New Releases I’m Excited About: Mid 2022 Contemporary Fiction

YAY!!! This week’s worth of posts spotlighting the books that are releasing for the next season are always my favorite posts to do. Time-consuming but so much fun! I get so giddy over all the pretty covers and the great-sounding plots and the next book from my fave authors that I can’t help but share them with you too. And the Mid 2022 New Releases have my bookish heart positively twitterpated!! Susan (and any other list makers), break out your lists and let’s dive into Mid 2022 Contemporary New Releases (May-August).

Here is the schedule of posts for the week so you can zero in on your fave genre!

TODAY: Contemporary Fiction (non-Amish & non-suspense)
Thursday: Historical Fiction (non-Amish & non-suspense)
Friday: Mystery/Suspense (non-Amish)
Saturday: Amish Fiction
Sunday: Speculative/Youth
Monday: Non-Fiction

In my continued quest to streamline these posts I’m only selecting the few* that most caught my eye to spotlight here. I’ll also include links to ALL the May-August 2022 releases, each in their own list by month, not just the ones I’m featuring here on the blog. You can also keep up with 2022’s new books as I learn about them by bookmarking the ‘2022 Releases‘ page on my blog menu & checking it periodically!

And let’s just be real – I did a terrible job of narrowing down this list haha #sorrynotsorry

spotlight on titles i’m most giddy about

(click on book title to go to its goodreads page if available)

THE ROAD HOME
(Hope Again #6)
Cathe Swanson
Independently Published / May 3, 2022

Why I’m excited about this book:

I’ve been waiting for Tally’s story since I first met her in Snow Angels, and I’m delighted that she’s finally the heroine in her own novel! And the fact that a man who loves her finally tracks her down, a man she served alongside in Afghanistan, is exactly what I didn’t even know I wanted for her story.

ALL THAT FILLS US
Autumn Lytle
Revell / May 3, 2022

Why I’m excited about this book:

I already had my eye on this debut novel – a witty & honest look at eating disorders and mental health – but then I interviewed the author today and she is just plain adorable so now I HAVE to read this one!

THE SWEET LIFE
(Cape Cod Creamery #1)
Suzanne Woods Fisher
Revell / May 3, 2022

Why I’m excited about this book:

Basically this cover is 99.9% of the reason I want to read The Sweet Life – i adore the colors and the tone the artwork creates for the book, right from the start. And I’ve always wanted to go to Cape Cod so a new series set here will satisfy that craving for now.

TURN TO ME
(Misty River Romance #3)
Becky Wade
Bethany House / May 3, 2022

Why I’m excited about this book:

Umm…. Becky Wade. Enough said. (But if you need more reasons….) Swoony romance. Swoony heroes. Swoony kisses. (Still need more?) Heartfelt plots that will linger with you & meaningful messages of faith without being preachy.

BLESS YOUR HEART, RAE SUTTON
Susannah B. Lewis
Thomas Nelson / May 3, 2022

Why I’m excited about this book:

First, the cover and the title. Down here, ‘bless your heart’ can mean a variety of things depending on how it’s said so I love the appeal of the possibilities. Second, this line from the book blurb – “Sometimes what your life is missing is an eccentric group of older ladies to take you under their wing . . .” solidified my need to read this one, because who doesn’t want to be friends with an eccentric group of older ladies?!?

BIG APPLE ATONEMENT
(Original Six Hockey #5)
Carolyn Miller
Independently Published / May 5, 2022

Why I’m excited about this book:

Really, my honest and true answer…. Carolyn Miller. She writes it & I’ll read it. Plus, who can resist a swoony ‘bad boy’ hockey hero on the road to redemption, a ‘good girl’ heroine who’s struggling to keep her dream alive, and New York City?

OUT OF THE BLUE
Susan L. Tuttle
Iron Stream Fiction / May 10, 2022

Why I’m excited about this book:

In no particular order: Susan L. Tuttle, Susan L. Tuttle, and Susan L. Tuttle. Her romances are so swoonilicious and full of great characters, banter, and heartfelt plots. If she writes it, I’m there.

THE VIEW FROM CORAL COVE
Amy Clipston
Thomas Nelson / May 10, 2022

Why I’m excited about this book:

A jilted romance novelist, a North Carolina beach town, an adorably persuasive little girl, a smitten-but-determined-not-to-be single dad (and veterinarian), and family secrets – what’s NOT to be excited about?

LOVE IN SECOND BLOOM
(Love at Christmas Inn #15)
Sandra Ardoin
Corner Room Books / May 12, 2022

Why I’m excited about this book:

The description had me at ‘springtime in the Tennessee Smoky Mountains‘, plus I love a good second chance romance with all the emotions and suppressed sparks (which usually lead to great kisses at long last!).

THE FORGOTTEN LIFE OF EVA GORDON
Linda MacKilop
Kregel / May 17, 2022

Why I’m excited about this book:

This debut grabbed my attention with “an unlikely cast of misfit characters”, and while the pitfalls of aging are a particularly sensitive topic for me (after Alzheimers in both of my grandmothers), an early review says the author “infuses it with soul and a touch of humor.” So it’s got my vote!

IF YOU RESCUE ME
(Sisters Redeemed #3)
Jerusha Agen
SDG Words, LLC / May 19, 2022

Why I’m excited about this book:

First of all, the interracial relationship appeals to me because it’s not seen in a lot of Christian fiction. Secondly, the plot of an abuse survivor, her little girl, and a police sergeant who starts falling for them head over heels promises to be layered, emotional, and of course swoony.

ONE FINE DAY
(Hearts Bend Collection #1)
Rachel Hauck & Carrie Padgett
Sunrise Publishing / May 24, 2022

Why I’m excited about this book:

Heart’s Bend is my fave series by Rachel Hauck, so I was thrilled to see that this was the series the peeps at Sunrise Publishing picked for her to mentor. I really look forward to reading all the books in this collection – and that cover is adorbs! Plus, I gotta support authors named Carrie, right? 😉

A FAMILY FOR KEEPS
Janice Sims
Harlequin Heartwarming / May 24, 2022

Why I’m excited about this book:

This book has so many things I love – best friends who fall in love, teachers in fiction, single dad, diverse characters. Yes please!!!

HER MOUNTAIN REFUGE
Laurel Blount
Love Inspired / May 24, 2022

Why I’m excited about this book:

First, I love Laurel Blount. Second, it’s set in the North Georgia mountains which are part of my happy place and one of the many reasons I love living in Georgia. Third, it involves a pregnant widow and her childhood best friend who also happens to be the local sheriff!

GUARDING HIS SECRET
(K-9 Companions #6)
Jill Kemerer
Love Inspired / May 24, 2022

Why I’m excited about this book:

A retired service dog + Jill Kemerer is really all I need to want to read this book. But the icing on the cake is a friends-to-more romance, too! Yay!!!

BETSY
(Sewing In SoCal #5)
Sarah Monzon
Independently Published / June 13, 2022

Why I’m excited about this book:

I love Sarah Monzon’s romantic comedy writing voice, especially when she writes in first person. As for Betsy, her two hard-and-fast rules are 1) never fall for a musician and 2) there are no exceptions to rule #1. So this line from the book blurb has me nearly drooling over the swoonilicious possibilities – “And the more he looks at me the way he does, as if he can see right through the wall I’ve so diligently constructed, the more I want to throw those rules right out the window.”

WHEN STONE WINGS FLY: A Smoky Mountains Novel
Karen Barnett
Kregel / June 14, 2022

Why I’m excited about this book:

I have been nearly drooling over this novel ever since I first heard Karen Barnett was doing research in my happy place – the Smoky Mountains. Then I learned that it has a contemporary romance involving long-lost family secrets, and an accompanying historical storyline that relates to the creation of this national park… and I got super giddy. I love this park and am fascinated with its history and I can’t wait to see what Karen Barnett does with it!

ABOUT TIME YOU NOTICED
Lisa Renée
The Colab Press / June 21, 2022

Why I’m excited about this book:

You may have (ahem) noticed that I have a thing for best friends who fall in love, because that’s my own personal love story too. So when you take that cover – which i LOVE – and pair it with a friends-to-more romance, I’m there for it!

MORNING BY MORNING
(Murphy Brothers Stories #8)
Jennifer Rodewald
Rooted Publishing / June 21, 2022

Why I’m excited about this book:

Well… I mean… it’s Jennifer Rodewald. Even though I’m behind on this series (as in, I haven’t started yet – argh), I still am excited to read it once I’m caught up. Because I know a few things about a Jennifer Rodewald book: I’ll cry, I’ll laugh, I’ll grin like an idiot, and I’ll see the messiness of life meet the goodness of God in beautiful ways.

THE SONGS THAT COULD HAVE BEEN
(Sedgwick County Chronicles #2)
Amanda Wen
Kregel / June 21, 2022

Why I’m excited about this book:

The first book in this series (and Amanda Wen’s debut) was one of my top reads last year, so to say that I’m excited about this next one is an understatement. I love the way she seamlessly integrates a contemporary timeline with a related historical one, plus romance and a tender message of grace.

SUMMER ON BLACKBERRY BEACH
(Mistletoe, Maine #2)
Belle Calhoune
Forever / June 28, 2022

Why I’m excited about this book:

If I hadn’t already wanted to read this new romance from Belle Calhoune, that beautiful cover would have sold me! Even without that, though, the plot has the perfect elements to grab my attention. A teacher whose swoon high school crush is back in town, the high school crush who happens to be a former Navy SEAL, and a fake relationship that, of course, doesn’t stay fake.

HER COWBOY WEDDING DATE
(Three Springs, Texas #3)
Cari Lynn Webb
Harlequin Heartwarming / June 28, 2022

Why I’m excited about this book:

I love this series by Cari Lynn Webb – the town of Three Spring, Texas has totally captured my heart. This is Tess’s story (yay!) and Carter’s story (yay!) and I can’t wait to see where it  – and the series arc involving the town – goes!

AN ALASKAN FAMILY FOUND
(Northern Lights #9)
Beth Carpenter
Harlequin Heartwarming / June 28, 2022

Why I’m excited about this book:

Ahhhhh I love this series so much! I’m always thrilled when a new installment releases, and this latest is no exception. Alaska is on my bucket list to visit one day, and Beth Carpenter is so talented at setting the scene so that I feel as though I am actually there. I can’t wait to hang out with peony farmer Caleb and his teenage daughter as well as in-need-of-a-summer-job counselor Gen and her girls, too.

A PLACE TO HEAL
Allie Pleiter
Love Inspired / June 28, 2022

Why I’m excited about this book:

Allie Pleiter is one of my fave Love Inspired contemporary romance authors, and I just finished up her fabulous Wander Canyon series so I’m eager to see where she takes readers next. I also really love the premise of this new book – a former police detective who wants to open a camp for children who have experienced tragedy, and a widowed / tough-to-convince rancher whose property she wants to use for the camp.

THE SOLDIER’S BABY PROMISE
Gabrielle Meyer
Love Inspired / June 28, 2022

Why I’m excited about this book:

How. CUTE. is. that. cover?!?! I fell in love at first sight. The fact that Gabrielle Meyer is the author is icing on my bookish cake, and this bit from the blurb – “Resolved to keep his promise, Lieutenant Nate Marshall returns to Timber Falls to look after his first love—the widow of his best friend, who was killed in the line of duty.” – had me all aswoon!

THE TWINS’ ALASKAN ADVENTURE
(Home to Hearts Bay #2)
Heidi McCahan
Love Inspired / June 28, 2022

Why I’m excited about this book:

Y’all. That cover. SO ADORABLE. I just want to pick up those kiddos and hug them and make them smile. Also in this book’s favor – author Heidi McCahan and the Alaskan setting!

AN UNLIKELY ALLIANCE
(K-9 Companions #7)
Toni Shiloh
Love Inspired / June 28, 2022

Why I’m excited about this book:

It’s no secret that Toni Shiloh is one of my fave contemporary romance authors, so when she releases a new book I read it. No debate. But on top of that, I’ve been eager for Jalissa & Rider’s story since I first met them in An Unlikely Proposal!

REBUILDING HEARTS: Sparrow Island
(Independence Islands #24)
Carolyn Miller
Celebrate Lit / June 28, 2022

Why I’m excited about this book:

I always love Carolyn Miller’s books, and I’ve already mentioned that if she writes it, I’ll read it. This one also has my heart twitterpating over the shy hero and bookish heroine… and the bank robbery they have in common!

LOVE AT SECOND SIGHT
(The Fab Forties #4)
Liwen Y. Ho
Independently Published / July 1, 2022

Why I’m excited about this book:

I love this author’s books. I love the cover. And I love the idea of a young widow receiving a letter from her late husband, hand-delivered by his movie star best friend, encouraging her to start dating again – and to start with his best friend, as practice! Mmhmm. Practice. lol

HEIRLOOMS
Sandra Byrd
Tyndale House / July 5, 2022

Why I’m excited about this book:

Sandra Byrd + that cover + a dual timeline narrative with multicultural and multigenerational characters = Yes Please for Carrie!!!

THE EXTRAORDINARY DEATHS OF MRS. KIP
Sara Brunsvold
Revell / July 5, 2022

Why I’m excited about this book:

This debut novel sounds SO GOOD! An ambitious reporter who chafes at her most recent throwaway assignment – to write an obituary for a septuagenarian who has just entered hospice care – may have just met her match. Mrs. Kip sounds like the kind of woman who would change your life just by meeting with her so I’m eager to see how Aidyn grows in the process.

MIDNIGHT BLUE
Suzie Waltner
Anaiah Press / July 5, 2022

Why I’m excited about this book:

This book isn’t up for preorder just yet but I’m really looking forward to the new contemporary romance by Suzie Waltner! A popular country singer once gave up his first love to pursue a music career and is then stunned to find her, ten years later, catering a party for his band. The surprising news he learns has him questioning his career and his future. Um… yes please. I want to read more 😀

TO BEGIN AGAIN
(Rhythms of Redemption Romances #3)
Emily Conrad
Hope Anchor, LLC / July 11, 2022

Why I’m excited about this book:

I’ve heard such great things about Emily’s books but I haven’t had a chance to read one yet. The plot for To Begin Again really draws me though – a reality-show-winner-turned-struggling-pop-star, a collaboration opportunity with an iconic rock band, and a widowed single-dad-bass-player who has given up on faith.

WALKING IN TALL WEEDS
Robin W. Pearson
‎ Tyndale House / July 19, 2022

Why I’m excited about this book:

I am so intrigued by this plot, y’all! Empty nesters whose marriage has grown distant, their only child who wants nothing to do with the family business, a small North Carolina town, secrets, an unexpected upheaval, and digging deep to uncover the truth. Plus Robin W. Pearson is just awesome so there’s that 🙂

WYOMING PROMISE
(The Blackwells of Eagle Springs #1)
Anna J. Stewart
‎ Harlequin Heartwarming / July 26, 2022

Why I’m excited about this book:

I L-O-V-E-D both of the multi-author Blackwell series so far from Harlequin Heartwarming, so I am SO EXCITED that they are doing another one. Anna J. Stewart kicks it off so I know it’s going to have great romance and little pops of humor. Cannot wait!

THE SECRET BETWEEN THEM
(Widow’s Peak Creek #5)
Susanne Dietze
‎ Love Inspired / July 26, 2022

Why I’m excited about this book:

Just the fact that the fabulous Susie Dietze wrote this book makes me want to read it. Plus the plot – a young woman searching for resolution to long-held family secrets teams up with a grumpy single dad lawyer – sounds like another winner to me!

THE COWBOY’S JOURNEY HOME
(K-9 Companions #8)
Linda Goodnight
‎ Love Inspired / July 26, 2022

Why I’m excited about this book:

I love Linda Goodnight’s writing, and this new romance about a soldier and his dog, both recently discharged from the military, and the woman (a reporter) who got away is right up my alley!

MUSKOKA BLUE
(Original Six Hockey #6)
Carolyn Miller
Independently Published / July 28, 2022

Why I’m excited about this book:

Confession: I had the privilege of reading an early version of this story about two years ago and LOVED it, so just take my word for it and go preorder it now. I love the uniqueness of the characters – we don’t see too many hockey player heroes which is a true shame because SWOON lol. (And while we’re on the topic of swooning – THOSE KISSES!! Have mercy!!! Had to get out my fan for those.)

THE BILLIONAIRE’S SECRET SON
(Sweet Boston Billionaires #2)
Meghann Whistler
‎ Independently Published / July 29, 2022

Why I’m excited about this book:

This part of the blurb grabbed my attention – “He’s a billionaire who never wanted a family. She’s the woman who gave his secret son up for adoption eighteen years ago.” And I love the twist that Meghann Whistler gives this common trope, too – the adopted son tracks both of them down so the element of surprise is there for both the mother and the father, not just one of them.

THE BILLIONAIRE’S BEST FRIEND
(Billionaire Next Door #2)
Elizabeth Maddrey
‎ JoNaTiMa Books / July 31, 2022

Why I’m excited about this book:

Yep. You guessed my reason: Best friends fall in love 🙂 Plus they’re teachers so… bonus reason!

BOOKISH PEOPLE
Susan Coll
‎ HarperMuse / August 2, 2022

Why I’m excited about this book:

Well, for starters, I’m bookish people so of course that cover & title are gonna draw me in. The fact that it’s billed as a screwball comedy with “an intergenerational cast of oblivious authors and over-qualified booksellers—as well as a Russian Tortoise named Kurt Vonnegut Jr.” sealed the deal.

THE LAST WAY HOME
(Prince Edward Island Shores #2)
Liz Johnson
‎ Revell / August 2, 2022

Why I’m excited about this book:

I love Liz Johnson’s books. I especially love the Prince Edward Island setting, so I’m super excited that she’s doing a second series there. And this second book has a prodigal son returning home after a stint in the NHL, his mom’s younger business partner who has put her heart and soul into picking up the broken pieces he left behind, a fire that puts the ceramics business in dire straits… sounds like the perfect recipe for a swoony romance to me!

LOVE AND THE DREAM COME TRUE
(State of Grace #3)
Tammy L. Gray
‎ Bethany House / August 2, 2022

Why I’m excited about this book:

Tammy L. Gray writes swoonilicious romance with heartfelt messages of grace and redemption, so this one is a no-brainer to put on my TBR list! Plus, that cover is just gorgeous!!!

BY WAY OF THE MOONLIGHT
Elizabeth Musser
‎ Bethany House / August 2, 2022

Why I’m excited about this book:

Elizabeth Musser’s books always captivate and challenge me, and I expect this new dual timeline story to be the same. A young woman is unable to stop the sale of her late grandmother’s 10-acre estate, the very one she’s dreamed of turning into an equine therapy trauma recovery center, until a backhoe unearths a secret that will keep Allie’s dream alive and send her on a hunt to unearth “her grandmother’s past with her champion filly, Essie, a young man named Tommy, and one fateful night in 1943 during the Battle of the Atlantic”. Umm… YES PLEASE!!

COMING HOME
(A Woodland Park Firefighters Romance #1)
Shelley Shepard Gray
Berkley / August 23, 2022

Why I’m excited about this book:

Shelley Shepard Gray could write a phone book and I would read it, though thankfully her new romance novel promises to be a lot more entertaining than a phone book lol. With an army-vet-turned-firefighter hero who reunites with his high school sweetheart after returning to his Colorado hometown, fires to fight (literal and metaphorical), and an adorable little boy, I cannot wait to read it!

A WYOMING SECRET PROPOSAL
(The Blackwells of Eagle Springs #2)
Amy Vastine
Harlequin Heartwarming / August 23, 2022

Why I’m excited about this book:

Basically see my answer for the first book in this series up above lol. On top of that, though, it’s an accidental marriage between a social media influencer and a hunky cowboy, one trying to save face and the other more than a little gun-shy about staying married to help her out.

HIS SMALL TOWN DREAM
(The Golden Matchmakers Club #3)
Tara Randel
Harlequin Heartwarming / August 23, 2022

Why I’m excited about this book:

I’m loving this series by Tara Randel, set in the North Georgia mountains (already established as one of my happy places), and this one has a heroine named Carrie so of course I’m going to love it as well 😉

THE COWGIRL’S REDEMPTION
(Hope Crossing #1)
Mindy Obenhaus
Love Inspired / August 23, 2022

Why I’m excited about this book:

For starters, the fabulous Mindy Obenhaus is the author. But also I love the plot of a young woman returning to her hometown to make amends & prove that she’s changed by helping a swoony single dad ranch manager save a struggling rodeo.

ONCE UPON A FARMHOUSE
Angie Dicken
Love Inspired / August 23, 2022

Why I’m excited about this book:

I’ve been eagerly waiting for more from author Angie Dicken, so that alone would have me picking up this book. But then you add in a farmhouse, a prodigal granddaughter returning home, a single dad tenant farmer – who also happens to be her first love – and I’m so stinkin excited to read this one!

FIRST TO FALL
(A Lost Story Bookshop Novel #2)
Jenny B. Jones
Independently Published / August 30, 2022

Why I’m excited about this book:

Yep. Another case of cover love. Plus author love. Jenny B. Jones’ books are always fabulous, and her romantic comedies keep me laughing & swooning simultaneously. This one sounds equal parts hilarious and swoonilicious with an accidental marriage between two enemies who agree to temporarily stay married. Y’all know sparks are gonna fly!

But wait! There’s more!!!

there’s no way I could have included every contemporary release for May-August, so I’ve compiled all the new releases by each separate month in these Amazon lists.

add these to your wish list

What about you? Which Mid 2022 Contemporary New Releases are you most anxious to read? What makes you excited about these books?

If you don’t see your book mentioned here OR in my amazon lists, I apologize! It’s impossible to keep up with all the books LOL! Please feel free to leave your release info for Christian / clean contemporary fiction (not mystery/suspense or Amish) in the comments.