2024 was a good reading year! So many truly excellent releases, and I am still enjoying my backlist reading mostly through my Booking It Through History: First Ladies project. This year, I hope to add even more backlist books to my reading, including becoming a completist of favorite authors.
I read 141 books, which isn’t as many as in 2023 (37 less!). I read mostly books that I enjoyed with my average star rating an even 4.0, although I DNF’ed 14 books and had 14 books that I rated 3 stars or lower. I had 17 five star and 31 4.5 star reads!
I read mostly fiction, but I did read 44 nonfiction books. 44% of my reading was advanced review copies (ARCs) through NetGalley but that means a majority of my reading was not review copies. I hope to increase my non-ARC reading in 2025. My top genre was historical fiction at 43% of my reading. The next largest genre was history nonfiction at 18%.
I read mostly on my Kindle (75% of my reading!), and I have learned that even when I am not reading ARCs, I prefer to read on my Kindle. The books I purchased in 2024 were almost always on my Kindle as I tend to browse my “shelves” there rather than my physical shelves at home when I am looking for a new book to start. I never thought I’d say that! Plus I have so many physical books that my shelves are overflowing, so adding a new book on my Kindle doesn’t add to my clutter.
Overall, I look back fondly on my 2024 reading and have several books that were very memorable whether it’s the actual book itself or my reading experience. Check out my favorites below!
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Historical Fiction
Top Books of the Year
I loved all three of these so much!
The Officer and the Spy (also called The Echo of Love) by Jenny Ashcroft
Maybe it’s because I finished this book sitting on my hotel balcony in Crete where it is set, but I cannot get this historical fiction novel and its love story out of my head. Eleni and Otto’s star-crossed romance and the truly tragic history of Crete during WWII are unforgettable. You may think you don’t want to read another WWII book, but this emotionally searing novel will make you change your mind! It was the first book I read by Ashcroft and now I want to read everything she has written! Read my review here.
When the World Fell Silent by Donna Jones Alward
I had never heard of the 1917 Halifax disaster until reading this gripping novel. Told from two women’s unique perspectives as they grapple with the horrific explosion and aftermath, this historical fiction book left me in tears at the sacrificial love of a mother and the emotions wrought by the characters. It is a book I’ll never forget and is a shining example of why historical fiction evokes empathy as you learn about unknown events from the past. Read my review here.
What the Mountains Remember by Joy Callaway
This book has my heart! I love its setting of Asheville, North Carolina in the early 20th century as wealthy industrialists visit while the Grove Park Inn is being built. The Grove Park is one of my favorite hotels in the world, and I enjoyed learning about its early history along with Asheville’s unknown-to-me history of being a tuberculosis sanitorium. And the love story in this novel is swoonworthy! It’s the book I’ve given most as a gift this year, and I just adore everything Joy writes! Read my review here.
Favorite Book that Lived Up to the Hype
The Women by Kristin Hannah
Hannah’s latest came with huge expectations – and she delivered! Known as the queen of historical fiction, The Women hearkens back to Hannah’s outstanding novels like The Nightingale. I learned so much about Vietnam and its lingering effects on women nurses. I cried, I gasped, and I had my heart shattered by this book. It’s a masterpiece! Read my review here.
Favorite Historical Thriller
The Last Twelve Miles by Erika Robuck
If you’re looking for a propulsive novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat, this book should be on your TBR. Following two women, a 1920s rum-runner and the government agent out to capture her, the story is full of tension and is simmering with the unease of a sultry Florida night. It’s both explosive and heartfelt as these women engage in a cat-and-mouse game with deadly consequences. Read my review here.
Favorite Historical Mystery
Secrets of the Watch House by Jenny Ashcroft
Set on an eerie, windswept island off the coast of Cornwall, England, this modern take on a gothic mystery had me second guessing every character, every word, every action. With a young woman coming to the isolated island as the secretary for a dashing and mysterious widower with ties to her past, she doesn’t know who to trust or who is telling her the truth. It’s a mystery that will keep you guessing until the surprising ending! Read my review here.
Favorite Novels about a Strong Woman from History
Becoming Madam Secretary by Stephanie Dray
One of my favorite things about historical fiction is when it introduces me to an unknown woman who made a huge impact on history. In Dray’s latest, Frances Perkins, the first woman member of a Presidential cabinet, comes to life, not only in her political work but her personal life as well. She helped create many of the institutions still active in our government today, all while dealing with personal tragedy and loss. It is an enthralling read! Read my review here.
Follow the Stars Home by Diane C. McPhail
Wow, Lydia Latrobe Roosevelt was an amazing woman that I had never heard about until this book. Her father was the architect of the US Capitol, and after marrying the much older Nicholas Roosevelt, she set out with him on his invention – the first steamship – down the Mississippi River, eight months pregnant and with a toddler in tow. This is a fantastical tale with Native American raids and earthquakes that is unbelievable – but it’s all true! Read my review here.
Favorite Nostalgic Read
Maria: A Novel of Maria von Trapp by Michelle Moran
This book had me singing along as I learned the real story behind one of my favorite musicals. Not only do you learn about the iconic songs, you learn the true story of the real Maria von Trapp and how it differs from the musical. This novel brought back so many good memories of singing along with Maria and the von Trapp family as my mother and I watched the movie. It was a delight! Read my review here.
Favorite Dual Timeline
The Berlin Letters by Katherine Reay
This was such a moving and informative book on the realities of life during the Cold War both in the 1960s and 1980s. I love Reay’s captivating writing and how she draws you immediately into the two timelines, leaving you guessing at how it’s all going to come together in the end. So good! Read my review here.
Favorite Books on Female Friendship
American Daughters by Piper Huguley
I had no idea that Alice Roosevelt, daughter to the president, and Portia Washington, daughter to civil rights icon Booker T. Washington, were friends! I loved how Huguley described their decades-long friendship and how they supported each other through their many challenges even with society’s disapproval. Read my review here.
The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali
Two friends caught up in the horrors of the Iranian Revolution are the unforgettable characters in this novel. I learned so much about Iranian history, a history that we still see played out on our television screens today. It has gotten a lot of buzz – deservedly so! – and is a must read. Read my review here.
New Favorite Author
I fell in love with the writing of Yvette Manessis Corporon this year as I prepared for my summer trip to Greece. She writes emotional tales about 20th century Greece from war to earthquakes. I loved all three of the books I read – Where the Wandering Ends, Daughter of Ruins, and When the Cypress Whispers. I can’t wait to see what she writes next! Read my reviews here and here.
Under the Radar Gem
Once We Were Here by Christopher Cosmos
When looking for books to read to prepare for my Greece trip, I stumbled across this novel about the beginning of WWII in Greece as Italian troops invaded through Albania. I had no idea about the brutal fight the Greek people endured, holding back the Italian Army until the Nazis steamrolled their way through the country. This book was emotionally searing and had me in tears. Read my review here.
Favorite Heartwarming Historical Fiction
The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern by Lynda Cohen Loigman
If you need a dose of happiness in your books, the latest by Loigman is just what you need. Full of historical details of early 20th century Brooklyn, the novel follows Augusta who is now an eighty-year-old retiree reconnecting with her first and only love at their Florida retirement home. It’s lovely! Read my review here.
Favorite WWII Historical Fiction
I know many people are tired of WWII books, but I just love them. Each one is different and teaches me something new about the war. Here are my three favorites of the year (which all have to do with books!):
The Wartime Book Club by Kate Thompson
A book club set on the Nazi-occupied island of Jersey is full of the resilience of the human spirit. Read my review here.
The British Booksellers by Kristy Cambron
I learned so much about the bombings in Coventry through this book. Read my review here.
The Booklover’s Library by Madeline Martin
I had no idea that Boots pharmacies had lending libraries during WWII. I loved this book about Nottingham during the war. Read my review here.
Historical Fiction Debut
The Turtle House by Amanda Churchill
I love books that tell the story of the author’s family, so this debut based on Churchill’s own Japanese war bride grandmother was a big hit. It was so emotional! Read my review here.
Favorite Classic
The Alpine Path: The Story of My Career by L.M. Montgomery
I loved learning more about Maud’s life on Prince Edward Island and how the landscape inspired her beloved work. Every aspiring writer should read this! Read my review here.
First Lady Books
As part of my Booking It Through History: First Ladies project, I read at least two books each month about first ladies. Here were my favorites!
Fiction
The First Lady and the Rebel: A Novel of Mary Todd Lincoln by Susan Higganbotham
I loved this book that looks at Mary Todd Lincoln and her Confederate sister, Emily. Read my review here.
Jackie by Dawn Tripp
What an emotional story that takes you into the mind of one of our most beloved first ladies. Read my review here.
Nonfiction
The Loves of Theodore Roosevelt: The Women Who Created a President by Edward F. O’Keefe
A unique history nonfiction book about the women in Theodore Roosevelt’s life from his mother to his wives. It was fascinating! Read my review here.
The Mysterious Mrs. Nixon: The Life and Times of Washington’s Most Private First Lady by Heath Hardage Lee
Pat Nixon is an enigma. Was she the woman who stood by her man or was she a strong, independent woman who should have been utilized more in her husband’s campaigns? She was both – and so much more as Heath describes in this balanced look at Pat’s life. Read my review here.
Contemporary Fiction
Favorite Romance
Is She Really Going Out with Him? by Sophie Cousens
Such a cute romance! It has all of the elements I like – an older protagonist dealing with children and aging parents who (mostly) has her stuff together. There are some laugh-out-loud scenes in this book when Anna’s children pick out her dates. It’s guaranteed to make you smile. I’ve read all of Sophie’s books and I think this may be my favorite! Read my review here.
Favorite Debut/Most Emotional Contemporary Book
Sun Seekers by Rachel McRady
This book made me cry as it took me back to the time when I was dealing with my own parent in the throes of Alzheimer’s. How McRady uses the sweet innocence of a child to chase the sun so the “worm” in her grandfather’s brain wouldn’t appear is so tender and loving. Read my review here.
Nonfiction
Favorite Personal Growth Book
Do the Next New Thing: Embrace Uncertainty and Discover Purpose, Happiness, and Friendship by Pamela Lamp
I love how inspiring Pam’s book is, especially for women like me who are nearing the “empty nest” stage of life. I still think about her tips and use them to push myself into trying new things! Read my review here.
That’s 20% of the book I read in 2024! It was a great reading year and one with books that I’ll remember for a long time. Check out my previous years’ top favorites to add to your TBR!
Reflections
I don’t have many reflections other than to say I hope to continue to find books that I love and DNF more frequently. I do get a little tied up in my NetGalley score (I cannot seem to get it above 70%!!), so hopefully I can let that go this year and read more backlist.
I’d love to tackle the actual physical books on my shelves, so I hope to alternate physical books with Kindle reads. Any suggestions that have worked for you?
I will continue to focus on historical fiction and nonfiction, which are my top genres. While I read the same percentage of romance books as last year (around 14%), my star ratings were way down, so I need to be pickier on the romances I do read.
That’s a wrap on my 2024 reading! Do we have any favorites in common? What are your reading goals for 2025?
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