These were the most popular books at Ottawa libraries this year

The Women by Kristen Hannah was the most popular English language book for adults at Ottawa public libraries this year.

The Women by Kristen Hannah was the most popular English language book for adults at Ottawa public libraries this year.

The Ottawa Public Library Board released its list of the most requested titles by readers between Jan. 1 and Dec. 1 on Monday. This year's list features a variety of new releases and classics, with historical fiction, humour and romance novels gripping Ottawa bookworms.

The Women recounts the experience of a woman who was a nurse during the Vietnam War. The book shines a light on women who put themselves in harm's way and their often-forgotten sacrifice in times of war. The Briar Club, the story of an all-female boarding house in the 1950s, also peaked reader's interest in the historical fiction category.

Canadian author Louise Penny took the second-place spot with the October release of the hardcover copy of the The Grey Wolf in the highly popular Armand Ganache series.

Humour and romance also proved popular with readers with Emily Henry's Funny Story and Carley Fortune's This Summer Will be Different ranking highly.

Demand for francophone titles continued to increase, with a record number of requests for French books made this year. The top French-language novels featured almost exclusively Canadian authors.

Romance books were in high demand among teen readers. A Court of Thorns and Roses, a retelling of the Beauty and the Beast with deadly fairies, was the most popular book among Ottawa young adults.