LOVE that one! I'm so happy to see all the buzz and readership it's getting. It would have been on this year's favorite list except I read it in December of 2023 so it made its way into that year's favorites list.
So interesting - you gave me so many recs! I really enjoyed your wrap-up and can't believe you have time to read with a 15 month old. I only read magazines when my kids were young - could not concentrate on books.
I am very interested with all these books. The only one I have read is The Women, which was a 4 star for me. Hands-down my favorite fiction this year was The Frozen River and my favorite nonfiction was The Boys in the Boat. I would also recommend The Forgotten Cottage as a dual timeline fiction with WWI explored in the historical timeline.
Thank you Jessie! I read Frozen River last year and it was the best book of the year for me too. I read Boys in the Boat and thoroughly enjoyed it (even though I expected not to because I don't love sports all that much). Never heard of Forgotten Cottage so thank you for adding that to my radar!
I deffff added Unequal Affections to my kindle after your review! Gotta be honest-hard for me to imagine it’s better than the original, but I’m here for it. 😂 Have you read The Other Bennet Sister? Another Pride & Prej retelling that was so excellent!
Yes I read and loved Other Bennet Sister! I’m on the hunt for good P&P retellings now. I really hope you like Unequal Affections too. I just need it to get more love!
Hi Gloria - hope you have a better reading year in 2025 .. it's definitely tough when you have youngsters to find the time for yourself! I had 3 5 star reads last year - and I would highly recommend to you: Syrie James 'The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen' and 'The Lighthouse Keeper's Daughter by Hazel Gaynor and 'The Black Velvet Coat' by Jill G Hall. I've heard of 'Unequal Affections' and wish it wasn't so scarce out there in the book-world, weird. Here are some of my other favorite reads from last year - in no particular order: The Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly Jane in Love by Rachel Givney, Found in a Bookshop as well as Lost for Words Bookshop by Stehanie Butland, The Librarian of Burned Books by Brianna Labuskes, Esme Cahill Fails Spectacularly by Marie Bostwick I think you would like 'Evergreen' by Belva Plain ( 1st in a series ) I'm still surprised I don't see this author talked about much on You-Tube ( maybe Melissa from Labrador and Libraries has? ) but when people have said how much they like Rosamund Pilcher's books - my thoughts go to Belva Plain who I was reading alot of at the same time ( years ago! ). Another series that was my favorite in the year I read it -- Sara Donati 'Into the Wilderness' I think there were 6 books in that one. Hoping your followers that tend to like historical fiction find some recommendations here! I'm always looking for some! 😊📚
Thank you so much for sharing a list of wonderful reads! I love this. I own Lighthouse Keeper's daughter, so would love to read more Hazel Gaynor. You're right, never heard of Belva Plain (but will keep my eye out). And I'm so excited to try Donati's "Into the Wilderness".
OMG! I am so interested to read “Unequal Affection,” especially as I am reading “Pride and Prejudice” next month as part of my goal to catch up on classics this year. You have me so intrigued, and it will be fun to read one after the other. For me I probably couldn’t pick my top book of the year, but probably four I enjoyed equally were “The Queen’s Gambit,” “The Color Purple,” “Middlemarch,” and “Gold” (by Chris Cleave.)
Oo, I'd love to hear your thoughts on it! I would totally do a reread of both of them back to back to really compare. That would be an awesome reading experience. I'm keen to try Middlemarch.
I’m interested in Forty Autumns and trying Unequal Affection again (that one was more of a it’s not you it’s me soft DNF). I also had a pretty meh year. A lot of my favorite books were rereads. I’d read Foster and Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan in 2023 and loved them but reread them with my mom last year because I knew STLT was being made into a movie. And I liked them even more the second time.
Thanks for sharing about a book I’ve never heard of before. I’m not immediately interested in a presidential book, but some of the reviews sound so good!
I love to watch favorites videos so thanks for sharing. My favorites of the year include: Little Men, Remarkably Bright Creatures, The Life We Bury and Recursion.
Thank you for watching! I've read two of those and am interested in trying another Blake Crouch. Little Men is currently downloaded on Libby and I hope to pick it up soon.
I’m happy I found your channel! I recently got back into reading and at first I was reading a lot of thrillers but now I’m looking for more character centered books so I want to read more literally fiction, and historical fiction . I feel like Im finding some good recommendations in your videos :)
I've heard great things about that book! Unfortunately, I didn't love the authors other book Stationery Shop, but mostly because it had a romantic trope I don't enjoy reading about. I did like her writing. Perhaps this subject matter would be more interesting to me.
I am interested in Unequal Affections and also Wormwood Abbey. A character-driven novel I enjoyed in 2024 is This is Happiness by Irish author Niall Williams, and this year I read his latest release, Time of the Child - both amazing books in which the writing is superb and the characters fantastic - you may laugh and cry! Highly recommend his books 📚❤ - and the audiobook narrator is fantastic!!
Thank you so much for the recommendation! Especially for an author I've never hears of. Looks like his books get high ratings, and I appreciate the audiobook tip. Love this!
Not heard if Unequal Affections and adding that to the wishlist! I had very few super standout reads in 2024 as well but lots I had a great time with. Cloud Cuckoo Land was my favourite read. Happy reading in 2025, Gloria!
Thank you Jack! I originally heard about it from Coynie Reads, I forgot to mention her channel. But it was spectacular. Here's hoping we both have some more fantastic reading for 2025. 🙌
🐛Your voice is so lovely, and I love the way you talk about books. The Mona Lisa Vanishes sounds like an interesting read, and I have a soft-spot for middle-grade literature, so thanks for mentioning that one.
Great video, love your content. I also enjoy historical fiction a lot and my 2 favorite books in 2024 in this genre was Dust Child and The book of everlasting things. Highly recommend both.
My favs: Chocolat (the 4 books), The lover (Duras), Silk, Picture Maker (Penina Keen Spinka), Foster, Life after life (Atkinson), 84 Charing Cross Road, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, Fried green tomatoes, The knightingale, A tree grows in Brooklyn, The piano tuner. My worst; Like water for chocolate, Lady Tan´s circle of women, Circe, The time- traveller's wife, The paying guests
5 star is a feeling for me too, when I know, I know!! Fortunately I had quite a few this year. My top read of 2024 was The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow. Maisie Dobbs; I've listened to the whole series. I really enjoyed the first book, Maisie's origin story of her childhood and how she came to work in the house was great. Also loved God of the Woods. Tunnel 29 was an amazing Berlin Wall true story.
Looking through my books I read last year, the ones that stand out the most that I would recommend to you are: Parnassus on Wheels, The Book Thief, and Nothing to Envy (nonfiction, about North Korea). I recently started The God of the Woods. After about 60 pages in I just did not care. I decided to DNF, read the last 15-20 pages and was glad I hadn’t taken up time reading it. 😆
Loved Book Thief in the past but think I need to reread it soon. And a North Korea nonfiction sounds good! I’ll have to check that one out. I’m glad you knew when it wasn’t going well for you! Totally understand those that didn’t like this God of the Woods. For some strange reason I was totally compelled.
Try “The Covenant of Water” by Abraham Verghese- LOVED it!!! And Jaqueline Winspears book: the care and management of lies is a powerful stand alone book as well!!!
I’m a little uneasy to try more Verghese because I did not like Cutting for Stone at all, and the length intimidates me. But glad you loved it! I would definitely read more Winspear once I’m done with Maisie Dobbs.
Ive put Dinner for Vampires on my list. I don’t know much about the show but cults fascinate me. I was kinda on the fringes of IBLP ( the cult associated with the Duggar family) growing up. We moved away from it when I was around 6 or so. I remember bits and pieces from homeschooling. My favorite of all time from 2024 is Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt. The audio is fantastic.
Glad to hear you got out of it! I grew up going to a cult-like church as well so the subject matter is fascinating to me. I’ve read that one and didn’t love it but can see why so many do!
Thanks for sharing Cathy! I own a copy of Pilgrim's Progress but am worried about reading an allegory story. Not sure if I'd jive with the storytelling. But I know it's a Christian classic!
Wrote down 4/5 of your recs, thanks Gloria! Already read my Best Book Of 2025! Once Upon A Wardrobe by Patti Callahan (Secret Life Of Flora Lea). I read this in 2 days. Could NOT put down. VERY moving, learned ALOT about C.S. Lewis' life. I gave it 5+ stars in my Reading Journal. EXCELLENT! I am a Christian also. Lewis was influenced by Tolkien to become a christian! The end is pretty sad, but you know it's coming. Still, I cried.
Thank you, Gloria, for these recommendations! I'll definitely read Forty Autumns, and I'm very intrigued by How to Stay Married. I have a bee book to recommend if you haven't already read it: The Honey Bus by Meredith May. It's a memoir about a woman who spent a lot of time with her grandfather while growing up in a broken home, and he taught her all about beekeeping. It's based in coastal California, not far from Big Sur, and I found it very compelling, educational, and emotional.
Thank you for thinking of me with the recommendation and you are spot on with it! I've already read it for a bee-themed video and totally loved it. 🐝 It was a wonderful read.
I am adding Unequal Affections to my TBR. I read Pride and Prejudice for the first time this year and it was ok. But this book sounds so much more interesting.
5 star reads are a rare and special thing for me also. I don't think you or I are too picky, I think we may be more willing to give an honest, critical look at a book.
I use to read constantly!! But I am not liking these series of 4,5,6 etc books. Especially when u read a book & don’t know it’s a series!!! Hoping to get back to single books I am 73 years old have been reading for a long time!! Love Kristen Hannah!!
Wicked Will by Bailey MacDonald is a middle school book with William Shakespeare as a sleuth. The main character is very Shakespearean. It was a lot of fun!
I just added the pride and prejudice retelling to my tbr! I’m actually reading pride and prejudice now because I’m listening to a book club style podcast so maybe I’ll read this book after I finished so I can compare.
Any content warnings for “The God of the woods”? Also, does it have a sad or happy ending? I’ve been putting it off because I’m scared it will depress me but am definitely interested in it.
I don’t think it’ll be your kind of read from what I’ve seen you mention in content you avoid. Nothing is over the top or “obvious” but a lot is alluded to. Whether that LGBT stuff or some sexual content or drug use. It’s not in your face but it’s there a bit. Big warning would be child death and domestic abuse (again not super descriptive but alluded to). I would say it’s a morose and tense read with an ambiguous ending. I don’t know if that’s helpful for you or not!
The Timeless series by Gabrielle Meyer was my favorite of 2024. I read the first three books, which were all five stars. If I had to choose one book as my book of the year, it would be the first in the series, When the Day Comes. It was SO good - historical, romance, time travel, Christian faith. Amazing!!
I've heard nothing but wonderful things about that series, so I am so up for trying it. I hope I love it too! Do you know if the series is complete? My only hesitation is I don't love jumping into an ongoing series vs one that is wrapped up.
Have you read anything by Kate Quinn? If not, highly recommend The Diamond Eye. It a retelling of the true story of a female Russian sniper during WW2. It's fantastic!
I agree the plane books are so good. I have read all there and enjoyed them all. I also read The Women this year and liked that too. I just finished reading Kristin Hannah's book Home Front which is similar, but set during the Iraq war.
Oh good to know about Home Front. I've been hesitant to try her contemporary novels, but would be willing to try that one. Thanks for sharing your reading experience.
2024 was not a great reading year for me. I guess I have three top favorites: the 18th Maisie Dobb, Olivetti by Allie Millington and Apples Never Fall by Liane Moriarty. (BTW I have read all her backlist and only dislike one). I have to say I enjoyed the Mona Lisa one too. And I have put the P and P retelling on my TBR. GREAT LIST.
I enjoyed The Women and gave it 4 stars, because Frankie kept whining about how she was treated instead of doing something about it. I enjoyed the historical parts, but hated that Frankie wanted to stay in bed on drugs and alcohol. I might be biased because my daughter struggles with drugs. Anyway it was a great story anyway.
My favorite for the year was The Frozen River!
LOVE that one! I'm so happy to see all the buzz and readership it's getting. It would have been on this year's favorite list except I read it in December of 2023 so it made its way into that year's favorites list.
Mine too!!
Love when “total whims” become faves. I cannot wait to read The Women and The God of the Woods. I’m hoping 2025 will be a better reading year too. 😊💙
It’s like stumbling upon treasure when that happens. Hoping for more of that this year!
Taking furious notes with all the books I want to read because of YOU! Unequal Affections, Masie Dobbs, TJ Newman!! They all sound soooooo good.
Haha, you're sweet! I would loveee to hear your thoughts on Unequal Affections.
So interesting - you gave me so many recs! I really enjoyed your wrap-up and can't believe you have time to read with a 15 month old. I only read magazines when my kids were young - could not concentrate on books.
Ok I need to read Unequal Affections this year! Maisie Dobbs is such a wonderful series!!
I think you'd LOVEEE it!
I am very interested with all these books. The only one I have read is The Women, which was a 4 star for me. Hands-down my favorite fiction this year was The Frozen River and my favorite nonfiction was The Boys in the Boat. I would also recommend The Forgotten Cottage as a dual timeline fiction with WWI explored in the historical timeline.
Thank you Jessie! I read Frozen River last year and it was the best book of the year for me too. I read Boys in the Boat and thoroughly enjoyed it (even though I expected not to because I don't love sports all that much). Never heard of Forgotten Cottage so thank you for adding that to my radar!
I deffff added Unequal Affections to my kindle after your review! Gotta be honest-hard for me to imagine it’s better than the original, but I’m here for it. 😂 Have you read The Other Bennet Sister? Another Pride & Prej retelling that was so excellent!
Yes I read and loved Other Bennet Sister! I’m on the hunt for good P&P retellings now. I really hope you like Unequal Affections too. I just need it to get more love!
Hi Gloria - hope you have a better reading year in 2025 .. it's definitely tough when you have youngsters to find the time for yourself!
I had 3 5 star reads last year - and I would highly recommend to you: Syrie James 'The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen' and 'The Lighthouse Keeper's Daughter by Hazel Gaynor and 'The Black Velvet Coat' by Jill G Hall. I've heard of 'Unequal Affections' and wish it wasn't so scarce out there in the book-world, weird. Here are some of my other favorite reads from last year - in no particular order:
The Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly
Jane in Love by Rachel Givney,
Found in a Bookshop as well as Lost for Words Bookshop by Stehanie Butland,
The Librarian of Burned Books by Brianna Labuskes,
Esme Cahill Fails Spectacularly by Marie Bostwick
I think you would like 'Evergreen' by Belva Plain ( 1st in a series ) I'm still surprised I don't see this author talked about much on You-Tube ( maybe Melissa from Labrador and Libraries has? ) but when people have said how much they like Rosamund Pilcher's books - my thoughts go to Belva Plain who I was reading alot of at the same time ( years ago! ).
Another series that was my favorite in the year I read it -- Sara Donati 'Into the Wilderness' I think there were 6 books in that one.
Hoping your followers that tend to like historical fiction find some recommendations here! I'm always looking for some! 😊📚
Thank you so much for sharing a list of wonderful reads! I love this. I own Lighthouse Keeper's daughter, so would love to read more Hazel Gaynor. You're right, never heard of Belva Plain (but will keep my eye out). And I'm so excited to try Donati's "Into the Wilderness".
Instantly put Unequal Affection on hold!
@@ChantelReadsAllDay yes! I’d love to see what you think of it.
OMG! I am so interested to read “Unequal Affection,” especially as I am reading “Pride and Prejudice” next month as part of my goal to catch up on classics this year. You have me so intrigued, and it will be fun to read one after the other. For me I probably couldn’t pick my top book of the year, but probably four I enjoyed equally were “The Queen’s Gambit,” “The Color Purple,” “Middlemarch,” and “Gold” (by Chris Cleave.)
Oo, I'd love to hear your thoughts on it! I would totally do a reread of both of them back to back to really compare. That would be an awesome reading experience. I'm keen to try Middlemarch.
I’m interested in Forty Autumns and trying Unequal Affection again (that one was more of a it’s not you it’s me soft DNF). I also had a pretty meh year. A lot of my favorite books were rereads. I’d read Foster and Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan in 2023 and loved them but reread them with my mom last year because I knew STLT was being made into a movie. And I liked them even more the second time.
I enjoyed STLT but didn't love it! I want to read Foster this year.
My favorite book for 2024 was The Bodyguard by Katherine Center. I like cozy fantasy and will go look for Wormwood Abbey.
The Bodyguard was a fun romcom! I read it in 2023 and it was in my favorites list then. Hope you enjoy Wormwood Abbey if you get to it!
Destiny of the Republic was my favorite nonfiction, amazing book, could not put it down!!!
Thanks for sharing about a book I’ve never heard of before. I’m not immediately interested in a presidential book, but some of the reviews sound so good!
I love to watch favorites videos so thanks for sharing. My favorites of the year include: Little Men, Remarkably Bright Creatures, The Life We Bury and Recursion.
Thank you for watching! I've read two of those and am interested in trying another Blake Crouch. Little Men is currently downloaded on Libby and I hope to pick it up soon.
I love the Maisie Dobbs series and have gotten through 7 and hope to read the rest. I definitely want to read the TJ Newman books.
It's a delight and comfort to return to. Hope I can find more historical mysteries once I'm done with it, that I'll enjoy just as much.
One of my favorites was Simon, Sort Of Says by: Erin Bow.
I didn't read enough middle grade in 2024, so hope to remedy that in 2025!
I’m happy I found your channel! I recently got back into reading and at first I was reading a lot of thrillers but now I’m looking for more character centered books so I want to read more literally fiction, and historical fiction . I feel like Im finding some good recommendations in your videos :)
Thank you, Melissa! So glad you said hi. I hope you find some great reads in 2025 in the new genres you hope to explore.
Thanks for sharing your list! One of my favorite historical fiction books of this year was the Lion Women of Tehran.
I've heard great things about that book! Unfortunately, I didn't love the authors other book Stationery Shop, but mostly because it had a romantic trope I don't enjoy reading about. I did like her writing. Perhaps this subject matter would be more interesting to me.
@ I also read the stationary shop, and this one is much better! It’s focused on female friendship with a political back drop.
@@JennaSmith-o4i Love female friendship stories, so I'm up for trying it!
I am interested in Unequal Affections and also Wormwood Abbey. A character-driven novel I enjoyed in 2024 is This is Happiness by Irish author Niall Williams, and this year I read his latest release, Time of the Child - both amazing books in which the writing is superb and the characters fantastic - you may laugh and cry! Highly recommend his books 📚❤ - and the audiobook narrator is fantastic!!
Thank you so much for the recommendation! Especially for an author I've never hears of. Looks like his books get high ratings, and I appreciate the audiobook tip. Love this!
Not heard if Unequal Affections and adding that to the wishlist! I had very few super standout reads in 2024 as well but lots I had a great time with. Cloud Cuckoo Land was my favourite read. Happy reading in 2025, Gloria!
Thank you Jack! I originally heard about it from Coynie Reads, I forgot to mention her channel. But it was spectacular. Here's hoping we both have some more fantastic reading for 2025. 🙌
@ 🙌🤍
🐛Your voice is so lovely, and I love the way you talk about books. The Mona Lisa Vanishes sounds like an interesting read, and I have a soft-spot for middle-grade literature, so thanks for mentioning that one.
Thank you for the kind words! I hope to read a bit more middle grade in 2025. I love finding stand outs in that age range.
Great video, love your content. I also enjoy historical fiction a lot and my 2 favorite books in 2024 in this genre was Dust Child and The book of everlasting things. Highly recommend both.
Thank you for recommending some diverse historical fiction! Would love to expand my horizons with reading more historical books set in Asia.
The most beautiful book cover ~ Lead me where the light is ours n.galilea !
I have never heard of this book. Looking it up, it seems hard to find.
I want to read the Wormwood Abbey series. ❤️📚❤️
I absolutely loved Winter Solstice. I just read it in December. 😊
The perfect season to read it, so glad you loved it!
@GloriaZThompson Thank you 😊
My favs: Chocolat (the 4 books), The lover (Duras), Silk, Picture Maker (Penina Keen Spinka), Foster, Life after life (Atkinson), 84 Charing Cross Road, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, Fried green tomatoes, The knightingale, A tree grows in Brooklyn, The piano tuner.
My worst; Like water for chocolate, Lady Tan´s circle of women, Circe, The time- traveller's wife, The paying guests
Thank you for sharing which ones were wins and which weren’t for you! A few of those I’ve read and enjoyed as well.
5 star is a feeling for me too, when I know, I know!! Fortunately I had quite a few this year. My top read of 2024 was The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow.
Maisie Dobbs; I've listened to the whole series. I really enjoyed the first book, Maisie's origin story of her childhood and how she came to work in the house was great.
Also loved God of the Woods.
Tunnel 29 was an amazing Berlin Wall true story.
Thank you for sharing Heather! I added Tunnel 29 to my "want to read" list. Sounds incredible!
Looking through my books I read last year, the ones that stand out the most that I would recommend to you are: Parnassus on Wheels, The Book Thief, and Nothing to Envy (nonfiction, about North Korea).
I recently started The God of the Woods. After about 60 pages in I just did not care. I decided to DNF, read the last 15-20 pages and was glad I hadn’t taken up time reading it. 😆
Loved Book Thief in the past but think I need to reread it soon. And a North Korea nonfiction sounds good! I’ll have to check that one out.
I’m glad you knew when it wasn’t going well for you! Totally understand those that didn’t like this God of the Woods. For some strange reason I was totally compelled.
I might pick up How to stay married.& … … maybe the P&P retelling !
Hope 2025 is more rewarding in your favorite genre ❤
Thank you Deea! Oo, I'd love to hear your thoughts on Unequal Affections.
Try “The Covenant of Water” by Abraham Verghese- LOVED it!!!
And Jaqueline Winspears book: the care and management of lies is a powerful stand alone book as well!!!
I’m a little uneasy to try more Verghese because I did not like Cutting for Stone at all, and the length intimidates me. But glad you loved it!
I would definitely read more Winspear once I’m done with Maisie Dobbs.
Ive put Dinner for Vampires on my list. I don’t know much about the show but cults fascinate me. I was kinda on the fringes of IBLP ( the cult associated with the Duggar family) growing up. We moved away from it when I was around 6 or so. I remember bits and pieces from homeschooling.
My favorite of all time from 2024 is Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt.
The audio is fantastic.
Glad to hear you got out of it! I grew up going to a cult-like church as well so the subject matter is fascinating to me.
I’ve read that one and didn’t love it but can see why so many do!
My fav was the pilgrims progress by john bunyan. Look for the felt one with gold on the front❤
Thanks for sharing Cathy! I own a copy of Pilgrim's Progress but am worried about reading an allegory story. Not sure if I'd jive with the storytelling. But I know it's a Christian classic!
Wrote down 4/5 of your recs, thanks Gloria! Already read my Best Book Of 2025! Once Upon A Wardrobe by Patti Callahan (Secret Life Of Flora Lea). I read this in 2 days. Could NOT put down. VERY moving, learned ALOT about C.S. Lewis' life. I gave it 5+ stars in my Reading Journal. EXCELLENT! I am a Christian also. Lewis was influenced by Tolkien to become a christian! The end is pretty sad, but you know it's coming. Still, I cried.
So happy you found your new favorite book! That's the best feeling.
My favorite of the year was How To Stay Married! 😆🎉 I read it and then made my husband listen to the audio with me. Loved Dinner For Vampires as well.
Yes! I don't see to many people reading or talking about, so this makes me happy! So glad you enjoyed it. Made my husband read it too. Haha!
Thank you, Gloria, for these recommendations! I'll definitely read Forty Autumns, and I'm very intrigued by How to Stay Married. I have a bee book to recommend if you haven't already read it: The Honey Bus by Meredith May. It's a memoir about a woman who spent a lot of time with her grandfather while growing up in a broken home, and he taught her all about beekeeping. It's based in coastal California, not far from Big Sur, and I found it very compelling, educational, and emotional.
Thank you for thinking of me with the recommendation and you are spot on with it! I've already read it for a bee-themed video and totally loved it. 🐝 It was a wonderful read.
I am adding Unequal Affections to my TBR. I read Pride and Prejudice for the first time this year and it was ok. But this book sounds so much more interesting.
I hope you enjoy it (more than the source material) like I did. 😊
5 star reads are a rare and special thing for me also. I don't think you or I are too picky, I think we may be more willing to give an honest, critical look at a book.
Thank you for affirming me in that way, I quite agree! Nothing wrong with critical reading.
I have Wormwood Abbey on hold at the library!!
Hope you love it! Sweet and cozy.
Ok, so you sold me on Unequal Affection! 😊
Ha, yes! I will be talking about that one for awhile. Hope you love it too when you get to it.
I use to read constantly!! But I am not liking these series of 4,5,6 etc books. Especially when u read a book & don’t know it’s a series!!! Hoping to get back to single books I am 73 years old have been reading for a long time!! Love Kristen Hannah!!
I used to feel more that way (didn't like series), but now I'm kinda hooked on a few. I go back and forth with my feelings on series reading.
Wicked Will by Bailey MacDonald is a middle school book with William Shakespeare as a sleuth. The main character is very Shakespearean. It was a lot of fun!
That sounds so fun for a Shakespeare fan! Love when a middle grade just gets it right and hits the spot.
I just added the pride and prejudice retelling to my tbr! I’m actually reading pride and prejudice now because I’m listening to a book club style podcast so maybe I’ll read this book after I finished so I can compare.
That would be a great comparison! You'll have to report back.
Any content warnings for “The God of the woods”? Also, does it have a sad or happy ending? I’ve been putting it off because I’m scared it will depress me but am definitely interested in it.
I don’t think it’ll be your kind of read from what I’ve seen you mention in content you avoid. Nothing is over the top or “obvious” but a lot is alluded to. Whether that LGBT stuff or some sexual content or drug use. It’s not in your face but it’s there a bit. Big warning would be child death and domestic abuse (again not super descriptive but alluded to). I would say it’s a morose and tense read with an ambiguous ending. I don’t know if that’s helpful for you or not!
@ thank you so much! This is super helpful! 💛
The Timeless series by Gabrielle Meyer was my favorite of 2024. I read the first three books, which were all five stars. If I had to choose one book as my book of the year, it would be the first in the series, When the Day Comes. It was SO good - historical, romance, time travel, Christian faith. Amazing!!
I've heard nothing but wonderful things about that series, so I am so up for trying it. I hope I love it too! Do you know if the series is complete? My only hesitation is I don't love jumping into an ongoing series vs one that is wrapped up.
@@GloriaZThompson It is ongoing. I think she said she's been approved for seven books. Book five is coming out this spring.
@ thanks for the info!
Have you read anything by Kate Quinn? If not, highly recommend The Diamond Eye. It a retelling of the true story of a female Russian sniper during WW2. It's fantastic!
I have! She's a hit or miss author for me. Diamond Eye has been my favorite book from her.
Sounds like some great reads though despite how 2024 felt! 😊
True! Here's hoping for more 5 star feeling books in 2025.
I agree the plane books are so good. I have read all there and enjoyed them all. I also read The Women this year and liked that too. I just finished reading Kristin Hannah's book Home Front which is similar, but set during the Iraq war.
Oh good to know about Home Front. I've been hesitant to try her contemporary novels, but would be willing to try that one. Thanks for sharing your reading experience.
2024 was not a great reading year for me. I guess I have three top favorites: the 18th Maisie Dobb, Olivetti by Allie Millington and Apples Never Fall by Liane Moriarty. (BTW I have read all her backlist and only dislike one). I have to say I enjoyed the Mona Lisa one too. And I have put the P and P retelling on my TBR. GREAT LIST.
Thanks for sharing Glenda! Apples Never Fall and the last Maisie Dobbs should get read in 2025 for me! Hope I love them too.
I have so many series I need to finish and also some I need to decide whether to DNF
I'm with you! I want to make some good progress in the ones I've started and start some new ones I'm excited about.
Since you like Maisie Dobbs, give Locked in Pursuit by Ashley Weaver a try. It is a 5 book series.
Yes I will! That's on my 2025 TBR list. I will be picking it up once I'm done with Maisie.
I think my favorite books were (1) A Thousand Splendid Suns and (2) The Women.
@@deserthorses5 A Thousand Splendid Suns has been on my shelf for ages! I’d love to read it this year.
I enjoyed The Women and gave it 4 stars, because Frankie kept whining about how she was treated instead of doing something about it. I enjoyed the historical parts, but hated that Frankie wanted to stay in bed on drugs and alcohol. I might be biased because my daughter struggles with drugs. Anyway it was a great story anyway.
Agree! Good but not great and the main character was a bit annoying.