It’s that time of year - to post our favorites from the past 365 days of reading.

(By the way, have you committed to the 2025 Reading Challenge yet? I promise it’s low-stress and straightforward.)

This past year, I gravitated to my favorite genre, historical fiction. Several of my top 12 books taught me about history (one of the things I love most about reading!). Some of my favorites were literary fiction, and a couple were what we might consider “classics.”

As I wrote this post, I discovered a theme in my reading - strong female characters and stories of females overcoming adversity to contribute significantly to their current times and also to the future.

My reading goal remains the same for 2025, and it’s not a specific number of books or even completing the 2025 Challenge. It is this: to read edifying, uplifting, and enjoyable books. The older I get, the more this reading goal is embedded deep within me. I’m not afraid to abandon a book if it doesn’t meet those criteria.

So, without further ado, here are my twelve favorite books from 2024!

Twelve Favorite Books from 2024

The Women of Chateau Lafayette by Stephanie Dray

This is an excellent book if you want to learn about the French Revolution and the Marquis de Lafayette. I’ve read other books by Stephanie Dray, and she’s one of my favorite historical fiction authors.

The novel intertwines the stories of three remarkable women across three pivotal periods in French history, all connected to the Chateau Lafayette in France. The novel follows Adrienne Lafayette, wife of the famous Marquis de Lafayette, during the American and French Revolutions; Beatrice Chanler, a New York socialite who transforms the chateau into a children’s hospital during World War I; and Marthe Simone, a fictional orphan-turned-teacher who becomes involved in the French Resistance during World War II.

These women face unique challenges and demonstrate extraordinary courage, resilience, and determination in their respective eras. Through their interconnected narratives, Stephanie Dray explores themes of war, freedom, and the often-overlooked contributions of women to history while showcasing the enduring legacy of the Chateau Lafayette across generations.

Who wants to go to France with me to see the Chateau?

White Chrysanthemum by Mary Lynn Bracht

White Chrysanthemum is a powerful historical novel set in Korea during World War II and its aftermath. The story follows two sisters, Hana and Emi, who are separated when a Japanese soldier abducts 16-year-old Hana to become a "comfort woman" in 1943.

The narrative alternates between Hana's harrowing experiences as a sexual slave and Emi's perspective in 2011, as she searches for her long-lost sister. Both women are haenyeo, traditional female divers from Jeju Island, and their strength and resilience are at the heart of the story. The story teaches us about the brutality of war and the lasting impact of historical trauma while shedding light on the often-overlooked experiences of Korean comfort women. It is ultimately the story of the enduring human spirit in the face of hardship.

The Other Bennett Sister by Janice Hadlow

I’m all about a nod to Jane Austen, and this is a retelling of Pride and Prejudice, with Mary (the middle of the Bennett girls) as our heroine. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and can’t wait for the BBC series based on the book coming in 2025!

“One by one, her sisters marry - Jane and Lizzy for love; Lydia for some semblance of respectability - but Mary, it seems, is destined to remain single and live out her life at Longbourn, at least until her father dies and the house is bequeathed to the reviled Mr Collins. But when that fateful day finally comes, she slowly discovers that perhaps there is hope for her, after all.”

Janice Hadlow’s writing felt very much like Jane Austen's - which made me enjoy the story all the more.

The Naturalist’s Daughter by Tea Cooper

A book about the discovery of the Duck-Billed Platypus wasn’t on my radar in 2024, but I thoroughly enjoyed it and learned so much. If you’ve never read anything by Tea Cooper, you might want to put her on your list!

(This was another audio for me; I loved listening to the story with British and Australian accents.)

The Naturalist's Daughter intertwines the stories of two determined women a century apart. In 1808, Rose Winton assisted her father, Charles, in studying the platypus in New South Wales, Australia. When Charles becomes ill, Rose must travel to England to present their groundbreaking findings to the Royal Society, facing skepticism and uncovering family secrets.

A century later, in 1908, librarian Tamsin Alleyn investigated a mysterious sketchbook believed to be Charles Winton's work. Partnering with lawyer Shaw Everdene, Tamsin delves into the book's origins, unraveling a mystery that connects the two timelines. The novel involves scientific discovery, women's roles in science, and the classification controversy surrounding the platypus, and is ultimately a story of courage, perseverance, and unexpected connections across generations.

The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali

This book opened my eyes to a subject I should have known more about.

A lot of people were talking about this book in 2024. I believe it also won several awards during the year. Again, this was a great book on audio - hard but good.

The Lion Women of Tehran is a historical novel set in Iran from the 1950s to the 1970s. The story follows two girls, Ellie and Homa, whose lives intertwine across three decades of political upheaval in Tehran.

Seven-year-old Ellie, once living in comfort, is forced to move to a small home in downtown Tehran after her father's death. There, she meets Homa, a kind and spirited girl who becomes her best friend. The two share dreams of becoming "lion women" - strong and influential. However, their friendship is disrupted when Ellie's family regains their wealthy status, separating the girls.

Years later, Homa unexpectedly reappears in Ellie's privileged world, altering both their lives. As they come of age, pursue their goals, and navigate the changing political landscape of Iran, their friendship faces challenges. The story deals with class differences, women's rights, and political turmoil, culminating in a significant betrayal that has far-reaching consequences for both women.

Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston

Published in 1937, it is a novel that explores the journey of Janie Mae Crawford, a Black woman living in the early 20th century. The narrative reflects Janie’s life (and I LOVED her voice), recounting her experiences and relationships with her friend Pheoby. Janie’s quest for self-discovery and fulfillment takes her through three marriages, each providing unique insights into love, independence, and societal expectations.

Set in the rural South, the novel vividly captures the cultural and social context of the time, including issues of race, gender, and class. Janie’s story is a powerful exploration of identity, resilience, and the search for independence in a society marked by racial and gender oppression.

An audiobook for me (again!), I loved hearing its rich prose and unique narrative voice, incorporating African American vernacular and folklore. I can see why this novel has enduring significance in discussions of African American and feminist literature. It is now considered a literary classic.

James by Percival Everett

This is another retelling of a classic - this time it is Huckleberry Finn. What a delight this book was!

James reimagines Mark Twain's Adventures of Huckleberry Finn from the perspective of Jim, an enslaved man seeking freedom. The novel begins with Jim's escape from Hannibal, Missouri, after learning he's to be sold away from his family. As Jim and Huck journey down the Mississippi River, they encounter various challenges, but the story takes a darker turn when Jim is separated from Huck and sold multiple times.

Throughout his journey, Jim demonstrates his intelligence and literacy, even engaging in philosophical debates in his dreams. The novel explores themes of identity, freedom, and the brutal realities of slavery, culminating in Jim's daring escape north with his family as the Civil War begins. Everett's work offers a subtle and often violent look at antebellum America while showcasing Jim's resilience and humanity.

I can easily understand why this book was so popular with readers in 2024.

The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern by Lynda Cohen Loigman

It has been hard for me to find magical realism books that could compete with those by Sarah Addison Allen. Well… I read two books by Lynda Cohen Loigman this year and loved both! (I find these types of books are great when I have a book hangover and need something light and fun - but not too light and fun! Do you know what I mean?)

The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern is a heartwarming novel that weaves together two timelines in the life of Augusta Stern. In 1920s Brooklyn, young Augusta works at her father's pharmacy while being intrigued by her great-aunt Esther's unconventional healing methods. As she prepares for pharmacy college, Augusta navigates a complicated relationship with Irving Rivkin, her father's delivery boy. Desperate for clarity, she impulsively uses one of Esther's potent elixirs, leading to disastrous consequences.

Sixty years later, newly retired 80-year-old Augusta moves to a Florida retirement community (I loved this so much because it reminded me of a community where my parents lived!), where she unexpectedly reencounters Irving. The book is about second chances, family secrets, and the enduring power of love as Augusta confronts her past mistakes and wonders if she can reclaim the magic of her youth.

Christmas with the Queen by Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb

Last year, I read Last Christmas in Paris by the same author duo, so I knew I would love Christmas with the Queen! (I’m also a sucker for a good Queen Elizabeth II story.)

Christmas with the Queen is a historical novel set during the early years of Queen Elizabeth II's reign. The story follows two main characters: Olive Carter, a single mother and aspiring BBC reporter, and Jack Devereux, a widowed chef from New Orleans.

In December 1952, Olive gets an unexpected opportunity to cover the royal Christmas celebration at Sandringham House, while Jack accepts a last-minute position in the royal kitchens. As they reunite after years apart, their paths continue to cross over the next five Christmases, rekindling an old connection. The novel gives fun glimpses into the young Queen's life as she prepares for her annual Christmas broadcasts, transitioning from radio to television. Amidst the backdrop of post-war Britain and royal traditions, Olive and Jack navigate personal and professional challenges while harboring a secret that threatens their growing relationship.

The story culminates in 1957 with the Queen's first televised Christmas speech and a revelation that could change everything for Olive and Jack.

The Rosemary Tree by Elizabeth Goudge

I read TEN books by Elizabeth Goudge this year. One of my biggest bookish blessings of 2024 was joining the Elizabeth Goudge Book Club! Each book by Elizabeth Goudge is like a big, warm hug. Her books contain Godly truths that always bring me to tears. If you’ve never read her books, you should try them. She always weaves together elements of faith, family dynamics, and the beauty of the English countryside to create a beautiful portrayal of the human experience - one that we can deeply relate to.

The Rosemary Tree is a heartwarming novel set in post-World War II Devon, England. The story revolves around the Wentworth family: John, a kind-hearted but forgetful vicar; his wife Daphne, who struggles with discontent; and their three young daughters. The family's life intertwines with several other characters, including Great Aunt Maria, who lives in the family's ancestral home, Belmaray Manor; Harriet, John's bedridden former nanny; and Mary O'Hara, a passionate young teacher at the local school.

The arrival of Michael Stone, a former famous author recently released from prison, causes great change in the community. As Michael seeks a fresh start, his presence impacts the lives of those around him, particularly as he reconnects with someone from his past. We think about forgiveness, redemption, and the power of compassion as the characters confront their struggles and find healing through understanding and love.

The Last Love Note by Emma Grey

I got a little obsessed with this author’s personal story! The Last Love Note is her debut novel and is greatly based on her life experience of her young husband’s death. I listened to many podcasts and watched several YouTube videos with Emma Grey and grew to appreciate her so much. I know she has a new book coming out in 2025, too!

The Last Love Note is a poignant novel (get out your tissue) that blends grief and romance. The story follows Kate, a 40-year-old widow and single mother who lost her husband Cam to early-onset Alzheimer's two years prior. As Kate struggles to navigate life after loss, she finds unexpected support from her boss, Hugh. When the two are stranded together on Australia's east coast due to travel complications, Kate begins to process her grief and consider the possibility of new love.

The novel alternates between present-day events and flashbacks of Kate's life with Cam. As Kate discovers a trail of notes left by Cam and uncovers a secret Hugh has been keeping, she must decide if she's ready to open her heart again. This book is ultimately about moving forward after tragedy while honoring past love.

Favorite Book of 2024

The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese

I listened to this book and was so glad I used the audio! The narration was excellent and added to the story for me. This is, however, one of those books that I would love to read again and mark my favorite passages because it was just SO beautiful.

Maybe you read Cutting for Stone, another excellent book by Abraham Verghese. This author is both a surgeon AND a writer, so he brings an incredible depth of experience and expertise to his writing.

The Covenant of Water is an EPIC multigenerational novel set in Kerala, India, from 1900 to 1977. The story begins with a 12-year-old girl, later known as Big Ammachi, who is married to a 40-year-old widower. The story follows three generations of their family, who suffer from a peculiar affliction they call "the Condition," where at least one person in each generation dies by drowning.

As Big Ammachi becomes the family matriarch, she witnesses significant changes in India, including social upheavals and the transition from British colonial rule. The novel includes multiple storylines, including that of Dr. Digby Kilgour, a Scottish physician whose life becomes unexpectedly connected to the family. The story culminates with Big Ammachi's granddaughter, Mariamma, becoming a doctor and unraveling the mystery behind "the Condition" while discovering surprising truths about her heritage.

Full Disclosure: I took longer to listen to this book because it was HARD and sometimes graphic. However, it was worth it to persevere because it felt like a great accomplishment and journey completed when I finished the book.

The Women of Chateau Lafayette White Chrysanthemum The Other Bennet Sister: A Novel The Naturalist's Daughter The Lion Women of Tehran Their Eyes Were Watching God James (Italian Edition)The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern: A Novel Christmas with the Queen: A Delightful Christmas Tale with Emotional Depth, Join a Royal Celebration Full of Surprises The Rosemary Tree The Last Love Note: A Novel The Covenant of Water