My Top Five Books Of 2016.

Just in case you are looking for a last minute Christmas gift, either for yourself (go on, you deserve it) or a loved one, I thought I’d recommend my top five books from my favourite genres of women’s fiction/romantic fiction this year.

In the past I have often stuck to the authors I know and love but, thanks to NetGalley, I’ve not only been able to pick up some familiar favourites but also find some lovely new authors to add to my ‘must read’ list.

Picking just five (ok, six) from the 17 I’ve reviewed this year was tough because I enjoyed them all but I was lucky enough to get my hands on some truly standout novels, which I happily recommend.

1 – Joint first place goes to Joanna Bolouri and her (rather sweary) book The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year and Isabelle Broom with A Year And A Day. I don’t give out five stars lightly but I loved these two from start to finish (literally from the first sentence in A Year And A Day). The fact I still occasionally think about the characters many weeks after I finished them made picking them as my top choices very easy.

2 – One Christmas In Paris by Mandy Baggot. I always know I’m going to enjoy a book by this author but I feel she added something a little bit extra this time.

3 – Mistletoe On 34th Street by Lisa Dickenson. This book made me snort. You might not think that’s a good thing but to me it was the sign of a very funny and enjoyable read.

4 – Snowflakes On Silver Cove by Holly Martin. The first book I actually reviewed this year. Even though it’s a Christmas novel, I bought it in January and it made me feel festive all over again. Holly Martin was new to me at that point but I have since devoured all of her books.

5 – Miss Wrong And Mr Right by Robert Bryndza. There are some fabulous characters in this book, including a hilarious Hungarian gran, who I think should have her own series.

Thank you so much to all of the authors (and their publishers) for letting me review their books. As a would-be writer I have nothing but respect for anyone who can pen an entire novel, let alone of the quality I have been privy to this year.

I’ve already read some amazing books set to be published in 2017 and I can’t wait to share them.

What has been your favourite book of 2016? I’m always looking for more things to read.