Every December I like to look back at the books that shaped my year. Some come from beloved authors I follow closely, while others were received as recommendations from friends. Each left something behind: a fresh idea, a deeper faith, a spark of joy. Reading has a way of helping me cultivate growth and stay curious, and these titles became steady companions in 2025.
At first I thought I’d share all of my five-star reads from Goodreads this year. After more thought, I realized that would probably be too many. I read A LOT. Instead, I’ve drawn a few from different genres and given links to my blog posts featuring the ones that impacted me enough to do a thorough review. Maybe some of these will resonate with you as well!
| Jump to a specific genre: |
| historical fiction |
| sweet romantic comedy |
| historical romance |
| nonfiction and inspirational works |
Books that shaped my year: historical fiction
I’d like to start with my favorite genre. I love getting lost in a story that teaches me about life, love, portions of history, and places I’ve never been. I’ll share overviews for a few I strongly recommend but didn’t post reviews for, and then I’ll link to the ones I did review.
The Paris Daughter by Kristin Harmel
Elise and Juliette formed a bond in 1939 Paris, sharing the joys and hopes of impending motherhood. But as war consumed France, their lives were torn apart. Forced to flee the Nazis, Elise entrusted her beloved daughter to Juliette, whose own little girl was her daughter’s closest companion. Tragedy struck when a bomb devastated Juliette’s quiet bookshop. After the war, Elise returned, desperate to reclaim her child, only to discover Juliette and one of the little girls had survived. Read this incredible story of how events unfolded for these two women.
The Last Year of the War by Susan Meissner
A poignant historical fiction novel following Elise Sontag, a German American teen sent to an internment camp during World War II. She forms a deep friendship with Mariko, a Japanese American girl, as they face prejudice and the challenges of rebuilding their lives. The story is one of friendship, identity, and how war shapes personal narratives. I was fascinated to learn about the internment camps around the US during the war. An excellent book!
A Fever in the Heartland by Timothy Egan
The gripping tale of D.C. Stephenson, who served as Grand Dragon of the Indiana KKK in the 1920s. He cunningly spread his influence across the country until the deathbed testimony of Madge Oberholtzer finally brought him down. Riveting!
My historical fiction book reviews for 2025:
These are all incredibly good. I hope you read them!
- The Room on Rue Amélie and The Book of Lost Names by Kristin Harmel
- The Secret Life of Sunflowers by Marta Molnar
- The Berlin Apartment by Bryn Turnbull
- Cilka’s Journey and Three Sisters by Heather Morris
- The Diamond Eye by Kate Quinn
- Lady Clementine by Marie Benedict
- The Jane Austen Society by Natalie Jenner
Books that shaped my year: sweet romantic comedies
I use sweet and clean romance reads to break up all the tension, drama, and angst found in my historical fiction leanings. I just have to balance out the heavier reads with something fun and light. Plus, I read quickly, so these usually don’t take me long to finish. And I still learn quite a bit!
The Enemy Plot by Marion De Ré
A charming enemies-to-lovers romcom where a hopeful bookstore owner and her grumpy bar-owner neighbor clash over books, bond through his book-loving niece, and discover unexpected chemistry. Part of the One More Chapter series, it’s a warm story of second chances and slow-burn romance. Grumpy-sunshine is my favorite trope, and I especially loved this one!
Driving Maisie Crazy by Deborah Hathaway
In this sweet romcom from the Men of the Isles series, American foodie Maisie King heads to Northern Ireland for culinary inspiration and a carefree bus tour. Instead, she finds herself captivated by Finn O’Meara, the rule-breaking tour guide whose charm (and accent) threaten her carefully planned trip. A lighthearted road-trip romance filled with Irish scenery and plenty of flirtation. A lot of fun!
Recipe for Rivals by Kasey Stockton
In this warm small-town romance, newly single mom Nova Walker rebuilds her life in Arcadia Creek, Texas, only to be drawn into a playful rivalry with Dusty Hayes, the town’s charming firefighter. Sparks fly as banter turns to chemistry in this third stand-alone in the Arcadia Creek series, full of heart, humor, and Texas charm.
Cooper Bailey is a Cinnamon Roll by Jen Atkinson
Leah Bradford would rather focus on her bakery than face Cooper Bailey, the high school nemesis who’s suddenly back in town with a law degree and a plan to help her out of a legal mess. Old grudges and sharp banter give way to unexpected chemistry in this enemies-to-lovers romance full of small-town sweetness and second chances.
Terms of Un-Endearment by Brittany Larson
When Archie Forsythe and his ex–step-sister Piper Quinn are forced to share a beach house for two tense weeks, old grudges turn into playful pranks and undeniable sparks. This forced-proximity romcom delivers sharp banter, seaside charm, and an enemies-to-lovers romance perfect for fans of witty, slow-burn love stories. Hilarious! But still so much heart!
Rosie and the Beast Next Door by Kaylee Baldwin
Artist Rosie Forrester takes on a surly, scandal-plagued hockey star Dylan as a temporary roommate to save her studio. She hatches a scheme to win the attention of her longtime bookstore crush. But as Rosie and Dylan team up to fix their reputations, sparks fly in this opposites-attract romance with plenty of heart and humor.
Amelia and Her Prince Charming by Kaylee Baldwin
Widowed Amelia joins her late husband’s hockey team for a friend’s wedding in Alaska and unexpectedly reconnects with Hudson, her steadfast friend (also her husband’s brother) who’s secretly loved her for years. Stranded together after a matchmaking mishap, they face the pull between friendship and something deeper in this heartfelt friends-to-lovers romance. Beautiful!
Faking the Face Off by Anne Kemp
When Anna volunteers to be her longtime friend Ollie Decker’s fake girlfriend to help his public image, neither expects the pretend relationship to spark real feelings. As staged dates turn into undeniable chemistry, they discover that sometimes the riskiest moves lead to the most rewarding love in this heartfelt sports-romance friends-to-lovers story.
When Alec Met Evie by Jenny Proctor
Recently divorced Evie moves to a mountain town and ends up staying with Alec, her best friend’s older brother and childhood crush. As they navigate unexpected chemistry, co-parenting worries, and old feelings, a slow-burning romance develops in this sweet, heartfelt hockey-romance with humor and charm.
Truly Medley Deeply by Kate Watson
Singer Lucy Jane teams up with grumpy sound engineer Patrick “Patty” O’Shannan on her first tour, planning a purely professional relationship. But between saved moments, perfect lyrics, and undeniable chemistry, boundaries blur in this sweet, closed-door romcom full of banter, heart, and slow-burn romance.
Sew Matcha in Love by Kerry Evelyn
Introverted nanny Wynnie takes a job caring for hockey dad Zaki Marsch’s twins, expecting a strictly professional arrangement. But between bedtime stories, backyard rink lessons, and stolen moments, she discovers the charming, softer side of the once-obnoxious defenseman. A swoony, opposites-attract, forced-proximity sports romance with heart and sweetness.
If All Else Sails by Emma St. Clair
Grumpy-sunshine romance alert: school nurse Josie is stuck spending the summer with her brother’s best friend, hockey player Wyatt, in a cramped Virginia cottage. As forced proximity and quirky adventures reveal the man behind his grumpy exterior, their shared summer turns into a slow-burn romance full of humor, heart, and unexpected sparks.
Perfectly Grumpy by Grace Worthington
A PR queen and a grumpy hockey player agree to a fake summer romance to navigate family events and social media stunts. But as they share a cabin, a sofa bed, and plenty of unexpected laughs, pretend flirting turns into real feelings in this sweet, grumpy-sunshine, slow-burn hockey romcom.
I only reviewed one sweet romantic comedy on my blog this year, and that was Hail Marry by Martha Keyes. Delightful!
I don’t have a particular method for determining which books to review, and for some reason I just didn’t highlight many sweet romantic comedies this year. However, I did feature some authors in this genre: Jenny Proctor, Emma St. Clair, and Annah Conwell.
Books that shaped my year: historical romance
Why not blend my love of historical fiction with my heart for romance and enjoy a few historical romance books? These are typically filled with a lot of emotion as well as rich historical detail. Win-win!
Faro’s Daughter by Georgette Heyer
Set in the Regency era, this classic Georgette Heyer romance follows spirited Deborah Grantham and the cynical Sir Richard Wyndham. Their witty sparring and misunderstandings evolve into a charming slow-burn romance, full of humor, colorful characters, and the social intricacies of love in high society.
A Tartan Love by Nichole Van
In this historical romance, Lady Isla Kinsey and Captain Tavish Balfour (secretly married as teens) must navigate lingering family feuds, past regrets, and lingering attraction. Amid Highland intrigue, witty tension, and second-chance love, they face the challenge of reclaiming each other without undoing the lives around them.
A Match of Misfortune by Jess Heileman
Cecily Bradshaw and Nash Markham have been rivals since youth, but when misfortune forces Nash to rely on Cecily, their fiery banter gives way to unexpected chemistry. This witty, enemies-to-lovers Regency romance blends humor, tension, and the slow bloom of second-chance love. This is part of the Bacherlors of Blackstone’s series–a stand-out series in my opinion!
Forever Engaged by Ashtyn Newbold
Sophia Hale thought she’d left heartbreak behind until Isaac Ellington returns to London determined to win her back. With secrets, an overprotective stepfather, and years of unresolved feelings between them, they must navigate society’s expectations and their own hearts to decide if second chances are worth the risk in this sweeping Regency romance. This is another book in the Bachelors of Blackstone’s series.
The Rules of Courtship by Kasey Stockton
Ruth Wycliffe has begun to lose hope in love, so she makes a deal with her friend Oliver Rose: they’ll help each other find the perfect spouse at an upcoming house party. Oliver expects it to be simple, but as they spend more time together, their easy friendship gives way to stronger feelings. When a devastating secret emerges, Oliver must decide whether to step back or risk everything for a love that might defy the odds.
A Proper Facade by Esther Hatch
Mercy Rothschild has always planned to marry for love, but when the proper and dutiful Duke of Harrington sets his sights on her, she schemes to push him away. Yet the more she discovers the man behind the title, the harder it becomes to resist him. A witty, slow-burn Regency romance full of clever plotting, social intrigue, and a second-chance kind of love.
The Convenient Marriage by Georgette Heyer
Horatia Winwood sacrifices herself to protect her sister, offering to marry the Earl of Rule in her place. But the Earl is captivated by her all along, and through misadventures, rivalries, and a bit of heroism, he wins her heart. A charming Regency romance full of wit, courage, and a love that surprises even the heroine.
I didn’t share any historical romance book reviews on my blog this year, but I did feature two authors: Christina Dudley and Laura Frantz. Those features include highlights of many of their books that I especially love.
Books that shaped my year: nonfiction and inspirational works
I usually have several books going at once across multiple genres. I’m always working through at least a couple of devotional or inspirational books, often as part of a Bible study. I’ve also been increasingly drawn to some compelling nonfiction titles. Let’s explore!
How We Learn To Be Brave by Mariann Budde
Bishop Mariann Budde offers an inspiring guide to cultivating courage in everyday life. Drawing on scripture, history, pop culture, and her own experiences (including her public call for justice at Trump’s inauguration) she shows how bravery is a journey shaped by pivotal decisions. Thoughtful, practical, and uplifting, this book encourages readers to act with strength, integrity, and compassion in uncertain times. Excellent!
The Girls in the Wild Fig Tree by Nice Leng’ete
Nice Leng’ete grew up in a Maasai village in Kenya. After losing their parents, she and her sister Soila were raised by an uncle focused mainly on their future dowries. When the community prepared for “the cut,” the sisters hid, knowing how harmful the ritual was. Believing only one of them could escape, Soila chose to submit so Nice could escape.
Their lives split from there. Soila married young and left school, while Nice continued her education and became the first in her family to attend college. With support from Amref, she showed her community what an uncut and educated woman could achieve. Her example helped end FGM in her village, and she now works to bring that change to other communities.
The Women of the Bible Speak by Shannon Bream
Shannon Bream highlights sixteen remarkable women from Scripture, showing how they played central roles in God’s story. From Esther’s bravery to Mary Magdalene’s witness of the resurrection, each story offers lessons in faith, courage, and hope. By pairing these women and exploring their journeys, Bream provides timeless insights for navigating our own faith lives today. I found this book shortly after developing my own “women in the Bible” study, and I loved her approach!
Having Nothing, Possessing Everything by Michael Mather
Pastor Mike Mather shares how his church in Indianapolis discovered that true abundance comes from the people in their community, not programs or resources. Through this inspiring story, readers see how valuing strength, talent, and love in others can transform lives and spark hope, justice, and meaningful connection.
My inspirational and nonfiction book reviews and recommendations for 2025:
- How to Know a Person by David Brooks
- The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown
- The Ministry of Ordinary Places by Shannan Martin
- 4 best devotional books: grounded and growing
A lot of wisdom is packed in these books!
What books shaped your year?
These books linger with me as the year winds down. I’d love to hear what shaped your reading life in 2025. Share a favorite in the comments or send me a note so we can keep each other’s TBR lists growing.
I had a hard time narrowing down which ones to share, so if you’re interested in more recommendations in a specific genre then let me know. 🙂
Other posts you may like:
- gratitude practices
- the Lord’s Prayer throughout scripture
- cultivate presence: start on the porch
- Advent study: light in the margins
- holiday traditions from around the world
- homemade holiday gift ideas: simple treats and crafts to share this season
- book review: Other Words for Home by Jasmine Warga
- planning a group study
- lovely hummingbird themed gift ideas
- Caitlin Clark: a gamechanger on and off the court
- imaginative contemplation
- 18 notable parks in the Midwest
- orange ricotta cake with olive oil and cardamom
- sightseeing in Seoul
- mindful living strategies: reflect, reset, and refresh
- prayer walk at church: a complete guide
- book review: Under the Cover of Mercy
Fondly,
Crysti
Thank you for sharing about the books that shaped your year. I’ll have to reflect on the books that shaped mine. I’ve read a few on your list, but not many, so here I go, adding to my list of books to read, thanks to your excellent recommendations!
Thanks so much, Lisa!
What a lovely idea to reflect on the books that shaped your year. Thank you for the list as I’m always searching for thoughtful, meaningful, and page-turners that stick with you long after the book is complete!
I’m so glad you like it, Debbie!