In my reflections on my 2025 reading, I put together a challenge to help me keep on track with the goals I have for my reading.
I am not trying to be perfect with the challenge and just see it as a way to ensure I am focused on what I want to read! Each month, I will do a recap on the blog.
Here’s how I did in June. To read reviews of all of these books, check out my Goodreads!
All links are Amazon affiliate links. You can also purchase the books through my Bookshop.org shop (affiliate link).
I have a trip to Colorado planned in August. This sweeping book tells the story of the centennial state from its earliest prehistoric history through modern day. At over 1100 pages, I am still working my way through it (and recommend skim reading the first 10%). I am determined to finish before our trip.
I loved this book about Abigail Adams’ time in Europe before she became first lady. While the friendship between her, Queen Charlotte, and Marie-Antoinette is fabricated, the history described is based on fact.
Based on a true (but highly embellished!) story about a young woman posing as a boy to fight in the Revolutionary War, this novel is a great way to learn about the day-to-day life of a Continental soldier. It also tells an unknown part of the American Revolution – the time after the victory at Yorktown but before the peace treaty – almost two years of uncertainty!
I bought this modern classic years ago, and wow, what an amazing book! It tells the heartbreaking story of a young enslaved girl who remains hopeful and resilient no matter what gets thrown at her. What an inspiring story!
While not exactly time travel, this book about an author who can visualize her ancestor’s memories is close. It’s my first Susanna Kearsley book, and I can’t wait to read more, especially in this series!
Abby Jimenez is one of my go-to romance authors. While this one isn’t my favorite, I will continue to read her books for her swoony heroes!
With the new Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum opening on July 4th in Medora, North Dakota, I thought this was the perfect time to read this book!
Written by a dear church friend, I loved her comforting words of hope and encouragement! It’s like having coffee with your wiser friend who gives great advice. If you have ever gone through anything hard (and who hasn’t!?), this book will be helpful.
I am reading The Bible Is For You slowly along with The Bible Recap (see below).
We’re halfway through the Bible and getting to the prophets, which I always find so interesting. I am reading the ESV version this time.
The category I didn’t get to this month was:
Do you have any reading goals for 2026? I’d love to hear about them!
“What a fantastic wrap-up—using themed challenges like ‘Read First Lady Book’ or an American Revolution novel looks like such a fun, structured way to dive deep into history!”