Last year, I read a total of 112 books, thirty-two of which I gave a 5 star rating! Below, you will find the first sixteen 5 star reads from 2022!

Letter from Birmingham Jail  

Author: Martin Luther King, Jr.

Favorite January Read

This letter, written in 1963, is a piece of work that I would recommend everyone read at least once. My original review said, “Go read it! Now! Eye-opening! Well-spoken! LOVED IT!!!”

Before We Were YOURS

Author: Lisa Wingate

Favorite February Read

This book was so, so good! It was a great combination of history, thriller, and even a touch of romance! It kept me on my toes, and the more I read, the more I wanted to keep reading!

The Hiding Place

Author: Corrie ten Boom, Elizabeth Sherrill, and John Sherrill // Narrator: Wanda McCaddon

Favorite March Read

This book was amazing! Despite taking place during World War II, much of it at concentration camps, it was so uplifting. The faith of Corrie, and her sister especially, blew my mind! And the story of the fleas…wow! It was so cool to see God at work in the midst of such horrific times!

Divergent; Insurgent; Allegiant

Author: Veronica Roth

Do I really need to review a series I’ve read multiple times? I obviously love it! I will say, I just REALLY hate how the series ends!!!

*For my review of other Veronica Roth books, read 2021 Fall Book Reviews!

Educated

Author: Tara Westover

Favorite April Read

This was such a good book! In the beginning, I wasn’t sure, but it became one of those books I couldn’t put down. Such a unique and fascinating story, it was sometimes hard to believe it was real life. I loved how Tara changed, the impact education and people had on her, how she learned to think for herself. I only wish I knew if she married the boy at the end!

Malibu Rising

Author: Taylor Jenkins Reid // Narrator: Julia Whelan

I really liked this book. It went a lot deeper than I expected it to and was not a simple “beach read”. I loved all the variations of family that appeared and the bond the siblings shared. It also showed how trauma affects everyone. An unexpected read in a lot of ways, but I really enjoyed it!!!

Regretting You

Author: Colleen Hoover

Favorite May Read

This book was really good! It’s the only book I can remember ever re-reading right after I finished it. I mean, the first time, I read it in one sitting! I’m a sucker for romance, both high school and adult. And I liked that both mom and daughter overcame odds!

After We Collided

Author: Anna Todd

This is the second book in the After series, and it was my favorite of the four books! The writing improved from After, the first book! I stayed up literally all night reading this book. A continuation from the first, but I like seeing growth in the characters. Well done Anna Todd! (18+)

The Hunting Party

Author: Lucy Foley

Another great book by Lucy Foley! I had heard that this wasn’t as good as The Guest List, but I don’t agree. I definitely didn’t see the ending coming. A great murder mystery!

*To read my review of The Guest List, check out my 2021 Winter Book Reviews!

Things We Never Got Over

Author: Lucy Score

Favorite June Read

This book was SO GOOD! The romance was sarcastic and sweet and funny! But the family aspect of the book was my favorite part! The way Naomi stepped in for her niece without hesitation and the way Knox protected the both of them…it was heroic, but still felt like messy real life too. Overall, a great book I would re-read for sure! I can’t wait for the sequel to come out in February 2023!!! (18+)

Reminders of Him

Author: Colleen Hoover

This book was so good! Sweet, romantic, sad…lots of feels! It was such a beautiful story of a relationship and trust built over time. It was also a great reminder that things are usually not as black and white as the often seem. Well done Colleen Hoover! (18+)

People We Meet on Vacation

Author: Emily Henry

This was such a perfect book to read at the beach! I loved the relationship between the two main characters. It was sweet and funny! This was my first Emily Henry book, and it definitely made me want to read more! (18+)

Ugly Love

Author: Colleen Hoover // Narrator: Grace Grant, Deacon Lee

This was another great CoHo read! The story hooked me, and I couldn’t wait to find out what happened with Miles. I enjoyed the dual perspectives, as well as the past and present aspect. Overall, it was a great read about how different people experience grief and healing.  (18+)

If You Find Me

Author: Emily Murdoch // Narrator: Tai Sammons

This was both a heart-breaking and beautiful story about loss and family, secrets and survival. Through Carey and Janessa’s story, we learn that what seems normal may not make sense, but we are often able to find ways to adapt to almost anything. There are things that, at first, don’t make sense, but these same things open your eyes and your heart. This was a powerful book that made me even more passionate about foster care and adoption!

*(18+ indicates the book contains adult content)

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Be on the lookout for Part 2 of my 5 star reads in 2022! You’ll find more Colleen Hoover, more Emily Henry, and several other popular books that I found worth the hype!