Quarterly Reading Recap: What I Loved in Q1

I’ve always been an avid reader. Growing up with two teachers for grandparents, and a teacher for an aunt, it was practically inevitable! But like many, I fell out of love with reading during college - buried under the weight of required textbooks and academic articles. It wasn’t until the last few years that I rediscovered the joy of reading for pleasure. And now, in this new season of motherhood, I have to admit - I’m obsessed! I set a goal for myself to read 25 books in 2025 and just four months in I’ve already knocked out 17! As a breastfeeding mama, I spend hours each day seated and instead of reaching for my phone I’ve made a conscious effort to reach for a book instead. It’s been a total game-changer. I’ve been making such steady progress toward my goal that I’m even toying with the idea of doubling it!

When it comes to my reading taste, I’m all over the map. I love both fiction and non-fiction and have really enjoyed bouncing between the two - it keeps things fresh while balancing learning with the simple joy of getting lost in a good story. I’m currently part of two book clubs and thought it’d be fun to share what I’ve been reading and loving lately. And of course, I’d love to hear your recommendations too!

Q1 Favorites

1. The Women - Kristin Hannah

   • I listened to this one and was completely hooked! Kristin Hannah has such a gift for writing from unexpected perspectives - in this case, a female nurse serving in the Vietnam War, a viewpoint I hadn’t encountered before. The story was gripping, emotional, and incredibly moving. The audiobook was long, but it made my commute something I actually looked forward to.

   • Favorite of the quarter

   • Perfect for fans of historical fiction

2. Consider the Lillies - Jonny Ardavanis

   • This was a book club pick, and it blew me away. I’ve read quite a few self-help books over the years, and this one might just be my favorite yet. Ardavanis tackles common mental health challenges with both empathy and truth, consistently pointing readers back to Scripture for comfort and clarity. It’s hope-filled and grounding, especially for those walking through hard seasons.

   • Great for anyone navigating anxiety or seeking spiritual encouragement

3. The Silent Patient - Alex Michaelides

   • Yes, I know I’m late to the party with this one - but wow, what a ride! I listened to this book and was glued to it from start to finish. The plot twist? Completely caught me off guard (which I loved!). It was a fun, fast-paced thriller that scratched my mystery itch and led me to check out more of Alex Michaelides’ work. This one still tops the list.

   • A perfect audio pick for thriller lovers who enjoy a good twist

Honorable mention

Tom Lake by Ann Patchett - A soft, wholesome story with a slow, easy pace. It was a peaceful read that offered a nice break between more intense books.

Looking Ahead

In Q2 I’m planning to finally dive into a few parenting books that have been on my list for ages, plus read more from Kristin Hannah’s catalog. I’m always up for something new - whether it’s a compelling memoir, a juicy novel, or something totally unexpected. Since I read a wide range of genres, I’d love to hear from you - what have been your top reads this year?

Let’s swap recommendations! You can add me on Goodreads to follow along with what I’m currently reading. Happy reading, friends!