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Recently I shared with you my Top Favorite 10 Books of 2025! I know I’m not often reading the books that have the buzz around them the way other people do so I wanted to share with my readers some of the top books YOU have been reading and loving!
I took to my Facebook page and asked my readers what their favorite book of 2025 was, I also ask my Broadcast Channel.
I took some notebook paper and wrote all the ones out that was mentioned more than five times.
I came up with a list of 15 books. Now, there are more I’m sure I missed but I had to stop somewhere. I have also noticed on different social media platforms there are other books mentioned as well that hardly ever make my readers list (I find that so fascinating). For example, on Instagram everyone is raving about The Unselected Journals of Emma Lion and no one is talking about that on my Facebook page. It is a great series, you should check it out. It gets better as it goes.
I think age, platform use, and several other factors play a part! I love to see different data (I’m a nerd that way)
All that said, here is the most 15 books mentioned for 2025 favorites on my Facebook page!
BEST BOOKS OF 2025
If you like to have a list to print out to take to your library of the books mentioned in this post sign up below:
Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall
Fiction
This is on my TBR list.
Beth and her husband, Frank, have built a quiet, loving life together, one that depends on leaving the past exactly where it belongs. But when a single gunshot rings out after a dog threatens their sheep, everything begins to unravel. The dog belonged to Gabriel Wolfe—the man Beth loved deeply as a teenager, and the one who shattered her heart.
Now Gabriel is back in the village with his young son, Leo, a boy who awakens painful memories of Beth’s own child, lost years earlier in a tragic accident. As old feelings resurface and Beth is drawn back into Gabriel’s orbit, the village becomes a pressure cooker of buried secrets, long-held grudges, and dangerous jealousy.
With tensions mounting and consequences turning deadly, Beth must confront a devastating choice: remain the woman she has become—or face the pull of the woman she once was.
Both a sweeping love story and a gripping thriller, Broken Country moves between past and present to explore first love, impossible decisions, and how the echoes of the past can shape—and shatter—the future.
Theo of Golden by Allen Levi
Fiction
I am currently reading this now. At chapter 10, I can’t say I’m wowed but maybe I will be as it goes on. I have heard it’s a slower start.
One spring morning, a mysterious stranger appears in the small southern town of Golden. No one knows where he came from—or what he’s looking for.
His name is Theo, and he asks far more questions than he answers.
Drawn to a local coffeehouse, Theo discovers a collection of ninety-two pencil portraits lining the walls—sketches of Golden’s residents created by a local artist. One by one, Theo buys the portraits and returns them to the people they depict. Each simple act sparks a conversation, forges an unexpected connection, and quietly changes a life.
A tender story about both giving and receiving, Theo of Golden explores what it means to truly see one another. It’s a gentle, beautifully told novel about generosity, curiosity, and the small, unseen acts of kindness that connect us all.
Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Historical Fiction
Joan Goodwin has looked to the stars for as long as she can remember. Quiet and introspective, she’s content with her life teaching physics and astronomy at Rice University and spending time with her bright, curious niece, Frances—until she spots a call for the first group of women scientists to join NASA’s space shuttle program. Suddenly, the life she’s accepted no longer feels big enough.
Chosen from thousands of applicants in 1980, Joan begins training at Houston’s Johnson Space Center alongside a remarkable and unexpected group. There’s Hank Redmond, a skilled test pilot with nerves of steel, and John Griffin, a steady, good-natured scientist. Lydia Danes is fiercely driven and unapologetically demanding, while Donna Fitzgerald brings warmth even as she carries secrets of her own. And then there’s Vanessa Ford—brilliant, fearless, and endlessly intriguing—an aeronautical engineer who can fly anything and fix everything.
As the group pushes themselves toward their first missions, deep bonds form, and Joan discovers both a passion and a love she never anticipated. With her world expanding in ways she never imagined, she begins to rethink who she is and where she belongs in the vastness of the universe.
But in December 1984, during mission STS-LR9, everything changes in a single, devastating moment.
Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon
Historical Fiction
Maine, 1789. When the Kennebec River freezes solid, a man is discovered trapped beneath the ice. Martha Ballard is called in to examine the body and determine how he died. As a midwife and healer, Martha knows the secrets of Hallowell better than most. Her daily diary records every birth and death, every scandal and misstep in the tight-knit town.
Months earlier, Martha documented the details of a brutal assault involving two of the town’s most respected men—one of whom is now the man found frozen in the river. When a local doctor dismisses her findings and rules the death an accident, Martha refuses to let the truth be buried.
As winter drags on and the trial approaches, rumors spread and long-held prejudices rise to the surface. Martha continues her quiet but relentless pursuit of justice, even as her diary becomes central to the scandal and threatens to expose people she cares deeply about. Soon, she must decide where her loyalties truly lie.
Both gripping and deeply moving, The Frozen River tells the story of a determined woman who demanded truth and accountability in a time when women’s voices were often ignored. It’s a suspenseful, richly layered novel about courage, conscience, and a legacy history nearly erased.
The Fourth Wing Series by Rebecca Yarros
Fantasy/Romance
Violet Sorrengail was meant for a quiet life among books and records, training as a scribe. Instead, her formidable mother—the commanding general—forces her into the brutal world of Basgiath War College, where only the strongest survive to become dragon riders. From the moment Violet arrives, death is a constant threat, and survival is never guaranteed.
Everyone expects Violet to fail—especially her. But surviving her first deadly trials is only the beginning. As the training grows harsher and the stakes rise, Violet quickly learns that this college doesn’t just break bodies—it strips away humanity. Trust is dangerous, weakness is punished, and every decision could be fatal.
Now, with war looming and enemies closing in both beyond the walls and within them, Violet faces her greatest challenge yet. With no more time to hesitate, she must venture beyond failing protective wards to seek allies in unfamiliar lands. The journey will test her courage, intelligence, and strength in ways she never imagined.
Driven by loyalty to her dragons, her family, her home—and the man she loves—Violet is willing to risk everything. Even if it means guarding a secret powerful enough to shatter the world she’s fighting to protect.
All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker
Fiction
It’s 1975, and America is in the midst of upheaval. The Vietnam War is coming to an end, Muhammad Ali is facing off against Joe Frazier, and in the small town of Monta Clare, Missouri, young girls are vanishing without a trace.
When a wealthy family’s daughter becomes the next target, an unexpected hero steps forward. Patch, a local boy, manages to save her—but the rescue leaves lasting scars and sets off a chain of events that will change everything.
For Patch and those closest to him, the difference between victory and devastation grows dangerously thin. As they search for the truth, they uncover secrets that threaten to tear them apart.
Blending mystery, thriller, and love story, this novel explores obsession, loss, and the fragile power of hope—revealing what hides in the darkest corners and what it costs to hold onto the light.
The River is Waiting by Wally Lamb
Fiction
Corby Ledbetter’s life is coming undone. The pressures of new fatherhood, losing his job, and a hidden addiction strain his marriage to Emily—then one devastating mistake shatters everything. Convicted and sent to prison, Corby must learn how to survive in a world defined by violence, fear, and regret.
Behind bars, he witnesses moments of brutal cruelty, but also unexpected kindness. A perceptive prison librarian, a gentle cellmate, and a troubled young inmate in need of guidance remind Corby of the person he still wants to be. Along with his mother’s unwavering belief in him, these connections give him the strength to endure—and to hope.
As Corby begins to rebuild himself from the inside out, he clings to the possibility of redemption. But forgiveness is never guaranteed. The question remains: can those he loves ever find a way to forgive what he’s done?
The Women by Kristin Hannah
Historical Fiction
“Women can be heroes.” Hearing those words changes everything for twenty-year-old nursing student Frances “Frankie” McGrath. Raised in the comfortable, protected world of Southern California, Frankie has always followed the rules and done what was expected of her. But by 1965, the world—and Frankie—are beginning to change.
When her brother is sent to fight in Vietnam, Frankie makes a bold decision of her own. She joins the Army Nurse Corps and heads into the war, determined to serve. Young and untested, she is quickly thrust into the relentless reality of combat, where every day brings chaos, heartbreak, and impossible choices. Bonds form fast, lives are lost just as quickly, and Frankie becomes one of many shaped forever by war—the courageous, the wounded, and the forgotten.
Yet surviving Vietnam is only part of Frankie’s journey. Returning home proves to be its own battle, as she and her fellow veterans face a divided nation, public anger, and a country eager to move on without acknowledging their sacrifice.
The Women tells the story of one woman’s courage, while honoring the countless women who served, suffered, and were overlooked. It’s a powerful novel about friendship, resilience, and patriotism, with a heroine whose bravery and idealism help define a generation.
Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell by Robert Dugoni
Fiction
Sam Hill has always seen the world a little differently. Born with red pupils, he stood out in ways he never asked for, earning cruel nicknames from classmates. His mother called it God’s will; his faith-filled certainty offered comfort even when the world did not. With his father’s steady guidance and the friendship of two fellow outsiders, Sam learned how to endure.
He believed it was no accident that Ernie Cantwell—the only Black student in his class—became his closest friend, or that Mickie Kennedy burst into their lives and challenged everything Sam thought he knew about rules, faith, and love.
Decades later, Sam is a small-town eye doctor still carrying the weight of a tragedy that drove him away from the people and place he once cherished. Unsure now whether any of it was meant to be, Sam is forced to confront the past he’s been avoiding. His journey takes him far from home—and deeper into himself.
With his eyes finally open, Sam begins to understand the moments that shaped him, the fears that held him back, and the truth he’s been missing all along about forgiveness, faith, and what truly matters.
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
Fiction
This one is few years old and still making the list. I read this one, it’s funny how everyone’s taste are so different. I enjoyed this book but I truly didn’t understand the major LOVE it gets. To me it was a solid three! But, that is what makes us all so different and I’m glad to see an older one on the list!
After losing her husband, Tova Sullivan takes a job working nights at the Sowell Bay Aquarium, quietly cleaning and keeping herself busy while the world sleeps. Staying occupied has always been her way of coping—ever since her son, Erik, vanished during a boating trip in Puget Sound more than thirty years earlier.
During her shifts, Tova forms an unexpected bond with Marcellus, a gruff but brilliant giant Pacific octopus who lives at the aquarium. Marcellus knows far more than anyone realizes and has little interest in helping humans—until Tova earns his trust.
With the instincts of a natural sleuth, Marcellus pieces together the truth about the night Tova’s son disappeared. Now, with time running out, he sets out to reveal what he’s discovered, using every clever trick his aging octopus body can manage.
This tender and uplifting novel reminds us that revisiting the past can open doors to healing, hope, and a future that once seemed out of reach.
The Correspondent by Virginia Evans
Fiction
This was my favorite book of 2025 and you can read what I say about it there!
What if the letters we send and receive are fragments of a life carefully pieced together over time—small moments preserved, waiting to matter to someone someday?
The Correspondent is a quiet, beautifully observed novel about the comfort of books, the power of human connection, and the way words can carry meaning far beyond their moment. It explores the confidence of youth, the clarity that comes with age, and the mix of regret and grace that shapes a lifetime.
For Sybil Van Antwerp, letter writing has always been her way of understanding the world. Nearly every morning, she sits down to write—to her brother, her closest friend, a university president denying her the chance to audit a class, and even to authors whose work stirs strong opinions. There is also one letter she returns to again and again, a letter she never sends.
Sybil believes her life is settled and complete. She has been many things—mother, grandmother, wife, divorcee, accomplished lawyer—and expects her days to continue much as they always have. But when unexpected letters from her past reopen old wounds, Sybil is forced to confront a painful chapter she has long avoided. To move forward, she must finally reckon with the words she’s been holding back and find the courage to offer forgiveness.
Sybil’s life, preserved in letters, may seem small at first glance—but she is a character who lingers long after the final page.
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
Historical Fiction
Kristin Hannah is very popular on my FB account. I tend to stay away because I don’t do sad. Life is challenging enough so I tend to stay away from that but I have no doubt she is a wonderful writer. My readers remind me of that over and over and to see one of her older ones make the 2025 list speaks volumes.
With depth, compassion, and emotional power, Kristin Hannah brings World War II vividly to life while shining a light on a lesser-told story—the war as experienced by women. The Nightingale follows two sisters whose lives are shaped by vastly different choices, beliefs, and circumstances, yet bound by love and sacrifice.
Living in occupied France, each sister is forced down a dangerous path as the war closes in around them. Their journeys—marked by loss, courage, and impossible decisions—reveal what it truly means to survive, to love, and to fight for freedom.
Both sweeping and deeply personal, this unforgettable novel honors the strength of women and the endurance of the human spirit. It’s a story that stays with you long after the final page—one meant to be read, remembered, and shared for a lifetime.
Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife by Anna Johnston
Fiction
This is on my TBR list!
“What if you could borrow someone else’s life—and take better care of it than your own?”
Frederick Fife has always led with kindness. He’s the kind of man who returns favors with interest and treats everyone with quiet generosity. But at eighty-two, Fred is alone, nearly penniless, and facing eviction, with no one left to rely on. Then a case of mistaken identity gives him an unexpected second chance: he’s confused for Bernard Greer, a missing resident at a nearby nursing home, and steps into his life.
Suddenly, Fred has a warm bed, regular meals, and a sense of belonging—so long as Bernard never reappears. As Fred settles into his borrowed life, his small acts of kindness begin to ripple through the facility.
Meanwhile, Denise Simms, a caregiver at the home, is barely holding herself together. Juggling a failing marriage and worry over her daughter’s health, she’s determined never to be fooled again. But Fred’s gentle nature and unexpected compassion raise questions Denise can’t ignore.
When the truth finally comes to light, Fred and Denise discover that even a broken life can be restored. Tender, funny, and deeply moving, The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife is a story about loss and forgiveness, second chances, and the family we find when we least expect it.
How to Read a Book by Monica Wood
Fiction
This is on my TBR list!
Some people stay with us—guiding our thoughts by day and lingering in our minds at night. For Violet Powell, that presence is Lorraine Daigle, a woman whose life was lost far too soon.
At twenty-two, Violet is released from prison after serving nearly two years for a drunk-driving accident that killed a beloved kindergarten teacher in her small Maine town. Carrying guilt and uncertainty, she steps back into a world that no longer feels familiar.
Harriet Larson, a retired English teacher, finds herself at a crossroads of her own. As the leader of the prison book club, she’s grappling with what comes next now that her role—and her purpose—are beginning to shift.
Frank Daigle, Lorraine’s widower, is still struggling to understand life without the woman he loved, weighed down by grief and the complexities of his marriage.
When Violet, Harriet, and Frank unexpectedly cross paths in a Portland bookstore, their separate lives begin to intertwine. Each arrives for a different reason, yet their shared connection to the same tragedy draws them together in ways none of them could have anticipated.
How to Read a Book is a deeply honest and quietly hopeful novel about guilt, forgiveness, and the courage to begin again. It’s a moving reminder of how books—and kindness—can change the course of a life.
Buckeye by Patrick Ryan
Historical Fiction
I am interested in this one also!
One small town. Two families. A secret with lasting consequences.
In Bonhomie, Ohio, a brief but powerful moment—set against the jubilant backdrop of victory in Europe—forever links Cal Jenkins and Margaret Salt. Cal carries wounds of his own, shaped by his inability to serve in the war, while Margaret is determined to leave parts of her past behind. Cal’s wife, Becky, possesses an extraordinary gift: she can see and speak with the dead, offering grieving families a chance at closure. Margaret’s husband, Felix, is stationed on a Navy cargo ship, far from danger—until a telegram arrives that changes everything.
As the nation moves into the postwar years and Bonhomie begins to flourish, a hidden truth takes root. But in a town where everyone knows one another, secrets have a way of surfacing. Spanning decades of American life, the impact of that single moment echoes through the children of both families, forcing them to question their identities and the lives they believed were theirs.
Both expansive and deeply personal, Buckeye is a tender, insightful novel about love, longing, and the search for goodness—capturing how one choice can shape generations.
In conclusion
So, there are your top 15. It was fun putting together your top 15 favorites-I was so happy to see such a great variety.
If you would like to share some top books you have read this past year, leave them in the comments. I always think people love to see what other readers are loving.
Other posts you may enjoy:
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