My Favorite 9 Reads of 2018...So Far

Can you believe we are halfway through 2018? I can't. Even though the year has been busy and filled with fun, I have found time to read my way through 60 books! Since I am often asked for recommendations, I have gone through my Goodreads 2018 shelf and selected the books that have left the biggest impressions on me so far.

My Favorite 9 Reads of 2018

I narrowed the list from 60 to 9 in a very scientific manner - Instagram layout only allows for 9 photos, so there you go. With that being said, these are the books that I either read as quickly as possible because they were so entertaining or books that have stayed on my mind weeks/months after I closed the last page.

To make it easy on you, I am telling you why you should read it in one to two sentences only!

Biggest Surprise

The Chilbury Ladies' Choir by Jennifer Ryan

I did not expect much from this book, but I ended up loving the way the story unfolded through letters and stories. It is the kind of book that makes you want to sit in a comfy chair with a cup of coffee/tea/glass of wine and savor each word.

Best Thrill

The Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn

If you are looking for a thriller, check this one out! Full of Alfred Hitchcock and old movie talk, this book reads like a modern Hitchcock film with an ending I did not see coming.

Most Emotionally Satisfying 

The Music Shop by Rachel Joyce

Full of quirky characters and music lyrics, this book filled me up. It is the kind of book I will not soon forget and one that I will likely go back to when I am going through a hard time.

Best Audiobook

An American Marriage by Tayari Jones

The book, itself, has received tons of praise - and it is well deserved! I listened to the audiobook version, and I found myself unable to stop listening even for a second because I had to know what decisions the characters would make.

Best Cry for Women

The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah

If you want a good book cry, you read Kristin Hannah. On top of the usual tearfest, this one set in the wilderness of Alaska made me think it should be advertised as Hatchet for women.

Faith for the Rest of Us Pick

The Very Worst Missionary by Jamie Wright

A former missionary, Jamie Wright tells her story from salvation to the mission field and back again. She is crass and crude (this is not your run-of-the-mill Christian memoir), but she will make you think about missions in a new way.

Best Romantic Comedy

How to Walk Away by Katherine Center

This was a book I picked up and didn't put down until I finished. It reads just like a movie, and the male lead is the female lead's grumpy Scottish physical therapist.

Best Historical Fiction

The Summer Wives by Beatriz Williams

Murder, family drama, scandals, secrets, and a love across the wrong side of the tracks plot line is always a good choice. Set it in an interesting time in history and you have a winner! *Releasing July 10, 2018

Best Fun Frothy Read

Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan

I am super late to the party on this one, but the movie preview made me finally check this one out. And, I totally get the hype, and so will you!


Which books have been your favorite reads so far this year? Let me know!