End of the Year Wrap-Up: Unforgettable Books from 2022

Book Recommendations That You'll Love!

This year has flown by! I published a novel, started writing for a few new websites, started playing volleyball, attempted to pull off bangs (which I won’t be doing again), and read 55 books in many different genres and reviewed 45 of them. From fantasy and suspense to non-fiction and self-improvement, there have been some duds and some new all-time favorites. 

This whole year has been full of good things and even better books. If you are looking for some 5-star book recommendations, check out this New Year wrap-up of unforgettable books that I discovered and rediscovered in the year 2022! 

Don’t forget to comment your top reads down below, so I can have even more on my list next year.

Suspense Books that will Keep You on Your Toes

Suspense is one of my favorite genres. So much so that I wrote my own mystery/suspense novel. Check out my suspense novel, Where Is She? on Amazon or read the first chapter for free. It just might be your next 5-star read.

No Exit, by Taylor Adams - This roller coaster of a suspense novel will have your heart beating out of your chest. The ups and downs are enough to give you whiplash and you’ll be racing toward the end! Added bonus: there’s actually a decent movie adaptation that’s worth watching as well. Although the movie deviates from the book, it’s still entertaining!

Lady Audley's Secret, by Mary Elizabeth Braddon - A classic book that is overflowing with suspense and intrigue! If you’re trying to get into classic literature, this is a perfect starting point. The writing is descriptive and paints a powerful picture of the times, but has a fast-paced storyline and interesting characters. 
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Murder, mystery, infidelity, and more make this a fast, enjoyable read that will keep you on your toes, and caused quite a commotion during the Victorian era. Read my full review here!

The Good Sister, by Sally Hepworth - I blew through this suspenseful story in just a day or two! The characters were likable and I loved the twists and turns at the end. The writing really pulls you in and reads fast.

The Perfect Stranger, by Megan Miranda - It took me a minute to get into this one, but when I did, it really captured my attention. The writing is immersive and steadily builds suspense. I loved the character development.

Mexican Gothic, by Silvia Moreno-Garcia - Chilling! In the very best way. This suspense novel is beautifully written and the absolute perfect mixture of fantasy, horror, and more. The premise was entirely unique, though it incorporates quite a few of my favorite tropes. I really enjoyed the haunted house, the mysterious family dynamics, and the underestimated female protagonist.

A short story by an intriguing author

The Grownup: A Story by Gillian Flynn - I am a big Gillian Flynn fan. I’m not sure what it is exactly about her writing, but she really knows how to create a dark tale. This quick read is just as psychologically twisted as her other works and packs a punch the same way her novels do.
Read the full review here!

Poetry that you won’t forget

“Not all gods are born. Plenty of us rise.”​

Aphrodite Made Me Do It, by Trista Mateer - Beautiful, relatable, and immersive! A bold, brave, creative, and relatable look into life as a woman in today’s world. With poems, prose, and art, this book checks all of the boxes. The correlation between the mythical Aphrodite, the poet, and women, in general, was exciting, fresh, and kept me intrigued from cover to cover. Read the full review here!

Support self-published and indie authors 

Secrets Dead and Burned, by Leigh Andrews ​ - A great standalone fantasy with medieval vibes, romance, and a few unexpected twists. Although I think this novel could easily work as a series, it’s a fun, quick read if you’re not ready to commit to a long series or a 700-page novel. A great light YA fantasy, with magic, and some romance. Read the full review here!

The book with the most powerful message

​​The Punishings, by H.R. Bellicosa - More than one betrayal that is so deep you'll feel it in your bones! This book is hard to swallow. There's violence and cruelty and unimaginable betrayals. It's raw and brings to life the deepest, darkest possibilities when fear and paranoia are the ruling forces in a community. But most importantly, it makes you think, as the most powerful books always do. Read the full review here!

The fantasy series that rivals Harry Potter

Throne of Glass Series, by Sarah J. Maas - This might be an unpopular opinion but this series rivals Harry Potter ... and it might be my new favorite fantasy series. There were just so many characters in this series that I loved and became invested in!! I'm not sure I'll ever recover ?

More fantasy because let’s face it, reality sucks

Book of Night, by Holly Black - Book of Night is something different. I loved that it didn’t remind me of anything, not even Black’s previous work. This author is really showing her range here. And the ending! The twists just kept coming, right up until the last page. It may take you a moment to get into the rhythm of the writing, but it’s all worth it. Read the full review here.

A Certain Slant of Light, by Laura Whitcomb & Under the Light (Book 2) - Stunningly crafted YA romance ghost story! The Emily Dickinson vibes are strong here, and not just because of the similarly named poem. Laura Whitcomb wields this story of two misguided ghosts stuck in modern times, into a spooky romance with dark undertones that you won’t forget any time soon.

Self-improvement books that are actually worth reading

Read the full review and more like it on the Book Reviews page.

Manage Your Day-To-Day: Build Your Routine, Find Your Focus, and Sharpen Your Creative Mind, by Jocelyn K. Glei - This is one of those books that deserves permanent residence on your bedside table. It's so full of motivation, great tips, and reminders — plain and simple — that just need to be heard every once in a while. The information is expertly executed in short digestible nuggets of advice, which is perfect if your attention span is less than resilient these days and if you're short on time.

Atomic Habits, by James Clear - This is a well-known resource for students, working adults, busy parents, and anyone else who needs a little balance in their life. It deserves every ounce of recognition that it has already gained and more. This book makes my Top 5, and by that I mean, it’s one of my Top 5 favorite books that I’ve EVER read. The ideas in this book are almost painfully simple, yet highly, immeasurably effective. You’ll be furious you didn’t pick it up sooner. 

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