Tuesday 24 June 2014

Top Ten Books Read in 2014 (so far!)

I love chatting to people about their favourite books but I never have an answer when people ask me what mine is... How can I be so cruel and choose?? But since I've been so lucky to read loads of amazing books this year so far, I thought I'd try and figure out and post the top ten books I've read this year so far :)

Not all of them came out this year and they're not in any order - it did take me about a week to narrow this list down to ten so the year would probably be out before I could rank them...


The Judas Scar by Amanda Jennings.

My Review

I'd heard countless wonderful things about The Judas Scar before I started reading it but I still wasn't expecting it to be as bloody brilliant as it was. Very twisted and yet sensitive and emotional at the same time, it's the most gripping book I've read this year and my introduction to an incredible author I can't wait to read more from.





FAN by Danny Rhodes.

My Review

I think I've recommended/gifted FAN to everybody I've spoke to this year. Drawing on and inspired by the effect the Hillsborough disaster took on someone, FAN is a million times more than just another good sport-themed book. It's harrowing and emotional and even though at times it might be tough to read, fantastic writing makes this so worthwhile and a book that will stay with me forever.





The Life You Left by Carmel Harrington.

My Review

You all knew Carmel was going to have a book in here... The Life You Left was my most anticipated book of the year and was completely stunning. I absolutely loved Sarah and James and Carmel has a wonderful way with words which makes a unique plot easy to relate to. It's an emotional story packed with positive, uplifting messages. Carmel's writing is flawless to me.




The Edge of Sanity by Sheryl Browne.

My Review

I loved the sound of The Edge of Sanity and it didn't disappoint. It was very dramatic and heart-wrenching throughout - intense but a brilliant read. What I loved even more was that although this is the first thriller Sheryl has written, it just felt like she'd been writing these kind of novels her whole life. I've read lots of suspense and thrillers since but not many have come close to The Edge of Sanity.



The Vineyard by Karen Aldous.

My Review

The Vineyard is such a beautiful, moving story. It's Karen's debut novel and has left me so looking forward to more from her. It's impossible to not read this novel without appreciating and valuing your loved ones more and it was a different story to what I had been expecting but still a completely gorgeous summery read.





How to Get a (Love) Life by Rosie Blake.

My Review

I am an absolute nightmare at crying at books so I was thrilled with this fun-filled, feel good and fab book. It was totally worth all the strange looks I got for reading/thinking about this novel with a big stupid grin on my face in public places. Rosie wrote hilarious yet natural characters in a charming way and there's plenty of ridiculous dates proving that your love life really isn't as disastrous as you once thought when compared to Nicola...



Sworn Secret by Amanda Jennings.

My Review

I love that Amanda's books are in this list twice, especially since she'd pretty much convinced me I wasn't going to love Sworn Secret all that much... I went back to read Amanda's first novel after loving The Judas Scar and this was another one-sitting read. I am amazed and in awe of her wonderful writing and I had no idea where this novel was going. Everything unfolded in a stunning fashion and I can only complain that I haven't been able to read one book since this one!!



Love Me For Me by Jenny Hale.

My Review

I loved this gorgeous cover and the book impressed me even more. I think I took Love Me for Me in a different way to most readers would because I found it more emotional than I had expected. It's a lovely touching story and portrayed some strong messages in a stunning fashion. Jenny's writing is really heart-warming and a joy to read.



Who Are You? by Elizabeth Forbes.

My Review

Who Are You? is haunting enough just looking at that cover but the book is far more twisted... It's a completely unforgettable novel with the best characterisation. It's emotional and unnerving, full of control and cruel acts which needed some special writing to keep me reading. Lizzie wrote this perfectly for me and it's one of my favourite novels ever.



If I Could Turn Back Time by Nicola Doherty.

My Review

I was so lucky to win a signed copy of this novel from Nicola and it came at the right time because it got me out of a massive reading slump (though once it was finished, it put me right back into that reading slump...). If I Could Turn Back Time is fabulous, entertaining chick lit which kept a big smile on my face throughout. I described it as the perfect chick lit novel when I reviewed it and I still stand by that. I LOVED it!

4 comments:

  1. Sophie, THANK YOU! You restore my faith, you really do. Sometimes you wonder why you do it, if you're good enough ... Obviously, as humans, we all do sometimes. As writers, we do it a lot! Am so very thrilled and humbled ... but do feel a bit like whooping! Yay! :) XX

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    Replies
    1. Aww Sheryl you are more than welcome :) xx

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