Favorite Reads of 2012

It's that time of year again! I love sharing some of my favorite reads each year, and hearing about yours, as well. =) This year saw me expanding my reading horizons a little bit more...and I discovered some absolute gems!

Now, last year I only mentioned my favorites that were published that year, but this year I'm listing my 10 favorite books that I read in 2012, starting with #10:

#10  Love in Disguise

This story has its cheesy moments, but I still adored it! I love historical romances set in the American West, and this one won me over with its humor and fun plot twists and sweet romance (with an utterly heart-warming ending, might I add!). What's more, the silliness of certain situations doesn't permeate the whole story - it has just the right balance of hilarity and seriousness, which I really enjoyed! You can read my full review HERE.

 #9 The Messenger

  Mitchell's She Walks in Beauty made its way onto my "Favorite Books of 2010" list, and it's little wonder that another of her books ended up on this year's list. Her stories are beautifully written and wonderfully thought-provoking. The Messenger is full of turmoil and uncertainty - and growth. You can read my full review HERE.

#8 With Every Letter

Sundin also made another of my "favorites" list (2011) with Blue Skies Tomorrow. She is so talented at crafting stories that incorporate detailed research, great characterization, and wonderful symbolism! I especially connected with the hero and heroine in With Every Letter, and even though this story doesn't have as much action, I loved the plot. You can read my full review HERE.

#7 Bees in the Butterfly Garden

A beautiful cover and an interesting blurb had me eager to read this - and I was enchanted by it! From my review: "It's an exquisite story with wonderful characters that addresses courage, true wealth, and the distinctions between justice, mercy, and grace." You can read my full review HERE.

#6 Promise Me This

Fast-paced this isn't, but the story is so grand and moving that it blew me away. Towards the end of the book I was emotionally engaged at a very high and frustrating level... Definitely a powerful Titanic and WWI read! You can read my full review HERE. (I also have to mention that her other 2012 release, Band of Sisters, is also magnificently written and powerful. You can read my full review HERE.)

#5 Watercrossing

This slot is actually for all three of the "Phantom Island" books released so far, as I read all three of them in 2012 and they all go together. What a truly delightful discovery this series was for me! I read author Cory Oakes' review of the first book, Windchaser, on Goodreads, and it prompted me to contact Krissi Dallas to see if I could review her books. Little did I know that I was starting such an amazing and awesome adventure (and meeting a new, dear author friend)! These books really engaged me, and I had a hard time stopping once I got started reading each one. You can read my review of Windchaser HERE, Windfall HERE, and Watercrossing HERE.

#4 The Dark Unwinding

This book snuck onto this list at the last moment, as I waited to read it until Christmastime. I didn't write a full review, but here's what I noted about the book on Goodreads and Shelfari: "Incredibly good pacing, fascinating setting, wonderful characters... A story that intrigued me, surprised me, and impressed me in many different ways. Enthralling!" So many dark twists and turns, but also surprising tenderness. 

#3 Against the Tide

The empathy. That is what really stunned me about this book - how deeply I felt for the heroine and how much her story moved me. I was really crying towards the end! You can read my full review HERE. (I also want to mention that I really loved Camden's early 2012 release, The Rose of Winslow Street. You can read my full review of that book HERE.)

#2 Starflower

The "Tales of Goldstone Wood" series is so beautiful, and Starflower is my favorite so far. Such a powerful theme and such a great adventure with some absolutely wonderful characters (especially Eanrin!). You can read my full review HERE. (I also loved Moonblood, which was released earlier in 2012 - both that one and Starflower made me cry!)

 #1 Entwined 

 The imagery. The imagination. The heart. I didn't write a full review for this book, but here's what I noted on Goodreads and Shelfari: "Fascinating, moving, intense, enchanting, unexpected story about love and grief, family and understanding. Wonderful characterization and descriptions. A beautiful story from cover to cover!"

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And there you have it! We all have different tastes, but I hope you are blessed by these stories like I have been if you ever pick them up (or perhaps you've already enjoyed them!). I'd love to hear your favorite reads of 2012! And if we're not already friends on Goodreads or Shelfari, feel free to connect with me at one (or both!) of those places, so we can continue to compare and share great reads. =)