So I’m going to thrill you all with my favourite reads of the year.

My reading 2010:  1o0 adult fiction & 30 non-fiction, 60 picture books, 23 junior (fic & non-fic), And that’s not counting the rereads! Sadly, this year none of my junior fiction, junior non-fiction or literary fiction made me want to run out and buy keepers. There were many lovely stories but nothing that stood out. Perhaps I will discover some keepers in 2011. I went through my notes for the year and I am posting any book that I scored 5/5. For me 5/5 means that I am will go out and buy myself a copy to keep forever and ever and ever so that I can re-read it whenever I feel like it so that I can savour those words (or pictures) over and over again.

Best Romance

Mr Cavendish I Presume by Julia Quinn – My biggest surprise this year was this gorgeous story. It is the 2nd of a two book series. The first book The Lost Duke of Wyndham was a good read but was not a keeper for me. I reluctantly picked up the twin novel and I am so glad I did. There were whispers, sighs, deeply romantic moments and I have reread this book twice since I finished it. Certainly my favourite fiction read for this year.

My 3 other romance keeper reads:

Crazy For Love by Victoria Dahl – yummy safety conscious hero

Just the Sexiest Man Alive by Julie James – I love her use of parenthesis

I’m in No Mood for Love by Rachel Gibson- Scrummy romance

Category Romance

Greek Tycoon, Inexperienced Mistress (Harlequin Presents) by Lynne Graham – this book made me cry – dammit. You have to give top marks to an author who applies every possible romance trope yet has such distinct internal voices for her characters that you tear up at page 150 despite knowing that there will be an HEA by page 180.

Undressed (Harlequin Blaze) by Heather MacAllister was different altogether. Unlike most category reads this book was a series of vignettes about different courting couples. Tied together by a bridal shop and a groom outfitter who run the two shops next  door to each other each story is unique. My only regret is that I borrowed this ebook through the library and I cannot find a print copy to own. And I really want a print copy.

Non-fiction

Apartment Therapy Presents: Real Homes, Real People, Hundreds of Design Solutions by Maxwell Gillingham-Ryan

I love the Apartment Therapy blog so I was very excited to see that the library had a copy of their book. And then I was even more excited to read the book. Full of beautiful design ideas, and floor plans, this book has provided me with hours of reading and visual enjoyment.

Other notable non-fiction:

Sh*t My Dad Says by Justin Halpern

Teen Fiction

I lurrrrrrrrrve Steven Herrick. His lovely lyrical stories are heartfelt and funny. My 2 top teen novels for this year were both his.

Slice by Steven Herrick
Lonesome Howl by Steven Herrick

Picture Books

Lots of them – lots lots lots!

Language:

The Wonky Donkey by Craig Smith – This is uber cool. The music is great and I have yet to meet a kid that does not join in the Wonky Donkey funkness!
Fancy Nancy by Jane O’Connor – I was never a girly girl yet this book has made me go out and buy numerous copies for nieces and little girl friends. Tiara time!

I Don’t Want a Cool Cat! by Emma Dodd

Illustration:

Miss Llewellyn-Jones Goes to Town by Elaine Forrestal

Flame stands waiting by Corinne Fenton, Sebastian Ciaffaglione

Hunting for Dragons by Bruce Whatley

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Tears:

Waiting for Mummy by Tae-Jun Lee & Dong-Sung Kim
Old Hu-Hu by Kyle Mewburn

Comedy:

Fifteen Animals! by Sandra Boynton – 1 word “Bob”

Sir Laughalot by Tony Mitton and Sarh Warburton

Dog Loves Books by Louise Yates