I saw this over on Gulfside Musings and enjoyed reading JoAnn's answers I had to post my own version.
1. Best book so far in 2026? Dolly All the Time by Annabel Mongahan - This was my first book by Monaghan and I absolutely loved it and every character in the book.
2. Favorite Sequel of the 1st half of 2026? Whose Body in the Library by Eva Gates. I have been reading this series since the beginning and I was really pleased with the new direction the author is taking it in. Moving the main character into more of a side character and getting a new main character with a completely different backstory gives the series a really nice refresh. We get the same comfy community but shaken up just a touch.
3. A new release that you are excited for but haven’t read yet? Daughter of Egypt by Marie Benedict. I really enjoy this author and the subject matter. I can't believe I haven't read this one yet!
4. Most anticipated release of the second half of 2026? Birth of the Witch by Nora Roberts. I always enjoy Roberts' trilogies and they are always the perfect escape reading.
5. Biggest (reading) disappointment so far? The Dancing Floor by Barbara Michaels. Michaels is one of my favorite go-to authors for slump busting reading. I love her Gothic-y romantic suspense stories made even more intriguing because the author was an Egyptologist. Unfortunately, this book fell really flat for me. This isn't the worst book I've read this year (That is A Cruise to Die For by Heather Graham hands down) but it was the biggest disappointment
6. Biggest (reading) surprise so far? The Midnight Library by Matt Haig. This is so different from my usual preferences, but I ended up really enjoying it.
7. Who is your favorite new-to-you or debut author this year? Katie Tietjen's Maple Bishop series. I have thoroughly enjoyed both books in this series and will be looking for more from this author.
8. Your favorite character so far this year? Mebel from Ms. Mebel Goes Back to the Chopping Block by Jesse Q. Sutanto
9. A book that made you cry? Code Name: Lise by Larry Loftis. This biography of WWII's most highly decorated spy was brutal and at times had me in tears.
10. A book that made you happy? Soyangri Book Kitchen by Kim Jee Hye - This was such a peaceful read that I felt happy and calm when I finished it.
11. What is the most beautiful book cover you have bought this year? The River Muse by Laura Resau. The picture doesn't do it justice. The book cover is absolutely gorgeous and that is 95% of the reason I bought it.
12. What book(s) do you want to read by the end of the year? Sea of Charms by Sarah Beth Durst. I have loved the previous two books in this series and I can't wait to read this next book.
Katherine, this was very nice and I'm definitely going to try Dolly All The Time. So many have loved it. I have also enjoyed hearing about your re-reading of older books by authors such as Barbara Michaels. I've read The Dancing Floor, but it has been years and years and years. Keep thinking I will go back and try all those older titles, but I wonder what my reaction will be. Feel like I liked all her books when I originally read them, but reading tastes change over time. Anyway, I'm enjoying hearing your experiences. Have a good weekend!
ReplyDeleteIt's wonderful to see the books you have loved this year. Several of these look like books I'd enjoy, too.
ReplyDeleteInteresting. I don't know some of these.
ReplyDeleteAnne - Books of My Heart
I also saw that on Gulfside Musing and thought about doing a post. I very much liked The Midnight Library and have a copy on my shelf. I think about that, the different paths we could have taken and for me I may still be in Michigan. Or have left my then husband in jail in Austria and just disappeared....but I wouldn't have my son and I could never trade that.
ReplyDeleteGood titles and I still want to read Code Name Lise.
That's a really fun mid year look back. Dolly All the Time was such a good read, in about a year or so I will be wanting to reread it. It's an interesting ploy to change focus of main character in a series and it seems to have worked.
ReplyDeleteGreat list. I've heard good things about Dolly all the Time. I want to read that one.
ReplyDeleteWow, I'm late getting here but I finally made it! So much fun to read your answers. I just loved Dolly All the Time, too, and look forward to reading some of her older titles.
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