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?

this post contains Amazon affiliate links

This list isn't executive. I plan to keep this list updated. 

The Accident by A.M. Heath Goodreads | Amazon | Review

The Accidental Cases of Emily Abbott Series Goodreads | Amazon | Review 

The Big Blue Soldier by Grace Livingston Hill Goodreads | Amazon | Audible | Review

Bridge to Trouble by Elisabeth Grace Foley Goodreads | Amazon | Review

Easter Carats by Erynn Mangum Goodreads | Amazon | Review

Enemy Born by Jessica Greyson Goodreads | Amazon | Audible | Review

Left-Hand Kelly by Elisabeth Grace Foley Goodreads | Amazon | Review

Meant to Bee by Storm Shultz Goodreads | Amazon | Audible | Review

The Mystery of Mary by Grace Livingston Hill Goodreads | Amazon | Audible | Review

A Sidekick's Tale by Elisabeth Grace Foley Goodreads | Amazon | Review

Tell Me You Love Me by Grace A. Johnson Goodreads | Amazon | Review

Where Hope Begins by Michaela Bush Goodreads | Amazon | Review 

Note: Some of these are clean fiction, not Christian fiction.

Do you like novellas? I really enjoy them and I'm spending this month sharing about some of my favorites on my social media accounts. But why do I like them so much?

1. They are the perfect length for busy weeks.

While I adore longer novels, sometimes being able to read a complete story that still has plenty of substance to them that short stories often lack.

2. They come in such fun sizes.

Many of the novellas I've read/own are much smaller than a regular novel, which is just fun, or the perfect feel for a sick day.

3. They make for tight storytelling

As both a writer and a reader, I have found shorter lengths can help force tight storytelling. I've found this to be both fun and a challenge. How do you convey all the emotion and story but with fewer words?

4. Novella series can feel like TV episodes, only better

Series like The Accidental Cases of Emily Abbot are quick reads that feel like fun TV episodes but still have the depth of the reading experience. AKA, my brain doesn't turn off like it does for movies.

5. They can help you meet your reading goals

If I'm falling behind in my reading goal, I like to read a couple of novellas to get me back on track. And in December, there are a lot of Christmas novellas to help me with the last push to make my reading goal for the year.

Why do you like novellas?

One of the greatest gifts God has given me is my friendship with Kelsey Bryant. She is an author, editor, and godly woman who has walked me through a lot of years and changes in life. We connected in 2012, met in person in 2013, and have been friends ever since.

Kelsey is a lover of classics. It was her influence that finally had me jumping in and reading them for myself. Every year, starting in 2018, we read a classic a month together. We're at it again this year. Here is our list.

January ~ The Trial by Charlotte Mary Yonge

February ~ A Garland for Girls by Louisa May Alcott

March ~ Mansfield Park by Jane Austen

April ~ The Master of Ballantrae by Robert Louis Stevenson

May ~ Hudson Taylor's Spiritual Secrets by Dr. and Mrs. Howard Taylor

June ~ Quo Vadis by Henryk Sienkiewicz

July ~ Life with Father by Clarence Day Jr

August ~ Arabian Nights

September ~ Anne's House of Dreams by L.M. Montgomery

October ~ Woman in White by Wilkie Collins

November ~ Waverley by Walter Scott

December ~ Hans Brinker and the Silver Skates by Mary Mapes Dodge

What do you think of the list? Any favorites of yours on here?

 I know. I'm very late in posting this next part, but I'm excited to share more about the books that occupy space on my shelf. Today, we are looking at the books that start with the books with authors with B last names.