Best Reads of 2016 (Top Twelve)

Saturday, December 31, 2016

Best Reads of 2016 (Top Twelve)

Posted by Laura at Library of Clean Reads on December 31, 2016 in Best Reads of 2016 | Comments : 20

Image taken from Library Journal

As we enter 2017 I will be starting my 9th year of book blogging and rather than slowing down I feel like my love of reading has only increased. This past year has been another great year of reading and discovering new authors.

In 2016, I read a total of 85 books compared to 72 last year. I also read more YA and about the same in fiction and non-fiction books. I will continue to be an advocate for kidlit, even though my kids are teens and are no longer reading books with me.

Here are my favorite reads of 2016. It doesn't mean they were published this year, only that I read them this year:

Banished (Forbidden #2) by Kimberley Griffiths Little

Well Kimberley Griffiths Little did it again with the second book in this trilogy. She deftly swept me away once more into Jayden's world. Into that unforgiving hot desert, with the discovery of love once again and the enemy in close pursuit.

Until We Meet Again by Renee Collins

I found this book thrilling, suspenseful, romantic and unique. The contemporary beach setting from Cassandra's world with the Gatsby-era 1920s glamour of Lawrence's world made the time-travel element exciting.

The Bachelor Girl's Guide to Murder by Rachel McMillan

What a delightful book this was! Author Rachel McMillan succeeded in creating the female versions of Sherlock and Watson in Merinda and Jem, best friends who shun convention and take up sleuthing instead.

Like a River from Its Course by Kelli Stuart

Like a River from Its Course was simply unforgettable, a journey through the lives of four individuals and their families touched irrevocably by WWII in Ukraine. Every page in this book had me riveted. There was never a dull moment. Stuart has written a tour de force, easily pulling me into the world of these characters.

Candidate for Murder by Lauren Carr

I think this one was Lauren Carr's best murder mystery so far from what I've read of her work. I mean who else can write about a dog running for mayor and still give us a thrilling murder mystery? Plenty of laughter, twists and turns and murders in this one. Perfect for the mystery lover who enjoys colorful characters, smart dogs, political and gov't corruption and a good dose of humor in their books.

Corporate Citizen (Book #5 Roma Series) by Gabriel Valjan

If you are a fan of thriller/suspense novels that include a very likeable cast of characters that not only use their law enforcement skills to solve crime but also know how to enjoy "la doce vita" as only Italians can, then you need to pick up this series. Corporate Citizen, I am happy to say, was a great addition to the whole series, and I eagerly and impatiently await Book #6.

The Lost Diaries of Elizabeth Cady Stanton by Sarah Bates

I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Lost Diaries of Elizabeth Cady Stanton. This fiction story is based on the early life of Elizabeth Cady Stanton, American suffragist, social activist, abolitionist, and leading figure of the early women's rights movement.

Of Stillness and Storm by Michèle Phoenix

I was immediately attracted to this novel. From its poetic title to its symbolic book cover and book description. Of Stillness and Storm is full of depth, rich in character with an expat and missionary setting that pulls you in from the first page and doesn't let go until the last page, leaving you spent with conflicting emotions.

The Winemakers: A Novel of Wine and Secrets by Jan Moran

Atmospheric, well-written and emotional, this book transported me by its lush descriptions of the vineyards in Napa Valley, its 1950s setting, the art of winemaking, the tasteful romance and the mysterious past of a strong woman and her family. Partly set in Italy, the story is rich and full of secrets, secrets that are devastating, that kept me holding my breath until the last page.

The Golden Son by Shilpi Somaya Gowda

Well-written, evocative, emotional and exotic, The Golden Son is the second book from Gowda that will once again capture not only readers who loved her first book, but anyone who loves to read literary fiction rich in culture and characterization.

There's Been A Change of Plans:A Memoir About Divorce, Dating and Delinquents in Midlife by Amy Koko

If you are a woman going through mid-life, or a divorce, or in need of a change or a pick-me up, then you will love reading this book. I will tell you right off the bat that I laughed so hard reading this book because, surprisingly, I could relate to so much of what Amy was going through.

The 10 Myths of Teen Dating by Daniel Anderson and Jacquelyn Anderson

I'll tell you straight off that this was one of the best parenting books I have read. It's well-written and researched. As a parent, I appreciated the psychological, physiological and statistical information dispensed in such an absorbing way that I easily read through this book.

Finally, I want to thank all my readers and blogger friends who have supported me and my blogging team (Sandra, Maria and Fil) with your heartfelt comments. A big thank you to all the authors, publicists, book tour organizers and publishers who trust us with their books and allow us wonderful hours of reading!