I love the end-of-the-year lists of favorite books. It’s always so fun to look back on what I’ve read and reminisce about the ones that rise to the top! I read some great books this year, but I read significantly less than in past years. I find that when I am in the thick of writing, it can be hard to read as many books. As I was writing and editing my novel this year, I had less reading time.
I still was able to fit in 104 books, which isn’t too bad but is 37 less than 2024 (which was, ironically, 37 less than in 2023!). My average rating was 4.5 (about 36% of my reading), and I had 11 five-star reads. I DNF’ed 16 books and gave 6 books only 3 stars (my lowest rating).
I was surprised that 81% of my reading was fiction. Thank goodness for my Booking It Through History: First Ladies project which is where I get a majority of my nonfiction reading! I am officially more of a Kindle reader with 65% of my books read digitally. I still love the idea of a physical book, but I reach for my Kindle more and more, especially while traveling. 48 of my books were review copies, all of which were on my Kindle. I hate how much of a grip my NetGalley score has on my reading life, but I do like supporting authors and their new releases. It’s so important, so I will continue to read review copies (but I tend to DNF those quicker than books I’ve purchased).
Historical fiction was my top genre (no surprise there!) followed by history nonfiction. I really reduced the amount of romance I read this year to only 12 books, and there were only a few standouts. I was surprised how many books were general fiction on my list – 17! That’s mostly from my book club who makes me read outside of my usual genres – which is a good thing!
Overall, it was a good reading year! Check out my favorites below and be sure not to miss my reading goals for 2026 at the end of the post!
All links are Amazon affiliate links. You can also purchase the books through my Bookshop.org shop (affiliate link).
Historical Fiction
Overall Favorite:
The Star of Camp Greene by Joy Callaway
This novel has my heart! Set in Charlotte during WWI, it tells the story of a Broadway star who gets stuck at Camp Greene with soldiers preparing to go overseas. It’s full of romance and music plus historical details that bring to life an unknown part of history. I grew up just 30 minutes from the Camp Greene site and had never even heard about it. I can’t wait to visit its historical marker – I’ve driven by it hundreds of times without even knowing about it! Joy is one of my all-time favorite authors, and there is another of her books listed below.
Read my glowing review here.
Favorite Debut:
The Lost Baker of Vienna by Sharon Kurtzman
Set in post-WWII Vienna, this book was emotional and complex as I learned more about the plight of Jewish displaced persons after the war. It was such an unknown part of history for me, and I love how th author used her own family history to craft this story. I can’t wait to walk in the book’s footsteps when I go to Vienna this summer!
Read my review here.
Favorite From a Travel Destination:
Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden
To prepare for my trip to Japan, I read this modern classic. Even though it was difficult to read at times, it taught me so much about Japanese culture, especially in Kyoto. Heart-breaking and poignant, it brought the Gion district and teahouses of Kyoto to life. It’s a must-read if you are going to Japan!
Read my review here.
Favorite Literary Historical Novel:
The Jackal’s Mistress by Chris Bohjalian
I love books about the Civil War, and this one about a young woman on a farm in the Shenandoah Valley who takes in a wounded Union soldier was excellent. From its beautiful writing to the heart-wrending choices of the time period, it’s one of the best Civil War books I’ve read.
Read my review here.
Favorite Novels about a Strong Woman from History:
American Princess by Stephanie Marie Thornton
During my month reading about Edith Roosevelt, I read this novel about her hard-to-control stepdaughter Alice. She was an institution in Washington from her father’s time in the White House until her death 80 years later. Read my review here.
The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post by Allison Pataki
Marjorie Post’s life is almost too unbelievable to be real! From her business acumen at her father’s company to her unlucky love stories, her life was fascinating to discover! And visiting her home in Washington, DC was a highlight of my year! Read my review here.
By Her Own Design by Piper Huguley
This novel about Ann Lowe, designer to the rich and famous, was fascinating as she went from Jim Crow Alabama to owning her own design shop in New York City, creating clothes like Jackie Kennedy’s wedding dress. It’s a powerful story! Read my review here.
Favorite Adventure:
Finding Flora by Elinor Florence
I picked up this book at one of my favorite indies (Fabled in Waco, Texas) based off its shelf talker recommending it for Little House on the Prairie fans. It was a perfect read full of adventure as a young woman tries to make it on her own on the Canadian frontier. The descriptions of her life and struggles were so real and at times heart-pounding that I couldn’t put the book down!
Read my review here.
Favorite Titanic Books:
These are all fresh takes on the tragedy we all think we know. I coulnd’t decide between them so had to include all!
The Lost Passenger by Frances Quinn
This story about a young mother faking her death on the Titanic and settling in early 20th century New York City was wonderful. I kept picturing Rose from the Titanic movie as she sees the tragedy as the perfect opportunity to escape a life she hates. Read my review here.
Ship of Dreams by Donna Jones Alward
You may think you know all there is to know about the Titanic, but this book teaches the reader so much about the aftereffects of the disaster. From the search for bodies to the survivors who made Halifax, Canada their new home, it was emotionally searing yet hopeful. Read my review here.
The Missing Pages by Alyson Richman (also has my favorite cover of 2025!)
This ghostly novel takes you from the doomed Titanic to the Harvard library named after one of its victims. As I lived in Cambridge for two years, I loved all of the Boston tidbits. Even though I’ve been in the Widener Library, I want to go back after reading this book! Read my review here.
Favorite War Book:
As the Storm Clouds Gather by M.B. Henry
I don’t read a lot of books with battlefield scenes, but this novel set in the trenches and skies of WWI was unforgettable. I loved Henry’s debut about D-Day, and her latest about the horrors of WWI will stay with me a long time. If you’ve ever wondered what it was truly like in the mucky trenches or the deadly no-man’s-land, read this book! And the sweet romance is a perfect bonus.
Read my review here.
Favorite WWII Books:
The French Kitchen by Kristy Cambron
Not only did I learn more about the French Resistance in this book, I discovered what life in Paris was like after the war where criminals hoped to get away with their wartime crimes. It was thrilling, and the Julia Child cameo was delightful! Read my review here.
The Women of Oak Ridge by Michelle Shocklee
I always knew about the nuclear facilities at Oak Ridge, Tennessee, but this book brought the huge wartime complex to life through the eyes of a mountain girl who went there for work. I would love to visit the site (now owned by NPS) to visualize Maebelle delivering packages on her bike. Read my review here.
Favorite Southern Historical Fiction:
The River Knows Your Name by Kelly Mustian
As lyrical as the Mississippi River, this dual-timeline novel uncovers a family’s secrets in the 1930s and 1970s. From the seedy underbelly of Natchez to the hardscrabble life in the mountains of North Carolina, I was entranced by the author’s atmospheric writing and the deepening mystery.
Read my review here.
Favorite Christian Historical Fiction:
Midnight on the Scottish Shore by Sarah Sundin
I love books set in Scotland, but I had never read anything set there during WWII. This was a fascinating book about covert spies and the ever-present threat of German sabotage. Plus the faith elements were so heart-warming.
Read my review here.
Books by My Favorite Authors:
A Map to Paradise by Susan Meissner
Susan Meissner is one of my most-read authors (I’ve read 8 of her 10 books!) so she never disappoints. This novel set during the 1950s Red Scare in Hollywood is also full of domestic noir. I couldn’t put it down! Read my review here.
The Last Assignment by Erika Robuck
Erika is one of my favorite all-time historical fiction authors, and her latest about war photographer Dickey Chapelle was captivating. What an amazing woman! Read my review here.
The Lost Story of Eva Fuentes by Chanel Cleeton
I have read all of Cleeton’s historical fiction novels and love her focus on Cuban history. Her latest also includes the love of books and how they can help tell your story. It’s lovely! Read my review here.
Favorite Historical Mysteries:
A Rather Peculiar Poisoning by Chrystal Schleyer
This book about twin brothers and the woman they both love is creepy and unsettling. It’s a mixture of Downton Abbey with Agatha Christie and so good! Read my review here.
The Undoing of Violet Claybourne by Emily Critchley
If you want to end a book in disbelief, read this historical mystery about the underbelly of English aristocracy. I still think about the ending!! Read my review here.
Favorite Historical Thriller:
The English Masterpiece by Katherine Reay
A fast-paced cat-and-mouse game in 1970s London art museums, this novel by one of my favorite authors was gripping! I loved the London setting and the historical details. I don’t know much about the art world, but I loved learning about art heists!
Read my review here.
Favorite Middle Grade/YA:
The Union Spymistress by Libby Carty McNamee
My dear friend’s third novel is a must-read for kids to learn about the Civil War. Based on the real Union sympathizer-turned-spy, Elizabeth Van Lew, this novel helps kids (and adults!) understand the complexities of the Civil War and how the Richmond underground helped turn the tide for the Union. Libby speaks to students all over the country about her book and the war, so contact her to schedule a time for your child’s school!
Read my review here.
First Lady Books
In my Booking It Through History: First Ladies project, I am reading at least one biography or memoir and one fiction (if available) about a First Lady each month. In 2025, I read books from Edith Roosevelt to Lady Bird Johnson.
Favorite First Lady Fiction:
Jacqueline in Paris by Ann Mah
I loved learning about Jackie’s time in Paris before she became Mrs. Kennedy.
Read my review here.
(Don’t miss my favorite fiction novels about Jackie read in past years – Jackie by Dawn tripp and And They Called It Camelot by Stephanie Marie Thornton)
Favorite First Lady Biographies:
Edith Kermit Roosevelt: Portrait of a First Lady by Sylvia Jukes Morris
I fell in love with Edith Roosevelt this year, and this biography does a great job at telling her fascinating story. She’s become 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
A highly readable biography of a formidable woman who some consider to be our first female president! Edith was a firecracker, and Roberts’ smooth writing captivates from the beginning. Read my review here.
Favorite First Lady Memoir:
Growing Up Roosevelt: A Granddaughter’s Memoir of Eleanor Roosevelt by Nina Roosevelt Gibson
I loved learning about Eleanor Roosevelt through her adoring granddaughter’s eyes. We all know Eleanor’s contributions to politics and world peace, but this memoir humanized her.
Read my review here.
Contemporary Fiction
Lived Up to the Hype:
The Correspondent by Virginia Evans
Such a poignant and emotional epistolary novel that deserves to be on every reader’s favorites of the year list! I got to meet Virginia at my friend, Cindy from the Thoughts from a Page podcast’s literary salon, and she was just delightful. Her story of writing for years before finally getting published was very inspiring. This is the perfect book to give to any reader.
Read my review here.
Favorite Reread/Book Club Pick/Time Travel:
Wrong Place Wrong Time by Gillian McAllister
One of my top books of all time, this time-traveling thriller has stayed with me over the years. I had my book club read it in 2025, and it was a great discussion. So emotional and a must-read for mothers. If you haven’t read it yet, pick it up!
Read my review here.
Favorite Romances:
Sing Me Home to Carolina by Joy Callaway
A country love song wrapped up in a book, I adored Joy’s first romance! I could just picture the setting in small town South Carolina and the down-home conversations that reminded me so much of my hometown. Plus the love story kept me guessing until the end! Read my review here.
It’s a Love Story by Annabel Monaghan
Monaghan is the queen of romance in my book. I love her books about flawed women, often in the middle of life, who find love where they least expect it. I especially enjoyed the family of the male main character in her latest – they made me want to know a family like them! Read my review here.
Reflections
That’s a lot of favorites, but when 44% of books read are 4.5/5 stars, it’s hard to narrow them down! These are the standouts of the year, but be sure to check out my Goodreads and Instagram reviews for even more recommendations!
If you follow me on Instagram, you saw my 2026 reading goals post last week.
It’s a daunting challenge (especially as I am busy pitching agents and writing a new book) but one that I hope will keep my reading intentional and centered on what I’d like to accomplish.
Do you have any reading goals for 2026? I’d love to hear about them!
2 thoughts on “Favorite Books of 2025”