Wow, another year over already and what a year it’s been! Despite being pregnant for 9 months of it and then having a new baby for the remainder, I actually managed to read one book more than last year, ending with a total of 34. I’m still yet to reach the elusive goal of 52 books that I set myself every year on Goodreads, but one day I’ll manage it!
As always, it’s time to round-up my top ten reads of 2019, with number one being my favourite. Don’t forget to let me know if you’ve shared a top ten on your blog or elsewhere, I always read them and add loads more to my TBR list.
I am so, so behind on reviews so not all of these have a review on the blog yet, but this year I gave every one of them a five star rating on Goodreads.
10. Eve of Man By Giovanna and Tom Fletcher
I’m a huge McFly fan and also love Giovanna Fletcher’s books but I wasn’t sure whether this one would live up to its great-sounding synopsis. Eve is the first girl born in fifty years, which means the future of humanity is in her hands. I enjoyed it far more than expected and am looking forward to reading the next book in the trilogy.
Add Eve of Man to your Goodreads list, or view it on Amazon.
9. Heartstream by Tom Pollock
A YA thriller that centres around a futuristic app that lets others feel your emotions. There are twists and turns throughout this unique and addictive read.
8. My Not So Perfect Life by Sophie Kinsella
I love Sophie Kinsella, so it’s no surprise that this made it onto my top ten this year. I found the characters funny and relatable and really enjoyed the relationships they had with one another, including the swoon-worthy romance.
7. Split Second by Kasie West
This is the second book in the Pivot Point duology about a girl with the power to see the outcome of two decisions. I really loved these books and would highly recommend them – they’re lots of fun but also thought-provoking and quite emotional. This one took me by surprise by going in a direction I didn’t see coming at all. If you’re curious, find out more in my review of Pivot Point.
6. The Art of Being Normal by Lisa Williamson
A brilliant book about a boy that has always wanted to be a girl. It’s closer look at what it’s like to be transgender as a teenager and how it can affect families and friendships too.
5. Saint Anything by Sarah Dessen
This one I really, really loved. Saint Anything made me smile, it made me cry, it made me frustrated and it filled my heart with joy. I devoured it and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to any YA contemporary fan. Read my Saint Anything review for more.
4. Pictures of Lily by Paige Toon
Last year I fell in love with Paige Toon after reading the Jessie Jefferson novels, so this year I have been reading through them in order. Pictures of Lily is a great one – our characters find themselves in Australia with settings familiar to me after a big trip there in 2018, and the romance is unexpected and heart-warming.
3. Starry Eyes by Jenn Bennett
Exploration and adventure, friendship that becomes romance and brilliant writing that’ll have you hooked, this is a YA gem that I discovered on my TBR shelf this year. Read my full Starry Eyes review for more.
2. A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson
Now that is how a YA thriller is done. I loved the structure, the characters and the unexpected twists. Highly recommended and I can’t wait to read more from Holly Jackson.
1. Chasing Daisy by Paige Toon
This one really stands out to me as my favourite of the year. I completely fell in love with this story. I don’t want to give too much away (side note: I wouldn’t recommend reading the blurb of Paige Toon’s books, sometimes they tell you far too much of the story!) but know that it’s both heartwarming and heartbreaking and really bloomin’ good.
Bonus: My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick
I’ve added a bonus book that I have 4.5 stars because I think having two books by the same author in a top ten is a bit poo, so I’m making up for it with one more recommendation. This book has a lot of similarities to Saint Anything and I enjoyed it a lot more than expected to. It’s a wonderful, heartfelt YA with a dreamy romance.
