The 22 Best Books of 2022

by Shelby Van Pelt

GENRE: Literary Fiction

SYNOPSIS:
Widower Tova began working at the Sowell Bay Aquarium to occupy her mind and time. She took pride in cleaning perfectly each night, even though she didn’t need the money. She loved all the aquarium life but formed a special bond with the intelligent but curmudgeonly octopus named Marcellus.

He’s just as surprised to feel friendly toward this human who visits him nightly. Soon, he connects the sadness he sees in her with something he saw in the ocean long ago. Can he help her solve the mystery of her son’s disappearance 30 years ago?

WHY IT MADE OUR BEST BOOK LIST:
Neither of us expected to have a book partially narrated by a giant Pacific octopus on our best books of 2022 list, but Marcellus stole our hearts. Beyond that, we loved each of the human characters and their struggles in different phases of life. Young or older, so many people deal with loneliness and loss. Watching characters process and evolve through that was a heart-warming treat.

This book is on our list of the Best Audiobooks for Road Trips and The Best Book Club Books for 2022.

Book Club Guide
We've put together everything you need for a great book club discussion about Remarkably Bright Creatures in one guide. Don't miss it if you're in a book club considering this book.

by Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan

GENRE: Contemporary Fiction / Suspense

SYNOPSIS:
Olivia has been raising her son, Asher, as a single mom ever since she fled her seemingly perfect marriage that was not as it appeared from the outside. When she left her abusive marriage to protect her son, she brought him to her small hometown in New Hampshire. Once home, she moved into her childhood house and took over her father’s beekeeping business.

Like Olivia, Lily is also familiar with starting over. She and her mom recently relocated to New Hampshire to give Lily a fresh start in her final year of high school.

Olivia and Lily’s lives cross paths when Asher begins dating and falls in love with the new girl in town. A few months later, Olivia is shocked to receive a phone call from Asher that he’s at the police station and Lily is dead. Asher is the only suspect in the case, but he insists he didn’t do it. Olivia is willing to give up everything she has to defend her son. But as the case moves toward trial, and as she discovers that Asher has hidden more from her than she realized, Olivia begins to question what traits her son may have inherited from his father.

Keep in mind that this story does not follow a linear timeline, instead jumping back and forth between the present and various points in the past. Be sure to pay attention to the beginning of each chapter, which tells you where that chapter’s events occur along the timeline.

WHY IT MADE OUR BEST BOOK LIST:
This story hooked Angela right from the start. She started reading and couldn’t put the book down… and that was before she got to the big twist that changed everything and pulled her in even deeper. Speaking of the twist - please don’t research too much about this book before reading it! The Goodreads reviews are packed with spoilers, and this book deserves to be read without knowing too much about it!

That being said, we won’t say more, other than to tell you that it’s beautifully written, filled with suspense, and a well-constructed legal drama. It will educate you and give you so much to think about.

This book is on our list of Books Set in New England.

by Dolen Perkins-Valdez

GENRE: Historical Fiction

SYNOPSIS:
Civil is fresh out of nursing school and has dreams of making a big difference in her post-segregation African American community. She works for the Montgomery Family Planning Clinic, and she’s sent to a rural cabin during her first week on the job. When she arrives, Civil is shocked to find that her patients are children, only 11 and 13 years old.

The girls, Erica and India, are innocent and not even thinking of boys. However, because they are poor and black, those handling their benefits have requested the children be on birth control. Civil struggles with this unexpected aspect of her new career. Despite the shocking reason for meeting the girls, Civil is endeared to them and their family. However, one day when she arrives for her visit, the unthinkable has happened.

You’ll also see Civil at the end of her career, with a daughter of her own, as she tries to find peace without forgetting those she encountered along the way.

WHY IT MADE OUR BEST BOOK LIST: This is one of those books that you’ll wish wasn’t based on real circumstances as it rips your heart out. It’s a quick page-turning read that shares a devasting piece of history we should all take the time to understand.

by Julia Whelan

GENRE: Romantic Comedy

SYNOPSIS:
Sewanee “Swan” Chester was an actress whose star was rising. Following a tragic accident, her days on film sets are now long behind her, and she spends her days in the sound booth as an audiobook narrator. Despite finding early success narrating romance novels, Swan is a real-life romance skeptic, and she’s since moved on to narrating different genres.

After a trip to Vegas to moderate a panel at a book convention, she returns home to a job offer to narrate one last romance book alongside the industry’s hottest male voice - Brock McNight. The lucrative offer is too good to pass up, especially because she needs the funds to help her beloved, ailing grandmother. (We could go on and on about how much we love her grandma!)

Like Sewanee, her male counterpart narrates under a pseudonym. Since she and Brock live on opposite sides of the country, they collaborate via correspondence. This allows both of them to open up slowly. But even as they begin to form a genuine connection, Sewanee struggles to be honest with him about her accident because she doesn’t believe she deserves a happily ever after.

Of course, given that a well-known audiobook narrator writes this novel about two audiobook narrators, it seems almost unnecessary to say… but this book is meant to be listened to.

WHY IT MADE OUR BEST BOOK LIST:
Julia Whelan is one of our favorite audiobook narrators, and we both love the rom-com genre - so it was a no-brainer for us to add this title to our TBR list. But even with both of those things in mind, this book still blew away our expectations. Not only was it as smart and funny as we had hoped for, but it was also much more profound and tackled some challenging issues with honesty and heart.

We also loved the book within a book element of this story. It delivered on some of our favorite rom-com tropes, all while the main characters approached these rom-com cliches with a heavy dose of sarcasm and cynicism.

Good audiobook narrators make it easy to immerse yourself in the world of the book without ever thinking about the person behind the voice, or all the planning and preparation that goes into the job. As frequent audiobook listeners, we loved the window into what it’s like to do the work of a narrator, day in and day out.

by Matt Cain

GENRE: Contemporary Fiction

SYNOPSIS:
Albert Entwistle is a 64-year postal worker in the UK. He has no plans of retiring but receives a letter informing him that his mandatory retirement is just around the corner on his 65th birthday.

Albert's only friend is his cat, and although he isn't chatty with others at work or on his routes, he still dreads being home alone without a job. When he's reminded of his only romantic relationship, which happened 50 years prior, something begins to stir in Albert. Perhaps it's not too late to find happiness after all?

With the help of some unexpected new friends, Albert sets off to find George, the man he hasn't seen since they were teenagers.

WHY IT MADE OUR BEST BOOK LIST:
Melissa listened to this heartwarming read and highly recommends the audio version. The narrator perfectly captures Albert's emotions through each phase of his journey. You may shed some happy tears as he learns it's okay to share who he really is with the world. If you're looking for a feel-good read, this is it!

NOTE: This book was first published in the US in May 2022 but was previously published in the UK in 2021.

by Nikki Erlick

GENRE: Contemporary Dystopian Fiction / Magical Realism

SYNOPSIS:
If you could find out exactly how many years you have left to live, would you want to know?

On the same day, all around the world, every person over the age of 22 receives an identical box. Inside each box is a string. At first, no one knows what the strings mean, but it soon becomes apparent that a long string means long life, and a short string foretells a life cut short.

As society responds to the revelation of the boxes, each person must make a choice - do you want to know how long you will live? If so, what will you do with that knowledge? And what if your choice is different from those you care about most?

These are the dilemmas facing the eight protagonists in The Measure, whose fates become interwoven as their individual stories unfold.

WHY IT MADE OUR BEST BOOK LIST:
While the concept of mortality is not fun to think about, this book forces you to think about just that. But it’s addressed in such a thought-provoking way that the story immediately hooked Angela. Despite having many main characters, each is well-developed enough to allow you to step into their shoes. Whatever your first inclination about wanting to know - or not know - the length of your string, this book will make you think and rethink that decision throughout.

This book is on our list of The Best Book Club Books for 2023.

by Wade Rouse

GENRE: Memoir

SYNOPSIS:
In this moving memoir, author Wade Rouse, who writes fiction under the pen name Viola Shipman, shares the story of his complicated relationship with his father. Growing up as a queer kid in a conservative Ozarks community, Wade and his father, Ted, had little in common. Wade was never the athlete his father hoped for, but his desire to connect with his father and gain his approval led Wade to learn the vocabulary of baseball and to watch the game with his dad season after season.
As an adult, he and his father rarely saw eye-to-eye, but it was always baseball that brought them back together. When his father’s health takes a turn for the worse, Wade returns home to southwest Missouri to spend one final season with his father. Inning by inning, they move closer toward forgiveness, reconciliation, and closure.

WHY IT MADE OUR BEST BOOK LIST:
Over the past year, Wade Rouse / Viola Shipman become one of Angela and Melissa’s favorite authors. We don’t know how we hadn’t discovered his work sooner, but we’re very glad we have now! This memoir is a poignant look at a son who refused to give up on his father, no matter how many times and how many ways his dad pushed him away. It’s filled with the same heart and soul that comes through so clearly in his fiction writing.

by Ruta Sepetys

GENRE: Historical Fiction (YA)

SYNOPSIS:
In 1989, Communist regimes were falling throughout Eastern Europe, but Romania was still under the control of a tyrant - Nicolae Ceaușescu. Seventeen-year-old Cristian wants to be a writer, but writing freely is impossible in his world.

When Cristian is forced to be an informer for the secret police, he must decide if he's willing to betray those he loves or if he can somehow use the terrible situation to help take down Ceaușescu.

WHY IT MADE OUR BEST BOOK LIST:
Ruta Sepetys has a gift for telling untold stories in compelling, relatable ways, and this book was no exception! As children of the '80s, we recall hearing references on the news to things like the "fall of Communism" and "the end of the Cold War." But we were too young to understand what this meant, and we certainly couldn't comprehend what the people in this region had been through.

Reading this book opened our eyes to a completely different 1980s experience from that of our childhood memories living in the US. Learning more about the complex history of this region has also provided important context as we strive to understand the current events in Ukraine.

The book is also featured on our list of Books Set in Eastern Europe.

by Katherine Center
GENRE: Contemporary Romance

SYNOPSIS:
Hannah may look like a kindergarten teacher who could only wrangle young children, but she's more dangerous than she seems. Her excellent skills as an Executive Protection Agent (aka bodyguard) just earned her a job protecting a superstar actor, Jack. He has some unlikely enemies - like a middle-aged, corgi-breeding stalker, and a brother who seems to hate him.

When Jack has to return to the family ranch in Texas during his mom's cancer treatment, he doesn't want her to find out about the stalker. This means she can't know he needs a bodyguard to be safe. What could go wrong when Hannah has to pretend to be his girlfriend in front of his whole family?

WHY IT MADE OUR BEST BOOK LIST:
While Center’s other books are best classified as contemporary fiction with an element of romance, this one is shamelessly romantic and swoon-worthy. She has said that she wrote the book as her own escape during the pandemic, and wanted it to be lighter. We really enjoyed that it still felt like her writing, but with a bit more humor. However, she doesn’t totally depart from mixing in challenging issues, so the characters still feel real.

This book is on our list of The Best Fake Dating Books.

by Freya Sampson

GENRE: Contemporary British Romance

SYNOPSIS:
Libby is in her own world as she arrives in London, broken-hearted and newly unemployed. The first person she meets is an elderly man on a bus named Frank. Frank explains that he met a beautiful girl on bus 88 in 1962, and they made plans to visit the National Gallery together. But then Frank lost the ticket with her phone number. So every day for 60 years, he’s ridden the same bus hoping to run into her again.

Libby can’t just walk away from such a romantic and heartbreaking story. She enlists the help of an unlikely companion and creates posters advertising their search for the mystery girl. As they try to find her, Frank’s dementia is progressing quickly, teaching Libby important lessons about embracing happiness before it’s too late.

WHY IT MADE OUR BEST BOOK LIST:
Melissa loves any kind of heart-warming, found family story, and this is no exception. The search for the mystery girl pulls you in right away, but the side characters are just as delightful as Libby and Frank. The audio is excellent, with the narrator nailing the personalities of each character perfectly. There’s also an unexpected twist, so don’t read too many other reviews to avoid spoilers!

This book is on our list of Books that Connect Generations.

by Fiona Davis

GENRE: Dual-Timeline Historical Fiction

SYNOPSIS:
Lillian was one of the most sought-after artists' models in New York City, with statues based on her figure gracing famous landmarks throughout the city - from the Plaza Hotel to the Brooklyn Bridge. After losing her mother to the Spanish Flu outbreak, however, Lillian feels lost in the world.

Her work has mostly dried up, so Lillian is eager to accept an unexpected job as a personal secretary at the Frick mansion—a building with a sculpture of her face on the exterior. Working closely with Helen Frick, daughter of industrialist and art patron Henry Clay Frick, pulls Lillian into a privileged world. It's a tangled web of romantic trysts, stolen jewels, and family drama that might prove to be life or death.

Five decades later, in the 1960s, Veronica, an English model, is working in the former Frick residence, which has since been converted into one of New York City's most impressive museums. After being dismissed from a Vogue shoot, she and a young art curator stumble upon a series of hidden messages in the museum that might finally reveal the truth behind a decades-old murder.

WHY IT MADE OUR BEST BOOK LIST:
We're big fans of Fiona Davis because all her books feature a slice of New York history along with a dash of mystery and romance. While all the books are entertaining page-turners, we also learn something new about a city we love. Magnolia Palace was no exception!

This book also had an even more special tie-in for Melissa. Her favorite place in her hometown of Tulsa is Philbrook Museum, which was also a private residence. In 1938, the Phillips' home was donated to the city, along with an endowment to transform it into an art center. Over 80 years later, it's still operating as a successful museum.

The book is also featured on our list of Books Set in the 1910s.

by Fredrick Backman

GENRE: Contemporary Fiction

SYNOPSIS:
The Winners picks up two years after our all-time favorite books, Beartown. The locals are still trying to come to terms with the events that tore the community apart. However, change is on the way.

The book catches up with the original characters. We see Peter, Kira, Maya, Benji, Amit, and others continue to be haunted in different ways. But their story is intertwined with several new characters integral to the plot of The Winners.

From a midwife, her fireman husband, and their four children to a con man and two other children with rough starts to life, you’ll feel the emotions and motivations of these characters in classic Backman style. The rivalry between Beartown and Hed is as fierce as ever, which plays out in unexpected ways.

WHY IT MADE OUR BEST BOOK LIST:
We can’t get enough Backman. His writing is lyrical and his storytelling is magical. He manages to get you into the heads of the entire cast of characters at once. You find yourself simultaneously savoring each page, while anxiously waiting for alluded-to events to occur.

And then he leaves you in a puddle of tears, saying goodbye to Beartown.

This book is on our list of The Best Book Club Books for 2023.

by Ashley Poston

GENRE: Romance

WHY IT MADE OUR BEST BOOK LIST:
We’re flipping the script and giving you the why before the synopsis. But with good reason…

Angela downloaded this audiobook on a whim because she saw a few recommendations for it right before boarding a cross-country flight. She knew nothing about the plot, and thank goodness, because terms like ‘paranormal romance’ and ‘ghost love story’ would have scared her away. And then she would have missed out on one of her favorite books of the year! She binged the entire book in two days, and couldn’t stop smiling the whole time.

We didn’t want to give you the synopsis first because we were afraid that if we did, you might think, “this isn’t for me,” and skip on to the next book.

This story is unique and will keep you on your toes. Despite the romance genre getting a bad rap for being predictable, this book is anything but that.

SYNOPSIS:
Florence Day is a romance ghostwriter who no longer believes in romance. Her new editor is an actual ghost.

Florence has spent her career as the ghostwriter for one of the most well-known romance writers in the industry. But after a recent breakup with a man who took advantage of her trust and destroyed her self-esteem, she no longer believes in love and can’t seem to write about it either. With a major deadline looming, her career is in serious danger. Then she gets a call from home that shifts her priorities.

She had an unusual, but very happy childhood growing up in a funeral home in a small town in South Carolina. But a controversy when she was a teen caused her to flee for college and never turn back. When Florence receives a call that her father has died unexpectedly, she has no choice but to return home for the first time in a decade. On her first night back, she finds a ghost standing on the front porch of her family funeral home - the ghost of her editor, who was very much alive the last time she saw him. Florence was already convinced that romance is dead… but this complicates things further.

by Dave Grohl

GENRE: Memoir

SYNOPSIS:
In this memoir, Dave Grohl tells the stories of a lifetime. It begins with his childhood in Springfield, Virginia, teaching himself to drum and dreaming of being a musician someday. Then he tells of his early adult years on the West Coast, where he rose from starving artist to a member of the biggest band in the world.

Having achieved all his wildest dreams by age 25, but also witnessing firsthand the price of fame, Dave then spent his next 25 years carefully crafting his life exactly as he wanted it - with equal measures of music, family, and friends. He shares some epic stories starring some of the biggest names of our time and tells touching stories starring his mom, wife, and children.

WHY IT MADE OUR BEST BOOK LIST:
There are countless musician and celebrity memoirs that we’ve enjoyed over the years (in fact, you’ll find many of them on our list of best audiobook memoirs), but this one tops our list! While his stories are very entertaining, we loved seeing Dave first strive to become a musician and then strive to be so much more, including a father who puts his kids ahead of his career. Trust us when we say that you don’t have to be a fan of Nirvana or the Foo Fighters to enjoy this memoir! Although Melissa says if you have been a long-time fan, it’s somehow even more special.

We highly recommend the audiobook version, because Dave reads it himself. There’s nothing better than hearing someone tell their own stories.

The book is also featured on our list of the Best Audiobook Memoirs.

by Emily Henry

GENRE: Contemporary Fiction with Romance

SYNOPSIS:
Book Lovers is about a literary agent named Nora. When Nora’s younger sister, Libby, begs her to take a month-long summer trip to a small town in North Carolina, she envisions all the possible romance novel tropes that could happen in her own life. Why couldn’t she run into a handsome country doctor and find her happily ever after?

Instead, Nora runs into Charlie, a brooding editor she has encountered several times back in the city. While neither of them is the ideal heroine or hero, they kept being thrown together in unlikely situations and must confront the stories they’d told themselves about who they are.

WHY IT MADE OUR BEST BOOK LIST:
We loved Emily Henry’s last two summer releases, Beach Read and People We Meet on Vacation, so it wasn’t surprising that Book Lovers was also a hit. Despite having threads of romance, all three books have characters with real-life baggage and flaws. Book Lovers also gives us a strong sister relationship and insight into Nora’s work, making her a well-rounded lead.

The book is also featured on our Best Summer Reads list and on our list of Books About Books.

by Bonnie Garmus

GENRE: Historical Fiction

SYNOPSIS:
Elizabeth Zott is a quirky and brilliant female chemist working with an all-male team at the Hastings Research Institute. But it's the 1950s, and her scientific qualifications don't stop the "good old boys" from being frustrated that she won't get the coffee or make copies for them. When Elizabeth meets Calvin Evans, another scientist at the Institute, another type of chemistry results.

Fast forward a few years. It's 1961, and Elizabeth is a 30-year-old single mother. She's taken a bit of a detour in her career. Instead of working for Hastings, she's now (somewhat reluctantly) the star of a much-loved cooking show called Supper at Six. Her cooking methods are unusual ("combine one tablespoon acetic acid with a pinch of sodium chloride"). As her popularity grows, it turns out she's not just teaching women to cook, she's also daring them to change the status quo.

WHY IT MADE OUR BEST BOOK LIST:
While most readers seem to love this book as much as Angela did, those who don't have pretty strong feelings about it. We think this might stem partly from the fact that the book's cover gives off rom-com or chick-lit vibes, and this book is not that. As the author has stated, she and the publisher didn't see eye-to-eye on the cover design. Mass marketing appeal won out, but we think that may give people the wrong expectations going into this book.

That said, Angela struggles to put into words what she loves so much about Lessons in Chemistry, but if there was an Elizabeth Zott fan club, she'd definitely be a member! This novel is funny, but not in a laugh-out-loud sort of way - more in a sometimes you have to laugh so you don't cry sort of way. The descriptions of the misogyny that Elizabeth faces (and specifically some of the language that is directed at her) offends some readers, but it's an accurate representation of what she and so many women faced in the 1950s and 1960s. By no means is our struggle for equality over, but this book gave Angela so much respect for the women who paved the way.

This book is also featured on our list of the Best Books Set in the 1960s.

by Kelly Harms

GENRE: Contemporary Fiction & Romance

SYNOPSIS:
For 22 years, Becca has been married into her husband’s family of uber-wealthy family of lawyers. At first, her husband was one of the good guys. But as he got older, he began representing the types of clients that made his parents rich—the smarmy guys who have done terrible things to women and had the money to avoid punishment. After overhearing a particularly disturbing comment that went unaddressed by her husband, Becca reaches her breaking point and leaves her marriage.

During the divorce proceedings, the judge is shocked that she isn’t protesting her prenup and plans to walk away with absolutely nothing. Instead, he decides that she should get to keep the fancy sailboat that bears her name.

Becca runs into a dreamy guy at the boatyard who helps her sell the boat, but the buyers are in Miami. To save money on the delivery, she recruits her 21-year-old daughter to sail with her from New England to Miami along the US coast. The only problem is that she has no idea how to sail.

WHY IT MADE OUR BEST BOOK LIST:
We loved The Overdue Life of Amy Byler, so Melissa was excited to check out Kelly Harms’ newest release. It was a fun, guilty-pleasure pageturner that provides more depth to the characters than a standard romance. While the romance portion of the book is only ⅓ of the story, there is a steamy scene or two.

As of 12/7/22, this book, including the audio, is currently included as part of Kindle Unlimited.

by Charmaine Wilkerson

GENRE: Dual-Timeline Fiction

SYNOPSIS:
This novel opens in present-day California shortly after Eleanor's death. She has left behind a voice recording for her two adult children - Byron and Benny. She's also left them a traditional Caribbean black cake that she tells them to share "when the time is right."

Her children, it turns out, only know a small part of their mom's life story. Posthumously, Eleanor is finally ready to share her truth so that Byron and Benny can truly know and understand their family history. As the story unfolds, everything that her children thought they knew about their lineage and themselves will be rocked to the core. By the time they finally share the black cake, another person will join them at the table.

WHY IT MADE OUR BEST BOOK LIST:
Angela went into this book knowing nothing about it, and she was immediately drawn in by the beautiful writing! There is so much to this multi-generational story - culture, identity, family conflict, secrets, grief, and forgiveness. The three main characters are all so different, but Angela found herself connecting to each one of them in different ways as the story unfolded. She also loved the atmospheric descriptions of the Caribbean and the history and tradition behind Black Cake.

The audiobook is excellent and highly recommended because the accents bring the characters to life.

The book is also featured on our Books that Span a Character's Lifetime list.

by Nita Prose

GENRE: Mystery

SYNOPSIS:
Molly has always been different from her peers. She struggles in social situations and only communicates very literally, both in her understanding of others and in her verbal communication back to them. Yet, thanks to her Gran, she’s still managed to have a good life. However, after her beloved Gran dies, she loses the one person who understood both Molly and the world.

She’s still excellent at her job as a hotel maid, with her penchant for perfection making this the ideal role. One day, she’s shocked to find the wealthy and infamous guest, Charles Black, dead in his room.

When the police question her, her unusual communication is interpreted as deception, and Molly becomes a prime suspect. She must figure out which of the hotel staff and guests are her friends, and which have alternative motives. And all this while trying to figure out how to pay the rent because she already trusted the wrong person with her money once.

WHY IT MADE OUR BEST BOOK LIST:
This story starts out as a murder mystery, but thanks to one of the most endearing main characters we’ve read in a long time, it’s so much more than that. We’re always drawn to quirky book characters who are often misunderstood, but who also help us to see the world from a new perspective. We loved Nina’s growth throughout the novel and found this read to be smart, funny, and touching!

This book is also featured on our list of Locked Room Mystery Books.

by Mary Kay Andrews

GENRE: Contemporary Fiction & Cozy Mystery

SYNOPSIS:
Hattie's had a rough time over the past several years. Her husband was killed in a motorcycle accident at 25. She works for her father-in-law, carrying on the family restoration business, but she also dreams of taking on bigger projects. So, she used life insurance proceeds to flip a small house. Unfortunately, the proceeds from that house went into another, which turned into a disaster. In addition to losing money, she lost her confidence.

When Hattie gets the rare chance to star in a beach house renovation reality show called The Homewreckers, it could be what she needs to turn everything around. What she doesn't expect is that this home makeover project will also reveal new clues in the decades-old disappearance of Hattie's favorite high school teacher, leading her to split her time between renovation and investigation.

WHY IT MADE OUR BEST BOOK LIST:
We're HGTV-obsessed and each run our own home decor & DIY websites (Angela's decor website; Melissa's decor website), so it was a no-brainer for us to pick up this summery beach read about a home renovation reality show. We appreciated all of the details about historic preservation in Savannah and the vivid descriptions of the decor choices. We were expecting the side of romance, but we were pleasantly surprised that we also got a side of cozy mystery as well. All in all, we'd call this a perfect summer beach read!

This book is also featured on our list of the Summer Cozy Mysteries.

by Elin Hilderbrand

GENRE: Contemporary Fiction, Romance, & Historical Fiction

SYNOPSIS:
The Hotel Nantucket takes place at a recently restored hotel with quite a history.

In 1922, the hotel had a tragic fire, which killed a 19-year-old chambermaid, Grace. It degraded from a gilded gem to an abandoned eyesore in the following years and has been long-rumored to be the home of a ghost. Thankfully, it is finally being remodeled by a billionaire from London.

He hires Nantucket native Lizbet as the general manager. She’s in charge of not only daily operations, but of restoring the reputation of the hotel. The job is complicated since it involves ensuring the temperamental staff gets along with each other and they are always prepared for an extremely picky hotel reviewer who can make or break them. And all this is happening as the ghost of Grace is determined to keep up her shenanigans until someone acknowledges that her death in 1922 wasn’t an accident.

WHY IT MADE OUR BEST BOOK LIST:
We always love escaping to Nantucket with Elin Hilderbrand, but enjoyed the twist from her typical stories as she added a historical element and a bit of mystery to The Hotel Nantucket. The book provides such a fun peek into both 1920s and 2020s Nantucket that Melissa found herself searching for the best options to travel to the island from Tulsa.

This book is on our list of Best Beach Reads.

by Allison Pataki

GENRE: Historical Fiction

SYNOPSIS:
In her childhood, Majorie worked on gluing cereal boxes together for her father, the creator of Grape-Nuts, followed by the successful Post cereal empire. His company led the family to extreme wealth, but Majorie wasn't content to sit at home as American royalty.

While entertaining the rich and famous was part of her life, she also wasn't afraid to get her hands dirty. Her extraordinary life included everything from outrunning Nazis to serving the homeless during the Great Depression. She was also married four times and built impressive real estate along the way, including now-infamous Mar-a-Lago.

WHY IT MADE OUR BEST BOOK LIST:
We love books that show you a character's lifetime, and this was one of the most compelling stories we've read. Although it's classified as historical fiction, it's based on a larger-than-life real woman with an equally large heart. She never let barriers stop her from fulfilling her goals and wishes.

Because she was born in 1887 and lived through 1973, her book includes highlights of world history throughout that formative era. Everything is told chronologically from a first-person perspective, so you'll quickly feel a part of Marjorie's life. And you'll undoubtedly recognize the many ways in which her life has touched your own through General Foods.

The book is also featured on our list of Books that Span a Character's Lifetime.

by Allison Larkin

GENRE: Coming-of-Age Fiction

SYNOPSIS:
It’s the mid-1990s, and sixteen-year-old April has a rough life. She’s forced to fend for herself in a motorless motorhome that her father won while playing poker, while he’s off playing house with his new family. April works at a diner but dreams of being a songwriter. After flunking out of school and having another fight with her dad, she sets off to find a better life for herself.

Along the way, she meets others with their own complex stories, which turn into the perfect inspiration for her songs. But even more importantly, she finds that family doesn’t have to mean the community you were born into. As April bounces from town to town, she meets people who leave lasting impressions, even after she’s left them behind. Ultimately she discovers that the people you meet can become the family you need.

WHY IT MADE OUR BEST BOOK LIST:
This is a beautifully written, character-driven, coming-of-age novel. April isn’t always likable, and she makes a lot of bad decisions along the way. But she’s a raw and real character you’ll come to love despite her flaws. This book is packed with so much genuine emotion, honesty, and heart that you’ll want a copy on your shelf so that you can read it again! We especially recommend this book to those who enjoy “found family” stories.

This book is on our list of Books Set in the 1990s.

by Viola Shipman

GENRE: Contemporary & Historical Fiction

SYNOPSIS:
After losing her husband in WWII and her daughter to illness, Iris walled herself off from the world. She’s spent many decades hiding behind the tall fence around her home. In place of human connection, Iris has surrounded herself with a family of flowers - propagating her daylilies and roses and tending to a garden that helps her keep alive the memories of those she loved.

In the early 2000s, Abby is a young mother whose husband has recently returned from military service in Iraq and isn’t the same man he once was. When Abby’s family rents a cottage along Lake Michigan, next door to Iris’ home, the older woman can’t help but view the young family as a window to the life she once had.

As Iris and the family are drawn together by their shared love of flowers, the friendships that blossom are a testament to the healing power of both gardening and human connection.

WHY IT MADE OUR BEST BOOK LIST:
As soon as Melissa finished this book on her Kindle, she immediately added a paper version to her wish list because she loved it so much she needed a physical copy in her house. It’s both a simple, heartwarming read and a deep book about healing and openness. If you enjoy flowers and gardening, the novel is even more special.

This book is on our list of Intergenerational Novels.

by Elizabeth Gilbert

GENRE: Historical Fiction

SYNOPSIS:
Told from the perspective of an older woman looking back on her youth, City of Girls is a fictional life story set in the New York theater world during the 1940s.

Nineteen-year-old Vivian has been kicked out of Vassar College due to poor performance, and her affluent parents send her to live with her aunt, who owns a flamboyant but crumbling midtown theater.

Other charismatic theater employees, from showgirls to Olive, the no-nonsense secretary that keeps everyone in line, have their own spaces on the 3rd and 4th floors. Vivian loves fashion and is a talented seamstress, which is perfect for making clothes for the Lily dancers on and off the stage.

The book's main setting is 1940s New York City, spanning the years before the US entered WW2, along with the war years. Vivian reflects on the events of those years, including an impulsive brief personal mistake that almost ruined the course of her life.

Many years later, at the age of 95, she tells her story, musing that "at some point in a woman's life, she just gets tired of being ashamed all the time."

WHY IT MADE OUR BEST BOOK LIST:
This book was filled with things we love - New York City, theater, and a woman learning to live life on her own terms. We both had a hard time putting this one down, as we couldn’t wait to see how Vivian’s life evolved throughout her successes and tribulations. We also loved that this book challenged the notion of “the good old days” when everyone was pure and prim and proper.

If you also loved this book, be sure to check out our list of Books Like City of Girls.

by Carter Sickels

GENRE: Historical Fiction

SYNOPSIS:
Like so many other young gay men, eighteen-year-old Brian arrived in New York City with a bright future ahead of him. But within the first six years of the 1980s, as the AIDS epidemic took hold, Brian lost his partner, his friends, and his future.

Rock Hudson's death in 1986 shifted the conversation on AIDS and finally brought news of the epidemic into every American living room. It's also the year that Brian returned home to small-town Appalachia to die. Each member of his family is handling the news differently, with varying levels of acceptance of Brian.

WHY IT MADE OUR BEST BOOK LIST:
Because we were a few years too young to understand what was happening at the height of the AIDS epidemic, Melissa wanted a book for the 1980s month in the Decades Challenge that would help her understand the impact to American families.

And wow, Carter Sickels delivered in this heart-wrenching novel. Every character was three-dimensional and real, which made this a heart-breaking, tear-jerking read. You’ll be frustrated and angry at points, but Melissa appreciated each character’s honesty because they felt unfortunately realistic, especially considering the 1986 setting.

This book is on our list of Books Set in the 1980s.

by Annie Lyons

GENRE: Contemporary Fiction

SYNOPSIS:
Eudora has lived a long, full life, but at the age of 85 she’s decided that she’s done with it all. She’s already witnessed the indignities and suffering of old age, and she wants the end - her end - to be on her own terms. She’s placed a call to a clinic in Switzerland to set her plan into motion. But then she meets 10-year-old Rose.

Rose is rainbows and sparkles and cheer. And as much as Eudora just wants to be left alone, she can’t help but be drawn into her young neighbor’s world of adventure. Along with her affable and recently widowed neighbor Stanley, they join Rose for afternoon teas, shopping sprees, trips to the beach, and birthday celebrations. As they all await the arrival of Rose’s new baby sister, Eudora is secretly waiting for approval to go ahead with her plan.

As this unlikely trio grows closer, the joy that her new friends bring to her life forces Eudora to reconsider whether she’s really ready to say goodbye.

WHY IT MADE OUR BEST BOOK LIST:
The author did a beautiful job relaying what it’s like to be alone in your 80s with no family, but also the power of found family. While both Rose and Eudora pull at your heartstrings in different ways, the novel addresses the topic of medically-assisted suicide, so could make for a fabulous book club discussion.

This book is on our list of Book Characters in their 80s.

by Mary Ann Shaffer

GENRE: Historical Fiction

SYNOPSIS:
It's 1946, and author Juliet Ashton is looking for the subject of her next book. She begins exchanging letters with a man she's never met - a native of the island of Guernsey. Through their letters, Juliet is drawn into the world of the man and his eccentric friends - from pig farmers to phrenologists.

As Juliet learns about their tastes in books, she also comes to understand the impact that the German occupation of Guernsey had on their lives. In turn, each of the Guernsey islanders begins to impact Juliet's life.

WHY IT MADE OUR BEST BOOK LIST:
Melissa had seen this book recommended repeatedly over the years, but it was never overly compelling to her. Wow, was she wrong!

Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Society is on the shorter side, and the story is told entirely through letters. Yet somehow, the book quickly draws you in and makes you feel like you know all the characters personally. If you need a quick escape, this one will transport you to post-war England and probably inspire some laughs and tears.

This book is also featured on our list of Books Set in the 1940s and our list of Books Set in Western Europe.

by Catherine Ryan Hyde

GENRE: Contemporary Fiction

SYNOPSIS:
Raymond is a shy Black teen who feels like he doesn’t fit in anywhere - not with his complicated family, and not at school. Mildred is a blind 92-year-old Holocaust survivor living alone since her caretaker disappeared. When Raymond meets Mildred in his apartment building, she introduces herself with the question: “Have you seen Luis Velez?”

Raymond begins to help Mildred with her weekly errands to the banks and the grocery store, and also hopes to help her track down Luis. In a short time, they’ve formed an unlikely friendship. Raymond demonstrates that for every terrible act, there’s a mirror image of kindness. And Mildred helps Raymond see that even when life is difficult, there is always hope.

WHY IT MADE OUR BEST BOOK LIST:
This heartwarming story will overwhelm you with the kindness of the characters, give you new hope for humanity, and encourage you to be your best. Each page is a sweet testament to the rewards that can come when you take time for others - whether that be opening your door to their questions, or simply walking them to the grocery store. The book balances these positive moments with struggles and very hard times for different characters. Melissa finished the book quickly because after every chapter, you can’t wait to find out what happens next.

As of 12/7/22, this book, including the audio, is currently included as part of Kindle Unlimited.

This book is on our list of Books with Characters in Their 90s & 100s.

by R. J. Palacio

GENRE: Middle-Grade Fiction

SYNOPSIS:
Ten-year-old Auggie's facial deformity previously prevented him from attending a traditional school. In his own words,"I won't describe what I look like. Whatever you're thinking, it's probably worse".

Wonder begins from Auggie's point of view as he starts 5th grade, but the narration soon switches to include his classmates. While there are also chapters told from the perspective of his teenage sister, her boyfriend, and others, Auggie remains the story's focus throughout. The multiple perspectives create a beautiful portrait of Auggie's community as they struggle with empathy, compassion, and acceptance.

WHY IT MADE OUR BEST BOOK LIST:
In a time when the world could use more kindness, reading this book that inspired the Choose Kind movement was a great way to start the new year. Although the book is aimed at middle-grade readers, Angela, Melissa, both their husbands and Angela's mid-elementary boys all read and rated Wonder 5 stars this year.

We highly recommend that you pick up Auggie & Me after finishing Wonder. This collection of three additional stories allows you to see the world through the points of view of Julian, Charlotte, and Auggie's oldest friend Christopher.

This book is also featured on our list of Best Audiobooks for Family Road Trips, and our list of Novels with a Child Protagonist.

by Christina Lauren

GENRE: Romance

SYNOPSIS:
Macy Sorensen and Elliot Petropoulos grew up spending long weekends and summers together as best friends. Their shared love of books and words developed into something more as they got older.

The book is told in a split timeline as you watch their relationship develop as teens, but then also see Mary as an adult, working on her pediatrics residency. She’s engaged to someone else when she unexpectedly runs into Elliot at a coffee shop. Seeing him again throws everything into question.

Something happened in the past to tear them apart, but when they see each other again, the chemistry is as strong. They must come to terms with both the past and the present.

WHY IT MADE OUR BEST BOOK LIST:
We are huge fans of writing duo Christina Lauren! While we’d classify most of their books as rom-com reads, this one leans more toward romantic drama than comedy and has a classic coming-of-age feel in the earlier timeline. This book hooked Angela from the start, but it was the ending that landed it on our list of Best Reads of 2022. When the truth was revealed it had her reaching for the kleenexes, but sometimes a good cry is really cleansing!

This book is also featured on our list of the Best Friends to Lovers Books.

by Qian Julie Wang

GENRE: Memoir

SYNOPSIS:
In 1994 at age 7, author Qian Wang moved with her family from China to America. Before the move, her parents were successful professors. Despite the Chinese word for America, Mei Guo, meaning beautiful country, life is much harder for the family here. Her parents are not here legally, which means their work is in sweatshops instead of classrooms.

Qian escapes to libraries to avoid the teachers and classmates who shun her limited English. Over time, she masters English by studying books like the Bernstein Bears, and begins to glimpse some of the magic of New York City, like Christmas at Rockefeller Center. However, her world changes again when her mom gets sick.

This memoir gives a unique insight into the hidden life and struggles of children trying to thrive in a place where they must also remain hidden in many ways.

WHY IT MADE OUR BEST BOOK LIST:
As a kid, it's easy to look at your friends and community and think everyone in the US is living a life similar to yours. Growing up in the 1990s, neither of us could have ever imagined that there were kids like Qian Julie working in sweatshops right here in America. She was a young girl struggling with daily realities that we couldn't even begin to imagine or understand, but who was finding comfort in the pages of the Baby-Sitter's Club books - the same books we were reading during those years.

We found this memoir to be incredibly eye-opening to the lives of undocumented immigrant children who live every day in fear through no fault of their own. We hope that reading this book will help put a real face to the challenging political discussions and decisions our country continues to face.

This book is also featured on our list of books told from a child's point of view.

by Beth Morrey

GENRE: Contemporary Fiction

SYNOPSIS:
Missy is 79 years old and lives in a stately London home alone. Her husband, Leo, passed away after a challenging illness, and her favorite child, son Allistair, broke her heart by moving to Australia. Daughter Melanie lives much closer in Cambridge, but they have a contentious relationship.

As Missy walks alone through a park, her primary mission is to experience something worthy of including in her next email to Allistair. While she prefers keeping to herself, she forces herself to interact with some interesting characters she encounters on her walk. When she faints, her new acquaintances not only help her in the moment, they invite her to a nearby coffee shop.

But is 79 too old for new friends and a new outlook on life?

WHY IT MADE OUR BEST BOOK LIST:
While unexpected friendships are a common theme on this list because of our reading for the Lifetime Challenge this year, each one has something a little special. In this case, it includes a dog helping break down emotional barriers and flashbacks to Missy’s earlier years. Melissa found it to be a good reminder of how little we know about those we meet as adults, and especially how their personalities are impacted by things they survived in the past. But also that it’s never too late to see things in a new way.

This book is on our list of Book Characters in their 70s.

by Tom Vitale

GENRE: Travel Memoir

SYNOPSIS:
Written by the long-time director and producer of Anthony Bourdain's travel food show, In the Weeds takes you on an adventure around the world and provides a window into Bourdain's struggles to make peace with his fame. Together they filmed in dangerous locations, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Libya, and Iran.

The book covers what it was like to be on this journey, and how they managed to film in rare areas for westerners to visit. There's a focus on what it was like traveling with Bourdain, on and off-camera, and what made his take on the places they visited so compelling and unique.

WHY IT MADE OUR BEST BOOK LIST:
This book is an excellent combination of travelogue, memoir, and biography. Tom Vitale's stories take readers to corners of the world they'll likely never visit on their own, sharing stories of adventures that would be hard to believe if most of them weren't already captured on film.

Along the way, he provides an intimate portrait of Anthony Bordain, who was at times his mentor, his friend, and his tormentor. Throughout the book, Tom expresses his frustration with the rose-tinted view of Anthony Bordain that many have chosen to portray after his death (a view he thinks Anthony himself would have been upset by). Tom has instead written a book that sheds light on Bourdain's genius and his struggles.

This book is on our list of Books that Span Multiple Continents and it's also one of our recommendations for Best Audiobooks for Roadtrips.

Skip this one if you're sensitive to the topic of suicide. Vitale shares some morbid comments Bourdain made over the years on the subject of death, prior to taking his own life. There's also plenty of adult content and language.

by Jordyn Taylor

GENRE: Historical Fiction (YA)

SYNOPSIS:
Alice's grandmother, Adalyn, passed away, leaving sixteen-year-old Alice an apartment in Paris. The apartment has been locked up for more than seventy years, and no one in the family knew it existed.

Alice is spending the summer in Paris, and with the help of Paul - a Parisian student - she's determined to find out why her grandma never mentioned the family she left behind in France during WWII. The more she learns about the past, the more she realizes her family is also hiding secrets in the present.

This dual-time line YA novel also transports us back to the Paris of the 1940s. It's a city that sixteen-year-old Adalyn hardly recognizes as the Occupation brings new terrors daily. When she meets a young leader of a resistance group, she sees an opportunity to fight back, but she soon finds herself having to make more and more compromises.

WHY IT MADE OUR BEST BOOK LIST:
We both love WWII historical fiction, especially stories about everyday citizens who took a stand in the resistance. As Mr. Rogers said, "​​Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping." Angela picked up this book in the early days of the war in Ukraine. As she read, she pictured the devastation families like Adalyn's were enduring (and continue to endure) in cities and towns across Ukraine. Reading this ultimately uplifting story of the French Resistance, however, also gave her hope that all the small acts of bravery will add up and that ultimately good will win, as it did so many decades ago.

This book is also featured on our list of WW2 Historical Fiction: The Resistance & Other Helpers.

by Hazel Prior

GENRE: Contemporary Fiction

SYNOPSIS:
Now 87, Veronica McCreedy has an unlikely new friend. Nine-year-old Daisy is wise beyond her years, partly because she has endured years of medical treatment. Veronica has passed her love of penguins on to Daisy, and together they get the opportunity of a lifetime.

As part of a make-a-wish style program, Veronica and Daisy travel to Bolder Island in the Falklands to meet Rockhopper penguins and participate in a nature program. The handsome host, Sir Robert Saddlebow, asks Veronica to co-host and share her penguin knowledge on camera. 

The book also dives into the other characters from How the Penguins Saved Veronica, including Patrick’s search for information on his father. If you haven’t read How the Penguins Saved Veronica, be sure to pick that up first!

WHY IT MADE OUR BEST BOOK LIST:
Last year, How the Penguins Saved Veronica stole our hearts. We couldn’t wait for this sequel, and it didn’t disappoint. We loved seeing Veronica continue to slowly open her heart to those around her, and learning about different breeds of penguins was also a treat! 

Note: This book was published in the UK in late 2021, but has not yet been published in the US. Fortunately, you can order a paperback copy of the UK version from Amazon.

How the Penguins Saved Veronica is featured on our list of Books Set in Antarctica.

by Colleen Hoover

GENRE: Contemporary Romance

SYNOPSIS:
The book follows two significant periods in the life of Lily Bloom. First, as a teenager, when she notices one of her classmates, Atlas, sleeping in the unoccupied house behind hers. When she begins sneaking him food, they develop a friendship that leads quickly to deep first love. Lily's life at home isn't perfect, but everything feels right with Atlas. When they are separated, they vow to find each other again as adults.

Years later, on the day of Lily's father's funeral, she has a chance encounter with a gorgeous neurosurgeon, Ryle Kincaid. Despite Ryle's complete aversion to relationships, he has a total soft spot for Lily. From the first time he sees her, he can't get her out of his mind. Lily is busy trying to set up her own business, but when they run into each other again, she's intrigued.

WHY IT MADE OUR BEST BOOK LIST:
Sometimes you know a book is great when you're so drawn into the story that you passionately want to throw a book across the room while reading. We both had visceral reactions as we turned pages waiting to find out what choices Lily would make with her life. Then, when we got to the end and read the author's note, we appreciated every page even more.

One important note is that we think Colleen Hoover's books work better as audiobooks. Some of the dialog and writing don't seem as strong when physically reading, but then feel more natural when listening.

If you also loved this book, take a look at our list of Books Like It Ends With Us.

by Amanda Skenandore

GENRE: Historical Fiction

SYNOPSIS:
Mirielle West lives a glamorous life in LA as the wife of a silent film star. When a doctor sees a small spot on her hand, she's quickly whisked across the country to what feels like a different world. She hopes to have only a brief visit to the Louisiana Leper Home, but when she arrives, there is barbed wire, a curfew, and little chance of ever returning to her everyday life.

As Mireille is assigned work inside the home, she must come to terms with both the illness and its perception in the outside world.

WHY IT MADE OUR BEST BOOK LIST:
Based on the true story of Carville Leper's home in Louisiana, this historical fiction pick introduced Melissa to a little-known slice of American history. It's an inspiring look at a group of people who decided to make the best of terrible circumstances when it would have been easier to give up on enjoying life.

As of 6/29/22, this book is currently included as part of Kindle Unlimited.

This book is also featured on our list of Books Set in the 1920s.

by Elin Hilderbrand

GENRE: Contemporary Fiction with a side of Magical Realism

SYNOPSIS:
While jogging near her home on Nantucket, novelist Vivi is killed in a hit-and-run accident. After her death, Vivi is granted the opportunity to watch what happens to her family for one final summer. In addition to watching, she gets three “nudges” to change the outcome of events on Earth.

Between troubles for her children, the investigation into her death, and a childhood secret wrapped into the final novel she was writing, Vivi must be cautious with her nudges while learning to let her family make decisions without her.

WHY IT MADE OUR BEST BOOK LIST:
The more Elin Hildebrand books we read, the more we love her. Golden Girl was no exception! While her books look like light beach reads on the inside, deeper plot points always make you think about your own life. In this case, it was fascinating to feel like you were right beside Vivi as she watched her children’s lives continue without her. The struggle to want to help others do what you think is best for them versus letting them be in control of their own lives will be relatable for many.

This book is also featured on our list of Books With Main Characters In Their 50s, and Best Beach Reads list.

by Julia Cooke

GENRE: Non-fiction

SYNOPSIS:
In the late 60s and 70s, being a flight attendant was one of the most exciting and envied jobs for young women. This was especially true for the glamorous Pan Am World Airways. However, competition for the positions was fierce, with new hires facing strict physical and educational requirements. For example, you had to speak at least two languages and be under 5’9” and 140 lbs.

This non-fiction book tells the story of several stewardesses while weaving in the history of the company and the world. Among the tales, you’ll learn what it was like for Hazel Bowie, one of the few black stewardesses. The book also covers Operation Babylift, the dramatic evacuation of over 2000 children during the fall of Saigon in 1975.

WHY IT MADE OUR BEST BOOK LIST:
Angela originally picked up this book because she’s always been intrigued by the glamor and prestige of Pan-Am, but this book delivered so much more. In addition to stories of jet-setting to far-flung destinations, it’s also a story of women’s history and, surprisingly, a very insightful look at aspects of the Vietnam War that aren’t covered in school history books.

It’s written in a factual and straightforward manner, making it easy to read. If you’re looking for a non-fiction book that reads more like a novel, you may be disappointed. However, Angela appreciated the deep dive into the topic and learned much more than she anticipated.

This book is on our list of Books Set in the 1970s.