Favorite Reads of 2014

I know it's been ages since I've written this blog (and it's a bit past New Years) but life has been busy. I did want to post an article about my favorite books of this past year. As a librarian, I love to read, and it helps me with my job. I order the fiction titles for my library, and I also edit a monthly staff picks newsletter to which I usually contribute one or two reviews. Below are a list of some of the books I've reviewed and my ten favorite for 2014.

1. Me Before You by Jojo Moyes - This is a different type of book about a woman who falls in love with a paraplegic. The characters were portrayed realistically, and it made me cry at the end.

2. I've Got You Under My Skin by Mary Higgins - a suspenseful read that keeps you guessing who-dun-it.

3. Watching You by Michael Robotham - Another suspenseful read with an intricate plot with a twist.

4. Tapestry of Fortunes by Elizabeth Berg - a feel good book about finding the true meaning of life and living it to the fullest.

5. The Miniaturist by Jessie Burton - historical debut and a fascinating tale.

6. I Remember You: A Ghost Story by Yrsa Sigurdardottir - This will send shivers up your spine.

7. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn - Popular missing wife story that has become a movie.

8. Leaving Time by Jodi Picoult - This book features themes of animal wildlife, elephants, romance, and the paranormal.

9. The Girl Who Came Home: A Novel of the Titanic by Hazel Gaynor - Fictional tale based on the true events of the Titanic disaster.

10. The Christmas Cat by Melody Carlson - Cozy Christmas romance about a man who must find homes for six cats and how he finds love along the way.

And, for the books I'm reading to start off 2015:

1.  Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel (so far, it's not what I expected but still a good story of what would happen if a flu wiped out most of the world.

2.  The Engagements by J. Courtney Sullivan - This book tells 5 different stories taking place at different time periods with the theme of engagements. The history and lore of the diamond ring is scattered throughout. Looks like this one will be a movie, too.

3. The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins - This is being compared to Gone Girl, so advertising is targeting it as the next BIG book. I have only just begun reading it, but I feel a good twist coming already.