Closing Out 2025: Life Updates, Bookish Hits & Misses, and Our Top Reads

As we close out 2025, we’re taking time to reflect on a year that was both hard and beautiful—in life and in books.In this final episode of the year, we look back on the moments that shaped us, including being in New Orleans during a terrorist attack, navigating major health-driven changes that led Tiffany to move away from family, and the unexpected healing and gratitude that followed. This year stretched us, but it also reminded us why stories—and community—matter so much.We also dive into the books that carried us through, sharing our Top 10 Clean Reads of 2025, along with standout favorites and reading highlights from the year. Before all that, we kick things off with a fun round of Hit or Miss, breaking down current bookish trends and deciding which ones we’re loving—and which ones we’re ready to leave behind.Thank you for listening, reading, and walking through this year with us. We’re so grateful for this community and can’t wait to see what 2026 brings.Here are affiliate links to all books mentioned in this episode:Tiffany’s top 5:Sheppards in Love series by Martha Keyes: https://amzn.to/48XXYKE The Cupid Chronicles by Courtney Walsh: https://amzn.to/4q4CtxW Bram Baxter Marries the Wrong Sister by Latisha Sexton:  https://amzn.to/4q7P7vK Forget Me Knot by B.R. Goodwin: https://amzn.to/49vxlg7 Tress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson: https://amzn.to/48YzTDv Sarah’s top 5: The one with the kiss cam: https://amzn.to/3KWkv1gPaper Hearts by Courtney Walsh: https://amzn.to/49gNpB6This Life by Jennifer Rodewald: https://amzn.to/4syF9FEThe Traitor Prince by CJ Redwine: https://amzn.to/3N6E0EOOff the Bench by Tiffany Noelle Chacon: https://amzn.to/49kz0EcAlso mentioned:The Aurelian Cycle by Rosaria Munda: https://amzn.to/4sgrkv8Theo of Golden: https://amzn.to/4phPFy6Join the conversation on your favorite social channel!Instagram YoutubeTikTokCheck out our website: www.thecleanromancepodcast.com to learn more about Tiffany and Sarah and for links to all the five star reads!To find out more about Tiffany and Sarah’s books, check them out here:Tiffany’s books can be found here: AmazonSnag a free book by Tiffany at www.tiffanynoellechacon.comSarah’s books can be found here: Amazon Check out freebies from Sarah at www.sarahhickner.comThank you to RCC Music for letting us use your song! If you love Christian music, you will LOVE RCC Music. Check them out on ...