I read 40 books this past year, which still feels wild to say out loud. My original goal was 24, and then halfway through the year I bumped it up to 36—and still managed to pass it.
I’m convinced that my husband getting me a Kindle for Christmas last year was the game changer. He got me the kindle paperwhite with no ads on the lockscreen and with 3 months of kindle unlimited. Being able to flip between Kindle Unlimited and library books through the Libby app has made reading so much easier and more accessible. I can sneak in a few pages in bed, during quiet time, or while the kids are playing, without keeping giant hardcovers balanced on my lap. But I’m not going to lie, I’m still buying physical books, especially book series that I’m in love with.
Below I’m sharing the books that stood out to me in 2025, and then what’s on my to-read list for 2026.
You can find me on Goodreads, where I have tons of book lists, keep track of what I’m currently reading, and share full reviews and ratings. Add me as a friend and join in on the 2026 reading challenge with me!
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My Favorite Reads of 2025
(Not in any particular order.)
Crescent City series – Sarah J. Maas
Big fantasy, big world-building, big feelings. This series has complex characters, political intrigue, and so much emotional payoff. It definitely scratched that “get lost in another world” itch.
The Empyrean series – Rebecca Yarros
More likely known as Fourth Wing, everyone was talking about this one for a reason. Dragons, romance, high stakes, and a brutal training school setting—these books were completely addictive and kept me up way too late.
The Underground Railroad & The Nickel Boys – Colson Whitehead
I cannot say enough good things about these two. Both are powerful, heartbreaking historical fiction that left me in tears more than once. I’m so glad I gave his books another chance after struggling through Harlem Shuffle; these were absolutely worth it.
The Lost Apothecary – Sarah Penner
A dual-timeline historical fiction with a mysterious apothecary that secretly sells poisons to women who need to escape terrible men. It’s moody, atmospheric, and such a satisfying read.
Lessons in Chemistry – Bonnie Garmus
This one feels sharp, funny, and quietly furious all at once. A brilliant female chemist stuck in a 1960s world that underestimates her, a dog with a personality, and a TV cooking show that becomes something much bigger. It was clever and surprisingly moving.
Good Dirt – Charmaine Wilkerson
After loving Black Cake, I knew I wanted to pick up more from Charmaine Wilkerson. This one (like Black Cake) weaves family, food, and complicated relationships together in a way that feels rich and layered.
The Housemaid series – Freida McFadden
Such bingeable thrillers. Twisty, fast-paced, and full of wild reveals—these were the kind of books I flew through in just a couple of sittings. Perfect when you want something propulsive and not too heavy.
Kindred’s Curse series – Penn Cole
I went into this thinking it was a fully finished four-book series… only to realize the fourth book wasn’t out yet. Ugh. But that tells you how invested I was—there’s romance, magic, and enough tension that I definitely need that last book in my hands. I’m not sure when the fourth book will be out, but I’ll be reading it!
Remarkably Bright Creatures – Shelby Van Pelt
This one is quiet and emotional in the best way, with an elderly woman working the night shift at an aquarium and an extremely smart octopus who kind of steals the show. It’s tender, quirky, and really stuck with me.
The Hallmarked Man – Robert Galbraith
Book eight in the Cormoran Strike series, and I had been waiting for it. I love this detective duo so much, and this installment didn’t disappoint. It’s long and detailed (as usual), but I was already excited for the next one the moment I finished.
The Thursday Murder Club – Richard Osman
Retirees solving murders in a retirement village? Yes, please. This series is cozy, clever, and surprisingly heartfelt. I love how dependable it feels—you know you’ll get humor, mystery, and a found-family vibe.
Quicksilver – Callie Hart
I technically finished the second book in 2026, but I had to include the first here. It’s dark, twisty, and romantic, with strong character dynamics and a plot that pulls you right in. Definitely one of the standout reads of my year.
Everything I Read in 2025
Books on My To-Read List for 2026
I set my goal to read 36 books this year. I think I’ll be able to exceed that, but I also want to be realistic—life happens, reading slumps happen, and some seasons are just busier than others. Here are the categories and titles I’m excited to pick up in 2026.
More Fantasy Series
I read a lot of fantasy this past year and I clearly can’t stop, won’t stop. I’m especially looking for another amazing series that’s actually complete. My brain can only juggle so many ongoing storylines at once.
Six of Crows duology – Leigh Bardugo
A gritty, character-driven heist story set in the Grishaverse. I’ve heard the found family vibes, morally gray characters, and sharp banter are top-tier.
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue – V.E. Schwab
A standalone about a woman who makes a Faustian bargain for immortality and is then forgotten by everyone she meets. It sounds lyrical, bittersweet, and like the kind of book that lingers.
The Shepherd King series – Rachel Gillig
Dark fantasy with magic, curses, and a broody atmosphere—right up my alley. I’ve seen this recommended a lot for fans of vivid world-building and romantic tension.
More Memoirs
I only read one memoir this year (Crying in H Mart), and honestly it was a bit disappointing for me. Personally, it felt slow and dragged in places. I still really love memoirs and have a few on my list that I think will be more my style.
Finding Me – Viola Davis
Viola Davis’s life story, from her childhood to becoming an award-winning actress. I’ve heard it’s raw, powerful, and incredibly honest.
Spare – Prince Harry
Royal drama plus personal reflection. I’m curious to hear his story in his own words and get more context on everything we’ve seen from the outside.
Becoming – Michelle Obama
This has been on my list forever. People describe it as thoughtful, inspiring, and very down-to-earth—like sitting with a very wise friend.
Hillbilly Elegy – J.D. Vance
A memoir about growing up in a working-class Appalachian family and trying to make sense of home, identity, and opportunity. I’m interested in it from a social commentary angle.
What My Bones Know – Stephanie Foo
A memoir about complex PTSD and healing. I’ve heard it’s both informative and deeply personal, which is exactly the kind of balance I’m looking for in this category.
More Historical Fiction
I’m a huge lover of Kristin Hannah’s historical fiction, so I’m on the hunt for other authors who can give me that same immersive, emotional, “I can’t stop thinking about this” feeling.
The Song of Achilles – Madeline Miller
A retelling of the Iliad from Patroclus’s point of view, with a strong focus on his relationship with Achilles. I’ve heard it’s beautiful and devastating in the best way.
The Frozen River – Ariel Lawhon
Historical fiction with mystery elements, set in 18th-century Maine and based on a real midwife. It sounds atmospheric and like the perfect winter read.
The Briar Club – Kate Quinn
I’ve read that Kate Quinn’s other historical novels are comparative to Kristin Hannah’s style, so I’m excited for this one. It sounds like she does such a great job writing women-centered stories in wartime settings.
Demon Copperhead – Barbara Kingsolver
A modern retelling of David Copperfield set in Appalachia, following a boy growing up in poverty. I’ve heard it’s heavy but incredible.
Small Things Like These – Claire Keegan
A short, quiet novel set in 1980s Ireland that deals with moral choices and complicity. It’s slim, but readers say it packs a big emotional punch.
More Mystery
I definitely leaned into thrillers and mysteries this year and want to keep that going.
More by Freida McFadden
Since I loved The Housemaid series, I’d like to dive into more of her twisty, bingeable thrillers. They’re perfect for when I want a fast read that hooks me right away.
The Guest List – Lucy Foley
I read The Paris Apartment and really liked it, even though it didn’t pick up until about halfway through. I’m curious to see how The Guest List compares since it’s another “everyone’s stuck together and something bad happens” kind of mystery.
More of The Thursday Murder Club series – Richard Osman
I read the first two books and loved how dependable and charming the series feels. I’d like to keep going and see what other cases this group of retirees gets themselves into.
The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store – James McBride
This one blends mystery with rich character work and social commentary, all centered around a small community. I’ve heard it’s beautifully written and full of heart.
The Inheritance Games series – Jennifer Lynn Barnes
YA mystery with riddles, puzzles, and a billionaire’s will that turns a girl’s life upside down. It sounds like such a fun, fast-paced series to get lost in.
Books on Health, Healing, and Self
I’m not naturally a big non-fiction or self-help reader. I usually read these more for information than enjoyment, and I tend to pair them alongside a lighter or more “fun” novel. But there are a few topics I really want to understand better, so these are on my list.
Finish The Body Keeps the Score – Bessel van der Kolk
I started this one in audiobook form and put it down, but I’d like to go back and actually finish it. It’s dense, but such a foundational book about trauma and how it shows up in the body.
The Anxious Generation – Jonathan Haidt
This looks at kids, teens, technology, and mental health—something I’m very interested in as a parent. I’m curious to see his research and suggestions.
It Didn’t Start with You – Mark Wolynn
A book about inherited family trauma and how patterns can be passed down through generations. Heavy topic, but it feels really important.
The Highly Sensitive Person – Elaine N. Aron
This one explores the trait of high sensitivity and how it affects the way people experience the world. I’m hoping it gives me more language and understanding around this, both for myself and the people I love.
If you’re a reader, I’d love to connect. Add me on Goodreads so we can swap recommendations and cheer each other on in the 2026 reading challenge.
💬 What was your favorite book you read in 2025, and what’s one book you’re definitely planning to read in 2026?
