My favorite reads of 2018

So I love making a list of my top 10 favorite reads every year (plus it includes some extras, usually, because I just can't help myself). These books were not all published this year -- they were published in any year of days gone by. But 2018 is when I personally read them.

And these books in particular put an extra sparkle in my eye (and made my heart pitter-patter a little faster) as I read them...

Tarissa's favorite books »

In no particular order, my top 10 favorite picks...


I Can Only Imagine by Bart Millard
Bart Millard shares his incredible story, telling about how he penned one of the most touching modern songs – and penned it in ten minutes, in fact. But, of course, as singer Amy Grant tells him, “Bart, you didn't write that song in ten minutes. It took a lifetime.” – very true words. And this books fully tells that story of his...
{Read my full review here.}

Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
Well, a “lifetime” later, I've read it again. I found out that I had remembered some of the main plot developments in the novel, but there was a lot more that I had “lost” in my memories of how things really happened. So it was wonderful to meet up with one of my favorite female literary characters again – and to measure up how I see her now, reading it as an adulthood, and in effect, to see how I've changed since my first time.
{Read my full review here.}

The First Easter by Peter Marshall
If you're going to read an Easter book this year – let it be THIS ONE. In a way that only a true storyteller can, Peter Marshall brings to life the story of the first Easter. It reads as if you were there, experiencing the last days of Christ's life on earth with Him. It's a dramatic telling of the greatest story of redemption known to man. It's lyrical prose invites the reader to enjoy a familiar story from a fresh viewpoint, complete with minute facts and biblical knowledge.
{Read my full review here.}

Conan Doyle for the Defense by Margalit Fox
Fans of Sherlock Holmes, the canon isn't quite closed yet... here's a peek into the actual Sherlock who walked on this earth, and not just the one scrawled onto the page. The man behind the world's most famous fictional detective was, in fact, a detective too...
{Read my full review here.}

The Bridge by Karen Kingsbury
This is a story about second chances -- about the God of second chances. I love, love, love how much faith and spiritual encouragement is inside of this book. It's there; you can't miss it. Also, in the midst of grief, shattering dreams, and fond-but-distant-memories for these memorable characters, we find a lovely storybook-fairytale romance. It's epic.
{Read my full review here.}

A Long Fatal Love Chase by Louisa May Alcott
To me, this novel certainly feel like an epic piece of refined literature such as 'The Hunchback of Notre Dame' (without Hugo's additional inner essays, thank goodness), combined with the intensity and intrigue of a Gothic classic such as 'Rebecca', and a unique cast of characters such as would be found in any Dickens novel.
{Read my full review here.}

The Inn at Ocean's Edge by Colleen Coble
Whew! Talk about suspense! I. am. hooked. Better than your favorite drama TV show. Repressed memories... cold-case murder... missing children... and repeated assault attempts. The plot just keeps twisting!
{Read my full review here.}

Stars Above by Marissa Meyer
YESSSSS! Exactly what I needed after having to go through Lunar Chronicles withdrawals. I cherish these stories in my heart. It is fantastic to see glimpses into all of these amazing characters' lives again. (Thank you, Marissa Meyer.)
{Read my full review here.}

These Strange Ashes by Elisabeth Elliot
Another favorite book from Elisabeth Elliot! This missionary survived a lot during her experiences in Ecuador as a single young woman. In this book, she shares four lessons in faith she had to overcome -- in a land far away from home, in a wild jungle with few comforts, and in just a few months of time.
{Read my full review here.}

And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
Wow. What can I say? It's definitely my favorite Agatha Christie novel that I've read so far (and I doubt there's very many that can overpower this one for me). This one will get you hooked, for sure! And such memorable characters too. I love them all.
{Read my full review here.}





And now, for the honorary mentions...


Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens
This is an ideal Victorian novel, that shows both sides of the coin in terms of social status. Little Oliver gets the chance to experience it all. He gets thrown back and forth a bit between lives, but as the reader, we can really take in the contrast. It makes for an excellent historical study about England too.
{Read my full review here.}

Village School by Miss Read
It is simply a joy to sit down and get lost in the little village of Fairacre. I am completely transported to 1950's England by Miss Read. It's like a mini-vacation to just sit down and listen to her woes, her thrills, her triumphs in life as a schoolmistress (though little triumphs it feels like to her, I'm sure).
{Read my full review here.}

When Comes the Spring by Janette Oke
I may like this 2nd book even better than the 1st -- it's that good!! Perhaps because Elizabeth and Wynn are going directly into marriage, as opposed to the couple in the TV show, where they just think about each other... for years. There was a ton of new experiences for me in this volume, and I just love it all.
{Read my full review here.}

Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne
There's so denying it, I enjoyed reading Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea. In some ways, this fact surprises me, as it does have some dry moments... but really? It is an amazing, thrilling seafaring adventure that you just can't get anywhere else. It's worth a read (and I could see myself reading it again one day).
{Read my full review here.}

Previous years of top favorite books:

2017 // 2016 // 2015 // 2014 // 2013 // 2012 // 2011 // 2010

So, dear reader, what are your favorite books that you got to read in 2018?

If you've posted your 2018 favorites list, drop your link in the comments so we can all see it!