The Mid-Year Book Freak Out Tag!

It's almost the end of July which means we've already passed the half year mark for 2016. A great moment to take part in the Mid-Year Book Freak Out Tag, if you ask me. I had a quick look on my Goodreads page and so far I've read 105 books, so enough to choose from for the following set of questions! Best book you’ve read so far in 2016

Oh, okay, let's start with one of the most difficult questions, that's fine! Hmmm... I think I'll have to go with either Cathy Bramley's 'Wickham Hall', which was an incredibly lovely read, or Debbie Johnson's 'The Birthday That Changed Everything', which was a funny and simply fantastic read as well. Don't make me pick just one, because this was already challenging enough...!  Best sequel you’ve read so far in 2016

I was introduced to Katy Colins' series 'The Lonely Hearts Travel Club' this year and have fallen head over heels in love with it! The sequel 'Destination: India' was released in June and is just as fantastic as the first part, 'Destination: Thailand.' New release you haven’t read yet, but want to

I was immediately excited when I first laid eyes on Annie Darling's 'The Little Bookshop of Lonely Hearts.' The novel has such a cute cover and the blurb promises a great story which I am sure I will love. So far I haven't picked up my own copy of the book yet, but I really plan on doing just that this summer!
Most anticipated release for the second half of the year

There are many releases coming up in the next couple of months which I am really excited about! However, if I have to pick just one, I'd probably go with Lisa Dickenson's 'Mistletoe on 34th Street.' Lisa is one of my favourite authors, she always makes me laugh with her stories, and Christmas is my favourite time of the year... The perfect combination!
Biggest disappointment

I was really excited about Lorelei Mathias' novel 'Reader, I Dumped Him...' The publisher really promoted it well and I couldn't wait to give the book a go, but in the end it really wasn't a read for me and I was quite disappointed. Biggest surprise

Every now and again I still get surprised by books and it's a brilliant feeling. This definitely happened with Phaedra Patrick's 'The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper.' I was part of the blog tour for this book but wasn't too sure what to expect or whether it would be a book I would end up enjoying. However, it was one of a kind and unlike anything else I've read!
Favorite new author (Debut or new to you)

I was introduced to author Katie Oliver this year and I still don't know why it took me so long to pick up one of her books. She uses Jane Austen as a big inspiration for her novels and I just loved the two books written by her I've read so far. Can't wait to read more!
Newest fictional crush

I have to admit I don't have as many book crushes anymore as I used to have when I was younger, but I would be lying if I would say the men in Sarah Morgan's novels don't make my heart beat that little bit faster... Newest favorite character

Kimberley Long, the heroine in Meredith Schorr's 'Blogger Girl' and 'Novelista Girl', could be my new best friend. I read both books this year and loved them. This really is chick lit at its best and I can't get enough of Kimberley and her adventures!
Book that made you cry

Books don't often make me cry, but 'Our Song' by Dani Atkins definitely did. I remember it clearly, because I was quite surprised it actually made me shed a few tears, haha!
Book that made you happy

Anna Bell is a lovely author; her novels never disappoint and neither did 'The Bucket List to Mend a Broken Heart.' The book has a positive message and was just a real joy to read.
Most beautiful book you’ve bought so far this year (or received)
My boyfriend recently bought me a very old edition of Jane Austen's 'Mansfield Park' which I just LOVE <3 What books do you need to read by the end of the year?

There are no specific books I really need to read before the end of the year, but I have a Goodreads goal to reach, so I definitely plan on reading another 60 books to make sure I reach that goal...!