The 2010 Austenesque Reviews End of Year Summary and Awards!

December is my favorite month for blogging!  There are several annual post that I look forward to sharing with my readers.  First is the Jane Austen Christmas Wishlist, which highlights lovely gift ideas for any Austen enthusiast!  Then there is Jane Austen's birthday on December 16th, I was fortunate enough to be a part of an enormous Birthday Blog Bash this year!  And last but not least is my end of the year wrap-up, where I take a look at all the books I have read in the past year and give little "awards" to all my favorites!

2010 was a incredible year for me!  I have had the pleasure to read so many excellent books, discover many new authors, and participate in several fantastic blog events!  I hope your 2010 has been just as awesome!

Summary for 2010:

I have read and reviewed 65 books.  Here is a break down of how many books I read in each category.

12 - Austen-Inspired Novels

10 - Pride and Prejudice Variations

9 - Non-Austenesque Novels

6 - Pride and Prejudice Sequels

5 - Paranormal Novels

5 -Non-Pride and Prejudice Sequels

4 - Nonfiction/Reference Books

3 - Mystery Novels

3 - Male Point-of-Views

3 - Modern Adaptions

Awards for 2010:

Favorite Pride and Prejudice Sequel:

Conviction by Skylar Hamilton Burris

Charlotte Collins by Jennifer Becton

- Both of these books did a marvelous job of creating a satisfying continuation for a minor character.  Conviction is about Georgiana and Charlotte Collins is about...take a wild guess!

Favorite Non-Pride and Prejudice Sequel:
The Mercy's Embrace Series by Laura Hile
 

- This should not come as a surprise to anyone!  I adore this series!  If you are a fan a Persuasion, you should definitely give it a try!


Favorite Jane Austen-Related Mystery:

The Intrigue at Highbury (Or, Emma's Match) by Carrie Bebris

 - Extremely well-written!  I loved the relationship between the Knightleys and Darcys!

Favorite Austen-Inspired Novel:
Rude Awakenings of a Jane Austen Addict by Laurie Viera Rigler

Bridget Jones: Edge of Reason by Helen Fielding

- What is interesting is that both of these books are the "sequel" or second book in a series!  Both books were brilliant, funny, and had endearing heroines!

Favorite Novel from the Male Point-Of-View:

Charity Envieth Not (George Knightley, Esquire; Book 1) by Barbara Cornthwaite

- A delightful expansion of Emma and all you ever wanted to know about the life of George Knightley!

  

Favorite Modern Adaption of a Jane Austen Novel:

The Importance of Being Emma by Juliet Archer

 - A magnificent modern adaption of Emma told from the point-of-view of Emma and Mark Knightley.  I can't wait to read more from this author!

Favorite Nonfiction/Reference Book:

Jane Austen: Christian Encounters by Peter Leithart

 - A delightful petite-sized biography that is terrific for first-timers!

Favorite Pride and Prejudice Variation:

Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy: The Last Man in the World by Abigail Reynolds

Darcy's Voyage by Kara Louise

- This was a very difficult decision!  I read a lot of Pride and Prejudice variations this year, and so many of were praiseworthy and well-written. 

Favorite Jane Austen Paranormal Novel:

 Bespelling Jane Austen by Mary Balogh, Colleen Gleason, Susan Krinard, and Janet Mullany

 - I found this anthology to be bespelling and bewitching!  Drawing inspiration from four distinct Austen novels, this anthology was delightfully varied in paranormal elements and Austen inspirations!

Favorite Non-Austenesque Novel
Dracula, My Love by Syrie James

- I love every novel I read by this author so far!  Didn't know if I wanted to jump on the vampire bandwagon - so glad I did!

What are your favorite novels from 2010?