I know, I know, this is a little late but better late than never as they say..
Before I get into my top reads of last year I just want to share some of my Goodreads stats with you. My original Goodreads 2018 Challenge was to read 200 books, I read 222 and one manuscript that I am sworn to secrecy about at the moment…
I read 59,747 pages across 222 books
I am breaking this down into genres, that I would recommend and then right at the end if you are still reading I will do a TOP 3 Reads.
So first off Contemporary/General Fiction… Recommended Reads
These were stories that really touched my heart, for various and different reasons. They each had a special something about them.
Next up is… Crime and Thriller Reads
Crime is probably one of the genres I read most. There are several authors here that have released more than one book and I would happily list them as well. I have decided to limit myself to one author.
Nest genre is Fantasy/ Dystopia I have put these together for my convenience 🙂 …
Again these are very different and yet still fall into my category. They give a glimpse into a different reality and all are fabulous reads, some are part of a series while others are stand alone reads.
Historical (Fiction/Non-Fiction) is my next category…
I say Historical because the books I have chosen here is because they have either a historic setting or are based in myth and legend, historical culture if you like. They are a mix of fact and fiction or based on real life.
Finally, I have Romance, Chick Lit, Rom-Com… whichever term floats your boat. They all have a romance aspect to them.
These are stories that worked for various reasons, nothing in love ever goes according to plan and these stories really made for great reading.
Now then…
Are you still here?
Helloooooooo, anyone still reading?
Do you think I have missed any?
Are there any books that you think I should have included?
Well maybe they made it into my TOP 5…
Yes I know I originally said TOP 3…
But as I was writing this post up…
I found that I was wrong in thinking I could narrow it down to a Top 3…
What on earth was I thinking…
Okay to my Top 5 book s that I read last year…
Right then…
The eagle eyed readers will have noticed that I have listed only 4 books so far…
wait for it…
There was one book that absolutely made me have goosebumps on a very hot summers day as I read it…
It made my fingernails go twitchy…
I felt claustrophobic and I was sat outside while reading…
It was fabulous read…
Have you guessed what it is yet?
…
…
…
It’s one I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND if you have not yet read it
…
Okay here it is…
And…
It was a brilliant book…
I would love to know what you think of my picks.
I know that some of the genre grouping may look random to some, but for me they make sense. This has been such a hard post to write up as I could included so many more books than the…
just scrolls back to count how many books …
44… thats a nice number…oops
Hope you all have a great reading year and thank you all for sharing, posting and commenting on my posts. Hopefully 2019 Top Reads will actually be posted in 2019 🙂
Yvonne - Me and My Books 
I loved The Craftsman, it is so worthy! I cannot wait for the sequel later this year!
Also, I absolutely must read Evelyn Hardcastle this year!
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It was absolutely blooming brilliant. I am so excited for the sequel as well.
You are in for a treat with Evelyn Hardcastle xx
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I’ve read Ailsa Rae, The Lion Tamer, Th13teen and VOX and agree that they are fantastic!
I just got Evelyn Hardcastle for Christmas and was wondering whether to ask for The Craftsman for my birthday…I definitely will now!
Great list Yvonne 😀
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Thank you. There were so many great books last year. I hope you will love both Evelyn and The Craftsman as much as I did xx
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YES to The Craftsman! I’m thrilled to bits to see that be your number one!
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That one had been my favourite before I had even finished it!
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I totally know what you mean!
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Fab post, I’m glad to see The Tattooist of Auschwitz made your list 🙂 The Craftsman is still waiting in my TBR 🙊 xx
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Thank you Cathy,
I know all about having books on my TBR that are patiently waiting to be read 😌
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So many great reads! The Old You, Keeper (favourite!!!!!), and Six Stories, so original! Awesome picks!
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Thank you Meggy, it was a fabulous year for readers xx
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So many good books on here!
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Brilliant year for books, can’t wait to see what this year brings!
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It’s not too late, Yvonne! If I still do one of these, you’ve beaten me this year! ♥️ I love your list, and I bought Sunset Over Cherry Orchard thanks to you a couple months ago. Cannot wait to read it! 🍒 And taking note of all your book loves!
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Thank you Jennifer, I hope you love Cherry Orchard as much as I did xx
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Fantastic list! Loved the breakdown by genre! Cheers to a fabulous 2019 🙂
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Thank you Tina, the breakdown made it easier. Have a great 2019as well lovely 😘
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Thank you so much! Two of my books made your list and I couldn’t be more chuffed. X
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You are very welcome, they were great reads and very different to each other xx
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Delighted to see The Story Collector on this very prestigious list! Thank you so much Yvonne and my fav from last year was Evelyn Hardcastle 🙂
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You are welcome Evie. Evelyn Hardcastle is such a good book xx
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Great choice! Thank you for including my book, Zenka. I am totally thrilled. Louise Beech is a brilliant writer. I have been promoting her like crazy. I read Maria in the Moon when I was in Zaragoza this summer, and Hubby was saying coming on Alison let’s go see the Basilica and I was saying in a minute, in a minute, I just have to read another page. I can’t wait to read The Lion Tamer Who Lost – maybe when I’m back in Zaragoza, although Hubby might not want me to! I haven’t heard of The Craftsman but after reading your review, I will definitely read it. Keep up the good work, honey. xx
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Thank you Alison, I have Maria in the Moon to read, along with the rest of her books and I am really looking forward to them. I know exactly what you mean about leaving a good book, I have been known to boil potatoes dry a few times while reading xx
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I’m currently listening to the Seven deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle on audible. It’s fantastic so far.
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I don’t listen to many audio, and I’m glad so you are enjoying it. The book was fabulous x
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