The Baroness’ 2019 In Retrospect
In Retrospect is my wrap up of the previous year. It is also a way for me to highlight my favorite books, series, and authors for the year too. It is always so hard to pick my favorites for the year, but after much thought, I was able to narrow it down.
2019 was an excellent year for the Baroness’ Book Trove. I reviewed some amazing books, met some fabulous authors, and watched some great Hallmark movies.
One of the ways that I learn of new and new-to-me authors, publish, or independent is through book tour companies. So I would like to thank Great Escapes Book Tours, Buoni Amici Press, LLC., YA Bound Book Tours, Prism Book Tours, MC Book Tours, and Unicorn Quester for giving me this opportunity. If you like to review books, check out these book tour companies, they each have something different to offer.
I am enjoying the start of a new decade the twenties will be the bee’s knees, I am sure. I wish all of you a terrific year.
Now on to my awards. Click the image to be taken to my reviews.
My Top Three Favorite Reads
Cupid Claus by Sarah Fischer and Kelsey McKnight
I loved this book so much. It was the perfect read for both putting you in the Christmas spirit and a little bit in the mood for Valentine’s Day as well. We have Santa’s son spreading the good cheer, maybe falling in love, and a meddling mom who wants what is best for her son. Such a great read by two fabulous authors.
Southern Sass and Killer Cravings by Kate Young
Marygene Brown Mysteries #1
I love this book so much that I practically finished it in one sitting. The combination of food, southern charm, and realistic characters makes this book such a joy to read. I can’t wait for the next book.
Murder Once Removed by S.C. Perkins
An Ancestry Detective Mystery #1
S.C. Perkins is a fabulous author, and this book is such a good one for a debut. The sleuth loves Mexican food and finding the ancestry off of someone that asks her. Though that could lead to some trouble for her.
Drowning Lessons by Rachel Neuburger Reynolds
Red Frog Beach Mystery #1
This book is fabulous. I loved the setting, the mystery is top-notch, the characters are very realistic, yet humorous, and the plot moved well.
Snowflakes and Sparks by Sophie-Leigh Robbins
Old Pine Cove #1
Snowflakes and Sparks by Sophie-Leigh Robbins is just as enjoyable as the first book I read of hers. Suzie and Alex just popped right out of the pages of this book and into my imagination. I didn’t want to put it down; I had to know what would happen next for these two lovebirds.
Christmas Trifle by Heather Haven
Snow Lake Romantic Suspense #1
I adored the setting, the supporting characters are magnificent, and the way the mystery is plotted is superb. Also, the way that Felix and Oscar cared about each other and their people is adorable.
The Vine Witch by Luanne G. Smith
Vine Witch #1
The Vine Witch by Luanne G. Smith is a great book, and it feels like the intricacies of magic within the world are so well put together that you don’t even doubt what the author is saying. Ms. Smith has crafted a beautiful and unique world of magic that sucks you into it. I enjoyed the different types of witches to how it’s different from the country to the city about their beliefs in witches. It’s all just so fantasizing, and it mesmerized me in.
Shifter’s Wish by Louise Cypress
Fight or Flight #1
This book a great start to a beautiful series from Louise Cypress. She has done some fantastic books throughout the years, and I am a fan of hers. I can’t wait to read the other two in this series.
The Girlfriend Experience by Dana Ross
Full Girlfriend Experience by Dana Ross didn’t leave my mind, and I was so all-in with Faith and the crazy life that she leads. I have never been to Washington D.C., and yet I felt connected to the places that Ms. Ross described, to the point of smelling the wonderful scents of spices to the horrid smell of the filth. This book is Ms. Ross’ first, and it is spectacular.
Peach Clobbered by Anna Gerard
A Georgia B&B Mystery #1
The story is superbly written, and the characters are perfect. I love all the differences, and the setting with the Shakespearean references is fabulous.
My Top 5 Favorite Book Series
Old Pine Cove by Sophie-Leigh Robbins is a small-town love story at it’s best.
Sophie-Leigh Robbins is an author that I was introduced to in 2019, and I have to say that I am so grateful that I was. She is an excellent author, and I love this series. Each one can be read as a standalone since it mentions what kind of happens to the other book’s main couple. I can’t wait for In For A Treat, which should be coming out sometime this year. It should be on one of my upcoming books and my review for it as well.
Review of Snowflakes and Sparks Review of Love To Prove You Wrong Coming Soon In For A Treat
Lark Davis Mysteries by Annabelle Hunter
OMG, Annabelle Hunter, is hilarious! I laugh my way through most of these books. Lark and her best friend Jen are so funny. Lark has so much snark, and I love her inner voice, which slips out more often than not. The setting is a small town in Northern California, and Lark is a horse trainer. You would think that murders and mysteries are just something that she reads, but it’s not. Oh, and the citizens of Barrow Bay are all… I’ll say…eccentric. Seriously, this is a great series, and it is on KindleUnlimited.
Review of Leg Up Buy Stir Up Review of Load Up
A Campers and Criminals Cozy Mysteries by Tonya Kappes is about a small-town RV Camp owner getting into investigating murders.
Tonya Kappes has delivered another top-notch mystery sleuth that I love. Mae West is a Kentuckian at heart who just wanted to get away. Now she’s back and she’s actually starting to like it there in Kentucky. Mae and Hank are very adorable together. Even though they do have their little tifts over her investigating something that she really shouldn’t be.
Review of Beaches Review of Deserts Review of Forests Review of Christmas Review of Motorhomes Review of Canyons Review of Hitches Review of Assailants Buy Valleys, Vehicles, and Victims Preorder Sunsets, Sabbatical and Scandal Preorder Tents, Trails and Turmoil
Red Frog Beach Mystery Series by Rachel Neuburger Reynolds
Red Frog Beach is on Bocas del Toro, a remote chain of islands off the Caribbean coast of Panama, and talk about a fabulous setting, especially for murder. It’s like locking all the suspects up in a giant game of Clue. Lexie is the island sleuth and I love the way she goes about finding the culprit. Ms. Reynolds is doing an amazing job with this series and I can’t wait for the next installment.
Review of Drowning Lessons Review of The Wipeout Affair
Ancestry Detective Mysteries by S.C. Perkins is a new twist on finding out about your family along with solving a mystery.
Lucy Lancaster is the perfect sleuth for this series, and I love how she can make finding out about your family fun. I learned a lot from the first book about how to do some easy things with some genealogy. The next one sounds awesome as well.
Review of Murder Once Removed Preorder Lineage Most Lethal
My Favorite Cozy Mystery
Beach Blanket Homicide by Maria Geraci
A Whispering Bay Mystery #1
This book is a marvelous mystery, and this first of a fabulous new series. Lucy, Paco, Will, Sebastian, Brittany, and Sarah are the greatest characters ever. Lucy owns a bakery that is near the beach in Florida. Paco (her new dog) can see and talk to ghosts. So, let’s think about this, baked goods, spirits, the beach, and a cute dog, yep, it has it all. Check it out if you haven’t already. Oh, and there are four more books in this series.
My Favorite Paranormal Cozy Mystery
Bat Wings, Rings and Apron Strings by Erin Johnson
Spells and Caramels #10
This book is the last of Ms. Johnson’s Imogen series, and I loved it. There is a happy ending, but there is also an opening if Ms. Johnson wants to return in the future. Look for the Magic Market Mystery series from Ms. Johnson as it takes place on the same island as the Spells and Caramels series.
My Favorite Young Adult Book
The How and the Why by Cynthia Hand
This book is different than I thought it would be, and I was so amazed. I love it when books sneak up and surprise me. The characters are spectacularly real, and the ending is excellent.
My Favorite Romance
Wearing the Greek Millionaire’s Ring by Jennifer Faye
Greek Island Brides #3
This book is pretty fun, with lots of comedy and love. I adore the way that the chapters were days and places where the cruise took them. I thought that was pretty cool and very unique. Loving the way that Stasia and Roberto got “together.”
My Favorite Fantasy
Legend Undone by Angie Day
Legends and Shadows Saga #1
Angie Day is an upcoming author, and this is her first book. After I saw the cover, I had to read it. Oh, I was so glad that I did. Seriously, a new species with awesome powers and a mystery to unravel. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
My Favorite Thriller/Mystery
Nine Elms by Robert Bryndza
A Kate Marshall Thriller #1
This book caught me by surprise, I wasn’t sure if I would like it, but I so loved it. It was like I was right there with Kate as she was confronted by her past. This book had me from the beginning. I am looking forward to reading Kate’s next adventure.
Featured Authors
In 2019, I was able to spotlight twenty amazing authors who took time out of their busy schedules to answer questions and be part of my year. A special thanks to all of you.
I have a deep appreciation for authors. The lands that these amazing people have created and shared with us have helped me through some hard times. I like to escape into the world of a book, it makes reality easier to deal with. Please keep writing as the characters you have created are my friends, and I enjoy spending time with them.
If you haven’t already seen the interviews with these authors, click the buttons below to learn more about them.
Lee Goldberg (Ian Ludlow) Tonya Kappes
Carolyn Haines Rebecca Barrett
Claire Matturro Susan Y. Turner
Holly Tierney-Bedord Delancey Stewart
Monique McDonell Sophie-Leigh Robbins
My Favorite Book Cover for 2019
Thomas Wildus and the Book of Sorrows by J.M. Bergen
Oh, and it is such a great book with the second book coming out this May, so look for that.
My Favorite Hallmark Romance Movie of 2019
One Winter Proposal
This movie was my favorite movie last year. Although, I didn’t do a review as it is the second movie in a series, and I didn’t do the first movie as I wasn’t doing Hallmark movie reviews then. However, I absolutely love the storyline, and the actors were all superb. The setting was magical. I had hoped that they would do a One Winter Wedding, but that didn’t happen in 2020.
My Favorite Hallmark Must Solve Sundays Mystery of 2019
Crossroads Mysteries: A Puzzle to Die For #1
I adore this new mystery series with Lacey Chabert, Brennan Elliott, and Barbara Niven. I haven’t thought about the person who handles the crossword puzzles in the newspapers, but now that I have seen this movie, I am sort of obsessed with them. There are two other mysteries in the series, and I hope that Hallmark makes more of them.
Reading Challenges Stats for 2019
RC Pledged Read
Goodreads 100 243
Contemporary Romance 15 57
Cloak & Dagger 20 118
Craving For Cozies 20 112
Cruisin’ Thru the Cozies 20 112
2019 New Release Challenge 20 180
Royal Reading Challenge 5 5
What an Animal 6 6
This year I am hosting the Supernatural Creatures Reading Challenge. Feel free to stop by and sign up; I plan to have monthly prizes for those participating. You can also find this on the top menu.
On the Personal Side ~
2019 went by so fast. It seemed like a whirlwind. I did get three pets in the last part of the year, a Beta named Dragon, and two snorkies, Bella and Carli.
We had some family visit over the summer, which was colder than normal. I started working as a puppy nanny for Luigi, a very handsome golden retriever. However, most of the year was filled with self-growth, reading, and working on my Baroness’ Book Trove. So, all in all, it was a good year.
Here are some stats for the year:
Number of Reviews
| Format | Amount |
|---|---|
| Audible Audiobook | 2 |
| Audio CD | 0 |
| ebook | 5 |
| Hardcover | 13 |
| Kindle | 209 |
| Movie | 0 |
| Paperback | 26 |
| 0 | |
| T.V. Movie | 106 |
| T.V. Series | 2 |
Average Ratings
| Formats (Number of Books) | Average Rating |
|---|---|
| Audible Audiobook (2) | 5 Stars |
| ebook (5) | 5 Stars |
| Hardcover (13) | 4.77 Stars |
| Kindle (206) | 4.57 Stars |
| Paperback (26) | 4.77 Stars |
To see all of my Movie Reviews.
Thank you for stopping by!
2019 in Retrospect is complete. There were so many other notable books and movies that I watched in 2019.
I am incredibly grateful that you joined me in 2019, please stick around as we start a new decade and explore all the beautiful places that we can only visit in books. Oh, I am sure there will be lots of movies too.
Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right. ~
Anyways until the next time, have a delightful day!
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