Benable — create shareable lists of things you recommend!
E.g., products you love, local businesses, travel recs - you can add anything to a Benable list!
What I Loved & Hated: My 2025 Reads
48
items My goal for 2025 was to read 50 books. Here is what I have read, so far, organized by genre. Each one has a short review below. Come give me a follow over on Goodreads for my full thoughts on each book. Let me know your thoughts in the comments as we...
Map
Sections
5
Fiction
Nonfiction
Suspense/Thriller/Mystery
Romance
Children’s Literature
Fiction
The section is a bit of a mixed bag as it contains all the books that I would qualify as fiction in 2025. Click on each one to see my review. Let me know your thoughts in the comments.
Four stars ⭐️
This book had been on my TBR list for a while, and I really enjoyed it! The storyline had me going through throughout, and although they were a couple of more adult themes, this story felt engaging and interesting!
Little Fires Everywhere - by Celeste Ng
Three stars ⭐️
This might be a controversial review, but I did not enjoy sunrise on the reaping nearly as much as other books by Suzanne Collins. The backstory, though interesting to hear, did not add to the legendary for me and fell flat.
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping - by Suzanne Collins
Four stars ⭐️
Knowing the author of this book personally, added to my love for the story itself! If you are interested in dystopian stories and strong protagonist, I highly recommend Awake in Olaiya!
Awake In Olaiya (The Olaiya Series)
Two stars ⭐️
Maybe I was not the target audience intended for this story, but I really struggled with feeling like I could connect with or empathize with the main character and they’re coming to age story. Overall, this book is a part of a series so...
A Psalm for the Wild-Built: Monk & Robot
Five stars ⭐️
I did not give out five stars lightly, so, it is with great joy that I can share that the bar of life of Frederick Fife was one of my top books this year! The story is absolutely endearing, and the characters are captivating! I was lau...
The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife
Four stars ⭐️
My husband and I listened to an audio dramatized version of this book together and thoroughly enjoyed it! I had never read Around the World in 80 Days before and found it to be absolutely delightful and full of humor!
Around the World in Eighty Days: Complete Edition
Two stars ⭐️
Heavy. So heavy. This was a Little Free Library find so I went into it blind. But, I didn’t hate it. It just hit me at the wrong time.
I Was Here
Two stars ⭐️
Just not a huge fan. The story felt clunky to me and although I thought I’d enjoy the sci-fi aspect, the characters were not my favorite nor the conflict.
Murder by Memory - Olivia White
Four stars ⭐️
I loved this book, book one of the series, and it was fantastic! Intriguing story and enjoyable setting. The main protagonist is super engaging.
What the River Knows: A Novel
Three stars ⭐️
I really loved book one and wanted to love book 2. Unfortunately, I feel like it let me down just a hair. Overall, still an enjoyable read!
Where the Library Hides: Secrets of the Nile 2
Four stars ⭐️
This book was read to me growing up and was a delightful reread this year. It follows a young protagonist and her journey as she supports a woman of royalty and a very complex and nuanced situation.
Shadow Spinner
Five stars ⭐️
If you enjoy science fiction or Andy Weir’s The Martian, run get this book. It’s so fantastic and had me weeping at the end.
Project Hail Mary: A Novel - by Andy Weir
Nonfiction
This section contains the nonfiction books, autobiographies, biographies, and faith-based books I read in 2025. Click on each one to see my review.
Four stars ⭐️
I feel like I could easily reread this book in each new season of life. It helps you wrestle with an unpacked how we are never meant to carry the heaviness that this world brings.
All Who Are Weary: Finding True Rest
Five stars ⭐️
I very rarely give faith based books a high score, as I feel like there is so much personal experience and independent interpretation to add to a text. This is one of my top books, though around grief and loss and is a recommendation f...
Even If He Doesn't: What We Believe About God
Four stars ⭐️
This book was recommended to me by someone close, and I listened to it via audio. Although there was a lot that I really enjoyed and got out of the book, there were a couple of approaches to the topic that did not jive with my own fait...
The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry - by John Mark Comer (Hardcover)
Five Stars ⭐️
If you know someone with autism, I would highly recommend this book. It was gifted to me and is so interesting to read about the experience of one young person with autism.
The Reason I Jump: Voice of a 13-Year-Old Autistic Boy
Four stars ⭐️
Although it is hard to write a memoir, if you have watched the show, Sister wives, it is my belief that you will know much of what Christine shares in her book. There were a couple of pieces that were new to me, but a lot felt redundan...
Sister Wife: Memoir of Faith, Family, Freedom
Four stars ⭐️
Such a beautiful and incredibly hard story, or a group of stories more like, that led into the adaptation of a PBS series that can now be streamed on Netflix. Many of the stories in this book are directly adapted into season one of the...
Call the Midwife: A Memoir of Birth & Joy
Four stars ⭐️
If you are interested in Sherlock Holmes, I might recommend this raid. It is available on audio and provides insight into who Shakespeare was. It was incredibly fascinating and had a number of interesting special guests talk about thei...
The Real Sherlock
Three stars ⭐️
If you followed 19 Kids and Counting on TLC, this book adds some context to the broader picture of Jinger’s life. I definitely found it interesting but if you watch the show or have followed the family, you likely knew much of what sh...
People Pleaser - by Jinger Vuolo
Four stars ⭐️
If you enjoy Jane Austen and have ever been curious about those that are obsessed with her and her works, this book is for you! It follows individuals that have invested in gatherings or are immersed in her larger collection.
Among the Janeites: Journey Through Jane Austen Fandom
Suspense/Thriller/Mystery
I am a huge fan of suspense, mystery, and thrillers! However, in 2025 I only read seven books in this area. If you enjoy this genre as well, check out each book for my review!
Five stars ⭐️
Beautiful Ugly was one of our book clubs selections for this year. I am a big fan of Alice Sweeney and really enjoyed her latest novel. As a heads up, it is definitely in the suspense/thriller genre if you have not read her books befor...
Beautiful Ugly: A Novel
Three stars ⭐️
I grew up reading Nancy Drew, and thoroughly enjoyed each book as a young person. So, this year, I decided to return to one of those beloved Classics and give it another read. Although the story was still enjoyable and brought back a ...
Nancy Drew: The Secret of the Old Clock (Book 1)
Five stars ⭐️
This book definitely ranks in my top five for 2025. I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline and found that I was engaged the whole way through! As a word for future readers, the book is on the link to your side and it definitely has the mor...
The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle
Four stars ⭐️
I had not read much Agatha Christie before this, and found myself really enjoying her style of writing and the depth of characters and intricacies of the story.
The Mysterious Affair at Styles: Hercule Poirot
Four stars ⭐️
A local bookstore recommended this one to me and wow! It is super intense! Do not read unless you enjoy intense thrillers! I thoroughly enjoyed how the storylines overlapped and was on the edge of my seat! Reader, beware, it does invol...
The Overnight Guest: A Novel
Four stars ⭐️
I’m a huge fan of Lucy Foley, who is much like Alice Feeney. The Hunting Party was a really enjoyable read and had twist and terms that kept me going! If you like this kind of story, I highly recommend!
Hunting Party Deluxe Collector’s Edition - Target Exclusive Edition - by Lucy Foley (Hardcover)
Three stars ⭐️
I would label this a light thriller. If you enjoy a little suspense and entry, this book is for you. Some of the characters still a little bit, but otherwise it is a really fun story!
The Reappearance of Rachel Price
Romance
If you are looking for a little sizzle or spice, these are the romance books I read in 2025. Check out each one to review my review and rating.
Two stars ⭐️
This was my first encounter with Emily Henry and was not a fan of this book. The story felt predictable (think Hallmark movie) and it was not easy to connect with these characters.
Great Big Beautiful Life: Reese's Book Club - Large Print by Emily Henry (Paperback)
Three stars ⭐️
I wanted to like this one more than I actually did! It was recommended to me by a friend and I just found it too predictable.
The Wedding People
Jane Austen‘s Emma is such a classic! I enjoy re-reading it this year in alignment with Austin‘s birthday! If you’ve never read it before, Emma is such a funny and delightful and witty protagonist to follow!
Emma (Wordsworth Classics)
2 stars ⭐️
This was one of our book club, spring reads, and truthfully, I was not a fan. There was some romance that did not feel fully fleshed out to me, and I also struggled with the storyline feeling a little bit immature. Definitely a light and ...
A Winter in New York: A Novel
Three stars ⭐️
This might be a bit against the grain of the broader community, but I did not enjoy Onyx Storm as much as I was expecting to. The world building Yarros offers is really complex, and I felt bogged down the story. In addition, only proc...
Onyx Storm - by Rebecca Yarros (Hardcover)
Children’s Literature
I have two small children, and so this section contains all of the books that I read aloud to them or books that allowed me to continue to enjoy children’s literature independently. Click on each book to view my full review.
Four Stars ⭐️
This was my book club’s December pick! This book is quite endearing within the context of Tolkien’s life and that of his children. The audiobook is fantastic and the book has delightful images of the letters and illustrations.
Letters From Father Christmas
Three stars ⭐️
This book falls in a series. If you are a fan of Adventures in Odyssey, you might love this book! It is an easy and enjoyable read.
Bishop's Block (The Blackgaard Chronicles)
Four stars ⭐️
A cute and cozy animal murder mystery. Our book in read this one in October. There is an audio and physical book as well.
Shady Hollow - Juneau Black (Paperback)
Three stars ⭐️
I read the first three books in this series to my six-year-old this year. He has absolutely loved the entire series, so far! Each book has two stories and he is already asking for us to read more at bedtime.
My Big Fat Zombie Goldfish Boxed Set - by Mo O'Hara
Four Stars ⭐️
My kiddos are huge fans of the Wild Robot and we enjoyed reading through the entire series this year. Book one, definitely sits as our favorite, but books two and three were also fantastic.
The Wild Robot Protects - by Peter Brown (Paperback)
Four stars ⭐️
My son loved this series. The books are just fantastic and the stories so gripping and sweet.
The Wild Robot Escapes - by Peter Brown (Paperback)
Three stars ⭐️
My son really enjoys the magic, treehouse books, and this one was a read aloud that we did at bedtime. As a parent, I would say that the writing is not incredibly high-quality, however, the stories are enjoyable for small children, li...
Dinosaurs Before Dark (Magic Tree House, No. 1)
Three stars ⭐️
I read this growing up and returned to it in hopes that it might be as delightful as I remembered. Unfortunately, it did not hold up for me. The characters are a little lackluster and the dialogue feels rather simple. The ideas around...
Flight of the Eagles (Seven Sleepers Series #1)
Three stars ⭐️
I worked my way through this series this year and enjoyed it. If you like Adventures in Odyssey, these books flush out the story and add some nostalgia. The writing is definitely intended for children, but enjoyable as an adult.
Knight’s Scheme (The Blackgaard Chronicles)
Three stars ⭐️
Another book in the series. Once more, if you are a fan of Focus on the Family or Adventures in Odyssey, this series is intended for you. There’s a lot of nostalgia and it feels much like listening to the audio drama does.
Cross-Check (The Blackgaard Chronicles)
Three stars ⭐️
Such a fun step into the world of Adventures and Odyssey. The series feels like you’re stepping right into Whit’s End re-listening to the audio drama unfold.
Pawn's Play (The Blackgaard Chronicles)
Five stars ⭐️
We read The Wild Robot before we watched the film and I can say, it is definitely one of my favorite children’s stories. In fact, it seems to transcend age and provides heartwarming moments for people of all ages.
The Wild Robot - by Peter Brown
Three stars ⭐️
If you enjoy the Chronicles of Narnia, you might enjoy Wildwood. This book felt like it was sketched out in a similar vein, and although the world building felt a little bit mature for children, it is definitely intended for them.
Wildwood (Wildwood Chronicles)
Three stars ⭐️
Another book in the series. I really enjoyed the entire thing. Each book is relatively short and provides a quick pasted snapshot of that portion of the larger continuum.
Rook’s Ruse (The Blackgaard Chronicles)
Three stars ⭐️
This is book one in the series they got me started on reading the entire collection this year. If you grew up listening to Adventures in Odyssey, you will enjoy, stepping back into the Blackgaard Chronicles via book.
Opening Moves (The Blackgaard Chronicles)