Welcome, book friends!
If you’d prefer to listen to this book list, you can check out the full episode on The Bookmarks ‘n Blankets Podcast on your favorite podcast platform or listen below.
I’d love to know your thoughts on any of these books if you’ve read them. I invite you to hop over to my Instagram or X (aka Twitter), where you can comment.
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I’m thrilled to share my top books of 2024 with you! This list features only full-length novels, as I’ve chosen to exclude middle-grade books, short stories, novellas, graphic novels, and picture books. Last year was an incredible reading year for me—these books aren’t just favorites; they’re some of the best I’ve ever read. I’ll cherish them forever, recommend them endlessly, and revisit their stories time and time again throughout my life.
My Best Books of 2024
Honorable Mentions (all 4.5 stars but rated as 5 stars on GoodReads):
How to Hang a Witch by Adriana Mather
Genre: YA Fantasy
Read/Listen to my full review here.
I absolutely loved this book! It had everything I wanted in a witchy read—conflict, drama, romance, supernatural elements like witches and ghosts, and fascinating historical details about Salem, MA. The fast-paced, gripping story was impossible to put down and delivered all the cozy fall vibes, perfect for the season.
The author’s narration of the audiobook was amazing, and learning she’s a descendant of Cotton Mather from the Salem Witch Trials added extra intrigue. Her note at the end, sharing her inspiration and writing process, was a fascinating bonus.
If you love historical fiction with Salem Witch Trial details and vibes like Mean Girls, Gossip Girl, The Craft, or Hocus Pocus, this is a must-read! I had a blast and can’t wait to dive into the sequel.
Read more info on GoodReads.
Love, Unscripted by Denise Hunter
Genre: Clean, Contemporary Romance
Read/Listen to my full review here.
This was my first Denise Hunter book, and I loved it! It’s a clean, contemporary romance with no language or spice, which I really appreciated. While it started as a light, cute romance, the second half brought depth, past trauma, and strong emotions that pulled me in completely. The last quarter, in particular, made me fall in love with the characters even more.
Chloe and Liam’s romance was captivating—opposites attract with great chemistry, heartfelt banter, and emotional depth. Their maturity and authenticity stood out, and I adored moments like them caring for each other when sick. The side characters and small-town Southern setting added charm and warmth, immersing me further in the story.
With themes of letting go, forgiveness, and communication, this book hit all my favorite elements, including enemies-to-lovers, opposites attract, fake dating, and forced proximity. It’s a perfect read for spring, summer, or the beach. I laughed, teared up, and smiled throughout. Now, I can’t wait to read more from Denise Hunter.
Read more info on GoodReads.
Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Read my full review here.
This book is incredible—my favorite in the trilogy! Each installment kept getting better, and by the time I reached this one, I was completely hooked. While the cursing and spicy scenes weren’t my preference, the story and characters were so phenomenal I’m still rounding up to five stars.
I recommend reading the series in order, as previous characters play a big role. I listened to the dual POV audiobook, and the narrators nailed it—it was such a joy to experience! The cozy, small island town setting and Good Luck Chuck vibes made it the perfect summer or beach read.
Abby Jimenez balances humor and heartfelt depth beautifully. This book isn’t just a fluffy rom-com; it’s raw, layered, and tackles heavy topics with grace. Emma and Justin stole my heart with their chemistry, witty banter, and Justin’s tender, supportive nature. The unicorn floaty scene? Iconic! Loved it! (If you know, you know!)
Beyond the romance, Emma’s relationship with her mother added emotional depth, and her inspiring choice to lead with empathy left a lasting impact on me. If you love fake dating, slow burns, and meaningful character development, don’t miss this book. It’s a gem!
Read more info on GoodReads.
My Top 24-11 Books of 2024:
24. Maria: Novel about Maria Von Trapp by Michelle Moran
Genre: Historical Fiction
Read my full review here.
I’ve always loved The Sound of Music, so I decided to try this book and was pleasantly surprised. I didn’t realize Maria von Trapp was a real person and enjoyed learning more about her life, especially set against the World War II era.
The book alternates between past and present timelines—the 1950s, during the Broadway musical’s creation, and the 1913-1940s, covering Maria’s early life and experiences during the war. The past timeline, where we see Maria’s perspective, was especially captivating and insightful.
Whether you’re a fan of the movie or enjoy historical fiction, I highly recommend this book.
Read more info on GoodReads.
23. Bewitching the Ghost by Gigi Blume
Genre: Fantasy | RomCom | Clean Romance
Read/Listen to my full review here.
This was my first book by this author, and I’m excited to read more! I found this seasonal gem on Kindle Unlimited while searching for clean, witchy reads, and it was a delightful surprise. Charming, funny, magical, and fun, it’s a lighthearted, clean witchy rom-com with no language or spice—just a few sweet kissing scenes.
Perfect for Spooky Season, it had everything I wanted: witches, ghosts, magic, cozy fall vibes, small-town charm, and a swoon-worthy romance. The family dynamics and history added depth, and the plot kept me hooked with its great pacing and an unexpected twist just when I thought it might slow down.
While it had a cheesy, Hallmark rom-com vibe, the quirky one-liners and ’80s/’90s pop culture references made it so much fun. There were plenty of laugh-out-loud and swoony moments, and although I wished for more character development, there was enough growth to feel satisfying. It kept me guessing and even had me thinking about it when I wasn’t reading—a true sign of a great story!
Read more info on GoodReads.
22. Bring Me Your Midnight by Rachel Griffin
Genre: YA Gothic Romantasy | Witchy Fantasy
Read my full review here.
This was my first Rachel Griffin book, and it exceeded all expectations. With its rich island setting, magical ambiance, and gothic, eerie atmosphere, the story completely captivated me.
The forbidden, slow-burn romance between Tana and Wolfe is deeply romantic, with tension and emotional depth shining through in this closed-door romance. Tana’s struggle between loyalty to her coven and following her heart was compelling and relatable.
The unique magic system, tied to nature—the tides, moon, sea, and flowers—was beautifully described, making it perfect for a fall or Halloween read. Featuring themes of love, loyalty, and self-discovery, this story has everything I adore in romantic fantasy. A must-read for fans of witchy, emotionally rich tales!
Read more info on GoodReads.
21. Five Stolen Rings by Gracie Ruth Mitchell
Genre: Christmas Romance | Contemporary Romance | Clean Romance
Read/Listen to my full review here.
I absolutely adored this sweet, clean Christmas romance! It had me laughing, swooning, and smiling from start to finish. This author has become a favorite, with every book I’ve read by her being a five-star comfort read. I love her stories’ lack of language and spice, making them perfect cozy escapes.
The Colorado setting was a delightful and relatable touch, adding vividness and charm to the story. The cozy small-town vibes, festive holiday elements, and nostalgic nods to Home Alone made it even more special.
Jack and Stella, the main couple, stole my heart! Their chemistry, witty banter, and heartfelt journey through personal challenges were beautifully done. The mix of humor, emotion, and genuine romance made their story unforgettable.
If you love dual POVs, past and present timelines, childhood crushes, friends-to-lovers, fake dating, and small-town settings, this festive romcom is a must-read. It’s heartwarming, fun, and full of feel-good moments—one of my favorite holiday romances!
Read more info on GoodReads.
20. The Fury by Alex Michaelides
Genre: Mystery & Thriller
Read/Listen to my full review here.
I absolutely loved this book—it’s my first five-star read of 2024! This clever, twisty mystery solidified the author as a favorite and an auto-buy for me. I enjoyed it even more than The Silent Patient, with fun Easter eggs referencing his other work.
Narrated uniquely by Elliot Chase, who breaks the fourth wall, the story kept me hooked with fast pacing, short chapters, and constant twists. Even when I guessed parts, the reveals surprised me. Multiple perspectives added depth, and while more mystery than thriller, it was full of suspense.
The writing is psychological and vivid, with great quotes and immersive descriptions that made it feel like a movie. Split into five acts, it felt like a play at times. I read it as an ARC but need a physical copy to annotate. Beautifully written and deeply entertaining—I had the BEST time reading it!
Read more info on GoodReads.
19. Once Upon a Wardrobe by Patti Callahan
Genre: Historical Fiction
Read/Listen to my full review here.
This heartfelt and emotional book is a beautiful exploration of love, loss, grief, and the power of storytelling. A love letter to C.S. Lewis and The Chronicles of Narnia, it’s a contemporary drama, not fantasy, but a must-read for fans of his works. The audiobook narrator did an incredible job, enhancing the experience with her delivery and accents.
Set in 1950s Oxford, the story follows Megs as she finds solace in C.S. Lewis’s company, uncovering the origins of his iconic tale and its impact on their lives. The blend of fact and fiction, combined with a “story within a story” structure, was seamless and surprisingly enjoyable.
The characters and relationships were the heart of the book—Megs and her sick brother George, Lewis and his brother Warnie, their friendship with Meg, and even a budding romance. Each dynamic was tender, layered, and deeply moving. It’s a character-driven story that resonates deeply.
By the end, I was moved to tears—of sadness, inspiration, and joy. This book captures the transformative power of stories and their ability to evoke raw emotions. It’s perfect for fall or winter and left a lasting impression on me. As my first read by this author, I’m eager to explore more of her work!
Read more info on GoodReads.
18. Love and a Little White Lie by Tammy L. Gray
Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance | Clean Romance
Read/Listen to my full review here.
I loved this book! It only took three days to finish because I was completely invested in the characters, their relationships, the small-town charm, and the heartfelt romance. It wasn’t just an easy read but also deeply emotional and raw. This isn’t a fluffy romcom—it tackles strong emotions and meaningful issues while staying clean and closed-door, which I appreciated.
The protagonist, January, is relatable, kind-hearted, and quirky. Her journey of faith and personal growth was inspiring, though I wished she had been more open about her beliefs sooner. The love triangle added tension, and the romance was sweet, with a satisfying happily-ever-after that made me giddy.
The small-town setting, its residents, and the added drama made the story even more engaging. Though heavy on faith, it was approachable and featured powerful messages of forgiveness and spiritual growth.
Overall, this heartwarming, emotional romance left a lasting impression. As my first read by this author, I’m excited to dive into the rest of the trilogy!
Read more info on GoodReads.
17. The Only One Left by Riley Sager
Genre: Mystery & Thriller
Read/Listen to my full review here.
I absolutely loved this book! Despite mixed reviews, it completely worked for me and was my first Riley Sager read. I listened to the audiobook, and the narrators were phenomenal—I highly recommend experiencing it this way.
The story is atmospheric with a gothic, eerie vibe, and I couldn’t put it down. It’s bingeable, addictive, and filled with shocking twists and turns—yes, it’s over the top, but I loved every moment. The pacing was perfect, and the murder mystery kept me guessing while dropping just enough breadcrumbs along the way. It reminded me of the Lizzie Borden case, which made it even more fun.
The characters were compelling, and the spooky mansion almost felt alive. I enjoyed the dynamics between Kit and Lenora and the layers of family secrets, forbidden love, tension, and big reveals. It’s packed with everything you’d want in a gothic mystery.
If you enjoy eerie atmospheres, family secrets, forbidden love, shocking twists, and spooky mansions, this is a must-read. I’d love to see it adapted into a movie and can’t wait to read more from Riley Sager. Highly recommend—especially the audiobook!
Read more info on GoodReads.
16. The Heiress by Rachel Hawkins
Genre: Mystery & Thriller
Read/Listen to my full review here.
Wow, I loved this book! My first read by this author has me eager to explore more, despite mixed reviews on her other works.
This gripping mystery/thriller checks all the boxes: rich people behaving badly, deep family secrets, betrayal, lies, and drama galore. Set in the eerie, isolated Ashby House in North Carolina’s Appalachian mountains, the atmosphere felt suffocating and gothic, with vivid mansion descriptions that immersed me without overwhelming detail.
Told through dual POVs—Camden, the reluctant adopted son, and his sassy, snarky wife Jules—plus clever use of newspaper articles and letters, the story kept me hooked. Both characters intrigued me with their secrets, adding layers to the tension. The short chapters and past/present timelines made it impossible to put down.
While I found the excessive cursing unnecessary, it didn’t ruin the experience. The addictive twists, family dysfunction, and relentless drama made this an unforgettable read. Highly recommend for fans of bingeable, twisty thrillers!
Read more info on GoodReads.
15a. Juniper Bean Resorts to Murder by Gracie Ruth Mitchell
Genre: Cozy Mystery | Contemporary Romance | Clean Romance
Read my full review here.
This book is a delightful mix of cozy mystery and romantic comedy that kept me guessing, laughing, and swooning. The audiobook’s dual POV added depth, and the narrators did a fantastic job bringing the characters to life.
Juniper is a quirky, relatable heroine whose resilience and determination after a tough life are truly inspiring. Aiden, described as dark academia personified, is sweet, protective, and deeply endearing. Their history, witty banter, and incredible chemistry made their romance heartfelt and mature.
The mystery was intriguing, filled with twists I couldn’t predict. While fun and lighthearted, the story also explores deeper themes like child abuse, grief, and second chances, adding emotional depth.
With its slow-burn romance, forced proximity, and swoony yet clean love story, this book is a must-read. It’s a perfect blend of heart, humor, and suspense—I’ve never read anything like it!
Read more info on GoodReads.
15b. Heidi Lucy Loses Her Mind by Gracie Ruth Mitchell
Genre: Cozy Mystery | Contemporary Romance | Clean Romance
Read my full review here.
After finishing Juniper Bean Resorts to Murder, I couldn’t wait to dive into Heidi Lucy Loses Her Mind, and it didn’t disappoint! The audiobook’s dual POV was brilliantly narrated, adding depth to this delightful mix of cozy mystery and romcom.
Heidi Lucy is a quirky, lovable heroine, and Soren, with his golden man bun and endless patience, is her perfect match. Their slow-burn, friends-to-lovers romance was swoon-worthy, especially with Soren falling first. The small-town setting, Heidi’s cozy bookshop, and the intriguing murder mystery kept me hooked, while the emotional themes of self-discovery and growth added heart.
This book works as a standalone, but seeing Juniper and Aiden again was such a treat! Gracie Ruth Mitchell has quickly become a favorite author of mine, crafting funny, heartfelt, and entertaining stories. Highly recommend!
Read more info on GoodReads.
14. Summer Romance by Annabel Monaghan
Genre: Contemporary Romance | Clean Romance
Read my full review here.
This story is a perfect blend of humor, charm, and emotional depth. Ali and Ethan’s love story is swoon-worthy, with amazing chemistry, witty banter, and a mature relationship full of tender moments. The characters feel incredibly real, and Ali’s journey of self-discovery as a single mom is inspiring.
The story explores themes like grief, self-care, trust, and taking bold risks with your heart while delivering charming small-town vibes and just the right amount of drama. With short chapters and an easy flow, it’s a hard book to put down. A must-read for fans of best friend’s brother romances, childhood crushes, and uplifting love stories!
Read more info on GoodReads.
13a. Fairest of Heart by Karen Witemeyer
Genre: Christian Historical Romance | Fairytale Retelling
Read/Listen to my full review here.
I absolutely loved this sweet, clean romance—a wonderful retelling of Snow White set in 1800s Texas. The story captures the essence of the classic fairytale while offering a fresh, atmospheric Western twist with charming Southern characters.
As a Christian romance, it includes strong faith elements and Bible verses, which felt heavy at times but ultimately added depth. I loved the seven drovers (the “seven dwarfs”) on the Diamond D ranch—they were quirky, sweet, and protective of Penelope, creating heartwarming dynamics. Penelope and Titus were easy to root for, and their romance was cute, swoony, and filled with trust and personal growth.
The book was immersive, engaging, and hard to put down. As a fan of fairytale retellings, I appreciated its unique reimagining. Highly recommend, and I’m excited to continue the series!
Read more info on GoodReads.
13b. If the Boot Fits by Karen Witemeyer
Genre: Christian Historical Romance | Fairytale Retelling
Read my full review here.
This book is a heartwarming, clean romance that’s a unique gender-swapped Cinderella retelling with a Western twist. Samantha plays the prince, and Asher takes on the role of Cinderella, with a sweet, tender romance that made me swoon. The stepmother and brothers are endearing, a refreshing change from the original tale. I loved the close sibling bond between Samantha and her brother Clint, as well as the emotional growth in her relationship with her father. The mystery, family secrets, and themes of forgiveness, acceptance, and redemption added depth to the story. With great faith elements and a surprising twist, this book is a delightful read!
Read more info on GoodReads.
12. My Stubborn Heart by Becky Wade
Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance | Clean Romance
Read/Listen to my full review here.
This was my first Becky Wade book, and I loved it! The writing was clear and emotional without being overly flowery. Matt and Kate’s story had me hooked, and I adored the small-town atmosphere, especially reading it in the fall.
The side characters, especially the senior friends, brought heartwarming and funny moments. The story explored themes of grief, loss, forgiveness, and faith, with gentle faith elements woven in.
The slow-burn romance was deeply emotional, with authentic character development. It’s a sweet, clean romance that’s become one of my favorites of the year. Highly recommend, and I look forward to reading more from this author!
Read more info on GoodReads.
11. The Thirteenth Child by Erin A. Craig
Genre: YA Romantasy | Gothic Fantasy
Read my full review here.
I absolutely adored this book. This dark, gothic, and atmospheric romantic fantasy felt like a hauntingly beautiful fairytale, with an eerie first half that transitioned into a more hopeful, romantic tone.
Hazel was an inspiring main character—her strength and resilience as she overcame trauma and carved out a life as a magical healer kept me deeply invested. The world-building was enchanting yet gritty, with a unique magic system that brought the story to life.
The slow-burn romance between Hazel and Leo added warmth without overshadowing Hazel’s powerful personal journey. This creative retelling of Godfather Death was full of twists and utterly binge-worthy. A must-read for fans of Belladonna and The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue!
Read more info on GoodReads.
My Top 10 Favorite Books of 2024:
10. The Women by Kristin Hannah
Genre: Historical Fiction | War Drama
Read my full review here.
This was my first book by this author, and I loved it. The audiobook, narrated by one of my favorites, was captivating, and I finished it in three days. The story, set during the Vietnam War, follows Frankie’s journey as a nurse and her struggles with PTSD back home. The raw, emotional writing was immersive. While the second half focused more on historical drama and romance, it was still compelling. The themes of grief, loss, and healing stayed with me. Highly recommend the book, especially the audiobook.
Read more info on GoodReads.
9. The Cheat Sheet by Sarah Adams
Genre: Contemporary Romance | Clean Romance | Sports Romance
Read/Listen to my full review here.
I absolutely loved this book—it’s my favorite romance (or romcom) so far! It had me laughing, swooning, and even tearing up. Though it had Hallmark movie vibes with some cheesiness, it also had depth, emotion, and excellent character development. The writing was cozy and bingeable, and I couldn’t put it down.
The romance was perfection! The couple’s safe and trusting friendship, emotional support, and playful banter made their connection so relatable and heartwarming. Nathan was the ultimate book boyfriend—kind, protective, and thoughtful—while Bree was strong, caring, and tender. Their chemistry and moments together (like the brownie batter scene!) were unforgettable. The book also handled mental health issues, like anxiety and panic attacks, with care and authenticity.
The side characters added charm, especially Bree’s sister and Nathan’s football friends. The “cheat sheet” scene with Nathan’s guy group was hilarious and showcased the found-family dynamic beautifully. As a football fan, I appreciated the sports scenes and the big game, though I wished for more focus on Bree’s ballet studio and students.
This story is perfect for fans of best-friends-to-lovers, fake dating, clean romance, and happily-ever-afters. It’s a great pick for fall or winter and a perfect book to escape a reading slump. As my first Sarah Adams read, I’m now hooked! I’ve already pre-ordered her next book and can’t wait to dive into more of her sweet, swoony romances.
Read more info on GoodReads.
8. Belladonna by Adalyn Grace
Genre: YA Romantasy | Gothic Fantasy
Read my full review here.
This book genuinely surprised me—I loved it! Despite the hype, it exceeded expectations with its captivating, atmospheric story. I devoured it in two days, and the excellent audiobook narration enhanced its haunting vibe.
Set in a gothic, eerie world perfect for fall, the story features a chilling ghost, a slow-burn mystery, and dark family secrets that kept me hooked. Signa’s unique love story with Death, who has waited for her for thousands of years, was poignant and beautifully written. While I wanted a bit more action and faster pacing in parts, the tension and mood were mesmerizing.
Reminiscent of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue and Heidi, it blends gothic fantasy, mystery, and romance in a fresh way. This YA romantasy reignited my love for fantasy and introduced me to the gothic fantasy subgenre, which I now adore.
Haunting, mysterious, and beautifully written, this book is perfect for fans of gothic tales with a touch of romance. I can’t wait to finish the series!
Read more info on GoodReads.
7. Bonesmith by Nicki Pau Preto
Genre: YA Romantasy
Read my full review here.
This book was a thrilling read with a fantastic audiobook that brought its eerie, gothic atmosphere to life. The suspenseful story, unique magic system, haunted forest, and ghosts added to the spooky vibe.
Wren and Julian’s twist-filled quest of backstabbing and betrayal kept me hooked. The pacing was perfect, the action scenes intense, and the world-building immersive. While the romance was a nice touch, it stayed in the background, letting the main plot shine.
I’d love to see this as a series or movie! It’s a must-read YA fantasy blending mystery, magic, and adventure. Highly recommended, and I can’t wait for the sequel!
Read more info on GoodReads.
6. The Summer of Yes by Courtney Walsh
Genre: Women’s Fiction | Contemporary Romance | Clean Romance
Read/Listen to my full review here.
This was my first book by this author, and I’m hooked! I loved Kelsey and Georgina’s stories, cheering for them the whole time. The author’s immersive writing made me connect deeply with the characters, and the engaging plot kept me hooked. The sweet romance, without any spice, was a highlight.
The story reminded me of Yes Man but with two female protagonists. It’s a mix of humor, heartbreak, and inspiration, exploring themes like second chances, forgiveness, and love. Kelsey was incredibly relatable, and Georgina’s character growth was touching.
The road trip and their dynamic were delightful, with romance and comedy blended perfectly. This story about friendship, hope, and life choices left a lasting impact, and I can’t wait to revisit it. Highly recommended—one of my favorites this year!
Read more info on GoodReads.
5. Highcliffe House by Megan Walker
Genre: Historical Romance | Regency Romance | Clean Romance
Read my full review here.
Megan Walker is one of my favorite Regency Romance authors, known for swoony, clean romances with relatable characters. This story about Graham and Anna was no exception, and I loved it! I listened to the audiobook, which I highly recommend, as the narrators brought the story to life.
Though I’m not usually a fan of enemies-to-lovers, this book did it perfectly. Graham and Anna’s relationship was filled with sweet, swoony moments and emotional depth, and their mature, communicative relationship added layers to the romance. The side characters, especially Graham’s family, brought warmth and humor, and the English seaside setting was charming.
This story is a delightful, heartwarming read, perfect for any fan of clean Regency Romance. Highly recommended!
Read more info on GoodReads.
4. Beyond Ivy Walls by Rachel Fordham
Genre: Christian Historical Romance | Fairytale Retelling
Read/Listen to my full review here.
This is my favorite Rachel Fordham book so far. It’s a beautifully crafted retelling of Beauty and the Beast with a fresh twist. Set in the early 1900s, the story is immersive, with well-developed characters and a captivating romance that goes beyond the surface. Otis and Sadie’s growth and transformation were deeply moving, and the romance is clean and heartwarming.
The book explores themes of trauma, sacrifice, forgiveness, and love. It’s emotional, with sweet moments and life lessons. I couldn’t put it down, finishing it in just a couple of days. Highly recommended for its charm and depth.
Read more info on GoodReads.
3. The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon
Genre: Historical Fiction
Read my full review here.
I hadn’t planned on reading this book, but the hype drew me in—and I’m so glad it did! The audiobook was phenomenal, with a narrator who brought the story to life. This is easily one of my top reads of 2024 and a perfect winter pick.
The story follows Martha Ballard, a midwife in 1700s Maine, blending mystery, historical drama, and a touch of romance. Inspired by a real-life figure, the book captures her resilience and strength in a male-dominated society. Martha’s diary entries and the details of her work as a midwife add authenticity, making her an unforgettable character. Fans of Call the Midwife will love this.
Martha’s relationship with her husband was another highlight—supportive, heartwarming, and truly #marriagegoals. Beyond being a historical mystery, this book is a tribute to an extraordinary woman whose contributions deserve recognition. Highly recommend, especially the audiobook!
Read more info on GoodReads.
2. One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig
Genre: Romantasy | Gothic Fantasy
Read my full review here.
This book is a gothic fantasy masterpiece! It was my second favorite book of the year and easily the best gothic fantasy I read. The atmosphere, dark mystery, and eerie vibes are perfect for fall, and the pacing kept me hooked from start to finish. The world-building and magic system are unique and creative, with lyrical writing that brings the story to life.
The found family trope was heartwarming, and the characters, from the main couple to the side characters, were all wonderfully developed. The slow-burn romance added emotional depth without overshadowing the plot. There are a few mild PG-13 spicy moments, but they’re just the right touch.
This was my first book by this author, and I’m excited for the sequel! If you love dark fantasy with rich world-building, compelling characters, and a sweet, tense romance, don’t miss this unforgettable story. Highly recommend!
Read more info on GoodReads.
1. The Timeless Series (Books 1-3) by Gabrielle Meyer
Genre: Historical Fiction | Historical Romance | Time Travel | Christian Romance
Book 1: When the Day Comes
Read my full review here.
One of the best books I’ve ever read! This book is a masterpiece of time-traveling fantasy romance. I’m completely addicted to this clean, faith-filled series. Meyer’s background as a historian shines through in the incredible historical details, seamlessly blending fact and fiction. Her author notes are a must-read—they offer fascinating insights into her process.
The story’s unique concept, with Libby living in two historical timelines, is brilliantly executed. The plot is gripping, the characters deeply emotional, and the twists kept me on the edge of my seat. Libby’s journey and heartbreaking decisions were agonizing yet inspiring, and her relationship with her mother in 1774 was especially moving.
The Christian faith elements are impactful without being heavy-handed, offering comforting messages of grace and love. Fans of Outlander will love this cleaner, faith-based alternative filled with romance, history, time travel, and suspense.
This story is beautifully written, immersive, and unforgettable. Months later, I’m still thinking about it. This is my book of the year—don’t miss it!
Read more info on GoodReads.
Book 2: In This Moment
Read my full review here.
This book is a stunning follow-up to the first book in the series, and it did not disappoint! Maggie’s journey through three historical timelines is beautifully crafted, with each era feeling distinct and immersive. The historical details, interactions with real-life figures, and clean, faith-filled storytelling made this an unforgettable read.
I was hooked from the first page, eager to see how Maggie would make her impossible decisions, especially regarding her love interests in each timeline. The plot twist halfway through completely shocked me and kept me on the edge of my seat.
Beyond the time-travel drama, this story’s message of faith and trusting the process resonated deeply. It’s a powerful reminder to step forward even when the future feels uncertain.
Gripping, emotional, and wonderfully unique, this book is a must-read. Start with the first book—you won’t regret it!
Read more info on GoodReads.
Book 3: For a Lifetime
Read my full review here.
This book is a breathtaking addition to this phenomenal series. While it took me a little longer to get into, the story of twin sisters navigating two historical timelines completely captured my heart. Their bond, love, and sacrifices for each other were beautifully written and deeply moving.
The dual timelines were vivid and detailed, with unforgettable settings and emotional twists that left me in tears. Meyer’s talent for blending romance, faith, history, and time travel shines through once again.
This book is a rare gem—heartfelt, surprising, and unforgettable. A must-read for fans of the series!
Read more info on GoodReads.