Here are the books I read and reviewed in December that are four stars or higher. Plus, included are the 76 books read in 2025!
By Sandra Cox
I have loved the Silverhills series and was excited to see a new edition. All the familiar characters are back. When someone from the past arrives looking for help, Alexandra is ready to jump in and help. Brandon is still away tending cattle, but there are many to watch their twins. She sets out with Manuel and a hand, Charlie, to help the people at the mission who helped her. It’s a long journey, and it doesn’t always go smoothly. I love these characters, and especially Alex. She is strong, kind, stubborn, and willing to put her life on the line for those she cares for. The setting is so beautifully described that it makes me feel like I’m riding along with them. The pace is fast as they go from one situation to another. There was more than once when I thought: Oh no, how will they survive this? Plus, there was a lovesick horse and a desperate puma in the mix. This well-written western was hard to put down, and I can highly recommend it.
The One Redeemed (Chronicles of the Diasodz)
I have read and loved the entire Diasodz series and was thrilled to find out there would be a new addition to it. I was immediately drawn into Drake’s journey in the afterlife, which reminded me of the many chances in life that I might not have taken, although not to the same level as Drake did. “The One Redeemed” made it easy to empathize with a cruel and heartless character in the past and root for his soul’s current success. Redemption, love, and taking responsibility were the intended outcomes, but first Drake had to work through jealousy, power, lies, ruthlessness, and vengeance. Although this is a solo path for Drake to walk, he has a guide, and the Goddess was there for him, along with his past. I love the surprise twist at the end and the choices made. This is a unique story that is not only well-written and engaging but also has a beautiful spiritual message woven into it. It is not necessary to have read the rest of the series, as the reflections recap how Drake got to the point he did, but having read the series, it was great to revisit the Diasodz world. I can highly recommend this entertaining and thought-provoking tale!
Sunflower Tanka: A 2025 Anthology of Tanka, Tanka Prose, & Experimental Tanka
By editors & poets: Colleen M. Chesebro, Robbie Cheadle, and other contributors
This is the second edition of the Sunflower Tanka, and this year’s theme was dreams. Normally, I would list all the poets, but this year there were an amazing fifty-four, and too many to include. I am a fan of symbolic poetry and the tanka format. A favorite is tanka prose, but in reading this, I fell in love with the garland tanka and will be giving it a try. I enjoyed meeting each poet, some I knew, others were new to me. They were from all around the world and really added to the depth and perspective of this collection. There is no way I could narrow it down to just a couple of my favorites or outstanding examples; everything I read was good. I loved the different takes on dreams that wove through my emotions as I read. There were many I’d have to stop and reread to appreciate the beautiful images created. This could easily be one of my favorite collections, showcasing so many poetic voices. I highly recommend this to anyone who loves poetry!
Note: I took a small break from reading in December, and then I decided to reread a couple of books. One was my usual holiday read, “A Christmas Carol,” and the other was “The Stand.” Both are very worthy of another read!
2025 Books Read:
Embrace your inner child by reading a good book! D. L Finn (Denise)
Well done on your reading challenge. You read some awesome books. Many I’ve read as well. Happy reading in 2026!
Thank you, Darlene 🙂 It is easy to read with si many great books, especially our community! Happy reading in 2026 to you too. Xo
Thank you so much for such a wonderful review, Denise! The book never would have hit the shelves without your motivation and critiques. I am truly grateful for you. XOXO
Yvette M Calleiro 🙂
http://yvettemcalleiro.blogspot.com
It is always easy to write a review when the book is so good, Yvette. Happy to have been a tiny part of Drake’s journey. Xo
That is a whole bunch of books. Well done.
It was, Craig:) Thanks!
Great reviews! Lots of books!
Thank you, Kymber 🙂 Was a good reading year!
Thanks for sharing your reviews, Denise. I’ve read one of these books, and the other two sound awesome. I read The Stand FOUR decades ago, and it still sticks with me. It’s an incredible story.
All good ones, Priscilla 🙂 I read The Stand when it first came out and then again when he released the longer edition. So its been many years too for me. Reading it now was like with fresh eyes and still such a great story.
Lovely reviews, Denise. Well done on your reading, too. Congratulations to Sandra, Yvette, Robbie, and Colleen.
Thank you, John 🙂 It was another great and entertaining year of reading.
I love seeing your list of books read in 2025! We read a lot of the same but also a lot different. I see a few I need to go check out. 🙂 Thanks for these reviews. Here’s to another year of fabulous reading!
Thanks, Jan 🙂 I get lots of new reads from your reviews too! Looking forward to all the books this year xo
Such an impressive list, Denise, and a wonderful source of inspiration as well, thank you! 🙂 I also read and reviewed the “Sunflower Tanka Anthology” at the end of December, and right after I had reviewed your lovely Christmas collection, “Miracles & Ghosts Pasts” 😊 Just in case, here is the link to my review, https://starrysteps.wordpress.com/2025/12/23/december-time-book-review-of-miracles-ghosts-pasts-a-christmas-collection%f0%9f%8e%84-by-d-l-finn/
Thank you, Nicole 🙂 we are so lucky to have such talent in our community, it makes reading a joy. The anthology was such a great read, wasn’t it? I’m glad you included the link or I would have missed your post during my break. Huge thanks! Xi
Another voracious reader amongst us! I think it goes with the writer territory. Congrats on all those books, and I’m looking forward to reading your recommendations,
So many good books to read, Noelle, I wish it could be more! I hope you enjoy your upcoming reads 🙂 xo
Congratulations to the authors for the reviews! And congratulations to you for the great reading year!!
It was a great reading year, Liz! I have a feeling this year will be equally as good 🙂 xo
Wonderful of you to post your great reviews of these fantastic books, Denise.