Below are the Top Ten Books I read in 2025, with some links to my reviews either here or on The Historical Novel Society website. This is all fiction. I read some wonderful poetry and nonfiction books as well, so I’ll do a Top Ten for those later. This time I couldn’t keep it to ten, so there are actually twelve of my favorite 2025 books below. The majority of them are Indie books that were either published by the author or small presses, and I love that. My wish for 2026 is that readers will seek out Indie books, not just for the lower prices, but for quality writing. I can go on Kindle Unlimited and find so many great books to read that don’t cost me anything above my monthly subscription fee. It is worth the price.
I am not numbering these, as I don’t have a distinct number one. I loved them all, so they aren’t in any order.
My Top Ten
Horse Show by Jess Bowers: A riveting collection of short stories, all featuring horses in some way: See my review on this blog and on The Historical Novel Society Website.
The Ballad of Mary Kearney: See my Review on this blog and on The Historical Novel Society Website.
Finding Naomi: My Review on Amazon. Apparently I haven’t put it on this blog yet so I will do that.
The Weight of Snow and Regret: A story of the last Poor Farm in Vermont. My review on this blog and The Historical Novel Society website.
Wild As The Stars: A Historical Fantasy that combines dance with magic and the 1920s. My Review on The Historical Novel Society website. Another one I didn’t post here so I will do that.
Julia: The exciting life of Julia Child. My review on this blog and The Historical Novel Society website.
Those We Carry: WWII from the perspective of a Dutch resistance fighter and a Canadian soldier: My review on The Historical Novel Society website.
Out of Time: The latest book in Jodi Taylor’s Time Police Series. My review on this blog
When Secrets Bloom: Beautifully written story of a gifted Saxon healer in 15th Century Transylvania. Here is my review on this blog.
The Maestro and Her Protege: Here is the Amazon description. I can’t post the review until it’s published on The Historical Novel Society website in February.
A Bloody Banquet: Book 2 of Stone and Steele Mysteries set in 1930s Hollywood. Here is my review on this blog.
Thank you for your wonderful support for Indie books, Bonnie!! It means so much to all of us! It’s a great list of books. Thank you and Happy New Year!
You’re welcome! Thanks for writing great Indie books!
A fab list! I think The Weight of Snow and Regret are on many ten ten lists this year! Thanks for supporting indie authors. xo
You’re welcome, and another great Indie author. I agree about The Weight of Snow and Regret.
You are such an encouragement Bonnie to authors of Indie books, a real blessing! A big thank you. And thank you for this great list of books.
You’re welcome, and thank you Louise!
Great to see Out of Time here!
Yep! I’m excited for the next Smallhope and Pennyroyal too! August I think.
Oh yes me too, and the new St. Mary’s as well!
Do you mean the short story she just published or a new book? I wasn’t sure when that was coming.
No there’s a new book coming, this year or next. I subscribe to her weekly newsletter via Substack, and heard about it there.
It’s nice that you posted this great list of fascinating books, Bonnie.
Thanks Tim!
My pleasure, Bonnie. 😍
This is a wonderful list and I am honoured to see my book on it! Bonnie, thank you so much for the amazing support you offer to Indie authors. It is immensely appreciated. Happy New Year!
You’re welcome!
Great list! I’m currently reading The Weight of Snow and Regret.
That’s awesome. I’m sure you’re enjoying it.
Good read so far, and learning a lot.
That’s what I love about historical fiction!
I confess I haven’t read any of these or even seen them before. Finding Naomi draws me in.
Sometimes Indie books don’t get the visibility, but there are some great ones out there.
I’ve enjoyed every Colleen Cambridge book I’ve read, including this one.
Pam @ Read! Bake! Create!
https://readbakecreate.com/my-12-favorite-books-i-read-in-2025/
I just love the way she writes Julia Child.
Thank you again, Bonnie!!
You’re welcome, Liz!
The Weight of Snow and Regret was recommended to me for my 12 Friends, 12 Books challenge and I’m really looking forward to it. Nice list, Bonnie.
Thanks Carla! I hope you enjoy it.