At the time of compiling this list, I had read 170 books throughout 2018. To be honest, I find it overwhelming to come up with top titles lists, yet, every year, I’m still drawn to the task. I’ve read a lot of books this year that I’ve given 5 stars to. I’ve also read some that were not so memorable, many that were above average, and a special few that have not left my mind. My list below is 25 titles, but it could easily have been 75. How lucky we are as readers to be so spoiled for choice!
In no particular order, here are my reading highlights for 2018:
1. The Secrets at Ocean’s Edge by Kali Napier
2. Lady Bird & The Fox by Kim Kelly
3. This is How it Ends by Eva Dolan
4. Whistle in the Dark by Emma Healey
5. The Trick to Time by Kit de Waal
6. The Lace Weaver by Lauren Chater
7. The Paris Seamstress by Natasha Lester
8. Unsheltered by Barbara Kingsolver
9. The Au Pair by Emma Rous
10. The Clockmaker’s Daughter by Kate Morton
11. Before I Let You Go by Kelly Rimmer
12. Miss Burma by Charmaine Craig
13. The Kinship of Secrets by Eugenia Kim
14. Becoming Mrs Lewis by Patti Callahan
15. Hey Brother by Jarrah Dundler
16. Book of Colours by Robyn Cadwallader
17. The Desert Nurse by Pamela Hart
18. The Peacock Summer by Hannah Richell
19. Mr Peacock’s Possessions by Lydia Syson
20. The Second Cure by Margaret Morgan
21. The Thief of Light by Bernard Schaffer
22. The Children’s House by Alice Nelson
23. The Book of Ordinary People by Claire Varley
24. The Way of All Flesh by Ambrose Parry
25. Ghost Wall by Sarah Moss
*Selected from titles published in 2018
Overall, my book of the year for 2018 is:
Unsheltered by Barbara Kingsolver
Theresa Smith Writes 
What a beautiful list, Theresa. I’m very honoured to be included on it. Your boundless enthusiasm for women’s writing, your insights and generosity are an inspiration. Thank you for all you do.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m currently reading a gorgeous little novella at present that is a contender for my 2019 list. It’s bringing Sunshine into my life in short bursts.
LikeLike
Oooh! I’m excited to hear your thoughts! Wishing you a wonderful Christmas, Theresa. May 2019 bring you a sparkling trove of reading joy. XX
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Kim. Merry Christmas to you as well. I hope 2019 is another good writing year for you…that of course leads to great reading for me!
LikeLike
Thank you for including my book, Tess. I often return to your review whenever I doubt myself. You do such an incredible job supporting our writing community, and personally I am so grateful.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s a pleasure, Kali. I still think of scenes from your novel from time to time. It has left an imprint on me. I’m really looking forward to your next release.
LikeLike
Some great books, some I have waiting on my shelf, patiently. Maybe I should have picked my to 20, 10 was extremely hard to pick. I’m looking forward to next year and finding more great books.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I could never do a list of 10 books. Unless it was best of the month. Maybe only then! 😁
LikeLike
Now I’ve got my blog, I’ll do a monthly roundup, so many books missed out. 230+ is a ridiculous amount to chose from
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes! You did well narrowing that down!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
This year has seen some ( so many) amazing reads. I have read a few on your list, some are sitting in my TBR, you have me excited to read them. My lists? Soon … such a difficult job🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is difficult, yes! I’m glad you and I are in accord on this! 😁
LikeLike
It’s so hard, isn’t it? And you are right, we are spoiled for choice!
I’m pleased to see Colours by Robyn Cadwallader there because I loved her book, and also The Children’s House – I think I might have read that because you recommended it, and I’ve seen it in other Best-Of lists as well.
And now I am tempted by the Kingsolver. I loved The Poisonwood Bible and Prodigal Summer but didn’t get on with Lacuna and sent it to the OpShop unfinished. Maybe I should give Unsheltered a go:)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh Lisa, if you loved The Poisonwood Bible, I feel fairly certain you may appreciate Unsheltered. It’s a novel I can imagine you being able to pick apart (in a good way).
There are so many books released this year still on my TBR. Many of them would no doubt deserve a place on this list but I just didn’t get to all of them.
LikeLike
I’ve just reserved it at the library but although they have four copies of it I think it will be a while before I get my hands on it. They must all have read your review before me and got into the Q before I did!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha! I hope the wait is not too long, but I’m pleased to see it is so popular. Such a worthwhile read.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much Theresa. I really appreciate all your support of women writers, and I’m just delighted to see Book of Colours make your list, especially in a year of such wonderful books. Have a refreshing and fun break.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You too Robyn! And it was a stand out read. I didn’t even need to think twice about including it. Happy holidays!
LikeLike
Great list. I’m trying to do mine right now and struggling to get it finished. I might be trying to put too much detail into it though.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Looking forward to seeing your top picks!
LikeLike
Thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
170, look at you go! I am very impressed 😍😍😍 I agree, picking a best-of is really tough – I think I erred on the side of setting the standard a little bit high. In all honesty, I can only think of two books that I really determinedly deep-in-my-soul DIDN’T like; the rest of them were redeeming on at least some level. Here’s to another great reading year in 2019!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s probably definitely easier to pick the ones you least liked. Bet I can guess on yours!! 😁 Cheers to a big reading 2019! 🎉
LikeLiked by 1 person