My Top Reads of 2019

As ever, I’m behind the times – with the New Year already a fading memory, my house pretty much de-glittered and the presents ferreted away into their new homes, I’m finally taking a breath and reflecting on the last year.

2019 was my first full year of book blogging, and I am incredibly thankful for it. It remained my constant and has introduced me to a whole bunch of online friends who helped to keep me sane during a very turbulent year. I remember writing a resolution type post last year, and I remember being filled with hope for the year ahead. Then life happened. I’m sure someday soon I’ll find the silver lining or the bright side, or whatever cliche fits the bill. But for this year, there’ll be no resolutions. Right now, my focus is picking myself up and starting again. Baby steps and regrowing confidence in myself and my abilities.

Mournful annual reflection out of the way……….you’re here for my books of 2019. I read some wonderful books this year, however, choosing my favourite books was actually quite easy as there were a clutchful of books which have, for a variety of reasons, stayed with me. This year, instead of trawling through past reviews, I just sat and thought about which books made me feel; whether it be some sort of recognition within a character, sadness, happiness, inspired me or just had me downright hooked! So – in no particular order, here are my top reads of 2019…….. (to link to the original review, click on the book cover image)

The Testaments by Margaret Atwood

One that I read just for me, and so I have no review to link to. To my shame, I only picked up a copy of The Handmaid’s Tale this year for the first time and so I was hugely excited to read this. I’ve read the mixed reviews, but for me, I absolutely loved it and could not put it down.

I Wanted You to Know by Laura Pearson

The Flight of Cornelia Blackwood by Susan Elliot Wright

The Truths and Triumphs of Grace Atherton by Anstey Harris

The Flat Share By Beth O’Leary

Anatomy of a Dress by Juliette van der Molen (poetry)

The Chestnut Man by Soren Sveistrup

Don’t Think a Single Thought by Diana Cambridge

Echo Murder by Laura Laakso

Changeling by Matt Wesolowski

And there we have it!

All that remains to be said before closing off 2019 is a massive thank you to everyone who has ever read, shared or supported my blog in anyway. A thank you to all the authors, publicists and blog tour organisers for keeping me so well supplied with books. Lastly, a thank you to those of you who have been there for me over the course of the year. Those of you who’ve listened to me and supported me when I’ve been down – you know who you are, and I am so grateful.

So – here is to 2020. May it be filled with health, happiness and an abundance of wonderful books!

Happy New Year!

Emma x