Favorite Reads of 2025

While I *may* still finish and review a Bible this year, I think I am finished with reviewing books. Here are some of my favorites from the year.

In January, I read one five-star book. Karen Witemeyer's Cloaked in Beauty. Karen Witemeyer is one of my favorite authors, and I'm not surprised that this retelling of Sleeping-Beauty and Little Red Riding Hood is still one of my favorite reads of the year.

1. Cloaked in Beauty. (Texas Ever After #3) Karen Witemeyer. 2024. 352 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars, historical fiction, christian fiction, romance]

In February, I read four five-star books. ALL of these were Christian nonfiction. Two were rereads. Two were new-to-me. Found: God's Will is a fantastic short booklet that I reread every few years. Knowledge of the Holy is one of my favorite books by A.W. Tozer. Definitely recommend both of these. The new to me books I'm listing below:

14. Happy Lies: How a Movement You (Probably) Never Heard Of Shaped Our Self-Obsessed World. Melissa Dougherty. 2025. 272 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars, christian nonfiction

19. Good News at Rock Bottom. Ray Ortlund. 2025. [March] 160 pages. [Source: Review copy] [5 stars]

In March, I read seven five-star books! Six were Christian-nonfiction--including one Bible story book for children! Many of these were rereads. One of them was newly published. But my favorites from this month were...

27. Praying the Bible. Donald S. Whitney. 2015. Crossway. 112 pages. [Source: Review copy]

20. A Promise to Love. Serena B. Miller. 2012. Revell. 332 pages. [Source: Bought]

In April, I read five five-star books! Three were re-reads, I believe! Three were Christian fiction! I DID reread Karen Witemeyer's Short-Straw Bride (and this was on audio!). 

33. The Elusive Truth of Lily Temple. Joanna Davidson Politano. 2024. 400 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars, historical fiction, historical romance, Christian fiction]

35. Short-Straw Bride. Karen Witemeyer. 2012. Bethany House. 368 pages. [Source: Library]

In May, I read three five-star books. My favorite from this month was a Christian fiction novel!

45. The Pursuit of Elena Bradford. Ann H. Gabhart. 2025. 352 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars, Christian fiction, historical romance, 1840s]

In June, I read one five-star book! It was from a very hit-or-miss series. Some in the series I've rated two stars. Some I've rated five stars. I NEVER KNOW what to expect when I start.

52. Every Hour Until Then (Timeless #5) Gabrielle Meyer. 2025. 368 pages. [Source: Library] [speculative fiction, historical fiction, time travel, christian fiction, 5 stars]

In July, I read one five-star book! It is not your traditional Christian romance, it is more of a family drama.

56. This Promised Land. Cathy Gohlke. 2025. 358 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars, christian fiction, general fiction, family]

IN August, I read two five-star books. It is a children's biography of John Calvin! I found it to be a great read.

59. The River of Grace: A Story of John Calvin. Joyce McPherson. 1998. 180 pages. [Source: Bought] [biography, children's book, 5 stars]

In September, I read one five-star book. It is MOST unusual. A time-traveling Amish romance!!!!

68. Yesterday's Gone. Cindy and Erin Woodsmall. 2022. 432 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars, time travel, Amish fiction, christian romance]

There were no five-star reads in October. BUT I did read On A Midnight Clear by Karen Witemeyer. Her novella "A Star in the West" is easily five stars. 

73. On a Midnight Clear. Karen Witemeyer. Tracie Peterson. Misty M. Beller. 2025. 304 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars, novella, Christmas novellas, christian fiction, christian romance]

In November, I read one five-star book. It was definitely a reread--one I've reread dozens of times. 

77. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. Barbara Robinson. 1972. HarperCollins. 128 pages. [Source: Bought] [5 stars, realistic fiction, children's classic, children's book] 

In December, I did not have any five-star reads. But many were four stars. Not a bad reading month. My favorite was probably: 

84. A Wondrous Mystery: Daily Advent Devotions. Charles H. Spurgeon. 2024. 144 pages. [Source: GIFT] [4 stars] 

I read sixteen--or seventeen--Bibles this year. Six Bibles were King James Version. These four were probably my favorite Bibles to spend time in and hold. 

5. King James Version. (KJV) Clarion Reference Bible (Cambridge). God. 1970 pages. [Source: Bought] [5 stars, Bible]

13. The New Scofield Study Bible, King James Version, God. 1967. 1400 pages. [Source: Bought] [5 stars, Bible]

12. New King James Version Nelson 746. God. 1983. 1393 pages. [Source: Bought] [5 stars, Bible]

7. ESV Bible with Creeds and Confessions. Crossway. 2020. 1424 pages. [Source: Review copy]

© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible