The Booked Mama’s Favorite Books of 2022

Happy New Year, Readers! When I set a goal of 90 books for this year (10 more than I did last year) I never imagined I would be closing the year with a grand total of 113 books read! In some ways 2022 has felt like it has dragged on and on and yet I can’t believe it is already time to curate my “Favorite Books” list. It took me a bit to come up what my “favorite” book was this year as there were a few that could have been given this title but there was one that stuck with me and just had to be held a little higher than the rest. The other books that make up my “Favorites” list might not be for everyone but for one reason or another these titles made me sit and think, cry, laugh out loud, kept me up well past my bedtime or left me sinking into end of book depression after the last page. I would love to know if you have read any of these, what your thoughts are, if you had a “favorite” of 2022 or if you have suggestions of a book I should add to my must-read list for 2023. Once again, thank you for reading along with me and I hope your year is filled with good health, good luck and lots of good books.

Book of the Year 2022

“The Magnolia Palace” by Fiona Davis

With her mother by her side Lillian Carter has become the muse of the most elite New York artists scattering her likeness all over the city for all to see but when the Spanish flu takes her mother’s life, Lillian is left floundering. When trouble comes knocking on her front door Lillian is forced to flee her apartment. Standing outside the Frick Mansion she is mistaken for another woman arriving for a job interview. Desperate for shelter and a place to hide out, Lillian decides not to correct them. After impressing Helen Frick with her art knowledge she is hired on the spot. Fast forward fifty years, model Veronica Weber finds herself in a tight situation after getting accidentally locked inside the Frick Museum, along with the museum’s curator, when a photoshoot goes wrong. The two stumble upon decades old clues leading them on a scavenger hunt tour of the Frick art collection. Veronica’s mind races with the possibility that she may just discover the hiding place of the long missing Magnolia diamond and what it might do for her life if she could walk away with it. I have become one of Fiona Davis’ biggest fans. I haven’t met a book that she’s written that I didn’t love and “The Magnolia Palace” is no exception. Told through dual timelines and POVs, Davis expertly weaves history and mystery throughout this well developed story built on the shoulders of two strong, engaging female characters. I highly recommend adding this and other Fiona Davis titles to your TBR lists.

Purchase a copy of “The Magnolia Palace” here.

Learn more about author Fiona Davis here.

Mystery/Thrillers

“The Maid” by Nita Prose

Things that are simple for others don’t come easily to Molly Gray. Social skills and emotional cues were so much easier to understand when Gram could explain them to her but now Molly has to navigate the world on her own after Gram’s death. One thing she can always count on is order and routine. Molly takes great pride in her job as one of the maids at the Regency Grand Hotel restoring each room to its perfect state for every guest. Molly’s routine life is thrown into disarray when she stumbles upon one of her regular guests dead in his suite. Her overly trusting nature lands Molly in the detectives sights as one of their prime suspects in the wealthy Charles Black’s murder. Determined to clear her name but accidentally digging herself in deeper at every turn, will Molly be able to uncover who really killed Charles Black before her time runs out? This debut novel by author Nita Prose is only a few weeks old but it is already gaining so many accolades and much praise. GMA’s Book Club has chosen it as its monthly pick and it was recently announced it is being developed into a movie with Florence Pugh. What a great read to start the year off with. Be sure to add this to your TBR list.

Purchase a copy of “The Maid” here.

Learn more about author Nita Prose here.

“The Appeal” by Janice Hallett

I have forwarded you the communications between the members of the Fairway Players’ that are tied to the suspected murder of one of their actors. You are tasked with helping uncover the truth of what happened that night and if our client is guilty of the crime they are accused of. I believe they are innocent but I want to see if you uncover the same theory as to who the actual guilty party is before I share with you my full findings. In these emails, I believe the true killer has given themselves away. Read through every detail surrounding the appeal for funds for little Poppy’s life saving treatment and determine whether or not funds were misused and led to the death of our victim. Take great care not to miss the details you are searching for, our client’s life is depending on your success. Author Janice Hallett has written an exceptionally creative who-done-it that puts you in the seat of an intern tasked with helping on a murder appeal case. “The Appeal” is composed entirely out of emails and texts acting as the evidence you need to decipher in order to determine who the accused is and if they are actually guilty. This felt like a modern day Clue that I had me so invested that I read it in a day. If you enjoy a quirky, creative concept give this a try.

Purchase a copy of “The Appeal” here.

Learn more about author Janice Hallett here.

“Someone We Know” by Shari Lapena

Theirs is perfect neighborhood filled with the perfect neighbors until one of them turns up dead and now everyone is questioning whether they are living among a murderer. Then the anonymous letters start to arrive. Someone has been breaking into the homes on their street and snooping through their computers, learning what they are hiding behind a screen. The event seems innocent enough, nothing stolen, a dumb teenage prank but someone just couldn’t let it go. Someone just had to try and figure out who was sneaking around in the dark. The question is how far will the residents of this idyllic New York suburb go to keep their secrets buried literally and figuratively. Shari Lapena has grown to be one of my favorite thriller writers. I have read four of Lapena’s books so far and found each of them to be strong, satisfying mysteries that I haven’t been able to put down. Though “Someone We Know” wasn’t my favorite out of the bunch it was still a page-turner worthy of your TBR list. If you haven’t yet read a Lapena book I highly recommend checking her work out.

Purchase a copy of “Someone We Know” here.

Learn more about author Shari Lapena here.

“The Paris Apartment” by Lucy Foley

Needing a quick escape from her life, Jess decides that a visit to her brother in Paris is the perfect solution. Leaving her directions on Jess’s voicemail, Ben tells her he will be at the apartment to greet her when she arrives. Only when Jess shows up at his front door he is nowhere to be found. Could he have just left without telling her? As hours become days, Jess is convinced there is something more to her brother’s absence. Ben’s neighbors are suspicious and the more she digs into his life in Paris, Jess uncovers dangerous secrets about those he shares an address with. When confronted each of the apartment’s occupants adds a small piece to the mystery of what happened to Ben and now that she is here Jess can’t leave until she finds him, no matter the outcome. Fans of Lucy Foley will find “The Paris Apartment” a great addition to her previous thriller collection. Written with her signature twisty style Foley leaves you guessing right to the last page. I have seen many mixed reviews for this book but I enjoyed it and I went in with an open mind. For me, “The Paris Apartment” is worth an add to your TBR list.

Purchase a copy of “The Paris Apartment” here.

Learn more about author Lucy Foley here.

“Finlay Donovan is Killing It” by Elle Cosimano

While at lunch with her editor, Finlay Donovan is overheard discussing the plot of her next crime novel by a woman sitting nearby. As Finlay sat at the table alone the woman approached her with a proposition thinking Finlay was in fact a contract killer, she hires her on the spot to dispose of her horrendous husband. With her life falling apart and no way to pay the bills, Finlay finds herself agreeing to investigate. One thing leads to another and all of a sudden, Finlay is in over her head. She quickly discovers writing about crime and actually committing one are two very different things. I read this first book in the “Finlay Donovan” series in a day. Its fast-paced, witty story is one that quickly grabs you and keeps you rooting for Finlay all the way through. A great read for an upcoming vaca or a lazy weekend.

Purchase a copy of “Finlay Donovan is Killing It” here.

Learn more about author Elle Cosimano here.

“Conviction” by Denise Mina

Like so many people, Anna is obsessed with true crime podcasts. She listens to them to escape her life which is exactly what she did the morning that her husband announced that he was leaving her for her best friend and taking their daughters with him. Her much needed escape took a turn when she realized that she knew the subject of “Death and the Dana”, someone she knew long ago. Not willing to believe the narrative of the crime, Anna decides, with nothing left to lose, to set out to figure out what really happened on board the Dana that night. Author Denise Mina has written a page-turning thriller that I could not put down. As a fellow podcast lover, this plot grabbed me right away. Though I could not relate to the characters in this book and found the inclusion of an eating disorder slightly unnecessary I can’t wait to pick up the second book in this series “Confidence” this summer. Add this one to your TBR list.

Purchase a copy of “Conviction” here.

Learn more about author Denise Mina here.

“Verity” by Colleen Hoover

Verity Crawford was at the peak of her career when an accident ended her ability to finish her successful book series – enter Lowen Ashleigh. Verity’s husband has asked Lowen to complete the last three books Verity set out to write. Bordering on financial ruin after losing her mother for Lowen this is the job of a lifetime. Jeremy invites Lowen up to their home in Vermont to go through years of Verity’s notes and outlines to hopefully help decipher what it was she intended to write. Hidden in the chaos of Verity’s office, Lowen finds a manuscript of what appears to be an autobiography. Lowen rationalizes to herself that the best way to get into Verity’s head is to learn about her life in her own words. What she doesn’t expect to find is page after page of unedited truths, confessions and secrets Verity never intended anyone to read including the truth about what really happened the day her daughter died. Knowing how much grief Jeremy is already wading through, Lowen decides to keep Verity’s confessions hidden. Lowen and Jeremy start to grow closer together the longer she remains at their home but when unexplained things start to happen, things that couldn’t possibly be real Lowen starts to question whether Verity is truly as far gone as her family believes her to be and if she is risking her life just by being there. Before “Verity” I had yet to come across a Colleen Hoover book I liked. After several attempts I had just about given up on figuring out what the die hard fans saw. A friend encouraged me to try “Verity” and I’m so glad I did. Though the themes are VERY dark and at some points disturbing I couldn’t put this one down. I could have done without the last twist but all in all Verity was a page turner.

Purchase a copy of “Verity” here.

Learn more about author Colleen Hoover here.

“The Last Thing He Told Me” by Laura Dave

On a seemingly normal weekday afternoon Hannah’s life implodes. It starts with a delivery of a note by a stranger from her husband, “Protect her” the only message inscribed. Then Owen wouldn’t answer her calls, he didn’t return home from work and then the news broke, Owen’s office was raided and the FBI arrested his boss. When there is still no word from Owen the next day Hannah’s worry increases as a US Marshall and the FBI separately pay her a visit. What has Owen done? Now it’s up to Hannah and her sixteen year old step-daughter to unravel the tangled web Owen has left behind to figure out where he is and just how big of a mess he has left behind. The more they pull at strings they begin to realize that neither of them truly knew Owen and Hannah must risk it all to keep Bailey safe. I’m mad at myself for how long I let “The Last Thing He Told Me” sit on my TBR shelf. I couldn’t put this one down. It’s a page-turning thriller but lacks all of the shock and gore you usually get with that genre. It was very refreshing to be hooked in a book from this genre without that piece. (I can’t wait to see the TV series that just wrapped up filming this spring with Jennifer Garner cast as Hannah.) Don’t miss out on this book.

Purchase a copy of “The Last Thing He Told Me” here.

Learn more about author Laura Dave here.

“The Book of Cold Cases” by Simone St. James

On a dark road in Claire Lake, Oregon in 1977 two men were brutally killed in two separate attacks both times the killer leaving behind a strange note determined to be written by a woman. A witness to the second crime identified twenty-three year old Beth Greer as the Lady Killer, a nickname sensationalized by the press. Flash-forward to 2017 and nothing fascinates Shea Collins more than true crime. A doctor’s receptionist by day, Shea moonlights as a cold case blogger at night for her website “The Book of Cold Cases”. When the opportunity arises to interview Beth for the blog, Shea is shocked that she is the one chosen for the job. Beth invites Shea to Greer Mansion, the site of Julian Greer’s brutal murder decades ago. From the start Shea feels as if something is off in the house. Then she starts to see objects move on their own and mysterious, dark visions around corners. Shea begins to question her own safety sitting with the person who quite possibly could be a murderer and with things unseen in the house that don’t seem to want her there. Is getting the story of the century direct from Beth worth risking it all? With so many thriller books out there it’s hard to know when one of them will be a hit but let me tell you “The Book of Cold Cases” was a winner in my book. It has a little bit of everything us spooky/crime/whodunit lovers want. I would recommend giving this one an add to your TBR list…just maybe don’t read it at night.

Purchase a copy of “The Book of Cold Cases” here.

Learn more about author Simone St. James here.

“The Family Game” by Catherine Steadman

Harry has seemingly got it all. A best selling book, a great life in New York City and a handsome new fiancé, Edward. Edward Holbeck’s large family is the definition of old money with power and influence to go along with it but Harry has yet to meet any of them. Edward left the family business stepping away from everyone for reasons he doesn’t like to discuss but now with an official engagement the family is trying to pull Edward and Harry back into their orbit. With Edward expected to inherit all the Holbeck empire and the family welcoming Harry with open arms it seems as if fences are being mended in the Holbeck clan. That is until Harry meets Richard, Edward’s father. To say Richard is intimidating is an understatement so when he passes Harry a cassette with a shocking confession on it Harry begins to question whether or not the Holbecks are to be feared as much as they are envied. Family traditions, dangerous games and old buried secrets bubbling to the surface has Harry running for her life. Let the games begin. Let me tell you, “The Family Game” was a page-turner…and made me incredibly grateful I didn’t marry into an insane family like this. Thriller lovers will enjoy Steadman’s latest work and have you counting your blessings this holiday season for your “normal” family traditions. Being set during the holiday season, if you are an anti-romance reader but would like a book set during the holidays to read in the coming weeks give this one a try!

Purchase a copy of “The Family Game” here.

Learn more about author Catherine Steadman here.

Memoir/Non-Fiction/Biography

“I Want You to Know We’re Still Here” by Esther Safran Foer

As the child of two parents who were the only surviving members of their family after the Holocaust some family stories were just too painful to discuss. When Esther’s mother finally opened up and shared a family secret, it sent her on a full investigation into her father’s past to learn more about the wife and daughter he lost to the Nazis, a sister she never knew had existed. Her journey takes her to Ukraine to track down any surviving residents who may remember their family and could possibly shed light on what happened and how her father survived when so many did not. “I Want You to Know We’re Still Here” is a non-fiction must read for anyone who is interested in hearing from a Holocaust survivor’s perspective. So many details that Esther was able to uncover were heartbreaking and I just couldn’t imagine putting myself in her shoes standing in the same places her father did all those years later. I highly recommend the audiobook version. The first chapter and epilogue are read by the author herself.

Purchase a copy of “I Want You to Know We’re Still Here” here.

Learn more about author Esther Safran Foer here.

“Singular Sensation: The Triumph of Broadway” by Michael Riedel

Calling all Broadway fans! If you are like me and can’t get enough of that “Original Cast Recording” and would love to learn more about what goes on behind the curtain then “Singular Sensation” is a must read. In this book, author Michael Riedel focuses on Broadway during the 90s during the power transfer from the Lloyd Weber era to American musical domination. Hear how shows like Sunset Blvd, Rent, Lion King, Titanic, Chicago, The Producers and many, many more were created, casted, and were either failed or hailed by critics. As a former dancer, my biggest dream as a teen was to dance on Broadway and these shows were at the height of my Broadway obsession. I wore out many of my CDs for the shows Riedel covers in this book which made it all the more interesting to hear of the behind the scenes work. If you love theater I would highly recommend adding this to your TBR list – the audiobook version was a really enjoyable listen.

Purchase a copy of “Singular Sensation” here.

Learn more about author Michael Riedel here.

“True Identity” by Paul Joseph Fronczak

Who is Paul Fronczak? At 10 years old the author thought he was Paul but after discovering newspapers hidden away in a crawlspace in his home he discovered that he may not in fact know who he is at all. For another four decades nothing more was spoken of the infant baby stolen from his mother’s arms on the day he was born back in 1964 or the toddler returned to them by police two years later. When his lifelong suspicions could no longer be held back, Fronczak took a DNA test which proved he was not the kidnapped baby, starting him on a journey to uncover who he really is and what happened to the real Paul Fronczak. “True Identity” is born thanks to many genealogists, science and decades of investigative digging to uncover the mystery of what happened on that October day in a Chicago hospital, who was the boy returned to the Fronczaks and what became of the author’s biological twin sister. I couldn’t stop listening to “True Identity” which is narrated by the author himself. The journey that Fronczak went through to truly know who he is jaw dropping and is a recommended must read/listen in my opinion.

Purchase a copy of “True Identity” here.

Learn more about author Paul Joseph Fronczak here.

“Unmasked: My Life Solving America’s Cold Cases” by Paul Holes

“From the detective who found The Golden State Killer, a memoir of investigating America’s toughest cold cases and the rewards–and toll–of a life solving crime.” Paul Holes, a now retired Cold Case Investigator, takes his reader inside some of the most difficult cases of his career. Most notably discovering the forgotten files that sparked Paul’s decades long hunt to solve the (eventually) Golden State Killer case, one of the first to rely on ancestry DNA technology. I have to say this is not a book for the faint of heart. If you only like to dabble in true crime this may not be the book for you as some of the author’s descriptions are quite graphic. However, if you are a crime junkie like myself this is definitely one for your TBR list. The audiobook is narrated by the author himself, giving just another layer of authenticity to “Unmasked”.

Purchase a copy of “Unmasked” here.

Learn more about author Paul Holes here.

“Beyond the Wand” by Tom Felton

The wizard we all loved to hate wrote a book! I was just out of the target audience when Harry Potter was first published but have since done multiple rereads with my children of the series and watched the movies countless times. When the bleached blonde Malfoy child steps into the screen he’s so believably the villain you forget that he is being portrayed by a twelve year old child, Tom Felton. Felton found himself dropped into the middle of the huge life altering wave known as Potter and rode it for the next decade dropping him on the other side into adulthood. Felton shares honestly and openly his experiences growing up Malfoy, his on and off-screen family life, his teenage antics (some legal, some not) and what life was like for him post-Hogwarts. The chaos, creativity and the highs and lows that come along with fame at a young age are all explored in “Beyond the Wand”. I can’t recommend the audio version enough as it is narrated by the author himself which adds the cherry on top of this awesome read. I was so disappointed when the last chapter rolled around not wanting this one to end. I highly recommend reading this one for all Potter fans to peer behind the curtain as to what it was like for the Muggle actors in one of the most iconic movie series of all time.

Purchase a copy of “Beyond the Wand” here.

Learn more about author Tom Felton here.

“Surrender: 40 Songs, One Story” by Bono

For most of his life Paul David Hewson has been known as Bono, a nickname given to him by a childhood friend. Growing up in Dublin, Ireland surrounded by the people who would build with him the life and career that has carried him all over the world through U2’s music as well as his global activism efforts. I discovered a love for U2’s music in high school, “Achtung Baby” always on heavy rotation, a constant in my CD player (next to another Irish band and another of Island Records artists). In “Surrender” Bono shares the stories behind some of their most famous songs, the band’s history, the unbelievable places they have been, the people they have connected but also takes you through his work with the many organizations he has helped create over the years. U2’s music has been profound for many reasons for the last four decades but hearing about Bono’s charity work and all of the change he has made on the world brings about a greater respect for the artist. If you are a fan of U2, you have to listen to the audio version. Not only does Bono narrate the book himself but there are songs included to enhance the story. This is a long listen at 20 hours so set aside some time but in my opinion (as a fan) it was a great listen.

Purchase a copy of “Surrender” here.

Learn more about author Bono here.

Fiction, Contemporary Fiction & Romance

“Daisy Jones and The Six” by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Daisy is a wild child. She’s everywhere that the beautiful people are on the Sunset Strip in the late sixties getting into everything a teenager shouldn’t be but no one cares about Daisy enough to stop her. Daisy dreams of being a star and by the time she reaches her early twenties she’s well on her way to being somebody on the rock and roll scene. The Six are climbing the fame ladder at the same time led by frontman Billy Dunne. The group are making their rounds at clubs and getting air time just as Billy’s life is starting to split into two. The lead singer begins to spiral as the pressures of his responsibilities outside of The Six start to creep in. When the two artist’s producer devises a brilliant plan to have Daisy and The Six join forces instant magic happens, the stuff of legends. Read along through interviews as Daisy Jones, members of The Six and friends and family talk about their rise to fame in the 70s and what really happened to cause their epic breakup at the height of their popularity. I think I may be one of the last people on earth to read “Daisy Jones & the Six”. I think the hype made me hesitant to pick it up, worried that it was just another trend read. I was so wrong. I loved this book and how creatively TJR told this story. If you are like me and have yet to pick this book up, don’t wait any longer. Add this to your TBR list today. (Bonus: Keep an eye out for the TV series adaptation of this book coming soon!)

Purchase a copy of “Daisy Jones and The Six” here.

Learn more about author Taylor Jenkins Reid here.

“The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot” by Marianne Cronin

At seventeen, Lenni’s whole world is the Princess Royal Hospital. As a resident of the May Ward, Lenni is facing the reality that she will never leave. Desperate for something more, when a new art room opens for patients, Lenni joins right away despite her doctor’s warnings. Only Lenni doesn’t join the class for her own age; she decides she enjoys the over 80’s class more, forming a fast friendship with Margot. The duo realizes that combined they have lived one hundred years and decide to document their time through art sharing their life stories with each other as they paint. Determined to create one hundred paintings Lenni and Margot both hope that they will be given enough time to see their project through. As Lenni’s days pass she begins to form some unlikely friendships inside Princess Royal that fill her life with love, kindness and strength reminding us that family is not only those we are born to but who we chose along the way. Author Marianne Cronin has written an absolutely beautiful story in “The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot.” It’s the type of book that you could read quickly but found myself putting it down at times just to savor the story just a little bit longer not wanting to reach the end. If you have yet to discover Lenni and Margot I highly recommend adding this to your TBR list…but don’t forget the tissues. (Bonus: Keep an eye out for the movie adaptation of this heartbreaking story.)

Purchase a copy of “The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot” here.

Learn more about author Marianne Cronin here.

“We Are the Brennans” by Tracey Lange

Just when he thought he couldn’t handle one more thing on his plate Denny answers a call from the LAPD letting him know that his sister, Sunday, has been in an accident and he needs to get on a plane from New York to get to her bedside. The last thing that Sunday wants is to return to their small town where everyone knows the Brennan family and their tight knit Irish family knows everything about each other. When Sunday ran away to LA five years ago leaving her family and her fiancé behind she never intended to return to face their interrogations battered and bruised from her bad decisions. The Brennan’s family pub is in dire financial straits, marriages are falling apart and old buried secrets are being brought back to the surface by dangerous enemies. The one thing that has never wavered is their bond, “if you mess with one, you mess with all six” and never before has their loyalty been tested the way they all must stand for one another now. “We Are the Brennans” has sat on my shelf for a while now and I’m kicking myself for not reading it sooner. I loved this story, this family, their flaws and their fierce loyalty to one another. I am dying for someone to option this and make the Brennans into a movie. I would love to see this on the big screen. If you haven’t yet read this I would highly recommend adding this to your shelf.

Purchase a copy of “We Are the Brennans” here.

Learn more about author Tracey Lange here.

“By Any Other Name” by Lauren Kate

Lanie loves romance. As a heartbroken young woman she found the words of author Noa Calloway and adopted her theories on love. So when Lanie met her fiancée, Ryan, she knew she’d found “the one” when he checked off all the boxes on her ninety-nine point list. Finally landing her dream role of editor for her favorite author Lanie’s life couldn’t be better except Noa is now months late on her deadline and in order to keep her dream promotion Lanie must get Noa to deliver her next great novel. Though Noa and Lanie have corresponded digitally for years she has never been allowed to meet Noa and when Lanie finds out why she stands to lose everything she has worked for and forces her to question everything she thought she knew about love. Now Lanie must pull Noa out of a writer’s block all while pulling her life together. Romance fans – don’t miss this book. I LOVED Lanie and all that went into her story. I read “By Any Other Name” so quickly and turned the last page wanting more. If you are looking for a new rom-com read be sure to add this one to your TBR list.

Purchase a copy of “By Any Other Name” here.

Learn more about author Lauren Kate here.

“I’ve Got Your Number” by Sophie Kinsella

In one afternoon Poppy’s perfect life is up in flames. If losing her priceless family heirloom engagement ring during a fire drill wasn’t bad enough, Poppy gets robbed while calling for help and her phone is stolen. As luck may have it she comes across a phone discarded in the trash of her hotel’s lobby. Poppy leaves her “new” number with the hotel in case someone finds her ring but when the phone’s owner contacts her, he wants his phone back, now. Sam’s PA quit dramatically and had thrown away the company phone as her final mic drop. All of his important emails and texts get forwarded to this phone and now some strange girl is begging to keep it for a few days. Sam acquiesces and the two are now tethered together by technology until the missing emerald is found. Now on top of wedding planning and juggling her fiancé’s family she is now managing Sam’s life and getting herself tangled up in drama she never anticipated. My only problem with “I’ve Got Your Number” is that turning the last page meant that I am growing ever closer to finishing all of Sophie Kinsella’s back titles. To say I loved the characters in this book would be an understatement. I would be the first in line to buy the sequel of this book. As always, another hit from Kinsella to add to your TBR.

Purchase a copy of “I’ve Got Your Number” here.

Learn more about author Sophie Kinsella here.

“Weather Girl” by Rachel Lynn Solomon

For as long as she can remember Ari Abrams has wanted to work in weather. Thanks in large part to her hero, and now boss, Torrance Hale. Unfortunately for Ari, the only thing Torrance put her energy into these days is making her ex-husband, and their co-worker, miserable, leaving no time to mentor Ari as she had hoped would happen when she joined the Seattle news station. After a disastrous holiday party, Ari and sports anchor Russ devise a plan to make their work life less chaotic, trick Torrance and Seth into getting back together. As their secret plan unfolds with faux-double dates and Ari and Russ spend more time together real things begin to happen but will Ari be able to let him in and get to know the real Ari Abrams she keeps hidden behind a sunshine exterior. I loved this book! It has a little bit of everything we need to see in books – a smart, strong, independent female character, real bodies, messy families with healthy boundaries, real talk about mental health and so much more. I felt as if I was reading a story about everyday people, nothing too far fetched which can be really over the top in the romance genre. If you are looking for a quick, rom-com read give “Weather Girl” a try.

Purchase a copy of “Weather Girl” here.

Learn more about Rachel Lynn Solomon here.

“Much Ado About You” by Samantha Young

After a knee-jerk reaction to a setback at work, Evie finds herself packing up her life in Chicago and escaping to a tiny village in England for a break. The rental listing seemed like fate, an apartment above a bookshop that the owner lets you run while you vacation. Her interactions with the locals begin immediately when Evie saves Roane Robson’s dog from being hit by a car. The local heartthrob asks Evie to dinner to thank her and the local gossip spreads like wildfire. Determined to not break her no-dating-on-vacation pact, Evie is determined to keep Roane at arms length. Only problem is the more time they spend together the more their chance encounter feels like fate. “Much Ado About You” is, as most rom-com reads are, a little predictable but isn’t that one of their charms? As any good Hallmark romance does this book provides lots of warm and fuzzies and leaves its reader with a smile. If you are looking for a good easy breezy “beach read” give this one a try.

Purchase a copy of “Much Ado About You” here.

Learn more about author Samantha Young here.

“Float Plan” by Trish Doller

Three years before his death, Anna’s fiancé set a reminder in her phone for the day they would set sail on their big Caribbean tour. This morning, ten months after his passing, the alarm wakes Anna from her grief. Without thinking, she grabs some belongings, heads to their boat and casts off alone into unknown waters intending to complete Ben’s dream voyage. When she realizes she is in over her head alone Anna recruits a professional sailor. Not ready to fully release herself from the loss of Ben, Anna hopes that following his path and the course he charted will help lead her towards a new beginning and a fresh horizon to aim her sails. “Float Plan” is filled with the most beautiful descriptions of some of the most picturesque locations on Earth. If you can’t take a vacation this year, reading along with Anna’s sailing adventures are enough to fill that void. I would never be brave enough to navigate what she did but reading Doller’s words made me feel like I was right there with Anna. When a book starts off with a TW regarding loss of a loved one due to suicide you brace yourself for a difficult read but “Float Plan” was anything but. I didn’t want this one to end and thankfully Doller has created a series with book two and three following two of Anna’s friends and continuing her story within.

Purchase a copy of “Float Plan” here.

Learn more about author Trish Doller here.

“One Night on the Island” by Josie Silver

Love columnist Cleo is as single as they come after many failed dates that fortunately for Cleo, boosted her reader numbers. With her thirtieth birthday approaching her boss comes up with an idea for a column stunt. Cleo will go out to a secluded island off the coast of Ireland to have a self-coupling sabbatical and share the experience with her readers. Spending her birthday alone in a luxury cabin sounds like a dream compared to the big “surprise” bash her mom was planning so Cleo packs her bags and sets off to Salvation Island. Upon arriving Cleo discovers that her cabin has been double booked when a man shows up at her front door. Mac, who was loaned the cabin by his cousin, feels he has the right to stay and Cleo who has paid for the month isn’t about to leave but when they are told that the boat to the mainland only passes by once a week, weather permitting, the two are forced to deal with one another in the only way they know how…in a less than civil manner. For two people who need to be alone, each for their own reasons, the situation couldn’t be worse and lessons will be learned that neither of them came to the island to learn. I love me a Josie Silver book but this one was a little problematic for me. First of all, Mac’s situation just makes their storyline a little “ick” in my opinion and Cleo well she’s got her own issues. Silver’s writing style is what kept me reading but at times I felt like I shouldn’t just based on theme alone. I much prefer Silver’s other titles and look forward to her next.

Purchase a copy of “One Night on the Island” here.

Learn more about author Josie Silver here.

“The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Once the golden girl of Hollywood, Evelyn Hugo now is at the end of the golden years of life. Not wanting her story to go untold, Evelyn enlists the help of unknown magazine reporter Monique Grant to write her biography. Monique can’t wrap her head around why an icon like Evelyn Hugo would select her but dealing with the aftershock of her failing marriage Monique thinks this could be the perfect distraction from her disastrous life and kickstart her next chapter. Monique begins to meet Evelyn in her glamorous Manhattan apartment to conduct her interviews where Evelyn promises to reveal all, leaving no secret left untold. The stories she begins to share untangle webs created by Evelyn and truths known to few of her climb to fame, her seven, scandalous marriages and the truth behind why she left show business. However the more Evelyn pulls at the strings of her life Monique begins to realize that her own life’s story has been dangerously entwined with Evelyn’s along the way. So I admit, I dragged my feet to read this book because let’s be real. It. Is. Everywhere. Taylor Jenkins Reid has a cult following that few others have and her books are very heavily promoted but…I’m beginning to understand the hype. “…Evelyn Hugo” is the second book I’ve read by TJR and I absolutely loved it. I have really enjoyed her writing style and the way she leads you through her stories. If you are one of the few people left on planet Earth who haven’t read this, do yourself a favor and add it to your TBR list.

Purchase a copy of “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” here.

Learn more about Taylor Jenkins Reid here.

“Every Summer After” by Carley Fortune

For over a decade Percy has thought about him, compared everyone to him. Sam Florek was the boy next door for six summers at her family’s lake house, the two growing into teenagers together. Each summer their friendship gaining until Percy and Sam were inseparable. Now thirty year old Percy is being brought back to the town she thought she would never visit again after the death of Sam and Charlie’s mom. One phone call and every memory she thought she stored away comes rushing back, the one that got away. When the two are once again reunited the connection the two once had is undeniable but in order to possibly get everything she ever wanted Percy must first come clean about what really broke them all those years ago. So…controversial to say the least “Every Summer After” drew me in thanks to Bookstagram. However, I knew nothing of the question marks that surrounded this book until after I was well underway reading and had to pause several times thinking “haven’t I read this somewhere before?” Yes, the similarities to another popular author’s book that I reviewed a few months ago is very glaring but unpopular opinion here…I think “Every Summer After” did the theme/storyline better. I had a hard time with a few scenes in the “other” book where I felt “ESA” did the flashbacks/teenage scenes in a stronger way. I liked the writing in ESA more as well as the characters. If it came down to recommending one over the other, I’d go with “Every Summer After” any day.

Purchase a copy of “Every Summer After” here.

Learn more about author Carley Fortune here.

“Finding Gene Kelly” by Torie Jean

Thousands of miles away from home Evie O’Shea has made a life for herself in Paris though lately she isn’t sure where that life is headed. At 26, a chronic illness now forcing her dreams to the sidelines, Evie feels the weight of her parent’s disappointment more now than ever. With her brother’s impending wedding inching closer, Evie finds herself desperate enough to ask for help from the one person she would rather never cross paths with again, Liam Kelly. The actual boy next door from her childhood, the boy she married at five who grew into the bane of her existence is here in Paris, on her turf & now Evie must tolerate Liam long enough to convince her family that they are in love, long enough to survive her brother’s wedding & get safely back to Paris where she belongs. Liam agrees to go along with her plan but with conditions of his own – Evie must agree to an elaborate backstory & practice date him all over Paris before the two return home but what Evie doesn’t expect to learn is the hard exterior her illness has helped build up over the last ten years is costing her more than she realized. I have so many emotions about “Finding Gene Kelly”. First, as a former dancer who had hearteyes for Gene Kelly I loved all of the references to his movies sprinkled into this book. Second, the music pun chapter titles, amazing. Third, highlighting a disease that 1/10 women are diagnosed with but doesn’t get enough attention, author Torie Jean puts a spotlight on what living with endometriosis looks like. Fourth, Paris, pastries, Portsmouth…I don’t need to say anything more. If you are a rom-com reader I highly recommend picking up “Finding Gene Kelly”. You won’t be disappointed.

Purchase a copy of “Finding Gene Kelly” here.

Learn more about author Torie Jean here.

“Meet Me on Love Lane” by Nina Bocci

After hitting rock bottom and her life falling apart in New York, Charlotte is forced to return to the small town of Hope Lake that her mother forced her to leave as a child. With little to no memory remaining of her time in the town Charlotte lands on her grandmother’s doorstep in what she hopes is only a pitstop on her way back up. She’s not planning on making new ties or rekindling old friendships, just staying long enough to earn enough money to rebuild her life back in the city. But the more time she spends in Hope Lake she can’t figure out why her mother never wanted to return and poisoned her memories of this magical town. As Charlotte tries to recover her past she realizes she just might be building a future. “Meet Me on Love Lane” is a Hallmark movie just waiting to be made. Though the story was a bit predictable (let’s face it, they all are) I loved visiting Hope Lake for this quick, but enjoyable, read. I wasn’t aware that this was a part of a series (Love Lane being the second) but you can definitely read it without any confusion. Give this one a try if you are in need of a pick me up.

Purchase a copy of “Meet Me on Love Lane” here.

Learn more about author Nina Bocci here.

“One Last Gift” by Emily Stone

After the death of their parents when they were children, Tom had always found a way to make the holidays special for Cassie. His signature scavenger hunts were the highlight of her Christmas, something she looked forward to every year, each clue leading her one step closer to her gift. Now as grown adults Tom has promised Cassie this year’s hunt will be the most epic one yet but when something unexpected rocks Cassie’s world she is unsure how she will carry on without him. Without Tom’s help to guide her through the clues, solving this year’s hunt seems impossible and Cassie is unsure she even wants to get to the end of this hunt, just one step further from Tom. But once she starts Cassie is put on a path to discover what dreams Tom had in store for her and just how much he believed in hers. Reader, Emily Stone books should come with a warning label. May rip your heart out, stomp on it and return it to you wrapped in a Christmas bow. This is the second book I’ve read by Stone and both of them are heartbreaking, beautiful and emotional. If you are looking for something festive to read but aren’t into the factory rom-com you sometimes get in a holiday read give “One Last Gift” a try. Here’s hoping for another Stone read this time next year.

Purchase a copy of “One Last Gift” here.

Learn more about author Emily Stone here.

Historical Fiction

“Bluebird” by Genevieve Graham

As World War I rages on around her, Adele Savard risks her life daily as one of Canada’s sister nurses, otherwise known as the “Bluebirds” from the color of their uniform gowns. When a young soldier gets brought into Adele’s field hospital by his brother after an explosion in their tunnel, her once rigid rules about becoming too attached to those she cares for falter. Jerry Bailey quickly gets under Adele’s skin once the two learn that they are from the same small part of Canada and when Jerry is finally sent back to the front the two both dream of running into one another again back in their hometown. Spanning more than a century the Bailey family story is uncovered when Matthew purchases the old family home and discovers some secrets literally buried in the walls. Reaching out to Cassie, a local historian, she helps unravel what became of the Bailey brothers upon their return from Europe. I love historical fiction for so many reasons and one of them is that the genre is so vast. Having not read much about Canadian contributions to WWI or the prohibition era I found “Bluebird” so interesting. The WWI POV was my favorite and I grew to be invested in them all. His Fic fans be sure to add this one to your TBR list.

Purchase a copy of “Bluebird” here.

Learn more about author Genevieve Graham here.

“The Lost Apothecary” by Sarah Penner

Hidden down a dark alley in the depths of seventeenth century London, Nella provides her poisons to women who seek her out. The apothecary shop is a secret passed in shadows with its entrance disguised to only those who are privy to its location. Nella has rules she stands firm to, she will only sell to women and every transaction and victim’s name is to be recorded. Her next scheduled customer arrives and she is met by a headstrong twelve year old girl, sent by her mistress, to obtain a lethal potion. In Eliza, Nella can see a hunger to learn and the two form a connection that could jeopardize the secret world Nella has built her life around. In present day London, a blue vial is discovered along the banks of the river Thames prompting historian, Caroline Parcewell to set off on a hunt to determine what the bear logo stands for on its glass causing her to stumble upon articles written about the “apothecary murders” and tempting her own fate as she digs deeper into the mystery. With its mixed reviews, I wasn’t sure what to expect with “The Lost Apothecary” but I am happy to report I fell into the positive camp. I enjoyed the time jumps, characters and plot. I’ve seen this listed in the fantasy genre but I’m not sure why as this reads more like a historical fiction/mystery. Also, how do you not pick this book up after seeing this gorgeous cover?

Purchase a copy of “The Lost Apothecary” here.

Learn more about author Sarah Penner here.

Fantasy/Sci-Fi

“Darling Girl” by Liz Michalski

Everyone knows the Darling family thanks to the famous book written by J.M. Barrie but what you don’t know is that Barrie got it all from Wendy and the stories she was telling weren’t stories at all, Peter Pan is real and more dangerous than his fairytale led you to believe. For generations the Darlings have been visited by Peter but Holly’s encounter with him was nothing like her grandmother Wendy described. Having fled to New York years ago with her son Jack to run a successful company, Holly is now being called back to London and back to Pan territory when she is informed that her daughter, who has been in a coma for a decade, has vanished knowing there is only one person who could have taken her. Eden’s disappearance is a nightmare for Holly – not only does Eden have a rare condition that causes rapid aging but her blood is what is keeping Jack and her cosmetic business alive. Out of desperation she hires private detective, Christopher Cooke, to locate Eden before it’s too late and she loses not only her daughter but everything she has. “Darling Girl” is a dark reimagining of a beloved fairytale that forces readers to consider what we were read as children in the same way “Wicked” made us rethink Oz. There are topics discussed in this book that might be difficult for some (abuse, drug use, murder and assault to name a few) but beyond those is a creative concept thought up by author Liz Michalski. I love when a writer can take a story well known to all and put their own alternative spin to it making a reader question if we ever really knew these characters at all. Even if the fantasy genre isn’t your usual go-to, I recommend giving “Darling Girl” a try.

Purchase a copy of “Darling Girl” here.

Learn more about author Liz Michalski here.

“Upgrade” by Blake Crouch

As an agent at the Gene Protection Agency, Logan Ramsey is tasked with finding those that wish to illegally alter human DNA and take them into custody. During a raid Logan is trapped in an explosion and in the aftermath it’s discovered that he has been altered, he’s changing. Things seem sharper, memories easier to access, muscles stronger, Logan knows he’s been infected with something. It becomes obvious to him that GPA has no intention of letting him go, so when someone breaks in to rescue him from where he’s being held, Logan willingly goes along. Now things have been set in motion that could infect the world’s population with this “upgrade” leaving Logan the only person capable to right this wrong set in motion so long ago. It’s hard to review “Upgrade” without giving too much away but I can say that Blake Crouch has another hit on his hands. I loved Crouch’s two most recent books and “Upgrade” ranks up there with both of them. I’m not usually a fan of this genre but Blake Crouch has won me over. If Sci-fi isn’t usually your thing I suggest picking up one of Crouch’s books and dive into the wild world he creates.

Purchase a copy of “Upgrade” here.

Learn more about author Blake Crouch here.

“The Ballard of Songbirds and Snakes” by Suzanne Collins

The dawn of the reaping for the tenth Hunger Games has arrived. Unlike years past this year students have been given the honor of mentoring a tribute and Coriolanus Snow is determined to have its victor. The Snow family legacy runs deep but in recent times, thanks to the war, it’s getting harder and harder for Coriolanus to keep up the facade that their status hasn’t slipped and the Snows are still as mighty as they once were. With his future on the line he can only hope that his tribute with the help of a Snow worthy strategy will be the last one standing. But when he is assigned to the District 12 girl, a slight, terrified looking thing, all of Coriolanus’ dreams of success come crashing down. Determined to win at all costs the two must rely on each other, each decision having life or death consequences not only for Lucy Gray but for Coriolanus, too. With 24 tributes entering the arena only one will come out alive. May the odds be ever in your favor. I really enjoyed the Hunger Games series, whether it was the books or the movies so I was very interested in seeing how this prequel would measure up. In spite of some slower moments and one too many lyric filled pages for my taste I really enjoyed seeing how the past influenced the Katniss era games and how they evolved into what they became. I am really looking forward to the movie release in 2023. If you enjoyed the trilogy the first time around, take a chance on this prequel.