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My Books of the Year 2015

Welcome to Tishylou's Books of the Year 2015!


Well, can you believe it's that time of year again?? Christmas is fast approaching and with it, another New Year! I can't quite believe how quickly time has flown by...

I've read some absolutely amazing books these past 12 months, though sadly haven't been able to blog about them nearly as much as I would have liked.

I've decided to do things a little differently this year. I have chosen my favourite books in a few categories and then I will list my Top Reads of the Year in no particular order, then tell you my Book of the Year. I have also decided to include Audiobooks as this is something I have begun listening to and reviewing. So without further adieu.....

NEW AUTHOR DISCOVERY - There are two authors who I have found this year and am totally hooked on both of their works now.

Jenny Hale (Bookouture) - I kind of randomly picked Christmas Wishes and Mistletoe Kisses from my Kindle Christmas list. I was hooked from the first chapter. What a magical storyteller! Jenny has such a knack for describing her settings and making you feel completely ensconced in the story. I then read her other 2 festive titles (Coming Home for Christmas and A Christmas to Remember) and fell even more in love with this author!

Amanda Prowse (Head of Zeus) - Will You Remember Me kept popping up on my radar and for some reason, I picked it one day. I pretty much started sobbing from the word go. It wasn't all doom and gloom, it was beautiful, heart wrenching, sad, sweet, funny but most of all, it was real. It made me thing, it made me feel and it made me want to devour every word Amanda has written.

MOST ANTICIPATED SERIES -  This is the series I am most looking forward to reading.

The Book Lovers by Victoria Connelly. I don't know what to say really, about this series. How can you not love a series with this title? Mind you, in my eyes, Victoria can do no wrong anyways, so it's bound to be great. Having read the first book, I can't wait for more! Great characters in a fabulous setting and lots of book talk!!

FAVOURITE FESTIVE BOOK - I have read several Christmas books so far (and loved them all!) but one in particular stuck with me and will be read time and time again.

Every Time A Bell Rings by Carmel Harrington. There was something so magical about this book. Based on It's A Wonderful Life, this is a haunting, beautiful, hope filled story of Belle and Jim and the troubled childhoods they both wish they could move past. If you read one Christmas book, make it this one!

FAVOURITE YA BOOK - There were so many awesome books for teens this year, it was so hard to choose one!

Finding Audrey by Sophie Kinsella - I chose this book because I really connected with the main character, Audrey. She has severe anxiety issues and is socially awkward. If I had read this book when I was 15, the world would have much so much more sense. Even now, as a 38 year old, Audrey was someone I identified with. I understood her struggles, her fears. She is real and I wanted to protect her. Highly recommend this to anyone who suffers from anxiety or any teen who just doesn't feel like they belong.

FAVOURITE (AND MOST ANTICIPATED!) SEQUEL - There was one book I have been waiting for (feels like ages!) and it finally arrived on my kindle in August. I did a happy dance!

Sole Sisters by Brooklyn James - Continuing the story of the LeBeau sisters, this book is told from the point of view of Kat (KitKat). It's raw, emotional, funny, intense and pretty sexy. I loved it and still want more from these girls (and Miah!). A perfect sequel in my opinion.

FAVOURITE DEBUT - There were many debut novels out this year and some were absolutely brilliant!

Five Go Glamping by Liz Tipping - This book was laugh out loud funny, sweet, quirky and just so, so fun! It intrigued me at first because of the idea of Glamping (and me living on a bus) but I was quickly laughing along to the antics of Fiona and her friends. Refreshing and different, this is a brilliant first novel from a lovely lady!

FAVOURITE AUDIOBOOKS - I have chose 2 very different stories here but both were fantastic!

The Secret of You by Victoria Connelly (read by Jan Cramer). This was just lovely and charming. I particularly loved the character of Meg!

Revival by Stephen King (read by David Morse). This was the first Stephen King book I listened to and it drew me straight back into the world of this genius! Creepy, intriguing and captivating!

And here we are, my Top Reads of 2015

 
Summer Secrets by Jane Green
A Parcel for Anna Browne by Miranda Dickinson
Saving Grace by Jane Green
What Milo Say by Virginia MacGregor
Afternoon Tea at the Sunflower Café by Milly Johnson
The Day We Disappeared by Lucy Robinson
 
 
and my BOOK OF THE YEAR 2015 is.....

 

THE GIRLS BY LISA JEWELL

 
There are reviews of all my Top Reads on my blog if you want to know why I chose them...
 

Thanks for joining me for my end of year wrap up! Thanks for all the amazing books and for all the support this past year. You're all amazing! I hope you have the very best Christmas ever!!
 











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