Last year, I made a goal to read one book per month. I am happy to say I far exceeded that goal and doubled it!
For far too long, I had put reading on the back burner and used the excuse that I’m a busy mom and my brain was too tired at the end of the day to make time for reading. I decided to quit making excuses and cut way back on phone usage, and utilized the Libby and Hoopla apps. Both of these apps are free from the Chattanooga library. I discovered I actually have quite a few pockets of time to listen to books! I try to listen while driving, doing dishes, folding laundry, showering, cooking, etc.
Here are my top eight reads from 2022:
The Wish by Nicholas Sparks
This book is set in Ocracoke, North Carolina. It is beautifully written and captivated me from the beginning. It’s a perfect mix of a love story and a mystery slowly unfolding. If you’ve never read anything by this author, try this one! I love all of his books.
A Stranger’s Game by Colleen Coble
This book is about a hotel heiress on Jekyll Island determined to solve a murder that happened to her childhood friend. I love Coble’s writing and feel as if I know the characters the second they are introduced. This one is suspenseful and an easy, enjoyable read!
Forgiving Paris by Karen Kingsbury
If you are familiar with the Baxter series written 20+ years ago, this is a must-read. This book gives both a back story and closure to Ashley Baxter’s story. I was pleasantly surprised because it had mystery elements which are not typical for Kingsbury. Set in Paris, it was a story of healing and coming to terms with your past. I loved this one!
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
This book was recommended to me by a friend and I’ll admit after reading the premise, I was a bit skeptical. However, I am so glad I gave it a chance! The main character is a lonely woman who works as the night shift cleaner at the local aquarium. She develops a special friendship with an octopus and lives in a quirky little town. This book was beautifully written and has a wonderful story line. I highly recommend it.
The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren
This book had me laughing out loud and I absolutely loved the sarcastic humor of the author. It is about a woman who is unlucky in love and a guy who has been misunderstood for most of his adult life. They end up finding themselves in one precarious situation after another. Perfect for a light and entertaining read.
Glow Kids by Nicholas Kardaras
This was a heavier read about tougher topics. It is full of studies, research, and data on the effects of screens on children and teens, and how it directly relates to their mental and emotional health. If you are familiar with who Collin Kartchner was and his #savethekids campaign, this was his #1 recommended book for all parents. I found it very eye-opening and am glad I read it.
Boy Mom by Monica Swanson
As a mom of three boys, I really enjoyed this book. The author’s writing style is very down to earth and was full of practical tips and takeaways for all seasons of motherhood. I loved how she touched on most of the main areas you will face in parenting through a specific lens of how to best approach it for boys. I really enjoyed this book!
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson
A high school girl is murdered and it has lasting effects on the whole town. With lingering questions five years later, another high school student decides to reexamine the case, launching her own amateur investigation. This story keeps you on your toes with many unforeseen twists and turns.
Everybody Always by Bob Goff
The author is a captivating storyteller and challenges you to live a life all about others and not shy away from difficult situations or difficult people. I was touched by story after story, and the ending had me in tears. I found it very heartwarming and gave me a lot to think about.
I hope something from this list has piqued your interest. If you also love reading and have let go of making it a priority in your life, here is your encouragement to choose one of these titles and make time for yourself to read in 2023! Tell me, what’s on your list to read next?
