As a professional book reviewer, here are the best books I've read in 2025. Whether you're looking for an immersive novel or thoughtful essays or something in between, I got you covered. Any of these would also be perfect as gifts as you're doing your holiday shopping for 2025.

A curated collection of books I love and recommend across a mix of genres, including Christian fiction and non-fiction, cheesy romance, psychological thrillers, and thoughtful non-fiction. This list reflects what I actually read; stories for escape, books that explore faith and the human mind, and non-fiction that helps me better understand people and the world.

Books that left a lasting impression on my soul

This list is full of books I genuinely loved—mostly romance and thrillers that pulled me in, kept me guessing, and stayed with me long after the last page. Highly recommend every single one 📖✨

“A soul-shaking collection of books for spiritual seekers craving depth, clarity, and inner freedom.”

Books that hold a place in my heart❤️ There isn’t only romance, there’s things for everyone. They are unique and well written , they are highly recommended by me😄 I never read books before but once I picked some of these up I couldn’t but them down😍

I’m pretty harsh on my book ratings, check out my Goodreads and you’ll see very few books have 5 star ratings. So this list isn’t just a list of books I kind of liked, or every single one read - it’s a list of stories that had me invested,, pondering long after the covers closed, yearning for my real life to slow down so I could get lost in one more chapter. With that said, here my 5 star favorites.. and a few strong 4 stars (because what’s one more to the TBR list)

Curated with stories that span fantasy, myth, and literary fiction, it’s all about the threads that tie great books together: friendship, identity, big questions about right and wrong, and that irresistible feeling of getting lost in a world (or a mind) that’s entirely new. From Hogwarts-inspired adventures to philosophical odysseys, these are the reads you’ll dog-ear, recommend to friends, and come back to again and again.

A perfect bookshelf may not exist but that doesn't stop me from trying! I've been building my collection of books for many years and these beautiful books will make your aesthetic bookshelf dreams come true

Science, magic, friendship, and adventure. The books that can take you to places in the past, towards the future, and places that may not even exist.

These are books that I have read and loved. Whether it has a trans or non binary main character. Or the characters are gay or asexual. There such beautiful queer books. Hope you enjoy

all my FAVORITE books, whether you want spooky vibes, fall in love with romance again or read about other peoples' lives, i've got the recs for you!

So I'm a little bit of a geek, and these are things I've found in the various fandoms and things I enjoy that bring me immense joy! And I wanted to share them with you.

I have three very active girls under the age of 4. Keeping them engaged is like trying to heard cats. These are just a few of the fun books I have found that they will sit for.

Originally designed and unique -- these coloring books are available on Amazon and they're all completely original and cool!

As someone who sees 30+ Broadway shows a year, it’s safe to say that theater isn’t just a hobby. It’s an obsession! When I’m not busy watching Elphaba defy gravity or listening to Hamilton start a revolution, I immerse myself in great books about the magic of Broadway. So here are some amazing book recommendations for theater lovers…5,6,7,8!

As a kid, I used to hate reading and then I walked into a Barnes & Noble and skimmed through all of the different kinds of books they had and realized I just wasn't reading books that interested me. This list is to share some of my favorite reads in case you are looking to get out of a reading slump or are looking for new book recommendations.

Our years of experience and great mentors have filled our shelves with some excellent books about a variety of dog topics. Check this out for your next great read, or two!

These books are some great reads from light hearted funny with some action and love story to dramatic having you on edge the whole book!

As a book girly here are some of my favorite items! From bookish totes, to annotation supplies, to more!

If you are an avid reader and a lover of graphic tees, like me, these shirts will show off your reading tastes and favorite books. Hopefully, they will help you make some more reader friends too!

The kindle paperwhite changed the reading game for me! I love to read romance, thrillers, and the occasional fantasy book. Here are all my favorite accessories for my kindle!

Did you love The Hunger Games, Harry Potter, and Twilight when you were younger? Here’s a list to fuel that love for reading again!

books I have yapped about on TikTok

Reading Slump? Book Block? Here are some great ones or ones I hope are great.

These are books we have read aloud together that have been wildly successful and my littles would recommend! I will keep updating this list as we go and quote my kids whenever possible. ☺️

Some of the best Disney books I’ve read span several series, from magical retellings to behind-the-scenes looks at beloved classics. Standouts include the imaginative “A Twisted Tale” series, which flips fairy tales on their heads. I’ve also enjoyed tales from the “Villains” series—diving into the backstories of Disney’s iconic antagonists—and insightful books about Disney history and Imagineering. Each book captures Disney’s spirit of wonder, adventure, and pure storytelling magic.

Some of my fav reads of 2025, mostly they are gay bc I am gay and that is mostly what I read. I read A LOT so this is my curated list of my highest rated books from this year so far. If you read/have read any of these pls DM me on instagram bc I love to talk about books and also make book friends

Lover of romance, thrillers, and all things dark/spooky/moody! These are all my faves

"A room without books is like a body without a soul." - Marcus Tullius Cicero My favorite books that I’ll always recommend

Is there anything hotter than a cowboy?! 🤠 The way I laughed in the face of Cowboy romance when I first heard about it… and then fell right down the rabbit hole. Fast and hard!

As an Intuitive Reader and Guide, these recommendations are ones I use both personally and in my work with clients.

YA, dark romance, and horror. Whatever it is, we’re gonna cuddle up with our softest blankie and dive in. Remember to support local libraries and book shops!

Looking for practical, non-boring reads that will help your performance in the workplace? I've saved you some time by putting together my top recommendations for improving how you think, communicate, set goals, persevere, and lead. Investing in your professional mind is a simple way to set yourself apart from the herd.

My books and reviews for each. I enjoy a good story, depth of characters, and have been inspired by my reading list to write my own. Enjoy :)

Oh, hey there! Don’t yah just love the cozy vibe of a good bookstore? These are some of my personal favorite bookstores in Wisconsin that have good vibes and good selections!

Your summer beach/patio/couch reading list starts here. Budweiser, Miles Davis and Doritos optional but recommended.

I've always been an avid reader, mostly in the fantasy genre. These days I like listening to audiobooks. It's easier to listen in the car or gym than it is to find time to sit down with a book in hand.

Pet peeve about romance novels: the heroine is always beautiful. Whyyyy? I want someone normal looking who I can relate to! Read these if you feel the same. 😀

One of my favourite parts of my job, and arguably one of the most important, is helping the kids that I work with and their family/friends to understand neurodiversity. It is hugely beneficial for kids to have a name for their diagnosis and an understanding of how it impacts them day-to-day. It is equally important for siblings and friends to understand these differences so that they can be as supportive and accepting as possible. This list is a series of books to help children understand a range of neurodivergent diagnosis, both in themselves and others.

Here’s a mix of eye-opening, thought-provoking books. Mostly themes of societal critique, systemic corruption, and dystopias.

Step into a collection where magic and myth intertwine with every turn of the page. This list is a carefully curated selection of fantasy novels that have captured my imagination, featuring epic quests, intricate worlds, and unforgettable characters. It's a treasure trove for any fantasy aficionado looking to embark on their next great adventure.

For readers who loved the Bridgerton world and aren’t ready to leave it behind. These historical romance novels deliver elegant settings, delicious tension, and emotionally satisfying love stories across the centuries. Perfect for cozy nights, tea refills, and “just one more chapter” moments. Some oldies but goodies on the list aka timeless classics with delightful banter that leaves you smiling and sighing. Most are series cause once you get in a good groove with characters you don’t want to leave. All can be found on Amazon, I tried to note if it's on kindle unlimited too

I absolutely love a good book that I can really sink into and completely lose myself in. These are my absolute favourite ones so far 📖

I used to think romance was the only genre I would always love in novels/books. That's until I randomly decided to read ‘The Silent Patient’ on multiple recommendations (reviews/plot summaries you name it). Next thing you know I was reading ‘Verity’ and that's when I knew my next favorite book genre! So here's a list of the top-rated Psychological Thrillers I've saved to my TBR or Read and recommend to anyone who wants to read a good book!

A cozy collection of bedtime favorites-- perfect for winding down, snuggling up, and sparking sweet dreams. From timeless classics to adorable animal adventures, these storieds bring magic to bedtime.

My favorite reads and genre: historical fiction! These are some of my favorites that center around the Tudor/Plantagenet period and Anicent Greece (mythology)

There’s nothing better than getting swept up in the world of the book you’re ready. I like everything from romance, thriller to fantasy. I won’t recommend a book I wouldn’t read twice!

Here's a book for any mood. I'm a mood reader, and these are some of my favorite books that everyone should read, atleast once!!

We all love a good to be read list right? Well these fall reads are literally perfect for whatever fall you're having, spooky or cozy, so light a candle, sit down in your favorite spot and get ready to throw your TBR out the window! To figure out what your vibe is, I've sorted them into the big three types of fall romances. Or at least my favorite categories!

Get ready for cozy nights, pumpkin spice, and the perfect stack of fall books! 🍂 This is my Fall TBR filled with autumn must-reads—from heartwarming romances to spooky thrillers and atmospheric fantasies. If you’re looking for the best books to add to your fall reading list, this is the ultimate guide to your next favorite autumn read.

books i would do anything to read for the first time again

For book lovers in a reading slump, I challenge you to a 2-day reading spree with these book recommendations

Book worm here 🐛 when I’m not in a slump I’m binging through books so here I’ve listened my favorite - ones I’ve enjoyed but not die hard - ones I wouldn’t recommend - my current reads !! 📚 and I have a reading goal of 100 this year so you can tell I am pretty serious about my recs although I am also easily pleased.

A list of my favorite fantasy novels, which I got into after watching the Game of Thrones TV series

Social emotional learning takes a front seat during the early childhood years. If you're looking to help your child/student/client learn about emotions, friendships or social skills, check out my list of recommendations. #speechtherapy

Everything my 2 year old (almost 3) regularly pulls off the book shelf to request for nap time reading!

What's the difference between Sci Fi and Fantasy - I would say alot, because I love Sci Fi books about Dystopia,Aliens, New Worlds, but hate fantasy books with fairies and goblins and superheros, why do they put them in the same section of the book shop? This is my list of Science fiction books that I have read and loved - and no superheros or goblins in any of them!

These are books where spice is not the main objective, and you still get a swoonworthy romance. I have this broken down into two sections so you can gauge the spice level accurately. Books in the “low spice” category have between 2 and 4 open-door scenes. I skipped the spicy scenes in these books and still absolutely adored the stories. The No-Spice/Closed Door books are all spice-free and without descriptive dialogue.

These are books my toddler and I keep coming back to, whether because my toddler choose it, or I did.

Looking for Valentine Day books to read with your baby or toddler? There are so many options out there but these look like they'd be a lot of fun, educational, and entertaining. Great to read leading up to the holiday, or even as a Valentine's Gift for a little one in your life. As an Amazon or other Store Associate I Earn from Qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

Music is my biggest passion and sometimes listening to it isn't enough. I've made a list with my personal favourite books from a few bands and artists I love. Some are official, some aren't but they are all really good. This perfectly combines love of music with reading and even some photo books with stunning photography too!

Resources I use to build up motivation and shake off a creative funk from books, to movies

My favorite reads! Look for psychological thrillers, romance, and romantasy🤩

This is a list for anyone looking to change their life or just start a book club! These are easy reads yet packed with so much creativity and thought challenging information that will have you adding to your recommended list!

A list of books that I recommend if you're interested in Scottish history & culture and food.

I've been loving my quiet time with God lately, and I wanted to share some of my favorite Bible study essentials with you! They're perfect for digging into scripture, jotting down notes, and staying organized. Plus, they're so cute and affordable. I've been using my scripture journal to record my thoughts and reflections, and it's been such a blessing to see how God is working in my life. I love highlighting verses that speak to me in different colors - it's become a fun way to make my Bible study time more engaging and personal. My highlighters are always within reach! I've also been using a simple devotional guide to help me stay on track, and it's been great for guiding my prayers and reflections. And let's be real, who doesn't love a good pen? I've got a whole stash of cute pens that make me excited to write and journal. Bible tabs have been a game-changer for me - they're so helpful for navigating my Bible quickly and keeping my place. I feel like they're often overlooked, but they make such a big difference! I'm so grateful for these simple tools that help me connect with God. If you're looking to deepen your Bible study practice, I hope you'll consider these essentials! 🦢

These are novels I've enjoyed, that have given me valuable lessons, and that I believe everyone should read at least once in their lives. May these books provide you with an escape from the real world, a fantastic adventure, a romantic romance, relatable characters, lessons that will stay with you, and stories that not only capture but embrace the power of creativity and connection via literature.

I am an avid reader, up to date on all the latest book trends. I am active on TikTok and Instagram to give my honest reviews. I'm also a 40 something mom who sometimes needs to escape reality!

“For readers who crave danger, passion, magic, and escape 🌹✨”

I've been exploring books on spiritual healing, philosophy, communication, consciousness, subtle energy, and quantum physics for a very long time. I'm sure this list will continue to grow as I expand my library on these subjects but this is a nice collection of some of the most influential texts and card sets that I've come across so far.

I read a lot of books when I was getting my Master of Divinity from Gordon-Conwell. These are the best books I read that are accessible for all Christians (i.e. they contain little to no technical jargon or unexplained big theological words)

My child's book collections. Good for baby's development & bonding time with parents

A collection of things that every book lover needs to have! Fill your cozy corner with everything you need as you're building your very own library. This one's for the true bibliophile.

If you love twisty thrillers with complicated women, toxic friendships, secrets and drama, you'll breeze through all of these. These books are perfect for a binge read on the weekend, especially if you liked Bye, Baby, The Last Mrs. Parish, or The Hunting Wives.

I am so simple minded when it comes to little crafts and projects- when I'm not reading I love watching TV and coloring, drawing, doing my book journal spreads, building legos, or other fun crafty things. These are some bookish things that I think are so much fun!!

reading girlie who only has time for audio books 😮‍💨🎧 coffee_witch on StoryGraph! This list contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them — at no extra cost to you 🫶🏼

I sometimes find it hard to get interested in books and quickly lose interest. These are books I actually really enjoyed and would recommend!!!

Ready to snuggle up with a good book? Here’s how to set the mood and relax curled up with your newest obsession!

This list is a love letter to sapphic romance. If you’re searching for grumpy x sunshine dynamics, cozy small-town found family, or just beautifully written stories about women loving women, you’ll find them here. This list is for anyone who wants to see themselves reflected in romance, or for readers who simply love swoon-worthy love stories with a sapphic heart.

My favorite books I read in 2025, published in various years

So my taste is books ranges a bit. I love to read but as a busy mom I need books to keep my attention. I have dropped some of my favorites. Some are light to dark . Definitely when you read the dark check out the trigger page just to make sure. :) I hope you enjoy.

These changed my brain chemistry and made me love reading again 🤓

A variety of books my kids enjoy at various ages that are interactive in various ways, and that we truly enjoy reading together.

I teach middle schoolers reading and writing all day long. The new young adult and middle grade lit coming out these days is a delightful blend of coming of age and the current issues facing kids. These books are easy reads that will build your empathy and bring some innocence back to your adult heart. Moms of teens and tweens, take note!

A fantasy and fiction literature lover’s best-of book list. Very few books on my shelf get 5-stars, so these really stand out as the best I’ve read!

New year, new books! Here are the 18 new romance books releasing this month that I'm personally looking forward to! If you want to save this list for later, check out this post over on Instagram! Happy reading!!

My favorite books that I read on repeat! I love all books on money, self improvement and mindset!

Some of my favorite bookish things 💖📖

These sweet and festive reads are perfect for cozy storytimes, building holiday excitement, and creating memories that will last long after the last page is turned

As a horror fanatic I have recently been exploring the world of Japanese horror and put together this list to show you some of my personal favorites and new finds! Let's dive into the horror world together :)

If you’re like me and need a bag full of your Bible study essentials, look no further.

Getting kids to understand their emotions is no easy task… many adults struggle with it too! If you have a child that's struggling to not only control, but also identify their many emotions, these are books I highly recommend. I have three sons, all with different diagnosis, and I've found these books are great for all of them (ages 3, 9, and 12).

Essential surviving-your-20s reading list for you! These books cover the topic of body image in different ways, but they've all helped me get out of my body dysmorphia episodes. Motherhood, vanity, beauty, sexuality and femininity - all of them intertwined and contributing to our body image in different life stages, you'll find it all here.

some of my ultimate favs - hoping to update this monthly but i'm very picky so that might not happenall books are linked to my favorite local bookstore in brooklyn as a reminder to shop small 🫀

I am a toddler mom with a master’s in english literature, so we read a ton of books in my house! Here are our absolute favorites, the ones we constantly reread and love to give as gifts. These are board and picture books for ages 0-6.

This collection celebrates American values, symbols, and history, offering kids a window into the spirit of the United States. Each book is thoughtfully selected to inspire pride, teach the importance of citizenship, and honor our country’s beauty and legacy. From the American flag to the Statue of Liberty, these stories are perfect for family reading time and sparking conversations about what makes America unique. Great for Election Day and beyond! 🇺🇸📚

Some of my favorite series and/or stand alone books that cloud my thoughts day in and day out!

I am an avid reader, but it's not possible to hold a book and turn pages while working with yarn in your hands. At those times, I love listening to a book being read to me. This is a list of the books I have really enjoyed listening to: crime/detective novels, historical novels, classic literature and autobiographies.