I’ve published my Top Ten Most Memorable Reads of 2025, my Favorite Historical Fiction of 2025, and The Best of the Best 2015-2025, but I don’t want to leave 2025’s reflections without mentioning a few underrated gems or under-the-radar books that just missed the cut off for my previously published lists.
2025
Underrated Gems
It is fabulous fun to read through top ten lists in January. The variation is striking, demonstrating that reading is a personal experience and that no two readers read the same book!
My list today is comprised of books that didn’t make the cutoff for my Most Memorable Reads of 2025 or Favorite Historical Fiction of 2025, but they deserve a shoutout and are TBR worthy.
Titles are Amazon Affiliate Links or links to my reviews (which contain Amazon affiliate links).
All titles in this post were read this year.
Thanks for sharing great reads with me this year!
(in no particular order)
The Lost Story of Eva Fuentes by Chanel Cleeton
(Historical Fiction 1900,1966, and Present Day, London, Boston, and Cuba
Superlative: “Most compelling histfic/mystery/thriller mashup”
This American Woman by Zarna Garg
(Nonfiction, Memoir)
Superlative: “Most fascinating “against the odds” celebrity memoir”
Christmas at Flora’s House by Freya North
(Contemporary Fiction)
Superlative: “Most atmospheric and poignant”
Destiny of the Republic by Candice Millard
(Narrative Nonfiction, H.S. History/Presidents)
Superlative: “Most tragic true crime”
Beyond the Clouds by Elizabeth Camden
(Historical Fiction, WWI Belgium/U.S.)
Superlative: “Most compelling rescue”
At Morning’s Light by Lauraine Snelling
(Historical Fiction)
Superlative: “Most memorable immigrant story”
Reports of His Death Have Been Greatly Exaggerated by James Goodhand
(Contemporary Literary Fiction)
Superlative: “Most kind and generous character”
The Book of Kindness by Stephanie Butland
(Contemporary Fiction)
Superlative: “Most supportive community/book club”
Come Fly with Me by Camille Di Maio
(Historical Fiction, 1960s)
Superlative: “Most memorable women-supporting-women”
Kate & Frida by Kim Fay
(Historical Fiction, Siege of Sarajevo, 1990s)
Superlative: “Most supportive long-distance friendship”
Honorable Mentions:
Most Memorable Seasonal Reads of 2025
Once Upon a Christmas Carol by Melody Carlson
A Carol for Mrs. Dickens by Rebecca Connolley
Most Memorable Middle Grade/Young Adult
The Trouble with Heroes by Kate Messner
Links to Previous Best-of-Year Posts
Most Recommended Reads of 2017
QOTD:
Share your best read of the year in the comments! Please?! I’d love to hear!
Happy Reading Book Worms
“Ah, how good it is to be among people who are reading.”
~Rainer Maria Rilke
“I love the world of words, where life and literature connect.”
~Denise J Hughes
“Reading good books ruins you for enjoying bad ones.”
~Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
“I read because books are a form of transportation, of teaching, and of connection! Books take us to places we’ve never been, they teach us about our world, and they help us to understand human experience.”
~Madeleine Riley, Top Shelf Text
Happy New Year!
Wishing you a year of good health, happiness, and a tall stack of 5 Star, unputdownable, and memorable reads!
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Love how you’ve done this post, my favourite read last year was The Sideways Life of Denny Voss – it was just wonderful
Thanks for your kind comment and the rec! I’ll check it out! 🥂📚
I still need to read Kate and Frida!
I think you’ll enjoy it! 🥂📚
There are some good books on your list.
Thanks! 🥂📚
I enjoyed Christmas at Flora’s House as well, and I’ve got the next on my list for this week.
Yay! 🥂📚
Thanks for sharing your underrated gems Carol!
My pleasure 😇
Aww, now I want to read The Book of Kindness. 🙂
I think you will enjoy it! 🥂📚
I’m going to have to check some of these out, they all sound so good!
Here is our Top Ten Tuesday. Thank you!
All are tbr worthy! Happy new reading year! 🥂📚
The Book of Kindness sounds so good 😊.
If you’d like to visit, here’s my TTT: https://thebooklorefairyreads.wordpress.com/2026/01/12/top-ten-tuesday-the-most-anticipated-books-releasing-in-the-first-half-of-2026/
I think you’d enjoy it! 🥂📚
These are all new to me.
Pam @ Read! Bake! Create!
https://readbakecreate.com/my-most-anticipated-canadian-2026-releases-january-june/
All tbr worthy! 🥂📚
Nice list! I haven’t read any of these yet, but several of them are on my TBR list. I’m glad you enjoyed these.
Happy TTT!
Susan
http://www.blogginboutbooks.com
Thanks! All tbr worthy! 📚🥂
I totally agree on Zarna Garg’s book! So good. I may try Kate & Frida in print–I didn’t like the audio performer. Nothing about the book–just didn’t care for the voice.
That’s too bad about the narrator for K & F.
I’ve got a couple of these on my TBR shelf. I will be reading Kate & Frida this week. It was one of the 12 Friends recommendations.
Enjoy K & F! 📚🥂
Thanks Carol, I always enjoy your reviews and recommendations.
Thanks for your kind comment! 🥂📚
I’ve only read Come Fly With Me, but you’re right – very underrated!
You’re the only one I know who’s read it!
It’s nice to see your under-the-radar books! I love when books that don’t get a ton of attention get a spotlight. I haven’t read any of these, but I remember reading your review of Come Fly with Me and thinking that it sounded great. I’ll have to add to my library wishlist!
Totally tbr worthy!