Ah, the end of another year. It’s that time we reflect on all the highs and lows and realize how quickly time is passing. Do you make resolutions?

I can happily say that I do not. If I make any kind of resolution, it’s a sure fire way to ensure it will never, ever get done.

And since I’m not much in the mood for bare-your-guts self-reflection today, I’ll share instead something much lighter and a whole lot more fun. Of course, it’ll probably reveal plenty about me once I go into my reasons for choosing the items on this list!

My favorite reads of 2018

I’ll go ahead and admit right off the bat that I love romantic stories. I love mysteries, suspense, heavy-hitters, light and fluffy, comedies, whatever, so long as there’s a romantic element to it. I’ve always been like that. My favorite childhood stories were The Secret Garden and Anne of Green Gables. Gilbert Blythe set me on a path for the rest of my life of loving dark haired, dimple-cheeked heroes with a sideways smile full of mischief. How my handsome husband managed to knock me off my feet being a blonde, I can’t explain. But before him, I definitely had a type. It’s probably that mischievous grin, because he may be quiet around others, but the man is hilarious and sharp-witted and definitely full of mischief.

But I digress. Sorry. He’s just still, all these years later, pretty darn cute to me. Even without the dark hair and dimples.

Back to the books.

I am listing these in no particular order, and I will not repeat the descriptions because they’re easily found on Amazon and GoodReads. I’ll simply note why I loved it and let you click on it to see the other details. Also, I had to narrow down a really, really good book year to around ten, so chances are you haven’t heard of all of these. I love the greats like Becky Wade (who had two incredible books this year!), Rachel Hauck, and Terri Blackstock (If I Run series, my GOODNESS!), but I tend to prefer the indies, hybrids, and smaller press authors, so that’s who you’ll see here.

Fancy Pants by Cathy Marie Hake — There is only one historical era I really care to read about, and that’s the late 1800s in either Victorian England or the American Old West. This book perfectly pairs the two. I loved Sydney, her grit and determination to make it in a cowboy’s world as an English lady dressed in man’s garments. Much of the book is a comedy of errors as she tries to hide her true identity while dealing with more flak than she should have had to. Once everything comes out into the open, the real romance begins and we’re treated to a much deeper story as well.  This book is everything my pioneer heart loves!

When You Look at Me by Pepper Basham — This book makes me want to flash stern English teacher eyes and chastise anyone who dares suggest that Mr. Darcy is the ultimate English hero, because Henry makes Darcy look like a gloomy arse. I LOVED 2017’s Just the Way You Are. It’s fantastic and I highly recommend it if you haven’t read it yet. But this sequel? Oh, man. Julia was date raped and left pregnant, floundering through her healing but finding expression for her swinging emotions through music. Henry, an acclaimed composer who thinks in music, is the epitome of a good guy; the perfect book hero who seeks to connect to Julia in a meaningful way. Pepper Basham perfectly portrays the kinds of wounds a woman in Julia’s position would feel, including her fear and inability to handle being touched that wars with her desires. Henry is patient and understanding, even if a bit overeager at times. From start to finish, I have to say that Henry is officially at the top of my favorite book-heroes-ever list now.

A Change of Plans by Donna K. Weaver (no relation) — I had no idea this book would be so intriguing when I picked it up. The description was good, but I was pleasantly surprised by the emotional depth and the span of time it covered. I was shocked at some events, saddened by losses, and yet throughout there was hope that everything would fall into place. I found I couldn’t take not knowing, so this was one I had to flip toward the end to make sure there would be a happy ending. I was simply too emotionally invested in the characters halfway in and couldn’t bring myself to finish if it was going to turn out tragically.

Bookishly Ever After and Literarily for Keeps by Sarah Monzon — Last year’s The Esther Paradigm made my top reads of 2017 list and this year, she explored and conquered the novella world with these two titles. Both are charming and emotionally engaging with fully developed characters and plot lines in adorable little packages. Who can resist books with bookish heroines and laugh-out-loud moments? Not me!

Worth It by Jenn Faulk — Feminism and God’s view of women are dissected through the eyes of a powerful, almost obnoxious woman as she struggles to meet a challenge she’s issued for herself. Two academics form a deep, meaningful friendship that’s always held more just bubbling under the surface. Jenn Faulk deals with some incredibly tough topics, including abortion and gender identity, with grace and a positive, biblical worldview. She takes hot topic issues and breaks them down simply but beautifully without being condemning or judgy, simply reflecting God’s heart to love people and reach the lost and hurting. This is definitely a book that will force readers to think and analyze, but the romance and chemistry are fierce. I’ve always loved her books, but this was an unexpectedly powerful story I won’t soon forget.

Running from Monday by Lea Simms — I cannot recommend this book highly enough, y’all. It was hard–really hard–to read at times, because she doesn’t shy away from letting readers see the horrors Delaney experienced while growing up. In between some intense flashbacks (which may trigger some readers, but please don’t let that stop you from giving this a chance), Lea Simms tells the story of a woman completely and utterly lost and broken. Delaney’s journey is probably the most transformative story of any character I’ve ever read. We see her entire metamorphosis from icky, prickly caterpillar to chrysalis and then lush-winged butterfly as she comes to Christ in a powerful way and is forced to face her deepest wounds. I love that Lea Simms unabashedly deals with real life and true pain head-on, hiding none of the ugliness and yet thoroughly showing readers the definitive power of the Love of God.

Rooms by James L. Rubart — Now here’s a story that will appeal to men and women alike. Micah Taylor appears to have it all, but a single letter arrives and with it comes a tug-of-war for his soul. This story is rich with images, dreams, altered realities, and excellent characters. I can’t exactly put to words without giving away the story exactly why I loved this book, but I’m pretty sure I highlighted a serious chunk of it (see my GoodReads). This was easily one of the hardest books to put down once I picked it up. If you’re a Ted Dekker fan, you’ll love it.

Finding Evergreen by Jennifer Rodewald — Last year, one of my favorite books was a marriage romance, and this book is another excellent one. Jennifer Rodewald has a gift for wringing out readers’ emotions and leaving you raw. Here, the main characters married quickly, too immature to really handle their unrealistic expectations, lack of communication, and childhood issues. They spend most of the book fighting their resentment and some very negative feelings toward one another. Through it all, they are trying to be the best foster parents possible to an emotionally unstable girl. I loved how gritty and gripping the story was, all emotions laid bare for us to see as they work to decide whether it’s worth it to keep fighting for this marriage or simply give up.

Criss Cross series by CC Warrens — While this isn’t a romance, it deserves a mention on my top reads list for sure. I devoured all three books in the series and have been harping on Crystal all year to PLEASE write a fourth. Holly is one of those memorable characters who worms their way under your skin and won’t let go–she becomes a real person. That’s a very rare gift, I find, for someone who reads books once and then quickly forgets most of them. You can’t help but adore Holly for her love of marshmallows and her impulsive need to help others even if it means putting herself in danger. She has a long list of fears and quirks, all perfectly valid considering what she’s been through, but she finds herself repeatedly facing those fears when someone she cares about needs her. I will say that the books get more graphic by the third one, but through them all we clearly see that Christ is bigger and gives her strength to endure the evil that hunts her. And boy, does it hunt her. If you enjoy thrilling suspense and twisted villains, incredible characters, and quirky humor, you’ll love Holly Cross and her ragtag group of friends.

Chasing Someday by Crystal Walton — This is definitely a story that goes beyond a simple friends-to-more romance. Chasing Someday is funny, sweet, poignant, and packed with chemistry. I enjoyed it so much, especially Livy’s awkward klutziness and all of the interrupted “moments” between her and Chase! The Home in You series is absolutely beautiful, with complex characters and relationships, lighthearted humor, deeply moving emotions, and clean, romantic storylines that sweep you away to swoonyville! I have no idea why Crystal doesn’t receive more acclaim because truly, anyone who enjoys clean romance should be reading her books. They are SO GOOD.

Others to note — I mentioned Becky Wade, Rachel Hauck, and Terri Blackstock above. I read quite a few from each of them this year and it’s easy to see why they’re the Big Names on the Christian fiction scene. Also deserving of note are Denise Hunter and Courtney Walsh, who put out some great books this year as well. I can’t wait to see what 2019 holds! (Bethany Turner, I’m looking at you, lady!)

I’d love to hear your thoughts and see what books YOU’ve chosen for your top of 2018. Share in the comments or stop by and tell me on social media!