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I read a lot of books. A lot. And it occurred to me that a Top 10 post of the books I loved the most in 2020 might be a fun way to recap the year. I did my best to categorize them from ten to one in order of my favorites, but that was impossible. So I gave up and did them in the order I read them.  Numbers 1, 2, and 3: The Codebreakers Trilogy by Roseanna M. White I picked up The Number of Love and On Wings of Devotion on a shopping trip New Year’s Eve. The final installment A Portrait of Loyalty released this September. The entire trilogy was packed with vibrant characters, intrigue and espionage, and raw, real looks at grief and devotion. Its Christian themes, while very upfront, never felt pushy or heavy handed. Love these books! Read the reviews: https://racheljleitch.weebly.com/rachels-reads/the-number-of-love-by-roseanna-m-white https://racheljleitch.weebly.com/rachels-reads/on-wings-of-devotion-by-roseanna-m-white https://racheljleitch.weebly.com/rachels-reads/a-portrait-of-loyalty-by-roseanna-m-white  Number 4: Frenzy by Robert Liparulo Wow. This book blew me away. The whole Dreamhouse Kings series, really. They’re very addictive all the way, but it was this climax that blew my mind. Even with the non-stop suspense, deep family relationships and the theme coming full circle was what really landed the punch. (You do need to read the first five books first, though.) Read the review: https://racheljleitch.weebly.com/rachels-reads/dreamhouse-kings-by-robert-liparulo  Number 5: Fawkes by Nadine Brandes Received this for my birthday and it quickly became my favorite book! An amazing protagonist, a vivid setting, clever allegory, creative history, and deep truth teens need to hear. I related a lot to Thomas’ relationship to his dad and left very inspired to seek truth. Read the review: https://racheljleitch.weebly.com/rachels-reads/fawkes-by-nadine-brandes  Number 6: Romanov by Nadine Brandes After reading Fawkes, I wasted no time tracking down Romanov. I was not disappointed. Centered in one of history’s greatest mysteries, Romanov is a heartbreaking, but whimsical read. One might even say spellbinding. Read the review: https://racheljleitch.weebly.com/rachels-reads/romanov-by-nadine-brandes  Number 7: The Edge of Everywhen by A. S. Mackey Previewed this middle grade novel for my siblings and was drawn in despite myself. A whimsical tale with an equally whimsical narrator (I mean, really, it’s a BOOK narrating the story. Don’t tell me you’ve ever heard of that). Full of bookish quotes, realistic discussions of grief, autism, dyslexia, and more; mysteries and libraries. All the things middle grade novels—and grown-up novels—should be made of. Read the review here: https://racheljleitch.weebly.com/rachels-reads/the-edge-of-everywhen-by-a-s-mackey  Number 8: Dust by Kara Swanson A long-anticipated release that did not disappoint! A creative twist on Peter Pan bursting with relatable, vibrant characters that leave you looking for magic around every corner. But it’s not all pixie dust—it also gives a new perspective on depression, anxiety, and the hope that lies ahead. Read the review: https://racheljleitch.weebly.com/rachels-reads/dust-by-kara-swanson Catch the cover reveal for the second book: https://racheljleitch.weebly.com/rachels-reads/shadow-cover-reveal  Number 9: The Girl Who Could See by Kara Swanson This imaginative little book takes the best of both worlds—sci-fi and fantasy, real and imagined. It embraces the impossible and I couldn’t put it down. (And that ending!) Read the review here: https://racheljleitch.weebly.com/rachels-reads/the-girl-who-could-see-by-kara-swanson  Number 10: Things We Didn't Say by Amy Lynn Green This epistolary novel—told entirely through letters and other documentation—is full of all the vibrant voices of a small town. I loved Johanna's unique voice and related to how she felt different from everyone else, "too practical." It makes one think long after you close the book. (And the ending! There should be more! Yet it’s so true to life . . .) Read the review: https://racheljleitch.weebly.com/rachels-reads/things-we-didnt-say-by-amy-lynn-green There you have it! My favorite reads of 2020 and perhaps all time! What about you? What were some of your favorites?
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