Wren’s Witchy Writer Picks for Best Books of 2012

Guess what, it’s a New Year. Did you sleep in? Me. Too.

How about a book to join you in bed? If you are the owner of a Kindle, then have I some reads for you, as well as for those of you without an ereader. Have no fear. If you do try an ebook without an ereader, these ones are seriously worth scrolling through on your phone.

I’ll throw in some paper books for good measure as well. All fiction books have been reviewed through the year, click for more details. In memoir, mind-body-spirit & self-publishing titles, many bonus kickass books have been added.

And so it begins:

Best Paranormal: The Forever Girl by Rebecca Hamilton (pic above)

This little ditty is a very witchy read, sure to please anyone who loves reading about battles against darkness, and/or super fanatic Christian mothers. I read it early in the year, but it’s stuck in my mind!

Best Speculative Fiction: When She Woke by Hillary Jordan

This was so good! The Scarlet Letter meets Handmaid’s Tale. In paper.

This is a hard choice, because Margaret Atwood’s Positron ebook Series and MR Cornelius’ H10N1 were also awesome spec fic books this year.

Best Mystery: Blood and Mistletoe by EJ Stevens

Macabre holiday cheer for your ereader. For books in hand, check out Susan Wittig Albert’s Cat Claw and Charlaine Harris’ Grave Surprise.

Best Erotic: The Succubus Gift by BR Kingsolver

This cross-genre masterpiece is sure to entertain feminist ladies who like sexy urban fantasy and women who rock the world. Not only are there super sexy parts but the action and magic entertain as well.

The paperback What a Goddess Wants by Stephanie Julian has been a wonderful addition to my bedstand. Haven’t quite gotten to the end, but it’s a good un.

Thriller: JET by Russell Blake

You knew it was going to win. Great ebook, also loved his Voynich Cypher.

For more female assassin bad-assery check out Secrets by S.L. Pierce. These are all ebooks, all my paper thrillers were throw away crap.

Historical Fiction: After the Fog by Kathleen Shoop

This story of a nurse in a mining town in Pennsylvania is amazing. It’s rich with secrets and emotion, family drama, pollution, choices and regrets. Check it out. Ebook.

For paper historical, check out The House of Velvet and Glass by Katherine Howe.

Nonfiction

Memoir: Just Kids by Patti Smith

Haven’t read it? Read it. Done. Journey of two lovers, friends and artist.

Best in Mind: Daring Greatly by Brenee Brown (not yet reviewed but mentioned)

For all human beings I suggest Daring Greatly by Brenee Brown. It’s a wonderful look into shame and vulnerability and how we can all strive to live whole and genuine lives.

Best in Spirit: Tie between  Tarot for Your Self by Mary Greer and  Archangels 101 by Doreen Virtue (not yet reviewed)

For Tarot Lovers, I am currently in awe of Tarot for Your Self. Written in 1984, it was the first Tarot guide to focus on interpreting the cards for oneself. Genius, huh? I use Tarot all the time, and especially for markers like the new year but it’s pretty much always for myself.

This book aims to teach you more about the Tarot as a psychological and transformative tool. Basically reading this book is stepping into a magical tarot dimension.

For those interested in Angels, Archangels 101 by Doreen Virtue is a great jumping off point. I have been enjoying it all year, and have to say, there is no reason by people of all faiths can’t enjoy angels together. Through their myths and presence, angels have blessed me and helped me grow in 2012.

Best in Body: Trigger Point Therapy for Myofascial Pain by Donna & Steve Finando

As a massage therapist I have to share my best massage book of 2012–useful to anyone with muscles–The Trigger Point book. Learn how to relax a back by pressing a few points. It’s the Vulcan technique minus the magic. It’s physiology, baby!

Best Business: How to Read a Client Across the Room by Brandy Mychals

How about a simple and easy read that will leave lasting impressions? This book both helped me feel more comfortable networking but also taught me deep shit about myself. S’all in the review.

Best Self Pub Book: How to Make a Killing on Kindle by Michael Alvear.

How to Make a Killing on Kindle actually contains some great information I’ve never seen elsewhere. If you are thinking of epublishing, this will definitely help you in researching, classifying and marketing your book.

Best Writing book: The Plot Whisperer by Martha Alderson (not yet reviewed)

The Plot Whisperer is so good I’m savoring it. From just the first few chapters I have gotten CRAZY amazing ideas. I’m a pantser, so ya know, I usually hate this stuff!

I’m riding fast and free on high emotion scenes. I can’t wait to share more…

Happy Reading in 2013!