Top 10 Books 2018

01

Educated by Tara Westover

Back in February I wrote on my Instagram post “this could well be one of the best books I’ll read this year” and I was right.  Tara Westover's book has popped up in conversation with friends many times throughout the year and I am still recommending it to anyone who’ll listen.  Barrack Obama described it as “a remarkable memoir”.  She is an amazing young woman and I was fascinated by her story.

02

Next Year in Havana by Chanel Cleeton

I fell head over heals in love with this beautiful story.  First of all, allow me to be shallow for a moment and say the cover is still on my favourites from this year.  The story is absolutely stunning, Chanel Cleeton really brought it to life for me and I remember feeling so sad when I finished because I just wanted more.  Luckily for me, the sequel is coming in 2019 and I cannot wait for it.

03

The Heart's Invisible Furies by John Boyne

I don’t know why I left this one sat on my TBR for so long.  It starts so powerfully and had me hooked from the very beginning.  Cyril’s life story brought out so many emotions in me, I loved him, he made me laugh, he made me cry and at times I felt angry with the situations he was in.  There’s a reason this one has so many rave reviews; it is just brilliant.

04

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Confession; this is one I bought because I loved the cover so much but in this instance I was right to judge the book by its cover!  I actually feel jealous of anyone who has yet to read this one.  I was totally swept away by Evelyn’s story, there was a point when I even went to google one of her husbands to see what he looked like before I remembered it's fiction!  If you haven’t read it yet, please do its an awesome read. 

05

Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly

If you like historical fiction and haven’t read this one yet, do so now.  Caroline Ferriday was a true heroine and one of the most fascinating, fearless and inspiring characters I can ever remember reading about.  The book is compelling. Each chapter ends in a cliff hanger and I found myself having a few late nights because I just couldn’t put it down.

06

This is How it Always is by Laurie Frankel

Very few books have pulled me in as quickly as this one did.  Laurie Frankel has done an amazing job with this book.  I absolutely loved all the characters and it really got me thinking.  If you’re looking for a book club choice to spark discussion, look no further.  It is an absolutely wonderful read.it. 

07

Eat, Drink, Run by Bryony Gordon

Bryony is such an inspiration to me and I was absolutely delighted to get to briefly meet her at the Henley Literary Festival.  I found this to be such an inspiring read; ok I haven’t taken up running and I don’t plan to either, but I have been taking small steps outside of my comfort zone since reading it.  It's open and honest and full of her wonderful sense of humour.

08

How to Walk Away by Katherine Centre

Time for another Bookstagram favourite. This is such a beautiful story that reminds us that life is far from perfect and we need to be grateful for what we have.   The ending is a little bit like a movie and a tad predictable but it was exactly what I wanted from this one.

09

Roar by Cecelia Ahern

This is another one that I know I’ll be recommending like crazy.  It is a collection of brilliant short stories and I know that will be something in here that everyone can relate to.  For me, The Woman Who Forgot Her Name was just amazing it actually moved me to tears.

10

One Day in December by Josie Silver

This may seem like a slightly cheesy choice but I loved it and I could see myself reading it again next Christmas.  If you like movies like Serendipity, Love Actually and Bridget Jones you’ll love this one.  Sometimes you just need a good lighthearted read and this one totally hit the mark for me.