Favorite Fiction Books 2025

I read 71 books last year, a new record for me.  Here is some of the fiction I enjoyed most, and recommend to you.  Let me know what you liked!

A Quiet Grief by Rod Oneglia.  Full disclosure, this book was written by a childhood friend.  It is part historical novel, part memoir, part love story and beautifully written. Rod is a talented creative artist; I just hope he writes more stories!

Code Name: Helene by Ariel Lawhon is historical fiction based on the true story of a decorated Australian spy in World War II. I’m always so impressed by the courage and sacrifice of those in the French Resistance.

The Committee by Sterling Watson. Based on a true story of McCarthy-like investigation into private activities of professors and students at a Florida university in the 1950s. Beautifully written cautionary tale about intolerance and prejudice.

Wild Dark Shore: A Novel by Charlotte McConaghy. Recommended by Reese Witherspoon, it’s the story of a family on a remote island near Antarctica. It explores themes of family, secrets, sabotage, and the impact of extreme isolation.

The Book Club for Troublesome Women by Marie Bostwick.  This is a fun read about life for women in the 1960s, and I could truly relate to that!

Summer of ’69 by Elin Hilderbrand. For anyone curious about what it was like to summer in Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard during one of the most tumultuous years, see through the eyes of four siblings.

Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid. For any fans of the space program, this is the story of the first women astronauts. It is emotional and thrilling, and both heartbreaking and uplifting.

The Correspondent by Virginia Evans. This is the book I’ve recommended to the most people last year. It is the story of a life fully lived, retold through the letters written and received.

The River is Waiting by Wally Lamb.  Recommended by Oprah. A very difficult book to read, but worth it.

 Fourth Wing, Iron Flame, Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros. This trilogy was purely a guilty pleasure.  It is a “romantasy” that I recently learned is being developed into a TV series. If you can suspend reality a bit, Yarros is a good story-teller and the books are fun. Great vacation series.