Hi guys 👋🏻
Happy New Year 🎉 and welcome to 2026!
I thought I would make my first post of 2026 a book one! These are my top 6 (because I couldn’t choose just 5 😂) that I read in 2025.
I have put them in order from, so my top book for 2025 was…
1. Hotel Avocado by Bob Mortimer
A absolute hilarious read, and a brilliant sequel to his first novel ‘The Satsuma Complex’. He writes brilliantly and they are so easy to read, witty and fun.
I listened to Hotel Avocado on Spotify and it was brilliant as it was narrated by Bob Mortimer himself, as well as some other hilarious comedians such as Paul Whitehouse and Sally Phillips.
2. Best Summer Ever by Heidi Swain
I always enjoy Heidi’s books and this was no exception. I enjoyed revisiting Wynmouth by the sea and this story introduced lots of new and very likeable characters, I enjoyed it alot.
3. The Dallergut Dream Department Store by Miye Lee
This was a very different choice for me but I loved the ideas and imagination in this story. It was the beautifully colourful front cover that first drew me to it. I have never read translated fiction before so I didn’t know what to expect, but it was full of such interesting ideas and fun. This was one of my choices for our book club in 2025. Everyone really enjoyed this book.
4. The Boy Who Lived by David Holmes
Honestly, this was pretty harrowing in places and a tragic story in many ways, but it was a also a story of amazing strength, perseverance, bravery and friendship. It was a poignant and heartfelt look into the often unseen world of the stunt man working on one of the biggest film franchises to ever be created.
I listened to this in Audible and it was read by David Holmes himself.
5. The Woman on the Ledge by Ruth Mancini
This was a brilliant thriller that just kept you guessing constantly. This was one of my choices for our book club in 2025. Everyone really enjoyed this book. It was an easy read and very gripping.
6. All Wrapped Up by Heidi Swain
Another Heidi Swain and an exciting one as this was her first Autumn themed novel. Back in the cosy town of Wynbridge but in the ‘ber months, it was great to revisit this cosy little town. It was like revisiting old friends. The perfect seasonal read.
What was your top read of 2025?
Recommendations always welcome!
Until Next Time,
Roseanne 🙂
Roseanne Byford 