I know I’m a bit late off the mark, as most blogs have already done their favourite reads for 2012. But nonetheless, I’m here to present to you now my 5 favourite reads of 2012.
I have narrowed this list down to authors who I had not previously read before 2012. So whilst I say these are “new” authors, it’s because they are new to me. I’ve included a variety of genre’s in this list.
In no particular order …
The Art of my Life by Ann Lee Miller
My Review
This is classified as New Adult, because it features characters in their early 20s who are finding their feet as adults.
The Art of my Life is the follow up to Ann’s debut novel, Kicking Eternity. In truth, I had a hard time picking which of her novels was going to make my top 5, they are both that good. Her stories are utterly engaging and her characters so authentic that in reading them I felt like I was in my 20s all over again.
I decided on The Art of my Life as it was the edgier, more dramatic of the two. If you haven’t read Ann Lee Miller’s books before, then I highly recommend you do so!
(If you’d like to try Ann’s books, you can request a free ecopy of Kicking Eternity at Ann’s website or download it on Amazon Kindle for free.)
The Mother Road by Jennifer AlLee
My Review
I don’t read a lot of women’s fiction, but when I saw this one, I was intrigued. And in reading it, I wasn’t disappointed. I found this book engaging and refreshing, with a sweet and satisfying ending.
Mary’s Blessing by Lena Nelson Dooley
My Review
Mary’s Blessing is the second book of the three book McKenna’s Daughters Series. I read both this book, and the first one, Maggie’s Journey in 2012, but Mary’s Blessing was my favourite of the two. This book is a sweet romance, set amidst tough living.
As a whole, the series is very enjoyable and I can’t wait to read the third book – which I will be doing very very soon 🙂
Veil of Pearls by MaryLu Tyndall
My Review
Veil of Pearls is a highly entertaining and dramatic read. It’s full of vibrant characters – both likeable and detestable. It stole my breath on more than one occasion. I’m looking forward to reading more from MaryLu Tyndall.
Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
This is the only book in this list that was not published in 2012, and is not Christian fiction. Therefore I feel I must mention that this book includes some swearing, alcohol and off the page references to sex and drug use. But it’s not gratuitous by any means.
I really really loved this young adult novel. I got lost with Anna in Paris, and caught up with all those intense and changing feelings of teen life. I didn’t write a review up on this blog because it isn’t a Christian novel, but I couldn’t write my favourite reads list for 2012 without its inclusion.
Helen’s favourite genre is historical fiction with a strong romantic element. She also enjoys contemporary romance, chick-lit and YA. She’s not caught up in the spell of fantasy fiction, despite The Faraway Tree series being a strong influence in her childhood.
Helen is currently working on her first book, a Christian young adult novel set between two opposite but equally fascinating places in Australia.
Helen is a strange combination of fiction editor and web strategist. That’s because she loves fiction and the internet – and analytics! A former business analyst and IT support manager, Helen now spends her time parenting her three children as well as running her editing and web agency businesses. As a book reviewer and fiction editor, her one true love and specialty is Christian romance fiction.
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Oh, so glad you loved "Veil of Pearls". I'm about to read that one. "Surrender the Heart" by Marylu Tyndall is also really good. Thanks for sharing your favs of 2012!
Yay Helen, thanks for sharing your list! I'm so glad MaryLu Tyndall became your fave in 2012, she has been on my fave list for years 🙂 Hope you get lots more fave authors now in 2013 as well, my list is constantly growing! Praying blessings and good books surround you and Jess 🙂
Thank you so much, Helen!! I feel so incredibly blessed this year to be on so many favorite lists. God is good! So thrilled you enjoyed Veil of Pearls.
Waving at Gwendolyn and Kara!! (Thank you, ladies!)
Thank you so much, Helen, for including me in this short list. I feel very blessed.
Hi Gwen! You'll love "Veil of Pearls". I can't wait for "Forsaken Dreams" – the cover is gorgeous and being by MaryLu makes it a must read for me this year.
Happy New Year Kara! Yes it's great to add to fav author lists – but scary too, because how do you get through all the reading you want to do? We will try as best we can though, won't we?
I have already read 2 "new" authors this year (new to me!), reviews will go up closer to the end of the month.
Happy reading for 2013!
You're welcome MaryLu! Hope that you have a wonderful 2013 as well. I can't wait for Forsaken Dreams!
You're welcome Lena! Wishing you a very happy and blessed 2013 🙂