New this year, I read 58 books according to Goodreads so I wanted to share some of my absolute faves in a gift guide fit for the smart cookie in your life.

Know someone who loves to read? Wrap one of these or all of these and place it under the Christmas tree to look smart this Christmas.

Without further ado, I will work my way up from 10,

10. 

They say what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger…

Calida Jokobi doesn’t see it that way. Surviving an abusive relationship with a sadistic, manipulative man changed her. She has spent the last two years carefully constructing her new persona with two goals in mind: to keep the remaining pieces of her heart safe and her deepest secrets buried. One man puts it all at risk.

Malcolm has been a part of Calida’s life for as long as she can remember. A friend. Her first teenage crush. Now he’s asking for something she swore she’d never give again: her heart.

Calida must decide if she should risk the fragile façade she’s created and give Malcolm the chance he’s asking for.

They say love can heal all wounds…

Malcolm Frankel wants to prove to Calida it’s true. She survived a hell most people couldn’t fathom. He’s been by her side fulfilling whatever role she needs him to play. All except the one he wants most. It took nearly losing her to make Malcolm realize he couldn’t keep denying his feelings.

He knows no one goes through an ordeal like that and comes out unscathed, but the closer they get, the more he learns just how deep Calida’s wounds go.

She’s the only woman he’s ever loved, and Malcolm is ready to put his own heart at risk for a chance at mending hers.

To read my review and for purchase links, visit here.

9. B.S. Incorporated by Jennifer Rock and Michael Voss

If you just finished re-binging The Office on Netflix and need something to fill the gaping whole that remains because they decided not to bring it back for a re-boot, read this equally funny novel about a company that could rival Dunder Mifflin for sure.

For my review and for some share-worthy quotes, please visit my Meryl Streep room.

8. Magician’s Workshop I & II by  Christopher Hansen and J. R. Fehr

Chronicles of Narnia meets Harry Potter in this allegorical novel about children that live in a society where their color decides whether they will train with the town’s magician’s in the exclusive workshop.

For my full review of both novels and some pinterest-savvy quotes, visit my wardrobe.

7. The Hundred Lies of Lizzie Lovett by Chelsea Sedoti

This book was one I randomly decided to read on a whim but was glad I made such a rash decision because as an acquaintance solves the mystery of what happened to recently disappeared Lizzie Lovett, town popular girl, you will learn some life lessons that will share more truth than lies.

For my full video review, please visit the mysterious campground.

6. The Door Keeper by Steen Jones

Fantasy isn’t really my genre but that’s why I was as surprised as you are that I completed reading this book in one day!

For full review and the gist of the magic that awaits behind that door over there, here’s the key.

5. Chasing Eveline by Leslie Hauser

A young adult novel equivalent of an earworm it shares the story of how music moves us and keeps us moving.

For full review, feel free to press play.

4. Proof by Ted D. Berner

A science fiction novel based on Genesis 6:4 that exposes all those conspiracy theories you always wanted to know were true or not.

To find out all the secrets, enter at your own risk.

3. Family First by D.D. Bridges

An urban fiction novel following an elite African-American family that takes in a juvenile delinquent who shows the family what it means to be truly misjudged.

For my full video review, court is adjorned. 

4. Fairytale by Danielle Steel

I wasn’t a fan of Danielle Steel until I read this book. Now I want to read all her books. She’s the queen of a great plot progression and romantic story line.

To journey to the wine country of Southern California, click here.

 

1. The Father Effect by John Finch

 

Becoming a dad is easy but being a father is harder. See what kind of effect you leave on your children by reading John Finch’s memoir style book.

For full review and to purchase the novel, find encouragement here.

Congrats to all those in my Top Ten list. If you want to see your book in this list in 2018, be sure to contact the Smart Cookie asap at wittywriterpoet26@gmail.com.

Until next year, have a happy holidays and may 2018 be the year you choose to #ESPRESSOYOURSELF