I’ve been a reader since I was in my mother’s womb. I suspect that’s why it took me so long to enter the world. I mean, I had to finish my TBR pile first! But somewhere over the past decade, life has pulled me away from one of my greatest joys. Work, school, Covid, and the general chaos of adulthood slowed my reading to a crawl.
This year, my schedule has shifted away from chaos and returned to a much-needed normalcy. I didn’t suddenly become one of those magical creatures who read 150 books a year (I love TV too much for that), but I did just finish book number 35. More importantly, I rediscovered that spark. The one that makes my heart beat a little more gleefully. And more than once, I closed a book and said out loud, “This is one of my favorite books of all time.” After several lean reading years, that feeling was truly a gift.
While I read many wonderful books, these nine left a particular imprint on my soul. They’re listed in the order I read them:
1. The Twelve Topsy-Turvy, Very Messy Days of Christmas by James Patterson & Tad Safran
A chaotic, silly, unexpectedly tender holiday romp that made me laugh out loud and tear up at the end. It’s the rare “funny novel” that actually is funny and somehow also touching. A new Christmas classic for me.
2. The Wedding People by Alison Espach
A beautiful novel that delicately dances between humor and heartbreak without ever losing its footing. I was instantly hooked by Phoebe and the strange constellation of “wedding people” around her. One of the most powerful and darkly comedic books I’ve read this year.
3. My Husband’s Wife by Alice Feeney
A dizzying, addictive thriller that rearranged my brain in the best possible way . . . on every page! I devoured it. This was Feeney at her absolute best.
4. Before I Forget by Tory Henwood Hoen
A tender, deeply human story about memory, identity, and love. It handles Alzheimer’s with such tender grace that you finish the book feeling cracked open and, yet, somehow fuller. It was beautifully written.
5. Cat’s People by Tanya Guerrero
A heartwarming ode to the magic of animals, especially cats, and the people they transform. A rich, diverse cast of characters with subtle humor and a big dose of heart. I adored every minute and was sad when I reached the end
6. Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir (Audiobook)
A wildly imaginative, surprisingly emotional sci‑fi adventure that Ray Porter elevates to pure magic. I didn’t expect to love this book as much as I did. But it left me in awe. Potentially one of the best and most impressively narrated stories. It’s truly unforgettable.
7. The Correspondent by Virginia Evans (Audiobook)
A story told through letters that somehow felt vivid, intimate, and cinematic. The narrators breathe life into every voice, and the writing is exceptional. I was instantly and completely hooked.
8. The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center
A witty, warm, feel-good romance with just enough depth to keep you invested. I don’t consider myself a romance reader, but this one charmed me completely. Smart, funny, and full of heart.
9. Mad Mabel by Sally Hepworth (Audiobook)
A funny, sweet, mysterious, and emotionally rich story that grabbed me from the first chapter. The narrators shine, and Hepworth’s storytelling feels like a masterclass. I laughed, cried, and loved every second. I want this one made into a movie!
This year reminded me that reading isn’t just a hobby. It’s a lifeline. A comfort. A spark. These nine books helped me reconnect with a part of myself I’d been missing. If you read even just one of them, I hope it brings you the same joy.
Until next time,
Lisa
P.S. Buddy recently posted a list of his favorite reads as well. You can check his post out here:
Because I believe that a TBR pile can never be too big, feel free to share some of your favorite reads with me here or on social media. You can find me on Bluesky and StoryGraph (lisareadsbytrees).
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