Well it’s that time of year where I announce my book of the year and what other books I enjoyed.
So I read 32 books this year. I average about 22, so this was a big step up for me. In between writing, and all the admin, social media stuff that writers have to do, I’m really happy that I squeezed in ten more books this year. As a result I’ve been able to give regular book recommendations to my newsletter subscribers. If you want to be part of my newsletter family, join here.
Book of the Year:
My Phony Valentine by Courtney Walsh
This was a book I didn’t know I needed until I started reading it. I had come out of a very intense time personally and I was exhausted and maybe even a little burnt out. My stress levels were high and I was laying low, not really sure what to do or even read. But then I saw the blurb of this book and I just had to dive in.
A chance meeting. A hunky hockey player. A fake romance.
Hardly an ordinary day in the life of Poppy Hart.
Poppy Hart is just an ordinary girl trying to escape the social clutches of the grown up mean girl from high school. And she grabs the nearest guy and pretends he’s her boyfriend to save face with said mean girl. That guy happens to be hockey bad boy, Dallas Burke. Funny hijinks ensue, but so does emotional depth and hilarity. I literally smiled like a girl walking on cloud nice after her crush said hello to her, the whole way through this book. It was that good! The book helped pull me through my stressful and anxious slump. It was a much needed dose of laughter, romance and heart.
Other Fav Books This Year:
These Three Stole my Heart as Well.
What can I say? I’m a romance girl at heart.
The Beacon Street Bookshop by Carla Laureano doesn’t disappoint. It’s the second book in a series, but it is easily read as a stand alone. This book is clean romance, with a slightly higher heat level, but still clean. The book is wonderfully written with Carla’s knack for heart, humour and depth. I read this one in 24hrs guys, it’s been a long time since I’ve done that.
It’s Your Love by Rachel D. Russell was such a treasure! For Susan May Warren fans, who love her Deep Haven books, Rachel takes you back to Deep Haven. Plus there’s horses, a high school crush becoming more and a wonderfully woven theme about trusting God when things get tough. Oh and a swoony cowboy.
A Cross-Country Christmas by Courtney Walsh. This book is funny and emotional. It’s a great ride from LA to Chicago. Will, the hero, is so smooth and witty, but with a heart of gold underneath. Lauren is super cool and uptight and their banter is off the charts flirty and fun! Courtney Walsh is knocking it out of the park! I love her rom coms.
This year I tried new authors and read some favourite authors. An author I’ve read so much of in the past has sparked a special category:
Most Talked About Book:
The Last Exchange By Charles Martin. This man is a superb writer. I love so many of his books. Now this book wasn’t bad, but when I talked about it with others, opinion was very divided on aspects of the book and many people have come out with either I love it, or I hate it. For me, I wish some parts had been left out. But his writing is still top notch, even if the story didn’t grab me as deeply as others have.
I hope you’ve enjoyed my reading wrap of 2023. I’m looking forward to reading more and writing more books next year.
