Favorite Books of 2015
Here we go again. An annual tradition around here is to take a look back at the books that most captured my fancy in the year the calendar is about to prove over.
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As the end of the year rapidly approaches, suddenly I realized putting this post together needed to happen or be forgotten (which every book blogger knows is not cool). I read many amazing novels this year. Some were light hearted and happy, others were a bit grittier yet still maintained their happy ending status (because, as many know, I’m a happy ending kind of girl). Much to my shame by the time I’ve wrapped writing this (at which point, my book graphics will be done), I’ll probably remember 3-5 books that should have been on this list and weren’t. But, well, that’s life with moi as a blogger.
Without further ado (and unlike that movie “favorites” list), let’s get this list started.
FAVORITE BOOKS OF 2015
(in alphabetical order, sort of)
1. To Get to You by Joanne Bischof This YA Indie novel was breathtaking and lovely. Amazon | Goodreads
2. The Runaway Princess by Hester Browne Lots of fun and plenty of rom-com hilarity – this needs to be a movie. Amazon | Goodreads
3. Always Watching by Lynette Eason On the ABCs chart, this should technically come in at number “four,” but I’m too blogger lazy to correct the number. Either way, this book (and the book it stole a number from) is ah-ma-zing. Technically it’s also a 2016 publication, but thanks to LIS, I was able to read it this past month. Go forth and perorder this one. It’s worth it. Amazon | Goodreads
4. Just One Summer (Novella Collection)
This collection was fantabulous. I enjoyed everything about it and anticipate reading more by the three authors whose stories were debuts for me. Amazon | Goodreads
5. The Mistress of Tall Acre by Laura Frantz
Beautifully told, this book read more akin to a fine painting than a work of fiction. Everything about it was stunning, and I’m curious to discover what Laura next writes. Amazon | Goodreads
6. Told You So by Krtisten Heitzmann
You’ve not read romantic-comedy until you’ve read this classy novel. It’s above and beyond brilliant. Amazon | Goodreads
7. Reservations for Two by Hillary Manton Lodge
This is one of my most favorite contemporary series. Primarily this is as a result of out-of-the-box storytelling. Amazon | Goodreads
8. The Start of Me and You by Emery Lord
Love(lovelove) this novel. As a result, I’m sort of giddy to get my hands on Emery’s 2016 novel. Amazon | Goodreads
9. Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
I’ve said all I can about this beauty. Amazon | Goodreads
10. The Sound of Diamonds by Rachelle Rea
Rachelle’s debut was sensational. The subtle faith elements and sweet premise made it stand out. Amazon | Goodreads
11. The Bronte Plot by Katherine Reay
This is Katherine’s third novel and with it, her writing continues to surprise. She’s not a conventional inspirational author which is just one of the reasons her novels are automatic buys. Amazon | Goodreads
12. Hello, Goodbye and Everything In-Between by Jennifer E. Smith
My first Jennifer E. Smith novel was a success. It was smashing. Amazon | Goodreads
13. While You’re Awake by Amber Stokes
A novella-type read, this fairy tale was too cute to leave off this list. The author’s creative use of the fairy tale legend (Sleeping Beauty) was fabulous and fun. Amazon | Goodreads
14. Through Waters Deep by Sarah Sundin
Wonderful WWII read. Definitely one of my most favorites from the year. Amazon | Goodreads
15. From the Start by Melissa Tagg
Anyone who has read Melissa’s novels knows she commands the rom-com. This book is no different – plus THAT meet-cute = awww! Amazon | Goodreads
16. One Enchanted Christmas by Melissa Tagg
Pretty much the same thought applies to this cute Christmas novella as I said for From the Start. Only don’t let the “Christmas” themes deter you: read this one despite Christmas being over! It’s such fun. Amazon | Goodreads
As I knew I would, I neglected to add these novels to the list. Or at least not properly.
- 1. Shades of Doon by Carey Corp and Lorie Langdon: this one is my favorite “Doon” novel to date. cannot wait to see how this saga ends in 2016. Amazon | Goodreads
- 2. The Gifting by K.E. Ganshert: loved this Indie published debut by traditionally published author, Katie Ganshert. Definitely a series I want to finish. Amazon | Goodreads
- 3. A Singular and Whimsical Problem by Rachel McMillan: yes, this is merely a novella, but heavens! This was a darn grand one at that. A very promising start to Rachel’s debut series for sure. Amazon | Goodreads
- 4. Sabotaged by Dani Pettrey: how I forgot to add one of my most favorite authors 2015 release, I’ll never know. What’s worse is this was her wrap up for her wonderful series that was the McKenna family. Amazon | Goodreads
- 5. A Love Like Ours by Becky Wade: Becky’s novels are always a genuine delight. Amazon | Goodreads
Your turn. Chat up your favorite reads of the year. I’d love to hear about them or tell me which of these novels you read, and whether or not they were among your favorites – and why! Or if you’re joining in this unspoken rule of book blogging (2015 favorites list), share your link in your comment. Basically, let’s talk all things bookish.
I love this list. Right there with on The Bronte Plot and While You're Awake; those were both great reads. And I think several of these should be on my TBR list *makes mental note*. Happy New Year! Hope 2016 treats you well.
Thanks, Miranda. I enjoyed these books, and if I were being honest, probably more that I shamefully neglected. But, either way, 2015 was a great bookish year and I suspect 2016 will be just as amazing if not more so.
Same to you! Wishing you a fantastic new year. :)
I have only read 8 & 9 on your list, I have some books I am going to need to add to my TBR!
Missie @ A Flurry of Ponderings Enter my 2nd Annual Blogoversary Giveaway
But oh how amazing those two books are, Missie! :) Hope you find some additional titles you'll enjoy for your 2016 TBR. Happy New Year.
Wonderful list, Rissi! Through Waters Deep and One Enchanted Christmas were awesome reads. :) And I have several of these on my TBR that NEED to be read sooner rather than later!
Proud and happy to see Rachelle's debut on the list. Go, Rachelle!
Your raving about The Start of Me and You (plus the $2.99 Kindle deal going on right now) has convinced me to make the purchase! ;) Sounds fab! I might need to give Anna and the French Kiss a try sometime, too. I got a Barnes & Noble gift card for Christmas (my parents know me well!) that is burning a hole in my pocket and begging to be spent as soon as I return from vacation!
Finally, thank you, thank you, friend, for including While You're Awake. That means so much, and I'm honored it found a place on the list! Forever grateful for your support and friendship.
Happy New Year, Rissi, and here's to another year of wonderful reads!
Hugs,
Amber
I agree! As each year goes by, I'm more and more impressed with the books I read. Three cheers for the talented authors who write them. Both you mention as favorites were high up on my list – I couldn't resist adding all of the novellas I did because they were cute and fabulous. :)
Loved Rachelle's debut. So. Good.
*bites nails* Uh-oh, I do hope you like 'Me and You.' :D I did SO enjoy 'Anna' as well. It's a bit more "adult" in its content, but the wit is hilarious and for that alone, I was hooked. Yay for B&N gift cards. Those are my favorites. (Until you can spend it, enjoy the rest of your vacation, friend.)
My pleasure. I so enjoyed While You're Awake, and of course, am looking forward to whatever you write next, whenever it's ready to be shared with the world.
Happy New Year to you as well – I'm grateful for you, and I hope 2016 is an amazing year for you (beginning with that book haul and B&N gift card!), Book Bestie. :) Hugs!
I love your list. And so many of your faves were mine as well.
Hooray for shared favorites – the more we see these reads on 2015 favorites lists, the more amazing we remember they really were. :) Thanks for visiting, Dawn.
I always love these lists! I am really interested in Always Watching and am still curious about Hillary Manton Lodge. I have The Bronte Plot on my shelf just waiting to be read, and I've heard so many good things about it! And I love Sarah Sundin and Melissa Tagg (and Dani Pettrey and Becky Wade). All that to say, I enjoyed reading your favorites list and happy new year to you! :)
-Cassie
As do I, Cassie; I'll confess I probably over visit blogs to read/comment on these "best of" lists, but hey, it's fun! And I'm a book addict, so I try to own it. ;)
Always Watching is fabulous and Hillary's books are wonderful. The Bronte Plot continues to prove why Katherine is a leading name in this market and of course all of the names you mention are return favorites of mine. :)
Thank you so much for commenting – and for persisting in trying to get your comment through. Apologies for your trouble. Happy New Year, friend. :)
There is no such thing as over-visiting book blogs! Not in my opinion :)
I'm just glad the comment thing worked out! I don't comment as much as I wish I did, so when it didn't work at first I was trying to figure in out. And in the end, the comment got here! Thanks again, Rissi. Happy New Year to you as well!
Right you are, Cassie; there isn't. :D
I'm glad too! But I do feel bad the comments over here give you fits – whether you comment once a week or once a month, I don't appreciate my comment form being sassy. ;) Anyway, thanks for persisting and getting it through! Always fun to chat with you, Cassie.
marvelous list, Rissi!!
Thanks so much, Carrie. :)
Amazing list! I loved the ones of these that I've read and the ones that I haven't were either already on my wish list or just got added!
We always love that growing TBR, right!? Happy reading, Abbi. :)
What a treat! Thank you for including Through Waters Deep. What an amazing list. I love what you said about Laura Frantz's writing – so true!! I savor every word!
My pleasure, Sarah; your 2015 release was beautiful. And I'm eager to read book 2 this summer. :) As for Laura, I'm in awe of her 2015 book. It was… gorgeous and I'm speechless as to the proper way to describe her writing. Such a wonderful story. :)
I'm so thrilled to have my book on this list amid such amazing company! Honored, Rissi, and so glad you love Dirk and Gwyn as much as I do :)
Hi, Rachelle! It was my pleasure to feature Dirk and Gwyn on this list. They're amazing as was your debut. Well done, friend. :)
Dear Rissi, Aside from your list, I'm somewhat slack-jawed by your beautiful, super creative site! I can't tell you how much it means to see Mistress here among such writers as Sarah & Rachelle & others. If it weren't for readers/reviewers like you the book world would be a much less interesting place. Heartfelt thanks for all you do ����.
Thank you for the kind words, Laura. I do have lots of fun with the site and am always excited to play a small role in helping to spread the word about amazing fiction like 'Mistress.' I thoroughly enjoyed your 2015 release and anticipate whatever you write next. Wishing you a wonderful 2016 – and thank you for visiting. :)
This is such a great list!!!! Several of my favs are on here: Mistress of Tall Acre, One Enchanted Christmas, Told You So, Bronte Plot, While You're Awake.
And thanks for reminding me of several I NEED to read! Gladly, I'll be reading Rachelle Rea's soon. Anna and the French Kiss is still on my shelf. So many to look forward to in 2016, too! :)
Thanks, Courtney. There were some amazing works of fiction in 2015 and I've a feeling 2016 will follow in its lead. Great faves list! Those were some of my best-loved of the year as well – and I have to admit, I like all of the INDIE releases on our lists! :)
Here's to a great year in 2016! May it be filled with more inspiring stories. :)
*sigh* I'm getting so many ideas of books to add to my reading list as I read over everyone else's top reads from 2015!
That is a challenge for a book nerd! I feel that dilemma, Amy. I hope in spite of the growing TBR, you find some really worthwhile reads. :) Happy 2016!
Somehow I missed several of these. How did that happen?!! My year was just too busy. Three or four of these I'll have to look at grabbing now. Thanks for sharing! Another list I still haven't done… :)
Tressa @ Wishful Endings
My year was too busy as well, Tressa. Ah, well. I guess they'll wait for us in 2016, right!? :)
Thank you for visiting – and I hope you found those you wanted to grab now. Happy reading. :)
Wow, so many favorites! You read a lot more than I did haha. My personal favorite of my reading year was The Blind Owl by Sadegh Hedayat. Strange and disturbing but psychologically very cool :)
Dance A Real
I didn't feel like I read many books at all, Hannah, which sort of made me disappointed in my reading habits. But then again, I shouldn't whine because there were some amazing novels on my list this year – and for a book nerd, what else matters in our bookish life!? :D
I've not heard of The Blind Owl, but *shivers* just the title sounds potentially creepy. :D