In a comment I left on a blog post, I was bemoaning the fact that I couldn't hold a train of thought no matter what genre book I tried to lose myself in and one of the best pieces of advice came from author Kaye Dacus: Immerse myself in TV and movies. That was actually good advice! I watched a lot of great TV shows and movies over the summer and then felt like I was ready to read again in the fall.
The first book I successfully finished was a re-read; Linore Burkard's Before the Season Ends. I love that story! I'm such a Regency Fan and it's so much like reading a Jane Austen novel. It was the perfect book to get me back in the swing of things, or at least partially back. Thank you, Linore!After almost 8 months, there are days that I still struggle to accomplish anything, especially reading and actually writing a review. I still didn't get all the books read and reviewed that I had committed to and for that I offer my apologies to the authors and publishers.
That being said, I enjoyed all the books I managed to read and here are my favorites for 2012:
A debut novel that totally rocks the Regency Era!
Riveting suspense!
Oh yes, Bane is back!
Delightful characters!
Characters that sit down deep in your heart!
Superbly written, as always!
First-rate historical!
Awesome cover for an equally awesome book!
(beware...it's a cliff hanger of epic proportions but thankfully all the books in the series are in print and on e-readers so no dangling!)
Goodness, this was a great book!
Touching and emotionally driven!
Fantastic debut novel full of complex characters!
Breath stealing suspense!
Honorable Mention...
because it's not a newly published book but it would have been #1 on my list otherwise!
I hope each of you have had an exciting year reading and discovering new authors, as well as enjoying old ones! What's your favorite book from 2012? Are you looking forward to any particular book/s in 2013?
Happy New Year!
LOL, Anne ... this made me laugh out loud ... the neon arrow is TOO COOL!!! Thank you SO much for including APMP on your list -- that blesses me!! :)
ReplyDeleteHAPPY NEW YEAR AND MAY IT OVERFLOW WITH HIS ABUNDANT BLESSINGS!
HUGS,
Julie
Awww Julie, thank so much for leaving a comment! You are such a sweet lady :) I hope you have blessed New Year!
DeleteAnne, I pray next year will be a MUCH better year. I struggle with these lists, too, and try to include books that are from other years but that I listened to or read this year. I have ploughed through all of Julie's books and Tamera Alexander's books this past year! What wonderful stories! And they bring comfort in our sorrow.
ReplyDeleteCarrie, It is so difficult to choose but I really didn't have a huge finished pile to choose from so that made it a little easier, but not much. I love Tamera's books but haven't read her newest one yet. Some of these books have been very comforting and encouraging. Blessed New Year, my sweet friend!
DeleteAnne, I loved reading your list of faves! Alot I have read -- some not, but wish I had the time to read them all! May this New Year bring you further comfort, strength, and joy, from Him who IS all those things! Love ya, gf!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Diana! I know it takes time and I'll always desperately miss her. I just keep clinging to the Lord.
DeleteAll these lists are making me a little covetous ;) There are SO many delicious books out there that I want to read! Have a blessed and happy New Year!
Anne, I ache when I think of your loss. May you sense the Lord's arms upholding you as you forge ahead despite a heavy heart.
ReplyDeleteI'm honored to see my debut novel on your list. And, wow, how thrilling it is to be in such esteemed company.
Hi Keli, Thanks so much for your kind words! You're a dear. I look forward to your next novel being published :)
DeleteAnne, I haven't known you for too long but my heat still cries for you when I think of the enormous loss you suffered earlier in 2012. Keep clinging to the Lord, your rock, and I'll be praying with everyone for continued strength and comfort to fill you.
ReplyDeleteYour list was so interesting! You've hit on some of my absolute favourites and others like Julie Klassen's and Keli Gwyn's books, I'm looking forward to reading just as soon as I can get to them!
Happy New Year Anne!!
Hi Noela, It's been a pleasure getting to know you. I appreciate your prayers and encouraging words.
DeleteI'm not too eclectic in my reading. My first love is Regency, then mystery/suspense; all others come after those ;) Happy New Year to you, too!
Anne, although we've never "met," I wanted to let you know that you have been in my prayers for healing, comfort and discernment, and that you sense the strength and warmth of God's loving arms around you throughout this new year. I have found through my first few months becoming involved in reviewing books that I have been richly blessed with new friendships, both with other reviewers and with some of the best authors in the field. They have welcomed me with open arms, and provided warmth, friendship, and encouragement, and I'm humbled by their beautiful sentiments. I will continue praying for you as God leads you through each day to a sense of new hope and purpose in your life. God bless you!
ReplyDeleteHi Nancee, I almost started to cry as I was reading your comment. Bless you for being a prayer warrior and lifting me up to our Lord! Believe me, I have felt every one of them. I look forward to getting to know you this new year! Blessings ~ Anne
DeleteWell, glory hallelujah, I found Sofia's Secret in your list of favorites. That just made me feel all happy inside.
ReplyDeleteMay 2013 bring you an all new sense of God's sweet presence and healing in your life. God bless you, Anne.
Love and Hugs...
Hey Shar, How could I not include that story?! It's truly a heart changing novel! Thanks for taking time to leave me a comment. Blessings~ Anne
DeleteOh my goodness, my heart is breaking for you, Annie. Please accept my condolences!
ReplyDeleteWOW.
*Moment of silence*
I know what it's like to lose a loved one all of a sudden. I can't imagine what your heart when through as a mother after that loss.
Thanks for sharing this list! I had to smile when I saw the flashing arrow pointing out Lessman's debut. (I loved it too!).
God's blessings, comfort and love for you and yours, Annie. Now and always.
Sincerely,
Ganise
Hi Ganise, You're so sweet to take time out of your busy day to encourage me! Thank you :)
DeleteYes, I couldn't resist the arrow as Julie's book really is the cream of the crop!
Looks like you are a historical fiction lover, too.
ReplyDeleteHey Michelle, I do love Historical Fiction but as you can see I read a lot of Suspense, too :)
DeleteAs you know, I read all the time, and I love your top reads! I would have to include FULL DISCLOSURE by Dee Henderson on my list. And I thought Irene Hannon's LEGAL LEGACY was one of her best! Right now, I am playing catch up with Tamera Alexander and MaryLu Tyndall; love their books! But I am in the middle of AGAINST the TIDE; yes, Bane is back!!! Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteHey Rebecca, Normally, I think I would have included one of Dee's books but not the new so much. I liked it but didn't love it. And I didn't read any of Irene's books in 2012 but look forward to doing some catch up reading in 2013 :) Bane totally rocks!
Delete