One of my 2023 goals is to read more. I hit 20 books in 2022, and there were so many great reads that I would be remiss not to share! So take a look at my thoughts, let me know yours, leave any suggestions for new books I should add to the mix in 2023, and be sure to add me on Goodreads for more this year 🙂
★
Conversations With Friends by Sally Rooney – Prepare yourselves for a hot take, folks. I personally really disliked this book. I found it extremely depressing, not overly interesting, and was not a fan of how it was written. But to each their own, I know plenty of people who have loved it and I’m interested to see what they did with the show.
★★
Reminders of Him by Colleen Hoover – This was the classic definition of a page turner that I did read in three days, but it wasn’t very realistic and not as well written as other Colleen Hoover books I’ve read. The plot was pretty predictable, but still an enjoyable read that pulls at the heartstrings! Did I tear up at the end? Maybe.
★★★
People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry – I truthfully didn’t love this one as much as I thought I would, mostly because I honestly felt so uncomfortable reading about the hot, stuffy settings a lot of this book took place in – which I guess means she did a great job with descriptions anyway! I also found the plot a tad unrealistic, but it had great character development, and who doesn’t love a good friends to lovers story?
The Last Anniversary by Liane Moriarty – I love Liane Moriarty and this was definitely a fun read spanning a family of several generations. It wasn’t my favorite of hers, but it does a nice job telling the story of age, love, and making your own happy ending, no matter how dysfunctional.
The Light We Lost by Jill Santopolo – I heard great things about this book and I found it very interesting, especially as a perspective about relationships. But it also completely wrecked me and I found the end to be pretty rushed compared to the slower pace of the book, and it overall left me wanting more.
The Club by Ellery Lloyd – My friends and I read this for our book club, and I thought it was great murder mystery giving Guest List by Lucy Foley vibes. A lot of my friends found it too slow to finish, but I actually loved the gradual revealing of details of many characters’ lives, and I can’t resist sticking these types of books out until everything is revealed!
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid – I truthfully thought I would like this one more than I did. It was an interesting look at the life of a successful movie star, but I found the plot a bit depressing and slow. If this had been about a real person, I would have found it much more compelling.
The Golden Hour by Beatriz Williams – Beatriz Williams is my favorite author, and this was another beautiful story spanning multiple generations. I will say, the others I’ve read by her (A Hundred Summers and The Secret Life of Violet Grant are two of my favorite books) still take the cake, but this one is definitely still worth the read. Just like any of her others, it’s guaranteed to move you to tears.
★★★★
Untamed by Glennon Doyle – This book gave me a little help that I didn’t know I needed to make some changes in my life. Easy to read, uplifting, and honest, Glennon Doyle is an inspiration and I highly recommend this one for anyone, no matter what phase of life you’re at.
That Summer by Jennifer Weiner – Great beach read! I read this book while on the Cape over the summer, and since that’s where it was set, I loved it even more. It actually had more to it than I expected, but I will say I was hoping for more of a satisfying resolution from the ending.
Along the Infinite Sea by Beatriz Williams – An even better read from Beatriz! This one was a gift from a friend, and told a beautiful story in a beautiful setting throughout time, with an especially interesting perspective on World War II. I highly recommend.
Golden Girl by Elin Hildebrand – This was a great one following the secrets of several characters around the island of Nantucket. It was also very sentimental and a tad emotional, with a side of mystery, and of course beautifully described settings sprinkled throughout – all the makings of a great book!
★★★★★
The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley – Having already read the Guest List and The Hunting Party last year, I couldn’t resist testing out a third Lucy Foley book. And I wasn’t disappointed! Great plot and character development, plenty of twists and turns, keeps you on your toes. Definitely a bit dark but overall a great read. Twists and turns until the very end.
Silver Girl by Elin Hildebrand – This was a great, easy read about the financial ruin of a ridiculously successful man, and the many secrets uncovered as a result. The added layers of friendship, personal growth and romance made it a great story. Those that know me know I am an AVID Elin fan, and this one surprised me by making it towards the top of my favorites of hers!
The Winter in Paradise Trilogy by Elin Hildebrand – These three books were highly entertaining and a refreshing change from Elin’s typical Nantucket scenery. While not her best writing, I thought they told a great mystery and were a refreshing, fast-paced read perfect for the winter months.
The Hotel Nantucket by Elin Hildebrand – Can you tell who my favorite author is? Another Elin book topping the charts, I thought her new book was sweet, scenic, and amazing. I read this one while on Nantucket myself this summer, so the fact that it was even complete with a surprise Nantucket guidebook at the end was the cherry on top.
Beach Read by Emily Henry – Love love love! As I mentioned, I wasn’t a huge fan of her other book I read this year, but I thought this was a PERFECT romance story that had depth, great character development, and a plot that kept me hooked.
The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides – I quite literally just put this one down, and I thought it was a GREAT read. It was very well written, with such an interesting perspective having a psychiatrist as the narrator. It was filled will twists and turns to the very end, kept me hooked at the end of every chapter, and I am still shocked at the ending!
That’s a wrap on my 2022 picks – now onto 2023. Happy reading! ☼
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