We have now come to the end. 2019 was an amazing reading year for me. I had so many books to choose from, but now it’s time to take a look at my top ten favorite books/series that I read in 2019!
1. Enchantée by Gita Trelease
Still in first place is Enchantée! No other book this year wowed me quite as much as this magical retelling of the French Revolution. The lush writing and unforgettable characters completely stole my heart.
Trelease recently announced that the sequel won’t be released until 2021. While that was disappointing to hear, I admire her honesty—she didn’t want to rush the story and felt the original 2020 timeline wouldn’t allow her to do it justice. It took her three years to write Enchantée, so it only makes sense she’d want the same care for the sequel. Too often, follow-up books are rushed and lose their spark. So I’ll happily wait as long as it takes!
2. Bloodleaf by Crystal Smith
For much of the year, it was neck and neck between Bloodleaf and Enchantée. In the end, Enchantée edged out by the smallest margin. Bloodleaf is a loose retelling of the fairytale The Goose Girl, and like Trelease, Smith takes the bones of a classic and spins it into something completely fresh.
I adored the magic system, but it was the characters—flawed, resilient, and deeply human—that made this book unforgettable. Their journeys of growth felt so authentic. The sequel comes out this summer, and it’s already one of my most anticipated reads of 2020.
3. The Lady Darby Series by Anna Lee Huber
I started this series at the tail end of 2018 and spent 2019 happily devouring books 2 through 4.5. Lady Darby mysteries are consistently engaging, with wonderful historical detail and a heroine I adore. I still have more books ahead of me in this series, and I can’t wait to continue in 2020!
4. Stalking Jack the Ripper Series by Kerri Maniscalco
This year I read the first two books: Stalking Jack the Ripper and Hunting Prince Dracula. Both were excellent, but I have to give the edge to Hunting Prince Dracula. The atmosphere, gothic setting, and mystery gripped me even more than the first book. Books three and four are definitely on my 2020 TBR!
5. Sorcery & Cecilia, or The Enchanted Chocolate Pot by Patricia C. Wrede and Caroline Stevermer
This book was pure joy. A whimsical historical fantasy told through letters, it had me smiling the entire time I read it. The story itself is delightful, but what makes it even better is its unique origin—the book began as a letter-writing game between the two authors. If you don’t know the backstory, look it up. It makes the reading experience even more charming.
6. The 7½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton
This was the most inventive book I read all year. A time-bending “whodunit” that blends the classic feel of an Agatha Christie mystery with a mind-bending fantastical twist. I couldn’t put it down. I’m eagerly waiting to see what Turton publishes next.
7. The Fountains of Silence by Ruta Sepetys
Sepetys never fails to impress me. She shines a light on overlooked corners of history, and this book—set in post–Spanish Civil War Spain—was no exception. I’m ashamed to admit how little I knew about this period, and Sepetys opened my eyes to its lingering impact. Every time I read her work, I come away with not only a moving story but also a reminder of how much history still hides in the shadows. I’ll read anything she writes.
8. The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson
This was another unforgettable historical fiction read. It follows Cussy Mary, one of the last “blue people” of Kentucky, who also happens to be a traveling librarian. Prejudice, isolation, resilience, and the power of books all come together in a deeply moving story. The audiobook is especially wonderful.
9. The Sixth World Series by Rebecca Roanhorse
Both Trail of Lightning and Storm of Locusts blew me away. These post-apocalyptic, Navajo-inspired fantasy novels combine myth, gods, and clan powers in a world that feels truly original. They’re fast-paced, gritty, and unlike anything else I’ve read. I can’t wait for the third installment!
10. The Verity Kent Series by Anna Lee Huber
Clearly, Anna Lee Huber had a strong showing for me this year. While I slightly prefer her Lady Darby series, the Verity Kent books are excellent in their own right. Set in post–WWI England, they follow a former secret service agent navigating mysteries in a world still haunted by war. Huber’s research and attention to historical detail are remarkable, and Verity herself is a strong, layered heroine.
Wrapping Up
So there you have it—my top 10 reads of 2019! This year was full of unique worlds, unforgettable characters, and books that stayed with me long after I closed the covers. I can’t wait to see what stories capture my heart in 2020.
The Book Nook 