five-star reads

I read a lot. I rate all the books I really like on Goodreads. At first, I planned to share ALL of my five-star books so far this year, but there are SO. MANY. OF. THEM. I have therefore decided to offer short summaries of fifteen of my five-star reads from the first half of 2026.

Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry (romance)

Alice Scott is an upbeat, big-dreaming writer still waiting for her breakthrough. Hayden Anderson is a Pulitzer winner with a stormy personality. They both land on a sunny island to compete for the chance to write the biography of the elusive Margaret Ives, a once-famous heiress with a complicated past. Margaret gives them each a month to prove themselves, but there’s a catch. She shares different pieces of her story with each of them, and they’re not allowed to compare notes.

No Match Found by Martha Keyes (romantic comedy)

I struggled to put this one down! So engaging! Vivian, the CEO of a wildly successful matchmaking app, believes love can be explained by data and compatibility scores. Grant, an investigative journalist, is convinced that love is far messier than any algorithm can predict. When their paths cross, sparks fly, despite the fact that Vivian’s app insists they’re a terrible match. What begins as a clash of perspectives gradually becomes something deeper as both characters are forced to reexamine long-held assumptions about love, trust, and themselves.

The Queen’s Cook by Tessa Afshar (historical fiction)

In ancient Persia, a dangerous decree puts the empire’s Jewish people at risk, leaving Roxannah heartbroken for her friends and unsure how to help. Hoping to support her struggling family, she turns to Adin, the royal physician she can’t stop thinking about, and finds her way into Queen Esther’s kitchens.

Life in the palace is anything but easy. Rivalries run high, but Roxannah’s loyalty earns Esther’s trust as the queen navigates tense politics. When Roxannah and Adin uncover a troubling plot, they’re pulled into a risky search for the truth, one that could change everything for the queen and the kingdom.

Counterweights by Shannan Martin (nonfiction)

I love Shannan’s take on the world, and her discussion here is uplifting. She presents her daily practice of balancing all of the heaviness around us with small pops of joy. Shannan shares examples from her own life, concerns from our current political climate, and ways to hold onto goodness through it all. Very encouraging and thought-provoking.

An Accidental Marriage by Deborah Hathaway (historical romance)

Charles Shepherd has no interest in marriage. He’s handsome, wealthy, charming, and confident love will come on its own. But his mother has other ideas. A quick visit home turns chaotic when he meets Miss Marie Oakley. What starts as a simple introduction somehow ends in a sudden marriage, and Charles is furious. Fortunately, Marie isn’t keen on it either. They strike a deal: do whatever it takes to end the marriage fast. But as they navigate life together, Charles begins to realize that the woman he’s trying to escape might just be the one he can’t live without.

The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau by Kristin Harmel (historical fiction)

Colette Marceau has spent her life stealing jewels with a purpose, following the code her mother taught her: take from the cruel, give to those in need. It’s a path that began in World War II Paris, where she and her mother secretly helped the Resistance. But everything fell apart when her mother was arrested and her little sister disappeared—along with a priceless diamond bracelet.

Years later, Colette has tried to move on, until that same bracelet resurfaces in a Boston museum. Tracking it down could finally reveal the truth about her sister.

I’ve written a full review at this link.

Rival To Resist by Martha Keyes (historical romance)

Frederick Yorke arrives in a quiet Cornish village with one goal: win a seat in Parliament. The problem? The votes he needs belong to Lady Caroline Radcliffe, a sharp, widowed woman who isn’t impressed by charm. Caroline has already promised her support to someone else, and she’s determined to stick to it. But Frederick isn’t easy to shake, and what starts as political sparring slowly turns into something more.

Home To Me by Sarah M. Eden (historical romance)

Ten years after a devastating fire changed everything, Finbarr O’Connor is doing his best to move forward without his sight. When an opportunity comes along that could make life easier, it also means leaving behind the place and people he loves.

Emma Archer thought she’d left Hope Springs for good, but a sudden message calls her back. Facing her past won’t be easy, especially with Finbarr still there. As they’re brought together again, old wounds resurface, but so does a connection neither of them has forgotten.

To Die But Once by Jacqueline Winspear (historical mystery)

As World War II begins, Maisie Dobbs is drawn into a troubling case involving a young apprentice who vanishes while working on a secret government project. With fear of invasion growing and the crisis in France unfolding, tensions are high on the home front.

Maisie’s search takes her from the quiet countryside to London’s criminal underworld, uncovering how profit and war can dangerously intersect. But the case hits close to home, especially when someone she cares about makes a life-altering choice and forces Maisie to weigh the truth against what it might cost her future.

A personal note: Mystery is not my forte, but my book club has been working through this (18-book!!!) series by Jacqueline Winspear. I’ve really enjoyed it! The characters always get me, and I’ve grown to care deeply for Maisie, Billy, and the gang. :)

A Novel Engagement by Anneka Walker (historical romance)

A lighthearted wager puts Rowan Ashworth in a bind: if he’s the last of his friends to marry, it’ll cost him. His solution? Honor an old promise and wed Arabella Delafield, the one woman who can’t stand him.

Arabella has other plans. Still hurt by the past, she’s determined to find a husband first and avoid Rowan entirely. But her efforts take an unexpected turn when she meets a charming stranger who feels oddly familiar. Between stubborn pride, mixed-up identities, and undeniable chemistry, what starts as a battle of wills just might turn into something neither of them saw coming.

In Your Dreams by Sarah Adams (romantic comedy)

Madison Walker returns to her hometown after a rough run in New York, landing a head chef job at a restaurant owned by James Huxley, her brother’s best friend. James has secretly loved Madison for years, and now that she’s back, he’s determined to win her over. They race to open the farm-to-table restaurant (with a meddling town watching every move).

An Unlikely Lent by Rachel Billups (nonfiction)

The story of Easter is often told through the big moments, but the real story unfolded before a crowd. By paying attention to the women, men, and quiet observers, we can see devotion, courage, companionship, and unexpected alliances in a whole new light. This perspective invites us to step into Easter ourselves, noticing what’s often overlooked: the silences, the side characters, and the questions. The resurrection becomes more than history; it’s an invitation to witness God moving in surprising ways, even in the margins, and to embrace the unlikely moments along the journey.

Bloomsbury Girls by Natalie Jenner (historical fiction)

1950: Bloomsbury Books is a century-old shop run by men and ruled by fifty-one unbreakable rules. But the women who work there have their own plans. Vivien Lowry, sharp and stylish, is still single after losing her fiancé in the war. Grace Perkins balances supporting her family with chasing her own dreams. Evie Stone, Cambridge graduate, is determined to build a future she was denied. As they mingle with literary legends, these three women navigate ambition, friendship, and love.

I’ve written a full review of the previous book in this series at this link.

Frederica by Georgette Heyer (historical romance)

When Frederica turns to her wealthy cousin, the Marquis of Alverstoke, for help introducing her younger sister to society, she doesn’t expect to make much of an impression on the famously aloof nobleman. Yet Frederica’s practical nature, honesty, and devotion to her family quickly win him over. As he becomes increasingly involved in the lives of Frederica and her lively siblings, one amusing mishap after another draws him further into their world. Filled with humor, warmth, and memorable characters, this Regency romance shines. This is my favorite Heyer book, at least until I finish another one!

The Sunshine Offensive by Anne Kemp (romantic comedy)

Juliette Gianelli has carefully built a quiet life centered around her plant shop and her son, far away from the chaos of public attention. But when NHL star Sawyer Stockton is assigned to her shop for a community outreach program, her peaceful routine is turned upside down. He’s everything she avoids: loud, visible, and impossible to ignore. Yet as Sawyer proves himself kind, dependable, and surprisingly good with both plants and people, Juliette finds her defenses slipping.

What about you? I’d love to hear your recommendations!

Fondly,

Crysti