I’m trying something new: book reviews!

Watching my older daughter fall in love with reading has been such a wake-up call for me. This year, I’m making reading a priority, and I’m being super intentional about the books I choose. With everything going on in the world, I wanted stories that inspire, educate, and maybe even give me a little hope.

First up: The Small and the Mighty: Twelve Unsung Americans Who Changed the Course of History by Sharon McMahon. If you haven’t heard of Sharon, let me just say…I’m a total fangirl. Her insights into politics, government, and history are not only eye-opening but also incredibly hopeful. And to be real, back in January, I needed that hope more than ever.

This book is a reminder that even the smallest actions can create big change. It’s exactly the kind of read I needed to kick off my year.

In The Small and the Mighty, Sharon McMahon (aka America’s Government Teacher) introduces us to the ordinary people who truly shaped America, individuals who never made it into textbooks but whose stories are nothing short of extraordinary. It’s about the everyday people who pursued justice, freedom, and change in ways both big and small.

Reading The Small and the Mighty feels like sitting down with a wise, witty friend who reminds you that history isn’t just about the famous names we memorized in school, it’s about the everyday heroes who quietly changed the world. Sharon McMahon, with her sharp research and gift for storytelling, introduces us to a cast of unsung champions: teachers, suffragists, formerly enslaved individuals, and dreamers who fought for justice, freedom, and hope. This book isn’t just a history lesson; it’s a call to action, a reminder that ordinary people (people like you and me) have always been the ones to shape our nation’s future. It’s inspiring, empowering, and, honestly, the kind of read that makes you want to be better. If you’re looking for a book that restores your faith in humanity, this is it.

You can purchase this book here and you can follow Sharon on Instagram here.

I highly recommend both!

My eldest daughter has blossomed into a voracious reader—she devours books faster than I can keep our library holds and bookstore visits stocked. It’s a beautiful thing to watch, though I’ll admit, it’s a world far removed from my own childhood experience. Back then, reading felt like a chore, tied to school assignments and deadlines. Honestly, it made me downright loathe books. But seeing her love for stories? It’s like rediscovering the magic of reading through her eyes.

Enter the whirlwind of the Bridgerton phenomenon, and suddenly, I found myself giving reading another shot. I dove into Colin and Penelope’s story—it wasn’t the easiest reentry into the world of books, but it was satisfying to compare the pages to the drama of the latest season with other friends who also read the book. From there, I stumbled upon the Practical Magic series, and those were so fun and enchanting. Each page felt like a mini getaway, a daily escape into a world that was both captivating and comforting.

Since 2024 turned me into a bit of a bookworm (who saw that coming?), I’ve decided to embrace the vibe and map out a reading list for 2025. Nothing too wild—just 12 books. It feels like a goal that’s ambitious but doable for me right now. And hey, if I manage to read more than 12? You better believe I’ll be patting myself on the back!

While I don’t have my entire year of reading planned out, I do think I have my first six books settled on.

6 Books on My 2025 Reading List

1. All I Want Is You by Falon Ballard
   A heartwarming, feel-good romance perfect for cozy evenings and escaping into a love story.

2. The Small and the Mighty: Twelve Unsung Americans Who Changed the Course of History, from the Founding to the Civil Rights Movement by Sharon McMahon
   A deep dive into the lives of often-overlooked figures who shaped pivotal moments in American history.

3. Democracy in Retrograde: How to Make Changes Big and Small in Our Country and in Our Lives by Sami Sage and Emily Amick
   A timely exploration of actionable steps we can take to strengthen democracy and inspire change, both nationally and personally.

4. To Sir Phillip, With Love: Bridgerton: Eloise's Story by Julia Quinn
   Bridgerton fans rejoice! Eloise’s story promises wit, charm, and all the romance we’ve come to love from this series.

5. The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins
   A thought-provoking guide to embracing life’s uncertainties and letting go of what we can’t control—because sometimes, you just have to let them.

6. Profit First by Mike Michalowicz
   A must-read for small business owners, this book offers a fresh approach to managing finances and achieving sustainable growth.

In additional to these 6 books, I’ve also added Catching Whimsy: 365 Days of Possibility by Bob Goff. I was gifted this book and I think it may be exactly what I need. Obviously I won’t finish that book till the end of the year.

I’m feeling hopeful that I can tackle these six books by midyear—fingers crossed! But let’s be real, I’m already dreaming about what could fill the next chapter of my 2025 reading journey. If you’ve got any must-reads, hidden gems, or personal favorites, I’m all ears—send them my way!

I love food. So therefore, I love Thanksgiving. Because of the history of Thanksgiving, we like to focus on it being a holiday of gratitude for all that we have and an opportunity to give back to those who may need it.

I love to use books to help teach some of these lessons, ideas, and traditions with my girls. For Thanksgiving, we really mix it up. We have books about gratitude, about the Native American culture, about turkeys, about fall, etc.

The weather is finally cooling down and it’s the perfect opportunity to snuggle up and read some themed books.

And….can we just take a second to look at these adorable little toes! Ack, this Mum’s heart just melts!

Here are some of my favorites Fall and Thanksgiving themed books:

1. I Am Thankful by Sheri Wall

2. Peyton Picks the Perfect Pie: A Thanksgiving Celebration by America’s Test Kitchen Kids

3. Around the Table That Grandad Built by Melanie Heuiser Hill

   1. The Leaf Thief by Alice Hemming

      5. Apple Cake - A Gratitude by Dawn Casey

      6. Over the River & Through the Wood - A Holiday Adventure by Linda Ashman (this one is hard to find but we love it!)

      7. Fry Bread - A Native American Family Story by Kevin Noble Maillard and Juana Martinez-Neal

      8. Thanksgiving in the Woods by Phyllis Alsdurf

      9. The Very Last Leaf by Stef Wade

      10. How Many Seeds in a Pumpkin by Margaret McNamara

This post contains some affiliated links, however I wouldn’t recommend anything I don’t already love!