Writing this blog post is a lot harder than I thought it would be. While I read 80 books last year, most of them were not great. My average rating on Goodreads was 3,1 stars. That alone tells you all you need to know. I had a few 4 star books but I also had many 2 star ones. I’m only going to be giving my thoughts on the actual book and not share too much about what happens in the book. I’m trying to keep this post spoiler free!
After going through my list of books, here are my best books of 2022, in no particular order.
Family of Liars by E. Lockhart
I love this book! I read the first one and I was so happy when I got this one. This book is so well written and so descriptive. It takes you on a visual journey – I could literally see what was happening, as I was reading it. The first book was an emotional one for me – the emotion was sad. This book had me feeling more shocked than sad – also a good way for a book to make you feel though. This book is told from the point of view of one of the mums and gives you so much more insight into this family. If you’ve read the first one (We Were Liars) then you definitely need to read this one. It’s a prequel but has spoilers for We Were Liars.
Through the Lens by Shannon Dermott
Ethan. That’s it. I kid. However, Ethan was a really great character. Am I too old to still like the bad boy characters? Too bad, because I do. What I liked about this book is that even though it was a book involving teenagers, it wasn’t the typical Hugh school romance fluff that you normally get. There was more depth to this book and it covered darker themes than books of this genre normally do.
A Merry Christmas at the Castle by Elizabeth Holland
My first thought after reading this book was where I could find my own Lachlan? I suppose logic dictates I would be able to find him in a castle in Scotland (or, you know, Scotland in general). He was a really amazing character and I love how he interacted with everyone else in the book. Even though he was technically the boss, he treated the people that work for him with such dignity and respect. Something I also loved was how the people that worked for him weren’t afraid to tell it like it is. It shows a good relationship. This book also had romance which, let’s be honest, was the draw card for me. Eve is a chef who goes to cook at this castle over Christmas and… I won’t say anymore and risk spoiling anything 😉
Unforgettable Cowboy by Debra Clopton
I don’t know what it is but I love a cowboy romance. Seriously. Give me a romance set on a ranch with a cowboy and I’m happy. Jolie starts a job, teaching, on a ranch that is owned by the family of a boy she left many years ago. I know you know where this is going. She teaches a group of foster boys and helps them in many more ways as well. Going into this book you know what’s going to happen. However, it doesn’t make it any less wonderful.
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
I’m going to be completely honest and say that technically I started reading this in December. However, I finished it in January so I’m counting it! Also, I was a little desperate for another great book. I mean what can I say about this book? It’s a classic for a reason. This book got a very rare 5 star rating from me. Who doesn’t love Mr Darcy? And Elizabeth is such a strong female character. She doesn’t completely change for a boy to fall in love with her. In fact she does almost the opposite. Definitely one of my favourite books.
If you would like to follow me on my 2023 reading journey, you can follow me on Goodreads.
Do you have any good suggestions for books that I should read this year? Let me know in the comments.
I shall have to check Elizabeth’s new book. I am about to start Family of Liars. Great reviews!
Thank you!
I hope you enjoyed Family of Liars! 🙂