2024 Favorites: My Top Reads of the Year

Inside: I’m back with updates on my favorite reads from 2024, including reviews of my top ten picks. I’ve also included my reading list for 2025!

Another year has come and gone, and it’s time to share my favorite reads from 2024! While I didn’t get through every book I had planned at the beginning of the year, I did finish several and even discovered some unexpected gems along the way.

I track my reading in Notion, and it’s been a helpful tool for keeping everything in one place. Over the past year, I’ve grown even more consistent with this system since I use Notion daily for my blog writing. It also syncs with Readwise, which captures all my book highlights—including those from physical books. I’m working on making better use of this feature to revisit and reflect on the insights I’ve gathered.

This year, I’ve settled into a steady reading routine. I try to carve out at least 15 minutes for reading every morning after my quiet time in the Word, again in the afternoon, and once more before bed. On occasion, I even sneak in some reading after dinner—those moments are such a treat.

I usually have 3 to 4 books going at the same time, and my Kindle is never far from reach. It’s especially handy when traveling or waiting for appointments, ensuring I always have a book on hand.

Audible continues to be my trusty companion, transforming everyday tasks and car rides into opportunities to immerse myself in a good story. It’s not uncommon for me to linger over a cleaning task or extend a walk just to finish a chapter! Fiction, particularly historical fiction, is my go-to for audiobooks since it’s easier to follow while multitasking. I love receiving recommendations, so please let me know your favorites in the comments—I’m always eager for suggestions! For non-fiction, I prefer physical or digital books so I can take notes and highlight, but audiobooks are perfect for when I need a lighter mental load.

If you’d like to browse some of my past favorites, feel free to check out my online bookshop, where I’ve curated a collection of books that have left a lasting impression on me.

If you’re interested in exploring my past favorite reads, you can browse through them in my online bookshop. Additionally, all my past book recommendations can be found in a dedicated section on my website here.

For additional book suggestions, consider checking out Tim Challies. He offers a variety of helpful book recommendations and links to other book suggestions.

While I am an eclectic reader, not all my choices are Christian books. The first book mentioned is my favorite of the year, with the remaining titles presented in no particular order. Here’s to another year of diverse reading adventures!

As you scroll down the post, you’ll come across a link to my reading list for the next year. It’s a diverse collection, including physical books, Kindle versions, and Audible. My hope is to focus on at least ten of these books and see how the rest fit into my year. I’m trying initially to stick to reading books I already own (that often doesn’t last too long).

My Top Ten Books from 2024:

Knowing God by J.I. Packer

This was my absolute favorite read of the year (a re-read for me), and going through it with our church book fellowship group made it even more special. I found myself underlining so much and pausing often to let the truths about God’s character sink in. The discussions we had as a group were such a blessing.

The Discipline of Grace by Jerry Bridges

I’ve read this book several times now, and it never fails to encourage and challenge me. This year, we read it with our church book fellowship, and I was reminded again of how much I need to rely on God’s grace daily. Jerry Bridges has a way of blending practical wisdom with deep theological truth, and it always leaves me wanting to walk closer with the Lord.

The Nature of Fragile Things by Susan Meissner

This was one of my favorite fiction reads of the year! Susan Meissner has a way of drawing you into her stories, and this one was no exception. Set during the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, it’s a beautifully told story about love, loss, and resilience. The characters felt so real, and I couldn’t stop turning the pages to see how everything would unfold.

Authentic Ministry: Serving from the Heart by Michael Reeves

This was such a refreshing read. Michael Reeves reminds us that ministry isn’t about outward success or impressing others—it’s about faithfully loving and serving the Lord. It challenged me to examine my own heart and motivations, and it encouraged me to find joy in the ordinary, unseen ways we serve others.

Wayward Children: Finding Peace, Keeping Hope (31-Day Devotionals for Life) by Stuart Scott

This book offered so much practical wisdom and biblical encouragement for parents navigating difficult seasons. Stuart Scott doesn’t shy away from the hard truths but points us back to the hope we have in Christ. It was a good reminder that God is always at work, even when we can’t see it, and that our prayers for our children are never in vain.

Magic Hour by Kristin Hannah

Kristin Hannah has a gift for storytelling, and this book had me hooked from the very beginning. It’s about a little girl who comes out of the woods and the journey to uncover her story. I loved how it explored themes of family, forgiveness, and second chances. This was one of those books that stayed with me long after I finished the last page.

Jesus on Every Page by David Murray

This book gave me such a renewed love for the Old Testament! David Murray shows how Christ is woven throughout Scripture in ways I hadn’t noticed before. It felt like a treasure hunt as I read, and it deepened my appreciation for how the Bible points us to Jesus on every page.

How People Change by Timothy S. Lane & Paul David Tripp

I’m so thankful for this book. It was a much-needed reminder that real change happens from the inside out, as God works in our hearts through His Spirit and His Word. I found myself stopping often to reflect and pray, especially about areas where I need to grow. The practical steps they gave for applying the gospel to everyday life were so helpful. This is one book I feel pretty strongly that every believer should read.

Still Alice by Lisa Genova

This book was both heartbreaking and beautiful. It tells the story of Alice, a woman diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s, and it opened my eyes to what life might feel like for someone walking through that journey. It’s a story that stays with you long after you’ve finished it.

Shopping for Time: How to Do It All and NOT Be Overwhelmed by Carolyn Mahaney (re-read)

This little book packs so much wisdom in its pages, and it’s one I turn to often when I need encouragement in managing my time. I read it again this year as I was rethinking my schedule, and it reminded me to prioritize what matters most—time with the Lord, my family, and serving others well. It’s practical, simple, and always encouraging.

Honorable Mention:

The audiobook version of The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien, narrated by Andy Serkis, is an absolute delight! I listened to it myself and was completely drawn in by his incredible storytelling. My daughter is now sharing this version with her kids as part of their homeschooling, and they’re loving it, too. It’s such a wonderful way to experience this classic tale!

What’s the Next Read for 2025?

You can see all my selections for 2025 in my bookshop here. I’ve put all my physical books in one pile, organized my Kindle 2025 reads into a collection, and arranged my Audible listens too, so everything is easy to find when I’m ready to make my next selection. I keep track of the books I read in Notion, and it syncs with my Readwise app, which holds all the quotes I’ve highlighted in Kindle. I’ve been better at adding quotes into Readwise from my physical books using their photo add option.