My 5-star Reads This Year

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This week's theme is Cozy Reads, and what could be cozier than snuggling down with a story you already know is great? Here's a list of the 13 books that have garnered a 5-star review from me in 2022.

"Shadows of Swanford Abbey" by Julie Klassen


"Twilight at Moorington Cross" by Abigail Wilson


"Until Leaves Fall in Paris" by Sarah Sundin


"Driving Force" by Lynette Eason and Kate Angelo


"Lavender and Lace" by Tara Grace Ericson


"Turn To Me" by Becky Wade


"Betsy" by Sarah Monzon


"The Songs That Could Have Been" by Amanda Wen


"The Star That Always Stays" by Anna Rose Johnson


"Bring Her Home" by Hannah Currie


"Where the Blue Sky Begins" by Katie Powner


"The Lost Melody" by Joanna Davidson Politano


"Authentically, Izzy" by Pepper Basham

Find more Top Ten Tuesday posts at That Artsy Reader Girl.

"The Blackout Book Club" by Amy Lynn Green

As World War II rages, the coastal town of Derby, Maine, feels its effects. When the local private library is scheduled to be turned into a nursery school for the children of mothers working for the war effort, librarian Avis Montgomery forms a book club as a last-ditch effort to save the beloved institution.

But Avis has never really loved reading, aside from ladies magazines. She's just filling the librarian role until her brother returns from the war. However, she quickly discovers that one of the best things about reading is the other readers you meet along the way.

A ragtag club takes shape. There's Louise, the stiff spinster and owner of the library. Ginny, a scrappy girl determined to save money to buy back her family's property. Martina, the Italian working mother harboring a secret that may end up putting everyone in danger. And Freddy, the young injured veteran with a secret of his own.

This book skillfully weaves together a wonderful community. There are hints of the epistolary form that marked Green's first release, Things We Didn't Say, and I loved the callback. While I enjoyed all the different characters, it did sometimes feel a little long trying to keep up with the many storylines. I will say, though, that they all tied together seamlessly in the end, a tapestry well worth discovering.

If you enjoy homefront WWII novels, or if you love libraries, books, and fellow readers, consider checking out The Blackout Book Club.

I received my copy of the book from the publisher. All thoughts in this review are my own.