My Year in Books - Top Reads for 2012

It has been another fantastic year for reading.  I had not had quite so much time with the wedding and the children, but reading is still my favourite way to relax and unwind.

My top 10 reads for 2012 are

• Publisher: Sphere (29 Sep 2011)
• ISBN-13: 978-0751547634
• Also available on Kindle

A magnificent debut novel from Jane Sanderson. When is the sequel due? 
5 out of 5 for me!  

I loved the way Laurie Graham gave us just enough to know that Enid and Bernard had missing pieces to their history without giving everything away. I felt Enid's frustration about the situation. She left me wondering whether Enid still had unanswered questions about Bernard at the end of the novel.  I found the way Enid handled Bernard at the end  of the novel satisfying and funny.

5 out of 5 for me!

• Format: Kindle Edition
• Publisher: Thornhill Print (4 Dec 2011)
• ASIN: B006ICFIZG

The storyline, set in Scotland, had me engaged right to the very end, with some very funny moments and some "I didn't see that coming" moments, too . All the characters were lovable, even Ross, in his own way. I loved it!
5 out of 5 for me!

• Publisher: Piatkus (2 Feb 2012)
• ISBN-13: 978-0749954499

A detailed and beautifully written novel that will stay with me for a long while.
5 out of 5 for me. Oh wow!  I loved it!

• Publisher: Ramjam Publishing Company (3 Oct 2012)
• ISBN-13: 978-0957378209 
• and on Kindle ASIN: B007RFBZPA

I warmed to all the characters.  John was especially handsome and oozed charm.  I hated the villain of the piece, Greg. I look forward to more from this author.

5 out of 5 for me!  Loved it!

• Publisher: Piatkus (3 May 2012)
• ISBN-13: 978-0749957766

This novel is brilliant. I was expecting a gentle regency romantic tale, which I do enjoy,  but this one can only be described as a regency rom-com.  It had me giggling away and could rival Bridget Jones any day.  

The weekend fun and frolics kept me entertained right to the very last page.  Such a shame the weekend came to an end.

5 out of 5 for me!

• Publisher: Choc Lit (7 Jun 2012)
• ISBN-13: 978-1906931728

The storyline flowed easily and the writing was superb, one of those novels that makes me wish I could write.
This story would appeal to historical romance and saga fans.
5 out of 5 for me!

• Publisher: Quercus (16 Aug 2012)
• ISBN-13: 978-1849164191

Oh yes, this one hit the spot.  A lovely read to curl up with on these autumnal evenings. 
Fabulous!  
4.5 out of 5 for me!

• Publisher: Choc Lit (7 Sep 2012)
• ISBN-13: 978-1906931674

I was not sure whether to put this in the historical fiction or historical romance genre.  It is much more than just a romance with wonderful descriptions of the landscape and people of Ladakh.
10 out of 10 for me! 

(I changed ratings from 5 to 10 to eliminate half scores)

• Publisher: Sandstone Press Ltd (16 April 2012)
• ISBN-13: 978-1905207855

In this novel mother-daughter relationships are explored through Willow's story and Beth's story. The author captures the fears of a mother with an asthmatic child, who is becoming more independent, very accurately. 

I loved this novel, not only because I could identify with Laura, but also because it was set in a familiar setting.  

10 out of 10 for me! 

The best of the rest.......

DizzyC