Books that made me go wow in 2016

I’ve had a great year of book reading and would like to share a few books that I’ve read this year that to me gave me the ‘wow’ factor.  A few of the books I have chosen stretched my reading and took me out of my comfort zone but I was so pleased that I trusted in the publishers and authors to open my eyes to new words.

I would like to say a big thank you to all the publishers and authors who kindly sent their books for me to voluntarily review.  I’ve also purchased a fair few books this year there have been so many great new releases that I’ve been excited to add to my TBR pile.  One of these days I will get to the bottom of this pile, or maybe not!?  I’d also like to add my thanks to the great book blogging community.  It is a wonderful arena of likeminded people sharing the love of books and reading and the support is amazing, thank you all 🙂

The Ballroom by Anna Hope

“This was a truly beautiful love story, a unique one, one that I’ll never forget. I was totally heartbroken at the end and couldn’t control my emotions. A stunning, poignant story that left me shattered with emotions. I’m expecting The Ballroom to be a huge success for Anna Hope, this story is just beautiful.”

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ballroom-Anna-Hope/dp/0857521969/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1482586120&sr=1-1

 

Dear Dad by Giselle Green

“This was a beautiful story, well written dealing with some difficult subjects. Although the storyline was very raw and emotive at times the underlining current was heartwarming, inspiring and full of hope.”

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dear-Dad-Giselle-Green-ebook/dp/B01D7E5GPY/ref=sr_1_1_twi_kin_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1482586456&sr=1-1&keywords=dear+dad+giselle+green

The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper by Phaedra Patrick

“This was such a remarkable story and has been one of my favourite reads so far this year. I believe it would make a great movie and would love to see the actor Bill Nighy play the character of Arthur.  A wonderful, charming, quirky, life affirming story.”

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Curious-Charms-Arthur-Pepper/dp/184845435X/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1482586766&sr=1-1

 

Valentina by SE Lynes

“The story takes lots of twists and turns that keep you gripped and guessing to the very end. To read a book in a genre I don’t normally read and to be gripped by the complexities of the characters and storyline is the sign of a great author. A very promising start to a debut author’s career. I’m so pleased I stepped out of my comfort zone.”

 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Valentina-Hauntingly-Intelligent-Psychological-Thriller-ebook/dp/B01EVRUUMU/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1482587061&sr=1-1&keywords=valentina+by+s+e+lynes

Sunshine over Wildflower Cottage by Milly Johnson

“This was such a wonderful feel good story about love, loss, friendships, new beginnings with a touch of magic and mystery. From the first sight of the sunny, gorgeous illustrations on the cover of this novel you can expect an equally delightful read. I have thoroughly enjoyed all of Milly’s previous books and this book was just as good, if not better, than her others.”

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sunshine-Wildflower-Cottage-Milly-Johnson-ebook/dp/B0151VOGD4/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1482587216&sr=1-1&keywords=sunshine+over+wildflower+cottage

Valley of the Dolls by Jacqueline Susann

“Just as the young stars were drawn to drink and drugs I felt myself as a reader ‘drugged’ by the words on the pages. I couldn’t get enough. I was eager to know what happened next. On the one hand Valley of the Dolls was shocking, tragic and heart breaking BUT on the other it was also glamorous, sexy and very indulgent!”

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Valley-Dolls-Anniversary-Jacqueline-Susann-ebook/dp/B01E1QW4KC/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1482587461&sr=1-1&keywords=valley+of+the+dolls

Devastation Road by Jason Hewitt

“This was a very poignant, engaging read that throws no punches and shows the raw side of people trying to survive a war that has shaken the world to it’s core. Jason Hewitt manages to open your eyes and feel the hidden sights and sounds in a landscape torn apart. Such a horrific time for all but humanity remained and the tender, heartrending moments felt more intense. This is a story that I won’t forget in a long time.”

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Devastation-Road-Jason-Hewitt-ebook/dp/B00O65XA5C/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1482587628&sr=1-1&keywords=devastation+road

Late Summer in the Vineyard by Jo Thomas

“This story was so beautiful and warm hearted however, there were some quite poignant, tender moments that took over my emotions. The author was so detailed with her descriptions of the setting, the vineyards, the food I was enthralled throughout. With chemistry sizzling between several characters the story was given even more charming moments. When I finished this gorgeous novel I wanted to go back to the beginning and read it all over again. A warm and welcoming read with enough depth and sparkle to leave you hungry and thirsty for more.”

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Late-Summer-Vineyard-Jo-Thomas-ebook/dp/B0113JMEZ0/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1482587837&sr=1-1&keywords=late+summer+in+the+vineyard+jo+Thomas

Somebody Else’s Boy by Jo Bartlett

“Jo Bartlett has written a wonderful tale set around an idyllic coastal bay in the south of England with characters that are easily relatable and you find yourself loving as each page is read. I instantly fell for little Toby. This story subtly deals with grief, loss, betrayal, abuse, new beginnings all with such a warmth that you get enveloped in the emotions the characters are feeling but you don’t feel depressed … a story with hope and strength emanating from new beginnings mixed with a big dose of love.”

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Somebody-Elses-Boy-Nicholas-Bay-ebook/dp/B01IDPQBSI/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1482588119&sr=1-1&keywords=somebody+else%27s+boy

Moondance by Diane Chandler

“I’ve never read a story based around IVF before and initially you would imagine it to be quite depressing but Moondance was an altogether different story. Diane Chandler has created a masterpiece in wrapping a highly sensitive, emotive storyline with scenes of warmth and humour. This raw, honest story will tug at your heart and will never leave your mind.”

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Moondance-WINNER-PEOPLES-PRIZE-FICTION-ebook/dp/B01K0LA8KU/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1482588245&sr=1-1&keywords=moondance+by+diane+chandler

The Shogun’s Queen by Lesley Downer

“This was such an epic story that sent my emotions soaring high and dramatically cascading low. I was enchanted by the author Lesley Downer’s beautiful words describing a colourful world. I felt instantly transported to a land far, far away to a time where legends and rituals were significant and paramount. To a time were the unknown were feared. A time when sacrifices had to be made for the sake of the countries survival.”

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Shoguns-Queen-Shogun-Quartet-Book-ebook/dp/B017DIJ2ZK/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1482588405&sr=1-1&keywords=the+shogun%27s+queen

 

Cedarwood Lodge series by Rebecca Raisin

“Cedarwood Lodge has been such a treat. I’m now feeling quite hungover with book love for the friends I’ve grown to love at Cedarwood Lodge. I do hope Rebecca Raisin will revisit Cedarwood Lodge in the future. I could happily read the whole series back to back again!”

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Celebrations-Confetti-Cedarwood-Lodge-hilarious-ebook/dp/B01JNHHDP0/ref=sr_1_2?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1482588636&sr=1-2&keywords=rebecca+raisin

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Brides-Bouquets-Cedarwood-Lodge-Christmas-ebook/dp/B01I9AEIEQ/ref=pd_sim_351_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=RCK7P1N5SE6NE5NE6139

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Midnight-Mistletoe-Cedarwood-Lodge-uplifting-ebook/dp/B01JBIQOOC/ref=pd_sim_351_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=DA7NGZMEM5VJ52DM7F0Q

I’d like to wish you all a Happy Christmas and a Healthy, Prosperous New Year … keep the books flowing 🙂