The 5 Best Books I Read in 2018

I read A LOT of books in 2018. A lot. But I didn’t review all of them on the blog, so I wanted to do a post about some of the really great books I didn’t review on this site. The hardest part was narrowing them down. But here are the best books I read in 2018.

The Lacemaker by Laura Frantz

This Revolutionary War drama has everything, intrigue, suspense, and romance. I loved watching Liberty grow throughout the novel from a pampered socialite to a hardworking lacemaker. And then there’s Noble who is…well…noble. Laura Frantz always does a great job of weaving in real historical events, and this was no exception.

I also highly recommend her series The Ballantyne Legacy. This series is what made me fall in love with her writing in the first place. You can check out more of her books on her website.

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For the Record by Regina Jennings

I loved Betsy in the first two installments in the Ozark Mountain Romance Series, and in this book, she’s all grown up. This book is filled with humor. My favorite part was Betsy’s comments about the deputy when she compares him to his fictional counterpart.

The first two books in this series, A Most Inconvenient Marriage Marriage and At Love’s Bidding are excellent as well. While you can read For the Record as a standalone, I highly recommend reading the series in order to see Betsy as she grows up. You can check out more books by Regina Jennings on her website.

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The Secret of Pembrooke Park by Julie Klassen

This was one of the best mysteries I have ever read! I was on the edge of my seat wondering what had happened at Pembrooke Park. The home is abandoned, and when Abigail moves in, the place looks like someone had just left. I loved watching Abigail begin to unravel the mystery and learn about the past.

Another good one by Julie Klassen is The Maid of Fairbourne Hall. I highly recommend you read it, too. Klassen knows how to write a good Regency novel, and I couldn’t fit all the ones I like on this list. To check out more of her books, visit her website.

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The Promise of Breeze Hill by Pam Hillman

First, let me say that I’m a sucker for Irish and Scottish characters, so Connor, an Irish immigrant, grabbed me from the beginning. I love the way Pam Hillman writes Connor’s dialogue so you can practically hear that Irish brogue. Isabella is a strong female character, but she isn’t afraid to ask for help, which makes me respect her even more.

Another good one by Pam Hillman is Stealing Jake. Claiming Mariah was my first Pam Hillman book, and it’s really good, too. To check out all her books, visit her website.

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Beyond This Moment by Tamera Alexander

Molly Whitcomb makes a decision at the beginning of the novel that impacts the rest of the story. Seeing the way her mistake affects her is such a good lesson about our what may seem like the smallest decision can have big consequences. James McPherson is charming, warm, and understanding. There is a wonderful theme of redemption and forgiveness, and the romance is sweet.

This is the second in a series. The first book, From a Distance, features James McPherson as a secondary character. I highly recommend reading it before Beyond This Moment. Check out more of Tamera Alexander’s books on her website.

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I have a long TBR list, and I can’t wait to start whittling it down in 2019. Then again, it may just get longer because there are several books coming out soon that I’m looking forward to.

What was the best book you read this year? Let me know in the comments!