I didn’t have as much time to read these three months as I was busy getting ready for the DC readers retreat! Plus I was finishing up my first draft of a new novel which makes it even harder to read! I still was able to fit in 20 books! 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
The Lost Baker of Vienna by Sharon Kurtzman
This moving novel about post-WWII Jewish refugees in Vienna will definitely be on my list of top books of 2025! It’s full of rich historical details and very emotional, especially when you realize it is based on the author’s own family history. Read my five star review here.
The French Kitchen by Kristy Cambron
I loved this novel set both in WWII-era and post-wartime France. I learned so much about the time after the war when trust was still a big issue. And the cameo of Julia Child was excellent! Read my review here.
Ship of Dreams by Donna Jones Alward
What a fantastic book about the Titanic! Just when you think you know all there is about the ill-fated ocean liner, a novel like this takes you deep into the quest for survival by the desperate guests. Read my review here.
The Last Assignment by Erika Robuck
I love all of Robuck’s books, and her latest about the amazing life of the first female photojournalist, Dickey Chapelle, is fast-paced and gripping. It’s an unbelievable tale of courage and will stick with you long after you close the book. I am so excited to meet Erika and hear all about her research at Cindy from Thoughts from a Page’s literary salon. Read my five star review here.
A Rather Peculiar Poisoning by Chrystal Schleyer
A creepy gothic tale set at an English manor, this novel will give you chills! Imagine “Downton Abbey” with both upstairs and downstairs residents hiding deathly secrets. Perfect for reading in October! Read my review here.
History Nonfiction
Growing Up Roosevelt: A Granddaughter’s Memoir of Eleanor Roosevelt by Nina Roosevelt
A friend sent me this delightful book that was one of my favorites to read about a first lady! I highly recommend it for those interested in learning more about Eleanor as it gives a more personal look at her as a grandmother. Read my review here.
Mrs. Ike by Susan Eisenhower
Another book about a first lady written by a granddaughter, this sweet biography tells the incredible story of Mamie Eisenhower. I loved the glimpses of the real Mamie as seen through her adoring granddaughter’s eyes. Read my review here.
Contemporary Fiction
The Correspondent By Virginia Evans
Such a lovely and redemptive novel about an elderly lady who loves to write letters. It always amazes me how authors craft a narrative using only letters and emails. A must-read! Plus I met the author at Cindy’s literary salon, and she was just delightful! Read my review here.
It was a great three months of reading, and I am excited to see which of these books make my top reads of 2025 list in January!
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