My Favorite Books of 2024

I was in a reading slump this year. I didn't read as many books as I wanted too, and the books I did read, I didn't really love. I don't know if I was choosing the wrong books, or was just too distracted to really immerse myself into the story, but it wasn't a great year of reading.

I'm writing this on December 26th and I've read 39 books. I'd like to fit in one more before New Year's Eve, even if it's cheating and it's a super short book... I'd just like to have an even number.

I set a goal of 50 books, and while I thought that was low enough, I knew by at least April that I wasn't going to hit it. I could make excuses -- I traveled more, work was busier than usual, or I couldn't find the right book but realistically, my attention span decreased. I scrolled a lot more on my phone and found myself watching more television. Reading wasn't my priority but I want that to change and go back to 'normal' in 2025.

Despite all of that, I did find some books I really loved and that will stay with me for a long time.

All I Want is You by Fallon Ballard

I could chalk this up to recency bias but I don't think that's true. All I Want is You was one of my favorite books this year because it was quintessential holiday romance and had everything I want from a book; the author profession, second chance romance, Christmas, and the one bed trope. It was beautifully written, I sobbed my eyes out, and it was truly a perfect romance. Read my review here. 

Funny Story by Emily Henry

I don't think there will be a year that goes by that one of Emily Henry's books don't end up on this list of mine. Funny Story quickly shot up to the 2nd spot on my favorite EH books (Book Lovers still remains #1) It touched my soul, it made me laugh and cry, and it was the perfect combination of everything EH does well. It took her classic romance writing of earlier novels and mixed it up with the deeper messaging and more thought out stories & developed characters of Happy Place. It delivered the perfect amount of snark, romance, thoughtfulness, steam, and friendship. I would love to reread it just to experience it again. Read my review here. 

A Girl Like Us by Anna Sophia McLoughlin

I didn't realize that this book is not being released until February 11th, 2025 but I need to include it. It's a must-read if you love reality TV, rich girl vibes, and murder mysteries. This book takes place in 2004 and follows trashy reality TV star, Maya, as she marries into one of the most powerful, wealthiest families in the world. When her husband's cousin turns up dead, Maya becomes suspect #1. What does she know? What did she do? How will she get out of this when she has herself and her daughter to think about now? I didn't write a review of it yet (I will!) but it was an unreal book that I read in a matter of days, and hooked me from the very beginning. 

Fifth Avenue Glamour Girl by Renée Rosen

Fifth Avenue Glamour Girl was not a book I was aware of, until I was searching Estée Lauder online. I work for the brand, and reading this felt like coming home. It made me feel more connected to Mrs. Estée Lauder's story and taught me so much about how the brand came to be, and how it still operates today. I feel as though it helped me do my job better, but it was also super enjoyable. Historical fiction like this is sneakily one of my favorite genres; I love learning about history in this way; there's a fun story that you sink your teeth into but it's based in fact -- similar to Titanic; Jack & Rose weren't real, but everything else was. If you love New York, socialites, and the beauty industry, you will really enjoy Fifth Avenue Glamour Girl. Read my review here.

The Reappearance of Rachel Price by Holly Jackson

I've loved Holly Jackson ever since I read the first Good Girl's Guide to Murder book and that love continues with her latest novel, The Reappearance of Rachel Price. This was a wild book that kind of altered my brain chemistry; what happens when the subject of a missing person's case comes back during the filming of a documentary? That's what this book is about and it's super intense; it's twisted, unexpected, and a little more gory than I expected, but truly unreal. I read it in record time and honestly was a little afraid to read at night, so do with that what you will. Read my review here. 

What were your favorite books of the year?

xoxo
B