Favourite book cover

Yes, I know you shouldn't judge a book by it's cover. But I think book covers are very important. You go into a book shop, looking for something new to read... of course you're going to be drawn to the most interesting cover. Of course, it doesn't mean that the book is guaranteed to be good. But here are my nominations for favourite book cover:

Gillespie and I by Jane Harris

The Secret Lives of Dresses by Erin McKean

Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen

The Observations by Jane Harris

I loved all of these book covers, but the winner is...

Gillespie and I.

I liked the art nouveau-esque design of this book cover. The bold, block colours worked well together and it was very eye catching.

Favourite male character

This was a bit of a tricky one, as a lot of the characters that I loved reading about this year were female. But I've managed to make a short list of some of the men that captured my imagination. Here are the contenders:

Edward Rochester, Jane Eyre

William Lomax, A Moment of Silence/A Gentleman of Fortune/A Woman of Consequence

Maxim de Winter, Rebecca

All great characters from great books, but the winner is...

...

William Lomax.

I thought he was a very charming and lovely character. A decent man who was clearly in love with Dido Kent. I was desperate for her to just hurry up and admit that she loved him and that she really wanted to marry him. He was totally devoted to Dido and was always looking out for her and making sure she was out of harm's way. I always enjoyed reading his character, which is why he's my winner for favourite male character.

Favourite short story by Daphne du Maurier

This year, I read "The Birds and Other Stories" by Daphne du Maurier. This collection of short, gothic tales was a great read, so here's the contenders:

The Birds
A man and his family go into hiding after birds start acting strangely and attacking humans.

Monte Verita
Story about a mysterious sect who live on a mountain. Young women go missing on the mountain and the story is told from the point of view of two men who try and find her.

The Apple Tree
A man suspects his dead wife's spirit inhabits an old apple tree that resides in his garden.

The Little Photographer
Whilst on holiday, a rich Marquise has an affair with a photographer, who quickly becomes obsessed with her.

Kiss Me Again, Stranger
Story of a man who meets a cinema usherette and walks her home, but finds himself in a cemetery with her.

The Old Man
A family history as told from the point of view of an onlooker.

And the winner is...

...

The Apple Tree.

I really loved this story. I thought it was creepy, chilling, clever, and a very enjoyable read. Who knew trees could be so menacing!