I read 127 Books in 2018. Here are the 18 I recommend.

This was an absolutely fantastic reading year! I read all the time all year long. I read genres I usually don't and I stepped outside of my comfort zone.

Part of the reason for my big number is largely in part of my Book of the Month subscription and my discovery of the joys of listening to audiobooks when in public rather than dealing with the public.

I know you don't have all day, so I am sharing my 18 favorite reads this year using ten words or less for each. Let's get on with it.

My Favorite Books of 2018

Beartown - Friday Night Lights for hockey. Favorite read of the year.

The Chilbury Ladies Choir - Historical fiction novel told through letters with sassy strong women.

An American Marriage - False accusation, jail, marriage whoas. The book and audio = incredible.

The Woman in the Window - Hitchcock throwback thriller set in modern times. Creepy page turner!

The Music Shop - My heart swelled with this music shop love story.

How to Walk Away - An accident + hospital stay + hot Scottish physical therapist

Inspired - Inspired me to read the Bible in hopeful new ways

All We Ever Wanted - "Me too" rich kid and rich parent drama

Whiskey & Ribbons - About a fatally wounded cop, his wife, and his bff

Charlotte Walsh Likes to Win - Female in politics drama with a very abrupt ending

Rush - The Help meets Greek Like

The Wedding Date - Romcom about a couple pretending to date for a wedding

Calypso - The latest work of satire by humorist David Sedaris

The Library Book - Part nonfiction, part true crime about libraries and a fire

The Girl Who Drank the Moon - Outstanding fantasy for middle grades - full of magic

Last Christmas in Paris - Bawled my eyes through this love story told through letters

Almost Everything - Latest by Anne Lamott - almost everything she knows for sure

The Summer Wives - Soapy historical fiction with dynamics of the rich and poor


What books did you read and love in 2018? Tell me!

Book Review: A Christmas Date

Looking for a light, fun, festive read over the holiday break? Pick up a copy of A Christmas Date by Camilla Isley. Not only is a quick, cute read, it is currently only on $2.99 on Amazon (for Kindle)!

The plot is taken straight from rom-com movies and Hallmark with an independent woman hiring a fake boyfriend to take back home with her for the holidays. Yes, you've seen it/read it before, but it is still fun!

In this short novel, the main character Nikki is likable and realistic. She is independent, but she is also envious of her little sister winding up engaged to the man of her (Nikki's) dreams. When she hears that her little sister and her dream guy/BFF will both be at her parents for Christmas, she takes matters into her own hands. And hires a guy right out of her sister's dreams.

Alas, family drama, comedy, and love occur during the Christmas visit. Nikki and her sister air out their grievances. Nikki realizes she can love again - possibly with the hunky actor she hired. But, like all good rom-coms, nothing is easy. Mistakes are made. Words are said. Hearts are broken.

But, again, because this is like a good rom-com, the ending is happy! So, if you need an escape from all the togetherness over the next few days, give this short little read a chance. If anything, it is guaranteed to make you laugh and roll your eyes.

Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with this copy of the book to read and review.