I'm in a list making kind of mood so I thought I'd start making random five lists. Sometimes they'll be bookish other weeks not so much. This week I'm sharing my 5 favorite books from the first half of the year. My reading year so far has been a lot of ups and downs. I think I've had more 5 star reads than I've ever had but on the other had I've had more books that just flat out annoyed me than I've ever had! Here are my 5 favorites looking back over the past 6 months.
1. The Faraway Inn by Sarah Beth Durst - I'm not usually a YA fan but this was such a fun read. I loved the characters and the whole setup of the inn. The side characters really added to magic, and I really enjoyed watching Calisa grow into herself and become more confident.
2. Dolly All the Time by Annabel Monaghan - This was my first book by the author and I absolutely loved it. The audio is fantastic, but I loved Dolly and the people around her. It was sweet and funny and poignant and uplifting. I'm glad I bought it as it's one I can definitely see revisiting.
3. Death in the Details by Katie Tietjen - This was the first book in a (right now) 2 book mystery series loosely based on Frances Glessner Lee and her "Nutshells". I really enjoyed both the premise and the writing and I'm really hoping there will be more to this series.
4. Ms. Mebel Goes Back to the Chopping Block by Jesse Q. Sutanto - This has a bit of a slow start for me but as the book went on it got better and better. The ending was a homerun and took the book from enjoyable to a favorite.
5. When in Rome by Sarah Adams - I'm very hit or miss with rom-coms but this was very much a hit. I loved the two main characters - especially Amelia. This was another book where I really enjoyed seeing the main character figure out what she wanted in life.
The common thread in all of these is likable main characters figuring out what they want in life and taking the necessary steps to get the life they want. I think I'm going to do some digging in my TBR list to see what other books I have in this line of reading!
Did you mean to say that When in Rome was a miss? Or a hit? It's one I really love. And Dolly All the Time was such a fun read. If you liked that one you'd also really like Nora Goes Off Script. They have a very similar vibe. :D
ReplyDeleteDolly All the Time is getting some positive reviews and mentioned on quite a few blogs. I better add that one for later, after my summer reading goals are done. I need a new list for Fall.
ReplyDeleteSorry I've not been out visiting or anything. I've been in a mood between the heat, storms, stuck inside. I need to shake it off!
I really want to try Dolly All the Time after hearing your thoughts on it, Katherine. Several others have praised it too. I processed it for the library where I volunteer yesterday and would have grabbed it, but, of course, already had holds. Thanks for mentioning it again. I also want to read Death In The Details before long. Have a good week!
ReplyDeleteDolly All the Time was such a good summer read!!
ReplyDeleteI haven't read any of these. I'm glad they were great for you.
ReplyDeleteAnne - Books of My Heart
I really like the sound of Dolly All the Time and When in Rome. Glad you enjoyed all of these.
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