Favorite books of 2025 | Lisa J. Shultz

I love to read, and it was hard to narrow down over 50 books read to just three favorites for 2025, but here they are!

Set in 1789 Maine, this work of historical fiction had the main character as a strong female with an empowering presence. Her role as a mid-wife entailed more than just helping women give birth. She also had to examine a dead body and then she became a bit of a sleuth to determine more about the circumstances of his death. I really enjoyed this novel. I listened on Audible, and the reader was very good. I highly recommend it particularly to women readers.

Anxious People by Fredrik Backman

This is the fourth book I have read by this author. It felt original and a creative way to look at despair, connection and humanizing people beyond a bad day or a bad choice to deal with their problems. I will be thinking about this book for a long time. And I will be recommending and giving this book to many other people.

The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins

This book has much positive impact and value. It is an empowering book that I savored as I read a chapter a day until I finished it. Personally, I resonated with the first half of the book more than the second half. I felt that I got what I needed early on, but I did finish the book.
I find myself saying, “Let Them” to myself regularly. And I focus on what I can do in the face of difficulties (let me). If you are in need of a boost in self-empowerment, this book will probably be that nudge.

Let me know your favorite reads by leaving a comment! And if you want more recommendations, look back at previous year’s favorites:

If you want to follow my reviews throughout the year, be sure to click “follow” on my Goodreads profile and you will be notified of each review shortly after I post one.

Please feel free to comment below and share your favorite books with me!