What were your favorite books this year?

Dear ,

My favorite book of 2025 was Once Wicked by Cindy Stark, though it was published in 2018. Better late than never, right?

If you haven't already, you should give it a read. The Teas & Temptations series is a delight.

What were your favorite books from the last year? Hit 'reply' and let me know.

There's a controversy brewing over on Twitter because of year-end lists. There's always someone who wants to tell other people their books don't 'count' or aren't a good use of their time, or worse, that they're detrimental to their lives or society at large. It should come as no surprise that most of these people aren't readers.

However, the idea that some books are more beneficial than others is technically backed by science. Award-winning science writer David Robson shared more on studies like these in a blog post, "The life-expanding benefits of deep reading." There are differences in how our brains process print, digital and audio texts. I was surprised by some of the results.

Does that mean that 'romance doesn't count' or that 'fiction rots your brain'? Absolutely not. Reading, even when for sheer enjoyment, has a measurable positive impact on your life.

Wishing you a wondrous New Year filled with amazing new stories.

Until next time,

Katie O'Keene ☆

.𖥔 ݁ ˖⋆ ˚❆ִֶָ𓂃 ࣪˖ ִֶָ🐇་༘࿐

Free Reads

Free Through Kindle Unlimited

Apparition in the Kitchen

Phantom in the Family Room

Creeper in the Sleeper

Rock Johnson Werewolf Mysteries (PG13)

Rock Johnson and the Full Buck Moon

Rock Johnson and the Full Blue Moon

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