While we’re all wrestling with getting back in the swing of post-holiday life, pondering our One Word, and declaring our resolutions, today I thought I’d look back at the best books I read in 2013.

I always find time to read. Even at the expense of sleep sometimes. However, I tried to take my writing aspirations more seriously in 2013 and didn’t finish reading as many books as I’d hoped. Still, when Modern Mrs. Darcy offered a chance to link up, I couldn’t resist chiming in with my faves. Here they are, fiction only, in no particular order.

1.  The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh. Absolutely phenomenal. After aging out of the foster care system at eighteen, Victoria’s difficult childhood has saddled her with serious issues. Ultimately it’s a novel about what we will (or won’t) do for a second chance at happiness.

2. Calling Me Home  by Julie Kibler is a “soaring debut interweaving the story of a heartbreaking, forbidden love in 1930s Kentucky with an unlikely modern-day friendship”. -Amazon.com

I couldn’t have said it better myself. A must-read. Go. Get it now. You won’t regret it.

3. Five Days In Skye by Carla Laureano. I read as many debut authors as I can … mostly to see what I’m up against. 😉 This novel was recommended by another author (Becky Wade) and I’m glad she did. A clean romance, well-written descriptions that made me feel like I was in the middle of Scotland, and realistic characters made for a fun, fast-paced inspirational romance.

4. Unwritten by Charles Martin. If I were forced to declare a favorite–and I could, because this is my blog–this would be the one. It’s strange, yet captivating, a true work of art that the reader must savor. I couldn’t stop reading but I was so sad when it was over.

“A spellbinding novel…Charles Martin took the threads of his storyline and wrapped them around my heart. His unforgettable characters captivate as they confront their hidden pasts and build upon their futures with faith, friendship, and grace.”
-Elin Hilderbrand, author of Beautiful Day on Unwritten

5. Sleeping In Eden by Nicole Baart. Another writer who spills words onto the pages in a way that captivates me. When I start to read Nicole Baart’s books, I tell myself to take it slow, because it’s over when it’s over. This time I behaved and read a chapter (ok, maybe two) before bed. A great story.

There you have it. A difficult selection process but a fun reflection on the stories I enjoyed the most in 2013. I can’t wait to see what literary delights 2014 brings.

How about you? Any incredibly wonderful books you’d care to share? So many fabulous lists are already up over at Modern Mrs. Darcy. So post yours and link up here.