Best of 2014 & Giveaway


Last year I did my favorites in three parts and then had statistics for the different genres and where I got my books. Obviously I can be an overachiever sometimes. ;) Believe it or not, I did want to do that all again for 2014, but my hiatus from online and blogging last month for anything extra meant that I didn't get all that stuff together. Thus, my late post about my favorites from last year.

I'm also doing a 2-for-1 thing and including my usual monthly giveaway as well. Yay for you all!! Lol! So, I'm going to share all my favorites (there are quite a few) and one winner gets to pick one of them at the end of the month (as long as Amazon or Book Depository ships to you for free).

It is so hard to limit my favorites!!! I read a lot of books this year (283 according to Goodreads, but some of those are DNF and are cookbooks and other non-fiction books) and so it seems I have a lot of favorites. So without further ado... Drum roll please... Here are my favorites from 2014 (each cover will take you to my review, if there is one):

YOUNG ADULT

Grave Mercy (His Fair Assassin, #1) Ruin and Rising (The Grisha, #3) Cress (The Lunar Chronicles, #3) Pivot Point (Pivot Point, #1)
On the Fence The Winner's Curse (The Winner's Trilogy, #1) Lady Thief (Scarlet, #2) Cruel Beauty (Cruel Beauty Universe, #1)
These were all serious 5+ star favorites. Beautiful and fabulous writing, plotting, and characters!

The Midnight Queen (Noctis Magicae, #1) Storm Siren (Storm Siren, #1) Threats of Sky and Sea (Threats of Sky and Sea #1) What Is Hidden (What Is Hidden, #1)
All four of these were hidden gems for me in that I loved when I thought I may just like them. They're all fantasy/urban fantasy/paranormal and I think they all didn't get the attention they deserve. A note on The Midnight Queen (which I still need to write a review for)... It's a slower-paced book and steeped in an historical England setting, which I loved. It's my kind of book, but may not be for everyone, especially if you like a faster plot.

Curtsies & Conspiracies (Finishing School, #2) Waistcoats & Weaponry (Finishing School, #3) 
This is a quirky, hilarious, sweet, and seriously smart series that I just love! I had so much fun with Dena over at Batch of Books reading this together. Can't wait for book four this year!!

 Remember Me (Find Me, #2) Reign of Shadows (Descendants #3) Into the Still Blue (Under the Never Sky, #3) Champion (Legend, #3)
 These were seriously intense and definitely worth reading.

The Geography of You and Me Chasing June (June, #2) Heart of the Ocean Illusions of Fate
   These are all favorites that I couldn't leave out. They are each beautiful and unique in their own ways and I would read them all again, multiple times. :)

A Creature of Moonlight Steelheart (Reckoners, #1)
Honorable mentions... A Creature of Moonlight is such a beautiful example of true storytelling. My only disappointment was that I wanted more romance. Steelheart was so unique. It had great characters, overall plot, and writing. I'll definitely be following this series!

ADULT ROMANCE

Hope Springs (Longing for Home, #2)
Hope Springs (Longing for Home #2) was one of, if not the best book I read last year. It trumped the first book in the series, which was good as well, but not nearly as good as this one. I highly recommend it!

Becoming Lady Lockwood Miss Armistead Makes Her Choice Chances Are Painting Kisses
I just loved all of these clean, sweet, romantic, and heartfelt stories. :)

CHRISTIAN ROMANCE/FICTION

Can't Let You Go (Katie Parker Productions, #4) It Had to Be You (Christiansen Family, #2) Meant to be Mine (Porter Family #2)
Lizzy & Jane Dancing with Fireflies (Chapel Springs, #2) Love Finds You in Sugarcreek, Ohio
Contemporary Christian Romance. All of these were just immediate favorites. They all had romance, some heartbreak, fabulous characters, some inspiration, humor, and just brought out all my emotions. I also felt that the inspirational aspect of each book felt natural and wasn't preachy, so I'd recommend them to general romance readers as well. They're definitely keepers. I was a little surprised Love Finds You in Sugarcreek Ohio made my list, but it's a book I continue to think about and would definitely re-read, so that's why. Lizzy & Jane was especially poignant for sisters and families. That one really made me tear up.

A Beauty So Rare (Belmont Mansion, #2) The Headmistress of Rosemere (Whispers on the Moors, #2) 
Historical Christian Romance. I loved both of these. There should have been more added to this list here (such as The Secret of Pembrooke Park and Fair Play), but I didn't get to them yet. I'm assuming they'll just be on next year's list. :)

The Story Keeper (Carolina #2) The King (Patrick Bowers Files, #6) Rules of Murder (Drew Farthering Mystery #1)
These are all honorable mentions in Christian Fiction. They each are unique and well-written stories. There was some romance, but it wasn't the focal point. I would recommend these to general fiction readers as well.

Did you find some favorites last year? Were any of them the same as mine? Do you think you'll be adding any of these to your tbr that you haven't already read?

Don't forget to enter the giveaway below. Good luck!


Must be able to enter and receive winnings by law. Must be eligible for free shipping through Amazon or Book Depository. You must be at least 13 years old to enter and have parental approval if under 18. Please ensure that you correctly enter your email (and check your junk mail folder if I'm not on your contact list) so that I have a way to contact you. You can read my giveaway policy on my policies page. Void where prohibited by law. Enter via the Rafflecopter below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

No comments

Post a Comment

I love comments! I try to read and reply to them all. Feel free to agree or disagree and generally share your thoughts with me.