My Top Ten Best Books of 2020: Light, fun reads to escape!

There are a plethora of blog posts featuring the best books of 2020, but I’m focusing on the ones that brought me the most joy in my reading life this year! While I recognize and believe that books can be important tools for learning and growing, I usually turn to reading purely for fun. 

 

So, my best books of 2020 list includes uplifting, sweet, sometimes thought provoking, and often funny books that are good for your soul. 

 

In total, I read 49 new books that came out in 2020 so narrowing it down to my top ten wasn’t an easy task! Although a bunch fall into the rom com category, you’ll also find two fantasy books, historical fiction and (gasp!!) even a murder mystery novel! 

 

Thus, I’m confident that every type of reader will find a book to add to their To Be Read list from my best books of 2020!

 

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10 Best Books of 2020 (Ranked)

 

10. Today, Tonight, Tomorrow by Rachel Lynn Solomon

Genre: Young Adult

Two teens who competed against each other their entire high school career end up teaming up in the senior scavenger hunt. Rowan Roth and Neil McNair are known enemies – always fighting for top grades, school elections, and ultimately valedictorian. However, they’re forced to get to know each other when a group of classmates team up to take them down.

This novel was so cute! I loved the banter between Rowan and Neil and how their feelings changed as they got to know more about each others’ lives. A perfect option to kick off my best books of 2020.  5 Stars | Amazon | Bookshop.org

 

 

 

 

 

9. The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab

Genre: Fantasy

Addie LaRue can live forever, but she is immediately forgotten by everyone who sees her. This fantasy novel is an incredible look at what it means to walk among humanity leaving no footprint. Addie tells her story from multiple time periods, beginning with her life in 18th century France.

I absolutely adored this book, from start to finish. The concept is fascinating and I loved how the implications of the curse were slowly revealed. It was also interesting reading about Addie’s movement through different time periods and locations throughout history. 5 Stars | Amazon | Bookshop.org

 

 

 

 

8. The Exiles by Christina Baker Kline

Genre: Historical Fiction

An unexpected surprise five star historical fiction novel. I received this book to participate in a bookstagram tour with TLC Book Tours and I’m so glad I got the opportunity to read it. It focuses on the plight of women convicts from England who were sent to Australia as essentially slaves. It’s heartbreaking and difficult, but also full of hope and love. 

Despite the difficult topics, this was still a quick read and I became incredibly invested in the characters and what would happen to them. I cannot recommend it enough! | Amazon | Bookshop.org

 

 

 

 

 

7. One To Watch by Kate Stayman-London

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Bea is a plus sized fashion blogger who is chosen to be the next Main Squeeze (aka Bachelorette). The show attempts to diversify for ratings and Bea plans to use the publicity for new opportunities in the fashion world. However, she stars to believe she might actually fall in love with one of the gorgeous men vying for her attention.

I absolutely adored this book, but it probably helps that I’m already a fan of all the drama on the show. One to Watch included the same ridiculous twists and turns, but it was also addressing the serious flaws with the show. A great summer novel that deserves a place in your beach bag!! | Amazon | Bookshop.org

 

 

 

 

 

6. Happy And You Know It by Laura Hankin

Genre: Women’s Fiction

A recent Book of the Month pick that I LOVED. Get lost in a rich mom group in NYC. When a young musician is hired to entertain the kids, she becomes embroiled in all the drama and secrets. Each woman is facing her own struggles and the constant need to be the best mom and wife makes them turn to shady products to cope.

I was the perfect audience since I have a kid around the same age as these women! However, I think all women will get caught up in this outrageous story! | Amazon | Bookshop.org

 

 

 

 

 

Save For Later!

 

 

 

 

5. The Happy Ever After Playlist by Abby Jimenez

Genre: Contemporary Romance

In a rare scenario, I actually received a physical ARC of this book from the publisher! I recently read The Friend Zone and was thrilled to discover there was a sequel coming out in April 2020! In The Happy Ever After Playlist, Jimenez picks up the story with Sloane, who is still reeling from her loss two years later. When a dog literally jumps into her car, she begins healing and opening up her heart again while searching for his owner.

This story is full of depth yet nails the witty banter. I loved every second of it. It’s a must read for contemporary fiction fans and worth picking up even if you’re not normally into that genre! | Amazon | Bookshop.org

 

 

 

 

4. One By One by Ruth Ware

Genre: Thriller

I RARELY read thrillers / murder mysteries, but this one set at a ski chalet just sounded too interesting to pass up. A tech company on a retreat gets stranded after an avalanche hits. One of the founders is presumed missing, but things get even worse when they start to suspect her death wasn’t an accident…and the murderer is still killing.

This was the perfect blend of intense, creepy, and well written. Every part of this story was interesting and I didn’t feel like I was slogging through to find out the reveal. I loved it! | Amazon | Bookshop.org

 

 

 

 

 

3. The Switch by Beth O’Leary

Genre: Chick Lit

The Switch is O’Leary’s second novel (and her first, The Flatshare, was one of my top books of 2019). Leena and her grandmother decide to switch lives after they both realize they need a break. Leena is taking a much needed hiatus from work after a personal tragedy, so she fills in for her grandmother’s small town duties. Meanwhile her grandmother sets off to London to start online dating, with Leena’s flatmates to guide her.

I can’t get enough of O’Leary’s humor and quirky characters. I wanted to curl up with this book forever and keep reading about their adventures. It’s got a little bit of love, a little bit of healing, and a whole lot of charm.  | Amazon | Bookshop.org

 

 

 

 

2. What You Wish For by Katherine Center

Genre: Women’s Fiction

If you’re looking for a book that embodies joy, this is it! At it’s heart, it’s a bunch of teachers trying to save a beautiful, creative school from a hard-ass new principal.

Throughout the pages, it also turns into a story about dealing with grief and fear and opening your heart to new ways to love. I honestly adored it and was so excited to pick it up and read every night. | Amazon | Bookshop.org

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. The House In The Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune

Genre: Fantasy

The top of my list of best books of 2020 is all due to bookstagram bringing this to my attention! A sweet, touching fantasy about accepting yourself and others. This is the definition of heartwarming. I just wanted to hug this book and never let go. 

Linus is tasked with inspecting an orphanage that is home to some very unusual and dangerous children. During his time there, he learns there may be more to life than the endless, safe routine of his job. | Amazon | Bookshop.org

 

 

 

Now that you’ve seen my best books of 2020, what was your favorite book of the year?

For additional book recommendations, see which books I picked back in June as my best of 2020 so far!