My Top Three Books For 2018 & GIft Guide

I know 2018 isn't quite over, but I wanted to go ahead and share my top three books for the year in case you had a bookworm on your Christmas list this year. I've even thrown in a "Bookworm's Gift Guide" at the end of this post to help with ideas for that certain Bookie on your list.

The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell || I shared with you a few months ago about this book and that it reminded me so much of Wonder and A Man Called Ove - both of which were on my top 2017 list last year. I recently recommended it to Alise's reading teacher and she loved it, too, so it most definitely is at the top of my list for 2018. This is the coming of age tale of Sam Hill who is born with red eyes and that is how he becomes known as Sam Hell. I don't think this book would be considered Christian genre, but there are definite overtones, which, being of the faith, I could appreciate. How Sam comes to terms with his disability throughout his life is so heart warming. This book made me laugh and cry, all the feels. A true must read.

A Month In Tuscany || There is no way that my first five star novel of 2018 wouldn't show up in my top three for the year. I. LOVED. this. book! I'm not a romance reader; I'm a novel nerd, but this book showed up in my social media feed last Spring and so I took a chance on an unknown author and I am so glad I did! Ren and Lizzy are total opposites that meet on an airplane flight. Ren is a rock star and Lizzy, whose marriage is nearly over, end up together in Italy. The evolution of their relationship is the premise of this book and is truly a beautiful love story with of course, a happy ending. 

The Kind Worth Killing || I'm not quite sure what my fascination with airplanes was this year, but this Peter Swanson novel is my number three favorite book for 2018. This little bit more racier read is a psychological thriller that had me on the edge of my seat not knowing who to trust. Ted and Lily meet on a layover in an airport bar.  After one too many drinks, Ted confesses to Lily that he wants to kill his wife and Lily, a total stranger, agrees to help him. A dark and mysterious must read.

And so, for the book worm on your list, here are a few gift giving ideas for Christmas. For me, personally, I'm still on the fence about the new Kindle, since I use my phone so much to read, but give me a glass of wine and a nice, warm blanket and I'm good to go. Oh, and can you throw in a slow crackling fire, too?