The best books of 2025

This list is part of the best books of 2025.

Join 1,210 readers and share your 3 favorite reads of the year.

My favorite read in 2025

Book cover of Small Things Like These

Sarah Loudin Thomas ❤️ loved this book because...

This is a jewel box of a book. It seems simple but the more you ponder it, the more complex it becomes. A perfect book for the holiday season.

  • Loved Most

    🥇 Emotions 🥈 Character(s)
  • Writing style

    ❤️ Loved it
  • Pace

    🐕 Good, steady pace

By Claire Keegan ,

Why should I read it?

29 authors picked Small Things Like These as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Shortlisted for the 2022 Booker Prize

"A hypnotic and electrifying Irish tale that transcends country, transcends time." —Lily King, New York Times bestselling author of Writers & Lovers

Small Things Like These is award-winning author Claire Keegan's landmark new novel, a tale of one man's courage and a remarkable portrait of love and family

It is 1985 in a small Irish town. During the weeks leading up to Christmas, Bill Furlong, a coal merchant and family man faces into his busiest season. Early one morning, while delivering an order to the local convent, Bill makes a discovery which forces him…


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My 2nd favorite read in 2025

Book cover of The Frozen River

Sarah Loudin Thomas ❤️ loved this book because...

I felt like I was THERE at that icy river facing impossible odds but trusting that all would be well in the end. I love a story inspired by real people that sends me to the internet to research and learn more. Plus, an absolutely propulsive story that's expertly written!

  • Loved Most

    🥇 Character(s) 🥈 Immersion
  • Writing style

    ❤️ Loved it
  • Pace

    🐇 I couldn't put it down

By Ariel Lawhon ,

Why should I read it?

43 authors picked The Frozen River as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

NATIONAL BESTSELLER • GMA BOOK CLUB PICK • AN NPR BOOK OF THE YEAR • From the New York Times bestselling author of I Was Anastasia and Code Name Hélène comes a gripping historical mystery inspired by the life and diary of Martha Ballard, a renowned 18th-century midwife who defied the legal system and wrote herself into American history.

"Fans of Outlander’s Claire Fraser will enjoy Lawhon’s Martha, who is brave and outspoken when it comes to protecting the innocent. . . impressive."—The Washington Post

"Once again, Lawhon works storytelling magic with a real-life heroine." —People Magazine

Maine, 1789: When…


My 3rd favorite read in 2025

Book cover of The English Masterpiece

Sarah Loudin Thomas ❤️ loved this book because...

Strong characters AND a strong plot, plus art in Great Britian. Hits all the sweet spots for me!

  • Loved Most

    🥇 Originality 🥈 Immersion
  • Writing style

    ❤️ Loved it
  • Pace

    🐕 Good, steady pace

By Katherine Reay ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The English Masterpiece as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

"Art . . . London . . . Seventies Glam . . . Yesss, please. The English Masterpiece by Katherine Reay has ALL the goodies--especially for historical fiction lovers and art aficionados . . . Buckle your seatbelt as all hell breaks loose." --Lisa Barr, New York Times bestselling author of The Goddess of Warsaw

Set in the art world of 1970s London, The English Masterpiece is a fast-paced read to the end, full of glamour and secrets, tensions and lies, as one young woman races against the clock to uncover the truth about a Picasso masterpiece. Perfect for fans…


Don‘t forget about my book 😀

These Tangled Threads: A Novel of Biltmore

By Sarah Loudin Thomas ,

Book cover of These Tangled Threads: A Novel of Biltmore

What is my book about?

Set in the shadow of the Biltmore Estate, a poignant tale of friendship, restoration, and second chances

Seven years ago, a hidden betrayal scattered three young friends living in the shadow of the great Vanderbilt mansion. Now, when Biltmore Industries master weaver Lorna Blankenship is commissioned to create an original design for Cornelia Vanderbilt’s 1924 wedding, she panics knowing she doesn’t have the creativity needed. But there’s an elusive artisan in the Blue Ridge Mountains who could save her—if only she knew where to begin.

To track down the mysterious weaver, Lorna sees no other way than to seek out the relationships she abandoned in shame. As she pulls at each tangled thread from her past, Lorna is forced to confront the wounds and regrets of life long ago.

She’ll have to risk the job that shapes her identity, as well as the hope of friendship—and love—restored.

Book cover of Small Things Like These
Book cover of The Frozen River
Book cover of The English Masterpiece

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