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Happy 2025, friends! This year I decided to do something different. Instead of sharing my top ten books of 2024 (too stressful! I don’t like it at all!) I am choosing to share my 5 star reads in every genre last year.

Today is my second round up of fiction books. The first part is featured in my last post!

As always, you can find ALL of my book reviews (from 1 to five stars, and DNFs) on Goodreads.

You can also follow me on Tiktok at @bookpushersteph and on Instagram at @stephaniehowell . Happy reading! xoxo

The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon

What an absolute BADASS Martha was. Fierce and strong willed and full of pluck and grit. I. LOVED. HER. And her relationship with Ephraim? Sigh. So tender and respectful and HOT. Whewwww. Make sure to research triggers- this one is heavy and not for the faint of heart. The audio narration is phenomenal, too. One last thing- the authors note is not to be missed !!!

Family Family by Laurie Frankel

Laurie Frankel is one of one of my all time favorite authors, she is so incredibly talented. As an adoptee I found this book fascinating and lovely. Adoption is always painted in such a negative plot (focus on the very real struggles and never on the beauty+ gift that it can be) and it was heartwarming to see it portrayed in a positive way. This book is quirky and chaotic and weird in the best possible way, and also endearing and heartwarming.

Summers at the Saint by Mary Kay Andrews

Y’all know I LOVE me some MKA. Her books are the perfect balance of southern nostalgia, snark, and intrigue. Summers at the Saint is no exception. This one is darker than MKA’s previous novels and I love that. She pulls off dark and twisted in a completely unexpected way. If you want the perfect whodunit beach read, this one is for you!!

Look on the Bright Side by Kristan Higgins

Kristan Higgins just makes my heart FEEL GOOD. She speaks to my soul and this book is my favorite of all the KH books I read this year.

Same as it Ever Was by Claire Lombardo

My Goodreads review was : I’ll write a review if I ever stop crying and apparently I never stopped crying. HAHAHA! Just trust me, this book is everything.

All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker

An absolute masterpiece. The characters will live in my heart forever.

Here One Moment by Liane Moriarty

Astounding, precious, sweet, funny, and unexpectedly deep and moving. This is a must read.

The Favorites by Layne Fargo

This book was absolutely phenomenal. I couldn’t put it DOWN. I’ve heard the audio is phenomenal as well. I read this as an ARC and I knew immediately that everyone was going to be talking about it.

What Does it Feel Like by Sophie Kinsella

How can I give this less than five stars ? Sophie was so damn brave to write this. To deal with a devastating glioblastoma diagnosis as a beautifully, earth shatteringly happy wife, author, and mom of five (I can identify with all of these but one- I simply cannot imagine.

This novella is full of hope, joy, devastation, heartbreak, fear, and light. Kinsella bared her heart and soul, her big beautiful brain, and all of her deepest fears.

It’s a treasure and I keep thinking of how much her dear husband and five children will treasure this book forever.

And to Sophie : your words have brought me infinite joy for decades. From Becky Bloomwood to Effie and Sasha and every single fearless heroine in between- you’ve had me as your biggest fan. Thank you for changing my bookish life.

Every Moment Since by Marybeth Mayhew Whalen

This is a beautiful tale of forgiveness and redemption and the power of regret.

Bluebird Day by Megan Tady

OUTSTANDING. Please add this to your TBR immediately. Set in the cozy, atmospheric winter wonderland of Zermatt, this is a beautiful commentary on mothers+daughters, forgiveness and letting go. The characters are vibrant and endearing and you’ll find yourself rooting for Claudine and Wylie. Bonus points for two mentions of the 10th mountain division- a unit near and dear to our heart!

A Short Walk Through a Wide World by Douglas Westerbeke

This book was so lovely, interesting, and absolutely captivating. As with most fantasy, I kind of got the sense that I wasn’t quite smart enough to know what was going on. But gosh did I enjoy the ride!

A Love Song for Ricki Wilde by Tia Williams

This book is so special. I love seeing Tia Williams dipping her toe into magical realism. I spent quite a bit of time exploring Harlem when my husband was at Columbia. I could picture almost every location which made the story even more special. This book was unique and quirky and magical and I just adored it. I also loved catching a brief glimpse of Shane and Eva from Seven Days.

MEMOIR

Finding Me by Viola Davis

“If I created a fable of my life, a fantasy, I see myself finally meeting God, gushing, crying, thanking the Almighty for the accolades, a fabulous husband, beautiful daughter, my journey from nothing to Hollywood, awards, travel. I can clearly see the Lord’s face, staring at me, taking me in and saying, ‘You never thanked me for creating you as YOU.”

THE AUDIOBOOK VERSION OF THIS IS A MUST. There are no words to describe how powerful this memoir is. It is an absolute miracle that Viola Davis is even alive today. Her book shattered me, eviscerated me, and blew me away…to say the least. I cried at least a dozen times listening to her voice tell her incredible story. Her words are poetic, raw, and vulnerable. I will remember this book for the rest of my life.