{Tell Me Something Tuesday} Best of 2019

Tell Me Something Tuesday is hosted by Rainy Day Ramblings and discusses a wide range of topics from books to blogging.

QUESTION:  Best Books of 2019

This post is actually a few weeks late, but I have to share what my favorite books of 2019 were!

I read 177 books, which was a record for me! I have audio books to thank for such a high number. It’s a lot easier for me to listen to a book while I’m running or multitasking around my house.

As usual, it was hard to narrow down my list, even though I didn’t have as many 5-star reads as in previous years. I was definitely pickier about what I gave 5-stars and had a few months where nothing really wowed me. BUT, I still had an awesome reading year despite a few book slumps along the way. And I discovered a lot of new authors this year – I’m looking forward to more of their books in the future. Here are my best of 2019…

FICTION

NONFICTION

AUDIO BOOKS

 

FAVORITE BOOK OF 2019

This was my first book of 2019 and I knew when I finished that it was going to be my favorite book of the year. An incredible story that stayed with me months later.

 

 

Tell Me Something Tuesday {16}

Tell Me Something Tuesday is hosted by Rainy Day Ramblings and discusses a wide range of topics from books to blogging.

QUESTION:  Have you found a way to cut back significantly on your TBR pile?

The answer is yes and no. I have tried very hard not to add books to my TBR list/buy books unless I REALLY want to read them. And adding audio books back into my life has really helped me catch up on my list. I know I will never get to read all of the books I want, so I need to be more selective. And I can’t help being drawn to new shiny releases all the time, which means I have a lot of older books that keep getting pushed further down on the list. I really want to make that a goal for the next year – to stop getting hung up on the page count or how long it will take to finish, because I’m worried about reading a certain number of books in a year. I feel like I’m missing out on some epic reads – it’s time to make those older books a priority.

Here are some books that I own and have wanted to read for awhile. A few of them are 400+ page beasts. 😀

What are your tips for cutting back on your tbr pile?

 

Tell Me Something Tuesday {15}

Tell Me Something Tuesday is hosted by Rainy Day Ramblings and discusses a wide range of topics from books to blogging.

QUESTION:  What are your picks for Spring 2019?

I’m so ready for spring. Especially this morning when it’s 10 degrees in Ohio.

Here are a few books that I’m excited to read over the next few months!

What books are on your spring TBR?

 

Tell Me Something Tuesday {14}

Tell Me Something Tuesday is hosted by Rainy Day Ramblings and discusses a wide range of topics from books to blogging.

QUESTION:  Best Books of 2018

This year it feels like my reading tastes changed drastically. The books I enjoyed the most were heavier reads and not what I would have typically read before. There are a few romances that won my heart, but it seems like I’m getting pickier with that genre, too.

And this is the first year I’ve read 110+ books! I’ve never read that many books in one year, and it was rediscovering a love of audio books that definitely helped.

It was hard to narrow this list down to 10, so I’m going to do it a little differently. I’m going to combine author’s books and count them as one and separate my favorite audio books at the end.

  

I’m sure these books will be on a lot of favorite lists this year. They are must reads.

I love Taylor Jenkins Reid and this book blew me away. Such a unique and wonderful read.

These two books couldn’t be more different but they are equally perfect.

Amy Harmon never ceases to amaze me with her beautiful writing.

I usually stay away from super long books, but I couldn’t put this one down. A definite must read.

Another fantastic book that I wouldn’t have normally picked up if it weren’t for the recommendation from a friend.

I look forward to Kristan Higgins’ books every year and she hasn’t disappointed me yet!

I discovered a new favorite author this year.

Another new-to-me author that will be on my auto-buy list for the future.

These days there are few authors who can write romance without making me cringe and this duo does a fantastic job. I absolutely loved both of these books.

The two best thrillers I read this year.

 

Favorite Book of 2018

It’s difficult for me to pick just one book that stands out from the rest. But, if I think back over the past year and which book I remember the most – the one that stayed with me months after I finished – this is the book. With a perfect combination of romance, suspense, friendship and family drama – this book holds a special place in my heart.

 

Favorite Audio Books

 

I’m so glad I rediscovered a love for audio books this year. I listened to some really fantastic books, and these were the ones that stood out.

 

Have you read any of these books? What did you think?

 

Tell Me Something Tuesday {13}

Tell Me Something Tuesday is hosted by Rainy Day Ramblings and discusses a wide range of topics from books to blogging.

QUESTION:  2018  Disappointments

Hyped books get me every time. Quite a few of these books were majorly hyped, and I wasn’t very impressed.

      

    

 

The Clockmaker’s Daughter – This was my first Kate Morton book, and it was just okay for me. It felt really long and drawn out. Her books may not be for me.

The Craftsman – This was a book that was really hyped in October, and I was so excited to read it (I’ve read one other book by the author that I loved). It ended up being just okay – not as good as I hoped (but I’m in the minority on this one).

The Kiss Quotient – So, this book is getting a LOT of love this year, and I will agree the author’s writing style is stellar. I would read her books again – I just didn’t love this one like everyone else. I think the hype got me here. Maybe if I’d read it before the hype or waited awhile afterwards, I may have enjoyed it more.

The Perfect Couple – I’m just never going to be a fan of this author’s books. I know a lot of readers who love her books, but I’ve tried a few and they just aren’t for me.

The Idea of You – Another book that was getting all the hype, and I wanted to love it. Nope.

A Simple Favor – Awful. I read this one because the movie looked really good. Just no.

Forever My Girl – This book proved how much my taste in books has changed over the years. 5 years ago, this kind of book would’ve been right up my alley. Cheesy New Adult Romance. Now, I don’t have the patience for it.

The Noel Stranger – I used to love this author’s books at Christmastime. Sadly, I think I’m over them. I read this one last night and couldn’t stop rolling my eyes. The cheese was strong in this one.

The Problem with Him – I was pretty bummed I didn’t love this book, since I loved the first two books in this series.

I’ll Be Your Blue Sky – Another popular author that just isn’t for me. I’ve tried a few times, but I give up.

 

Have you read any of these books? What did you think?