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.
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| 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.
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| 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!
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| 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!
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| 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!
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| 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.
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| 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?
