The 60 Books I Read in 2025: Accolades, Reading Tips, and More

I’ve always loved reading. As a young girl, I carried around books, looked forward to Barnes & Noble runs, and found comfort in losing myself in a story, even if only for a brief moment. And then, like many adults, my reading habits slowed and eventually almost entirely dissipated. As I adjusted to life as an adult with endless responsibilities, the once-loved free time I spent reading I designated to other things: exercise, relationships, binge-watching television, naps, and more.

When I left the corporate world to work independently in 2024, I hoped to read more than I had in the many years prior, during which I rarely picked up a book. That year, I set a loose goal to read 12 books (just one per month!), and ended the year at 27.

“I’m picking up this whole reading thing again!” I thought to myself.

So, in 2025, in pursuit of continuing to build upon the habit I started, I set out to read 30 books, slightly more than the year before. And when I hit 30 books, I refused to change my goal count, hoping the habit would stick, no matter where the finish line sat.

And the habit stuck. I read 60 books in 2025 (though, for accuracy's sake, I’d round down slightly to 55 or so to account for the many novellas I read throughout the year). In 2025, I gravitated towards contemporary romance and romantic comedies, whimsical fiction, literary fiction with emotional depth, heavy memoirs, and a handful of other nonfiction and paranormal fantasy books.

Here’s a look at what I read, which of these books I recommend, and the tactics that helped me redevelop and strengthen my reading habit.

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First, here’s the complete list of books I read in 2025, listed in the order I read them. I’ve bolded the books I read for the book club I joined in 2025 (more on that later!):

1. The Wedding People by Alison Espach
2. The Perfect Home by Daniel Kenitz
3. There's Something About Mira by Sonali Dev
4. Before the Coffee Gets Cold (Before the Coffee Gets Cold, #1) by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
5. The Fall Risk (Valentine's Day #2) by Abby Jimenez
6. Table for Five by Izzy Bromley
7. Happy Place by Emily Henry
8. How to Winter: Harness Your Mindset to Thrive on Cold, Dark, or Difficult Days by Kari Leibowitz
9. First-Time Caller (Heartstrings, #1) by B.K. Borison
10. If Tomorrow Never Comes by Allison Ashley
11. Funny Story by Emily Henry
12. When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi
13. The Measure by Nikki Erlick
14. Book Lovers by Emily Henry
15. Say You'll Remember Me (Say You'll Remember Me, #1) by Abby Jimenez
16. The Well-Lived Life: A 102-Year-Old Doctor's Six Secrets to Health and Happiness at Every Age by Gladys McGarey
17. Beach Read by Emily Henry
18. The One That Got Away by Mike Gayle
19. The Bright Hour: A Memoir of Living and Dying by Nina Riggs
20. At the Coffee Shop of Curiosities by Heather Webber
21. People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry
22. Quicksilver (Fae & Alchemy, #1) by Callie Hart
23. Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry
24. Phantasma (Wicked Games, #1) by Kaylie Smith
25. Enchantra (Wicked Games, #2) by Kaylie Smith
26. If Cats Disappeared from the World by Genki Kawamura
27. Problematic Summer Romance (Not in Love, #2) by Ali Hazelwood
28. Fun for the Whole Family by Jennifer E. Smith
29. Written by a Woman (Sun Steer Tech Book 1) by Andrea Andersen
30. This Time Tomorrow by Emma Straub
31. Every Summer After by Carley Fortune
32. One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune
33. The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren
34. Perfect Is Boring (And It Tastes Like Kale): Finding Belonging and Purpose Without Changing Who You Are by Jess Johnston
35. Meet Me at the Lake by Carley Fortune
36. Today Was Fun: A Book About Work (Seriously) by Bree Groff
37. The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston
38. This Summer Will Be Different by Carley Fortune
39. Our Infinite Fates by Laura Steven
40. The Pumpkin Spice Café (Dream Harbor, #1) by Laurie Gilmore
41. Artificial Wisdom: A Novel by Thomas R. Weaver
42. I'll Follow You by Charlene Wang
43. Play Nice by Rachel Harrison
44. Hot for Slayer by Ali Hazelwood
45. A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna
46. Eat, Pray, Hex (Crescent Moon Mysteries, #1) by Tara Lush
47. I Want Your Hex (Crescent Moon Mysteries Book 2) by Tara Lush
48. Every Hex You Take (Crescent Moon Mysteries Book 3) by Tara Lush
49. Cattitude and Charms (Crescent Moon Mysteries #4) by Tara Lush
50. Violet Thistlewaite Is Not a Villain Anymore by Emily Krempholtz
51. The Phone Booth at the Edge of the World by Laura Imai Messina
52. The Book of Lost Hours by Hayley Gelfuso
53. One Snowy Day by Shari Low
54. Snow Place Like Home (Home Sweet Holidays) by Laura Pavlov
55. Merry and Bright (Home Sweet Holidays) by Ali Rosen
56. You Better Not Pout (Home Sweet Holidays) by Mia Sosa
57. All Wrapped Up in You (Home Sweet Holidays) by Rosie Danan
58. Christmas on Fifth Avenue (Christmas Escapes, #1) by Julie Caplin
59. The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year by Ally Carter
60. Good Spirits (Ghosted, #1) by B.K. Borison

If any of these books spark your interest, consider supporting local bookstores and grabbing a copy from my 2025 Reads list on Bookshop.org:

Note: Amazon-exclusive books are not available on Bookshop.org. Amazon exclusives are linked directly in the list above.

All book links (Bookshop.org and Amazon) are affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission if you purchase through them.

One of the most challenging aspects of increasing the number of books I read last year is narrowing down my favorites. So, I’ve come up with a few bookish awards across various genres and categories to hand out instead.

Below are the awards I’ll walk through:

• My #1 Book of the Year: The one book I haven’t stopped thinking about and praise highly as a standout against 59 other books.
• Most Thought-Provoking Read: The book that made me think and feel differently.
• Favorite Book Club Pick of the Year: The one I’m most glad my book club chose this year.
• Favorite Romance of the Year: Since I’m a romance-heavy reader, the one romance I couldn’t get enough of.
• Favorite Seasonal Read of the Year: 2025 was the first year I felt I read seasonally (lots of summer and holiday books), so this award goes to my favorite seasonal read of the year.
• Author I’ll Read Anything From Now On: One author (and book) that pulled me in and turned me into an overnight fangirl.

Drum roll, please!

Admittedly, I chose the book for this award last because selecting one favorite feels nearly impossible. But there was one book that I returned to that I didn’t expect to enjoy anywhere near as much as I did, and couldn’t stop talking about as I read it.

And the winner is: Artificial Wisdom: A Novel by Thomas R. Weaver

Why it won: Out of the 60 books I read in 2025, Artificial Wisdom: A Novel is one I haven’t stopped thinking about. I read this techno-thriller after it received high praise from my favorite bookish sisters and influencers, Kristen and Maddie (@krisandmads). Now, if I’m being honest, my interest in reading about artificial intelligence “for fun” is in the negatives, so I wasn’t sure how this book would sit with me.

Between its eerie relevance and Weaver's thoughtful exploration of the intersection of technology, humanity, and ethics, I could not put this book down. I appreciate the storytelling approach used to ask big questions about intelligence, consciousness, where our future could head, and where we experience friction among societal classes. Not to mention that the story itself is psychologically gripping, with plenty of unexpected twists and turns as a bonus.

Who should read it: If you enjoy speculative fiction that grapples with modern technology and moral complexity, this is for you. If the future simultaneously intrigues and frightens you, consider reading this book as one of many possibilities for what’s to come.

Honorable mention(s): The Measure by Nikki Erlick

This book is one I added to my “Want to Read” list on Goodreads after seeing it at Barnes & Noble. I had no idea what I was walking into, but I’m so glad this book crossed my path (I assume I was meant to stumble upon it).

And the winner is: When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi

Why it won: Few books have made me reflect so deeply and feel so grief-stricken as When Breath Becomes Air. Without giving too much away, Kalanithi’s words in this book so accurately reflect his experience and bring the reader along with him through his final breath. Paul Kalanithi’s writing is both intellectually rigorous and profoundly human, weaving together medicine, mortality, and meaning in a way that feels honest and, at many points, heartbreaking.

Who should read it: This is a powerful read for anyone drawn to memoirs that explore life, death, and purpose with clarity and grace. If you appreciate nonfiction that invites reflection long after you’ve finished reading, this one is unforgettable.

Additionally, it’s worth noting that if you experience heavy feelings around cancer and loss (or have lost loved ones this way), this may be a difficult read.

Read more of my thoughts about this book in this issue of my newsletter, Time Intentional: On living with the end in mind.

Honorable mention(s): The Phone Booth at the Edge of the World by Laura Imai Messina

Joining a local, in-person book club turned out to be one of my greatest joys in 2025. Thanks to my book club, I broadened my reading horizons and found a couple of books I loved (that I may not have read otherwise).

And the winner is: The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren

Why it won: I’m not new to the magic that is Christina Lauren, but I hadn’t read The Paradise Problem yet. Had I been able to hide from the world and sit on the couch for a full day, I have no doubt I would have read this book in one sitting. I loved everything from the characters to the location, and the constant emotional tension to the family dynamics.

Who should read it: Perfect for romance readers who love character-driven stories with emotional stakes, and for book clubs looking for a read that’s both engaging and discussion-worthy.

Honorable mention(s): Enchantra (Wicked Games, #2) by Kaylie Smith (But don’t forget to read Phantasma (Wicked Games, #1) first!)

A glance at my reading list will tell you I’m a die-hard romance reader. I love second-chance romances, enemies-to-lovers tropes, and quite literally, any romance with a happy ending.

And the winner is: Happy Place by Emily Henry

Why it won: Where do I start? Happy Place is the book that introduced me to Emily Henry and immediately turned me into an Emily Henry superfan. It’s a book I picked up while I had the flu after I couldn’t stand to turn on another movie or television show. Once I started reading it, I couldn’t think about anything else. This romance felt deeply emotional, grounded in real-life uncertainty, and full of moments that made my heart ache in the best way. The relationship at the center of this story is tender, complicated, and incredibly human, making it impossible not to root for the characters even when things get difficult.

Who should read it: If you love second-chance romances, please add this one to your list. If you enjoy romances that explore timing, growth, and what it means to choose each other again, this book is a standout. And if you haven’t read any of Emily Henry’s books yet, I’m biased, but I always suggest reading this one first.

Honorable mention(s): Say You'll Remember Me (Say You'll Remember Me, #1) by Abby Jimenez (I read this one in a day!)

I’ve realized I’ve never enjoyed seasonal reading because during the years I read a lot less, I read whatever I felt most interested in at the time. Now that I’m reading more consistently, I find I enjoy reading seasonally (and I’m reading many more books, which makes this possible). Rather than choosing one book per season, I decided to do one favorite seasonal read this year, but depending on how 2026 goes, I may break this category down further next year!

And the winner is: Good Spirits (Ghosted, #1) by B.K. Borison (Holiday/Christmas)

Why it won: My love for holiday and Christmas reads continues to grow, and finding a good Christmas romance is honestly hard to come by. Good Spirits was everything I wanted in a holiday romance: enjoyable characters, a whimsical (Ghosts of Christmas Past) storyline, and cozy, Christmassy feelings. The book is infused with the right amount of charm and offers a deeper storyline than I often find in holiday romances.

Who should read it: This is an excellent pick for readers who love cozy, holiday stories with heart. If you enjoy romance with strong vibes and a comforting setting, this book is a perfect fit.

Honorable mention(s): One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune would be my summer pick.

Some books bring their authors to life, and leave you wondering how exactly you can befriend that author IRL. This award was a no-brainer for me.

And the winner is: Bree Groff for Today Was Fun: A Book About Work (Seriously)

Why it won: After reading Today Was Fun, Bree Groff instantly earned a spot on my “auto-read” list. Her approach to work, culture, and fulfillment is honest and grounded. She doesn’t shy away from calling out the unnecessary complexities of modern work, hustle culture platitudes, or the fact that life is, in fact, incredibly short. Quite frankly, every modern-day worker should snag a copy of this one. I hope it changes workplace cultures and behaviors for the better.

Who should read it: If you’re interested in thoughtful, nuanced conversations about work and purpose, this is a must-read. If you’ve ever felt like there’s more to life than work or wondered how to make your working hours (a significant portion of your life!) more enjoyable, this is for you. If you’re tired of stuffy, corporate-polished workplace books, Bree Groff’s approach is unique and far more enjoyable. And if this book is any indication, Bree Groff is an author worth following closely.

Read my longer review of Today Was Fun: A Book About Work (Seriously) on The Everygirl: This Self-Help Book Taught Me How to Add More Joy to My Career (And My Life).

Honorable mention(s): Emily Henry and Kaylie Smith

Reading 60 books in 2025 didn’t happen by accident. A few small but meaningful shifts helped me rebuild a consistent reading hobby. Here’s what worked for me:

I swore I’d never join a book club because reading is something I enjoy doing alone and without pressure. But joining a local book club offered some structure, accountability, and, most importantly, community and new friends who love reading as much as I do. It also pushed me to try new genres (romantasy and fantasy) that I would never have ventured into on my own.

I didn’t (and likely won’t in 2026) attend every book club meeting due to scheduling conflicts and a lack of interest in certain books, so the pressure is truly minimal here. If you want to build your reading habit, reduce your screentime, engage with your local community, and invite new friendships into your life along the way, I can’t recommend a book club enough.

I used to feel embarrassed if it took me weeks (or even multiple months) to complete a book, which likely contributed to my lost reading habit. Instead of feeling pressured to sit down and read a large chunk of a book, I focused more on reading consistently, whether I had 10 minutes or 3 hours. There is no need to rush! Habits build on small actions, so every moment spent reading counts.

It can also be helpful to set aside a time during your day for reading. Reading has become a large part of my evening wind-down routine, as that’s the best time for me put away my electronics and eliminate distractions.

Matching books to my mood and the time of year made reading feel more immersive and enjoyable. I found it’s easier for my brain to lose itself in a story when it feels contextually relevant and reflective of what’s happening around me. Seasonal reading also gave me a lot to look forward to!

Where will 2026 lead? Only time will tell. One thing is for sure: After a year of reading widely, discussing books in community, and writing thoughtfully about what I loved (and why), I’m excited to continue creating bookish content.

In 2026 and beyond, I’m especially interested in:

• ARC reading and early reviews, particularly in romance, cozy fiction, and emotionally driven literary novels
• Creating thoughtful, long-form book features or reading guides
• Book club collaborations or discussion-based content
• Seasonal reading campaigns (summer reads, cozy fall, holiday romance)
• Book-adjacent brand partnerships that align with reading, creativity, and intentional living

I value honest, emotionally grounded reviews and content that helps readers discover books they’ll truly connect with.

If you’re a publisher, author, or brand interested in collaborating, I’d love to hear from you! And if you want to chat about any of the books on this list or have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out.

And don’t forget to follow me on LinkedIn! I share my monthly reads with short reviews and have encouraged a handful of others to do the same.

Happy reading!