My top 7 favorite books of 2019

What books did you read this year?
Which ones did you love?
And which ones have you recommended to other readers?


I read 80 books this year and have picked the top ten that I loved. In no particular order, here they are:

THE WILL AND THE WILDS by Charlie Holmberg

Enna knows to fear the mystings that roam the wildwood near her home. When one tries to kill her to obtain an enchanted stone, Enna takes a huge risk: fighting back with a mysting of her own.

Maekallus’s help isn’t free. His price? A kiss. One with the power to steal her soul. But their deal leaves Maekallus bound to the mortal realm, which begins eating him alive. Only Enna’s kiss, given willingly, can save him from immediate destruction. 

 Opening line:
"A chill wind snakes its way through the wildwood, whispering of misfortunes to come."

Enna and Maekallus's story is an unlikely story, let alone a romantic one, since they are from two different worlds. Enna is from the mortal realm and Maekallus is from The Deep, where creatures with no soul live.
When Enna's home is invaded by a 'gobler' she realizes she has to be proactive in protecting her dad and her home. She makes a bargain with a narval that doesn't go as planned. When the bargain goes wrong, Enna and the narval, Maekallus have to race against death to save each other. 


SHADES OF MILK AND HONEY by Mary Robinette Kowal
 

 Shades of Milk and Honey is exactly what we could expect from Jane Austen if she had been a fantasy writer:.
Jane and her sister Melody vie for the attentions of eligible men, and while Jane’s skill with glamour is remarkable, it is her sister who is fair of face. When Jane realizes that one of Melody’s suitors is set on taking advantage of her sister for the sake of her dowry, she pushes her skills to the limit of what her body can withstand in order to set things right—and, in the process, accidentally wanders into a love story of her own.

Opening line:
"The Ellsworths of Park Longmead had the regard of their neighbors in every respect." 
 
A magical Pride and Prejudice...literally.
Pride and Prejudice meets The Paper Magician.



DUTCH GIRL: AUDREY HEPBURN AND WWII by Robert Matzen

 According to her son, Luca Dotti, “The war made my mother who she was.” Audrey Hepburn’s war included participation in the Dutch Resistance, working as a doctor’s assistant during the “Bridge Too Far” battle of Arnhem, the brutal execution of her uncle, and the ordeal of the Hunger Winter of 1944. She also had to contend with the fact that her father was a Nazi agent and her mother was pro-Nazi for the first two years of the occupation. But the war years also brought triumphs as Audrey became Arnhem’s most famous young ballerina. Audrey’s own reminiscences, new interviews with people who knew her in the war, wartime diaries, and research in classified Dutch archives shed light on the riveting, untold story of Audrey Hepburn under fire in World War II.


Opening line:
"Baroness Ella van Heemstra stood in the office of Adolph Hitler and offered her hand to the most famous man in the world, the man whose name was on simply everyone's lips."

I thought this was a fascinating read! I'd like to read more books from this author about stars and their war years.
Audrey was in the Netherlands when the Germans invaded. Her story is incredible; how she survived is a miracle. Ironically, during the same time frame, a young Jewish girl, Audrey's age, lived not too far away in a hidden part of a building. Anne Frank died in a concentration camp and her diary affected Audrey deeply. Anne's father, Otto, begged Audrey to portray his daughter in the movie, but Audrey couldn't. The pain of practically living through the war again was too hard.

I want to watch all of Audrey's movies now! I'm fascinated by this quiet, shy, compassionate woman who loved children and volunteered for UNICEF because of her years during the war. I would have liked to have met Audrey Hepburn. I've always thought she was so beautiful and graceful. 


LOVE IN DISGUISE by Anneka Walker

Marion Watt is set to embark on her first London Season, and her parents have spared no expense to help her secure a suitable husband. What she does not anticipate, however, is that the attentions of the insufferable Lord William Everton will be placed squarely on her. He might be the most sought-after bachelor of the Season, but she sees in him nothing but a frivolous cad.

Until William inherits his father's title and seat in parliament, he must rely on his own devices to change the world. Dressing like a ridiculous dandy serves its purposes, but he is certain his newest disguise will help him find a wife to please his parents and further his own agenda. From among the glittering group of debutantes, William finds only one woman who passes his test. Unfortunately, the perfect choice is the only woman in all of London who despises him.

  Opening line:
"Marion's fingers trembled with anticipation." 

 How the two come together is cute and I wish the 'scheme' would have been drawn out a little more.
Who comes between them adds tension to the story in all the right parts. I just wish Marion would been a little more brave and told the woman off.
Why someone adds tension and concern (the subplot) either didn't need to be in the story, or needed more fleshing out.
Throw in a death, a desperate woman and a gambling man and you have the makings for an intriguing romance.
BUT I did enjoy reading the story. I tried to put the book down around midnight and had to read 'just one more chapter' before going to sleep.
I've heard this is a debut novel, and it's fantastic. Good for Ms. Walker for writing flawed and human characters, bringing their world in vivid colors, and creating a story I wanted to keep reading. 


 THE UNWANTED: STORIES OF THE SYRIAN REFUGEES by Don Brown

Starting in 2011, refugees flood out of war-torn Syria in Exodus-like proportions. The surprising flood of victims overwhelms neighboring countries, and chaos follows. Resentment in host nations heightens as disruption and the cost of aid grows. By 2017, many want to turn their backs on the victims. The refugees are the unwanted.


Heartbreaking story that hasn't ended yet. Millions of displaced people who want a safe life. When I was in Greece, I toured a refugee camp. I met doctors, teachers, soldiers, bakers--all who escaped from violence, all who may never see their native lands again. The children...what will they know? What will they remember? What will they become?






DANCE OF THIEVES by Mary E Pearson
 

 A formidable outlaw family that claims to be the first among nations.
A son destined to lead, thrust suddenly into power.
Three fierce young women of the Rahtan, the queen's premier guard.
A legendary street thief leading a mission, determined to prove herself.
A dark secret that is a threat to the entire continent.
When outlaw leader meets reformed thief, a cat-and-mouse game of false moves ensues, bringing them intimately together in a battle that may cost them their lives―and their hearts.


 Opening line:
"Write it down, he had told me."

I couldn't put this put down! 



VOW OF THIEVES by Mary E. Pearson

Kazi and Jase have survived, stronger and more in love than ever. Their new life now lies before them―the Ballengers will be outlaws no longer, Tor's Watch will be a kingdom, and the two of them will meet all challenges side by side, together at last.

But an ominous warning mars their journey back, and in their rush to return to Tor's Watch, just outside the fortress walls, they are violently attacked and torn apart―and each is thrust into their own new hell.

Unsure whether the other is alive or dead, Kazi and Jase must keep their wits among their greatest enemies and unlikeliest allies. And all the while, Death watches and waits.




 Opening line:
"A dusty beam of light wormed its way through the stone, and I leaned in, hoping to steal some warmth."

I thoroughly loved Dance of Thieves, and so when I saw the next book was coming out, I grabbed it and I'm so glad I did.
First off: how can a human being write such intricate details about people, places and intrigue? What kind of brain does this amazing thing called storytelling and keeps the reader reading and trying to guess and falling in love with characters and wanting to stab the villains??
Second: Dual points of view chapters. Sometimes, one wasn't there...
Third: Kazi! She is a strong, strong woman and human being and she doesn't think she is but she is inside and out. "I'll take one for the team because I love my team." Every. Single. Time. Go to jail, get out of jail, fight someone or lots of someones, thrown in a cell, beaten, rescued and lovedlovedloved for her bravery and strength and dedication.
Fourth: HELLO JASE. That is all.
Fifth: Pacing was almost perfect. Okay, it was perfect.

VOW OF THIEVES (Dance of Thieves #2) by Mary E. Pearson

Kazi and Jase have survived, stronger and more in love than ever. Their new life now lies before them―the Ballengers will be outlaws no longer, Tor's Watch will be a kingdom, and the two of them will meet all challenges side by side, together at last.

But an ominous warning mars their journey back, and in their rush to return to Tor's Watch, just outside the fortress walls, they are violently attacked and torn apart―and each is thrust into their own new hell.

Unsure whether the other is alive or dead, Kazi and Jase must keep their wits among their greatest enemies and unlikeliest allies. And all the while, Death watches and waits.

 Opening line:
"A dusty beam of light wormed its way through the stone, and I leaned in, hoping to steal some warmth."

I thoroughly loved Dance of Thieves, and so when I saw the next book was coming out, I grabbed it and I'm so glad I did.
First off: how can a human being write such intricate details about people, places and intrigue? What kind of brain does this amazing thing called storytelling and keeps the reader reading and trying to guess and falling in love with characters and wanting to stab the villains??
Second: Dual points of view chapters. Sometimes, one wasn't there...
Third: Kazi! She is a strong, strong woman and human being and she doesn't think she is but she is inside and out. "I'll take one for the team because I love my team." Every. Single. Time. Go to jail, get out of jail, fight someone or lots of someones, thrown in a cell, beaten, rescued and lovedlovedloved for her bravery and strength and dedication.
Fourth: HELLO JASE. That is all.
Fifth: Pacing was almost perfect. Okay, it was perfect.

Can you tell I enjoyed the book? And you know what else I love?? DUOLOGIES! I love that the writing/publishing world is getting away from the series and going to 2 books. love it.
I'm ready for any and all new books Mary Pearson writes. Bring. it. on.

DANCE OF THEIVES by Mary E. Pearson

A new novel in the New York Times–bestselling Remnant Chronicles universe, in which a reformed thief and the young leader of an outlaw dynasty lock wits in a battle that may cost them their lives—and their hearts.

When the patriarch of the Ballenger empire dies, his son, Jase, becomes its new leader. Even nearby kingdoms bow to the strength of this outlaw family, who have always governed by their own rules. But a new era looms on the horizon, set in motion by a young queen, which makes her the target of the dynasty's resentment and anger.

At the same time, Kazi, a legendary former street thief, is sent by the queen to investigate transgressions against the new settlements. When Kazi arrives in the forbidding land of the Ballengers, she learns that there is more to Jase than she thought. As unexpected events spiral out of their control, bringing them intimately together, they continue to play a cat and mouse game of false moves and motives in order to fulfill their own secret missions.



  Opening line:
"Write it down, he had told me."

I can't wait for book #2!

THE ADORATION OF JENNA FOX by Mary E. Pearson

Seventeen-year-old Jenna has been told that is her name. She has just awoken from a year-long coma, and she's still recovering from the terrible accident that caused it. Her parents show her home movies of her life, her memories, but she has no recollection. Is she really the same girl she sees on the screen?

Little by little, Jenna begins to remember. Along with the memories come questions—questions no one wants to answer for her. What really happened after the accident?

In this fascinating novel, acclaimed author Mary E. Pearson presents an unforgettable look at one human life and a glimpse into a possible future that may be closer than we think.

I wasn't sure what to expect from this book but I guessed the twist early on. I enjoyed watching Jenna learn and grow through the story, from a coma patient with no memory to a strong girl who found she could live with herself.

This story reminds of the movie...no, I can't tell you or it would give it away.

It's an intriguing look at what could realistically happen in the future. The story made me reevaluate my feelings on...ah, can't tell you or it would spoil the story.

There was at least one loose end in the form of Dante. Why was he 'empty' as Jenna says he is??

The only twist I didn't totally see was at the end. I was worried about the ending but it was ironic and good.

Rating: PG

S: None

V: None

L: a few slang words

Page 69 test:

"Dane saunters past me and plops onto the couch. He is full of smiles. He seems to be the happiest of the group.

"You can put your stuff in there, if you like, " Allys tells me, pointing to a cabinet behind the library tables, All I have is a small knapsack containing my vial of nutrients, but I go ahead and wk to the other end of the room to put it away

"Wrong!" Dane calls out. "I stand corrected. You are one of us."

I turn back to him. "Pardon me?" I say.

"Your feet?"

"Leave it, Dane."

"What? We're supposed to pretend she doesn't walk funny?" Right, Allys. And you've got all your digits, and Ethan has a magnetic personality."

"Eat it," Ethan says and falls back into one of the sling chairs.

Gabriel slinks into the corner and sits at a Net state, looking small and thankful to be under the radar.

Allys works her way back to her chair. "Learn to ignore him, Jenna. The rest of us do."

I walk funny?

"It's okay," I say. "I had an--" Don't discuss the accident." --an illness. I'll be better soon."

"That's what we all say," Dane answers.

Dr. Rae breezes into the room "Jenna, you're here. Welcome! And You've all been getting acquainted. That's nice."

Nice.

I need to look that word up again."