Ten of My Favourites from 2019

Good morning! ♥️

So I’ve been wondering whether I should do a “Top Books of 2019” post as I don’t recall a single book I’ve read this year that I didn’t enjoy at least to some degree.  Given that I am an aspiring writer myself, it someone how doesnt sit well with me, choosing a selection of books that I think are better than the others that I’ve read and despite re-reading all of my reviews from 2019, I struggled to put together a succinct pile of the “best” ones.

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However, I went up to look at my shelves and have really enjoyed browsing and reminiscing over last year’s reads. Given that I feel I’ve been lucky enough to not have read a bad book this year, I have decided to call this stack “Ten of My Favourite Books of 2019”.  I think the title really reflects how I feel about my reading in general this year; there are just too many outstanding books to pin down to a list!

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Anyway, without further ado, here they are (in no particular order) together with a quote from each of my reviews (which are hyperlinked as the titles of each book; so to see the full review click on the large title of each book).

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The Familiars by Stacey Halls

I freely admit to being seduced by the mystical allure of this novel: I was totally, utterly and obliviously lost in it.  The Familiars is sultry and seductive and full of so much witchy goodness.

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Haverscroft by Sally Harris

I was lucky enought to be given an original post by Sally to post on my blog for this one – please do check it out!  My review for this book is to follow (it’s currently sat in my #bookbasketofshame – more on this another time 😟) but trust me when I say you really need to read this book!

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The Lives Before Us by Juliet Conlin

This is a compelling story of heartbreak, instability and compassion; a beautifully written and captivating tale of survival. Conlin presents a masterclass in historical fiction in what is a sensorially astounding and truly accomplished novel.

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Overdrawn by NJ Crosskey

When I finished Overdrawn I could hear my heart hammering in my chest and reverberating in my ears: What. A. Ride.  This politically charged, dystopian drama was both thought-provoking and heart-breaking and left me with a bittersweet taste in my mouth.

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I Will Make You Pay by Teresa Driscoll

I Will Make You Pay is dark, disturbing and utterly compelling; I defy anyone to read this book and not be impressed.

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The Man Who Saw Everything by Deborah Levy 

This book is about love, honesty, beauty and so much more.  One could be forgiven for believing that reading it was a dream; slow and hazy, yet fresh as salty sea air.  Sensual and soulful; Levy has created a veritable masterpiece.

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A Single Thread by Tracy Chevalier

A Single Thread is an elegantly written and deliciously detailed piece of writing, which should be slowly savoured so as to properly enjoy.  It is beautifully observed  with a captivating warmth.

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A Dangerous Kind by Deborah O’Connor

WOW.  This intriguing story is completely different to anything I’ve ever read before.  It’s subject matter is harrowing, yet utterly compelling.  There is a sinister edge running through the entire book, which is both spine chilling and exhilarating.

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The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary

Another one currently residing in my #bookbasketofshame – I’ll write my review in time for the paperback release in February but in the meantime, if you haven’t already read this book then you must!  It is simply wonderful.

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Take It Back by Kia Abdullah

Take it Back is a crushingly intense, powerful and twisted novel that will have you on tenterhooks until the very last page.  Clear your diaries for when you pick it up, I promise you won’t be able to put it down!

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As always, thank you so much to the publishers (tagged in the original reviews) for sending me such wonderful books to read and review; I feel very privileged to be able to read so many books pre-release!

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So thats my stack! Ten of my favourites from 2019!  Are there any on here that you’ve read and enjoyed too?

Until next time! 

@mrscookesbooks ♥️