Author Obsessions in 2015

Author Obsessions in 2015

• Dec 8, 2015

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly feature hosted by The Broke and The Bookish. Every week they post a new topic and invite everyone to share their answers. I'm so obsessed with lists - so I obviously love this feature!

Top Ten New-to-Me Authors I Read in 2015

1. Fredrik Backman | My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry and A Man Called Ove

I have this post in the back of my mind throughout the year, and I've known ever since I read My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry that Fredrik Backman would be on it. And after finished A Man Called Ove, it just sealed the deal. His writing is eccentric, imaginative, insightful and touching. I can't get enough!

2. Katherine Center | Happiness for Beginners

If I loved a book enough to read it twice in one month, it's a given that the author is making my list of favorite new-to-me discoveries. Happiness for Beginners was everything I want in a good read, and I've pushed it on so many people. Center's writing took a simple and familiar story to another level. AND THE SWOON.

3. A.C. Gaughen | Scarlet, Lady Thief and Lion Heart

I thoroughly enjoyed Gaughen's twist on a folk tale, and I binged this series in  a week! While I was impressed by the character development and incorporation of dialect, it was the emotion that made me adore these books and author. No one told me that I needed to prepare my heart... and have tissues on hand!

4. Stacey Lee | Of Beast and Beauty

I bought this book on a whim and had high hopes for it, but I never expected to love it as much as I did! The story had me hooked almost immediately, and I credit that to Jay's gorgeous writing. The lyrical quality just blew my away, and I can't even do it justice. Not to mention the vivid world that Jay brought to life!

5. Stacey Lee | Under a Painted Sky

Historical fiction is my favorite genre, so I was thrilled when I started seeing praise pouring in for this read. And once I read it for myself, I knew this was only the beginning of Lee's bright future! I loved everything about this book - the writing, the characters, the romance, the setting, the story... Now I'm dying for more from Lee.

6. Mhairi McFarlane | It's Not Me, It's You and Here's Looking at You

I'm cheating a little bit with this author because I technically read my first book from her in 2014. I enjoyed it, but it didn't even compare to the two I read from her this year. I love the humor in McFarlane's books, but they make me cry a little, too. I find myself so drawn to her characters and the themes in her stories.

7. Collen Oakley | Before I Go

I technically read Oakley's debut at the very end of 2014, but I didn't include her on my list of favorite new-to-me authors because I wanted to wait until her book was actually published. I loved Oakley's writing style, and I became enamored with her main character's voice and journey. I wanted the book to never end!

8. Rebecca Stead | Goodbye Stranger

I requested this book for review because I was intrigued by the summary, and I'm so thankful for that decision! This was one of the most though-provoking books I read this year, and Stead expertly captures the awkwardness and coming-of-age that happens in middle. It was a complex read, in the very best way.

9. Sherry Thomas | The Burning Sky, The Perilous Sea and The Immortal Heights

I thought this series was so clever, smart and engaging. I loved the combination of fantasy and historical fiction, which felt fresh and unique. In all the serious moments, I looked forward to the doses of humor and romance. Thomas' writing was just so consistently good, and I'd love to read more YA from her!

10. Nancy Turner | These is My Words

Oh my goodness, I adore when one books makes me fall head over heels in love with the author! That was my experience with These is My Words - a book that was languishing on my TBR until I randomly picked it up and became completely obsessed. The writing, characters and romance absolutely blew me away!

Did any of these authors make your list?

Have I convinced you to give any of them a shot?