Tuesday 23 December 2014

My Top Five 2014 Reads!

~ My Top Five 2014 Reads ~

2014 brought me a wonderful year of books and I'm excited to share my favourite five. I thought this was surprisingly easy until I changed my mind three times very late on! But here goes... my top five 2014 reads and my book of the year!


#5 ~ The Dead Wife's Handbook by Hannah Beckerman



I still can't believe that The Dead Wife's Handbook is Hannah Beckerman's debut novel. It's such an original, life-affirming story and the writing really moved me. Surprisingly for the unique circumstances the main character is found in, I really connected with her and was emotionally invested in what was a really special book.


#4 ~ Made in Nashville by Mandy Baggot


My Review ~

I love Harper Impulse and I love contemporary romance novels but I was still surprised by how popular a novel Made in Nashville became for me. I didn't do a very good job at hiding that Jared Marshall is one of my favourite leading male characters ever but it was honestly the whole novel that I fell in love with!


#3 ~ One Step Closer to You by Alice Peterson


My Review ~

I wasn't surprised that One Step Closer To You became one of my favourite 2014 reads, because Alice Peterson is an author that never lets me down, but I did find that her latest novel was a massive step above her other stunning books. The characters and the relationships between them were all developed gorgeously and I loved the way Alice worked hope and positivity into such a dark theme. 


#2 ~ The Judas Scar by Amanda Jennings


My Review ~

If you've had just one book related conversation with me this year, you've heard about The Judas Scar. I've probably forced a copy upon you and you've probably come back and told me just how great you think it is too. I could talk about this novel all week and you all know it. A powerful, emotional, tense, gripping and bloody brilliant novel from an author who will never understand how stunning I think her writing is and how excited I am to read more of it. 


#1 ~ The Memory Book by Rowan Coleman


My Review ~

My book of the year is The Memory Book by Rowan Coleman for about a million different reasons. It's a beautiful, incredibly written novel - though I'm sure anyone who's read it should be able to tell that. I read this book at the complete right time in my life - it struck me emotionally, and still does just thinking about it months after I've read it. What really makes The Memory Book my book of the year is that from Rowan Coleman's wonderful writing, I took something really personal out of this novel which has genuinely helped me on my way through the most difficult time of my life. I would never expect or believe that a piece of fiction could impact my life in any way like the way The Memory Book has. I'm honoured that I got to read it and everyone else should read it too, if only just to appreciate what a truly stunning writer Rowan Coleman is.

14 comments:

  1. Lovely post, Sophie, and some amazing books!
    PS. Loving the snowflakes on the blog! :) xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Paris! I must admit I am loving the snowflakes too - should be there all year round I think ;) xx

      Delete
  2. I am sooooo excited Made in Nashville made your Top Five, Sophie! What brilliant books and writers to be listed with. Thank you so much for all your hard work over 2014. We authors LOVE brilliant reviewers like you! I feel like I've won an Oscar this morning! I deserve wine and mince pies don't I? Have a wonderful Christmas! xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're welcome, Mandy! Made in Nashville is a beautiful novel and I can't wait to read more from you :) Lots and lots of wine and mince pies I would say, and Merry Christmas to you! xx

      Delete
  3. Great choices. Two of them match mine. Haven't read the other three. Although one is on my wish list.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thank you so much Sophie. It is wonderful how much you help to spread the word on author's books and I am so touched that One Step Closer To You was one of your best reads. Happy Christmas. Love Alice xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're very welcome, Alice. Merry Christmas xx

      Delete
  5. Love number 5 & 1 not read the others although I may have to now you have put them on your top 5 of 2014 list what an achievement! (Both for the books & u been able to narrow it down! Lol)

    I can hopefully catch up on lots of reading over Christmas and include some of the others in my reading pile.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I was quite proud I managed it too! Haha. Thank you and I hope you enjoy some great Christmas reading :) x

      Delete
  6. I haven't read any of them yet, so I better start soon!

    xx

    ReplyDelete
  7. The Dead Wife's Handbook made my favourites list as well :) Hope 2015 is full of more wonderful books for you Sophie!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Just spotted that, Jess! Glad you loved it too and hope you have a great year of books! :)

      Delete

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...