The Book Review Crew’s Best Books of 2021

posted in: Allison, Cat, Di, Jana, Kendra, Melanie, Sherry, Tanya | 0

 

Di’s Pick – The Nature Of Fragile Things

I had a few favorite books in 2021. I love historical novels (non-WW2 related) and I love books about strong women. This book was about The San Francisco Earthquake and its aftermath.

Well written, great characters, there’s a lot of reasons to read (and cherish) a book like The Nature of Dark Things. And, another piece of history that I was not well versed in. I love it when I learn anything from a book.

 

Find it on Goodreads.

 

 

Cat’s Picks – Dark and Shallow Lies & Fugitive Telemetry

Deciding on a favorite book each year is easier said than done. I could easily list a dozen or so five-star reads. However, I did manage to narrow it down to two reads this year: Dark and Shallow Lies and Fugitive Telemetry.

Dark and Shallow Lies by Ginny Myers Sain made it to the top of my list because I absolutely adored how different and creative it was. It felt like a psychic version of Murder She Wrote, only with a few darker twists.

Meanwhile, I will always love Murderbot, it is almost that simple. Fugitive Telemetry, by Martha Wells, is such a blast to read. It’s the sixth book in the Murderbot Diaries, and it follows a sarcastic and frustrated Sec Unit. I adore the world and all of the humor that has been stuffed into this series, and it is my go-to “read to relax” series.

 

Find both books here and here on Goodreads.

 

Tanya’s Picks – The Paris Apartment & Project Hail Mary

The Paris Apartment by Kelly Bowen: I haven’t been a big fan of WWII Historical Fiction but after picking up this dual timeline story, I’ve changed my opinion. The main characters were just average people doing amazing things! I was immersed in the story from the very beginning. 

Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir: What an amazing Science Fiction read! I loved everything about this story. It wasn’t too technical so I could actually understand it. It made me laugh and made me cry, and feel every little emotion in between. I was anxious, surprised, excited, and ecstatic along the way. I recommend this to all readers!

 

Find both books here and here on Goodreads.

 

Sherry’s Picks – For Your Own Good & The Heart Principle

For Your Own Good by Samantha Downing: After so many highly anticipated summer thrillers didn’t live up to the hype, I really enjoyed this one. I like Downing’s warped plots and dry humor. This one just worked for me. When I can chuckle with my murder, it is a good reading day. 

The Heart Principle by Helen Hoang:  I started this one thinking it was a rom-com and was surprised by the depth of the story and the realness of the characters. I felt right along with Anna and Quan. I’m not usually a fan of emotional reads, but I loved this one.

 

Find both books here and here on Goodreads.

 

Jana’s Picks – Firekeeper’s Daughter, The Love Hypothesis, & The House in the Cerulean Sea

Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley: This book kept me on my toes! I may have bought this book on impulse because of its beautiful cover, but it is just as beautiful on the inside.

The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood: A cute and steamy romance. I loved how the plot revolved around the scientific Ph.D. community but in a really accessible way.

The House in the Cerulean Sea: Warm and inviting, this fantasy book is all about found family and finding home.  

 

Find all three books here, here, and here on Goodreads.

 

Kendra’s Pick – The Sinful Lives of Trophy Wives

The Sinful Lives of Trophy Wives by Kristin Miller: Real housewives meets murder mystery? Sign me up. This story follows three wives who live on Presidio Terrace, a San Fransisco community for the rich and the famous. Georgia has had a few run-ins with deaths, specifically, her ex-husbands’ and now she’s about to marry the new love of her life when tragedy strikes. Erin is her best friend and the President of the HOA. She’s no stranger to gossip and isn’t afraid to say what’s on her mind. Brooke is the new girl in the neighborhood who seems a little too perfect… Georgia, Erin, and Brooke will have their friendships, relationships and loyalty tested. Who will have their backs and who will betray them?

 

Find it here on Goodreads.

 

Melanie’s Pick – A Court of Silver Flames

A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas: For the 2nd year in a row, I’m going with a Sarah J. Maas book for my favorite. In fact, my top 2 this year were both by SJM but I’m going with A Court of Silver Flames (ACOTAR #5). This is Nesta’s story, and for all you Nesta haters, I was there too and not looking forward to nearly 800 pages of her. Kudos to SJM for giving her such depth and conflict. She’s still not my favorite character (#ForeverMor) but I’m not a hater anymore. Heads up for some very spicy open-door action.

 

Find it here on Goodreads.

 

Allison’s Pick – The Other Me

The Other Me by Sarah Zachrich Jeng: Such a great read….a woman walks into the ladies’ room at a bar on her 30th birthday and ends up in a different version of her life. SO GOOD! I will be posting a full review of The Other Me Soon, so stay tuned!

 

Find it here on Goodreads.

 

Best Books of 2020

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