Rachel's Best Reads of 2025
- Rachel
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
Hey Book Buddies!
I figured I'd get in my best reads list before we all turn that calendar (although who am I kidding, I turned it days ago!)
I didn't track my books very well this year; therefore, I don't have a final number. There were many books on my TBR that I just didn't get to, including a friend's book, which I was so eager to see come out! (I promise to read it soon, Bethany!) But there are a few noteworthy books that I did manage to read this year that I'd love to share with you, organized by categories below.
Historical Fiction:
My favorite novel in the historical fiction genre was Gilded Mountain. This book was raw and vivid with crisp imagery and gorgeous writing. It was the runner-up for a Pulitzer Prize. "This story is an exhilarating tale of an unforgettable young woman who bravely exposes the corruption that enriched her father’s employers in early 1900s Colorado." (Goodreads). Certainly unforgettable, as much of the story has stayed with me despite being read 11 months ago (which doesn't happen often for me...I have the memory of a goldfish).
Fantasy:
My favorite fantasy novel was Tress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson. A little different from his usual work, this novel was full of so much whimsy and imagination, with the same strong character development in Sanderson's usual work. It was a one-off (not a series) and a very fun read.
Memoir:
My favorite memoir was All My Knotted Up Life by Beth Moore. I listened to this one on audiobook read by the author, and it was a pure delight. Beth tells much of her early life and many details from her ministry life that none had heard until now. You will grow a respect for this woman of God. She wanted nothing more than to love her God and obey his will. Not only has she overcome much, but the writing is absolutely exquisite.
Christian Non-fiction:
My favorite nonfiction read was A Fine Sight to See by Sophie Hudson. This author has a way of writing that makes you feel like she's sitting right next to you. She's colloquial, funny, and insightful. This book was about women in ministry, and I wholeheartedly enjoyed the call from Hudson for God's daughters to step into the leadership roles that He has designed for them, regardless of denomination. While I can't fully endorse all of her citations, I would still warmly recommend this read to any Christian woman, always advising discernment.
Christian Fiction:
Lastly, in the Christian fiction category, this Christmas I read Ann Swindell's first novel, Christmas in the Castle Library. I enjoyed every minute! It is a mystery romance and full of so much truth. I find that a lot of Christian fiction romance novels have an unrealistic male protagonist, one who is super spiritually mature and almost perfect. While this male protagonist was also a little too good to be true, I did appreciate that his one flaw was the premise of the conflict. But really, romance novels are meant to take us on a ride, not to give us notes on how to choose a husband. The female protagonist embarks on a spiritual journey to discover her heavenly Father's love for her and the self-worth that follows. It's such a clean read that I would recommend this to teens, too.
I read many more historical fiction books by my fav author CJ Archer, and an incredibly helpful writing craft book called The Elements of Eloquence (if you're a writer, you need to check this one out).
2026 Reading Goals: A Broader Scope
I'm so type C (is that a thing? Now it is) that at this juncture, reading will only be for enjoyment. With all my commitments this year, and an impending new one on the horizon, reading will need to take a back seat. As a writer, it's important to read widely; therefore, my only goal this year is to read one or two books outside of my usual spheres, if and when I can manage it. Life is quite full for us at the moment---full of wonderful gifts and opportunities to tend them well. My reading time will come between writing edits and work emails while I watch my kids skate, or swim, or play lacrosse, or whatever else they've conned me into signing them up for. I also need space to create, so when I find that space this year, I'll have a pencil and notebook in hand, not a book.
Happy New Year, friends! Wishing you another chapter of peace, growth, and purpose.
xox
-R