2025 Best, Worst and Mosts

Disclaimer I read books based on preferences which take into account my faith and personal convictions. Please check any of my recommendations against your own convictions and read responsibly.

Can you believe it, reader friends?! We’ve officially reached the end of another reading year. 2025 was filled with incredible new releases, the discovery of new favorite authors, and a major shift into new genres I hadn’t fully given a chance to before.

This year, I read a total of 91 books—a personal record for me. Eleven of those earned five-star ratings, which honestly felt a little low, but perhaps I’m just becoming more of a hard sell with my high ratings. That said, even beyond those five-star reads, there were so many books I’d still consider some of the best stories I picked up all year. And that’s exactly why we’re here—to talk about my best and worst reads of 2025.

With a year full of standout favorites and a few very clear duds, I thought the best way to wrap up my 2025 reading was to highlight both my best and worst reads across each of the seven major genres I explored. I’m also including a fun bonus pick for each genre—a “most” superlative that felt especially deserving. So grab a cozy drink or a sweet treat, settle in, and let’s chat about the books that truly defined my reading year.

“ROMANCE GENRE”

🌟 BEST : One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune

The setting, the characters, the romance—this book had the perfect combination. It truly had zero competition. Just thinking about this book still makes me feel like I actually spent the summer in Barry’s Bay. If you haven’t read it yet, do yourself a favor: stop reading this post and start it now.

❌ WORST : Till Summer Do Us Part by Meghan Quinn

I’m sad to say—but I actually DNF’d (did not finish) this book. The first half was funny, cute, and flirty in all the right ways, with a refreshingly unique coupling plot. Unfortunately, the second half took an unexpectedly extreme sexual turn, which was a huge disappointment. I ultimately put it down around 70% because the content became so overtly sexual that it crossed into uncomfortable territory for me. Because of that, this one isn’t a recommendation from me.

🏆 MOST EMOTIONAL : Promise Me Sunshine by Cara Bastone

This was easily the most emotional romance I read—not because of the love story itself, but because of its deep focus on family, grief, and friendship. The layers of this story felt incredibly relatable and offered such an authentic portrayal of falling in love with someone who truly sees you. Keep a tissue close while reading this one—it’s absolutely a tear-jerker.

“MEMOIR GENRE”

🌟 BEST : Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey

Listening to this on audio was an absolute treat. McConaughey’s storytelling is authentic, expressive, reflective, and full of wisdom—it genuinely felt like sitting in on a life class taught by the coolest professor. Highly recommend, especially the audiobook!

❌ WORST : Growing Up Urkel by Jaleel White

Unfortunately, this one was a major disappointment. The tone Jaleel takes throughout comes across as prideful and, at times, almost vindictive. Rather than feeling reflective, it reads more like an exposé of his experiences. Unless you’re a die-hard fan, this is an easy one to skip.

🏆 MOST IMPACTFUL : The House of My Mother by Shari Franke

You cannot read this book and not be moved. Between the horrific experiences endured by Shari and her siblings and the way she shares her story with such authenticity, self-awareness, and boldness, it’s impossible to walk away unchanged. Beyond the personal narrative, the impact this book has on the family influencer space—and the much-needed conversations it sparks around accountability and harm—feels especially important for this generation.

“FANTASY GENRE”

🌟 BEST : Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins

I mean, are we surprised? This was the perfect installment in a cult-classic series. Prequels can be hit or miss, but this one felt intentional and seamless—fully aligned with the tone and storylines that followed. And the characters? Truly the shining stars here! All I know is, if you’re wondering where I’ll be Thanksgiving 2026, it’s seated and watching this on the big screen.

❌ WORST : Fearful by Lauren Roberts

Another one that really should come as no surprise. Honestly, what’s left to say other than: let’s stop adding to this series. While this had the potential to bring more clarity and depth to Kitt’s storyline and his ending, the choice to personify death as a character just didn’t sit right with me. I understand the symbolism the author was aiming for, but ultimately it felt too dark for me—and I ended up DNF’ing it.

🏆 MOST EPIC : Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins

I mean, how do we get a second Quarter Quell and it not be epic?! From the imagery, to the defiance, to the gruesome undoings, to the emotion and sorrow—this book takes you on a vast, monumental journey through Panem and the Districts. It’s action packed and absolutely unputdownable.

“THRILLER GENRE”

🌟 BEST : This Book Will Bury Me by Ashley Winstead

I don’t care what anyone says—this was the best thriller because of its nuance and its sharp narrative on armchair detectives. Even though the plot was inspired by a real-life story, that was entirely the point. I could go on and on about this book, but ultimately it accomplished exactly what it set out to do: spark conversation about how far is too far for everyday “detectives” to involve themselves in real-life crime.

❌ WORST : The Lake Escape by Jamie Day

After reading this, it’s safe to say Jamie Day just isn’t an author for me. This book, in particular, explored themes that didn’t sit right with me, and the plot twist felt too similar to one of her other stories to feel original. Ultimately, I walked away feeling bored, uninspired, and underwhelmed.

🏆 MOST TWISTY : Cross My Heart by Megan Collins

On the opposite note, this book’s plot was incredibly unique and original, which fueled its wild twists and turns. I’m pretty sure I read it in one sitting because of how fast-paced, ever-evolving, and unpredictable the story was. Pick this one up if you’re in the mood for a crazy ride that leaves you saying, “wait… what?!”

“FICTION GENRE”

🌟 BEST : Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah

To date, this is the only book in my reading journey that I’ve ever wanted to give six stars! It’s the truest depiction of lifelong friendship, capturing the deepest highs, the most excruciating lows, and all the messy middles in between. Every emotion feels palpable on the page. I have never sobbed harder while finishing a book—and I immediately had to call my mom and my own lifelong bestie afterward. IYKYK.

❌ WORST : Pictures of You by Emma Grey

This one is a bit tricky because it wasn’t bad—it was simply the least engaging of the contemporary fiction reads. The ending felt abrupt, leaving some of the strongest elements—especially the family dynamics—underdeveloped and not fully explored. I found myself wishing the story had made more room for those deeper emotional threads instead of focusing so heavily on the romance.

🏆 MOST UNIQUE : Anxious People by Fredrik Backman

By far the strongest plot, driven by richly nuanced characters and thoughtful perspectives on life. What stood out most was the way so many individual stories seamlessly connected to one another and to the central narrative. Backman’s writing is unique itself. He has an incredible ability to contrast human emotion with broader life concepts, weaving multiple overarching themes into a single, cohesive story—and that is so beautiful.

“NON-FICTION GENRE”

🌟 BEST : Garden City by John Mark Comer

Did I read this book—or did it read me? As a recovering workaholic, Comer’s teachings and theological breakdown of work from God’s perspective were deeply transformative. This is a must-read for anyone who loves their work, feels constantly driven to chase a calling, or is searching for deeper purpose without humanly burning out.

❌ WORST : Gravitas by Lisa Sun

Another “worst” pick that wasn’t bad—but it was extremely repetitive. Once the core concepts were introduced, the author largely reiterated the same ideas in different ways. While the principles could be genuinely helpful for some readers, they weren’t especially impactful for me personally, as many of them were already concepts I’ve applied throughout my career.

🏆 MOST THOUGHT PROVOKING : The Benefit of Doubt by Craig Groeschel

This is a book I truly believe is worth reading by everyone. Groeschel’s ability to tackle ideas that every human—Christian or not—has wrestled with at some point in life is incredibly powerful. Each prompted question invites you to pause and reflect on your own doubts and emotions, opening the door to a deeper, more honest perspective of truth.

“YOUNG ADULT GENRE”

🌟 BEST : Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter

What’s better than starting the year with a five-star, feel-good, smiling-from-ear-to-ear read? The answer: nothing. The innocent romance, the background music, the quintessential rom-com vibes—every bit of it had me falling head over heels for Wes and Liz. And yes, they still live in my head rent-free.

❌ WORST : The Wilde Trials by Mackenzie Reed

I picked this up because it included a games element—and who doesn’t love that, especially in a YA book!? Sadly, the competition aspect ended up being very underwhelming. I was expecting much higher stakes, and when that didn’t deliver, it quickly fell to the bottom of the list for me.

🏆 MOST BINGE-ABLE : The Naturals by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

The first book in a four-part series, this mystery mixed with a whodunit storyline makes for a quick, engaging read that keeps you on your toes. The fun, quirky characters add to the charm and will have you rooting for them to crack the case. It’s the perfect palate-cleanser read in between deeper subject matter or if you find yourself stuck in a reading slump.