Miranda's August Musings
Hello dear readers! I've decided to do what everyone else seems to do and tell you the Best Books I've Read this year. Everyone loves lists, right? You know, Summer Reading, Winter Reading (just did that, check it out here), Prize Winners for A, B, C and D awards; I just lap it up. At the beginning of each year we at Breathless pick our top read for the previous year. But picking just one isn't enough for me.
So, ta-dah! Here are my romance Best Books so far for 2019! And gosh, I just realised what a terrible dilemma it's going to be to narrow it down!
MARRY IN SECRET by beloved Aussie author Anne Gracie.
 |
| Photo credit: amazon.com |
This is the 3rd book in Anne Gracie's 'Marriage of Convenience' series, and if you haven't already read them I urge you to start (what joy ahead). I cannot stress to you how much I love and adore Anne's books. Her characters strive to be the best people they can be, and encourage others around them to also step up; human nature at its best. They are kind, protective, valiant, strong, loving and utterly heroic. Add to that Anne's beautiful romance and fabulous sense of humour, and my heart is happy. There is a comic 'bonding' scene in this book between the heroine's brother and her suddenly-returned-from-the-dead naval husband, guaranteed to make you laugh. I love the fun in Anne's books, but this is just one scene out of many. A book full of absolute romance magic.
 |
| Photo credit: amazon.com |
What a delight this was to read! Fresh and funny, the story of flatmates who share a flat but actually don't meet for months. One works night shift: Leon, a quiet, introverted palliative care nurse; the other works during the day: Tiffy, a bubbly book editor, whose clothing choices would probably blind you in direct sunlight. Intrigued? I was, and it certainly paid off. The endless Post-it notes they leave each other are delightful, showing their different personalities - and also mark the beginning of a scrumptious romance, even though they're the last to know it. So many thanks, Beth O'Leary!
 |
| Photo credit: amazon.com |
If' you read and enjoyed Sally Thorne's debut The Hating Game then it's probably a no-brainer to reach for her second book 99 Percent Mine, a walk on the wilder side, with dark humour and Darcie, a full-on heroine you might find confronting at first. I confess I was initially a bit startled by Darcie's fierceness, and how savagely biting her dialogue and thoughts are. But then I totally 'got' her defensive humour and ripped through the story so fast it was incredibly sad to reach the end... 99 Percent Mine is a romance for today, for the readers who want something to break through past perceptions of schmaltzy romance and take it to the next (edgy) level. 100 percent enjoyment!
 |
| Photo credit: amazon.com |
I was bewitched by this charming read, a deceptively gentle rural/farm/family story from New Zealand. It's not a 'romance' as such until about half way through the book, then, wow, look out! At the beginning poor Jenny is confronted by news of her husband's affair with the next door neighbour - and that makes her already difficult day terrible. Outfall is inevitable and messy, but Danielle Hawkins writes with such strength, warmth, wit and wonderful characters, the story enchants. The book has a tremendous heart, and Jenny is terrific. I never thought I'd enjoy a day on the farm quite so much. You'll understand the custard reference when you read it!
 |
| Photo credit: amazon.com |
I've mentioned the lovely Miss Prim in my post on Winter Reading but I simply have to add it in here with my faves. It's a beautiful book if you want to sit and bathe yourself in sunshine and luscious romance for the afternoon. One of the reasons I loved this book (and there are many) is the way the hero and heroine are so nice to each other. They haven't had the best of interactions in the past, but being on a Greek island together is a sure thing for magic to start. This is all about new beginnings, new possibilities, and a sparkling new romance. Win, win, win.
 |
| Photo credit: amazon.com |
Sometimes you just need gentle, so this is perfect. Miriam, the youngest of the Holley Sisters, arrives home pregnant and alone. As her father was the vicar of Thornthwaite, and her sister is about to be married to the now recumbent vicar, Miriam feels her pregnancy brings difficulties into the family and church community. But the Holleys are made of love. Arms open everywhere, even in unexpected places. The romance in this book is a surprise. I can't give it away, but it makes complete sense once you realise where it's headed. Read this one with a sigh and a smile.
So! I could keep on and on and on... There are so many other fabbo romances that just beg to have their moment of fame, and I feel so sad I've left them out... Maybe (brightening up) I can do another blog towards the end of the year about the ones I've missed...???
Meanwhile, what's been your best reads so far this year?
Looking forward to hearing about your favourites!
Love from Miranda xx
Love to love:
So much variety in romance these days! You can always suit your mood!
Love to laugh:
When authors gift us funny scenes. Always makes me happy.
Love to learn:
What are your favourite reads so far in 2019?
Morning Miranda
ReplyDeleteWhat a fabulous list and I have to say choosing my favourites is always so very hard because we are so spoilt for fantastic books to read.
I have read 4 of these books and I loved Anne Gracie's and Michelle Douglas's, Flat Share what a great find that one was I loved it.
I do love seeing what other people have read and their thoughts :)
Have Fun
Helen
Hi Helen, you and I are sisters from other mothers when it comes to reading romance! We both love it so much! And yes, almost impossible to narrow down the choices! Hopefully other people let us know what they've loved so far this year.
ReplyDeleteWow, I'm so thrilled to be listed in such fine company — thanks so much, Miranda. I've got the Sally Thorne one but haven't yet read it, and who could resist the title "When it All Went to Custard"? Not me. I've been meaning to check it out and now will definitely grab it. I adore getting book recommendations.
ReplyDeleteAnne, thanks for dropping by! Wow, after your conference going you must be on a high. And of *course* I couldn't leave you out. So much special love for your beautiful 'Marry In Secret'. Yes, I love the 'Custard' title too - and all does become clear when you read it. (About the custard, I mean.) I hope you enjoy Sally Thorne as much as I did. Very edgy and modern. Sending you happy thoughts.
DeleteWhat a great list! Love the ones I've read - will now look up the ones I haven't!
ReplyDeleteFabulous! Enjoy reading your way through. And do let us know any other winners you come across.
DeleteHi Miranda. I'm not prolific when it comes to reading. Blame it on lack of time but I have discovered a few favourites this year. Anne Gracie's Marry in Secret - love this book as much as the others in the series. Kelly Hunter's Emma (Brides of Wirralong series) - gorgeous characters, gorgeous story. Tess Woods' Love and Other Battles - beautiful, simply beautiful.
ReplyDeleteKelly Hunter's brides are on my TBR pile. Oh goodness, so many books, so little time! And also the Tess Woods. Thankyou for reminding me of them all, Enisa. Wonderful, wonderful gems.
DeleteHi Miranda, I loved "Marry in Secret" and "The Flatshare". I'm looking forward to reading your other recommendations.
ReplyDeleteThanks Sharon! You always come up with fabulous romance suggestions yourself, you make me scramble to find them asap...! Glad you've read two on the list, I just know you'll be as much in love with them as I am.
DeleteThanks for including A Vicarage Homecoming! I loved writing it, especially the labour scene :) The other books look great, will have to check them out!
ReplyDeleteKate, I'm just so delighted you popped in to say hi! I've thoroughly enjoyed your 'Vicarage' series, and am a bit sad it's over now. Yes, the labour scene was terrific - my goodness, talk about raising the stakes! But, awwww.... I was hoping we'd get to meet baby and we did. Such love. I'm going to find your other books now and get reading. Hope you do get a chance to check the other books. You never know, one might be a treasure for you, too. Lovely to chat!
DeleteOh, Miranda, I'm so honoured that Miss Prim has made your list. I loved writing that book with all of my madly beating heart. I've not read any of the other books on your list, though Anne's, Sally's and Kate's are all on my Kindle waiting for me. Am now going to add The Flatshare because it sounds utterly intriguing and I can't resist the title When it all went to Custard.
ReplyDeleteI've read some fab books so far this year. My standouts are Lucy Scores' Rock Bottom Girl, Caitlin Crews' A True Cowboy Christmas, and Kaylie Newell's Tanner's Promise. So looking forward to seeing what the rest of the year brings me in terms of new favourite books!
Thanks so much for stopping by, Michelle, lovely to have you here. I have to say, the other books have the best company with your lovely Miss Prim. So glad so many of the others are on your Kindle ready to go - and isn't that just the best feeling, knowing all that other wonderful reading is ahead? I adore it. And terrific to know your standouts as well. Onto my list now! I love reading other people's suggestions, it's very cool. Thanks so much Michelle.
DeleteThanks for these wonderful suggestions, Miranda! I'm about halfway through The Flat Share and really enjoying it, and all the rest of the books sound fabulous. My favourite read so far this year is Mariana by Susanna Kearsley - it's a timeslip novel.
ReplyDeleteMarilyn, I confess I've never read a Susanna Kearsley. Shocked? I am, because so many people have now told me about her and I haven't done anything about it. I will now! So glad you're enjoying The Flat Share, isn't it the most tremendous fun, with a serious undercurrent. You sort of laugh and gasp your way through.
DeleteGreat list! I feel honoured to be on it - I've read some of the other titles and really enjoyed them. Will get hold of the rest! Danielle x
ReplyDeleteDanielle! Thanks so much for stopping by, and waving hello across the ditch. Your wonderful 'Custard' book is creating quite the stir (see what I did there? I know, very bad pun, almost like a Dad joke..). NO seriously, it was terrific to read, and tugged at my heart. Thankyou! Glad you've also enjoyed some of the other books!
DeleteMiranda you are not helping my TBR pile situation! :) What a wonderful list of books - I have The Flat Share sitting on my desk to read. I'll be heading off to amazon now to add the others to my kindle. Now if only I could find a parallel universe to spend 24 hours a day reading and I'd be set. xx
ReplyDeleteI know, Jayne, sigh, too too hard sometimes, isn't it? But I'm thrilled to say I've pre-ordered your new book Loving Lucas, and can't wait to read it, too. Oh my, that cover is seriously gorgeous. It will drop into my Kindle just as I go on holidays. Very serendipitous! Enjoy The Flat Share, and any of the others you read. x
Delete