Welcome to my 2024 Reading Recap — aka the most anticipated post of the year. Just kidding. I know by now you've probably come across more reading recaps than you could ever want in the past couple of weeks, and if you're anything like me, you're probably starting to feel a little over them. Trust me, I’m right there with you.
But here’s the thing: as a book blogger, I feel like I can't let the year end without sharing my favorite reads with you all. After all, I read some truly amazing books this year—ones that left a lasting impact and deserve a spot on this recap. Seriously, some of these books have completely blown me away.
Now, I could drag this out, but we both know I have about five minutes before my kids completely lose their patience (thank you, Legos, for buying me some time—but your magic doesn’t last long). So let’s cut to the chase.
Without further ado… drumroll, please...
Here are MY TOP READS OF 2024!
that’s it. There you go. You’re welcome.
Just kidding. Keep scrolling to find out more.
Beautiful Ugly By Alice Feeney
Alice Feeney has absolutely outdone herself with this one—without a doubt, it’s her best work yet, and trust me, I’ve read everything she’s published so far. This book truly stands above the rest. It’s haunting in the best possible way, with a sense of eerie suspense that lingers long after you’ve turned the last page. The twists are clever and unexpected, yet they never veer into anything too gruesome or over-the-top. Instead, they keep you on the edge of your seat, completely captivated by the plot’s unfolding layers.
The writing itself is nothing short of exceptional. Feeney has a gift for crafting a gripping narrative with sharp, insightful prose that feels both polished and personal. It’s a thriller that grabs you by the soul and doesn’t let go.
If you’re someone who enjoys books with an author as the main character (a bit of meta-fiction, anyone?), the eerie atmosphere of cult vibes, and the sense of isolation that only an island setting can provide, then you’re going to love this one. Add a murder mystery into the mix—along with a twist so good it’ll make your jaw drop—and you have a recipe for a truly unforgettable read. This book is everything you didn’t know you needed. Trust me, you don’t want to miss it.
The Women by Kristin Hannah
I honestly don’t even need to say much about this one—it speaks for itself. This book is absolutely wildly phenomenal, and in my opinion, it’s Kristin Hannah’s best work to date. And let me tell you, I’ve read a lot of her backlist, so I’m speaking from experience here. While The Nightingale will always hold a special place in my heart as my favorite of hers (I’m a sucker for anything WW2-related), this book surpasses it in terms of sheer storytelling, depth, and emotional impact.
The plot is gripping from the very start. It centers around a socialite who heads to Vietnam to serve, and in doing so, her entire world is completely upended in ways she never saw coming. She doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of PTSD, and it’s portrayed in such a raw, real, and relatable way that it feels incredibly personal. You can feel the weight of the characters’ experiences, making it a book that stays with you long after you’ve finished it.
What I appreciate most about this novel is its authenticity. It doesn’t sugarcoat or minimize the struggles faced by those who serve in war, nor does it glamorize the aftermath. Instead, it’s a story of survival, resilience, and finding hope in the midst of unimaginable circumstances. Every page of this book is steeped in emotion, and you’ll find yourself completely invested in the characters’ journeys. It’s powerful. It’s honest. And above all, it’s an absolute masterpiece. If you haven’t read it yet, do yourself a favor and pick it up—you won’t regret it.
The Bluff by Emma St. Clair
This one is pretty straightforward, but in the best possible way. It’s sweet, it’s simple, and it was exactly what I needed from a romcom. Sometimes, you just want a book that makes you smile, and Emma has absolutely nailed the romcom genre. She writes it to perfection, capturing all the warmth, charm, and wit that make these stories so irresistible. The characters are down-to-earth and easy to root for, and there’s a certain warmth in the way Emma brings them to life. You can feel the small-town atmosphere in every scene, with its cozy charm and close-knit community. The setting itself just adds to the magic of the story.
Then there’s the banter—oh, the banter. Emma has a real knack for writing dialogue that’s witty, playful, and full of chemistry. The back-and-forth between the characters is exactly what you want from a romcom: sharp, funny, and filled with that perfect slow-burn tension.
And let’s not forget the second-chance romance element. It’s always a favorite of mine, and Emma does it beautifully here. There’s a depth to the relationship that makes it feel both real and earned, and I loved watching the characters rediscover each other and their connection.
The Romcommers by Katherine Center
This one will forever be a favorite of mine. Without a doubt, it’s the best romcom of 2024—hands down. Katherine Center has once again proven that she is the undisputed queen of romcoms. I don’t know anyone who does it quite like her. She has this remarkable ability to blend humor, heart, and real depth in a way that feels effortless. As a writer, I can only aspire to create stories like hers. She’s truly the reigning queen of the genre, and every time I pick up one of her books, I’m reminded of just how much I adore her storytelling style.
Let me just tell you, if you haven’t read this one yet, you need to. Trust me on this. It’s one of those books that does everything right. It’s not just another romcom—it’s so much more. There’s depth in the story that makes it resonate with you long after you’ve finished reading. Katherine seamlessly combines emotional moments with laugh-out-loud humor, making it impossible not to fall in love with the characters and their journey. It’s that perfect balance between the heartwarming and the hilarious that makes this book stand out from the crowd.
A Happier Life by Kristy Woodson Harvey
This book truly came close to rivaling my top read of 2024—no joke. In fact, it might even tie for the top spot. It’s that good. I couldn’t put it down, and every time I think about it, I find myself getting pulled back into the world that KWH has so expertly crafted. This novel was an absolute gem, and it completely exceeded my expectations.
What makes it even more remarkable is how she seamlessly switches between first and third person perspectives, giving the readers a more intimate connection with the characters while still maintaining a broader view of the story. It’s not an easy feat to pull off, but KWH does it effortlessly, allowing the narrative to feel both personal and expansive at the same time. Her skill with this technique really sets her apart as a writer, and it made the story feel all the more immersive.
My top read of 2024: Expiration Dates by Rebecca Serle
Rebecca Serle never, ever disappoints. Every single time I pick up one of her books, I’m blown away. Her storytelling gives me literal goosebumps, and she has this incredible ability to make me feel all the emotions—joy, heartbreak, wonder, you name it. I will absolutely die on the Rebecca Serle hill because, to me, her writing is nothing short of life-altering. It’s the kind of writing that lingers with you long after you’ve finished reading, and I’m literally bubbling with excitement just typing this out.
Her words have this magical way of touching your soul. It’s like they reach deep down, wrap around your heart, and give it a comforting hug before sending you off into a whirlwind of emotions. And just when you think you’ve caught your breath, you’re left wondering where she’s going to take you next. Every page feels like an invitation, one I will gladly accept.
Rebecca, I adore you. Your work will always have a special place in my heart, and I will be a lifelong fan, forever. Thank you for writing the stories that make us feel deeply and live fully.
So there you have it, my top reads of 2024! Stay tuned for my TBR list for 2025 and some hopefuls that are high on my list!
You can also listen to our podcast episode with a 2024 Recap wherever you get your podcasts or right here!
XOXO,
Han
A Happier Life was one of my favorites of 2024 as well!
I adored The Rom-Commers! Easily one of my favorites of 2024. Now you've inspired me to try one (or more) of Rebecca's books. Thanks for sharing your favorites.