Top Reads of 2025

Besides writing, editing, and critiquing other author buddies’ books, I managed to get in some reading to the tune of two books a month. Of those twenty-four, here are my picks for the top three fiction and my fave non-fiction.

A Heart Sufficient by Nichole Van

I added this to my want-to-read list simply because of the intriguing cover. I mean a gray-haired hero? That's pretty unique. So lo and behold, I received this as a Christmas gift--and it truly is a gift. Judging this book by its cover paid off in spades.

Tristan is a gruff but lovable hero. Isolde is sometimes overbearing but there is so much to admire about her that her overdone determination is forgivable. I loved the story, though I wish they would have gotten together earlier on in the tale. After they do, though, fireworks!

This is my first Nichole Van and the fourth book in a series in which I did not read the other three…but you better believe I'm off to the bookstore to scoop those up now. I may have found a new favorite author.

 Here’s a blurb:

Tristan Gilbert, the autocratic Duke of Kendall, has a clear plan for his future—destroy his father's memory, obliterate his enemies, and become Prime Minister. Fortunately, he can accomplish all three goals by convincing Parliament to prosecute the Scottish Earl of Hadley. Once Hadley is vanquished, surely the Queen will recognize Kendall's readiness for the role of Prime Minister.

But in order to succeed, Kendall must first conquer his own unnerving attraction to Hadley's hoyden of a daughter—Lady Isolde Langston.

Lady Isolde Langston knows impulsivity will be her downfall. Case in point, her heedless actions triggered the Duke of Kendall's current vendetta against her father. Isolde needs to right the wrongs she caused and force the duke to surrender before Hadley ends up jailed. To do this, she decides to torment Kendall at every turn. The arrogant Sassenach will rue the day he crossed her.

But when an unfortunate accident fractures both their lives, Kendall and Isolde unexpectedly face a future neither of them wished. As their romance deepens, can Kendall change his heart sufficiently and Isolde forgive past hurts in order to form a love all their own?

The Curious Inheritance of Blakely House by Joanna Davidson Politano

In a single word: wow.

Joanna Davidson Politano outdid herself on this one! I mean, I know I'm going to love a story when I see her name on it, but this one is actually my favorite of hers thus far. How could it not be with a pirate hero, a creepy/interesting house, all set on an island in the North Sea?

There are just so many characters to love in this story, but best of all is the writing. Beautiful sentences that made me want to write whip out my calligraphy pen and frame a few. There are beautiful analogies hidden throughout as well.

Do not walk to the bookstore to get this. Slap on your running shoes and sprint. You won't be sorry.

Here’s a blurb:

A clever young woman, a contested will, and an estate that does not easily give up its secrets.

It is 1901 when clockmaker and tinker Sydney Forrester receives a most unusual inheritance. Blakely House, the island estate of an estranged uncle she's never met, seems almost alive, revealing and hiding its secrets at will. It is filled with remarkable inventions, including an intriguing unfinished automaton Sydney is itching to get her skilled hands on.

The estate is also home to a number of peculiar people--including two men intent on removing this interloper from the island. Convinced that Sydney has something to do with their uncle's death, the late master's nephews contest the will and work against their cousin at every turn.

Sydney finds a sometimes-ally in the estate's butler, an ex-adventurer who ran aground on the island years ago. But when a mysterious man washes ashore with a stunning surprise that upsets everything, Sydney must prove she has inherited the late master's brilliance as well as his property--or someone else will.

Of Love and Treason by Jamie Ogle

To be fair, I'm not usually a Biblical times sort of gal...which makes me sound like a heathen, I know. Really, I'm not. But lemme tell ya, this book! Wowzer! If Jamie Ogle keeps writing during the Roman era, I am ALL in.

First off, let's talk about the swoony heroes, shall we? Because yeah, I realize technically there can only be one, but in my mind Titus was every bit as hubba-hubba as Valentine, if not a bit misdirected. I have full hope he will be redeemed even after the epilogue. Speaking of which, I would have liked to have seen more at the end. I didn't feel quite enough closure for my tastes, but could just be me.

Next, there's the writing. This girl can pen a story! And a well-written one at that. At times the descriptions were a bit long, but it did put the reader squarely in Rome right along with Iris.

Iris is a strong leading lady. I really liked her, and I super-liked her banter with Valentine.

And now, alas, to Valentine. I knew the story already, so I knew what sort of fate he would meet. But all the same it definitely tugged at the ol' heartstrings.

 Here’s a blurb:

Rome, AD 270. In the wake of the emperor’s marriage ban, rumors swirl that there is one man brave enough to perform wedding ceremonies in secret. A public notarius and leader of an underground church, Valentine believes the emperor’s edict unjust and risks his own life for the sake of his convictions. But as his fame grows, so do fears for his safety.

Iris, the daughter of a Roman jailor, believes regaining her sight will ease the mounting troubles at home. Her last hope rests in searching out Valentine and his church, but the danger of associating with people labeled a threat to the empire is great. Still, as Iris’s new friends lead her to faith in God, Iris is drawn to Valentine and they both begin to hope for a future together beyond the treacherous empire.

But when a past debt and a staggering betrayal collide, Valentine, Iris, and everyone they love must fight for their lives . . . and wrestle with trusting a God who can restore sight yet does not always keep His followers from peril.

Loved to Life by Ann Voskamp

True confession: I’m not a huge non-fiction reader. So, when I do decide to crack open the cover of story that isn’t completely made up, I’m pretty picky—not just about the content but the writing. It’s got to draw me in, wow me, make me sit up and take notice…and that’s exactly what author Ann Voskamp does every single time. She’s an automatic buy for me.

So, it’s really no surprise that this is a five-star for me. Her prose is magical. Her words have a way of making me think outside my usual cozy little box. Her insights into God’s word and world are the sort that shifts paradigms for me. And—most importantly—connect with God in a more intimate, personal way.

Cannot wait till her next one!

 Here’s a blurb:

You aren’t alone. God knows what it feels like to be where you are, where you have been. God Himself knows how hard this broken planet is―He’s walked where you’ve walked. But out of those hard, dusty roads emerges a way into the exhilarating life you’ve longed to fully experience. This is the truest story in the whole universe: God is the only One who has ever loved you to death and came to resurrect you into the fullest life you always hoped for. Embark with New York Times bestselling author of One Thousand Gifts, Ann Voskamp, on a 40-day spiritual pilgrimage following the entire life of Jesus through the Gospel of John. Loved to Life is an invitation into:

·       40 inspirational, grace- and hope-filled devotionals;

·       40 Bible passages that pilgrimage with Jesus from the beginning to the end of the Gospel of John to encounter and experience Him in a fresh, transformative way;

·       40 original woodcut illustrations to mark each day of the pilgrimage.

Jesus held the cup that holds the story you never wanted; the pain you wish you and your people had never known; the scars that have forever marred your only heart. For the love of you, Jesus drank this cup of suffering down to love you back to life. Turn and gaze on the One who gave you His whole life―and you’ll find the love you’ve been looking for your whole life.