Guess what, friends? This is my tenth year posting “SIX SWEET READS” as Christmas approaches, and it still feels like pulling teeth as I attempt to choose my fave six books from the past twelve months of reading! After much dithering and vacillating, I followed my gut and am delighted to offer up some captivating suggestions in case you’re still scurrying around looking for gifts or a fabulous book for your own festive reading time. Without further ado, allow me to introduce you to my Six Sweet Reads in 2025…
“You know you’ve read a good book when you turn the last page and feel a little as if you have lost a friend.” Paul Sweeney
Honestly, that’s the best way for me to know how much I truly loved a book—when a character, a relationship, a theme, or even a setting so moves me that I feel slightly hollowed out. In a good way.
As a Christian romantic suspense author, I read a ton in my genre for “work”, and then mix it up with a variety of whatever piques my interest from contemporary to classics—although I do tend to gravitate toward WWII era historical fiction, which hits me hardest emotionally. Feel free to follow me on Goodreads HERE. I’ve devoured close to 60 books this year—a mix of hardback, ebook, and audio, and I can tell you it was quite the dilemma trying to pull just six… I even managed to include a non-fiction!
As always, I’ve added a snippet of my personal reviews for each book, and if you’re interested in buying any of them, I now have my Amazon Storefront links (affiliate details are HERE) where all 6 books are grouped together for your convenience—and some are currently on sale!
Here are the links:
🇺🇸 Amazon.com link: HERE.
🇨🇦 Amazon.ca link: HERE.
The Story She Left Behind by Patti Callahan Henry
This is my favourite book I’ve read this year! In 1927, a famous author sails away from her home in South Carolina never to be seen again—leaving behind a devastated 8-year-old daughter, Clara Harrington. In 1952, when Clara—now a successful children’s book illustrator—has a precious young daughter of her own, she is contacted by Charlie Jameson, a complete stranger living in London with news of her mother’s writing that will rock her world. A fight for survival in London’s Great Smog, the magic of Beatrix Potter’s Lake District, an unexpected romance, family secrets, richly-layered characters, and a phenomenal mystery to uncover—this is a mother-daughter story to be treasured!
Christmas with the Queen by Hazel Gaynor & Heather Webb
A festive delight set in 1950s England during the first years of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign, this is an extraordinary love story about an ordinary couple, Olive and Jack, whose lives manage to intertwine with royalty each Christmas. As a female BBC reporter and a royal chef, it seems time and distance is always against them—not to mention tragedy and the most tender of secrets… yet surely a second chance at love is possible, especially at Christmas. With glimpses into the queen’s life as she prepares each year for the traditional speech on Christmas Day, and her connection with Olive as a fellow young woman, this is a lovely read and an absolute treat for fans of The Crown, the Queen, and all things English.
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
I loved this book so much the first time I read it that I had to buy a beautiful 10th anniversary edition and read it again! Harrowing, heartbreaking, and hopeful. The Nightingale drew me in deeply—the relationship between two sisters, the authentic French setting, and the surreal struggle for survival during the Second World War. Kristin Hannah entices the reader into the fascinating unraveling story of relationships, while providing unimaginable details of the horrors of war. A compelling read and a story that will stay with me for a very long time. “In love we find out who we want to be; in war we find out who we are.”
The Bell Tolls at Traeger Hall by Jaime Jo Wright
This compelling dual timeline story is set in 1890 Wisconsin, where orphaned Waverly Pembrooke has been sent to live with her aunt and her wealthy uncle in the ominous Traegar Hall—until both her relatives are murdered under the most mysterious of circumstances. As Waverly attempts to figure out what happened, the truth unravels unexpected layers of family secrets and complex relationships. In present day Wisconsin, Jennie Phillips has inherited Traegar Hall, which has now been sealed along with its secrets for a century. A cold case on the property ignites local interest and Jennie finds herself entrenched in the history and mystery… with a touch of romance for good measure!
Last Twilight in Paris by Pam Jenoff
WWII fiction, forbidden love, Paris, a dual timeline, and a mystery involving a necklace—yes, please! In 1943 Paris, newlyweds Helaine and Gabriel are separated when the Germans invade France. Helaine, a Jew, is cruelly imprisoned in a once-luxurious department store in the city while her husband disappears without a trace. In 1953 London, housewife Louise discovers a unique necklace she recognizes from a devastating time during the war when she worked for the Red Cross in Europe. She is determined to piece together the mysterious clues, which lead her to the Paris department store. Courage, loss, sacrifice, and love—made even more poignant by details based on facts from WWII.
Gifts & Gratitudes by Ann Voskamp
My one non-fiction pick is this beauty, as it has been both rich and grounding for me this year. I actually dedicated a whole blog post to it HERE, but suffice to say this gratitude journal is a precious encouragement with its fresh approach to journaling everyday graces as I count my blessings. Filled with beautiful, tender, wise words from Ann, and scrumptious eye-candy courtesy of her stunning photography from her home at the farm, I’m now enjoying my second copy as I head into year two! Grace upon grace upon grace.
The links one more time:
🇺🇸 Amazon.com link: HERE.
🇨🇦 Amazon.ca link: HERE.
I hope this little list is helpful in some way for you—it’s always my joy to share all the bookish delights!
If you have a fantastic book you’ve read this year and care to share, I invite you to leave the title in the comments. There’s no such thing as too many books… am I right?
Happy reading over the festive season, and here’s to many more sweet reads for the coming year!
Until next time,
P.S. 🎄 As it is the season, I’ll slide in my Christmas novellas for you to peruse, too! 😉 Just click on the images:
