Is this publishing after Christmas? Yes. Is it still entirely relevant? Also yes. Because the 12 Days of Christmas last until January 5th. I saw this over on Becky’s Book Blog and was intrigued. I don’t do a lot of book tags, but this one sounded too fun.

ON THE FIRST DAY OF CHRISTMAS, MY TRUE LOVE SENT TO ME:
A PARTRIDGE IN A PEAR TREE
The partridge stood alone in the pear tree. What is your favorite stand alone?

This one is surprisingly difficult, perhaps because many of the books I read were paired with others/part of a series. I think I’ll have to go with The Favorites by Layne Fargo though, especially as I’m looking forward to the upcoming Winter Olympics.

ON THE SECOND DAY OF CHRISTMAS, MY TRUE LOVE SENT TO ME:
TWO TURTLE DOVES
Love is in the air! Who is your one true pairing?

You might be unsurprised by this answer, but the One True Pairing of 2025 is none other than Elizabeth Bennet + Fitzwilliam Darcy. They are an enduring love story, and I’ve loved them for more than 20 years.

ON THE THIRD DAY OF CHRISTMAS, MY TRUE LOVE SENT TO ME:
THREE FRENCH HENS
In the spirit of threes, what is the best trilogy you have read?

The only trilogy I read in its entirety this year is Diane Kelly’s Mountain Lodge Mystery series. I loved the North Carolina mountain setting, and really loved Yeti the cat’s perspective.

ON THE FOURTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS, MY TRUE LOVE SENT TO ME:
FOUR CALLING BIRDS
Since series usually consist of four or more books, what is your favorite series?

This one was hard, because I read a lot of series – many of them ongoing. After some reflection, I’m going with a new discovery with enough volumes to binge my way through another year: Alyssa Maxwell’s Gilded Newport Mysteries. The Gilded Age drama, the gorgeous Newport setting, the mysteries and character storylines. Simply lovely.

ON THE FIFTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS, MY TRUE LOVE SENT TO ME:
FIVE GOLDEN RINGS
One ring to rule them all! Who is your favorite Villain/Antagonist?

The Villain, obviously! I’m not sure how there is another answer for this one. The way I love Hannah Nichole Maehrer’s Assistant to the Villain series cannot be put into words. I’ve tried. {This was almost my favorite series, but I knew the Villain was the answer for this prompt}.

ON THE SIXTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS, MY TRUE LOVE SENT TO ME:
SIX GEESE A LAYING
Creation is a beautiful thing. What is your favorite world/world-building?

I did not read much fantasy in 2025, but what I did read was excellent – making this question one to ponder. After much contemplation, I think the answer is The Starlight Heir by Amalie Howard. The world-building was beautiful, but accessible, and I am very much looking forward to diving into the second book soon.

ON THE SEVENTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS, MY TRUE LOVE SENT TO ME:
SEVEN SWANS A SWIMMING
 Who needs seven swans when all it takes is one good animal sidekick? Who’s your favorite animal sidekick?

I hope it shan’t be offended, but I’ve got to pick The Gnole from Swordheart by T Kingfisher.

ON THE EIGHTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS, MY TRUE LOVE SENT TO ME:
EIGHT MAIDS A MILKING
Milk is so 18th century. Which book or series takes beverages/food to a whole new level?

I love a foodie book. And I love when food, and the sharing of food, is given pride of place in a story. The way jams and baked goods and sharing meals feature in Sarah Beth Durst’s The Spellshop, helping to establish a life and build a community, make this an easy choice.

ON THE NINTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS MY TRUE LOVE SENT TO ME:
NINE LADIES DANCING
Dancing is just one skill of a Lady! Who is your favorite kickass female lead?

This one will be surprising, I’m sure, but I can’t help myself. I absolutely devoured The Making of Lady Catherine de Bourgh by Paige Badgett, getting to see how and why Lady Catherine became the force to be reckoned with she appears as in Pride & Prejudice.

ON THE TENTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS MY TRUE LOVE SENT TO ME:
TEN LORDS A LEAPING
 How about your favorite leading lad?

I have such a soft spot for Jonathan Darcy in the Mr Darcy & Miss Tilney series by Claudia Gray.

ON THE ELEVENTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS MY TRUE LOVE SENT TO ME:
ELEVEN PIPERS PIPING
 What is your favorite book or bookish thing with musical influence?
(It can be about music, reference music a lot etc.)

I loved the thread of magical realism throughout Sounds Like Love by Ashley Poston, which explores so much more than the power of music/song.

ON THE TWELFTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS MY TRUE LOVE SENT TO ME:
TWELVE DRUMMERS DRUMMING
Drum roll please… what is your favorite read of this year?

This is the hardest question of all! After much consideration, I think I have finally decided on … Swordheart by T Kingfisher. It was the book I needed in the moment, and was such a fun and quirky and delightful read. It gets all the stars, and all the love. And probably a reread in the future.

This was a fun and festive way to look back over what I’ve read in 2025, getting a head start on the big “year in review” posts to come. Except a flurry of posts to come in January, as we wrap up Christmas Reading and all the cool blog stats and facts, as well as plans and teasers for things to come in 2026!

I hope each of you is having a lovely holiday season, and this transition into the New Year is one of rest and peace and joy. And good books!