Countdown to 2025...Favorite books of 2024

My new year countdown post is one of my favorite posts to write every year. With so many fantastic reads in 2024 it's hard to narrow down the list, but I'm up for the challenge.

Incidentally, is anyone else trying to wrap their head around the fact that it's going to be 25 years since the year 2000? (Y2K anyone?)

This year, books inspired me and helped me see the beauty in life's moments. I noticed that crying was a main response in many of the books I read this year. Not just crying once, but multiple times throughout the story. Either I'm getting more emotional, or the authors are getting better. While you're perusing this list, I'd recommend stocking up on Kleenex if you read any of these. Maye I should have a hankie rating next to my star rating.

In no particular order here are my top 5 books of 2024. Did any of these make it on your favorites list? Any books I'm leaving out? I'd love to know.

You can read my review here.

You can read my review here.

You can read my review here.

You can read my review here.

You can read my review here.

Cloaked in Beauty is a Fairytale Retelling of Sleeping Beauty and Little Red Riding Hood

I was up until 1 AM finishing Cloaked in Beauty because I couldn’t put it down. I needed answers, not sleep, and I would’ve finished it in less than three days if “real life” responsibilities hadn’t gotten in the way. Honestly, I was so intrigued by the premise and curious to see how the author would combine a retelling of Sleeping Beauty (my favorite Disney princess) with Little Red Riding Hood.

Karen cleverly includes enough "Easter egg" references to both fairy tales to satisfy readers. Her Texas Ever After series is loosely inspired by fairy tales, not direct retellings. You still feel like you’re reading a Karen Witemeyer novel, with all the exceptional storytelling and nuanced writing that readers have come to love and expect from this fan-favorite author. (Karen was voted #1 Readers’ Favorite Christian Historical Author in 2023 by Family Fiction Magazine.)

Scarlett Radcliffe, alias Letty Hood, has been hidden away in the backwoods of Texas for fifteen years, living with her grandmother and pet wolf, Rusty. She’s been in hiding to escape the clutches of her evil uncle, who wants her dead before her 21st birthday. Letty sees herself as a simple girl who has spent most of her life free and outdoors. She has no interest in the wealth she’ll inherit or in taking her place in society—her only concern is preserving her family’s legacy.

Pinkerton Agent Philip Carmichael, nicknamed the "Lone Wolf," is tasked with finding the Radcliffe heiress before her milestone birthday and escorting her home alive. I loved Philip's deeply protective nature and how honorable he was to the core.

One of my favorite lines in the book is the last one on page 199. It’s one of the most sigh-worthy, heart-melting lines I’ve ever read—pure perfection! (Did you flip to that page?)

The believable romantic tension between Philip and Letty is one of the best parts of the story. Karen is known for building incredible romantic tension between her leads, and this book is no exception.

The theme of Cloaked in Beauty—how God has gone before us and knows what lies ahead, even when we don’t—is such a timely and important lesson. It’s one of those messages we need to be reminded of often.

I want to live in a Karen Witemeyer novel! She’s an automatic pre-order for me, and the second I have one of her new books in my hands, reality takes a backseat. Why do I love her books so much? To me, the mark of a terrific author is someone whose stories you can re-read and still glean new insights and enjoyment from. Karen's books check all my wish-list boxes.

Her characters are never cookie-cutter; they’re unique and interesting, and you can’t help but want to know their stories and follow their journeys. She also seamlessly weaves the gospel message and biblical truths into her narratives. It’s hard to make this feel natural, but Karen does it so well. That’s a big part of why I keep reading and re-reading her books—and recommending them to all my bookworm friends.

In many of my reviews for Karen’s books, I mention the cover design, and I just want to applaud the team at Bethany House again. They’ve created another exquisite cover! I love the contrast of the vibrant red cloak against the lush green forest—it gives off major Christmas and fairytale vibes all at once. Each book in Karen Witemeyer’s Texas Ever After series perfectly captures the storybook atmosphere her books invoke, and the covers are stunning.

I’d probably rate Cloaked in Beauty 4.5 out of 5 stars, only because I felt the ending was a little rushed, and I wanted more. When you don’t want a story to end, that’s the sign of a truly engaging read.

Top 5 Favorite Christmas Movies

There's something about watching Christmastime movies under a soft blanket enveloped by Christmas decorations that is delightful and cozy.

Here's my top 5 favorite Christmas movies. Did any of these made your list? 

1. IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE (1946)

Over the years, this black and white quintessential Christmas film has become an annual tradition for many families, mine included. You can read more about this beloved film in my review here. 

2.) HOLIDAY INN (1942)

A friend of mine introduced me to this movie about a decade ago and it's been a favorite ever since. Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire play dancers vying for the same girl along with some memorable dance sequences. 

3.) MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET (1947)

Miracle on 34th Street is a charming black and white Christmas film about Kris Kringle (played by the delightful Edmund Gwenn) filling for the Macy's Thanksgiving parade as Santa Claus and later becomes Macy's department store Santa. He is put on trial for claiming he really is Santa Claus. The beautiful Maureen O'Hara and the precocious Natalie Wood star in this film as well. 

4.) WHITE CHRISTMAS (1954)

Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye play army pals who become a famous singing duo post-WWII and end up falling in love with a sister act while trying to save a failing Vermont Inn of their former commander. If you like singing, dancing, elaborate costumes and humor add this film to your list. 

5.) LITTLE WOMEN (1949, 1994, & 2019)

Louisa May Alcott's classic Little Women has gotten several films versions of this beloved story that capture the heart of the story. I couldn't pick just one version. Have you seen any of these versions? Which is your favorite? 

Honorable Mentions:

WHILE YOU WERE SLEEPING (1995)

YOU'VE GOT MAIL (1998)

WE'RE NO ANGELS (1955)

CHRISTMAS IN CONNECTICUT (1945)

REMEMBER THE NIGHT ((1939)

SUSAN SLEPT HERE (1954)