I read thirty books in the first quarter of 2025 which is a little less than usual due to a slow reading February. I had fifteen 5/4.5 star books which is great as it’s half my reading! I DNF’ed four books and read 11 books for my Booking It Through History: First Ladies project. I got to 14 of my Most Anticipated Books of January – March and enjoyed many of them.
The books that I’m still thinking about weeks or months after reading are the ones that made my favorites list. Check it out below, and let me know if you’ve read any!
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Historical Fiction
American Princess: A Novel of First Daughter Alice Roosevelt by Stephanie Marie Thornton
Alice is one of those fun people from history who broke barriers and left a legacy. I loved hearing some of her famous quotes and reading about her infamous actions in this excellent historical biographical fiction. She’s unforgettable. Read my review here.
The Lost Passenger by Frances Quinn
I love how this book was set amidst the ill-fated splendor of the Titanic as well as the squalid Lower East Side of early 20th century New York City. It was a dichotomy that really made the book come to life. Read my review here.
Midnight on the Scottish Shore by Sarah Sundin
Set in one of my favorite places (Scotland), I learned so many new aspects of WWII in this book. If you’re missing Outlander, check out this novel with a swoonworthy couple made up of a stubborn Scot and a mysterious female spy. Read my review here.
A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles
I finally read this for book club, and it was just as good as everyone says! It’s a slow novel but one that packs an emotional punch. I loved the Count and can’t wait to watch the show! Read my review here.
Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden
A modern classic, this book was perfect to read before our trip to Japan. As we walked the tiny streets of Kyoto’s Gion district, I could just imagine the geishas shuffling from tea house to tea house. The book is heartbreaking yet redemptive. Read my review here.
Historical Mysteries
Historical mysteries have become some of my favorite books. They have the historical details I love but the mysteries keep you turning the pages fast. All of these are hauntingly beautiful.
The Undoing of Violet Claybourne by Emily Critchley
I am still thinking about this ending! While not having any supernatural elements, this book proves that human nature is the scariest thing of all. Read my review here.
The River Knows Your Name by Kelly Mustian
This lyrical story set in the American South is riveting. I loved its historical details from the Great Depression-era! Read my review here.
The Story She Left Behind By Patti Callahan Henry
Dealing with a long-lost mother and highlighting an unknown British event (the Great London Smog of 1952), this book is the best at marrying history with a mystery. As usual, Henry writes a lovely book that leaves you wanting to walk into the world she’s created. Read my review here.
History Nonfiction
Edith Kermit Roosevelt: Portrait of a First Lady by Sylvia Jukes Morris
I fell in love with Edith Roosevelt through this book! Her life story is so fascinating and she takes up such a unique place in history as Theodore Roosevelt’s second wife, mother to a rambunctious crew, and the First Lady who brought the country into modern times. She’s now one of my favorite First Ladies! Read my review here.
Untold Power: The Fascinating Rise and Complex Legacy of First Lady Edith Wilson by Rebecca Boggs Roberts
I loved the author’s highly readable way of writing about this trailblazing First Lady. Edith was a formidable woman, and this biography pushes past the usual hubbub over her “stewardship” of the American government and gets to the real woman before and after this momentous time. Read my review here.
It’s hard to narrow down favorites, but these were the ones that really stuck with me over the past few months. What was one of your favorites read in the first three months of the year?
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