8 Books I Loved This Year – 2022 Favorite Releases

This has been a great reading year for me! I read some debut novels, some highly-anticipated books, and books by some of my favorite authors. Looking back to all the books I read this year, there are eight that stand out to me by the end of this year.

In no specific order, these are the eight books I loved and continued to stand out throughout the year:

The Younger Wife - audiobook

The Younger Wife by Sally Hepworth

Publish date: April 5, 2022

Sally Hepworth once again delivered on the family drama and twisty storyline I’ve come to expect from her books. To say the Aston family has some problems would be an understatement. I was glued to this story from the very beginning. This was so good! I listened to the audiobook and highly recommend it.

See my book review here.

Ways The World Could End by Kim Hooper

Publish date: May 10, 2022

Kim Hooper has once again delivered an impactful story that captured me from the very beginning. I couldn’t wait to read Ways the World Could End, because I’ve read No Hiding In Boise and the writing impressed me. As it turns out, I was even more impressed by this book. This story is poignant and complex, and if it had gone on for a hundred more pages I wouldn’t have minded.

See my book review here.

Hello Molly! by Molly Shannon

Hello, Molly!: A Memoir by Molly Shannon

Publish date: April 12, 2022

Listening to this audiobook was such a special experience. It felt like listening to Molly Shannon personally telling me stories about her life. In a candid and conversational manner she tells about her career, the making of her career, and most importantly her upbringing. Part laugh-out funny, part emotional, and part shocking … this is a memoir that exceeded my expectations. I highly recommend the audiobook.

See my book review here.

No Ex Before Marriage by Portia MacIntosh

Publish date: January 11, 2022

I started off the year with this entertaining rom-com of the second-chance-romance trope. I loved the premise of the story, which is that unbeknownst to Poppy and Zac they’re still married, and the race for divorce papers to be signed is on. The antics that ensued and the setting in Scotland were delightful.

See my book review here.

Reminders of Him by Colleen Hoover

Reminders of Him by Colleen Hoover

Publish date: January 18, 2022

This is a complicated story that makes one explore the what if in a difficult situation. One where the person you least expect to like, you end up rooting for. One where raw emotions are high and you end up as consumed by the story and conflicted as the characters. This is a story about love, redemption, and forgiveness. It’s a thought-provoking story with relatable characters that has stayed with me and made me wonder about so much.

See my book review here.

We Were Dreamers: An Immigrant Superhero Origin Story by Simu Liu

Publish date: May 17, 2022

As a fan of Kim’s Convenience (I watched the series on Netflix), I couldn’t wait to read Simu Liu’s memoir.From becoming an immigrant at four years old, to his struggles with this parents, he lays it all out in this book. As it turns out, his life has been more difficult than I would have ever imagined. If you can, listen to the audiobook, because this is truly an impactful story.

See my book review here.

Yinka, Where Is Your Husband? by Lizzie Damilola Blackburn

Publish date: January 18, 2022

This is an impressive debut novel! It offered a little of everything, and I loved it all. From the humor, to Yinka’s journey, to learning about the Nigerian culture and traditions … I loved it all. Yinka was a likable character from the beginning, and the many other characters added to the charm of the story. I can’t wait for more from this author.

See my book review here.

Mad About You by Mhairi McFarlane

Publish date: August 9, 2022

I’ve enjoyed a few books by Mhairi McFarlane, and this one is now my favorite. This novel was as candid and relatable as her other stories, but contained a lot of depth. It brings some serious issues to light. Namely abusive relationships, social media bullying, and online groupthink. At the same time, it also showcases the power of kindness, true friendships, and trust.

See my book review here.

How about you? Do we have any favorite books in common?