The Final Reads of 2025 – December

I read 175 books this year. I reached my goal and excitedly will set a goal for 2026 of 175 books. This goal is approximately 15 books each month – which yes, is one every other day. I have 3 books on-the-go at a time and I usually get more done in winter and summer than some other seasons. I have deliberately worked on reading, not scrolling and that really helps. I have always loved reading, but I really latched on to it in retirement, no kids, lots of hours and I wanted to fill them in a meaningful way. Reading is part of my daily journey, as is cooking, knitting, crocheting, moving, helping others and so much more. Whatever you do in 2026, remember to rest, reflect and move forward.

FICTION
A Happy Marriage by A.R. Torre
Deception, love and murder – don’t miss this book of twsts.

All the Colours of the Dark by Chris Whitaker
A missing person’s mystery, a serial killer, and an epic love story – twists and turns and a small town where the truth and terrible loss go hand in hand.

Whispers of the Lake by Shanora Williams
What do you do when your best friend disappears?

The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren
What happens when you pretend to love someone? What happens when loving someone means loosing everything?

You Must Be New Here by Katie Sise
What happens when a new friendship and murder and secrets mix together?

Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez
This is the medical drama soap opera easy read love story that you have been waiting for.

Forgive Me by Susan Lewis
Violent crimes, forgiveness and starting over are the themes of this story of a family who chooses to make a difference, even when everything goes up in flames.

None of This Is True by Lisa Jewell
Who do you believe? How do you know when it is time to get out?

The Other Woman’s Secret by Cole Baxter
This is a thriller full of twists and secrets and trying to start again when the past haunts you.

NONFICTON
For Excellent Health, Do This: A Pharmacist Reveals The 20 Easiest Ways to Live Longer, Feel Great and Stop Getting Sick by Learnwell Books
Lots of great advice on asking the right questions, making strong decisions and doing everything you can to live your best life.

Deep Kindness: A Revolutionary Guide for the Way we Think, Talk, and Act in Kindness by Houston Kraft
All the ways to show up in our lives with empathy, compassion, and love – change the world for the better and spread meaningful kindness in your everyday life.

Hope In the Darkness: Finding God’s Light b Misty Fields
The painful autobiography of a young woman, growing up abused and neglected, who finds her way and finds hope and faith. Her remarkable journey is a testimony to compassion and love and family.

Corrupted by Fear: How the Charter was Betrayed, and what Canadians Can Do About It by John Carpay
This is a VERY different perspective on COVID. It makes you think, but also solidifies my believe that we need radical change in all levels of government, as well as transparency and integrity. I read many different ideas and I can honestly say, I disagreed with a lot of his writing, but we can’t understand each other if we don’t listen and think and research.

Complex PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving by Peter Walker
This is a book that is written from a very personal perspective about the impact of childhood trauma, recognizing what is happening to you and finding peace and strategies that help you live a life of both freedom and influence.

The Happy Couple: 50 Ways to Love Better by Manoj Chenthamarakshan and Sneha Murali
This book is literally 50 great strategies for starting out your marriage, renewing and revising and putting the focus on what really matters. Every suggestion is practical and possible.