Whew! Let me start by saying I can’t believe 2014 is almost over! It seems like just yesterday we were starting 2014 with many plans and good intentions (AND a TBR list a mile long). It has been a crazy and tough year for me personally. All of that aside, this is a post about what’s happened on the blog this year, like book review, challenges, and memes. I have read some WONDERFUL books this year!

I started out this year with joining in the “Empty Shelf Challenge“, hoping to fill one of my shelves with books I read all year. My goal was 40 books. As of right now, I’m working on book number 50 and counting (print and some ebooks)!

This year has also seen some enjoyable author interviews here on the blog (Lynne Gentry, Rebecca DeMarino, Dawn Crandall, Amber Stokes).

This spring, I was privileged to participate as a judge in the INSPY awards. Jody Hedlund’s A Noble Groom won in the historical romance category I and fellow bloggers were judging (It’s not on this list, but it was fabulous!) It was a fun experience! (Nominations are now open for the 2015 INSPYs, so go check that out here.)

I started participating in a few memes, like the Broke and the Bookish’s Top Ten Tuesday, my own Wednesday Wonderings, and continued a few Fun Find Fridays.

I’m listing 11 of my favorite reads from this year. You may have heard me gush about these at one time or another, but this is the year-end review…. so prepare yourself. I want to give a quick shout-out to all of the authors, publishers, and blogger review programs out there. THANK YOU! If it weren’t for you all, we wouldn’t take such pleasure in reading (and writing about it!).

A few are not pictured here – 2 were ebooks & 1 is on loan to a friend

* in no particular order *

1. The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn by Lori Benton

This one was just perfect. Beautiful setting, realistic characters, great writing style. I could go on, but I’m just going to say if you’re a historical fiction fan, get this one now!!! (I’m still waiting for the mini-series adaptation to become a reality)

2. The Bound Heart by Dawn Crandall

My favorite so far of the Everstone Chronicles series, Meredyth and Lawry’s stories were so heartfelt.

3. The Butterfly and the Violin by Kristy Cambron

SO GOOD. Expertly intertwining historical and contemporary stories consecutively. And did I mention I’m becoming a huge WWII-era fan?

4. A Table by the Window by Hillary Manton Lodge

An awesome contemporary. About a chef. With actual RECIPES included. Just my style!

5. Here to Stay by Melissa Tagg

This one was sweet, comical, and really made me laugh. AND it challenges your faith. If you ever visit Melissa’s fab blog, you’ll see that she is just as sweet and funny in real life.

6. It Had to Be You by Susan May Warren

Susan is fast becoming a favorite author. This one was great and kept me turning the pages quickly. The others (so far) in the Christiansen family series are fantastic, too!

7. Duchess by Susan May Warren

ANOTHER favorite from Susan! You know those golden-age-of-Hollywood epic stories with a bit of romance? Maybe like Gone With the Wind or Roman Holiday? This one totally reminds me of them – plus it actually follows the story of Roxy, an actress from that era. (I know, I haven’t reviewed this one on the blog yet, but I will. Soon.)

8. The Sentinels of Andersonville by Tracy Groot

Probably one of my top 3 favorites this year, if someone forced me to say it out loud. This one is a historical fiction game-changer. Inspiring, fantastic characters who jump of the page, and an enlightening history lesson all in one.

9. Lizzy and Jane by Katherine Reay

Another one I’ve yet to review. It’s fabulous, though, with raw characters and a unique storyline full on unexpected-ness. Just what I’ve come to expect from Katherine.

10. Dancing with Fireflies by Denise Hunter

It’s by Denise Hunter. What more can I say? Seriously though, this one had bright characters, lessons of love and sacrifice, and a big family to tie it all together.

11. The Headmistress of Rosemere by Sarah E. Ladd

Mystery, romance, redemption, and a beautiful setting combine in this Jane Eyre-esque portrayal of the Regency er

Well, that’s my recap of 2014! What do you think of my favorites – agree, disagree? Have you read any of these books/authors before?