Best Books of 2021

2021 was not my best reading year. I read a lot of "okay" books. I've read more romance than I've ever read, and I think I've narrowed down on my favorite types of romances. I'm going to do my best to list these books in order all the way up to my top book of the year. I'm also going to say what I liked about each of these books. Let me know in the comments what your favorite books of the year are!

Helen Hoang is one of my favorite romance authors. She does such a great job of mixing real/down to earth topics, with rom-com humor and romance. This book was more heavy, in my opinion, than any of her other books. I liked the growth the main character goes through in this book, and the true comradery that the love interest have before they started a full on relationship. This book is not perfect, and their are many issues with the relationship, but I think that it shows the depth and dedication that Helen Hoang has in writing romance. I like that she showed her readers a different side.

This is my first romance by this author, and it will not be my last. So many people rave about this series, and I'm beginning to see why. I loved that the heroine was older and more experienced. I read a lot of 'virginal/demur' historical romance heroines, and I liked that this is different. The hero was great in this story. His personality was interesting to read about, and how society treated people that were 'different'.

This is another great read from Emily Henry. I read this book in basically one sitting. I loved the story telling and the dual perspective/time line. Emily Henry writes very real friendships and dialogue, and I can't wait to read more from her in the future.

I have had hit or miss experiences with this author in the past, but this has got to be my favorite book by her. It is a little dark, but the story telling is so engaging. It follows a girl and her grandma as they leave the safety of their home for the "day of reckoning". This story has such wholesome themes like forgiveness, family, kindness. Definitely a book to read to your upper elementary/middle schooler.

The second book in this series, but I really enjoyed the prequel and this book. I wasn't sure what to expect from this author, I just knew that I wanted to read from her and that I had high hopes. I was not disappointed. This book follows two characters that are madly in love with each other, but they continue to get in their own way. I so enjoyed reading about all of the things that they go through, the conversations about music, race, family, forgiveness. It's a very good story, and I cannot wait to read the conclusion. Kennedy Ryan says it's her favorite book in the series.

I absolutely loved this sequel. I was nervous it would fall into the second book slump trend that a lot of YA Fantasy books fall into, but this book just expanded on the world. There was so much action, so much political intrigue. So many moments that shocked me. I'm excited to continue in the series, and then watch the show!

Another great elementary aged book. I loved the main character in this book. Charlie the main character moves to a new town after being removed from her home due to her mother not being able to take care of her and her older sister. In this new town she meets a cast of characters that teach of so much about friendship and family. I loved seeing Charlies growth and how the new town and its citizens impact her. Definitely share this with your upper elementary aged student.

This is the only thriller on this list, which just goes to show what kind of years it's been. I typically read so many thrillers that I enjoy. This is a dark domestic thriller that follows a mother on a revenge journey after finding out that her young daughter and daughter's friend was killed at a neighborhood park. This book is dark, and hard to read a times, and the twist was crazy to me. I really enjoyed this, and highly recommend it.

This is my favorite historical romance of the year. I read this book so early in the year, and nothing has trumped it. This is a highlander romance, which is my favorite subgenre of historical romance. This book follows a girl that is illegitimate daughter of the king. Whoever marries her will get untold riches and land. So of course, she is in hiding because she does not want just anyone to force her into marriage. Through a series of events she ends up marrying the Laird of a clan, and they have a rocky start to their marriage. He is a single dad and his clan is not well off. I loved when the clan fell for the heroine after not being too sure of her. I also loved the banter between the two main characters. Also, that cover... very spicy! Highly recommend.

I've heard about this book for years. I was almost afraid that it would not live up to the hype, but it so did. Everything everyone says about this book is true. The main character is quirky, but not in that annoying trying too hard way. The 'hate' aspect of this book is not too over the top, in my opinion. I hate when the 'hate' in the 'hate to love' books are so over the top or could be solved in one conversation. The pacing was perfect and I just so enjoyed my time reading this book. I have not seen the movie yet, but I hope to soon. I've heard good things.

This is the only non fiction book on this list. It is a book on how to have a more sacred marriage by seeking a deeper and more sacred relationship with Christ. This book changed me in so many ways. I read this when I was going through a hard time, and I value my experience with it. Gary Thomas shares stories about many different relationships, including his own, and how growing closer to God is the defining difference in having a good and secure marriage, along with being a secure person. I absolutely loved this book!

My 2nd favorite book of the year is none other than this book. I have not forgotten my experience with this book, and I read it earlier in the summer. I originally rated this book 4 stars, and I don't think I will change my rating. This book has a cheating aspect that I do not like, but there are so many other amazing parts of this book that still go through my mind. This book has the amnesia trope in it, which I've only read a few times. The hero is just 'that guy'. He is madly in love with his wife on all levels. I love books that have that alpha, madly in love hero. The couple goes through a journey in this book, and it was just so special. I really enjoyed it.

As soon as I read this book, I knew it was going to be my favorite book of the year. It took me in from the first page. I never cry in books, and I cried more than once in this book. It had a great grumpy hero, a small town feel, and a couple of twists that I did not know I wanted. I want to read her entire backlist based on this one book. Check trigger warnings before you read this book, because it does deal with some pretty dark topics. I cannot say enough good things about this book, it's just everything!!

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I hope you enjoyed reading all of my thoughts on my favorite books of 2021. I'm hoping for even more favorites in 2022! Let me know what your favorite book is of 2021!

Happy Reading!