The 10 Best Books & Series I Read in 2022

This past year was filled with so many good books for me, both new and the ones I reread every so often. It was really difficult for me to narrow it down to 10 for this post! About halfway through the year, I do a roundup of the best books I've read so far (you can read that here). All but one series from that original list made the final cut, and I debated long and hard about it's position! The Clandestine Magic trilogy is definitely one to add to your TBR if you haven't already, especially if you're a fan of The Paper Magician series. I just found a couple of new series that I love just a little bit more.

So, without further ado, here are The 10 Best Books and Series I Read in 2022.

Midnight at the Blackbird Café

Author: Heather Webber

This is the book I think I've recommended the most throughout this year. It's one of those books that I feel like most people need to read at least once in their life. Anna Kate returns to Wicklow, Alabama, to temporarily run her dead grandmother's restaurant to fulfill the stipulations of her will. She doesn't plan on staying past that required time frame, but while there she does want to find out what happened to cause her mother to run and never look back. During her search for answers about her origins, Anna Kate discovers her granny's magical tales about blackbird pie might be based in truth, and she might be the only person who can keep the tradition going. I was originally drawn to it because of the description of the small town in which the story is set. It was so similar to my own hometown that I couldn't resist reading it. It is, at its core, a story about family and finding your purpose in life, and it's got a tiny bit of magic in it.

The Deadly Seven series

Author: Lana Pecherczyk

Outside of this series, I think I've read only one true superhero book. They're just not really my thing. But this series was more than your typical superhero story. The Lazarus siblings were born in a lab, genetically modified to each sense one of the deadly sins and eradicate it from the world. Before they could fulfill their deadly purpose, they were stolen from the lab and raised to be saviors instead. There's just one problem: if the siblings don't keep their respective sins in perfect balance, they'll go insane. There's only one way to prevent that from happening - find their soulmates.

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

Author: Taylor Jenkins Reid

This is one of the most interesting historical fiction books I've ever read, and I've read a lot of this genre. Evelyn Hugo is a film star from the 1950s who might be better known for her seven marriages as she is for her starring roles. Now, at the end of her life, she has agreed to one final interview with a very specific journalist. Monique is a seemingly unlikely choice, but as with all of her choices in life, Evelyn has an ulterior motive for choosing this unknown, up-and-coming young journalist to tell her story, and this time, Evelyn isn't holding anything back. All her secrets will be bared.

The Wednesday Wars

Author: Gary D. Schmidt

This was hands down the best book I read over the summer. It was one of the books I was researching as possible reads for my seventh graders. I ultimately decided to go with something different, but I may add this in for my upper-level students next year. Holling Hoodhood thinks his teacher hates him, simply because he's the only student who doesn't leave at midday on Wednesdays, meaning his teacher has to come up with something for just one student to do on those afternoons. She eventually settles on Shakespeare, something Holling doesn't appreciate at first but comes to respect in the end. You're also seeing this seventh grade kid grow up while dealing with issues that are still relevant in today's world.

Building the Circle series & Peacekeeper's Harmony trilogy

Author: Maggie M. Lily

This is the series that edged Clandestine Magic out of the best of list. Mostly because of the family dynamic. I love the Trellis family so much. This is technically two series, but they're connected, and you have to read them in order. Each of the Trellis siblings are empowered, having special abilities ranging from love to fear, joy to rage, and even the four elements. None of them realize that they're all special, though, until they get pulled into the politics of the empowered. Along the way, they make alliances within other supernatural communities, including the beast affinities, which is what the follow-up trilogy focuses on.

 

Court of the Underworld Series

Author: Alessa Thorn

This is a seven-book series that is now available in two box sets. When I read them, it was individually. What I love about this series is that it doesn't focus on the typical heroes from Greek mythology. Instead, it takes the villains and shows them in a new light. Each book focuses on a different couple, some of which exist in mythology already but most that do not, but there is an overarching story line throughout. Hades and his court rule over the city of Styx, which they rebuilt over the ruined city of Corinth after the gods of Olympus all fell. They have brought stability and success to the city, but they are not without enemies. Topping the list is the monster-hunting cult, Pithos.

 

Warrior Witch Duology

Author: Greta Kelly

This was actually the first thing I read in 2022. It's got a bit of a Tolkien meets Game of Thrones feel to it, and the main character is one of the strongest female leads I've encountered. Askia is the heir to the throne of Seravesh, but she's been forced to flee due to invasion from the north. Now, she returns to the country of her birth to seek an alliance to save her people. As often happens, the best-laid plans go awry, and Askia finds herself in her enemy's clutches where she must embrace her magic if she hopes to not only survive but win.

Pride and Premeditation

Author: Tirzah Price

I'll be honest. This book almost didn't make my best of list in favor of Clandestine Magic, but in the end I decided that I needed a bit of variety, and this was the best mystery I read this year, so here we are. If you couldn't tell from the title, this is a reimagining of Pride and Prejudice. To me, this is what would have happened if Agatha Christie had written the classic. It features all of the original characters in different roles, with Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy playing the leading roles. Elizabeth wants to follow in her father's footsteps and become a barrister (lawyer), but she is a woman and it just isn't done, so when she gets wind of a murder, Lizzie sets out to solve it. There's only one problem: Mr. Darcy has already been hired by the accused, and he doesn't want Elizabeth's help.

The Dictionary of Lost Words

Author: Pip Williams

This novel is one of the last things I read this year, and it's one that took me a few months to complete. Not because it was extraordinarily long, but because it was so serious, and I quite often found myself not in the mood for that vibe. But there is a reason this one has made so many book club lists. It is truly very good and thought-provoking. Esme is the daughter of one of the editors of the first English Oxford Dictionary. She grows up literally underneath the cutting table and wants nothing more than to be part of the endeavor. When she realizes that some words are not being included, she starts to collect them for herself, not knowing the impact her actions will have on the future. This book is not just about words, though. It's about Esme finding her place in the world. She struggles, as most women did in those times, but she perseveres, and she makes a difference. Truly worth the read.

The Unlucky Charms series

Author: T.M. Cromer

This series is incomplete, but I couldn't not include it. This one swept me up from the first chapter. The O'Malley family are witches whose magic was stolen centuries before by another family seeking power, but a prophecy has been set in motion to restore their magic. All they have to do is figure out the puzzle and open their hearts. There are two more books in this series, one of which just released so I'll be reading it soon. This series also has ties to a fully complete series that I plan on reading, as well.

What did you read this year?

Favorite Outfits of 2022

Last year I did a roundup of my favorite outfits from the year. It was an interesting look at how my style had evolved in the wake of Covid and leaving an office job. This year, my style has evolved even more, especially in the second half of the year when I entered the world of teaching.

I've talked about it before, but it took me a very long time to find my personal style. I spent a lot of my teen and young adult years emulating other people's style with no real thought as to what I liked. It didn't really matter a lot to me whether a particular trend worked with my body type. If my friends and coworkers were wearing it, so was I. Thankfully, I came to my senses in my late 20s and finally started feeling comfortable in my own skin and clothes when I hit my 30s. Now, I dress for myself and no one else.

With that said, here are 30 outfits from 2022 that I really loved.

This was one of my first outfit posts of this year, and I still love this look just as much today as I did then. Shackets are still on trend, but I think I'd still love this one even if they weren't.

I wore this for my good friend and mentor's retirement party. It was the perfect balance between professional and dressy.

This might be the most 'out there' look I attempted in 2022. It's a lot of pink, and the fuzzy coat definitely takes it over the top, but I definitely don't hate it.

I love this dress. There's nothing really special about it. I just like the way I feel when I wear it.

I wore this for a high school career fair I volunteered at early in the year. I wanted to be professional and comfortable and felt very girl boss.

This might be my favorite outfit of the entire year. I just love this yellow maxi dress, especially topped with a denim vest and knotted at the bottom.

I wore this for an edgy date night outfit. I love the asymmetrical hem of this tulle skirt.

Simple outfits are my favorite, especially when you use pieces that have subtle elevating details. I've really enjoyed the return to platform-style shoes this year, and I love the 70s throwback of this pair so much.

This is one of those outfits that doesn't seem like it should all go together, but the end result is so me.

Everything in this outfit is firmly part of my favorite purchases of 2022 list.

I wore this white seersucker maxi skirt so many times this year, but I think this pairing was my favorite.

I had the chance to go to an adult prom fundraiser for our local art museum this year, and I took full advantage of the occasion to dress up in a way that I normally wouldn't get to.

I almost didn't include this swimsuit coverup in this collection, but it really is one of my favorite things from last year. It's so pretty I almost want to wear it like a dress. Obviously it's not thick enough for that, but it's a nice way to dress up a swimsuit.

This maxi skirt is one of my best purchases of the year, hands down. I've worn it so many different ways but these two are my favorites. This first one has kind of a monotone thing going on with all the blue tones.

Then with this one, I used a yellow t-shirt to pull out some of the subtle colors in the skirt's pattern. I kept the vest to add a little more structure and swapped out my twist slides for white sneakers.

I don't remember what the inspiration for this outfit was, but I love the simplicity. I know you can't really tell from the picture, but my blouse is a lace pattern so it adds some texture, and the sleeves have cute little tie details.

Is there anything better than a faux wrap dress? This one is so pretty, y'all, and it's got pockets! It's also a great length for pretty much anything.

This would have made a great Christmas outfit, but I wore it on a random weekday to school. This skirt is so delicate and feminine, so it wouldn't be a good fit for an elementary teacher, but it was okay for middle school.

This is one of those classic outfit formulas that never goes out of style. You can recreate it with any colored pants, and it's perfect for teaching.

Sometimes you can find a real gem in Walmart, and this dress is one of them. It's a great one-and-done outfit, and the colors are perfect for fall.

This plaid blazer was one of my last TV station purchases, so for the past few years it's been living unworn in my closet for lack of reason to style it (thanks, Covid). So when our weather finally cooled down, I couldn't resist putting together this outfit I've had on my Pinterest board for forever.

Did I already say how happy I am that skinny jeans aren't the only in-style option anymore? These black flares are a great addition to my closet. They're easy to dress up or down, although I tend to go for a more casual look these days.

We're going to ignore the fact that a bodysuit is a terrible idea for a teacher and just focus on the aesthetic of this gorgeous outfit. I can't wait to recreate it in the new year!

This preppy look was a real hit with my students. It's not a look I would have attempted before becoming a teacher, but I love how it all came together in the end.

This is another oldie but goodie in terms of this dress. It's been in my closet for a few years, and is one of the few long-sleeve dresses I own. I really love how these tan leather boots dress it up.

I'm not sure if I managed to pull off this look confidently, but I do love this style. Not to mention the fact that these pants are technically sweatpants designed to wear to work. Next time I think I'll try a different pair of sneakers to keep the black-and-gray theme.

This is one of those outfits that I didn't expect to like. I typically stay away from patterned leggings outside of exercise, but I don't hate these. Obviously since this outfit made my favorites list. It's really the only truly Christmas-themed outfit I styled this season, and I ended up wearing it twice to work.

I wore this on the last day of our St. Augustine vacation, which happened to also be Thanksgiving. It's a fairly simple outfit, but I still love it.

What can I say about this skirt that I haven't said one-thousand times before? Regardless, it's one of my favorites, and I'll keep updating it year after year until it finally wears out. Speaking of updates, this short-sleeved sweater is a must for any closet in a wide variety of colors.

And last but not least, this gorgeous sweater dress. It's heavy but not too thick for our usually-mild winters. I love that it's not fitted and has pockets.

Best of 2022: The 10 Most Popular Posts of the Year

Five years ago in 2018, I posted my first-ever Most Popular Posts of the Year. That year, I posted a grand total of 79 times on this blog. That was the year I left TV news and started the magazine. Coincidentally, this is the year I left the magazine and became a teacher...

Anyway, since then, my yearly post count climbed, reaching its highest level since 2010 last year with 193 posts. This year's count is down a bit thanks to that mid-year career change. I'm still working on balancing blogging on a teacher's schedule without sacrificing family time or that all-important me time, but despite the drop in posts starting in August, I think this year was a good one for the blog.

This year, I've managed to grow my email subscription list (if you haven't joined it yet, you can do that here) and modestly grow my social media following. I also implemented a way you can instantly shop my Instagram posts, though I must admit to that falling to the wayside in recent months (I promise to get back on track with it in the new year).

Overall, I think page views were down for 2022, but that's not too surprising. Things have mostly gone back to normal since the introduction of Covid into the world. Plus my post count dropped when I started teaching, so all to be expected I think. That said, I still like to look back to see what posts you guys responded to the most, and these are the 10 Most Popular Posts of 2022.

Just like in past years, we'll count down from 10 to 1. Here we go!

This year's number 10 spot is a two-fer. An Honest Review of Chippin Dog Treats was actually the very first post of 2022. I partnered with a woman-owned, all-natural dog food company to test some of their treats with my very own pup. Sharing the first spot on our countdown is this Calcean Play Sand Review post. Calcean sent Alexis a huge box of their Baha Play Sand in three colors. It was a huge hit, and I encourage anyone with young kids to give it a try!

Coming in at #9 is my January post on 10 Easy Outfits to Copy with Chelsea Boots. Chelsea boots are some of the most versatile boots I have ever owned, and it's a trend I hope stays in style for years to come (although we all know I don't really follow trends). If they're a style you've been wanting to try or one you did try but need more ideas of how to style them, check out the post!

This year's top eight spot, 14 Facts About My Relationship, is surprising to me. This post was literally a Valentine's Day questionnaire I found on Facebook that I turned into a blog post.

My 2022 Swimsuit Picks + 4 I Ordered from Amazon was the seventh most popular post of the year. I posted this right before our Spring Break, and I still love all of these suits. I managed to even wear all four that I ordered this year, and I do not regret making those purchases at all!

Every so often, I post an updated list of my To Be Read pile. My What's New on My TBR List for June caught y'all's fancy for some reason and snags the top six spot for this year's most popular posts.

We've reached the halfway point, and I'm not surprised in the least that this post, Monday Motivation + A New Beginning, made it into the top five. This is the post where I announced to the world that I had resigned from the magazine and the reason behind the decision. I wasn't given the opportunity to write a final publisher's note for the magazine, so this post served as a final goodbye.

The post in which I announced my new teaching gig, Monday Motivation + A Big Announcement, takes the number four spot.

The top three post for 2022 took me by surprise. I had a lot of fun putting this 15 Green Fashion Items to Inspire You for St. Patrick's Day post together, but I truly didn't expect it to be so popular with all of you!

The second most popular post of the year was also pretty surprising. Monday Motivation + 5 Things I'm Loving Right Now was kind of all over the place. Not only was it my usual weekly check-in (featuring an accident involving my cat and a bubble bath), but it also listed five very random products I was enjoying that month.

And claiming this year's top spot for Most Popular Post of 2022 is An Honest Review of Il Makiage. Talk about a decision that I have not regretted! I am still using all of the products featured in this post today, plus added a couple more from their lineup. If you've been curious about this makeup, check out my experience and then give them a try!

Thank you for supporting Mommy the Journalist! Happy New Year!

Monday Motivation: 2022 Year in Review

It's the last Monday of the year, and it seems I'll be ending it just the same as I started it: sick with the dreaded C-word. It certainly put a damper on our Christmas plans and will most definitely impede our New Year's plans, but if this year has shown me anything it's that I am endlessly adaptable. Although I'm sad that I've not gotten to see my loved ones during this special time, I am incredibly grateful that, so far at least, no one I've interacted with recently is sick, as well.

Just like I do at the end of every year, I'm taking a look back on all the things that happened over the past twelve months. If I had to compare 2022 to something, it would probably a roller coaster. The first few months were like the slow climb to the top of that first big drop. Then came the twists and turns and at least one big loop-de-loop.

I suppose that first big drop was selling our house and moving into a neighborhood, a move that I'm so happy we made. Not that we didn't like our old neighborhood, but we are much more 'at home' where we are now. The house fits us better and the neighborhood is definitely more our speed, plus it gives Alexis a safer place to ride her bike and scooter (not as much traffic). We've still not fully unpacked, but that's because of those twists, turns, and loop-de-loop I was telling you about, namely my unexpected career change.

Over the summer, I accepted a teaching position. Originally, the intention was for me to continue with the magazine in a scaled-back position, but it soon became apparent that wasn't going to work, for a multitude of reasons that I choose not to speak about. Things came to a head in August, and I made the decision to leave the magazine and focus on a career in education, and as weird as it is to not be doing journalism every day, it's a decision I haven't yet regretted. Of course, we're only halfway through the school year, so there's still time to change my mind!

That career change brought about a lot of changes for our entire family. Namely, Alexis changed schools, which has turned out to be the best thing. We finally feel like she's in the right class for her intelligence level, I know nearly all of the kids/parents in her class, and Alexis has bloomed both academically and socially. This may be unrelated but she's also not been sick nearly as often. It may just be a coincidence, but I don't really believe in those.

I was looking back at the goals I set for this year, and I'd forgotten that I only set three: rebuild my financial stability, cut back on the number of meals we eat out, and start a photo album/scrapbook. I'm still working on that first one, but this new career path should be a big help in regaining my balance. I'd like to think we've done a much better job of eating at home, although I think it might be a bit cheaper now to eat out than grocery shop. Sadly, I didn't even get started on a photo album or scrapbook.

As far as my goals for 2023...well, I'm still thinking about them. With so many changes this past year, it leaves a lot to consider.

What about you? Did you accomplish your goals for 2022?

Well that's going to wrap it up for me. I hope everyone enjoys this last week of the year.

Have a Sparkly New Year

Everyone deserves a little sparkle in their life, and what better way than through your outfit! Whenever I think of New Year's Eve celebrations, visions of sequins and glitter fill my head, even if I rarely have an excuse to indulge in all the sparkly goodness. That doesn't mean I can't fantasize about all the over-the-top outfits I'd love to wear to ring in the new year, though, and I've rounded up some of my favorite sparkly clothing items to help inspire you for your own celebrations. Most of these will even arrive before the big night (or day) if you order quickly!

Sequin Bomber Jacket - You can add a little sparkle to your outfit without going overboard with this gorgeous bomber jacket. It comes in a few colors, but I'm really digging the black. It's edgy and girly all at the same time!

Sequin Cardigan - This long-line sequin cardigan feels a little more refined to me than a jacket, but it's still a lot of fun!

Sequin Leggings - I actually own this exact pair of leggings and love them. They're not too scratchy, fit true to size, and are so dang cute! Pair them with a sweater, slouchy sweatshirt, or silky camisole and oversized blazer and you're good to go.

Sequin Bell Bottoms - This isn't a look I think I can pull off, but I love them all the same. These bell bottoms are definitely a statement piece. The black are gorgeous, but I also liked the apricot. They come in even more colors, though.

Glitter Mesh Top - If you're feeling a bit more daring, this top is for you. It's definitely something I would have considered in my early 20s.

Sequin Camisole - This camisole is perfect for a more formal setting. It comes in a bunch of colors, but I love this green.

Slouchy Glitter Lips Sweatshirt - Attending a more laid-back celebration? This slouchy sweatshirt is comfortable but still sparkly!

Sequin Dress - There are so many good ones out there, it was hard to choose. I really like this ombre short-sleeve dress, which comes in quite a few color combinations, and this spaghetti-strap fit-and-flare dress, which also comes in several color combos.

Sequin Skirt - Want to be dressy but without a full-out dress? A sequin skirt is just the ticket. This one comes in quite a few color options.

Disco Ball Earrings - Can't forget the accessories!

Rhinestone Studded Tights - These are perfect for taking your favorite little black dress up a notch.

Sparkly Boots - These are by far the most expensive item on this list, but I couldn't not include them. You can find lots of knock-off versions, but none come close to these Betsey Johnson ones in my opinion.

4 Books I'm Currently Reading

It's been quite awhile since I did one of these posts. So long, in fact, that I don't actually remember when it was, which means it had to be before school started. We're currently on Christmas break, which means I've got some free time on my hands to really focus on my reading...not that I've not been reading over the last few months, but I've certainly not been reading as much and definitely not been reading more than one book at a time. Anyway, these are the four books that I'm currently in the process of reading.

The Night Tiger

Author: Yangsze Choo

To be fair, I started reading this several months ago, and I'm still only maybe a third of the way into it. It's very serious, and while it definitely started off strong and interesting, I've not been in the mood for super serious lately. I'm hoping to finish it before school starts back in January so I can finally cross it off my list.

Anyway, this is about Ji Lin and Ren, two young people living very different yet connected lives in Malaysia. Ji Lin is secretly working in a dancehall to pay off her mother's gaming debts when she picks up a severed finger from one of her partners. Meanwhile, Ren is on a mission to find his former master's finger so it can be reunited with him in death.

The Dictionary of Lost Words

Author: Pip Williams

I remember when I came across this at the bookstore. I was so intrigued by the summary that I couldn't resist buying it, but then it sat unread on my bookshelf for months. I picked it up and started reading it a couple of months ago, but like The Night Tiger it's pretty serious. I'm about halfway through it now, and the story is very well-written.

Esme spent her childhood beneath the sorting table at the Scriptorium, the building in which her father and other men are collecting words for the first Oxford English Dictionary. As she grows older, Esme begins collecting her own words - those that have been discarded by the dictionary men or which have been deemed unworthy of the publication. Many of those unrecorded words relate directly to women and/or common folks' experiences.

Wild Honor (Dragon Royals book 4)

Author: May Dawson

I'm so glad I gave this book group recommendation a try. I've read the first three books of this series and have just started book four. The fifth and final book is set to be released at the end of this month. To give you a brief synopsis of the series overall, Honor is an impossible female dragon shifter. In order to keep her secret, she masquerades as a man to attend the shifter academy to learn to control her newfound powers. Along the way, she uncovers secrets about her family and learns that she is at the center of a prophecy that will change the world.

I really like Honor and the banter she shares with the other dragon royals. I will say that as the series has progressed, the number of errors (typos, grammar issues, punctuation mistakes, etc.) has increased, which is a bit frustrating, but I'm excited to see what the author does with this series and how everything concludes.

To Kill a Sorcerer

Author: Greg Mongrain

I'm not very far into this one at all: just far enough to get the gist of the mystery and a general idea of the type of man the main character is. Sebastian Montero has been hunting killers for 700 years. His latest case involves the ritualistic murder of a teenage girl by who investigators have dubbed "The Voodoo Killer."