Kailana's Best of 2009

It's funny. It seems the more I read, the picker I am about deciding my favourites. I am not sure if it is that there is not a lot that I loved, or if it is just there is so many to choose from I find the task a bit overwhelming! All I know is that I am really at a loss as to what to say in this post.

If I go by what comes to mind first, then I can think of three historical fiction books that have stuck with me and that I really loved. They are (in no particular order):

The Day the Falls Stood Still by Cathy Marie Buchanan. This is a book by a debut author set in Niagara Falls, Canada. Told with vivid detail and fascinating historical accuracy I thought this was a fantastic book. I would almost hate to be her, though... When your first book is so wonderfully written, it must be very stressful trying to come up with a follow-up! Regardless, I look forward to what she gives us next. Read my review and read a guest post by the author.

Cleopatra's Daughter by Michelle Moran. I read her debut novel, Nefertiti, as an ARC and have loved all of her books! This was another superbly written novel set in a period of history that really interested me. Moran keeps putting out the winners, which is helping her maintain her spot on my list of favourite authors ever! I am looking forward to her new book in 2010 and to her once again appearing on Historical Tapestry. Read my review and read one of her guest posts.

Twilight of Avalon by Anna Elliott. Another book by a debut author. I am all about the debut novels this year, I guess. I love Arthurian legends, so this one was no exception! Taking place afterwards and being about Tristan and Isolde further interested me because I haven't read very many retellings of their legend. I really enjoyed this book, though, and cannot wait until the sequel is released in 2010! Read my review and guest post by the author.

The Outlander by Gil Adamson. I was SHOCKED by how much I enjoyed a book set in the wilderness! It's something I am aware of, but don't really pay all that much attention to. This book, though, was fantastic! Considering the setting and the fact that there is only one character for the most part, I was really surprised by how much of a page-turner this was. I loved it and believe it has deserved all the press it has received in Canada since its release. It is a worthwhile read! Read my review.

Tatiana & Alexander by Paullina Simons. I started this book years ago, so I am so happy that I FINALLY finished it! I really loved it, so it was just one of those things... Set during WWII, one of my favourite time periods, this book was really a romance, so I am shocked that I loved it as much as I did. I suppose it was just so well-written, the time frame came alive, and the characters were likable so I could see passed the romance elements and not be bothered by them. I really need to read book three! Read my review.

I was going to do honourable mentions, too, but that tends to lead to me discovering that I forgot one in my five and then I wind up wanting to redo the post, so I am going to stick with these five...