Fiction Friday: Twenty-Five 5-Star Reads from 2025

Fiction Friday: 

Twenty-Five 5-Star Reads of 2025

In addition to being an author, I’m a voracious reader, and I come by it naturally. Both parents were avid readers with impressive book collections. When my mom passed away, I had to figure out what to do with twelve bookcases full of books! (I might have taken a few of them). Despite being busy, I make time to read, even if it’s only one chapter before bed. The qualities a book must have for me to give it five stars are: I have a serious book hangover when I’m finished, I have no interest in starting another book, I closely related to the characters and can’t get them out of my head days or even weeks later, and I know I will read the book again. And again. And possibly again.

Consider giving one or more of these a try. (Please note the purchase links are affiliate links, and I receive a small commission should you make a purchase.)

Uncharted Mercy by Keely Brooke Keith: A marriage of convenience uncovers secrets that spark a battle for inheritance, family, and a chance at love. https://amzn.to/4oG7zuT

One Night in Beniton Hall by Iris Lim: When an arranged compromise goes awry, whom can Heather

count upon to come to her rescue? https://amzn.to/3LuXna4

Calming the Storm by Melanie D. Snitker: A marriage of convenience isn't exactly what she had in mind. https://amzn.to/4hTUzPN

Palmer Girl by Dawn Klinge: Elizabeth’s heart longs to push against those boundaries, so what’s holding her back? https://amzn.to/3Xog1mk

The Snowman’s Sweetheart by Shanna Hatfield: Will a winter whirlwind romance result in a forever love? https://amzn.to/47uJVLQ

No Leaves in Autum by Terri Wangard: She may gain a family after all. https://amzn.to/3Lt7ZGl

Hopeful Cowboy by Elana Johnson: He's struggling to step into his new role as a single dad. She's trying to keep her ranch operational and her heart intact. Can Nate and Ginger build forever out of heartache? https://books2read.com/u/bzx8KE

A Song of Deliverance by Donna Wichelman: Will Anna’s heart soften towards Stefan? Will Stefan prove himself worthy of Anna’s affections? Each will have to risk everything to attain what they want and need most—love. https://amzn.to/4qOfKXl

Lillian’s Letters by Marlene Bierworth: The magic seemed to be working for the newcomer, until she met the man whom she’d been corresponding with face to face. https://amzn.to/4hTPYwY

Seeking Simon by Susan Sloan: When a mysterious stranger claims to be her fiancé, the fight to save her land turns into a battle for her heart. https://amzn.to/49b54Mm

A Lawman for Lisette by Teresa Slack: Can this independent western woman trust her no-nonsense, rugged lawman and find love? Will her heart forever be lost in Willow Wood? https://amzn.to/4p3ZD6t

Pretending to be the Mountain Man’s Wife by Misty M. Beller: Will the love growing between them be enough to survive Jess's secret and lead them to the justice Gil seeks, or will her father’s greed destroy everything they've risked their lives to protect? https://amzn.to/4oviJCy

Chasing Shadows by Lynn Austin: Three women whose lives are instantly changed when the Nazis

invade the neutral Netherlands, forcing each into a complicated dance of choice and consequence. https://books2read.com/u/baAnz8

Tex by Liz Isaacson: Can Tex and Abigail rekindle their old flame, or will the issue of land ownership come between them? https://amzn.to/496zEGV

The Pastor’s Reckless Bride by Malory Ford: as other needs arise that the two of them are uniquely equipped to meet, their greatest challenge may just be their greatest strength. https://amzn.to/4qM90cR

A Reckoning in Defiance by Heather Blanton: She ruled Tent Town with an iron will. Now, she returns to Defiance with nothing but guilt—and a fragile hope for forgiveness. https://amzn.to/3LuYqqw

Love Somebody Like You by Carolyn Miller: For Lexi Franklin, returning to Trinity Lakes feels a little like running home with her tail between her legs. https://amzn.to/47OsS6j

Love’s True Measure by Lori DeJong: A guilt-ridden woman with everything to gain, a self-made man with everything to lose, and a Father who desires to show them their true measure is more than they could ever imagine. https://amzn.to/4nPlwW6

A Pony Express Romance by Misty M. Beller: Only the fearless ride for the Express. https://amzn.to/4nRiIrF

Journey of the Heart by Johnnie Alexander: One valiant woman. One guarded man. A shared mission—and a love neither expected. https://amzn.to/4p4rrYA

Lance: Gun for Hire by Heather Blanton: He lost everything. Now he has nothing left to lose. https://amzn.to/4owMh2V

Patched Together by Kim Garee: healing leads to new journeys in faith and love amidst changing and

charming seasons. https://books2read.com/u/bPOnQl

A Place to Belong by Heidi Gray McGill: Some fresh starts begin in silence… others begin with a
baby’s cry. https://amzn.to/4ot6XbR

The Red Siren by MaryLu Tyndall: A Woman Pirate desperate to save her family. . .An ambitious Naval Officer longing for a promotion . . .Is their love strong enough to defy the noose? https://amzn.to/4hO34f3

An Unexpected Catch by Abbey Downey: Can she count on the pitcher to save her dream, or will his secret destroy their futures? https://amzn.to/485vjTa