As with all Jane’s books there’s a great combination of darkness and humour.

A Bicycle Made for Two by Mary Jayne Baker – the ‘Arses of Egglethwaite’ made me laugh out loud.

Better at Weddings Than You – a story about two wedding planners who fall in love. Set in Manilla. Smart, snappy writing and really lovely characters. (review to come).

How about you? Which books did you read that you recommend to others?