Best books of 2014 –

Romance: “A Girl Walks Into a Bar” and “Girl Walks Into a Wedding” by Helena S. Paige (William Morrow, $14.99)

These two pick-a-path stories let the reader choose their fate as their character visits a bar for a quick drink after a friend stood them up, or attends their friend’s wedding. Along the way, there are plenty of sexy love interests to choose from and scenarios that may or may not end well. For anyone who wished the character didn’t end up with that annoying guy, now you can make a different decision and choose a different love interest!

Amish Romance: “Fearless Hope” by Serena B. Miller (Howard Books, $14.99)

An Amish widow and a young writer find a surprising romance in this story. Hope needs a job to support her two young children, with one on the way, after her husband is killed in a farm accident. Logan Parker needs someone to be a housekeeper while he finishes his novel. But he finds himself distracted by a new story, and the lovely young widow. There’s a twist at the end that will really surprise readers.

Mystery: “The Amazing Harvey” by Don Passman (Minotaur Books, $25.99.)

A stage magician becomes the prime suspect in a murder of someone he’s never met. Then how did Harvey’s DNA get all over the crime scene? It’s certainly not magic! With the help of a former classmate turned lawyer (and hopefully possible love interest) he has to prove his innocence and find the real killer. Harvey’s an entertaining main character and the stage magician plots are fun.

Thriller: “In the Blood” by Lisa Unger (Touchstone, $25.99.)

A psychology graduate student named Lana is hired to work as a babysitter to a troubled young boy, Luke. When her best friend goes missing, she soon becomes a suspect, and involved in a freaky scavenger hunt set up by Luke. By the end of this headtwister, nothing and no one is how they seem and you’ll be wondering what just happened.

Horror: “Snowblind” by Christopher Golden (St. Martin’s Press, $12.99.)

A large cast of characters face a deadly snowstorm, and a child claims to have seen monsters in the storm. Twelve years later, they find themselves bracing for another storm, when several people begin acting very odd – and the past must be confronted. This is a freaky story to read, especially during a snowstorm like I did (don’t get me ghost things!)

Fantasy: “The House of the Four Winds” by Mercedes Lackey and James Mallory (Tor, $25.99.)

Clarice isn’t the typical princess. Her parents expect all 12 of their daughters to go out and seek their own fortune and place in life. Clarice, after spending many years training as swordswoman, decides she wants to teach the art of the blade, but needs an adventure to get some experience. Donning the disguise as Clarence, she joins up with a seafaring crew off to the New World, but the crew soon mutinies and turns pirate! As Clarence sides with the new captain, the handsome Dominick, Clarice secretly falls for him. Will he ever know her secret? This is a great blend of fantasy, romance and swashbuckling action adventure, and is my favorite book of the whole year.

Paranormal: “Voices from Beyond” by Simon R. Green (Ace, $7.99.)

The popular Ghost Finders series continues, with JC, Melody, Happy Jack and ghost Kim, facing off against an evil extra-dimensional force and a radio station transmitting the voices of the dead. This was another freaky story that I read late at night and really shouldn’t have! The characters are always a sarcastic treat and the things they face nightmarish!

Young Adult: “Black Ice” by Becca Fitzpatrick (Simon & Schuster, $19.99.)

This is a great mystery/thriller for any age of a teenager, Britt, who must act as a guide in a snowswept mountain to two desperate criminals. Not knowing who she can trust, and soon finding out about a murder, Britt must rely on her insticts, especially when deadly secrets come to light.

Biography: “As You Wish” by Cary Elwes (Simon & Schuster, $26.)

Did you love the movie “The Princess Bride?” Fans can now get a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the now classic film from The Dread Pirate Roberts/Westley himself, Elwes. With lots of photos and stories from the cast, this is a must-read for any fan.