The tree is up, complete with sparkly lights, and it’s that time of year again – Being Anne’s books of the year. I’ve read 105 books so far this year (it really should and would have been more, but the last couple of months have been a little difficult…) and an amazing 81 were five star reads for me. I sometimes do wonder if I’m getting less critical, but I really don’t think I am – there are still quite large numbers of books that don’t make it as far as a review, and quietly disappear. I just think I’ve got better at choosing books I’ll enjoy – and I’ve really enjoyed rather a lot of them this year.
Anyway, enough waffling. This is actually version 3 of my list, produced after much sweat and tears – my top 18. I know it really should be a top ten – and for a while, I thought I might just be able to do it. Until I started to add others here and there, and soon had a top 31 (which was just silly…!). I had a top 18 last year, so it seemed a good figure to use again. And I’m sure I hardly need to say that I’ve agonised over every wonderful book I’ve had to leave out, as I honestly do have a top 81.
So, here’s my final 18. They’re not in any particular order (hey, come on…!), and all links are to my reviews…
In Her Wake by Amanda Jennings
This Must Be The Place by Maggie O’Farrell
The Last Days of Leda Grey – Essie Fox
Invisible by Barbara Copperthwaite
The Testament of Vida Tremayne by Sarah Vincent
A Life Without You by Katie Marsh
Hostile Witness by Nell Peters
Redemption Song by Laura Wilkinson
Lily’s House by Cassandra Parkin
The Mountain In My Shoe by Louise Beech
The White Camellia by Juliet Greenwood
I could go on and add a “near misses” list – and there were many – but I won’t. And for any authors who might be disappointed not to be on my final list, I hope you’ll already know from my reviews just how much pleasure your books have given me.
Squeal! And squeal again! Thank you so much, Anne! I don’t think I’ve ever been on any ‘best of’ list before! Yet another squeal! And more thanks! I’m going to make tea now! xxxxxxxxx
Wonderful. Congrats. 🙂
I’m delighted (understatement) to have made your list, Anne! *happy dance* Thanks again for your brilliant review..
Congrats, wonderful 🙂
Great list, Anne. Some of these will be on my Kindle for my hols!!
Great list Anne! We have three in common. All will be revealed later this week…..
Great choices Anne, it’s just so difficult to pick out the best ones isn’t it?!
Aha, we have one in common ~ I included Sandlands in my list, too 🙂
Wow! Thank you Anne, honoured to be listed with such amazing writers!
Many congrats 🙂
A top 18 and I’ve read only 2 of them!
Fab choices Anne. We have 3 in common. Xx
Now You’ll all know how late I get up! Thrilled to bits to be in such great company. You know how delighted I have always been by your reviews,, Anne. This is the cherry on the cake. gx.
Congrats, worth getting out of bed for 🙂
A brilliant list! And I’m honoured to be on it! Thank you <3
Well done, congrats 🙂
Thank you! x
Most welcome any time 🙂
Oh, my very days! Once again you honour me. (And once again I’m on a list with Maggie O’Farrell!) Sincere thanks, Anne for including me on your list. Several of your choices will feature on mine, when I get around to it! xXx
Many congrats 🙂
Pingback: INVISIBLE does it again! #BestBooks2016 via @Williams13Anne #amreading #crime – Barbara Copperthwaite
What an excellent selection, Anne! I loved reading quite a few of these too 🙂
I’ve read a few of these books, Anne. Worthy of being on your best read books indeed.jx
Thank you so much, Anne – I am excited and honoured to be on your list, and in such fine company!
Well done Anne, so lovely to see so many of my faves on your list, friends as well as fabulous authors! X
Well this is the best Christmas present ever. Thank you Anne. Be assured that all your picks are leap-frogging up my TBR list! XX
Pingback: HAPPY NEW YEAR! A look back on my 2016! #2017 #amwriting – Barbara Copperthwaite