One of the wonderful things we get to do when a year has come to an end is reflect on that year. Think about all God has blessed us with. Stories woven from the heart and mind of others bless us. Books move, shape, and transform. Books influence how time is spent, the next read, and what is read no more. Books feed my soul. While none of these books will ever take the place of God’s Word, the words still matter.
While I could break down books into more categories, my mind drifts to Amish and not Amish. Here you will see those categories: Amish Romance, Christian Romance and Fiction, and Nonfiction. Keep reading to see the top books in each category and my final top read of 2025. It shook me to see the book that came out on top. I think you might be shocked, too
Best Amish Romance
This is the genre that keeps on giving. I can’t remember the first time I read an Amish romance. Sometime in my 20s and I haven’t stopped since. It’s a lot of time devoted to engaging in the genre. I can count on these authors to bring me out of a reading slump, point me back to God, or fill my mind with good, clean romance.
The Amish of Shepherd’s Hill by Patricia Johns (series)
Book 1: Green Pastures Review
Book 2: Still Waters Review
Buy on Amazon
This series has been amazing. The first book introduces Tabitha Schrock who left the Amish and became a veterinarian. She is now back, working as a vet among her people. The sad part is she divorced while living as an Englischer and now cannot marry within her faith. The book also features her sister Amanda. Book two focuses on Beth Peachy, but Tabitha is still there. I can’t get enough of her story. I see the way Jonah Peachy looks at her. And she at him.
Shooting Sunshine by Wendy Rich Stetson
Review
Buy on Amazon
One of the first reads of 2025 and it stayed with me throughout the year. I didn’t know I enjoyed rom-com’s and this book showed me laughter in romance can be good. Plus it’s Amish. Yes! Now when people ask me for a recommendation for their first Amish romance, this is my go to answer. Introducing people to the genre with humor and references to modern conveniences introduces people to the genre in a way that resonates.
Amish Country Killer by Mary Alford
Review
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My first introduction to Mary Alford was incredible. Mary is the queen of shocking endings. Those who won’t read books because Amish is in the title miss out on tales that rock you to your core. You will not guess the killer. Trust no one.
Best Christian Romance and Fiction
This is pretty much a catch all for any fiction I read that doesn’t fall under the header Amish. I have more traditional categories here in case you want something specific. If you want to narrow it and know the top of the top for 2025 then you’re in the right place.
- The Other Sister by Jessica R Patch
- Season of Hope by Sara Jane Jacobs (seris)
The Seasons Series by Sara Jane Jacobs (series)
Book 1: Season of Hope Review
Book 2: Season of Deception Review pending
Buy on Amazon
Whenever I think about these books the Robert Palmer song “Addicted to Love” repeats over and over in my mind. It’s not Amanda and Tyler that are addicted, it’s me. This series left my mind reeling, my stomach churning, and my heart twisted in knots. I still need to write the review for book two and finish the third book (which is out). I’m not sure I’m emotionally mature enough to handle it.
The Hunted Heir by Jayna Breigh
Review
Buy on Amazon
When I first started Carla’s Book Crush, the name came about because I love romance and people talk about having “book boyfriends.” Other people talked about it, not me. Until Jayna introduced me to DeMarcus. Now I know what book boyfriend means. The boyfriend, suspense, and faith filled legal drama. This book has it all.
The Other Sister by Jessica R. Patch
Review
Buy on Amazon
Time jumps, lost and found sisters, things not adding up, and an epilogue that will have your mouth, if not your heart, dropping to the floor. You will not be surprised by the ending of this book if you ask me about it. It is difficult to explain the true essence without moving forward with spoilers because I do not want you to miss a thing. But it’s the things you miss, that will have your head spinning and your heart skipping at the end.
Best Nonfiction
In the past I spent a great amount of time with self-help that did not help and I pushed it away almost entirely. What I discovered this year is the issue is reading things from a secular worldview versus a biblical one. By keeping my eyes focused on Jesus, I found nonfiction books that supplemented my need to grow and learn from others without leaving my faith at the door (or the bookshelf). I’m glad I’m back into this genre, a good nonfiction is a great place to learn and get a fresh perspective if your grandparents aren’t available.
Redeeming Productivity by Reagan Rose
Review pending
Buy on Amazon
I stumbled across Reagan’s podcast one day and couldn’t get enough. He brings to the forefront all of the issues I face as a Christian working in the secular world. I knew I needed to get his book to see everything laid out in a neat little package instead of little snippets. It did not disappoint. The greatest piece of advice, writing a “Well done” statement. The things you do to hear “Well done, good and faithful servant,” when it’s your time to meet our Creator face to face.
Best Overall Read of the Year
The Other Sister by Jessica R. Patch
I’m as stunned as the rest of you. Not only is it not Amish but there is no romance in it at all. I can’t think of one single romantic scene in the book. This book creeps (ahem…) into my mind at random times. It makes me want more. More thrillers, more messing with my mind, more Jessica R. Patch. I even convinced my sister to read it. Unlike my other suggestions to her which she either doesn’t try at all or DNFs, she finished this one. Conversations filled with “Don’t tell me, I want to be surprised” and “Can you believe…?” provided a fun new connection. Then, of course, after the conclusion many discussions about the ending. The Other Sister successfully brought this sister closer to hers in a new way.
This year brought books with faith storylines, books with thrills, and books with chills. Through it all, Christian writers provided me with entertainment and food for thought. No matter if the Christian themes were bold or subtle, they all pointed to God even if only by the fact that they were written by a Christian author. It showed that the best romance is sealed with a kiss. Only a kiss.
Thank you to The Artsy Reader Girl for hosting Top Ten Tuesday.
Carla's Book Crush 
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