Top 14 of 2014

Unfortunately I did not make my Goodreads goal this year of reading 100 books. Funny how when I was working full time I could read at least 120 books in a year but now that my husband is retired and I am home all of the time I can't even get 100 read! Part of the problem was that I took on two huge crochet projects for the year. I decided to make all of the kids in our family and extended family afghans for their birthdays. So I made 8 afghans. Then about 2 months before Christmas I decided I wanted to make all of my Bible study women dishcloths and dishtowels. I then decided that would be the "gift" for several other people and so ended up making 25 sets! So I guess this year instead of reading I made it a crochet year. Maybe in 2015 I can catch up on all of the books I have stacked up in my library room and on my Kindle. Awww, who am I kidding? I'll never be caught up! And I'll keep on collecting!

The books I did finish this year were pretty amazing! As always, it is hard to narrow down my favorites, but I went through all of my reviews and picked my 5 heart reviews and then I read the reviews I wrote and came up with my top 14 of 2014. Have you read any of these? And if so, which ones did you like best?



14. TAKE A PICTURE by Lena Goldfinch and HOW A STAR FALLS by Amber Stokes: I chose these two books for my #14 pick. They were both SWEET short stories that I absolutely adored.

13. UNITED WE SPY by Ally Carter: The last book in the Gallagher Girls series did not disappoint! So good, but so sad that it is the end of the series.

12. NO ONE TO TRUST by Lynette Eason:  I read some great romantic suspense novels this year and this one was so good.

11. THE EMPIRE STRIKETH BACK and THE JEDI DOTH RETURN by Ian Doescher: These two books tickled my funny bone! Loved the mash-ups of Shakespeare and Star Wars. 

10.  RISE & SHINE by Sandra D. Bricker:  Such a cute fairy tale and one I totally enjoyed.

9. OPERATION ZULU REDEMPTION by Ronie Kendig: Loved this four part serial. Lots of suspense. Here are links to the rest of the serial:
Collateral Damage
Out of Nowhere
Hazardous Duty
Act of Treason

8. FALL OF NIGHT and DAYLIGHTERS by Rachel Caine: The last two books of the Morganville Vampire series. So exciting and soooo good! Oh, you must check out the Morganville Vampire video's on Youtube! There are several episodes that cover the first book. I enjoyed it very much as well as enjoying these last two books.

7. DARK TIDE by Susan Sleeman: The last book in the Justice Agency series was my favorite of the series. Susan Sleeman definitely knows how to write a great suspense!

6. KISS OF REVENGE by Debbie Viguie: The last book in the Kiss trilogy. How can you resist a "Christian" vampire story? Loved how the author handled redemption in this series.

5. DECEIVED by Irene Hannon: I think everyone knows that Irene Hannon can write a great suspense novel. Loved this last book in the Guardians of Justice series.

4. FIRE & ASH by Jonathan Maberry: ZOMBIES!! And another ending to a series. This was such an excellent series and this one was probably my favorite out of the four.

3. DELUGE by Lisa T. Bergren: The last book in The River of Time series. It was heart-wrenching and exciting and emotional throughout the whole book. Loved this series so much!

2. SURPRISED BY LOVE by Julie Lessman: I'm beginning to believe that it wouldn't be a favorites post without a Julie Lessman book on it! Once again this was the ending to a series. I loved it as I have the whole series. Loved the final outcome of Cait and Logan's relationship.

1. THE SEAHORSE LEGACY by Serena Chase: PIRATES! You can't go wrong with pirates! I absolutely loved this book to the point of gushing when I wrote the review. I cannot wait for the next one in the series.

It is always interesting to me when I put together my favorites list to see how eclectic I really am when I read. From vampires and zombies to a bit of tongue-in-cheek Shakespeare to some fantasy and a lot of romantic suspense. I love reading and suspect I always will. In 2014 I was a bit more particular of what I read and I imagine that this year I will be even more so. The older I get the busier I seem to be. As much as I love to escape to a pretend world in my reading, my relationship with the Lord, my family and my friends are way more important to me.

So as we leave 2014 behind and look forward to 2015 I pray your year will be blessed and that you have many happy reading experiences!