2025 Reading List & Book Reviews
In 2025, I documented my reading life through thoughtful book reviews, monthly reading stacks, and reflections shared across platforms. Over the course of the year, reading became less about volume and more about intention — choosing stories with depth, atmosphere, and lasting impact.
This page is a complete archive of every book I read and reviewed in 2025. From literary fiction and historical novels to contemporary character-driven stories, each title is preserved here as part of my long-term reading record.
Many of the original reviews were first published on Instagram, but this 2025 reading list gathers them into one organized, searchable archive — capturing the books that shaped my year.
The Complete 2025 Reading List
I began documenting my reading practice in May 2025 after attending a Her Traveling Book Club retreat in Palm Springs. At the time, I didn’t realize how much I had missed reading — not just finishing books, but truly sitting with them. That weekend created space to slow down, to pay attention again, and to approach stories with more intention.
When I returned home, I committed to carrying that rhythm forward. What began as a retreat experience became a consistent practice: choosing books thoughtfully, finishing them with care, and publishing regular book reviews as part of my evolving 2025 reading list. The months that followed shaped not only what I read, but how I read.
June 2025
Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A layered contemporary family drama set in Malibu, blending fame, secrets, and sibling tension into an immersive summer beach read.
The Bookseller’s Secret by Michelle Gable ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A dual-timeline historical fiction novel centered around a Parisian bookshop, literary history, and long-buried wartime secrets.
The Library of Borrowed Hearts by Lucy Gilmore ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
An emotional contemporary fiction story about grief, second chances, and the quiet power of community and books.
The Guncle by Steven Rowley ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A heartfelt literary fiction novel about found family and grief, balancing sharp humor with deeply moving emotional growth.
July 2025
Wish You Were Her by J.E. Rowney ⭐⭐⭐⭐
A twisty psychological thriller set on a secluded island, building tension through unreliable perspectives and shifting truths.
Hot to Go by Kristen Bailey ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A bold, spicy romantic comedy packed with vacation chaos, sharp humor, and emotionally layered character development.
The Secret Orphanage by Barbara Josselsohn ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A gripping World War II historical fiction novel set in Nazi-occupied France, following brave women protecting hidden children.
The Sanctuary Keepers by Alexandra Barber ⭐⭐⭐
A cozy contemporary romance set on the Isle of Wight, focused on healing, second chances, and small-town restoration.
Jellybean by Eve Ainsworth ⭐⭐⭐⭐
A thoughtful children’s book exploring anxiety and emotional resilience through accessible, compassionate storytelling.
The Secret Book Society by Madeline Martin ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A rich Victorian historical fiction novel about women, forbidden reading circles, and female empowerment in London.
August 2025
The Dead Husband Cookbook by Danielle Valentine ⭐⭐⭐⭐
A dark psychological thriller with sharp twists, unreliable narration, and unsettling domestic suspense.
As a Last Resort by Kristin Wollett ⭐⭐⭐⭐
A contemporary romance centered on emotional healing, vulnerability, and rediscovering confidence after heartbreak.
A Dark September Night by Patricia Smiley ⭐⭐⭐⭐
A cozy mystery with end-of-summer atmosphere, blending small-town intrigue with steady suspense.
Remain by Nicholas Sparks & M. Night Shyamalan ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A romantic suspense novel layered with mystery, emotional tension, and unexpected supernatural undertones.
The Widow by John Grisham ⭐⭐⭐⭐
A legal thriller set in a small Southern town, weaving courtroom drama with moral ambiguity and layered secrets.
September 2025
Hexes & Hush Money by Hazel Caraway ⭐⭐⭐⭐
A cozy witch mystery filled with small-town charm, magical intrigue, and lighthearted fall energy.
The Paris Paradox by Shemin Nurmohamed ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A nonfiction exploration of French work-life balance, productivity, and intentional living through a cultural lens.
Is Your Daughter Ready? by Kari Kampakis ⭐⭐⭐⭐
A practical parenting book offering guidance on raising confident, resilient daughters in a complex modern world.
October 2025
Hemlock Lane by Marshall Fine ⭐⭐⭐
A moody literary mystery exploring grief, family history, and the emotional weight of unresolved past events.
Fall at Once by Nora Everly ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A fall romance novel blending small-town charm with emotional vulnerability and layered relationship growth.
The Italian Secret by Tara Moss ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A historical fiction novel set in Italy, combining wartime suspense, resistance efforts, and richly atmospheric storytelling.
Big Nick Energy by Kristen Bailey ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A festive romantic comedy packed with sharp humor, holiday chaos, and strong romantic chemistry.
Unwrapping Christmas by Kimberly Carlson Aesara ⭐⭐⭐⭐
A heartwarming Christmas romance centered on small-town traditions, emotional healing, and second chances.
The French Kitchen by Kristy Cambron ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A dual-timeline historical fiction novel set in Paris, weaving culinary history, World War II resistance, and female resilience.
November 2025
A Ferry Merry Christmas by Debbie Macomber ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A cozy Christmas romance set in a small coastal town, blending holiday warmth with heartfelt second chances.
Christmas Wishes & Irish Kisses by Debbie Johnson ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A festive romance novel set in Ireland, filled with family ties, seasonal magic, and emotional redemption.
A Weekend on Allyson Island by Susannah B. Lewis ⭐⭐⭐⭐
A contemporary women’s fiction story about friendship, midlife reflection, and rediscovering purpose in a coastal retreat setting.
The Cotswolds Christmas Café by Lizzie Lee ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A charming holiday romance set in the English countryside, full of cozy café scenes and festive charm.
The Christmas Ring by Karen Kingsbury ⭐⭐⭐⭐
A faith-forward Christmas romance exploring love, forgiveness, and meaningful holiday traditions.
Christmas at Pine Ridge Inn by Savannah Carlisle ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A heartwarming small-town Christmas romance centered on family, reconciliation, and winter nostalgia.
December 2025
The Holiday Post by L.B. Dunbar ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A coastal Christmas romance set in Maine, blending snowy atmosphere with strong emotional chemistry.
A Little Merry Christmas by Elizabeth Standish ⭐⭐⭐⭐
A gentle holiday romance focused on small-town charm, personal growth, and festive warmth.
Nice Guys Don’t Kiss Like That at Christmas by Elodie Now ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A spicy Christmas rom-com filled with second chances, forced proximity, and sharp romantic tension.
The Dog Sitter Detective’s Christmas Tail by Antony Johnston ⭐⭐⭐
A cozy holiday mystery featuring amateur sleuthing, winter intrigue, and playful seasonal tone.