Author: Rosepoint Publishing

Are you one of those who make New Year’s Resolutions for the new year? And do you keep them more than a week or so? Yeah, me neither. I just don’t have the self-discipline anymore, but still, it’s a chance to start a new regime or practice and perhaps a positive change in your life. That’s the promise of a new year. Exciting, huh?

We in the upper Midwest are getting our share of snow—just not for Christmas—but we have a light layer of white out there now and the temps are up a bit. I can do that—it’s the ice that bothers me.

The CE and I attended another themed Bingo game (Christmas, of course) in December, and I attended the last cooking class at our incredible YMCA. After sixty years of cooking, you’d think I wouldn’t have anything left to learn. Not true. There is always something new to learn, and these classes leaned toward budget-friendly menus. Next February, there’ll be another geared toward persons with chronic conditions such as diabetes. Yeah, we’re at that age where that might be of benefit as well. We are still going to exercise classes three times a week which takes a large chunk of time, as well as using the “eGym.” Gees, the technology of those things!

Distraction after distraction, projects, cleaning, and cooking. Takes a toll on reading. Still, we reviewed a total of ten books in December. As always, the major source of our books is the library (audiobooks as well as ebooks). We also find books at NetGalley and enjoy author and publisher requests. The links on titles are to our reviews that include purchase information.

Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger (audiobook)
She’s Not Sorry by Mary Kubica (audiobook)
The Snow Lies Deep by Paula Munier
A Wolf Called Wander by Rosanne Parry (audiobook)
What Happened Next by Edwin Hill (CE review)
Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid (audiobook)
Final Approach by Lynette Eason (audiobook)
We Are All Guilty Here by Karin Slaughter
How to Age Disgracefully by Clare Pooley
Killing Me Softly by Sandie Jones

You may have noticed in my recent post, Twelve Favorite Books of 2025, that I didn’t name December as I hadn’t reviewed it yet. I certainly enjoyed Paula Munier’s book, The Snow Lies Deep, but knew A Wolf Called Wander would gain the title.

Favorite for December – A Wolf Called Wander by Rosanne Parry

My Reading Challenges page…all caught up and once again crushed to see only two of four challenges completed, audiobooks and Goodreads. I’m definitely going to drop my goal for NetGalley next year and surprised we didn’t make Historical Fiction. I finished the Goodreads Challenge of 150 at 187 books. Will ratchet that up a bit also. I’ll post separately the Goodreads Challenges and books reviewed in the categories of Choice Awards this year.

Also, as you may have seen the Invitation paragraph in my Twelve Favorites post, I want to put together a page showing your favorite of the year. (Hint: I already disclosed mine.)

Can you do it?

Whittle your favorite books down from ten or twelve to one?

Send your title to me by January 20^th. I can’t wait to see your choice!

To all my dear readers, I do so appreciate your visits and comments and thank you for each and every one. I wish you a magical and healthy new year with family, food, and fun.

©2025 V Williams

To all my readers who celebrate New Years Day, January 1st, I wish you a magical and happy, healthy new year with family, food, and fun.

I’m still trying to find a way to streamline the process of picking out a favorite book of the year. It hasn’t worked this year either. This exercise takes just as long and is as exhausting as previous years. 

The CE has relaxed a bit on his reading but he still had several that hit the top of the list. I listened to more audiobooks while struggling to get the ebooks read from a wide variety of genres from #cozyanimalmysteries to #historicalfiction. Still struggling with challenges, I managed only two of four this year. My December Recap will have details on the Challenges as well as Goodreads stats.

Links on titles are to my review, which will include source and purchase information.

Jan –All We Thought We Knew by Michelle Shocklee – The writing style is gripping. There are  twists. There are themes of the futility of war, the physiological and psychological damage to those involved and the resulting damage to the family unit as well as the community.

Feb – Guardian of the Crossroads by Melanie Forde – The author is a powerful storyteller. This is one of those stories that is laid out carefully, quietly, and then bestows a “wow” mystical factor at the end. Whether or not you believe in paranormal abilities, the narrative will leave you satisfied.

Mar – Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen – Yes, it’s frankly honest, can be cruel and disturbing. But the tale it tells is mesmerizing, page-turning, and tension-filled right up until the rewarding denouement.

Apr – Watchers by Dean Koontz – Yes, there is a lab dog but I don’t mean Labrador—I mean laboratory and Travis realizes this is not a dog he can return. Unfortunately, the same lab that spawned him also spawned his opposite.

May – Nightshade by Michael Connelly – The story has many twists and turns as everyone seems innocent but someone must have tried to destroy evidence. The author shares many interesting detective techniques and the storyline is intriguing and entertaining. (A CE review)

Jun –How to Hotwire an Airplane by Henry Rausch – The novel carries themes of compassion, courage, and redemption. A unique and emotional tale of liberation more than political commentary. The action-packed climax is satisfying and provides closure as well as food for thought.

Jul – Bits and Pieces by Whoopi Goldberg – Whether or not you’ve been a fan of Whoopi (nee Caryn Johnson), reading this book may enhance your respect or create a new fan.

Aug – Endurance by Alfred Lansing – Amazingly creative in discovering ways and means for their survival and one you shouldn’t miss. I particularly recommend the audiobook beautifully performed by the narrator.

Sept – The Tenth Trail Mark by Joe Looby – The 10^th Mountain Division was instrumental in winning the war in Europe. This book is an excellent review of the hardships faced and overcome by a very special group of American soldiers. (A CE review)

Oct – The Night Fire by Michael Connelly – Always complex, each installment brings a fresh storyline and keeps a strong pace that doesn’t lag in the middle. Strong characters are not above slightly bending rules when the case warrants, whether or not they’ll face consequences.

Nov – A Walk Among Heroes by James McDevitt – James McDevitt provides a very clear picture of the brotherhood of men in arms. It is a testament to those who have served and watched the sacrifice of someone who saves the life of a fellow soldier. (A CE review)

Dec – See Rosepoint Reviews –  December Recap which will be posted on New Years Day to see the December winner!

Summary

I loved Water for Elephants and Whoopi’s memoir. The CE tends to generous star reviews and I provided three here, noting how glued he was to these selections, two of which are historical fiction. The third is a Michael Connelly novel and I listed one of his books as well, obviously a favorite author for us both. But for sheer edge-of-your-seat page-turning excitement, you’d be hard pressed to find one more so than Endurance.  It left me breathless with a strong case of Book Hangover. I’m not sure what that says of my choice, as my favorite novel of 2024 was The Wager by David Grann, a remarkably similar historical sailing account, albeit a story taking place a couple centuries apart.

Favorite novel of 2025 – Endurance by Alfred Lansing, narrated by Simon Prebble. Born 1942 in Croydon, UK, Prebble is a British-American narrator. He received an Audie in 2010.

Invitation

I’m sure you read at least one of the above books, perhaps more? I’d love to see which of your 2025 books became your favorite of the year! Please send me your title and link by January 20 and I’ll create a post including your pick.

©2025 V Williams