Lynnie's Favorite Books of 2024

Hi everyone! It's been a GREAT year of reading. This year I've read more books than all but one other year I've kept track on Goodreads - which I've used since 2012. I have no idea how that happened, but to be fair, I did read a handful of novellas which helped my final total. I think I read more romance novels than I've ever read in my entire life this year - possibly cumulatively. Sometimes you just need a happily ever after, right? I also started requesting books on NetGalley and I've enjoyed the opportunity to read some books early in exchange for an honest review; I've generally been thrilled with the books I've chosen (and been chosen for).

Out of the 64 books I've read in 2024, I only rated five of them less than three stars on Goodreads, and I elected not to finish two of those. I rated 18 books higher than three stars, which is pretty impressive! I still curse Goodreads for not allowing half stars, but that's hardly a real-world problem.

Once again, I didn't read any nonfiction or cookbooks so there are not favorites in those categories. As always, this list is not in any order, but these are the books I've been recommending to people when asked. Be sure to click on the title to get the full blog review. 

Here's to a great year of reading in 2025! -Lynnie

 

Fiction:

 

The Book of Doors by  Gareth Brown

Everything about this book enchanted me – the story, the characters, the thought behind the plot. If you had a magical book that could transport you from one door through any other door you could envision, what would you do with it? The adventure is fabulous and the creativity is off the charts in this book. Definitely my favorite book of the year.

 

 

 

The Mostly True Story of Tanner and Louise by
Colleen Oakley

A wonderful book from beginning to end. It’s easy to like Tanner and Louise both individually and together as this mismatched duo comes together out of necessity. They make a wonderful pair and each have lessons to learn from the other. It’s a fun, feel-good adventure that will bring a smile to your face.

 

 

Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera

When Lucy’s best friend dies under mysterious circumstances that Lucy can’t remember, she becomes the prime suspect. After Lucy moves away from her hometown, a podcaster contacts her about trying to solve the case and, with nothing to lose, Lucy agrees to help uncover the truth. Filled with great characters and witty banter, I enjoyed this book quite a lot. I've read a lot of Amy Tintera's YA books and I hope this first foray into books for adults (why does the phrase "adult books" sound dirty? Discuss.) won't be her last.

 

The Wedding People by Alison Espach

This is one of those rare books where I loved every single character in its pages. It’s a beautiful story about lost and found family and learning to accept yourself, faults and all. Set at an exclusive wedding, this book is heartwarming, fun and filled with characters to cheer for. It also tackles the very serious subject of suicide with great care.

 

 

Audiobook:

 

Thank you for Listening, Julia Whelan

I’ve needed some light brain candy to read lately, and this was the perfect solution. Sewanee, a former actress and current audiobook narrator has to work with another popular audiobook narrator, Brock McKnight to fill the final wishes of a famous romance author. As women’s fiction dictates, this is a story careening toward a happily ever after. Hidden identities, romantic entanglements and adventures ensue. The author does a perfect job of bringing the variety of characters to life. Julia Whelan narrates her own novel and does a marvelous job!

 

The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods

An adventure that spans a century, this book filled with magical realism and delightful characters is narrated by Avena Mansergh-Wallace, Olivia Mace and Nick Biadon. The trio does a wonderful job portraying the characters and giving the listener the emotional gravity of this book.

 

 

Young Adult fiction

 

The Girl in Question by Tess Sharpe

A follow up to The Girls I’ve Been (a favorite of mine in 2021), Sharpe takes us back to the world of Nora, Iris, Wes and Lee as they continue to face challenges and danger. Nonstop action from beginning to end of this book, these characters show you what it means when you choose your family and are willing to do anything to keep them safe.

 

 

 

Crafts:

 

Amigurumi Friends by Jade Gauthier-Boutin

A great collection of amigurumi animals with lots of options for poses and body styles. Gauthier-Boutin is very creative in allowing the maker to choose their own variations for each animal which is very clever!

 

 

The Wonderful World of Amigurumi by Khuc Cay

A wonderful collection of amigurumi dolls, many with options for the faces and body. Some of the patterns are very unique, and all tell you what skill level you need before attempting the pattern. 

 

 

Here's to another great year of reading ahead in 2024. In case you're curious and looking for more reading ideas, here's a link to my favorites lists from 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 , 2022 and 2023. Also don't forget to check out Amy's Favorite Books of 2024.