Here are my favourite reads of 2008:

Coming Home by Rosamunde Pilcher – a gorgeous, sprawling novel set in Cornwall. The characters and places feel so real and you really don’t want to say goodbye to them when you finish.

The White Horse of Zennor and Other Stories by Michael Morpurgo – a magical collection of Cornish stories.

This year, I discovered the great Arthur Ransome and here are some of my favourites so far: Swallows and Amazons, Pigeon Post, We Didn’t Mean to Go to Sea and Winter Holiday.

Can’t Let Go by Jane Hill – a page-turning thriller, vivid and haunting about a woman trying desperately to outrun her past.

The Lost World by Arthur Conan Doyle – This book was so much fun! A real adventure with larger than life characters. I love Professor Challenger!

Dragonfly and Cat O’Nine Tails by Julia Golding – More wonderful adventures from one of my favourite authors. With strong heroines, vivid settings and lots of pacy action.

The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale – a stunningly beautiful version of the Grimm Brothers’ story. A tale of usurped princesses, deep dark forests and handsome princes.

Tyrannosaur Canyon by Douglas Preston – pacy adventure with feisty heroes and treacherous villains. I loved it.

Non-fiction:

The Wild Places by Robert MacFarlane – a deeply beautiful book celebrating wild Britain through the seasons. Makes you want to pack your rucksack and head for the hills.

Life With Judy Garland – Me and My Shadows by Lorna Luft – a fascinating and jaw-dropping look at the hidden side of life in Hollywood told by Judy Garland’s daughter.