Stacy Alesi's BookBitch.com™

It’s that time of year again; these are the books that I liked best this year. This is my very subjective, very personal list. I loved a lot of books this year; I mostly read romances and romcoms, and those books tend to keep me happy. But to be honest, I forget a lot of them as soon as I’ve moved on to the next. So the ones that stay with me are the ones that end up on my annual list. I’ve read over 350 books this year, so I had plenty to choose from. There were just too many memorable books to limit my list to ten.

I hope you find this list useful and interesting!

WAYWARD GIRLS by Susan Wiggs: bestselling author Susan Wiggs delivers a powerful and haunting work of historical fiction set in late 1960s Buffalo, New York. When teenage Mairin is sent to a reform school run by nuns—supposedly for her protection—she instead finds herself trapped in a brutal institution where punishment, secrecy, and forced labor rule the day. Alongside a small group of fellow “wayward” girls, Mairin fights to survive—and, years later, to heal from the trauma that shaped their lives. Both heartbreaking and hopeful, Wiggs’s latest novel shines a light on a dark chapter of recent history and the enduring strength of the women who lived it.

Read my full review

THE PECULIAR GIFT OF JULY by Ashley Ream: When 14-year-old July arrives on the tiny island of Ebey’s End to live with Anita, the sharp-eyed grocer she’s never met, both their lives begin to change in extraordinary ways. Anita has built her world around quiet observation—she can tell her customers’ secrets by what they put in their baskets. But July brings something new: an uncanny intuition that guides her to offer just the right thing—a pie, a magazine, a bit of kindness—that somehow transforms the lives around her. As July adjusts to island life and forms an unexpected friendship with the pastor’s shy son, her search for her birth mother sets in motion a chain of revelations that lead to a moving, magical conclusion.

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NIGHTSHADE by Michael Connelly: Michael Connelly launches a gripping new series with Detective Sergeant Stilwell, the exiled mainland cop now running the small, chaotic police substation on Catalina Island—a dumping ground for misfit officers. When a decapitated buffalo and a priceless statue stolen from the island’s exclusive yacht club set off a chain of crimes, Stilwell finds himself drawn into a case that’s anything but routine. The investigation turns deadly when a body surfaces in the harbor—and his old nemesis, Detective Ahearn, arrives to take charge. Forced into an uneasy partnership, Stilwell must outmaneuver both the killer and the politics that nearly ended his career.

With sharp prose, layered plotting, and a vividly atmospheric island setting, Connelly proves once again that no one does crime fiction better.

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HER ONE REGRET by Donna Freitas: In her bold and emotionally charged new novel, Freitas delivers a haunting feminist thriller that grips from the first page. When Lucy Mendoza disappears from a supermarket parking lot, leaving her baby behind, her husband is the prime suspect. Her best friend Michelle knows something sinister lurks beneath the surface. But as the investigation unfolds and secrets emerge, Lucy becomes something far worse than a suspect—she becomes a monster, a woman who dared to regret motherhood. With raw honesty and unflinching insight, this novel confronts the taboo of regret and the impossible standards mothers face. Freitas’s personal note at the end—revealing her own fears and silence—makes this story not just powerful, but necessary.

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CRUEL SUMMER by Maisey Yates: When Samantha’s husband, Will—the high school sweetheart she’s loved for more than two decades—asks for an open marriage, her world collapses. Suddenly, the life she thought was solid—three grown kids, a cozy home, a thriving career—feels like a lie. Reeling from heartbreak, she agrees to a summer separation, determined to hold onto her dignity while Will chases the freedom he thinks he’s missed.

Then Logan, Will’s best friend and the last person Sam wants to see, shows up at her door with an unexpected offer: join him on the road delivering restored classic cars. It’s supposed to be a temporary escape. But miles and miles of open highway lead Sam to uncomfortable truths about the choices she’s made, the woman she’s become, and the love she thought she understood.

As she rediscovers her own voice—and as Logan’s long-buried feelings come to light—Sam faces a heart-wrenching question: if Will comes back, will she still want the life she once fought to save? A poignant exploration of identity, loyalty, and the courage to rewrite your story, this novel is a testament to the power of honesty and the unexpected paths to healing.

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THE INCREDIBLE KINDNESS OF PAPER by Evelyn Skye: In this enchanting tale of love, magic, and second chances, childhood pen pals Chloe and Oliver—once affectionately known as “Clover”—forge an unbreakable bond that’s suddenly severed when Oliver mysteriously disappears. Years later, Chloe, reeling from the loss of her job, begins leaving yellow origami roses inscribed with messages of hope across the city. Her small act of kindness sparks a viral movement—and unknowingly reconnects her with Oliver, who finds one of her roses and responds in disbelief. What begins as an anonymous exchange soon becomes a rediscovery of love, forgiveness, and the quiet magic that links two hearts meant to be.

A radiant, feel-good novel about love lost and found, and the extraordinary power of kindness to heal even the deepest wounds. Perfect for readers who believe in a little everyday magic.

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LOVE IS A WAR SONG by Danica Nava: When pop superstar Avery Fox sparks national outrage by posing in a culturally insensitive photo shoot, her glittering career comes crashing down. Desperate to repair her image—and her fractured sense of identity—Avery’s mother sends her to the one place she’s never been: Red Fox Ranch in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, home to the grandmother she’s never met.

What Avery expects to be exile turns out to be a revelation. At the ranch, she finds not scandal, but roots—a sprawling extended family who welcomes her without judgment, and a quiet, grounded man named Lucas Iron Eyes, who helps her rediscover what it means to belong. As Avery trades tour buses for horseback rides and headlines for honesty, she begins to see the difference between performance and truth.

Richly drawn and emotionally resonant, this is a powerful story about heritage, healing, and finding one’s place in a world that’s too often quick to define you.

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ANY TROPE BUT YOU by Victoria Lavine: When best-selling romance author Margot’s secret “Happily Never After” file—filled with cynical alternate endings to her own novels—gets leaked online, her career implodes overnight. Canceled by fans, dropped by her publisher, and heartbroken, she retreats to a “wellness resort” her sister books for her—only to discover it’s a rustic lodge in the wilds of Alaska with no Wi-Fi, no phone signal, and far too much snow.

Stranded and sulking, Margot is forced to join the inn’s ruggedly charming owner, Forrest, and his guests in a series of outdoor adventures—all while secretly plotting her comeback as a mystery writer. As sparks fly and her real-life story starts to resemble one of her own romcoms (complete with forced proximity and one tent), Margot might just find that the only thing harder than surviving Alaska… is believing in love again.

A sharp, funny, and heart-melting romcom about second chances, self-discovery, and the courage to rewrite your own ending.

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STORY OF MY LIFE by Lucy Score: Hazel, a bestselling romance author reeling from divorce, writer’s block, and the loss of her NYC apartment, impulsively buys a rundown house in a tiny Pennsylvania town. What she doesn’t expect is to inherit a seat on the town council—or to clash (and spark) with Cam, the town’s grumpy but gorgeous contractor.

Their chemistry jumps off the page, and what begins as a fake relationship quickly becomes something much more. Between the laugh-out-loud moments, the steamy scenes, and the lovable cast of small-town eccentrics, I couldn’t put this book down. It’s classic Lucy Score—heartfelt, funny, and full of charm. It was pure joy from start to finish, and I can’t wait for the next installment in the series.

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THE STORY SHE LEFT BEHIND by Patti Callahan Henry: Patti Callahan Henry once again proves why she’s one of today’s most imaginative and emotionally resonant storytellers. In this mesmerizing tale set against the haunting backdrop of 1950s London, Clara Fordham embarks on a journey to uncover the truth about her vanished mother—Bronwyn Newcastle Fordham, a literary prodigy who wrote a single, world-renowned book in a language she invented as a child before disappearing after a tragic fire.

Years later, when Clara learns that her mother’s long-lost papers have surfaced in London, she and her young daughter, Wynnie, set out through the fog and danger of the Great Smog in search of answers—and perhaps, redemption. What she finds instead is a tangle of mystery, memory, and love that will change everything she thought she knew about her family.

Richly atmospheric and deeply moving, this is a story of mothers and daughters, the power of imagination, and the unbreakable bonds that connect us through loss, hope, and the passage of time. Perfect for readers who love literary mysteries, multigenerational family stories, and beautifully written novels that linger long after the final page.

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BONUS: DEBUT OF THE YEAR!

WHAT WILL PEOPLE THINK? by Sara Hamdan: This stunning debut novel shines with heart, humor, and humanity as it explores the complexities of identity, belonging, and family across generations.

Mia, a second-generation Palestinian American, hides her passion for stand-up comedy from her traditional grandparents, who raised her after her parents’ death. But when a secret video of her act goes viral, her rising fame threatens to expose her grandparents’ undocumented status—and long-buried family secrets.

As Mia grapples with fear and ambition, a mysterious journal from her grandmother’s past opens a window into 1940s Palestine. Woven together with wit and emotional depth, the dual narratives trace the echoes of exile, resilience, and love that shape one family’s legacy.

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2nd BONUS: My favorite audiobook of 2025!

WRITING MR. WRONG by Kelley Armstrong. Narrators: Patricia Santomasso & Sean Patrick Hopkins: Romance novelist Gemma’s debut book tour takes an unexpected turn when a morning show host ambushes her with Mason Moretti—the NHL playboy who inspired her Scottish hero and broke her heart in high school. The interview goes viral, and their publicists see gold: a fake relationship to boost her sales and rehabilitate his reputation.

Gemma agrees reluctantly, still nursing old wounds. Mason seizes the chance to prove he’s not the boy who let her go. What follows is a refreshingly mature romance—no forced miscommunication, just two adults honestly navigating their baggage while staged photo ops blur into genuine reconnection. Their chemistry burns slow and builds hot as friendship rekindles into something deeper. Kelley Armstrong’s versatility shines (she’s mastered everything from fantasy to thriller), and the audiobook production is exceptional—dual narration plus text message sound effects that add surprising authenticity.

A thoroughly satisfying second-chance romance that feels both real and swoon-worthy.

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Limiting myself to a specific number of favorites in any given year is not easy. This year in particular was quite difficult for me to narrow down a list, so in the spirit of sharing, here are some more books that I loved —

JOE NUTHIN’S GUIDE TO LIFE by Helen Fisher (2023)

BEACH HOUSE RULES by Kristy Woodson Harvey

THE GUEST COTTAGE by Lori Foster

SONGS OF SUMMER by Jane L. Rosen

THE VIEW FROM LAKE COMO by Adriana Trigiani

THE DUKE AND LADY SCANDAL by Christy Carlyle

DREAM GIRL DRAMA by Tessa Bailey

SAY YOU’LL REMEMBER ME by Abby Jimenez

WILD AND WRANGLED by Lyla Sage

THE PROVING GROUND by Michael Connelly

DOGGED PURSUIT by David Rosenfelt

MURDER TAKES A VACATION by Laura Lippman

HONORABLE MENTION: AUDIOBOOK

It’s that time of year again; these are the books that I liked best this year. This is my very subjective, very personal list. I loved a lot of books this year; I mostly read romances and romcoms, and those books tend to keep me happy. But to be honest, I forget a lot of them as soon as I’ve moved on to the next. So the ones that stay with me are the ones that end up on my annual list. I’ve read about 300 books this year, so had plenty to choose from. And I’m limiting myself to a top ten list again this year!

I hope you find this list useful and interesting!

THE WOMEN by Kristin Hannah: There are so many important themes here, from war to racism to alcoholism and other addictions, and family discordance, and reading groups will have much to discuss. While it was gut-wrenching at times, it is also poignant, provocative, and too important to be ignored. This is the kind of book that makes me glad I have this platform so I can encourage people to read it. I hope you love it as much as I do.

Read my full review

THE CLIFFS by J. Courtney Sullivan: This highly anticipated novel from J. Courtney Sullivan was worth the wait. Our protagonist, Jane, is a Harvard archivist who is also an alcoholic, like her mother and sister. After getting blackout drunk at a work event, she finds her job in jeopardy, as well as her marriage, making this the perfect time to escape from all her troubles. She heads up to Maine to settle her mother’s estate, which is complicated by the fact that her mother was a hoarder.

Research is at the heart of this novel that spans generations, Colonialism, Native American history, spiritualism, the Shakers, and so much more in a beautifully written, expansive novel sure to appeal to book groups. I loved it.

Read the full review

THE WAITING by Michael Connelly: Let me start by saying this: Michael Connelly has never phoned it in, or slacked in any way. Every one of his books is carefully researched and written with the sort of sensibility we expect from Connelly, yet he never panders. If you haven’t read Connelly, you are in for a treat. If you have, this book is everything you would expect; totally engrossing and fast-paced, with twists and red herrings laid out much like the freeways in Los Angeles with its extensive network of interconnected highways, until the supremely satisfying ending.

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THE HUSBANDS by Holly Gramazio: Cue the Twilight Zone music…Lauren meets her husband Michael for the first time when she gets home late one night. He’s there, in her apartment. Except she’s not married. Never been married. And not surprisingly, she freaks out a bit. Lauren experiences a couple of hundred husbands before the realization hits that she needs to end this endless parade somehow. The ending was unexpected yet not, but this book is really about the journey. 

This is a book that begs discussion for a lot of reasons, so if your book group is in need of something different, something hopeful instead of depressing (as I find most discussion books,) this is a great option. This compelling read had the most unusual premise and was completely thought provoking; highly recommend!

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SEVEN SUMMER WEEKENDS by Jane L. Rosen: I have read and loved every one of Rosen’s books and I am happy to say that this one is stellar. After a misdirected comment about her boss goes viral, Addison gets fired instead of the promotion she was seeking. Feeling somewhat lost, her aunt’s final gift, her beach house on Fire Island, is just what she needs. 

While she hadn’t seen her aunt since the Big Terrible Thing happened when she was a young child, she does remember her. But she really gets to know her deceased aunt when she moves to the island for the summer. Staying at the beach house changes Addison’s life in many ways, and I loved seeing her growth. The Fire Island of Rosen’s books is idyllic, but the relationships are fraught, making for a compelling read. I loved it.

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WHAT’S NEXT: A Backstage Pass to The West Wing, Its Cast and Crew, and Its Enduring Legacy of Service, by Melissa Fitzgerald & Mary McCormack: The West Wing is one of my favorite TV shows, and I constantly rewatch it. I know it is pure fantasy, but I love the fantasy and want to live in the Aaron Sorkin-created world where politicians work hard to make life better for their constituents. This book is for fans of the show. I am a diehard “Wingnut” and proud of it.

If you love the show, you will love this book. If you don’t understand the popularity of the show – now celebrating its 25th anniversary! – then this book will make it clear why it is still popular so many years later. The West Wing was in the infancy of what is now thought of as prestige television; the cast was perfect, the writing incomparable, and the storylines interesting and engaging. The West Wing introduced the “walk and talk,” now a fairly common way of filming. Even the music by W. G. Snuffy Walden was unforgettable. What’s Next is a must-read for any fan of the show. I loved it.

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LOOK ON THE BRIGHT SIDE by Kristan Higgins: What a compelling read! I started reading it Sunday morning and finished it Sunday evening – and I hated turning that last page. There are some heartwrenching scenes here, and I found myself crying a few times, but to her credit, Higgins doesn’t really write tearjerkers; there is a lot of humor and sweetness here as well. Higgins has become one of my favorite authors – her books remind me of Elin Hilderbrand, somewhat of Jodi Picoult, and this book in particular, of Colleen Hoover, but with slightly older protagonists. To be a tad more succinct – I loved it and could not put it down!

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NOT ANOTHER LOVE SONG by Julie Soto: I had no idea what a “Reylo-inspired grumpy-sunshine romance” was but it turns Reylo is “a nickname for the romantic relationship between Star Wars characters Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) and Rey Skywalker (Daisy Ridley.)” Apparently, there is a ton of fanfiction about them, including this book. Despite having seen the film, I would have never known about this relationship. This is a romance set in the world of professional classical musicians, and I found that world fascinating. I loved it.

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THE PARADISE PROBLEM by Christina Lauren: This writing duo’s hit another home run here. A marriage of convenience with an unusual twist – Liam and Anna get married so they can live in subsidized campus housing, and it works out great. They barely see one another, and when their two-year lease is up, they go their separate ways. Liam gives Anna some legal documents and she signs them without even looking at them, assuming they are divorce papers. But they are not. And it turns out he needs to be married for financial reasons.

This is a sizzling romance with a lot of laughs and heart – I loved it! Christina Lauren never disappoints, and this may be their best book yet. Don’t miss it.

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ALWAYS REMEMBER by Mary Balogh: This was such an interesting twist on the Regency romance.  Our heroine, Lady Jennifer, comes from a well-to-do family high up in society. She suffered an illness in childhood that left one of her legs and one of her feet deformed. She is unable to walk unassisted and uses a wheelchair. Ben is a fixer – he likes nothing better than solving a tricky problem. He speaks with Lady Jennifer, and a friendship is formed. He is strongly attracted to her, and she to him, but his lack of title makes him ineligible for marriage to a lady. I really enjoyed this story, and I’m sure the research was impeccable. The story moves quickly, and I couldn’t help but get caught up in this romance. I was so sorry to turn that last page!

Read the full review

Limiting myself to a specific number of favorites in any given year is not easy. These are my top ten for the year, but there were several other books I felt were worthy of a mention.

Honorable Mentions

It’s that time of year again; these are the books that I liked best this year. This is my very subjective, very personal list. I loved a lot of books this year; I mostly read romances and romcoms, and those books tend to keep me happy. But to be honest, I forget a lot of them as soon as I’ve moved on to the next. So the ones that stay with me are the ones that end up on my annual list. I’ve read about 300 books this year, so had plenty to choose from. And I’m limiting myself to a top ten list again this year!

I hope you find this list useful and interesting!

THE HEAVEN AND EARTH GROCERY STORE by James McBride: My friend Judy recommended this book to me, and I put it off for a while – my mistake. This was a totally immersive read into a world of incredible characters wrapped in a mystery, and I loved it.

I’m not alone – this book has topped many of the best books of the year lists, from Amazon to Barnes & Noble to NPR/Fresh Air to The Washington Post to Time Magazine to Harper’s Bazaar to The New Yorker!

Read my full review

REMARKABLY BRIGHT CREATURES by Shelby Van Pelt: What an incredible read! My friend Nora recommended this book to me while we were on a *mini-vacay, and I’m so happy she did! There are two main characters, Tova, an elderly woman who cleans the small town aquarium, and Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus. It is an incredible debut filled with memorable characters and an unusual yet believable storyline.

Read the full review

RESURRECTION WALK by Michael Connelly: The new Michael Connelly book is always one of the highlights of my reading year, and this book is truly exceptional; in fact, it may be one of his best…There are plenty of twists in this legal procedural, but what I really loved was the writing – Haller is in first person, Bosch in third, making it easy to tell whose point of view we are in and how these two very independent men come to rely on each other. Another incredible read from the master of crime fiction.

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HAPPY PLACE by Emily Henry: I’ve read Henry’s last few books, and all were excellent, but I think may be her best yet…This is an engrossing romance with enough ups and downs and emotional entanglements to make me incredibly anxious until the requisite happy ending – I couldn’t figure out how they would work it out until they showed me. Another excellent read from a terrific author!

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THE SECRET by Lee Child & Andrew Child: I had almost given up on this series as I didn’t much care for the first two books written by Lee Child with his brother, Andrew…I skipped the third book, No Plan B. But then I read that Andrew had gotten a contract for the next four books in the series alone, with no Lee Child involvement. So I decided to give him one more chance, and I’m very glad I did….This was a completely engrossing read with all the usual Reacher tropes; a decidedly taciturn Reacher, a deserted old building, underground passages, an occasional fight with Reacher against multiple opponents, and some really good twists at the end.

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SATURDAY NIGHT AT THE LAKESIDE SUPPER CLUB by J. Ryan Stradal: I don’t know a whole lot about the Midwest, other than what I’ve gotten from books and a friend from St. Louis. Stradal’s books are firmly set there, so they are always a learning experience for me…This is a story that spans generations, marriages, deaths, and estrangements. Once I started this book, I was hesitant to put it down…This story took me on an emotional journey, and I loved it.

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ROMANTIC COMEDY by Curtis Sittenfeld: If you’ve never read Sittenfeld, it’s high time you started…She writes smart, literary but always engaging stories that are interesting, worthwhile, and discussion worthy…That Sittenfeld chose to title her book this way felt like she was creating a significant crack in the divide between literary and genre fiction, and as someone who reads it all, that alone is a triumph. Put this on your must-read list and bring it to your book club; they will thank you for it.

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THE BREAKAWAY by Jennifer Weiner: Weiner never takes the easy way in any of her books. Relationships are complicated, people are complicated, and such is the case here. I loved her main character and wanted her to be happy – one of Weiner’s gifts is getting us so involved with her characters that you just can’t put down the book, and you can’t stop thinking about it when you finally do. This was a book that tempted me to call in sick to work just so I could finish it! But, ugh, I am way too responsible to do that. Unfortunately, it did keep me up half the night, and I was very happy when I finally turned that last page. That’s the best possible outcome from reading a book, don’t you think?

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TOM LAKE by Ann Patchett: I thought there would be a lot of books set during the pandemic, but if there are, I haven’t run across them. This book is about a family isolating together on their cherry farm. The adult children come home to help out since there are no farm hands available to help harvest the fruit…The book moves back and forth between the early pandemic and an earlier summer as Lara tells her daughters the story of her life. In anyone else’s hands this might not work, but Patchett draws us in and keeps us enraptured until all the secrets are revealed. If you haven’t read her, you are in for a treat. If you have, you will appreciate this beautiful tale from a gifted storyteller. Don’t miss it.

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DIRTY THIRTY by Janet Evanovich: Like millions of others, I loved this series but finally stopped reading at book 23. They really started to go downhill around book 20, with ridiculously far-fetched plot lines, including giraffes wandering the streets of Trenton, New Jersey, but once the zombies arrived, I was done…I read about Evanovich reaching this milestone, the thirtieth book of an uber-successful series. I decided to take a look at it. And I enjoyed it! Things seem to have gone back to where they started, without forcing me to strain credulity and just enjoy the ride…There are several surprises along the way, and some nice twists towards the very shocking ending. Maybe taking a few years off helped, but I thoroughly enjoyed this latest Plum adventure, and look forward to whatever comes next.

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Last year was the first time I ever limited myself to a specific number of favorites in any given year. I did a top ten, as is this year’s list, but there were several other books I felt were worthy of a mention.

Honorable Mentions

THE SECRET BOOK OF FLORA LEA by Patti Callahan Henry 

GHOSTED by Sarah Ready

STONE COLD FOX by Rachel Koller Croft

EXES AND O’S by Amy Lea

AN EARL TO REMEMBER by Stacy Reid

LOVE, THEORETICALLY by Ali Hazelwood

It’s that time of year again; these are the books that I liked best this year. This is my very subjective, very personal list. I loved a lot of books this year; I mostly read romances and romcoms, and those books tend to keep me happy. But to be honest, I forget a lot of them as soon as I’ve moved on to the next. So the ones that stay with me are the ones that end up on my annual list. I’ve read over 300 books this year so had plenty to choose from. And I’m limiting myself to a top ten list this year!

I hope you find this list useful and interesting. It’s in no particular order:

OUR MISSING HEARTS by Celeste Ng: It’s been too long since we’ve had a book from Ng, after her previous bestsellers Little Fires Everywhere and Everything I Never Told You, which I loved. This book is even better, and I truly didn’t think that was possible. It also deals with families and racism but leaves Ohio and goes way beyond those topics to include politics, censorship, book banning, radical librarians (yay!) and so much more.

This was not an easy read because it’s all so abhorrent, disturbing, and way too close to where we seem to be heading in this country. And I suppose that was the point. This is a book that is crying out to be discussed, and don’t be surprised if your book group reaches new heights of passionate discourse. I loved this book as much as I hated what was happening in it. Our Missing Hearts is an unforgettable page-turner rooted in American politics, then spun out into a terrifyingly dark near-future in a stunningly beautiful novel. All I can say is put this on your “must-read” list. Read the full review.

LESSONS IN CHEMISTRY by Bonnie Garmus: This is a fantastic debut novel with an unforgettable protagonist, a chemist in the late 1950s-early 1960s when a woman’s place was in the home. When her circumstances change, she ends up hosting one of the earliest cooking TV shows. Elizabeth is a quirky, strong character and her story is both hilarious and heartbreaking, yet ultimately inspiring. Book groups will have much to discuss here. Read the full review.

TOMORROW, AND TOMORROW, AND TOMORROW by Gabrielle Zevin: This is a hard book to quantify; it probably is best slotted into the literary fiction genre (and boy, do they hate when literary fiction is called a genre!) All I can tell you is this is a tour de force and a mesmerizing read set in the world of video games. I don’t want to give away anything, so if you like character-driven stories that are fast-paced and emotionally engaging, then this is your book. I loved it, and so did just about all the critics. Too much hype can sometimes backfire, but it is well-deserved here. Read the full review.

MAD HONEY by Jodi Picoult & Jennifer Finney Boylan: This is a book full of secrets that slowly unspool throughout the story. It isn’t until the halfway point that we get the biggest secret, one that I never saw coming. Several reviewers have mentioned this, but no spoilers here. Let’s just say all these characters reveal different aspects of their lives and therein lies the intrigue of this story. This is a very engaging story with interesting characters and quite a bit of suspense. Picoult is the queen of family dramas, and she retains her crown with this latest endeavor. I couldn’t put the book down and there is so much to discuss, and your book club will love it. Read the full review.

SUGAR AND SALT by Susan Wiggs: Bella Vista Chronicles, Book 4. I love Susan Wiggs’ books; they always have intriguing characters, interesting settings, and unputdownable stories, and this is no exception. This story deals with a small town in Texas, a rape, and the unwanted pregnancy that follows. It deals with abortion and adoption and prison and women’s rights. It deals with our justice system and how it favors the rich. It could not be more timely, and all these things are handled with truth and grace and real-life emotions. While this is the fourth book of a series, it easily stands alone, as do all the books in this series. That said, I have loved every one of them and highly recommend them all. Do yourself a favor and read them in whatever order you can get them. 

The Bella Vista Chronicles in Order:

1. The Apple Orchard
2. The Beekeeper’s Ball
3. The Lost and Found Bookshop
4. Sugar and Salt

Read the full review.

THE VIOLIN CONSPIRACY by Brendan Slocumb: While this book is marketed as a thriller, it is more a coming-of-age story, a story about racism in America, and in particular, in the classical musical field. The mystery of a missing violin is a plot device that helps moves the story along, but it goes beyond that. I was so invested in Ray and his career that I couldn’t put this book down. I loved being immersed in Ray’s world and was desperate for him to get his violin back and see his career rocket. According to the author’s note at the end, this is a bit of a bildungsroman as he is a Black man and a classical violinist.

This book was truly such a gift, and I am most grateful for it. Read the full review.

THE LIGHTNING ROD by Brad Meltzer: Escape Artist, A Zig & Nola Novel: Book 2. The good news is that you do not have to read the first book in the series to understand this one; it stands alone beautifully. That said, the first book in the series made my best books of 2018 list so go read it anyway!

All the characters are interesting, multi-dimensional, diverse, and fully realized. The situations they find themselves in are often not of their own doing, but their resolve, ingenuity, and tenacity gets them where they need to go. That said, the body count is high and this is not a book for the squeamish. There are almost a dizzying number of twists and turns and the pages fly by in this unputdownable thriller. Yes, I stayed up late to finish it! This is a worthy sequel, and the second book of what is shaping up to be one of my must-read series. Read the full review.

DESERT STAR by Michael Connelly: Renée Ballard, Book 5 and/or Harry Bosch, Book 24. There is no retiring Harry Bosch. The Vietnam War vet is now a volunteer on Renée Ballard’s new Open/Unsolved unit for the Los Angeles police department. No spoilers here but the ending definitely feels like an ending. I understand it, and I trust Connelly to do the right thing with his most beloved character. This is another gem from one of the finest crime writers in the world – and that is not hyperbole.

Read the full review.

GO TELL THE BEES THAT I AM GONE by Diana Gabaldon: It’s been a long wait – seven years – for the ninth book in the Outlander series and while it is not the best book, it is an excellent read. This series really needs to be read in order and each book is rather long. This newest book takes place in 1779 in North Carolina, with forays to Savannah and Charles Town (Charleston,) and even to Philadelphia. While George Washington doesn’t make an appearance, his and some other famous names are dropped. This is well-researched historical fiction with time travel at its heart, and one of the most engaging romances in fiction. This is the series I wish I could read again for the first time. Read the full review.

REMINDERS OF HIM by Colleen Hoover: This is a story of mother separated from her child. It is, at times, an epistolary novel, as part of Kenna’s story is told through the hundreds of letters she has written Scotty since his death. It is also a romance, and there are a couple of sex scenes. It explores the messy emotions we all struggle with; guilt, sorrow, love, and forgiveness. It examines how everything is not always as it seems, and how assumptions can have a devastating effect on someone’s life. Ultimately, it is a story of redemption and hope.

This may be Hoover’s best book yet. It is a compelling story and a recognizable, relatable one. I read it in one afternoon, and I loved it. Book groups, please take note – lots to discuss here!

Read the full review.

I have never limited myself to a specific number of favorites in any given year, so it feels a bit uncomfortable to end here. Perhaps a few honorable mentions are in order…

SECLUDED CABIN SLEEPS SIX by Lisa Unger: Read the full review.

THE HOTEL NANTUCKET by Elin Hilderbrand: Read the full review.

NORA GOES OFF SCRIPT by Annabel Monaghan: Read the full review.

IT STARTS WITH US by Colleen Hoover: The sequel to It Ends With Us. Read the full review.

A SHOE STORY by Jane L. Rosen: Read the full review.

It’s that time of year again. These are the books that I liked the best this year. This is my very subjective, very personal list. I loved a lot of books this year; I mostly read romances and romcoms, and those books tend to keep me happy. But to be honest, I forget a lot of them as soon as I’ve moved on to the next. So the ones that stay with me are the ones that end up on my annual list. I’ve read over 300 books this year so had plenty to choose from. It’s in no particular order, other than loosely by genre.

I hope you find this list useful and interesting.

Best historical fiction: THE FOUR WINDS by Kristin Hannah: This was one of the darkest, most depressing book I’ve read in many, many years. And you know what? It was great. I think the NY Times review summed it up beautifully: “The Four Winds seems eerily prescient in 2021 . . . Its message is galvanizing and hopeful: We are a nation of scrappy survivors. We’ve been in dire straits before; we will be again. Hold your people close.” Set during the Dust Bowl in the 1920’s, this is history brought powerfully to life. This glimpse into a period of American history is soulful and disturbing and beautifully illustrates the American people’s resilience. Don’t miss it. Read the full review.

Best Holocaust fiction: Eternal by Lisa Scottoline: I have read many books set during the Holocaust, or around it, but this book was different. Many years ago I visited the Temple in Rome, and saw the Jewish ghetto, but this book brought it to life. I got to know the people and how they lived. Most importantly, Scottoline captures this very specific slice of Italian history but in a very personal way. Difficult at times but always engrossing, this is an excellent read. Historical fiction about WWII abounds, but this was a fresh new angle. Scottoline told me this was the book she has always wanted to write, and that it took her twenty years to get here. It was worth the wait. Read the full review.

NOTE: This was a favorite of Paul Lane, who reviewed for this site for many years until we lost him earlier this year. He said, “My recommendation for any reader is to read this novel and possibly make the same determination as I did, which is that it is a classic.” I think he would have included it on his list of favorites, had he the time to make one. I wanted his voice heard here; he deserves it.

Best historical women’s fiction: THE KITCHEN FRONT by Jennifer Ryan: This book is a heartwarming story about four women living in a small village a couple of years into World War II who end up competing in a cooking contest put on by the BBC (the forerunner of the Great British Bakeoff!) There was a real radio program called The Kitchen Front whose goal is to help the housewives who are all struggling with rations, severe food shortages, and black market food. Eventually, these women form friendships and as the war goes on, they find struggling together is much better than struggling alone. The food history (and recipes) are fascinating, even if I wouldn’t make any of them. This was a different look at WWII from the perspective of England’s housewives, and a very interesting, compelling read. Read the full review.

Best coming of age: THE SINGING TREES by Boo Walker: Boo Walker’s beautifully written coming of age story (after An Unfinished Story) is set against the backdrop of the unpopular Vietnam War. It is ideal for book discussion groups and should appeal to readers who enjoyed Daisy Jones & the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid, Dance Away with Me by Susan Elizabeth Phillips, or the emotional resonance of Nicholas Sparks’ books. Read the full review.

Best time travel/family fiction: THE NINE LIVES OF ROSE NAPOLITANO by Donna Freitas: Freitas debuts an extraordinary, multi-faceted novel for adults that is a serious yet fantastical look at relationships, family, and feminism told in a unique voice, and book groups should take note. The closest readalikes are Life After Life by Kate Atkinson and Replay by Ken Grimwood, two books that I loved as much as this one. Read the full review.

Best crime fiction: THE DARK HOURS by Michael Connelly: This latest from America’s best crime fiction writer is truly extraordinary. There is a lot going on in this book, yet it moves fast. I love seeing these characters grow and evolve. The writing is perfect; descriptive enough without ever going too far and it never slows up. Publisher’s Weekly called this book a masterpiece, and I agree. You don’t have to read the series in order or anything, this book definitely stands alone, but there is so much more richness, more depth to it, when you are familiar with the past. Either way, don’t miss it. Read the full review.

Best thriller: HER PERFECT LIFE by Hank Phillippi Ryan: I love that strong women were at the heart of this story, have to solve the mystery of Cassie’s disappearance, who the source really is, and why he’s doing what he’s doing. And they kick ass! The suspense kept spiraling up throughout this novel, making it impossible to put down. Ryan is at the top of her game, and that’s really saying something as she’s written so many great books. Read the full review.

Best romantic suspense: NO HOLDING BACK by Lori Foster: I’m glad I got to start this series with the first book because it is a complicated and worthwhile story. The McKenzie family business is vigilantism. This is a fast read with a lot of suspense and steamy love scenes, and some violence. I can’t wait for the next book in this series. This is romantic suspense at its best. Read the full review.

Best rom-com/murder mystery mashup: DIAL A FOR AUNTIES by Jesse Q. Sutanto:  Part mystery, part romance, part family drama, but mostly laugh-out-loud funny, this book hits it out of the park. And I’m super excited that Netflix is on board. Lots of over the top situations and slapstick humor, and it really works here. This book had me laughing out oud several times, and I I enjoyed every page. Honestly, it reminded me of the first few Stephanie Plum (Janet Evanovich) books only with a happy ending, and that is high praise! I also really liked learning about Chinese/Indonesian culture. Read the full review.

Best book set in the book world: THE LAST CHANCE LIBRARY by Freya Sampson: This book is a love letter to libraries and librarian; let me add my voice to the chorus. There is a lot of humor here, along a touch of romance. I loved that this is a look at the importance of libraries in a community, beyond the bookshelves. I loved this book and wish everyone would read it! Read the full review.

Best “own voices” romance: THE HEART PRINCIPLE by Helen Hoang: This is the latest entry into one of the best contemporary romance series. While there are three books in the series, I think that each stands alone. Caretaking is a big issue in this story. In fact, the book is divided into three sections; before, during, and after [the stroke.] These characters wormed their way into my heart and there they stay, especially after reading the author’s note. I loved this book so much – I think it is the best book of an already excellent series, and everyone should read it. This is a wonderful romance with lots of humor, pathos, and hot sex, but it is the emotional journey that means everything here. It was worth the two year wait! Read the full review.

Best steamy romcom: THE TAKEOVER by T L Swan: This is my favorite book of the series. The sex is steamy as in all the books in this series, but it’s the humor that really made this special. Single moms will appreciate how protective Claire is of her children, and will swoon at Tristan’s relationship with her boys. These books all stand alone so if you want to try one, I highly recommend this book; it is equal parts super sexy, heartwarming, & hilarious! I loved it. Read the full review.

Best sports romance: MOST VALUABLE PLAYBOY by Lauren Blakely: This was a terrific read, fast and sexy and fun, especially if you like football – and I do. There is also some sweetness here, which I really appreciated, along with some laugh out loud moments and some very steamy sex. Lauren Blakely is self published, which I often have issues with, but she is a pro. Her books are reliably well edited, and I highly recommend! Read the full review.

Best Christmas romance: THE SANTA SUIT by Mary Kay Andrews: As readers of this blog know, I love Mary Kay Andrews, and I was so excited to see she has written a holiday romance! It has her all of her trademark humor, love of kitsch and everything vintage, and terrific characters I wanted to hang out with. If you are looking for a way to get in the holiday mood, this is a great start. It’s a novella, so pretty short and fast reading (I wish it were longer!) It’s heart warming, sweet, and fun – all the good stuff I look for in a Christmas book.  Read the full review.

Best “enemies to lovers” romance: BATTLE ROYAL by Lucy Parker: This is the perfect amalgam of romcom and British Bakeoff; no wonder it garnered starred reviews all around. It’s also the classic enemies to lovers trope of romance, and done really well. This was a really fun read with a lot of emotional resonance. Romcoms don’t get much better than this! Don’t miss it. Read the full review.

Best updated Jane Austen: INCENSE AND SENSIBILITY by Sonali Dev: I read all three books in this series in a week, and frankly, that says a lot. I loved spending time with the Rajes, and while each book stands alone, I think they are best read in order. This is Yash’s and India’s story. One of the reviews of this book that I read described it as “West Wing meets Jane Austen” and while that is quite a stretch, the politics are an important part of the story. It seems hopeless that Yash and India will ever be able to get together, but have no fear, they get their happy ending. Read the full review.

Best Regency romance: THE DUKE GOES DOWN by Sophie Jordan: Assume the title of this book is double entendre; this was a steamy historical romance with terrific characters who come to life on the page. I have enjoyed Jordan’s previous series, and this looks to be another winner. Read the full review.

Best Alaska romance: ENJOY THE VIEW by Sarah Morgenthaler: Moose Springs, Alaska, Book 3. This is one of my favorite series so I was very happy that this third entry was just as good as the first two. Alaska is one of my favorite settings, and small towns are always a good thing for me. But sometimes you have to bring in outsiders to make a romance, and that’s what happens here. There are some really funny, laugh out loud moments, and some dangerous ones, too, making this a book that is hard to put down. I loved the characters and the setting and the romance, a perfect trifecta of a read. Read the full review.

Best foodie romance: THE KINDRED SPIRITS SUPPER CLUB by Amy E. Reichert: I loved this book even though it has a touch of the woo-woo paranormal, which I normally avoid. All of Reichert’s books tend to focus on food, which probably explains why I enjoy them so much! I hated to turn the last page. I wanted to spend more time in the Dells, especially with these fabulous characters. Another winner from one of my favorite authors. Read the full review.

Best beach read: GOLDEN GIRL by Elin Hilderbrand: If you like family drama with a touch of romance and an edge, this ticks off all those boxes. Another excellent read from the Nantucket Queen of beach reads, and this may be her best book yet which is really saying something! Read the full review.

Best nonfiction: MY TIME AMONG THE WHITES by Jennine Capó Crucet: Notes from an Unfinished Education. Struggle is at the heart of this memoir, a collection of essays, and is remarkable reading. What drew me to this book was the immigrant experience being told first hand. Crucet is Latinx, a light skinned brown person who often passes as white, living in a country where the last president called Mexicans rapists and murderers. It is a worthwhile read, especially now when right-wing racist groups have gained national attention. It is sometimes painful reading, sometimes funny, but always engaging, making this a difficult but excellent read. Read the full review.