The Best of 2020 -- The Worst Year Ever

Okay, there's no doubt that 2020 sucked the big one. I was able to enjoy a vacation with my sister shortly before the world ended. We went to Mexico on a cruise (remember those??) and played with lemurs.

While that was definitely the highlight of my year, I cannot discount the many books I was able to read.

Let's dive into my favorite books of 2020!

**before I start though-please note that while my favorite book of all time is The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah, and I did re-read that book this year, I'm not including it on my list, and will definitely be making a separate blog post about that book alone!**

Hands down, my favorite author of 2020 was Kristin Harmel. I first learned of Kristin Harmel because she was part of a group that was interviewing Kristin Hannah. I tuned in, and the rest is history. That being said, if you have a Facebook, you MUST join the group FRIENDS AND FICTION. I'll be making a separate blog post about that Facebook group at a later date, but trust me--it'll be worth it!

The Book of Lost Names was one of those books that I bought solely based on the cover. I thought it was the most beautiful cover I had ever seen. What was inside was just as beautiful as the outside. Harmel brings you on an emotional journey through the decades, mostly taking place in World War 2 France. I cannot and will not spoil the book for you, but if you're one for historical fiction, love, heartbreak, and anguish--this book is for you.

Jodi Picoult has been a favorite of mine for many years, but there was something special about Perfect Match. The story of a mother who will do literally anything to protect her child had me reaching for the tissues, and holding my breath all at the same time. I'm not going to lie, the chapters are long, but the content wasn't quite enough. Perfect Match had my heart racing from start to finish, and I recommend this for anyone into family drama and law.

Of course, another book by Kristin Harmel made this list. The Room on Rue Amelie was the first book I read by Harmel, and I knew it wouldn't be the last. Bringing you back to World War 2 France, Harmel was able to paint a very vivid picture of life during wartime. I am Jewish, and have spent many years learning about this era, but I learned so many new things reading this book, and will forever be grateful for Kristin Harmel for expanding my knowledge and understanding.

My final favorite of 2020 was Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly. Again, a World War 2 story, but this was 3 stories into one. A girl in America, a girl working as a doctor in the camps, and the prisoner girl. Their stories were all so different, but all tied together in the end for major heartbreak. This was the hardest book to read, but one of the most rewarding in the end. I cannot wait to read the sequel, and to be taken on another emotional journey.

Yes, I'm aware of the general theme for my favorite books of 2020...but what can I say? I love feeling strong emotions.

I cannot wait to see what 2021 has in store, and I hope that life gets back to normal sooner, so I can meet up with book friends in person to talk all about our latest and greatest adventures.