Hi friends,
I recently shared that I’m starting a Reading Challenge for 2022. I’m going to read one book a month—all recommended by my lovely readers. I was floored with all the fabulous suggestions. Thank you all so very much! It was super hard to keep the titles to just 12 but here are the ones I chose. All the rest of the awesome suggestions are in my TBR pile, and I’ll be excited for the bonus reads.
Since we’re well into February already, I’ll be reading January’s book in March along with March’s pick.
January’s read: The Mistletoe Countess | Pepper Basham.
I received so many recommendations for Pepper’s Christmas novella, I just had to check it out and it sounds lovely. I also had the pleasure of being in North Carolina a few months ago and got to share lunch with Pepper. She’s such a kind and gracious lady, I can’t wait to dig into my first read of hers.
February’s read: Shadows of Swanford Abbey | Julie Klassen
I love Julie both as a person and a writer. She’s fabulous and so are her stories. This one was described to me as Northanger Abbey meets Agatha Christie. Who wouldn’t love that? Can’t wait to dive in!
March’s read: Brandon | Christy Barritt
I have the pleasure of doing writing retreats with Christy and she’s awesome. So many of her books were recommended to me, but I took one look at the cover and was hooked! Not to mention, the premise grabbed me from the start.
April’s read: A Margin for Murder | Lauren Elliott
Lauren Elliott is a new author for me, though she’s not new by any means. Her reputation for great mysteries is strong so I’m looking forward to digging into the first book in her series. I have a feeling I’ll end up reading them all thus far.
May’s read: Tacos for Two | Besty St. Amant
I had the pleasure of meeting Betsy many years ago. We were both guests at a dear friend’s house in Texas during ACFW in Dallas many years ago. She was a sweetheart and I got so many recommendations for this fun novel. I’m really looking forward to something new and playful in the best sort of way.
June’s read: The Souls of Lost Lake | Jaime Jo Wright
Jaime Jo is awesome. Such a giving heart. We’re taking over each other’s FB Pages for one day in June and I thought what better book to read than her April release. She’s a super talented author so when I saw several recommendations for her, and the back cover copy, I knew I needed to add this one to my list.
July’s read: Of Literature and Lattes | Katherine Reay
I read Katherine’s first book Dear Mr. Knightly in one sitting and I’ve been hooked on her novels ever since. She creates such a rich and vibrant tapestry. I always feel immersed in her story world. I’m not sure how this one slipped off my radar but I’m excited to have it on my list.
August’s read: Murder in the Mystery Suite | Ellery Adams
Again, another new author to me, but hardly a new author. It was so fun getting these recommendations that are out of my usual reading focus. It sounds like a wonderful series so I’m starting with the first one, though I have a feeling it won’t be my last.
September’s read: Come Back to Me | Jody Hedlund
Jody’s books received the most recommendations. Nearly every other email and I’m not at all surprised. She’s a wonderful storyteller and I can’t wait to start this series. The covers alone are captivating, but the story premise is beyond intriguing. I have a feeling, I’ll be powering through the three books in September.
October’s read: In Search of a Prince | Toni Shiloh
I’m ecstatic Toni is with Bethany House! Her cover is exquisite, and the recommendations for In Search of a Prince kept rolling in. It looks like a stunning read, and I’m excited to read my first Toni Shiloh novel.
November’s read: Sunburst | Susan May Warren
Susie’s books are full of adventure and suspense. I’m sure Sunburst will be no exception. I can’t wait to read about an overseas setting and learn about the country of Nigeria. Plus, Ranger Kingston sounds precisely like my kind of hero.
December’s read: Jingle All the Way | Debbie Macomber
I couldn’t go into December without a Christmas read and since none are out yet for 2022, I’m going with a recommended Debbie read. I adore her stories. They exude her warmth and signature style. I plan to curl up and read this one in front of the fireplace with a steaming cup of hot chocolate.
Thank you all for these recommendations. I’m thrilled to be reading such wonderful-looking novels.
Reader Question: Which novel on this list would you be most excited about reading, or have you already enjoyed?
Blessings,
Dani
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LOVED “In Search of a Prince” and “Tacos for Two”!
Would love to read “Sunburst”, “Jingle All the Way” and “A Margin for Murder “.
Oh, so great to hear you loved them! Can’t wait to dive in to each and every book on my list. It was soooo hard to keep it to 12. I got so many wonderful recommendations.
I love love love Freddie and Grace (The Mistletoe Countess) and can’t wait for the sequel. They’re heading to Egypt! So fun! I have Jody’s book on my TBR and am looking forward to that one soon. And I have Jaime Jo’s on pre-order. I hope you’ll keep us updated on your thoughts as you read!
Hey Joy,
Since I just chose, I’m a bit behind on my books for each month, but catching up by the end of this month. LOVING the Mistletoe Countess on audio. I’m definitely planning on sharing my thoughts on each book in my monthly newsletter, blog posts, and probably on social media so friends can jump in on the conversation.
Oh, such a great list! Of Literature and Lattes would be the first one I read. It sounds like a wonderful combination of coffee shop and book store (though I could be wrong).
I agree, and those are two loves of mine. Can’t beat coffee and a good book. Interested to dive in and see what it’s all about. Katherine is such a great writer!
The first ones I would read would be Jody Hedlund’s and Julie Klassen’s books. Great list! I’m sure you will enjoy them all!!
I know. I can’t wait to read theirs!
I loved The Mistletoe Countess! Funny, sweet, and a mystery.
It was recommended by so many readers and I can absolutely see why 🙂 Glad you enjoyed it!
I just finished The Mistletoe Countess. It was great. I am going to read Come Back To Me next as it is on my TBR list and the cover is amazing!
I am really enjoying The Mistletoe Countess. And, I LOVE Jody’s cover. It was my favorite cover of last year. Happy reading.
Thank you! They all look great! I love several of the authors chosen but have not read all of them. I think I will also be looking up some of these choices.
Hi Jen,
Hope you find some new favorite authors and enjoy the books you pick to read 🙂
So many new to me authors! Love the cover of The Souls of Lost Lake, I think that would be my first read.
Thanks for sharing!
I’m excited about Sunburst because of the heroine’s name, Noemi Sutton, my maiden name was Sutton and Noemi is really close to Naomi, I am actually called Noami by a few friends because of a spelling mistake at camp one year. I have The Mistletoe Countess in one of my piles, it was a Christmas present. I just got The Souls of Lost Lake through Netgalley and I read Come Back to Me (which was really good) and have the 2nd one on my Kindle. I really want to read Toni Shiloh’s but I’m waiting on the library for that one.
I loved Betsy St. Amant’s book, TACOS FOR TWO. With text messages going back and forth, it was such a fun read! I also enjoyed Jody Hedlund’s book COME BACK TO ME. I had not read any of her other books and was amazed at how well she portrayed her characters. My favorite of the ones I have read is Debbie Macomber’s Christmas book, JINGLE ALL THE WAY. It definitely sets the mood for a good holiday!
I have read three books from your list and have three on my TBR list already. I may just add the other six to my wish list.
I HIGHLY recommend In Search of a Prince! Loved it!It was the most recent book that I just could not put down.
I would also highly recommend Of Literature and Lattes and Come Back To Me. Both books are wonderful!
Thank your for sharing!
I loved The Mistletoe Countess, Shadows Of SwanfordAbbey, Come Back To Me, and In Search Of A Prince. You can’t go wrong with any of them. I am looking forward to Sunburst as I have just finished Suinrise. I need more time to read.! LOL
Not a big fan of historical fiction but absolutely adored The Mistletoe Countess. Jingle All the Way is a fun Christmas romance. I have Brandon pre-ordered. After looking over your list, I think I see a few books I want to add to mine.😇
What a great idea!