Best Books of 2019

I always find it interesting to look back over the books that I rated "Best Of" for the year. I read over 70 books in 2019 but it still surprised me that I had 14 books that made my "Best Of" list - I thought it would be less as I felt like I had a lot of duds. When I went back and reviewed the list, I found myself not only nodding my head at the amazing memories that each of the books evoked but, I was surprised by the variety of genres.

It also reminded me that I want to read more by these authors and writing this post prompted me to check out several other ebooks by these authors from my library. I have decided that when I get old, I am going back to all of my "Best Of' lists from previous years (links to Best Of lists are on the right hand side of this blog) and reread them - something to look forward to!

What were some of your 'Best Of' books from this past year?

The Silent Wife by Kerry Fisher

My Rating: 3.5

This is the story of two women who are both the second wives of Italian brothers, It is told in alternating perspectives between each of the women.

This is a story of lies, history, being a step-mother and trying to forge your place in a family as a second wife. At times this really pulled me in and the author's writing had real promise but unfortunately the majority of the book felt rather formula.

Maybe In Another Life by Taylor Jenkins Reid

My Rating: 3.2

Having recently moved back to L.A., Hannah goes out on the town with her best friend Gabby. She reconnects with her old boyfriend Ethan. Then the plot splits into two storylines - like Sliding Doors. In one version, she goes home with Gabby and in another version she goes home with Ethan. It goes back and forth between each version of the story.

This is a fluffy easy read and follows the author's format of her early books. It doesn't compare with her current books (Daisy Jones & The Six or The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo ) which I hope are indicative of the new direction she is going with her writing but, it was a fun light read.

The Last Time We Say Goodbye by Cynthia Hand

My Rating: 2.0

Alexis/Lex's brother has committed suicide. Lex is a math major and her psychiatrist Dave recommends she journal her feelings. She is keeping the secret that her brother sent her a text before he died and she is carrying that guilt.

This wasn't bad but after reading so many other similar Young Adult books, it was very cliche. A Y.A. novel dealing with a tragic topic. This deals directly with a lot of difficult topics including suicide, grief, depression, guilt, etc.

A Place For Us by Fatima Farheen Mirza

My Rating: 4.8

This is about Rafiq and Layla's children Hadia, Huda, and Amar, first generation Americans trying to define their paths while deciding how to incorporate their parent's customs and beliefs. This covers the children's journey from children to adults...and the parents journey as well.

I loved all of the characters. To my surprise, I particularly loved Part 4, where the same circumstances were retold but this time, from the Father's perspective. I am glad I didn't read too much about this and when my gf from India recommended it, I remembered I had it on my kindle and moved it to the top of the queue. It is about coming of age, Muslim-Americans, struggling with different cultures and being a parent. More than anything, it is about family.

Evvie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes

My Rating: 4.0

Evvie is a widow and everyone feels sorry for her - not knowing that she was going to leave her husband the night he died.

Dean is a major league pitcher who suddenly can't throw straight, and has no idea why.

When Dean moves into the apartment in the back of Evvie's house, they both agree to not talk about their biggest issues - her being a widow and his not being able to pitch. This is the start of an unlikely friendship that grows into more.

I honestly didn't know if I was going to stick with this one. It was fluffy, wholesome  and predictable. Once I adjusted my expectations, I quite enjoyed it.

Things You Save In A Fire by Katherine Center

My Rating: 4.7

Cassie is one of the only female firefighters in her Texas firehouse. She's a total pro at other people's tragedies, but when her estranged and ailing mother asks her to give up her whole life and move to Boston, Cassie suddenly has an emergency of her own. Cassie reluctantly decides to move and embarks on a new firehouse, a new relationship and a new journey.

At times, this was a little off the meter for me on the romance scale but, overall I enjoyed it. I felt that it brought the firehouse to life and I really enjoyed that. Although Cassie's relationships - with her mother, with the rookie and others - was rather predictable, it wasn't so cheezy as to lose me. A very enjoyable read.

The Law of Moses by Amy Harmon

My Rating: 2.7

Moses is strong, beautiful and a wee tad crazy. He expresses this through his painting which, when it ends up on barns and bridges, is not always appreciated. Georgia is drawn to Moses and quickly discovers his quirky side.

This had unfulfilled promise. It crossed over into the paranormal but it was the Harlequin Romance parts that killed it for me. It had a strong Young Adult feel....and not in a good way.