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The Full Story of My 2025 Bookshelf
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items Here’s a running list of every single book I’ve read in 2025: no gatekeeping, no filters. Some were 5-star loves, others… well, they still count! Whether you’re looking for your next favorite read, building your own TBR, or just curious what someone ...
Sections
10
January
February
March
April
May
June
January
Not really sure what was in the water in January, but I managed to read 11 books!
Such a cute cozy mystery series. It's set in Nashville and the sweet cat Sawdust always ends up finding the victims!
Murder with a View by Diane Kelly
Listened to this one and it was technically a re-read in anticipation for Onyx Storm. I'm so glad I reread it!
Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros
Listened to this book. Wasn't my favorite Freida McFadden but it was a pretty good one to listen to while I was quilting.
Ward D by Freida McFadden
This one was eerie. Partly a love story and partly a thriller with a toss of magical realism. It's heart breakingly beautiful! Read this as an arc from NetGalley.
A Sea of Unspoken Things by Adrienne Young
This book kicked off my love for Ashley Poston's writing! Listened to it (there were a few spicy scenes but they're kinda sweet).
A Novel Love Story by Ashley Poston
I read this book years ago but never finished the series. Did a reading vlog featuring it and it was so good!!! Couldn't put it down PLUS it was a quick read!
Caraval by Stephanie Garber
Whoopsies! This is book nine and I started on it! Now to make my way through the series as intended!
Murder on the Brighton Express by CJ Archer
This book deserves all of the hype! It's set at UNC (Chapel Hill) (just a stones throw away from me) and is about students in an early college program who are part of King Arthurs round table but modern day!
Legendborn by Tracy Deonn
Now I'm going in the correct order! Yay! Love this series! Set at the turn of the 20th century, Cleo moves in with her fancy family who owns a hotel in London!
Murder at the Mayfair Hotel by CJ Archer
Not sure how this book got on my radar, but I listened to it and can say that it's one of the few thriller books where I've cried at the ending!
The Five Year Lie by Sarina Bowen
The series is still going strong! I loved that this second book was under 300 pages so it made me feel accomplished!
Murder at the Piccadilly Playhouse by CJ Archer
Here's the video I did for my Janaury reading wrap-up and the blanket progress!
January Reading Wrap Up
February
February was super solid! I enjoyed the books I read (leaned a bit more towards romance) and just vibed!
Gosh this was a cute one! She's the mob boss and he's a middle school math teacher! It was such a cute way to start the Valentine's Day reading vibes!
A Love Most Fatal by Kath Richards
Yeah I took a while to read this one because I didn't want it to end! But the ending! Oh my gosh. My book bestie and I had an HOURS long convo about it.
Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros
Love this series! It's a great way to escape the world!
Murder in the Drawing Room by CJ Archer
This one brought the drama! Oh my goodness. It's one of my favorites in this series!
Murder at the Dressmaker's Salon by CJ Archer
Did not enjoy it even though I listened on audio. The guy was icky and the whole book just felt gross. It felt like a flop…
The Third Wife by Lisa Jewell
Poor Sawdust the kitty! This time they're renovating an old church to be a music spot with a little restaurant!
Batten Down the Belfry by Diane Kelly
This one…. oooooh! I had no idea where it was going but I was there for the vibes and the ride! It turned out to be a really lovely book with thriller vibes and a marriage (?) in crisis.
The Snowbirds by Christina Clancy
Love listening to Freida McFadden books on audio and this one was a hit! Not in my top 3 of her books though…
The Crash by Freida McFadden
My second Ashley Poston book! Read it while I was on vacation and loved it! Seriously, I can't stop talking about this book!
The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston
Here's my February reading wrap-up video if you want more thoughts on the books I read!
February Reading Wrap Up
March
As a certified Pixie Hollow girl growing up, when I saw that this book was coming out, I knew that I had to read it! It was so good and so sweet! Plus its technically a prequel and is pretty canon!
Wings of Starlight by Allison Saft
Dear friends, I finally listened and FINSIHED it! With some long car rides to and from the vet, this book kept me company.
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
This is a really good place to start if you are trying to understand the trinity of God! It's a short book but holds a lot of information. I really enjoyed it and recommend it to anyone who has questions about Christianity.
Delighting in the Trinity by Michael Reeves
Mmm… this one was not my favorite… The FMC had my name (spelled the same way!), but honestly the book felt too filled with fluff and about 30% of the pages could've been cut. Is good if you're craving a Crescent City vibe though.
City of Gods and Monsters by Kayla Edwards
She's an icon. She's a legend. She's the gateway to Christian romances! And it's for a reason! Loved this book!
Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers
This was my favorite book out of the whole Hunger Games series! Yeah, I said it. Loved this book so much!
Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins
I got the chance to interview this author! There's a touch of spice but was such a fun magical realism cozy mystery!
Enchanting Elixirs by Lori Thorn
This book was one of my most anticipated releases of the year and it didn't disappoint! Loved it because it's YA and was spooky and unsettling!
Out of Air by Rachel Reiss
Another audiobook and it was so enjoyable! Love the narrator and just the writing!
The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkein
This was a pretty solid thriller that not many people have heard of. It was eerie and had plot twists that kept me engaged.
Into the Fall by Tamara L. Miller
Here's my March reading wrap-up video!
March Reading Wrap Up | I Read 10 Books in March!
April
While not overly Christian, very strong undertones. It was a lovely spice-free romance book to read!
The Magic of Light by Jordan Abitz
This book was just how I remembered it! But my goodness, was it a violent YA fantasy! With a good mix of romance!
Daughter of the Pirate King by Tricia Levenseller
I had been wanting to read this book for a while now, but fair warning, it was really spicy!!!
The Nanny by Lana Ferguson
This book hurt my heart in the best way and made me cry (anger tears AND happy tears)!
Say You'll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez
Once again a great book that was just as I remembered it!
Daughter of the Siren Queen by Tricia Levenseller
I don't know… This was a clever book but the drama was so made up? And when I finished it, this book was up on Pango.
What the Cat Dragged In by Kate McMurray
Very interesting book and it reminded me of Addie LaRue!
Our Infinite Fates by Laura Steven
This one came out of nowhere! I got the book last year in Charleston and thought it would be really romance-y, but it's really a generational story! So good!
My Magnolia Summer by Victoria Benton Frank
Somehow, this was my favorite book of the three! Don't skip out on this one!
Vengeance of the Pirate Queen by Tricia Levenseller
Another audiobook listen and it was magical. Ready to finish this series!
The Two Towers by J.R.R. Tolkien
May
Have I not convinced you to read this series yet??? Go read it!
Murder at the Debutante Ball by CJ Archer
Such a lovely book! I really enjoyed everything about it
Leeta Simtar: A Life on Two Planets by Annie Fox
This book lived up to the hype. Any thriller that I NEED to finish within 24 hours is amazing!
The Missing Half by Ashley Flowers
One of my lovely subscribers on YouTube recommended this series to me and I love it!
The Body in the Bookstore by Ellie Alexander
Why did this book (a cute, fun romance) hit so hard!?! Like oh my gosh.
The Stand-In by Lily Chu
Very practical book with good advice. They're very realistic about what they present. I listened to the audiobook and folowed along making notes in the physical book. Highly recommend if you have or are looking to start a YouTube channel.
YouTube Secrets: The Ultimate Guide to Growing Your Following and Making Money as a Video Influencer
Is this my new favorite Freida McFadden book??? I think it is!
The Tenant by Freida McFadden
If you love romantasy books, you need to read this book! It lives up to all of the hype!
Shield of Sparrows by Devny Perry
If you like Netflix true crime docuseries, this is the book for you!
Murder in the Family by Cara Hunter
June
Finally! 10 books in June! I did it! For a moment there I was worried. I started exploring more Christian romances but romantasy books also had their moment!
This book! It's so cool when you find a not super popular romance book where you need to scream about how good it is!
A Requiem for Fallen Stars by Hazel S. Wilkes
The audiobook was fantastic! Such a cute summer romance! Loved it!
Summer in the City by Alex ASter
This is a Christian cowboy romance! Did it lean heavily on lust, yes, but they had a Bible study together!
Still Yours by Jordan Riley
The book that nearly broke the internet… it was fine… Didn't give me Divergent vibes too much and it relied a lot on spice.
Silver Elite by Dani Francis
Another Christian romance (this time set in Georgia) and it was really cute.
On The Line by Jordan Riley
This is nonfiction for fiction readers. I can't scream about how good this book is enough. I was crying!
Everything Is Tuberculosis by John Green
This book completely took me by surprise! It was so good and I can't wait for book 2! I also stumbled on it (on release day w/out knowing) and I think that made everything that much sweeter!
Metal Slinger by Rachel Schneider
Allison Speka always has lovely books and this wasn't any exception. It's an interconnected standalone. So sweet, so lovely. Adored this book!
Meant for Now by Allison Speka
This series! Thank you to one of my YouTube subscribers who got me onto this series! I love it so much!
A Murder at the Movies by Ellie Alexander
I'm in an industry bookclub for my job. This is what we read. Thank the heavens for audiobooks because idk if I would've been able to finish this book without doing an immersive read!
The Tipping Point by Malcom Gladwell
July
This is the current month lol! And let me tell you, I'm cramming!!!
This was my first true romantic suspense and I'm hooked! I need all of the recommendations!
All the Missing Pieces by Catherine Cowles
This is a special book. This is an intense book. This book definitely deserves all of the hype!
The Knight and the Moth by Rachel Gillig
This one was pretty spicy… At least for me… Loved the vibe though! It really got that part right!
Raiders of the Lost Heart by Jo Segura
This is probably one of my favorite Ashley Poston books! I loved it so much! Also… the third act is very mellow!
Sounds Like Love by AShley Poston
Did this book for a study with some fellow single women in my church. If you are wanting to prepare for a God honoring marriage (even if you're single or if you're about to get engaged or married), DO THIS STUDY!
Marry Wisely, Marry Well by Ernie Baker
I FINALLY read this book! It's been on my shelf for a full year! And… um… my thoughts are quite scattered. I enjoyed it, I'll keep reading the series. But it seems like a trainwreck that you can't look away from.
Magnolia Parks by Jessa Hastings
Even though it was short (under 300 pages), it really packed a punch! Loved the breadcrumb trail and the twist at the end!
The Housewarming by Kristin Offiler
Do an immersive read! The narrator is so good! Also I'm still trying to process this book!
King of Ashes by S.A. Cosby
This one took me by surprise! Like I thought I would like it but I didn't realize I would LOVE *reading* it so much! Such a great book!
The Favorites by Layne Fargo
This was so addicting to read! What a great book to end the month on!
Belladonna by Adalyn Grace
August
Got this one as a eARC and loved it! While it was long, it was so worth reading! Lovely fantasy book!
The Throne Seeker by Jamie June, Paperback
Was not expecting to love this book as much as I did! Wow! If you're wanting a fast-paced romantasy that is unpredictable, read this one!
Jeweler to the Blessed by Jillian Witt
I watched the movie before reading the book (in my defence, I didn't know it was a book) but honestly I prefer the book! There's so much more depth to the story and just the rawness… Only read this book if you're needing a good cry!
My Oxford Year by Julia Whelan
This was a really interesting read with lots of twists and turns. But the end? I was a b it annoyed with and it felt like a cop out.
The Lake of Lost Girls by Katherine Greene
Lovely book for anybody who is looking for that last taste of summer. I really enjoyed it and the vibes were great!
The Summer You Were Mine by Jill Francis
Love this cozy historical mystery series! The romance is heating up and the plot is thickening. The twists and turns in this book were so much fun to read about.
Murder at the Crown and Anchor by C.J. Archer
Getting into this book was hard. There's so much information thrown at you in the beginning, but if you can stick trhough the first 25% of the book, the reast is so worth it. I was blown away by the last bit where everything went crazy and had so muc...
Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord by Celeste Connally
This beautiful contemporary Christian romance made me cry so many times! But Francine Rivers has done it AGAIN and I can't wait to keep reading her catalog!
The Masterpiece by Francine Rivers
Going into this book, I didn't know what to expect. But it was well written and kept me on the edge of my seat. Were the Goodread reviews a bit dramatic? Yes, but it's still very much worth the read.
Atmosphere: A Love Story by taylor Jenkins Reid
Here is my August reading wrap up! All of the books are mentioned but you get to hear more of my thoughts on each and every one. Go check out my video book bestie!
What I Read in August 📚 | Reading Wrap Up + Book Recommendations
September
This is the second book in the Lady Petra mystery series! Loved it. Same pacing as the first (which I struggled with) but ultimately it WAS worth the read!
All's Fair in Love and Treachery by Celeste Connally
If you saw my TikTok video, then you know how shocked I was about the B&N cafe book of the month! This was such a cute book and sweet romance. They're teens so they're awkward and weird and it was lovely to read.
Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice by Katie Cicatelli
Oh my goodness this book had me giggling and screaming and blushing and gasping! Go read this book! Dare I say that it is Sarah Adam's best book yet?
Beg, Borrow, or Steal by Sarah Adams
This is the first book in the Blue Ridge Bay Billionaires series and it's a Christian romance series! Everything in the book (and all the books in the series) points back to God. Love it!
A Second Chance In Blue Ridge Bay by Cara Joy
The second book in the Blue Ridge Bay Billionaires series was almost (I said alomst) cuter than the first! Oh my gosh y'all need to read these books! Short, sweet, and beautiful!
Finding Love in Blue Ridge Bay by Cara Joy
This book was so amazing! There were a couple of spicy scenes but it was. great read! Please make sure you support indie authors!
Not Our First Rodeo by Madison Wright
The third book in the Blue Ridge Bay series! Can you tell that I was really vibing with Cara Joy's writing?
Cozy Kisses in Blue Ridge Bay by Cara Joy
(This is the exact edition that I have) THIS BOOK! I loved every minute of it. Very spicy and charged but it was a great read!
Till Summer Do Us Part by Meghan Quinn
This was a really interesting book… Glad I listened to it on audio because if I hadn't, I might've DNF'ed it…
Katabasis by RF Kuang
This is the book that I read in my reading vlog in September. And I think my thoughts are it are just meh! It was a good book, enjoyable overall, but I don't have any desire to have the copy taking up space on my shelf…
The Heartbreak Hotel by Ellen O'Clover
This was my Prime first reads for September and I'm so glad that I grabbed it. It's easy to read and follow, but enough of a thriller and mystery to keep you on your toes.
The Last Morning by Camden Baird
October
This book was hyped but was it appropriately? Not really sure. It was good! But I don't think it was worth all the hype. Twists and turns gallore.
You Belong Here by Megan Miranda