2017 Books in Review

It’s time for my 2017 Books in Review post!This is a page where I list down all of the books I’ve read in 2017. I will link to the books I reviewed in the first half of the year and review the books I read in the second half. If you click on the book title, you’ll go to Amazon where you can purchase the book.
Happy reading!

PLUS, I’m going to name my top 3 books of 2017.
To read my review of my books for the first half of the year click here.
2017 Reads…
January-July (review linked above):

It Ends with Us: A Novel

by Colleen Hoover

The Magnolia Story by Chip and Joanna GainesThe Secrets of Midwives by Sally Hepworth The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick LencioniThe Art of French Kissing by Kristen HarmelCancel the Wedding by Carolyn T. DingmanThe Good Sister by Druscilla CampbellChasing Harry Winston by Lauren WeinsbergerOne True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid2 Second Lean by Paul AkersThe Hypnotists Love Story by Liane MoriartyChess Not Checkers by Mark MillerWhat Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty
August-December:Time, Talent, Energy by Michael MankinsThis book has become a current hype in the business world and is all about how you might not truly need more resources but a better allocation of the resources you already have. This book really challenged by thinking and I would give it a 7/10. A Simple Winter by Rosalind LauerThis is a story of an Englisher who converts to be Amish having falling madly in love with an Amish. Very interesting and gets you thinking about a different, more simple way of life. I gave it 6/10. Sarah’s Key by Tatiana DeSarah, a ten year-old girl, is brutally arrested with her family by the French police in the Vel’ d’Hiv’ roundup, but not before she locks her younger brother in a cupboard in the family’s apartment, thinking that she will be back within a few hours. This story jumps back and forth between today and Sarah’s time and was beautifully written. Fair warning. This book is a tear jerkier. I gave it 8/10. When Cricket’s Cry by Charles MartinI truly enjoyed this story as it is a fiction story written about our family’s beloved lake – Lake Burton. It is a lovely story about uncommon friends, a doctor, and a heart transplant. I loved every minute and gave it 7/10.Silver Girl by Erin HilerbrandI am going to be honest I didn’t love this book near as much as I hoped I would. It was about a lady who discovers her husband has been the founder of a Ponzi scheme and has to recreate her life and everything she knows as well as risk jail time for using illegal money. I gave it 4/10.Christmas on Nutcracker Court by Judy Duarte This was a really fun Christmas read about an unusual group of friends and their poker club. Was the perfect holiday read and I gave it 7/10.
AND NOW…
It’s time…
FOR MY TOP 3 FAVORITE BOOKS OF 2017…
Coming it at #3…It Ends with Us: A Novel

by Colleen Hoover

Just WOW! It Ends With Us is one of the most raw, honest, inspiring, and beautiful stories I’ve ever read. It wasn’t anything like what I expected, but it delivered so much more than I ever hoped for. This is the kind of book that I want to give to every woman and just be like… READ THIS BOOK. NOW. Come to think of it, all the men should read it too. EVERYONE should read this book. Absolutely everyone. It’s a story of unshakable love and finding the strength to make the right choice in the hardest situation. I honestly don’t think I’ve ever been prouder of a character. It truly is a must read bo0k.
Coming in at #2…One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid

I believe this is one of the most beautiful books I’ve read in my entire life. And most thought-provoking. I loved how the whole story was portrayed, how the romance touched me so deeply, and how the turn of events played with my mind. Right off the bat, I knew exactly who I was rooting for and I was really hoping that he will be the “one true love” that Emma will choose.This my first Taylor Jenkins Reid read and I’m already a fan. This author has a way of taking something so emotional and turning it into a beautiful novel. I am so glad I read this book because even if it broke my heart in the end, the overall journey was way worth it. Now if I would be given a chance to change an ending of a book, I would really change the conclusion of One True Loves without hesitating. So incredibly good!
And, finally, my #1 book of the year….Cancel the Wedding by Carolyn T. Dingman

My only criticism about this book is the title because it leads you to believe this is a light chick-lit read only good for the beach, but it’s so much more than that! I haven’t felt this emotionally connected to a novel in a long time. The book follows Olivia on a quest through small-town Georgia to uncover many secrets her mother never revealed during her lifetime. You meet several amazing characters that truly bring this book to life.It’s hard to believe this is Carolyn Dingman’s debut novel. She had me laughing and crying. This book pulled at my heartstrings and had me so engaged that I was reading as quickly as I could so I could uncover the next twist and getting nothing else done in the meantime. Carolyn wrote so beautifully and wove a wonderful tale of love, loss, and love again. She gave you little details to lead you in the right direction, but you never knew how all of the piece would come together or how they story would end. It offers the perfect amount of romance, friendship, and mystery to hold your interest. I was hooked until the very last page which is why it is my favorite book of the year and and the one I would say everyone should read.
Happy reading everyone!

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