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...!
A few weeks ago I was tagged by fellow book blogger Laura (be sure to check out her amazing blog, 'She Loves to Read'!) to do the Chocolate Book Tag. I love doing these kind of tags/questionnaires, because they're usually a lot of fun and provide a bit of variety on this blog! :)
1. Dark chocolate: a book that covers a dark topic.
I didn't have to think too long about this one. I read Charity Norman's amazing novel 'The Son-in-Law' last year and it has stayed with me since then. The book focuses on Joseph, whose life was changed forever by one defining moment. After spending several years in prison, he now has the chance to go back into the real world, back to his children and family, but not everyone is able to forgive and forget. A really intense and gripping read!
2. White chocolate: your favourite light hearted/humorous read.
One of my absolute favourite chick lit authors is Lindsey Kelk and her fabulous 'I Heart...' series is incredibly funny and the perfect light-hearted read. Angela's adventures manage to entertain me every single time, and even after 6 parts I still can't get enough of the books!
3. Milk chocolate: a book that has a lot of hype that you're dying to read.
If I have to name a book absolutely everyone seems to have been talking about the past few months, it has to be Rainbow Rowell's work. Both 'Eleanor and Park' and 'Fangirl' are titles I've seen popping up everywhere and most bloggers seem really enthusiastic about these books. I have to admit, I have become REALLY curious and can't wait to check out Rainbow Rowell's work myself to see what all the fuss is about.
4. Chocolate with a caramel centre: a book that made you feel all gooey in the middle while you were reading it.
When I read the description of this category I immediately thought of Miranda Dickinson's 'When I Fall in Love'. This is probably my favourite Miranda Dickinson book and one that made me go through so many different emotions: I laughed, I cried, I awww'ed, I was angry... Elsie's story is a fabulous one and one I can't recommend enough to other readers!
5. Wafer free kit kat: name a book that has surprised you lately.
I was part of the blog tour for Ming Mei Yip's novel 'Peach Blossom Pavilion' and I have to admit, I was fascinated by the blurb of the book and definitely wanted to give it a try, but I wasn't too sure whether I would really enjoy it. However, the novel turned out to exceed all my expectations and I didn't want to put it down. The story was really interesting and captivating, and I'm so glad I was given the chance to read and enjoy it, because I'm not sure I would have picked up the book myself otherwise.
6. Snickers: a book that you are going nuts about.
I read 'Party Girl' by Rachel Hollis a couple of months ago and I instantly fell in love with it. This book is SO good and I absolutely loved every single detail of it. Every time I think of this book I get a smile on my face and can still not quite believe that there was such a great book I enjoyed so much... I honestly can't wait to read more of Rachel Hollis' work in the future!
7. Hot chocolate with cream and marshmallows: a book that you would turn to for a comfort read.
One of my favourite novels of all time and a classic romance story that never disappoints to bring a smile on my face: 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen. Whenever I need a pick-me-up, or just feel like reading something I'm familiar with, I pick up my old copy of Austen's classic. A tale I can't imagine I will ever get enough of!
8. Box of chocolates: what series have you read that you feel has a wide variety and something for everyone?
I didn't even need to think about this one; it has to be the 'Harry Potter' series by J.K. Rowling, right? Probably the best book series of all time, enjoyed by people of all ages and cultures... It would resemble the perfect box of absolutely delicious mixed chocolates!
I'd like to tag the following bloggers (if you've already done the Chocolate Book Tag, sorry, feel free to ignore this!):
Kevin @ I Heart... Chick Lit
Ananda @ This Chick Reads
Victoria @ Victoria Loves Books
Megan @ Reading in the Sunshine
Sharon @ Shaz's Book Blog
