Books To Read Before the Year Ends
I’ve read a lot of books this year, and I plan to keep this momentum going until the end of the year. My TBR is overflowing (shocking, I know), and I hope to make a dent in it before the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s. This is a list of 10 of my books to read before the end of the year (in no particular order)!
1. Hello Stranger by Katherine Center
From what I’ve gathered, Katherine Center doesn’t include much spice in her books, and if she does, it’s usually fade-to-black. I read The Rom-Commers by Center and absolutely adored her writing, especially because it didn’t rely on spice to deliver a heartfelt romance. Don’t get me wrong—I enjoy a steamy scene every now and then, but it’s refreshing to read a romance that builds emotional depth without focusing on that aspect.
Hello Stranger follows Sadie, a talented portrait artist whose life takes a turn when she develops face blindness after brain surgery. Suddenly unable to recognize faces, Sadie must navigate her new reality while balancing her feelings for two men: one, a kind veterinarian, and the other, a mysterious new acquaintance. With a unique premise, this book promises to be both compelling and touching (exactly what I need to read right now).
2. Before Your Memory Fades by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
This is the third installment in the Before the Coffee Gets Cold series, a collection of interconnected stories centered around a charming café in Tokyo that offers its patrons a unique opportunity: the chance to travel back in time. I recently finished the second book in this series, and I’ve been completely captivated by the heartfelt, emotionally rich narratives.
These stories may be short, but they pack a powerful punch. Each one explores themes of love, regret, family, and loss while adhering to the café’s strict time-traveling rules: you must stay seated, and you must return to the present before your coffee gets cold. Despite their transience, the books go over heavy topics like grief and familial struggles, leaving you reflecting long after reading. I can’t wait to dive into this next installment and uncover more moving tales!
3. Betting On You by Lynn Painter
The fact that the main female character shares my name was enough to convince me to pick this book up! Beyond that, I’m always here for a good romcom, and I’ve heard that this one delivers in spades.
This story incorporates two of my favorite romance tropes: fake dating and forced proximity. Set against the backdrop of a family wedding, two rivals are forced to pretend to be a couple, and what starts as a reluctant partnership blossoms into something much more complicated—and romantic. From what I hear, Lynn Painter has a knack for writing swoon-worthy moments in addition to her incredible humor, and I can’t wait to see how this fun story unfolds.
4. The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston
In my eyes, Ashley Poston can do no wrong. I’ve previously read A Novel Love Story and The Seven Year Slip, both of which I absolutely adored. Poston has a way of blending quirky charm with genuine emotional depth, and I’m confident The Dead Romantics will be no exception.
This novel adds a paranormal twist to the romance genre. The story follows Florence Day, a ghostwriter for a famous romance novelist, who is struggling with writer’s block—and the recent death of a loved one. When she returns to her hometown, Florence unexpectedly encounters a different handsome ghost, sparking a love story unlike any other. I’m eager to see how Poston weaves these supernatural elements into a heartfelt, romantic story.
5. Conversations with Friends by Sally Rooney
Sally Rooney has become a literary sensation, and for good reason. Her writing is raw, and feels uniquely human. I was mesmerized by Normal People, which introduced me to her distinct style, including her unconventional lack of quotation marks. Though initially jarring, this choice added a layer of intimacy and focus to her storytelling.
Conversations with Friends explores the complexities of relationships through the lens of two college students, Frances and Bobbi, who become entangled with an older, married couple. I started this book a while ago but didn’t get far, so I’m excited to revisit it and fully immerse myself in another one of Rooney’s incredible pieces.
6. Christmas Tree Farm by Laurie Gilmore
I’m absolutely obsessed with Laurie Gilmore’s Dream Harbor series! Her previous books, The Pumpkin Spice Café and The Cinnamon Bun Bookstore, were the ultimate cozy, fall reads, and I can’t wait to dive into her winter-themed installment.
Christmas Tree Farm is set in the same quaint, picturesque town of Dream Harbor and promises all the festive vibes: twinkling lights, snow-covered trees, and heartwarming romance. Gilmore has a way of creating settings that make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside, and I know this book will be the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit.
7. Beach Read by Emily Henry
Emily Henry is one of the most beloved romance authors, and for good reason. The one book I’ve read by her quickly became one of my favorites of 2024. Beach Read is perhaps her most talked about novel, and I have high hopes that it will live up to the hype.
The story follows two writers—one specializing in literary fiction, the other in romance—who find themselves as neighbors during a summer of writer’s block. They challenge each other to step outside their comfort zones by swapping genres, which leads to feelings being shared between the two of them. This book seems to have the perfect mix of humor and heart, and I’m eager to see why everyone loves it so much.
8. Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom
This book is a departure from my usual romance-heavy reads, but it’s one I’ve been meaning to finish. Part memoir, part biographical fiction, it chronicles Mitch Albom’s weekly visits with his former college professor, Morrie Schwartz, who is terminally ill.
Morrie imparts life lessons during their meetings, sharing wisdom on topics like love, work, and facing mortality. I’ve read about half of this book already, but it’s the kind of story that demands the right headspace. Equal parts heartbreaking and uplifting, it’s a story that lingers with you long after you’ve read it.
9. We’ll Prescribe You a Cat by Syou Ishida
One thing you need to know about me is that I will 100% buy a book if it has a cat on the cover—and this one was no exception. This charming story takes place in a Japanese clinic that prescribes cats as emotional support for its patients.
It’s a short read, but it promises to be a delightful and heartwarming tale. With only a little over a month left in the year, I’m prioritizing books like this that are quick yet memorable, and this one seems like the perfect pick.
10. The Starter Villain by John Scalzi
This was an impulse buy during a trip to Barnes & Noble (relatable, right?), and it’s been sitting on my shelf since October. The cover caught my attention with—you guessed it—a cat.
This sci-fi novel follows Charlie, an unassuming man who unexpectedly inherits his late uncle’s supervillain business, complete with secret lairs, henchmen, and villainous rivalries. While I don’t usually gravitate toward science fiction, the intriguing premise and humorous tone have me excited to give it a try. Here’s hoping it lives up to its potential!
If you’ve read any of these books, I would love to hear your thoughts! Thank you guys for reading, see you in the next post!
