Library Girl Reads & Reviews: Top 5 Books for 2013 from Mom For Less

I often have authors write guest posts as part of a blog tour or celebrating their newest book. Today's guest post is a little different though as my friend Crystal from Mom For Less shares her favorite books from the year. Thank you Crystal for adding to my list of books to check out!

When 2013 began, I set the ambitious goal of reading 52 books in 52 weeks. I love to read, but the busyness of being a working mom and wife had kept me from making reading a priority. I am a little behind on my goal, but I've been reenergized by my renewed dedication to reading. Here are five books that I read this year and loved – maybe you will love them, too.

Year of the Chick by Romi Moondi – If you’re a fan of funny, smart chick-lit, you’ll love Romi Moondi and her Year of the Chick series. It’s laugh-out-loud funny, and refreshingly honest. This story follows an Indian-Canadian girl who is looking for love and doing her best to avoid arranged marriage. You can get the first book in the series for free on Kindle!

Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And other concerns) by Mindy Kailing – I’ve loved Mindy Kailing since I first saw her on The Office, and her memoir is as funny and sweet as she is. This book chronicles Mindy’s childhood and her rise to fame, with lots of laughs along the way. I think a good memoir makes you feel like you just had a great conversation with the author, and this book definitely has that effect.

Beyond Belief : My Secret Life Inside Scientology and My Harrowing Escape by Jenna Miscavige Hill – Like a lot of people, my knowledge of Scientology before reading this book began and ended with Tom Cruise. This book was an eye-opening look at this mysterious group, written by the niece of Scientology leader David Miscavige. Jenna tells her story in extreme detail, and it will have you on the edge of your seat.

Here I Go Again by Jen Lancaster – This is Lancaster’s second work of fiction, and she has really hit her stride in the genre. This story follows a former mean girl who realizes that her mistreatment of others has come back to haunt her. With a little magic, and a little help from an old friend, she gets a chance to make it right, and make her life better in the process. A very funny story with lots of unexpected turns.

Off the Menu by Stacey Ballis – I am a big fan of Stacey Ballis, and Off the Menu may be my new favorite from her. Ballis always has strong female characters who are intelligent and real, and this book is no exception. Alana has an all-consuming job working for a celebrity chef. When she meets a man she’s really into, and then gets another job offer, everything is up in the air. The resolution of the story will surprise you, but you won’t be disappointed.

Thanks so much Angela, for letting me share my favorites of the year! Be sure to stop by my blog Mom For Less to see which books Angela picked for her favorites.

Crystal Paschal is a freelance writer, blogger, wife, and mom of two little boys. You can follow her adventures in parenting at Mom For Less, and connect with her on Facebook. She’s also on Twitter at @Mom4Less.