Can you even comprehend that we’re in the middle of June already? This year is going by much quicker than I hoped it would but the good thing is, it’s been full to the brim of amazing books. I’ve read a total of 22 books this year so far and although compared to some that isn’t an awful lot (I admit, it isn’t!) most of them books have been 4 or 5 star-ers! So I’ve narrowed it down and below are my best books I’ve read this year so far. In no particular order!
The Zig Zag Girl by Elly Griffiths
Links: My review | Amazon UK | Amazon US | Goodreads
The Zig Zag Girl is one of the best crime books I’ve ever read, let alone just this year! I was shocked to my core that I hadn’t read any of Elly’s books before after finishing this one. The Zig Zag Girl links crime to the world of magic and illusions which makes for an incredible story of twists and turns and sinister connections. I would highly recommend for any crime fans who want something a little bit different; it’s almost impossible not to get immersed in 1950’s Brighton where you don’t know what’s real and what’s simply an illusion…
Game of Scones by Samantha Tonge
Links: My review | Amazon UK | Amazon US | Goodreads
Sigh, I wish I could un-read this book so I could read it all over again. The perfect summer read is the only way I can describe Game of Scones. I absolutely devoured this book and just wanted to jump in the pages and never come out. Set in the idyllic village of Taxos, Game of Scones transport you right into the exotic Greek location so deeply you can almost hear the sea, feel the sun on your skin and taste Pippa’s gorgeous scones. And of course, I couldn’t talk about this book without mentioning Niko, the hottest and most mouth-watering book boyfriend, ever!
Wellies and Westies (Primrose Terrace Book 1) by Cressida McLaughlin
Links: My review | Amazon UK | Goodreads
Wellies and Westies was a very highly anticipated release for me… Anything with dogs in is pretty much safe as books go and I was so thrilled to finish this book in one sitting, one sunny afternoon in the garden. Wellies and Westies is an absolute joy to read and I can’t wait to finally read the next 3 instalments and I’m even more looking forward to hopefully being able to purchase the book as a whole (I’m hoping they do release it as a whole book, Cress, can you confirm this for me please?!)
Ivy Lane by Cathy Bramley
Links: My review | Amazon UK | Goodreads
Ivy Lane was a very much talked about book this year and if I’m going to be completely honest… I wasn’t sure if it was going to be for me. But I don’t think I’ve ever been more wrong about a book in my life. I flew through it and adored every single page. Ivy Lane really does deserve all the hype it’s had because it’s an incredibly uplifting story about love, friendship and starting over when you feel like your life has fallen apart. Which I think a lot of people could resonate with. Cathy is a wonderful writer and I look forward to reading both Appleby Farm and Wickham Hall in the future.
The Dead Wife’s Handbook by Hannah Beckerman
Links: My review | Amazon UK | Amazon US | Goodreads
This book wasn’t published this year but I shamefully only got around to reading it this year but better late than never, as they say because wow. To try and string a sentence together to do this book justice is basically impossible. Anyone who’s read this will know how incredibly sad it is but at the same time, so real and beautiful. The emotions depicted in this books ooze off the page and straight into your heart and out of the many, many books I’ve read I think this one will stand as the most overwhelmingly emotional.
By My Side by Alice Peterson
Links: My review | Amazon UK | Amazon US | Goodreads
Again, this book wasn’t published this year but after it appearing on my bookish wish-list for some time, I finally bought myself a copy and man was I glad I did. Another dog related book, this one was bound to go down well with me and it absolutely did. A story very much about re-making yourself to fit in with your circumstances, even the most dire of circumstances sometimes and finding friendship in the most desperate of times. Anyone who loves dogs and understands how special they can be absolutely eat this book up!
Wellies and Westies sounds like such a cute book – especially since I used to have a Westie!! Xx
It really is! Perfect read for ANY dog lover! Awww, i absolutely love Westies! xx
Ah! I’m desperate to get my hands on The Zig Zag Girl. I can’t wait! 🙂 Elly Griffiths is so good with the atmosphere and setting. <3
It’s SO GOOD! OMG I CAN’T EVEN EXPLAIN HOW GOOD IT IS! I’ve shamefully never read any of her others but it’s a definitely must do! xx
I actually only recently read the first Ruth Galloway novel to review on my blog, and I really enjoyed it! I wasn’t sure about the protagonist at first, but the writing is so good I loved it just the same. Definitely excited for this one when I can get my paws on it. 😀
By My Side is one of my all time favourites. Great choices!
Such a fantastic book!
The Zig Zag Girl sounds amazing, I love stories that have rich settings. It sounds like you might like The Deviners by Libba Bray, if you haven’t read it? I read it this year and it’s my favourite read so far – 1920s setting and YA paranormal (which would usually totally not be my thing) but I just loved it!
I haven’t read that one, but will check it out on Goodreads! Sounds awesome and I agree, rich settings really can make or break a book!
Thanks for sharing 🙂 xo
I shall check some of these out. My favourite has to be ‘Gone Girl’. I seem to be the last human on the planet to have read this. It’s just incredible!!
Ooh I haven’t read Gone Girl! Seen the film and enjoyed it, until the end, haha! xo
It’s so well written! Definitely worth a go. 🙂 Must watch the film at some point. 🙂 xx
Some great books there Jenny! I have read far too many great books this year too but so far my absolute favourite has been my most recent read – Armada by Ernest Cline, it is brilliant!
Thanks Heather! 2015 has been such a fantastic book year! I will check that book out on Goodreads 🙂 xo
Been looking forward to reading this post! Will absolutely check some of these out, looks like my Goodreads list just got a lot longer! 🙂
I’m glad you’ve been looking forward to it! Sorry for causing your TBR pile to grow even more! 😀 xo
I really enjoyed Love at First Flight by Tess Woods
I’ve not heard of that one, but I’ll check it out on Goodreads! 🙂 xo
Must get to Zig Zag Girl! I’ve heard zero complaints about it!
You must! You’ll love it! You ARE the Crime Worm after all 😉
Lol! Yes I should shouldn’t I? I love Elly Griffiths, have you read her Ruth Galloway series? It’s great, although I’ve only read a couple.
No I haven’t but I NEED to! Are they in a certain order? If so, what’s the first one?
Some very interesting books and my oh my every single one of them has a gorgeous cover!
Don’t they just!!! I’m a sucker for a gorgeous cover! xo