Today is the first day of guest posts from some awesome friends sharing their Top 13 books of 2013.
To kick things off is the lovely Michelle!
Are any of these books on your list?
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Hi all!
When Zoe asked me to take part in this feature I thought “eek! That’s going to be tough to narrow down!” So after trawling through my goodreads account to see what I have actually read, here it is. In no particular order. My top 13 books read in 2013!
- Perfect – Rachel Joyce
I read this in the summer when I was on holiday in Rhodes and absolutely loved it! It’s the story of two boys lives mapped out by one moment in history. I wasn’t a fan of Rachel Joyce’s first book, but wanted to start again when I finished this one!
- A Cottage by the Sea – Carole Matthews
I actually bought this book to go on holiday, but didn’t get around to reading it until later in the year. It was my first Carole Matthews book and was set in one of my favourite places in the world in Pembrokeshire. A fab book, and I can’t wait to read more of Carole’s back catalogue!
- Afterlife Academy – Jaimie Admans
I’m not generally a fan of books with a supernatural element, but this book was an exception for me! A young adult story where even dying doesn’t get you out of going to high school. Written by an exceptionally talented indie author (and my friend!) who has published a mammoth amount of books over the last 18 months.
- Geek Girl – Holly Smales
Another YA book, this time about a geeky young girl who gets picked up by a model scout and gets into all sorts of trouble following her new career. Brilliantly witty and funny, and closely followed up by the sequel, Model Misfit.
- Falling Angels – Tracy Chevalier
A little bit different to the rest of my list, this book is a fantastically dark piece of historical fiction. I only discovered Tracy Chevalier this year and am reading my way through her work, and loving every second !
- Party Games – Jo Carnegie
This book is the first in a new series by Jo Carnegie, following characters in the village of Beeversham and their antics. Just as good as the earlier Churchminister series, and I can’t wait to read the next instalment!
- Cupcakes at Carrington’s – Alexandra Brown
This book is the first in the wonderful Carrington’s series and really hooked me in. Fantastic characters, a department store setting that reminds me of my childhood, romance and lots and lots of cake!!
- The Life List – Lori Nelson Spielman
This is without a doubt one of my favourite books of the year. The protagonist’s mother dies and makes her inheritance conditional on completing the life list she wrote as a teenager. Brilliantly written and both happy and sad at the same time. I shed a few tears to this one!!
- How to Fall in Love – Cecilia Ahern
I received this as an ARC earlier this year and absolutely devoured it. A brilliant storyline that literally left me feeling a bit light-headed from holding my breath! I absolutely loved this book and the characters in it.
- About a Girl – Lindsey Kelk
This was my first Lindsey Kelk book and I thought that it was absolutely genius! Funny, a great, original storyline and a HUGE cliffhanger involving hot men. I WANT TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS NEXT!!!!!!!!
- It’s Raining Men – Milly Johnson
Three friends go on holiday and end up in the wrong place because of a misunderstanding with the booking. Each gets to know herself and really understand the village they are staying in. I love a book set in a village with a good twist. This has both!
- The House We Grew Up In – Lisa Jewell
Another holiday read, this was a fantastic piece of women’s fiction. It unravelled the secrets embedded in a family and their family home before coming to a shocking conclusion without leaving you feeling like you had missed something. A really good story.
- The Wish List – Jane Costello
Yet another holiday read! This time by the fantastic Jane Costello. I love all of her books and this one certainly didn’t disappoint. Witty and extremely funny, I was even relaying the story of this one to my boyfriend whilst lying on sun loungers by the pool!
That was a very whistle-stop tour of my favourite reads of the year! I’ve read some great books and have discovered some new authors. I think my TBR will get even more out of hand in 2014!!!
Thank you for having me Zoe! x
My blog is http://shelireads.wordpress.com and you can follow me on Twitter @shelireads
Z. Elizabeth 