I hope everyone's holidays were amazing. But now it is back to work, unfortunately. However, this week is all about looking back and ahead. My Goodreads reading goal was conquered but not the number, I was hoping to reach. In 2015, I completed over 60 books and was hoping to get further than that this year. I did have a shaky start and got caught up in my studies so I completed a little more than 30 books.

That being said, I still wanted to participate in today's Top Ten Tuesday, showcasing the best books I've read. Top Ten Tuesday is a meme created and hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.  This week's topic is: Top Ten Best Books of 2016. In reading so little, I chose my top 5, rather than my top 10.



Into the Dim by Janet B. Taylor: It is a story that tugs at your heartstrings.  Into the Dim is both a mystery and adventure with a marvelous protagonist to guide the way.  Hope is brave, yet flawed, which makes her incredibly relatable and a role model.  Janet B. Taylor created a lovely debut that both Outlander and Doctor Who fans will absolutely adore.

Glass Sword by Victoria Aveyard: Overall, Glass Sword is a good addition to Victoria Aveyard’s series. It doesn’t top Red Queen but it certainly pulls at readers’ heartstrings. Despite its repetitive plot, Aveyard moves the story forward with beautiful character development and hard-to-put-down writing. The ending will not only leave you wanting more, but it will leave you shattered. This sequel to Red Queen will have you crossing off the days until the next in the series.

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon: I finally read it and finished it! The size of these Outlander books look so menacing but I am so proud of myself for getting through the first one. Outlander was fantastic and easily one of my favorites of the year.