Have y’all seen this on Facebook recently?
I thought I would use it to show y’all my favorite book I read from each month this year as a little reading recap. All of these have had a full review (or at least a mention) on the Bookworm Diaries Column this year.
January: Silver Dollar Duke by Sally Britton
A Western/Victorian rom com that is sweet and funny. It was definitely a feel good read (which really was the theme of my 2022 reading journey.)
February: The Off Limits Rule by Sarah Adams
Another romantic comedy. But what else would did I even read in February? It’s the month of love and I’m a sucker for the genre. Looking back in my notes, I actually said I wasn’t crazy about this one, but I still remember scenes from it 10 months later and I’ve recommended it to a few people. So, maybe I liked it more than I thought.
March: Love Practically by Nichole Van
The first of two Nichole Van appearances on this list. HER WRITING IS PERFECTION. This one wasn’t as lighthearted as some of her other work, but I loved it just as much. Such a poignant story. Flawless.
April: State of Redemption by Richard McKeown
In April I reviewed only books by local authors. All of them were top notch, but this one stuck with me. It is seriously on par with some best selling political thrillers on the market. Absolutely recommend.
May: Warriors Into the Wild by Erin Hunter
Yes, I’m putting a children’s book on my favorite reads of the year. I read this on the recommendation of a child, and I won’t lie to you…I have the second book in the series downloaded in my kindle app right now. I WISH I had found these when I was 8. I would have been totally obsessed.
June: The Recovery Agent by Janet Evanovich
A perfect summer read and a good audiobook. It’s like a blockbuster book. You’re not getting anything super deep or life changing, but you are going to be entertained and on the edge of your seat. I loved it.
July: Home Before Dark by Riley Sager
I’ve never met a Riley Sager book I didn’t like. And I LOVED this one. The twist on the classic haunted house storyline was brilliantly executed. Fans of horror movies would appreciate all the nods to the staples of the genre. It managed to be a really suspenseful story without being super scary.
August: Adjacent but Only Just by Nichole Van
If she writes it, I’m going to be raving about it. This sequel was better than the first, in my opinion. Her characters have such depth, it’s impressive. This one had an epic meet cute AND one of my favorite kisses that she has ever published. 10/10
September: Bad Luck Charlie by Scot Baron
The weirdest book I read this year. No contest. Space pirates, space gladiators, space dragons, space wizards… the surprises were never ending and I enjoy an unpredictable story. I’m not sure if I’ll continue the series, but I don’t regret reading this one.
October: Riding the Rap by Elmore Leonard
This was one of the most delightful discoveries of the year. I love this author and I also loved the TV show based on this character and I never knew the two were connected. I flew through the book and loved every second. Elmore Leonard is the master of the cheeky thriller novel.
November: Merry Ex-mas by Courtney Walsh
Courtney Walsh is one of those authors that never lets you down. Her books are always well written and usually have a bit of humor. And when she mixes Christmas into her repertoire it’s sheer perfection. The Hallmark producers better be making a deal with her, because it’s got all the quintessential Hallmark staples.
December: Gemina by Aimee Kaufman and Jay Kristoff
Not gonna lie, I didn’t get a ton of reading done this month and of the few I read, this one was by far may favorite. Especially as an audiobook. I love that it’s narrated by a full cast. And I am always down for a good sci-fi story.
Krystle Goodman is a crazy cat lady, who loves to drink exorbitant amounts of coffee, and read a shocking amount of books. She lives in Benton with her husband Josh, her son Roman, and their two cats Roxanne and Abby. When she isn’t reading, you’ll find her cooking, painting, or watching true crime shows. Watch for Krystle’s book reviews every other Friday. Send fanmail to: [email protected]
See more of Krystle’s reviews at www.mysaline.com/krystle.