My Top 10 Reads of 2021 – Part 1

Today I’m sharing My Top Ten Reads of 2021 – Part 1 in hopes that you can relax and spend a little time reading some of the year’s greatest books.

I have enjoyed well over a hundred books this year in audiobook, ebook and printed formats.  Reading and writing about my love of books has really provided a sense of purpose to my days, and I hope I bring a little something to the online community along the way.

Without further adieu, I bring to you My Top Ten Reads of 2021 – Part 1 in no particular order. These books were all 5 star reads for me.  You can click on the book’s cover to read my full review.

To say The Push was an engaging read is an understatement. The fact that the book was written in the second person makes it unique in itself. The story has elements of women’s fiction, particularly in first half of the book which discusses the challenges of early motherhood. There is also an important conversation about perinatal depression which I valued. The second half of the book is all thriller, taking the reader on an emotional ride.

Published: January 5/21 by Pamela Dorman Books, 307 pages

Add The Push to your Goodreads shelf

Have you ever experienced the sensation that you are reading something very special right from the first chapter of a book? That is the feeling I had with listening to the audiobook of The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah. If you’re a fan of historical fiction, or want to read a book full of emotion, this is a must read.

Published: February 2/21 by St. Martin’s Press, 464 pages

Add The Four Winds to your Goodreads shelf

Miles Cookson has made billions of dollars in technology development.  In his early forties, he’s concentrated on the business part of his life without much thought of a social life. Recently diagnosed with a terminal genetic illness, he’s anxious to find his biological children as the result of a sperm donation two decades ago.  With the means to find these young adults, his goal is to alert them to their propensity to have inherited the same illness, and to leave them part of his estate. Within a few days of his diagnosis, Miles has a list of nine children whose mothers are documented to have used his sperm.

This is a thoroughly enjoyable read. I loved the magnificent character development, as well as the intense, fast-paced storyline

Published: May 4/21 by William Morrow, 438 pages

Add Find You First to your Goodreads shelf

Nina Riva is a talented surfer and supermodel. She is the eldest of 4 children to Mick, now a famous singer, and to June. Set to host her annual end of the summer party, Nina is joined by her brothers Jay (a champion surfer) and Hud ( a famous photographer).  Her much loved sister Kit will also be there.  The bond between these siblings is strong and one built on responsibility and shared love.

The book is set over the course of 24 hours on the day of Nina’s party.  There are stories of their parents past interspersed.  Only a few hours into the party, the guests become destructive and out of control.  There is also chaos within the family when an unexpected guest attends the party.  Will the strength of the siblings be able to overcome the obstacles set in front of them on this fateful day?

I absolutely adored this book.  The characters are complex, well-developed and very likeable.  I loved the relationships between these siblings even when faced with adversity.

Published: May 27/21 by Ballantine Books, 369 pages

Add Malibu Rising to your Goodreads shelf

Falling is one of my favourite thrillers for its well developed characters and storyline told from multiple points of view. This debut novel was written by a flight attendant which adds to the intrigue of this book.

Coastal airways Captain Bill Hoffmann didn’t want to work that day.  Set to watch the season opener of his son’s baseball season, his boss calls him into work – a request he cannot refuse.  Shortly after take off, Bill receives a message from his wife’s phone.  His family is being held captive, and Bill must make a gut-wrenching decision.  In order to keep his family safe, Bill must crash the plane with 143 souls on board.

Published: July 6/21 by Avid Reader Press/Simon & Schuster, 304 pages

Add Falling to your Goodreads shelf

That’s My Favourite Reads of 2021 – Part 1! Have you read any of these books, or added them to your To Be Read list?  Let me know in the comments.  The second part of this post will be published on December 28.  Thanks for reading!  I hope you have a wonderful day.☺️