Books Added to My Shelves in November 2025

This is my monthly roundup of books that I added to my shelves in October 2025. Some of the books came directly from authors or publishers, others were purchased, or were given to me as gifts. You’ll find books from all kinds of genres, including adult and children’s books. I’ll even share a few updates from our family’s life in the last month as well.

Family and Life Update

It was fun to see the Northern Lights out our back door in November. They were nearly this vivid even with the naked eye! So amazing!

I’ve said it many times, but I’m so blessed to see sunsets like these out our back door.

One of our projects this month has been turning our basement into a more game-oriented space. Getting a new dartboard and shuffleboard table has been so much fun. This took up a lot of our free time this month to get everything ready by Thanksgiving. If you are in Iowa, check out Iowa Barn Door! We love our shuffleboard table handmade by them!

My Christmas Cacti have been bringing me so much joy this last month. I even shared about it on THIS POST.

Now, on to the books! 

I finished 3 books in November. I had a lot going on in November and found little time to read. But, I did read….finding small pockets in my day to listen or read. I hope this encourages you to read in the small and big pockets of your day. Even 10 minutes at a time can make a big difference. Be sure to follow me on Instagram, HERE, to see snippets of what I’m reading or what’s going on in my daily life.

This month’s list includes some upcoming 2026 titles, some recently published best-sellers, as well as several new children’s books. My current reads include A REAL EMERGENCY and FINDING GRACE for review, and LOVELY WAR on audio.

If you have missed any of my recent book reviews, you can see them all by clicking HERE.  Or you can stay up to date with my monthly Quick Lit Roundup.

Clicking the photos of each book will take you to a link to purchase. If you choose to purchase through any of the links, I may receive a small commission without you having to pay a cent more for your purchase.

ADULT FICTION AND NON-FICTION

HANDLE WITH CARE
By: Marybeth Mayhew Whalen
Published: April 14, 2026
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Thriller/Suspense
Format: eBook for Review

WHEN WE WERE WORTHY by Whalen was a favorite book in 2019. I loved the small-town setting, and this one is set in a small-town post office. Even though this has a domestic violence situation, I love that the women held hostage all have something private in their mail that they are sending that could change their lives. I can’t wait to read this one.

Three women walk into a post office. No, this isn’t the beginning of a joke. It’s the beginning of a hostage situation.

On an ordinary spring afternoon in a small-town post office, a domestic dispute spirals out of control. The husband pulls a gun and barricades himself inside with four hostages–his wife, a young woman searching for her purpose in this world, a midlife mom facing her only daughter’s graduation and imminent departure, and an elderly woman hiding a secret about her life at home. Outside, even the negotiator is forced to put aside her own personal baggage in order to find a peaceful resolution to a volatile situation . . . using exclusively words.

Each of the three women who walked into the post office is carrying something that, if mailed, would profoundly change her life. Through the course of the daylong siege, these strangers will forge unforeseen bonds and reveal things to each other they haven’t even told those closest to them. And none of them will ever be the same.

SHOULD HAVE TOLD YOU SOONER
By: Jane Ward
Published: February 10, 2026
Publisher: She Writes Press
Fiction
Format: Paperback for Review

I typically really enjoy the books from the She Writes Press imprint.

While studying art history at a London university, Noel Enfield falls passionately in love with aspiring artist and art school student Bryn Jones. Shortly after Bryn leaves for a five-month painting trip through Italy, Noel discovers she is pregnant. She is ecstatic and believes Bryn will be too—they have plans to marry, after all. But mishaps part the two lovers, and a desperate Noel makes a split-second choice to move forward in a way that will change not only her life but also the lives of everyone she loves. 

Three decades later, when she is offered a six-month secondment to a London museum, Noel decides it’s time to prove she really has moved on from that difficult period by returning to the city where she met and lost Bryn. But rather than proving she has persevered, the move lands Noel in the thick of London’s insular art world, with only one or two degrees of separation from her past and the people she once loved. After she reconnects with an old, dear friend and learns finally what kept Bryn from returning to her all those years ago, the very underpinnings of her life are rocked to their core. Some decisions made in the past can never be put behind her, she realizes, and armed with this new understanding, she sets out on a journey to reclaim what—and who—she left behind.

BEFORE I FORGET
By: Tory Henwood Hoen
Published: December 2, 2025
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Fiction
Format: Audiobook purchase

This was my Book of the Month choice. I chose the audio version because I’ll get to it faster by listening.

Call it inertia. Call it a quarter-life crisis. Whatever you call it, Cricket Campbell is stuck. Despite working at a zeitgeist-y wellness company, the twenty-six-year-old feels anything but well. Still adrift after a tragedy that upended her world a decade ago, she has entered early adulthood under the weight of a new burden: her father’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis.

When Cricket’s older sister Nina announces it is time to move Arthur from his beloved Adirondack lake house into a memory-care facility, Cricket has a better idea. In returning home to become her father’s caretaker, she hopes to repair their strained relationship and shake herself out of her perma-funk. But even deeply familiar places can hold surprises.

As Cricket settles back into the family house at Catwood Pond―a place she once loved, but hasn’t visited since she was a teenager―she discovers that her father possesses a rare gift: as he loses his grasp of the past, he is increasingly able to predict the future. Before long, Arthur cements his reputation as an unlikely oracle, but for Cricket, believing in her father’s prophecies might also mean facing the most painful parts of her history. As she begins to remember who she once was, she uncovers a vital truth: the path forward often starts by going back.

UNDER THE TULIP TREE
By: Michelle Shocklee
Published: September 8, 2020
Publisher: Tyndale Fiction
Historical Fiction
Format: Audiobook Purchase

This will be our next book club read. So, I purchased the audio with my Audible credit.

Sixteen-year-old Lorena Leland’s dreams of a rich and fulfilling life as a writer are dashed when the stock market crashes in 1929. Seven years into the Great Depression, Rena’s banker father has retreated into the bottle, her sister is married to a lazy charlatan and gambler, and Rena is an unemployed newspaper reporter. Eager for any writing job, Rena accepts a position interviewing former slaves for the Federal Writers’ Project. There, she meets Frankie Washington, a 101-year-old woman whose honest yet tragic past captivates Rena.

As Frankie recounts her life as a slave, Rena is horrified to learn of all the older woman has endured―especially because Rena’s ancestors owned slaves. While Frankie’s story challenges Rena’s preconceptions about slavery, it also connects the two women whose lives are otherwise separated by age, race, and circumstances. But will this bond of respect, admiration, and friendship be broken by a revelation neither woman sees coming?

ONE NIGHT, TWO HOLIDAYS
A Christmas and Hanukkah Novella
By: Ali Brady
Published: December 11, 2024
Publisher: Godfrey & Hammer
Romance Novella
Format: Audiobook purchase

I saw a few reader friends say this was a fun, quick holiday romance, so I snagged it on audio for just a few dollars. It’s also only a few dollars on Kindle. At under 150 pages, you can read this one in an evening or weekend and get your holiday romance fix.

This year, Christmas and Hanukkah come together–and for two neighbors stranded in a snowstorm, one magical night could change everything.

Jack had big plans for fly home to see the family he misses like crazy, eat his weight in holiday cookies and enjoy plenty of forced-family fun in matching pajamas. Instead, a record-breaking snowstorm leaves him stranded alone in Chicago.

Meanwhile, Nessa’s Hanukkah plans were…nonexistent. With her roommates off on their own adventures and her family busy elsewhere, she was ready to spend the holiday binge-watching TV alone.

When a power outage takes things from bad to worse, the two neighbors join forces to help each other find the holiday cheer they’ve both lost. As they attempt to make latkes out of whatever ingredients they can scrounge up, and stuff each other’s stockings with improvised gifts, the two stumble upon the unexpected joy of blending their own holiday traditions into something entirely new.

While the storm rages outside, sparks begin to fly between Jack and Nessa. But will the magic they found last beyond this one special night?

THE UNSELECTED JOURNALS OF EMMA M LION
Volume 1
By: Beth Brower
Published: November 2, 2019
Publisher: Rhysdon Press
Historical Fiction
Format: Audiobook

This series is getting a lot of buzz on social media, and I finally decided to try the first book on audio due to an Audible deal. There are 8 books in the series, but they are all fairly short, under 150 pages, so it isn’t a huge commitment if you read the whole series.

“I’ve arrived in London without incident. There are few triumphs in my recent life, but I count this as one. My existence of the last three years has been nothing but incident.”

The Year is 1883 and Emma M. Lion has returned to her London neighborhood of St. Crispian’s. But Emma’s plans for a charmed and studious life are sabotaged by her eccentric Cousin Archibald, her formidable Aunt Eugenia, and the slightly odd denizens of St. Crispian’s.

Emma M. Lion offers up her Unselected Journals, however self-incriminating they may be, which comprise a series of novella-length volumes. Armed with wit and a sideways amusement, Emma documents the curious realities of her life at Lapis Lazuli House.

SPARKS
A Selection of Short Bible Devotionals for Reflection or Discussion
By: John Avery
Published: May 25, 2023
Publisher: Salpinges
Christian Non-Fiction
Format: Paperback for Review

This short devotional is part of the Sparks Series of devotionals with a new addition to the series coming in February 2026, WELCOMING THE SPIRIT OF GOD.

Twenty-eight short Bible devotionals selected from books in The Sparks Series.
The pieces provide a taste of topics already published (questions Jesus asked and other people asked Him, and living in the kingdom of God) and of topics to come (guidance, finding our identity, faith, worship, the names of God, what it means to be like Jesus, prayer, and more).Each piece is short enough to be read in a few minutes and they can be used as daily readings for a few weeks.Each one considers at least one Bible verse, and some life application is encouraged.The pieces are designed to stimulate deeper reflection and growth in spiritual maturity, which includes an application to life.
Think of them as sparks that God can use to help your spiritual growth. May they ignite a flame in your brain that fires up your thinking, races to your heart, and jumps from the tips of your fingers, toes, and tongue. Feed the flames so that your thoughts turn to passion and your passion to action. May it be of such an intensity that, everywhere you walk, every life that you touch begins to glow in turn.

UNBREAKABLE
A Woman’s Guide to Aging with Power
By: Vonda Wright, MD
Published: August 26, 2025
Publisher: Rodale Books
Non-Fiction
Format: Hardcover purchase

Since my mom has osteoporosis, I wanted to find out more about preventing that from happening to me now that I am in menopause. I’ve heard great things about this book.

Stronger muscles and bones, increased mobility, lifelong independence, and a new mentality for aging with power—this cutting-edge guide to nutrition, training, and lifestyle will optimize a woman’s body for longevity, through menopause and beyond.

More than 70% of women experience musculoskeletal symptoms like joint pain, muscle loss, and reduced bone density as they enter perimenopause and menopause. These symptoms—what Dr. Vonda Wright refers to as the “musculoskeletal syndrome of menopause”—can often set women up for broken bones, increasingly limited mobility, and reduced independence later in life. Indeed, as Dr. Wright explains in Unbreakable, because we tend to ignore the fitness of our skeletal muscle—the engine that drives our healthspan—our muscles and bones can get weak and crack under our own weight, sending us to the ground. Unbreakable outlines the path to protecting ourselves against this too-common fate.

EVERYBODY WRITES
Your New and Improved Go-To Guide to Creating Ridiculously Good Content
By: Ann Handley
Published: October 25, 2022
Publisher: Wiley
Non-Fiction
Format: Hardcover purchase

I thought I might gain some insight by reading this and with my daughter studying public relations and event planning, she might benefit from it as well.

“Everybody Writes” is a go-to guide to attracting and retaining customers through stellar online communication, because in our content-driven world, every one of us is, in fact, a writer.

In “Everybody Writes”, top marketing veteran Ann Handley gives expert guidance and insight into the process and strategy of content creation, production and publishing, with actionable how-to advice designed to get results.

These lessons and rules apply across all of your online assets — like web pages, home page, landing pages, blogs, email, marketing offers, and on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and other social media. Ann deconstructs the strategy and delivers a practical approach to create ridiculously compelling and competent content. It’s designed to be the go-to guide for anyone creating or publishing any kind of online content — whether you’re a big brand or you’re small and solo.

DOLLY PARTON: STAR OF THE SHOW
My Life on Stage
By: Dolly Parton
Published: November 11, 2025
Publisher: Ten Speed Press
Non-Fiction/Biography
Hardcover purchase

I have the other books by Dolly in this big coffee table type of series. She has always been a favorite of mine since childhood. This book is hefty and so beautiful.

In Star of the Show, the culminating book in Dolly Parton’s photographic trilogy—following Songteller (lyrics) and Behind the Seams (fashion)—the global superstar finally shares a definitive look at her career as one of the world’s most dazzling and beloved performers.

Featuring engaging stories and memories from Parton’s dynamic life behind the microphone, this book spotlights her signature performances and star-making moments, from singing in front of her family to premiering on the Grand Ole Opry stage and beyond. Her formative years performing with country legend Porter Wagoner are chronicled as she learns hard lessons from life on the road. Breaking out on her own at state fairs and critically acclaimed venues, she toured the world performing for millions of fans in arenas, stadiums, and at festivals. From making her onscreen debut in the blockbuster feature film 9 to 5 to playing the Dallas Cowboys’ 2023 Thanksgiving halftime show to 42 million viewers, this global superstar knows no limits. Along the way, Dolly shares the stage with Kenny Rogers, Linda Ronstadt, Emmylou Harris, and others, while offering insight on touring big, singing strong, and staying on top for seven decades.

Brimming with Parton’s trademark wit and heartfelt sincerity, Star of the My Life on Stage is not only an homage to one of history’s most cherished artists, but also a must-have collector’s item for—and love letter to—any fan of the one and only Dolly Parton.

CHILDREN’S FICTION AND NON-FICTION

THE VANISHING SEA
The Tale of How the Aral Sea Became the Aral Desert
By: Dinara Mirtalipova
Published: February 3, 2026
Publisher: Chronicle Kids
Fiction
Format: Hardcover Picture Book

A story of how a changing enviroment can affect an entire community and their livelihood. I’ve also shared several books by Dinara, HERE.

The Aral Sea once stretched across modern-day Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. A large saltwater lake of Central Asia (called “sea” because of its vastness), the Aral Sea’s 26 square miles (67 square kilometers) sustained its surrounding communities for generations. Beginning in the 1960s, aggressive Soviet industrialization diverted water for agricultural production and caused the lake to shrink.

Today, the waters that had thrived for centuries have almost entirely disappeared—and along with them, the biodiversity of the lake, its thriving fishing industry, and the many homes along its shores.

Told in a folkloric style with stunning illustrations, this true tale chronicles what happens when nature’s generosity is exploited. It gently invites readers to consider the reality of irreversible environmental harm, its global impact, and what it means to be compassionate to the land we live on.

HUGGED BY THE NIGHT
By: Harold Green III
Illustrated by: Karabo Poppy
Published: January 27, 2026
Publisher: Chronicle Kids
Fiction
Format: Hardcover Picture Book

Poetry, a folktale, and a bedtime story come together in this upcoming picture book.

Spoken-word poet Harold Green III’s dazzling picture book is a reassuring lullaby for bedtime fears and an affirmation of the beauty and power of Black identity.

As darkness settles over the forest, three animals gaze up at the night sky and wonder how they can be as confident, proud, and fearless as she is. Hearing their wishes, the sky takes the animals into her arms and, with a gentle embrace, bestows upon each a powerful and transformative gift.

Harold Green III brings his vibrant poeticism to this new, richly lyrical folktale illustrated with luminous art by South African designer Karabo Poppy.

KID OLYMPIANS: WINTER
True Tales of Childhood from Champions and Game Changers
By: Robin Stevenson
Illustrations by: Allison Steinfeld
Published: November 11, 2025
Publisher: Quirk Books
Middle-Grade Non-Fiction
Format: Hardcover Chapter Book

The Winter Olympics begin on February –. If you have a child excited to watch, get them this book. I loved KID MUSICIANS from this same series.

All over the world, athletes break records and defy odds to compete in the games—and some were kids themselves when they started dreaming and training! In Kid Winter, discover the childhood stories of legends such as Michelle Kwan, who used to sleep in her skating clothes to get a few extra minutes of sleep before her lessons at dawn!Cindy Ouellet, one of the few athletes to have competed in both the Winter and Summer Paralympics.Apolo Ohno, who started skating because he thought the speed skaters looked like superheroes!

With kid-friendly text and full-color illustrations, the book will inspire you to dream bigger, faster, and higher than ever before!

The diverse and inspiring group also includes Callan Chythlook-Sifsof, Adam Rippon, Kristy Yamaguchi, Lindsey Vonn, Marie-Philip Poulin, Shani Davis, Charles Flaherty, Maame Biney, and Nathan Chen.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN BABIES & CUTIES!
Coloring Book
By: Jessica Mazurkiewicz
Published: November 1, 2025
Publisher: Farcountry Press
Non-Fiction/Activity Book
Format: Paperback Coloring Book

Kids can learn about various animals while coloring.

Bring the Rocky Mountains to life—one adorable animal at a time!

From baby bears and fuzzy fawns to tiny pikas and ducklings, Rocky Mountain Babies & Cuties! Coloring Book is packed with 64 pages of delightful wildlife illustrations and fun facts to spark curiosity and creativity. Perfect for kids, families, and nature lovers, this educational coloring adventure celebrates the diverse animals of Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico.

• 64 pages of detailed, scientifically accurate wildlife illustrations
• Includes fun facts about each Rocky Mountain species
• Features animals from all over the Rocky Mountains
• Educational and entertaining for all ages
• Perfect for budding naturalists, animal lovers, and young artists alike

Which books are you adding to your reading list?

Click HERE to see all the posts featuring new books on my shelves.

So many books, so little time!