My Best Reads of 2017

New Goals

It is time to say goodbye to 2017 and welcome 2018. Reading challenges are over and new ones are beginning. I exceeded my goal of 42 books in the Goodread’s challenge by reading 63. The goal for 2018 is 52 starting with The Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert. There have been many good books published last year and I discovered lots of new authors thanks to online book clubs especially The Fiction Café Book Club.  My TBR list has grown exponentially with books I would never have found without this positive, active book community.  I tried to choose my top 10 but this proved impossible.

My top 15 books read in 2017

 

Regan Snatcher of Souls

 

These are in no particular order.

The Shadow Sister by Lucinda Riley
This is the third book of one of my favourite series, The Seven Sisters. It is set in a  rambling bookshop, the countryside made famous by Beatrix Potter and has a main character I would love to talk to.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Caraval by Stephanie Garber
This was recommended to me by a friend but I kept putting it further down my TBR but this was a decision I regret because it is a unique book, full of action and vivid imagery. My full review can be read here

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Path Keeper by N.J Simmonds

This is an original plot with a fiesty main character. A full review can be read here

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Cottingley Secret by Hazel Gaynor

A full review can be read here

 

 

 

 

Regan: Snatcher of Souls by R. McDowall

It is dark, well written love story. I am looking forward to the next installment.

Meet the Author post with Rebecca McDowall can be found here

 

 

Lost for Words by Stephanie Butland

Set in my favourite places –  York, Whitby and a bookshop this had to be included in my top reads. I loved the characters and it made me accept that maybe, poetry is accessible and can be enjoyable.

 

 

 

A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness

I was impressed by the film so immediately read the book. A review will be posted soon but it is a must read.

 

 

 

A Rock ‘n’ Roll Lovestyle by Kiltie Jackson

An uplifting funny read that is deeper than your average romance. A full review can be read here

 

 

 

 

Rules of Magic by Alice Hoffman

I can not believe it has taken me this long to read any Alice Hoffman’s books. It is magical, well written with characters that remain with you long after you close the book.

 

 

 

 

Sleepers Castle by Barbara Erskine

Barbara Erskine is one of my favourite authors and this is has become one of my favourites with the Welsh setting, plot and characters.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Gift/The Surrogate by Louise Jensen

I could not choose between these two psychological thrillers. Louise Jensen is an author to follow if you enjoy a good twist. Reviews can be found here and here.

 

Strangehollow by Emily Hare

I purchased a copy through Emily Hare’s Kickstarter campaign this year. It is a stunning collection of illustrations of the creatures and tales from Strangehollow.

 

Soulweaver by Heidi Catharine

Technically, this should be in next year’s list because it is not released until later this month but I received an ARC. A review will be posted shortly but it is a thought-provoking, magical read.

 

 

 

 

Dead Woman Walking by Sharon Bolton

Another one of my favourite authors. She excels in original plots, twists and suspense. I am looking forward to her new book this year The Craftsman.

 

 

 

 What books have you enjoyed in 2017?

Happy reading and may 2018 be full of good books and happiness.