The Top Six of 2020

Ok, yes, I'm a few days off from when I actually wanted to post this (New Year's Eve), but there were a bunch of distractions this year (namely exhaustion that came about through "remote learning") that took me off my pace.

Luckily though, it didn't really stop my reading life. According to Goodreads, I read 49,574 pages across 149 books, and this number doesn't even include friends' manuscripts I had the honor of reading, or the handful of books I never listed as "read" on the site.

I can tell you honestly that I read some real awful stuff (I won't name names--after all, reading is a very subjective act), some things that were ok, but nothing I'd write home about, a lot of great books, and a handful of novels that stood out as being so incredibly amazing, I still think about them months later. And without hesitation, I'll say that their authors are some of the most wonderful humans on the planet.

So without further ado, my top six books (I wanted a top five, but didn't have the heart to leave out any one of these) of 2020, in no particular order:

To say that this book is about mothers and daughters sounds so obvious as to be laughable, but Kushwaha's book is a beautiful homage to that bond. It's a novel about the meaning of family, the secrets that have the power to tear us about, and the inner strength it takes to heal our hearts.

I fell in love with Veena, Mala, Nandini, and Asha. MANY tears were shed over the course of reading this and I can't wait to see what's on the horizon for one of Canada's breakout literary talents.

What could be better than an easy, breezy summer romance? And it's about authors stuck in a writing rut badly that they switch genres on a bet? This has charm written all over it.

Except you tricked me, Ms. Henry. This is no mere fluffy romance (disclaimer! There is nothing wrong with fluffy romance!). This is deep and moving and I was utterly unable to put it down. And yes, if you're like me, bring a box of tissues to have on hand, because you'll cry, which is a huge plus in my humble opinion.

"Brilliant" absolutely describes this book. I loved Eudora! She's such complex character and her musings on end of life wishes are nothing short of heart wrenching. But this heavy theme is ultimately incredibly uplifting--especially because of the nothing short of brilliant (I'm sorry!) relationship Eudora develops with the firecracker that is her ten-year-old neighbor, Rose.

What a treat to have finally discovered Annie Lyons--her books are now on my must-read list.

Add This Time Next Year to the list of romances that will destroy your heart and patch it up in the most wonderful ways.

A main character named Minnie Cooper? I was sold all over that. And I didn't even think of the car (which is one of my favorites--all I had in the back of my mind was The Wonder Years. And renaming Quinn "Devin Arnold!"

Charming, sweet, heartfelt and perfect--I didn't think I was a romance fan, but if I can find more like this, I'll read them forever.

A book set at the conclusion of WWII about a group of English men and women dedicated to the memory of Jane Austen? It doesn't get much better than that.

This story is just gorgeous (and there are tears, don't forget those tears!). If you don't fully fall in love with Adeline and Doctor Gray, well, I guess you're into a whole other genre of books.

The Jane Austen Society is an exceptional example of historical fiction done right.

Wow.

This book is just...stunning? beautiful? Magnificent?

Let's just start with that cover--it's absolute artwork. I read The All-Night Sun as an eARC, but I had to have this on my bookshelf.

Diane Zinna penned a masterpiece about broken, grieving people that will stay with you long after you close the back cover. Her writing is some of the best I've read and I can't wait to read it again. And it's all set in beautiful Sweden.

So there you have it. Thanks for reading on and allowing me to share these with you. I've tried to be quick, but trust me, you'll want to savor these books. And thanks to the writers who shared their words and their hearts. I can't wait to read what's coming next. <3