Welcome to my annual “best-of” celebration!
I set a Goodreads reading goal at 80 books! Last year I exceeded this number, but this year I didn’t quite get there with 74+ ,which is fine by me! It’s an ideal, not something I really payed attention to working toward.
Looking back at my reading habits of 2021, I see I have read quite a bit of historical fiction! I’ve included more titles in the histfic category for this best-of list. If you’d like to see all of the books I read and read more extensive reviews, check out my 2021 Goodreads Year in Books or browse my blog archives.
THE (self-imposed) RULES: because sometimes I need to keep things brief, I’m choosing to share 3 things that describe each of these stories along with a link to Goodreads and my review (if applicable). At the end, I’ll be sharing popular posts on the blog this year.
All titles are inspirational fiction unless noted with *.
Best Books of 2021
Novellas
The Journey of Runs-Far by Lori Benton | Review
Redemption. Family ties. Freedom.
Snowbound by Carla Laureano | Review
Rivals. Sentimentality. Blizzard.
Split Time
On the Cliffs of Foxglove Manor by Jaime Jo Wright | Review
Atmospheric. Sibling bonds. Hope.
The London House by Katherine Reay | Review
Truth. History’s influence. Healing.
Hope Between the Pages by Pepper Basham | Review
Legacy. Longing. Story.
Contemporary
Let It Be Me by Becky Wade | Review
Dialogue! Magnetic romance. Identity.
Is It Any Wonder by Courtney Walsh | Review
Genuine characters. Forgiveness. Idyllic setting.
Beyond the Tides by Liz Johnson | Review
Dreams. Lobster determination. Joy.
Thriller & Suspense
John Eyre by Mimi Matthews* | Review
Brilliant retelling. Gothic. Threads of light.
The Curse of Morton Abbey by Clarissa Harwood* | Review
Sacrifice. Classic influence. Conquering love.
A Brush with Shadows by Anna Lee Huber* | Review
Setting as a character. Personal mystery. Married relationship growth.
Historical
The Ice Swan by J’nell Ciesielski | Review
Intrigue. Trust. Romantic prose.
Tidewater Bride by Laura Frantz | Review
Tender romance. Endurance. Riveting events.
When Twilight Breaks by Sarah Sundin | Review
Intelligent romance. Justice. Sacrificial Love.
Mountain Laurel by Lori Benton | Review
Epic story. Lyrical. Grace.
A Portrait of Loyalty by Roseanna M. White | Review
Fitting title. Unique perspective. Patterns.
The Mozart Code by Rachel McMillan (2022 release) | Review
Nuanced romance. Bravery. Sacrifice and loyalty as love.
Popular #OnTheBlog in 2021
Most popular posts:
- Favorite quotes from “Persuasion” by Jane Austen
- Top Ten Tuesday: 10 Novels with the Most Unique Settings
- Favorite Quotes from “The Blue Castle” by L. M. Montgomery
- Book Review: “The Headmistress of Rosemere” by Sarah Ladd
- Book & Film Pairings, Edition 5 (North & South)
Most popular new book reviews:
- Tidewater Bride by Laura Frantz
- A Peculiar Combination by Ashley Weaver
- Beauty Among Ruins by J’nell Ciesielski
- Plot Twist by Bethany Turner
- Come Back to Me by Jody Hedlund
As always, thank you for being a blog reader in 2021 and beyond. Many thanks and appreciation to the publishers and authors who have graciously included me on their review teams this year. It has been a joy to be a part of this bookish community!
What are your favorite books you read this year? Do we share any favorites? Did you post a list of favorites on your blog or social media? I’d love for you to share in the comments!
The Green Mockingbird 
It is so hard to make a list like this and so hard to narrow it down. We do share some of the same favorites and several of yours are on my TBR pile! I have not read Mimi Matthews but plan to. I have not heard of Clarissa Harwood and Anna Lee Huber. Here is my post: https://cindysbookcorner.blogspot.com/2021/12/best-of-best-2021.html
THank you SO MUCH, Courtney!! YOu are such a wonderfully bookish encourager!