Top Ten Tuesday was created by
The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to
That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.
This week's topic is Favorite Books of 2025. This was an awesome year of books, so of course I had a hard time narrowing it down to ten. I couldn't fit all of my favorites here but have an
Instagram post that has all of my favorites and is broken down by genre. Also, if you're curious about my full thoughts on a book, you can click the title of the book, and it'll take you to my review. And just a note, these are in no particular order.
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Wicked is the Hollow by K.E. Ganshert
This was a fantastic YA paranormal mystery! The mystery surrounding the Vandenberg family was so intriguing, and I was so curious how Selah was connected to everything. This was not a predictable read by any means. I was surprised by the unfolding events so many times. And I loved all the spooky vibes. I got goosebumps several times.
About the Book
A STRANGE TOWN. A SPRAWLING MANSION. A PERILOUS ROMANCE.Ever since her mother vanished, Selah Whitlock has been drawn to the unexplained. So it feels almost fated to live in Foggy Hollow, a place where mystery abounds. Even more so when her father accepts a job at the Vandenberg estate, the epicenter of the town’s most infamous cold case.
Moving into the estate’s carriage house pulls Selah into the orbit of the Vandenberg cousins: Jude, the brooding heir with a tragic past, and Rafe, effortlessly charming and undeniably dangerous.
Then a centuries-old portrait surfaces bearing Selah’s exact likeness. Suddenly, she isn’t just chasing a mystery. She’s caught in the heart of one. As the town prepares to celebrate its bicentennial, Selah and Jude are pulled into a secret that spans generations. Something sinister is stirring beneath the golden leaves and carved pumpkins. And the deeper they fall, the deadlier the consequences.
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Bellarose and the Captain (The Aerowyn Tales Book 3) by Carla Reighard
All three books in this series make my list, but for space's sake, I'm just posting the final book in the series. What a fun adventure! I know I’ll want to reread this series again and again. If you’re a fan of twisted fairytales, don’t hesitate to grab a copy! You’ll love it!
About the Book
Heroic rescues.
Revenge and reckonings.
A sassy dragon.Bookworm Bellarose, heroic Gerard, brave Quinn, and mysterious Elayne continue to play out familiar, but twisted fairy tales with only Bellarose having flashes of memory from the real world.
After the heroic rescue by the stringent Captain Modo, Bellarose thinks she’s safe. She’s not. Aerowyn’s enemies know the enchantress has been using Bellarose and the adversaries stop at nothing to thwart those plans. What or who will it take to fix the distorted stories and return the teens to their own world? An unpredictable and irrevocable price will be paid to reach the conclusion to this trilogy with several happily ever after endings.
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Rogue Secreto by Victoria McCombs
Full of intrigue, treachery, and secrets (so many secrets), this dark romantasy was everything I was hoping for and so much more! It was an incredibly compelling story. I didn't want it to end. I thought the pacing was perfect. I was always eager to get back to it when I had to set it aside. I liked the Ancient Rome setting and thought the worldbuilding was great. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys dark fantasy!
About the Book
From the author of Mortal Queens and Oathbound comes a fast-paced standalone in a roman empire world, filled with danger, catacombs, secret identities, and a forbidden romance.
Marsella has the unique ability to steal secrets with one glance. She keeps her identity hidden, while going under the name Rogue Secreto. The emperor hires her to read secrets of his enemies, all without realizing this masked figure who can bring empires to heel is his beloved daughter.
He lures enemies to his doorstep by promising Marsella’s hand in marriage, while the Rogue Secreto uncovers their secrets.
But Marsella has another secret. A boy she’s found, trapped behind a wall of water deep within forgotten ruins. As she seeks respite from the demands of her father, she’s drawn to the ruins and to the boy. He becomes her escape, her most treasured secret, and she shares everything she hears with him. When Marsella gleans a secret about someone trapped behind water, she thinks she’s found how to set him free. But he’s been waiting a hundred years to be released, and thanks to the secrets Marsella has been feeding him, he has the chance.
Too late, Marsella learns why he was trapped in the first place.
“I can hold them,” he said softly. “Tell me your darkest secrets, and I’ll carry them for you.”
ROGUE SECRETO is perfect for fans of Heartless Hunter or One Dark Window. It sits at the upper end of the YA genre.
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Christmas on the Goblin Express by J.J. Fischer
This was such a fun Christmas story. It’s whimsical and unique and so heartwarming! It was exactly the type of book I needed. While this book was fun and had me laughing out loud in spots, I also appreciated it touching on the grief that can surround Christmas. It can be hard when you’re missing loved ones. There was a scene that really touched my heart. It had me near tears. I know I'll want to reread this book every Christmas. About the Book
For Claire Samson, the only way to survive Christmas this year is to escape it.
High-achieving Australian medical student Claire Samson has struggled to enjoy Christmas in recent years, but this is the first Christmas she will be all alone, with her parents overseas and her grandfather in a coma. Claire is desperate to quit med school, but medicine was Grandpa’s dream for her, and her rural hometown desperately needs more doctors—doctors which could have changed her grandfather’s prognosis.
Just when Claire thinks Christmas will be unbearable, a steam train straight out of Platform 9 ¾ appears . . . a train invisible to all but Claire. It’s the Goblin Express, run by Christmas-hating elves and full of washed-up souls from hundreds of worlds who come aboard to escape the holidays. As it turns out, humans aren’t the only species who can loathe their festive seasons.
Upon boarding, Claire befriends several of her fellow travelers, including a mysterious hooded figure who totally gives her Strider vibes and may or may not actually be a night elf. But when the Goblin Express comes under attack, Claire and her new group of mismatched friends must band together to save the train . . . and maybe even find a little bit of Christmas spirit in the process.
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Glass Across the Sea (Realms of Allumeria Book 1) by Sara Ella
I loved the nods to the original story of Cinderella, but I also really loved all the differences. It stayed true to the tale but was also so much more. I loved the faith parallels too. There were some pretty powerful messages, which I really appreciated seeing woven into the story.
About the Book
Light always finds a way to break free . . .
Noelle Perrault has felt drawn to the tales her glassmaker father told of the four Firefly artisans since she was a child. But when her mother falls under a curse, Noelle suspects the stories are more than mere fables. Their last hope is for her father to embark on a desperate journey to another realm, where he must seek a miracle. Alone but not defenseless, Noelle is forced to navigate battles that rise against her beloved home, while her dearest friend, the prince, vows to help her father.
Dante Marin is a prince prepared to bear the crown. But the king offers an ultimatum: find the fabled Firefly Vestiges, believed to hold the Lamplighter’s ancient power, or forfeit the crown. Only then will Dante be considered worthy of his birthright and given the freedom to choose his bride. But how does one hunt down a legend?
Connected by the past, but forced apart in the present, Noelle and Dante must discover the truth about the Firefly and Vestiges before they lose all hope—and each other—for good. But breaking a curse comes at a great sacrifice—one neither of them predicted. With a mysterious foe rising to power, will they survive, let alone succeed? Or will darkness shroud their future, shattering the light they’ve striven to restore?
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What a fantastic conclusion to this series! I was both excited and nervous for it. I loved the first two books and wondered how everything would wrap up in this final installment. It blew all my expectations out of the water. I loved it so much!
About the Book
Lee Urban must win to survive.
After being sentenced to the banned list, half of the Asian Federation believes Lee Urban is a ticking time bomb that could end the world as they know it. They’re willing to do anything to erase her existence and silence her voice before she can take a stand.
There’s only one way to fight back: enroll in the Race to the Clouds. Winning the competition would garner global media attention and give Urban the coverage she needs to dismantle the enhancement programs. Unfortunately, it also happens to be the deadliest event of the year.
With less time to train than her rivals, Urban and her team must find a way to best the competition. But as enemies close in, riots erupt, and her homeland teeters on the brink of civil war, one thing is certain—she’s running out of time. Not just for herself, but for every Natural she represents.
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The Other Sister by Jessica R. Patch
Full of secrets, lies, danger, and duplicity, this dark and twisty thriller was completely engrossing. I was hooked from the first sentence until the final word. This is the best psychological thriller that I’ve read! If you’re a fan of the genre, it’s a must read. I can’t recommend it highly enough!About the Book
She thought she was the only one lying about her identity. Until she stepped into her sister’s life.
Charlotte Kane has always dreamed of a different life, one where she isn’t living paycheck to paycheck. An existence worlds away from the chaos of her own. Then her estranged mother dies, and Charlotte makes a stunning discovery—she has an identical twin who was given up for adoption.
Acelynn Benedict is polished, successful and seems to have everything Charlotte yearns for—a wealthy, doting family in Savannah, a handsome boyfriend, a great career. She’s just as surprised as Charlotte to learn she has a sister. But when tragedy hits and Charlotte is forced to assume Acelynn’s identity in a desperate moment, she uncovers something altogether darker…
No one in her sister’s life is quite who they seem to be. And every discovery leads Charlotte deeper into a web of deadly secrets. Charlotte may have wanted Acelynn’s life, yet now that she’s living it, she wants out. But if she reveals the truth about herself, it will mean returning to her old life—and she’s already a dead woman there.
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Echoes of Darkness by Darlene L. Turner
I absolutely loved this fast-paced, dark, and twisty romantic thriller. The mystery of who the copycat was had me stumped! I thought I had it figured out several times, but nope! I was completely shocked by the reveal! While this book tackles some dark subjects, I really appreciated that there was light and hope amidst it all. I loved the strong message of faith and how you could see God's goodness shining despite it all.
About the Book
A serial killer stalks a small town, and a police officer must face her family’s dark past to catch him.
The sleepy community of Kenorapeake Falls in northern Ontario seems like somewhere Constable Oaklynn Brock can finally outrun her violent past. That is, until she’s assigned to investigate a series of suspicious deaths. She can’t reveal that she knows how serial killers think because she grew up with one. Yet the eerie similarities between these murders and those committed by her father, known as the Suicide Slayer, hint at a copycat in their midst. But why here and why now?
Caleb Greene of the Canadian Watchers Squad, a special task force, has his own reasons to be wary of working alongside Oaklynn. But with rumors of a local cult known as the Light Paragons gaining power, the stakes are too high to refuse.
As they explore connections between the killings and cult, Oaklynn and Caleb are forced to confront old secrets…and a terrifying new threat. Someone is watching Oaklynn’s every move. They know exactly who she is and what she might be capable of. And soon her biggest fear isn’t just having her past exposed, but that a killer will turn whatever days she has left into a living nightmare…
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Lake Shore Sanctuary (Redemptions Shores Book 5) by Jennifere Rodewald
Jennifer Rodewald never disappoints. Whenever I pick up one of her books, I know that I’m going to get an authentic, emotional, and God-honoring romance full of relatable characters dealing with real life issues. I love this series so much. It’s been a joy to follow these characters' lives. It’s been emotional too. I’ve cried many times. Happy and sad tears. I’ve loved seeing the characters' growth. Their highs and lows. And I’ve especially loved seeing them learn to trust in the Lord.About the Book
Winning her husband’s heart might be the adventure--if not the achievement--of her life. If she can pull it off.
Grady Briggs is quiet and dependable and wants a life that looks nothing like his years spent working as a criminal investigator. But when a known member of the cartel comes searching for Isa Romero, that calm, predictable life he'd hoped to find in Luna goes up in flames. Things get complicated when Grady discovers why the crime boss is after Isa.
Though the flirty, vivacious young woman has rubbed him wrong since day one, Grady is willing to go to any length to protect her--even if that means marrying her.
Isa wanted a life full of romance and adventure, but her search for it has landed her in a whole lot of trouble. Grady’s offer of protection is the smart choice, but a lifeless, loveless marriage isn’t something she can live with. Her best option? Win her husband’s heart—which might be the adventure, if not the achievement—of her life, if she can pull it off.
Their marriage is supposed to be her refuge, but the danger only gets worse . . .
Just when they discover that they might have a chance at a real future together, their secret is exposed. When the danger becomes life-threatening, will Grady be able to protect his wife like he promised?
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What a fascinating story! Elizabeth Camden never fails to impress, and this book of hers just might be my favorite one yet! It was really interesting to read about Germany right before and at the beginning of World War I. It was especially interesting getting a peek at it from the viewpoint of American diplomats and the ambassador working at the embassy in Berlin.
About the Book
Inga Klein's carefree life in New York takes a dramatic turn when she sails for Berlin, Germany, to serve as the secretary for America's ambassador. Amid the glamour of life at the embassy, she continually finds herself at odds with the straitlaced and imposing Benedict Kincaid, the diplomatic chief of staff who harbors deep misgivings toward the German-born Inga.
As Europe hurtles toward World War I, Benedict's determination to keep America out of the conflict adds to the already tense atmosphere. Despite their relentless sparring, Inga and Benedict succeed in keeping the embassy afloat through one crisis after another. But when they run out of diplomatic options, a marriage of convenience between them may be Inga's only hope of escape from the impending war.
In this entrancing Gilded Age romance, Inga and Benedict will be swept into a dangerous world on the brink of war, where two hearts must navigate shadows of uncertainty when stars light the sky.
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Of Silver and Secrets (Time's Lost Treasures Book 2) by Michelle Griep
I had very high expectations because of how much I adored the first book in the series. I'm happy to say that this book exceeded all my expectations. Archaeology has always fascinated me, so I really enjoyed that aspect of this book. I also really enjoyed the Victorian setting. That’s one of my favorite time periods. I was fully engaged with the story from beginning to end. I loved it! I highly recommend it to fans of sweet and intriguing historical romances.
About the Book
Buried underneath are truths bent on keeping them apart. . . .
In 1889 Victorian England, Eva Inman is haunted by guilt over her parents' deaths while struggling to care for her blind sister and manage her family's crumbling estate. With the tax deadline looming, Eva's situation looks dire until an ancient silver ring is unearthed on the property. Despite superstitions warning against disturbing the supposedly cursed acres, Eva's need for funds ignites her curiosity about the potential of finding more buried relics.
Cambridge professor Bram Webb must prove a legendary Christian Roman settlement exists, or he'll risk exposing his uncle's deteriorating memory and they'll both lose their positions. Then Eva steps into his office with the prospect of an archaeological dig that might lead to the very evidence Bram requires--provided he and Eva can set aside painful memories of a time they would rather forget. As the dig forces the two to confront their pasts, the work becomes fraught with challenges that threaten Eva's and Bram's hopes, as well as the growing attraction between them.
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Have you read any of these books? If so, what did you think? What are some of your favorite books of 2025?
