My Top 5 Reads of 2022!

 It's that time of year again! The one where I try and come up with a short list of this year's favorites, even though there are so many amazing ones! Remember, these are books that I read for the first time this year. Repeat reads are lovely, but disqualified. (Looking at you, Love Comes Softly!) I'll start with honorable mentions and then move up from there!

Honorable Mentions, in no particular order: Ever Constant by Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse, Wishtress by Nadine Brandes, The Heart of the Mountains by Pepper Basham, The Right Kind of Fool by Sarah Loudin Thomas, To Treasure an Heiress by Roseanna M. White, and The Mistletoe Countess by Pepper Basham.

These all deserve to be the favorite, honestly, but I read a ton of great books this year. Don't worry. It's also breaking my heart that they can't all be number one.

Without further ado, the top five fiction reads of 2022.

In fifth place, the breathtaking sequel to last year's top read, it's The Bride of Blackfriars Lane by Michelle Griep. I love the mix of Sherlock and Dickens vibes, coupled with stunning characters and a story that I just couldn't put down! Anyone who has read book one will be thrilled to see the continuing adventures of our favorite quick witted couple.

In fourth, book two in a series that I read completely backwards. I met the characters in Drawn by the Current and just had to know them better. Cue me binge reading Shadows of the White City by Jocelyn Green. I adored the theme of adoption and watching the characters work out their disagreements just hit that special part of my heart. This story broke my heart and soothed it all at once. An absolute must read for fans of historical fiction.

I went through a dry season where I couldn't read anything for quite a while. A Gem of Truth by Kimberley Woodhouse knocked me out of that painful spot. I honestly can't even begin to describe how this book was used in my life when I needed it most. For all those people that knock on fiction, just know that sometimes fiction is just the right medicine for a tired and weary soul. For helping me in the toughest of spots, this beauty earns a place on the podium and in my heart.

For most of the year, I thought this next book would be my number one. I read it twice and bawled like a baby both times. A Portrait of Loyalty by Roseanna M. White really took me by surprise, not that it should've since I love her work. I was deeply attached to every character. I was compelled by the story and immediately wished to have the experience of reading it for the first time all over again. While I adore all of her books, this might possibly be my favorite. It's also notable for being the last time we get to enter the world started in The Lost Heiress. This was the first book I read in 2022, and I couldn't have chosen better if I'd tried. What a deserving recipient of the silver medal.

And taking home the gold today, the book that made me feel like I might be okay with teaching high school, it's The Wonderland Trials by Sara Ella. I've read it two and a half times this year, and I'm making all of my ninth and tenth grade students read it as well. (They adore it as well, and alternate between rooting for Chess and wanting to slap him.) The reimagined Wonderland captured my heart like you wouldn't believe. Alice, Charlotte, Chess, Madi, Blanche Lapin (whose name delights me to no end, and I'm sure my French students are tired of hearing about it), and Dinah are such a part of me now. I absolutely am on tenterhooks waiting for book two. The allegorical nature of the work adds a little something special, too. I honestly can't say enough good things about this book. If you haven't read it, do so soon. I promise it will make a special place in your life. 

And a special shoutout to my top nonfiction read of the year, Through Gates of Splendor by Elisabeth Elliot. If you haven't read the story of Jim Elliot told through Elisabeth's eyes, you're missing out. There's something so powerful and inspiring in this missionary journey. 

So, what were your favorite reads this year? Do we have any overlaps? Let me know in the comments.

My Top 5 Reads of 2021!

 Taking all the books that I read for the first time this year (there are several honorable mentions that were not first time reads- Looking at all of Roseanna M White's books here...) here are my top five reads for this year.

In fifth place, the most recent book in the Rizkaland Legends series by Kendra E Ardnek, Love and Memory. Love and Memory is a massive, I mean MASSIVE, tome of a portal fantasy and I adored every moment of it. The characters are complex, the world building is awesome, and can we have a moment of appreciation for Laura, who has to be the best character ever written ever. While some things can get a little confusing sometimes, Kendra does an amazing job with this series, which is Indie published, something I'm excited to share with you because that's impressive to get in the top five considering how many books I've devoured this year. 

Coming up next, in fourth place Hope Between the Pages by Pepper Basham. I absolutely love Pepper because she takes me to the Blue Ridge in the most perfect way each and every time. This dual timeline story swept me right into the Biltmore estate, a place I've visited several times, and I couldn't have been more pleased with the special insight she brought to a place I already love. While it did take me a second to get into the dual timeline, I was hooked long before the ending, and definitely recommend it.

And on the podium, we have our third place, The Silent Governess by Julie Klassen. This was a new author for me, but I absolutely couldn't have asked for more. I adored the story, even spending my entire day off one week this summer reading it straight through. What's more, I even posted a review immediately, which generally only happens when I'm overwhelmed with how perfectly a story ended. I need to get my hands on more by this author in 2022.

Second place (Silver medal, anyone?) goes to A Deep Divide by Kimberley Woodhouse, whose new series explores the Harvey Girls in the southwest US. Emma's story resonated with me in a way I didn't expect, and Emma's verse was a verse that at that moment in my life, was already pulsing through my entire being, which just proves that God works in mysterious ways that include historical fiction. From Psalm 34- I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.

And my top read of 2021 goes to... (((I really hope y'all are drumrolling)))

The Thief of Blackfriars Lane by Michelle Griep. This wasn't the first of her books I've read, but I think it's my favorite so far. I was so into the story and my goodness the plot just did exactly what I wanted it to (with of course a few frightening setbacks along the way...) and the characters were so real to me that I didn't want to book to end. Ever. I wanted to stay with them forever. I want a sequel. NOW. I absolutely adore this book, and you should definitely read it if you have time. (AKA make time...)

What about you? What were your favorite reads this year? Let me know in the comments. Anyone loving the same ones I do?

Answer A Question: Where is your favorite place to buy books?

Ollie's. It's Ollie's. They have an incredible inspirational section, and their prices are great. I can get some for as low as 2 or 3 dollars. I just need to be willing to sit on the floor and sort through them since their organizational system seems to be... non existent! After Ollie's though is definitely Barnes and Noble. In fact... If I had unlimited funds, I would be at B&N every day.

Where do you get your book fix from?

(P.S. Sorry it's been so long.... keeping up with school and a blog simultaneously is... challenging at times!)

Answer a Question: What is the first book you read by yourself?

I remember the day I read a whole book by myself for the first time. It took me alllllll day! It was an orange book, a collection of Dick and Jane short stories. I was so proud of myself. I still have that book in my room! What about you? What was your first book?

Answer A Question: Outdoor or Indoor Reading?

Honestly, if there is a comfortable place outside.... I will pick outside every time. If there isn't a good place outside, I'll just find myself nice quiet corner inside somewhere. What are your thoughts? Let me know in the comments!


P.S. I just started college so things are a little hectic. Posting as able!

Answer a Question: What is the longest book you've ever read?

The longest book I've ever read is Bleak House by Charles Dickens. I'm generally a really fast reader but honestly, it takes 2 solid weeks to read Bleak House. Not only because of the length, but also, I mean, Charles Dickens. He's a heavy read. And sometimes wordy. It took me forever to straighten out the different characters in Bleak House. And that's with a very good character list at the beginning. And even though it is a little difficult, Bleak House is one of my favorites of his. What's the longest book you've ever read? How long did it take to read it? Let me know in the comments.

Answer a Question: Who is your favorite mystery/suspense writer?

I love all things mystery. I've recently found the Drew Farthering and Moving Target mysteries by Julianna Deering and Lynette Eastwood (not together, that's a confusing sentence!) and I love both of these series. However, I have to say that for years my go to mystery writer has been Patricia H Rushford! Her Jenny McGrady novels captured my heart from the first line (unfortunately I've not been able to get my hands on book #8, which is so annoying! I feel like that book has a big part of the story in it.) Her Helen Bradley novels are for adults but have the same characters as the Jenny McGrady series. The Angel Delaney mysteries give me chills all over, and the Max and Me mysteries are perfect for kids. And Strangers in the Night is amazing, bringing up every emotion possible in a mystery! In short, she has a mystery for all ages, and they are GOOD!!!!

Who is your favorite? Tell me in the comments!

Answer a Question: What's the best retail site to use to post a book review?

My favorite retailer to post my reviews on is Books-A-Million. Their format is very user friendly. You are given options for pros, and for cons, and you can add your own. They have an option for if you received the product in exchange  for an honest review. You can pick what level of reader you are from occasional to bookworm. It's my absolute favorite place to post a review (retailer wise). What is your's? Tell me in the comments!

Answer a Question: eBook or Print Copy?

Print copy!!! As a general rule I'd rather have a copy in my hands. To feel, to smell, to see how far I've read. The only thing that eBooks have on print copies in my mind is the ability to have a lot of books with you all the time, and also the ability to read in the dark. Otherwise, print copy all the way!!!!!!!

Answer A Question: Paperback or Hardback?

I usually prefer hardback since I feel like they hold up better. It's really easy to bend the cover of a paperback. That being said, I feel like oftentimes they don't make the covers of the hardback as pretty, unless it's the dust jacket, which I feel like is too easy to rip or lose. Also, paperbacks as a general rule are cheaper. So maybe I don't have a preference? I don't know. There are pros and cons to both. Which do you prefer? Comment below!