Here it is again, one of my favorite posts to do each year: the top ten reads from the year. I ended the year with 167 books read (thanks in part to a sprint of reading some short reads at the end of the year). It was one of those years where I would be way ahead of my reading goal and then behind by quite a few books (my goal was 150). My reading was in fits and spurts, instead of being consistent. I guess that is pregnancy and early motherhood for you.

You can see all my reading stats here. Here are the highlights:

Total books read: 167

Longest book: The Woman in White

First book of the Year: Becoming Elisabeth Elliot

Last book finished: Revive My Heart: A Year of Daily Reflections

Now, for my top ten reads!

10. The Trial by Charlotte Mary Yonge

This is the sequel to The Daisy Chain, which I read in 2024. I read this with my good friend Kelsey. I loved seeing this large family grow, mature, and change. Younge is one of my favorite Victorian writers. I am slowly reading all of her books. They are so wholesome and well-written.

Goodreads | My Review | Amazon 

9. Firmament: Progenitor by J. Grace Pennington

I've fallen behind in this series, so it was nice to pick it back up. I have loved it from the first installment. I so enjoyed getting to catch up with the characters. This is such a fun series that is like a Christian Star Trek.

Goodreads | My Review | Amazon 

8. Labor with Hope by Gloria Furman

I found out I was pregnant in March, and by the summer, I was reading a lot of parenting books. This was one of the few books I read about pregnancy and labor, and I loved it. It was so steeped in the gospel and biblical hope. It was personally very encouraging.

Goodreads | My Review | Amazon | Audible

7. Mind the Gap by Erynn Mangum

I like Erynn Mangum a lot. This book had a good message, but it was also so much fun. It made the list because I haven't had as much fun reading a book in a long time.

Goodreads | My Review | Amazon 

6. Parenting by Paul David Tripp

So far, of all the parenting books I've read (and I've read quite a few), this has been my favorite. It's so saturated in biblical wisdom. I know I will be coming back to this book again and again to remember what is most important as a parent. 

Goodreads | My Review | Amazon | Audible

5. Raising Worry-Free Girls by Sissy Goff

While I read this book in my quest to find parenting resources, I found this book incredibly helpful for me. It helped me understand some of the things I had struggled with as a child. I think reading this will help me in the future with my children, but it also helped me process some of my past.

Goodreads | My Review | Amazon | Audible

4. Just Like Molly and Other Stories by Elizabeth Allen

I love everything this author has done. I enjoyed as my husband read these stories aloud to me. I love each seasonal collection and know I will be revisiting these in the years to come.

Goodreads | My Review | Amazon 

3. 936 Pennies by Eryn Lynum

This book was beautiful. It's written to remind parents of the limited time they have with their children. I found this book to be thought-provoking and a pleasure to read. I just love it when wisdom and powerful wordsmithing are combined.

Goodreads | My Review | Amazon | Audible

2. The Curious Inheritance of Blakely Houseby Joanna Davidson Politano

About halfway into this book, I wasn't sure how I felt about it, other than (as usual) Politano's storytelling was amazing. In the end, I adored this book. It was beautifully written, had a hint of allegorical truths without being heavy-headed, and had a fantastic setting. I've found myself thinking about it often in the months after I read it.

Goodreads | My Review | Amazon | Audible

1. Hudson Taylor's Spiritual Secret

This book was impactful. It was one I read with a friend, which made it even better. Yes, the style is old-fashioned, but I found myself thinking back to this book throughout the year, remembering so much of the wisdom stored in it. I love how Hudson Taylor always put his relationship with God before is activities for God.

Goodreads | My Review | Amazon | Audible

What were your favorite reads of 2025?