Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created by The Broke and The Bookish.
Well, it’s that time of year again – Christmas is upon us and soon after 2018 will follow. A perfect opportunity, I think, to reflect on the most enjoyable books of the year with this week’s Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Favourite Books of 2017.
This week’s top ten selection is an eclectic mix, pulling from different genres – contemporary, historical, fantasy and even crime – and a variety of authors. Some books are bestsellers, some are perhaps less well-known. Some are published traditionally, others are self-published (can I get a cheer for indie authors – woop!). But all are amazing. Ready? Let’s go!
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine – Gail Honeyman
I know I have probably raved about this book to anyone who will listen to me this year but honestly, it’s just amazing. I have never read anything quite like it and it gave me a total book hangover which is always a good sign. I believe this book has done pretty well this year, topping the bestsellers’ lists and winning accolades aplenty, including a spot on the shortlist for the Costa First Novel Award and WH Smith’s Book of the Year 2017. Not bad for a debut novel, I’d say. Read my full review here.
The Sewing Machine – Natalie Fergie
Another debut novel and another book that I have recommended to many, many people this year. I loved this book so much that I bought a copy for my mum for her birthday. It is such a sweet and unusual story, and I adore how Fergie builds the narrative around an object. Published by the crowdfunding publisher Unbound, this book seems to be cropping up on readers’ choice lists around the internet, and deservedly so. A refreshing, cheerful read. Read my full review here.
Click Date Repeat Again – KJ Farnham
The second installment of indie author KJ Farnham’s Click Date Repeat series was a real treat. A lovely, funny tale flawlessly told, filled with memorable characters and plenty of online dating mishaps! A great read to curl up with during the festive season. Read my full review here.
The Words in my Hand – Guinevere Glasfurd
Probably my favourite historical novel of the year, Glasfurd’s tale of philosopher and mathematician Rene Descartes through the eyes of maid Helena is as thought-provoking as it is enjoyable. A beautifully drawn story which was nominated for the Costa First Novel Award in 2016. Read my full review here.
The Secret Language of Stones – M J Rose
Well, we were only ever going to get so far into one of my top ten lists before an M J Rose book would crop up. The second installment in her historical fantasy series, Daughters of La Lune, had me transfixed. Highly recommended.
Three Sisters, Three Queens – Philippa Gregory
The stories of Margaret Tudor, Mary Tudor and Katherine of Aragon beautifully interwoven by the Queen of historical fiction. I always enjoy Gregory’s books and often find that they spark new interests in me, urging me to learn more about everything and everyone from Katheryn Parr to the Wars of the Roses. This book was no different and I have read widely about Margaret Tudor in particular since.
The Ribs and Thigh Bones of Desire – Sandra Hutchison
Another great story from an indie author, Hutchison’s coming-of-age tale about the relationship which grows between a teenage girl and an older man as they both grapple with grief and trauma is mesmerising. I read this book during my summer holidays and struggled to put it down.
Avelynn: The Edge of Faith – Marissa Campbell
The second book in the Avelynn series from Canadian author Marissa Campbell is as action-packed as the first. Expect romance, magic and so much danger that you will be on the edge of your seat! Loved both books in this series and would strongly recommend them for lovers of Viking/Saxon historical fiction.
The Reincarnationist – M J Rose
Yes I know, another one from M J Rose – sorry, not sorry! I really do love her books, and my first foray into her Reincarnationist series did not disappoint. Plenty of action, plenty of magic, plenty of twists – just the way I like my books.
Whisky from Small Glasses – Denzil Meyrick
Whilst I’m not much of a crime fiction reader, this book was recommended to me by a friend and it really did not disappoint. Great gritty characters, grizzly murders and a gripping ‘whodunnit?’ all made for a fabulous read. Check out my full review here.
Over to you! What were your favourite books of 2017? Feel free to comment below!
Oooh I’d not heard of any of these books before! *goes and adds a bunch to my TBR*
My TTT.
That’s the great thing about sharing your favourites, isn’t it? You get to learn about some great books. I’m going to add Moxie to my TBR – that book has got me intrigued.
I haven’t read any of the books on your list this week. Some of them will be added to my ever growing reading wishlist.
Here’s a link to my TTT post for this week:
https://captivatedreader.blogspot.com/2017/12/top-ten-tuesday-top-ten-favorite-books.html
Great list! I must check out Caleb’s Crossing. I read Brook’s Year of Wonders a few years ago and loved it.
I definitely need to pick up some Philippa Gregory books next year, I`ve heard nothing but good things about her novels.
Carmen`s Reading Corner
Philippa Gregory is amazing! I’d recommend starting with her Cousins’ War series (The Red Queen, The White Queen and so on). Your list is great – I really fancy picking up Daughter of Smoke and Bone, will definitely add it to my TBR.
I had never seen that cover of Elenaor Oliphant because I thought the US version was the same one for the UK, but I honestly prefer the one you put on your list. I heard some great things about it!
I’d LOVE to read something by Philippa Gregory. I really enjoy history and her books are said to be amazing. Your post is amazing!
Here’s my List: https://bookslikewolves.wixsite.com/blog/single-post/2017/12/12/Blogmas-Day-12-Top-17-Books-of-2017
Wow – you did a top 17! Great list – I also love Agatha Christie. History Is All You Left Me sounds interesting, think that’s one for the TBR.
I just had TOO MANY great books to talk about! History is the best! <3
There are so many books on your list that sound great! I’m going to have to check them out. Here is our Top Ten Tuesday.
Great list! Allegedly has me intrigued, will be adding it to my TBR.
Three Sisters, Three Queens has been burning a hole in my TBR – I LOVE The Constant Princess and when I saw there was another by Gregory including Katherine of Aragon I knew I had to read it. I’m glad to see you enjoyed it so much!
It is excellent! I have enjoyed most of Gregory’s books – The Red Queen and The White Queen were also particular favourites of mine.