Balance was my word for 2022 – developing a work/life balance that allowed me the time to practice hobbies in the evenings, rather than working from sunrise to bedtime. I fell in love with books again and read over 20 books in 2022. Here are my top five reads of 2022 – in no particular order 🙂
1. Verity
If you’re on Booktok, you’re likely familiar with Verity and the immensely supportive fanbase of Colleen Hoover. I’ve read a few of her novels, but this was my favorite & nearly impossible to put down!
Description: Lowen, a struggling author, is tasked with completing a book series for famous author, Verity. Once Lowen begins sifting through Verity’s paperwork and notes to help her finish the series, Lowen discovers her autobiography – filled with dark admissions and secrets.
Genre: Thriller, Romance, Suspense
BUY IT HERE – Paperback | Kindle
2. The Singing Trees
Boo Walker quickly became my favorite author in 2022. All of his books I’ve read so far have stunning imagery descriptions. The Singing Trees and An Unfinished Story are both beautiful books describing the life of an artist.
Description: This story follows Annalisa, a young painter trying to find her voice as an artist. In short, it’s a story about love – but not just romantic love. We experience a love of art, the love between parent and child, of siblings, and grandparents.
Genre: Historial Fiction, Romance
BUY IT HERE – Paperback | Read on Kindle Unlimited
3. Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore
The perfect book for any bibliophile! This book is a modern tale with a touch of history. The designer in me loves the mention of typography. Overall, this is a quirky, feel-good read.
Description: Clay begins working at a 24-hour bookstore and soon realizes there are secrets beyond the shelves.
Genre: Mystery, Fantasy
BUY IT HERE – Paperback | Kindle
4. The Midnight Library
TW: Suicide
The concept of this book is incredibly interesting and unlike anything I’ve ever read before. How would your life be different if you made a different choice? Said yes to that date? Chose a different college? And how would those choices (and your life) affect those around you?
Description: After attempting suicide, Nora finds herself in The Midnight Library where she is able to see all the other lives she could’ve lived had she made different choices.
Genre: Fantasy, Contemporary
BUY IT HERE – Hardcover | Kindle
5. A Thousand Boy Kisses
Another popular book on Booktok, but not for the faint of heart. This book had me sobbing onto the pages – almost from start to finish. Overall, the writing, characters, and development in this book are nothing special. But if you need a quick, sappy, emotional rollercoaster of a book, this is it.
Description: This story follows Rune and Poppy – two childhood best friends as they grow up together from five years old to high school. When Poppy is eight years old, her grandmother gives her a jar full of plain pink hears, and tells her to record all of her boy kisses, but only the special ones, the ones that make her heart almost burst.
Genre: Romance, Young Adult
BUY IT HERE – Paperback | Kindle
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