2025 was a great reading year for me. I read 136 books: 74 on my Kindle, 51 in print, and 11 in audio format. 26 of those books were 5 stars for me, and 45 of them were 4 stars! I see that as a big win.
Here is what you might want to know about my reading taste: I gravitate towards emotionally rich, character driven historical fiction, with a strong sense of place. I enjoy books with serious themes, but not bleakness. Throw in a few cozy mysteries and a romance or two, and I am a happy reader.
The books pictured above are my top 12 favorites for the year 2026. I have already reviewed them, but thought it might be helpful to briefly summarize the books here and link them to my original longer review. Just click on the bolded title to see my thoughts on Goodreads.
The Correspondent by Virginia Evans s a heartfelt epistolary novel about connection, regret, and the courage to be known. When Sybil Van Antwerp, a sharp-tongued but emotionally guarded woman in her seventies, begins answering letters she has long ignored, she opens doors to relationships she once kept firmly closed. Through decades of correspondence—with friends, lovers, rivals, and strangers—the novel reveals the cost of emotional distance and the unexpected grace of second chances. The writing is amazing, as Sybil’s character develops for the reader through her correspondence.
Someone at a Distance by Dorothy Whipple is an exquisite psychological study that fills the narrative with emotional depth and tension. Briefly, the story is an examination of a marriage and family after an evil force comes into their midst and destroys their idyllic existence. There is a slow build and great character development, and when things go sideways, the reader is deeply invested. I couldn’t put this one down.
The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion by Beth Brower became a total obsession for me. Set in 1883 London, our main character, 20-year-old Emma M. Lion, has at last returned to her rightful home in the neighborhood of St. Crispin’s, where her plans to restart her life are undermined by her odious Cousin Archibald, interfering Aunt Eugenia, and the various characters that make up her neighborhood. Don’t miss these charming books.
The Caretaker by Ron Rash is a book that will stay with you. Our main character, Blackburn, is a disabled caretaker at a cemetery in a small town. When his best friend Jacob enlists in the army, Blackburn is conscripted to care for Jacob’s wife, Naomi, as well. What follows is a look at what we seek to justify in the name of duty, family, honor, and love. Fantastic writing.
Foster by Claire Keegan is about a small girl who is sent to live with relatives in rural Ireland. It is not clear whether this arrangement is temporary or permanent. With her foster parents, she finds the love and affection and consistency she has craved all her life. This short book left me with my jaw dropped at the skill with which the author conveyed so much in so few words.
The Axeman’s Carnival by Catherine Chidgey. You might raise your eyebrows when I tell you this book is narrated by a magpie, but don’t let that stop you from trying it. By turns it is intense and gripping, to light-hearted and humorous. In spite of its occasional humor, this book really packs an emotional punch.
Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont by Elizabeth Taylor One rainy day, Mrs. Palfrey arrives at The Claremont, a residence hotel that will be her home for the rest of her days. Her fellow residents are eccentric, curious, and gossipy, living out their days trying to keep both boredom and the Grim Reaper at bay. The book examines the topics of aging, loneliness, loss, friendship, isolation, and dignity in a touching and engaging way.
Stoner by John Williams. It is hard for me to do this book justice in a few words. On the surface, it seems like a book about an ordinary man, a flawed man, a man who makes poor choices, a man whose life seems small. This is an exceptional work of literature that will break your heart.
Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall was an extremely popular book in 2025, with many people listing it as their favorite of the year. It certainly is in my top five. The story concerns Beth, who is happily married to Frank, as long as certain secrets stay buried. It is a love story, with a fast pace and twists you won’t see coming. So well done.
The Entire Sky by Joe Wilkins was a fabulous book. When I finished it, I was so overcome that my husband thought something was wrong with me. The plot concerns a troubled teen and the older rancher who becomes his found family. If you enjoy the work of author Kent Haruf (Plainsong, Our Souls at Night), you will love this.
What Kind of Paradise by Janelle Brown was a thought-provoking book about a girl brought up in isolation in the wilds of Montana by her technophobic father. It will get you thinking about family and the power we have to create our own destinies.
Frank and Red by Matt Coyne is about a grumpy old curmudgeon (Frank) and the needy six-year-old boy (Red) who moves in next door. This unlikely friendship will have you giggling one minute and wiping your tears the next. You will adore every page of this book.
I had a wonderful reading year, and if you choose some of these highly recommended books, you might have one as well! Let me know if you read any of these and if you agree with me! Do click on the bolded title to see my full reviews of each book on Goodreads.
21 Responses
I was fortunate to get a hardcover copy of The Correspondent for free on a giveaway shelf! I read it en route to Florida for my Christmas trip. I first read Stoner five decades ago. I went to the University of Missouri so the setting is very personal. I have had a copy on the shelf for a long time, along with a commentary written by Steve Almond. Of the others on your list, I’ve read Broken Country. It was good but didn’t stay with me the way others have. (I don’t know if you read the reviews on my blog….Among my favorites this year: the Awakening Land trilogy by Conrad Richter; The Road to Tender Hearts by Annie Hartnett; The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife by Annie Johnston; I See You’ve Called in Dead by John Kenney.)
Don’t you love it when a free book falls into your lap and it is such a good one? I am not familiar with Conrad Richter and will look into his work. Loved The Road to Tender Hearts and The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife!
I read The Trees, the first book in the Richter series, years ago with my son for his American lit class. It has stuck with me and I’m planning to reread it and the rest of the series this year. Thanks for the reminder.
Thank you so much for the book reviews. It is my favorite posts that you do. I have read seven of the books on your favorites list. I read a total of 39 books this year with my goal being 25! Most of the books I read came from your suggestions. “Buckeye” is ready for pickup at the library and I currently have the “Emma Lion” volume one to read.
Buckeye was very good. You will become immersed in the lives of the characters. It’s a good book to start the year off with. I can’t say enough positive things about the Emma M. Lion books. I read them all, then got the audio versions so I could experience them all over again!
I really enjoyed the first two Emma M. Lion books, I am waiting on the third one. I listen to all the books I “read” with Libby and Audible, that way I can sew and read at the same time. One of my favorites this year was Theo of Golden by Allen Levi.
I just bought Theo of Golden and it arrived the other day. It will be one of my first books to read this year. One of my reading goals is to listen to more audiobooks.
Thank you for a new list of must read books! I’ve bookmarked this post so I can refer to it through the year! Here’s to another year of great reading!
There are always good books to look forward to. Sometimes you never know when one will come up that stays with you.
Love your book recommendations. You will not be disappointed in Theo of Golden. I am listening to it now. I have one credit left on Audible before my trial membership expires. I will use this list to choose wisely.
A woman I follow on Instagram was trying to review Theo of Golden and she was so overcome with emotion she could barely speak! Now I am wondering what I have in store for myself….
I loved many of the books on your list too, Nicole. I would add a couple more I loved this year. If you haven’t read any Rosamunde Pilcher, I can recommend Winter Solstice. Also Life & Death & Giants, by Ron Rindo, and Heart the Lover, by Lily King. Plus one that is a bit more unusual: Italian Shoes, by Henning Mankell. It was a good reading year for me, too…I ended up with a total of 114, I think!
Congratulations on an outstanding reading year! I’m impressed with your numbers as well as some of your readers’! Thanks for putting together the reviews! Happy reading in 2026! 📚📚📚📚📚
Happy reading from one book lover to another!
I love your book recommendations. I got a new Kindle for Christmas and now I can download the ebooks that our library has, many on your lists! I also share your lists with several friends.
I love my Kindle so much. I wake up super early and always get in an hour or so before I actually get up out of bed. It is the best start to my day. I am so happy to hear that you like my recommendations and have shared them with your friends!
I look forward to your book reviews also. I read Broken country, The Correspondent, Axe man Carnival and starting Emma Lion next. Thank you !!
Weren’t those three books excellent? Such wonderful stories. You are going to love Emma M. Lion! I read them all on my Kindle and am now listening to the audio versions. The narrator is very good.
148 books for 2025, all audio format.
About 36 of those were book group assignments.
I just finished Emma M Lion series, lovely.
Nicole, thank you so much for the book recommendations. I recently finished The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion and The Caretaker and loved them both. What a great start for a new year. I’m also a quilter and I enjoy reading about your quilting journey and seeing all the wonderful quilts and table toppers. Looking forward to more suggestions for books and quilts. Angela
Hi Angela, I am so appreciative of your comment. I am also delighted that you enjoyed those books as much as I did. Thanks for reading the blog and I look forward to hearing from you again!
Nicole