Best Books of 2024: My Favourite Reads of the Year

Each year, I take time to reflect on the books that left the greatest impression on me. My Favourite Reads of 2024 highlights the best of the more than 100 books I enjoyed this year, showcasing the stories that truly stood out. I’ve awarded 5 stars to each of these books and highly recommend each book to everyone! Without further introduction, here’s my list in order they were read in 2024. You can click on the title to read my review. My overall thoughts are in italics.

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When Sonny Dunes, a fifty-year-old Southern California meteorologist, is replaced by an AI at her station, the only job she can find is in her snowy northern Michigan hometown. Returning to a place she fled years ago, Sonny must endure harsh winters, confront unresolved grief over her younger sister’s death, and navigate a fraught relationship with her mother. To win over viewers and reclaim her career, Sonny dives into winter activities, from sledding to ice sculpture contests, all while working alongside a widowed chamber of commerce director whose warmth and love for Michigan—and Sonny—might offer her a fresh start she never expected. “The Secret of Snow” is a gem that completely stole my heart. It isn’t just a book; it’s an emotional journey, a celebration of life’s unexpected twists, and an absolute must-read for anyone looking to get lost in a captivating story.

In The Women, twenty-year-old nursing student Frances “Frankie” McGrath defies her conservative upbringing in 1965 Southern California by joining the Army Nurse Corps after her brother deploys to Vietnam. Thrust into the chaos of war, Frankie faces life-and-death stakes, forging deep friendships amidst devastation and loss. But the true battle begins upon returning to a divided America, where veterans are met with anger and indifference. This powerful novel honours the often-overlooked contributions and sacrifices of women in war, telling a richly emotional story of courage, patriotism, and the enduring bonds formed in the face of unimaginable challenges. “The Women” is a richly drawn story with a memorable heroine, offering a captivating blend of deep friendships, bold patriotism, and a stark portrayal of the challenges faced by women in the military during a tumultuous period in American history. Highly recommended for those who appreciate historical fiction with heart.

In Being Henry, Emmy-winning actor Henry Winkler reflects on the lifelong effects of stardom and his journey to self-acceptance. Best known as “The Fonz” on Happy Days, Winkler shares the struggles of his childhood with severe dyslexia, the pressures of being typecast, and the challenges of moving beyond his iconic role. With vulnerability and self-deprecating humour, he explores how he found new purpose through acclaimed roles in shows like Arrested Development and Barry. More than a Hollywood memoir, Being Henry is a heartfelt testament to resilience, authenticity, and the power of kindness in finding personal fulfillment. Winkler’s engaging storytelling, coupled with the audiobook’s narration by the author, makes for a compelling and unforgettable experience. This memoir will resonate with readers long after they turn the final page, leaving a lasting impact on anyone who embraces its message of courage and authenticity.

Justin has a bizarre curse: every woman he dates finds her soul mate immediately after they break up. When Emma, a travelling nurse with the same problem, suggests they date each other to cancel out their curses, it seems like the perfect plan. Emma takes an assignment in Minnesota, where she and Justin spend the summer renting a charming cottage on a private island. What starts as a lighthearted fling takes a deeper turn when Emma’s toxic mother reappears and Justin becomes guardian to his three siblings. As their connection deepens, they begin to wonder if fate has finally brought them their true match. “Just For The Summer” is a captivating read that combines romance, humour, and emotional depth, making it a must-read for fans of contemporary romance. Jimenez’s storytelling prowess shines, leaving a lasting impression long after the final chapter.

Ren, raised off the grid with no technology but endless books, finally achieves her dream of attending Corona College, eager to navigate the real world. Fitz, a brilliant student hiding behind a facade of wealth and charm, is focused on graduating and erasing his criminal record. When an immunology assignment pairs them together, their worlds collide, throwing Fitz’s carefully laid plans into disarray. A road trip for the project leads them to unexpected revelations and new perspectives, as Ren and Fitz discover that the dreams they’ve been chasing might just be found in each other. “Tangled Up in You” is more than just a love story; it’s a testament to the power of human connection and the beauty of embracing life’s unexpected twists and turns. Christina Lauren has crafted a masterpiece that will capture your heart and leave you longing for more. It’s the kind of story that I will remember for years to come. So grab a copy, settle in, and prepare to be swept away on a whirlwind romance unlike any other.

n the grand finale of Elin Hilderbrand’s beloved Nantucket novels, “Swan Song,” the arrival of the flashy Richardsons shakes up the idyllic island community. As Chief of Police Ed Kapenash prepares for retirement after 35 years of service, a phone call disrupts his plans: the Richardsons’ 22-million-dollar summer home has burned down, and their personal assistant has vanished. This incident forces Ed to postpone his retirement and delve into the lives of the Richardsons, whose extravagant parties and social ambitions have already captivated the island. With local figures like real estate agent Fast Eddie and gossip Blond Sharon, who is navigating a divorce and a newfound passion for creative writing, Ed must piece together the mystery in his final act of service to the tight-knit community he loves. “Swan Song” masterfully intertwines sun-soaked drama, wisdom, and heart, celebrating Nantucket and its vibrant, intertwined characters. “Swan Song” is a fitting conclusion to Hilderbrand’s Nantucket novels. It’s a story of change, resilience, and the enduring charm of a place many of us have come to love through her books. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to Hilderbrand’s work, this book offers a delightful escape to a world of glittering gatherings, heartfelt moments, and sunlit shores.

In the present day, Keaton Smith seeks a fresh start by renovating and selling her mother’s childhood home in Beaufort, North Carolina, a house she never knew existed. As she uncovers family secrets and befriends her charming neighbor and his son, she finds more questions than answers. In 1976, Rebecca “Becks” Saint James is renowned for her legendary summer suppers, but she struggles with a personal dilemma that threatens her carefully crafted facade. Connected through time by the house on Sunset Lane, both women face new challenges, revealing the secrets, hopes, and dreams of their family. “A Happier Life” is a memorable read that resonates long after the final page. It’s a heartwarming tale of love, sacrifice, and the unbreakable ties that connect us through generations. In my opinion, this is Kristy Woodson Harvey’s best book yet.

Eve, a successful novelist, awakens in a hospital bed with no memory of the events that led her there. Her devoted husband gently informs her that she has undergone surgery to remove a large, malignant brain tumor. As Eve embarks on a challenging journey to relearn basic skills like walking, talking, and writing, she grapples with the weight of her diagnosis and the difficult decision of when to share the news with her beloved children. Through a series of poignant anecdotes, Eve reflects on the simple joys that truly matter in life—like holding her husband’s hand during long walks and cherishing family game nights. This deeply personal and emotionally resonant novel is a celebration of life, filled with warmth, humour, and the bittersweet truths of navigating grief, ultimately offering a heart-wrenching yet hopeful experience for readers. “What Does It Feel Like?” is an emotional rollercoaster that will break your heart and then put it back together. It’s a powerful story of love, resilience, and the simple joys that make life worth living. I highly recommend this book—it’s one that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page.

When a pilot suffers a heart attack at 35,000 feet, a commercial airliner crashes into a nuclear power plant in the small town of Waketa, Minnesota, transforming it into the epicenter of a catastrophic national crisis with global implications. The disaster surpasses all previous records, creating an unprecedented Level 8 nuclear event. In this heart-stopping thriller, ordinary people—power plant employees, firefighters, teachers, families, neighbors, and friends—are thrust into an extraordinary situation as they face the ultimate test of their lives. It will take the combined courage, ingenuity, and determination of a brave few to save not only their community and loved ones but the fate of humanity at large. “Worst Case Scenario” is an intense, heart-stopping thriller that demonstrates the power of human courage and resilience in the face of unimaginable disaster. If you enjoy thrillers, do yourself a favour and read this book.

Sienna Naples, deeply connected to her family’s Idaho land, faces a lonely Christmas after her parents’ passing and the end of a painful marriage. Her solitude is broken when single father Guy Maple and his four-year-old daughter, Emma, arrive in her life due to a prank ad. Guy, a Montana construction worker struggling financially, is desperate to secure Emma’s place on the kidney transplant list by showing he can afford her post-surgery medications. Driven by his love for Emma, he agrees to a marriage of convenience with Sienna. Despite knowing the marriage isn’t “real,” Sienna finds herself growing closer to both Guy and Emma, drawn to the joy and warmth they bring to her home. Yet, as her affection deepens, she fears the possibility of losing this newfound family and the love she never expected to find. If you’re looking for a Christmas novel to savour this season, The Christmas You Found Me is an exceptional choice. Morgenthaler has created a story filled with warmth, hope, and unexpected connections—a reminder of the families we build, the resilience we find, and the love that appears when we least expect it.

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There you have it! My Favourite Books of 2024. Do we have any favourite books in common? Let me know in the comments. I’m looking forward to finding my favourite books of 2025!