January 2026: Books We Actually Finished

Mel Robbins distills years of self-help wisdom into one deceptively simple phrase: “Let them.” Someone doesn’t text back? Let them. Your friend makes a questionable life choice? Let them. It’s basically permission to stop micromanaging everyone else’s existence.

Took me three days to finish (192 pages), mostly because Robbins repeats the core concept about seventeen different ways. That said, the repetition works if you’re someone who needs the message drilled in. The writing is conversational to a fault – lots of “Here’s the thing…” and “Listen…” – which makes it feel like a really long pep talk from your most enthusiastic friend.

Physical quality is solid. Hardcover binding held up fine, pages are decent weight, and the cover has that nice matte finish that doesn’t show fingerprints. At $14.99, it’s priced right for the self-help category.

Read this in two sittings because I genuinely couldn’t put it down. McFadden writes the kind of thriller where you think you’ve figured out the twist, then she hits you with three more you didn’t see coming.

The premise is simple: woman with a sketchy past becomes a housemaid for a wealthy family. The wife is unhinged, the husband is suspicious, and nothing is what it seems. The first half plays like standard domestic thriller fare, but around page 180, McFadden starts dropping bombshells that made me go back and reread earlier chapters.

Writing is clean and fast-paced. Short chapters (perfect for “one more chapter” syndrome). The paperback binding is mediocre – spine started creasing by page 100 – but for $10.78, I’m not complaining. Would’ve been annoying in a $25 hardcover.

A study guide, not a full Bible – important distinction. This breaks down Bible reading into manageable weekly chunks with commentary and reflection questions. If you’ve ever felt intimidated by “read the whole Bible,” this makes it less overwhelming.

Moore’s approach is accessible without being condescending. She provides historical context, explains confusing passages, and includes discussion questions that actually make you think rather than just regurgitate facts. The layout is clean with plenty of space for notes.

Paperback quality is better than expected for the price. Binding is solid, pages are thick enough that pen doesn’t bleed through (tested with ballpoint). At $7.85, this is an absolute steal for a year-long study guide.

Beautiful prose that moves at glacial pace. Levi can write a sentence – the descriptions of Golden-era Hollywood are genuinely gorgeous. But this 400-page novel could’ve been 250 pages without losing anything essential.

The story follows Theo, a costume designer navigating 1950s Los Angeles. It’s character-driven literary fiction, which means lots of internal monologue and not much happening plot-wise. Took me two weeks to finish because I kept putting it down for more exciting reads.

That said, if you love atmospheric historical fiction and don’t mind slow burns, you might enjoy this more than I did. The hardcover is gorgeous – textured cover, quality paper, beautiful typography. At $14.98, the physical book is worth displaying even if the story didn’t grab me.

This is basically a giant reference book of old-school remedies your great-grandmother might have used. Think medicinal plants, tinctures, poultices, and salves made from things you can grow or forage. Very “what did people do before CVS existed?”

Not a cover-to-cover read – more of a resource guide. Each remedy includes historical context, preparation instructions, and safety warnings (which I appreciate, because some “natural” doesn’t mean “safe”). The photos are helpful for plant identification, though they could be larger.

The hardcover is built like a reference book should be: sturdy binding, thick pages, lay-flat design that’s perfect for following recipes. At $37, it’s expensive, but if you’re into herbalism or self-sufficiency, it’s a one-time investment that covers a ton of ground.

This pairs with a one-year Bible reading plan and provides daily recaps that actually clarify what you just read. Cobble explains confusing Old Testament genealogies, connects themes across books, and points out where God shows up in even the weird parts of Leviticus.

The writing is conversational without being overly casual – feels like discussing Scripture with a knowledgeable friend rather than sitting through a lecture. Each day’s recap is 2-3 pages, takes about 5 minutes to read, and genuinely helped me retain what I read in the actual Bible.

Hardcover quality is excellent. Thick pages, sturdy binding, beautiful design. The book is hefty (464 pages) but worth having as a physical reference rather than digital. At $23, it’s reasonably priced for what you get.

Historical fiction set during WWII following a female war correspondent. Evans clearly did her research – the historical details feel accurate without overwhelming the narrative. The protagonist is competent and flawed in believable ways, which made her feel real rather than a Mary Sue in period dress.

Pacing is solid for the first two-thirds, then drags a bit in act three when Evans tries to tie up every subplot. Could’ve cut about 40 pages without losing impact. That said, the wartime journalism angle is fresh – not another romance disguised as historical fiction.

Hardcover is beautiful. Embossed cover, quality paper, excellent binding. The book feels substantial in your hands. At $25.18, it’s on the pricier side, but the physical quality justifies it if you want a book that’ll last.

Sequel to The Housemaid, and while it doesn’t quite hit the same heights as the first book, it’s still a solid thriller. McFadden brings back the same protagonist in a new twisted-family situation. If you loved the first one, you’ll enjoy this – just don’t expect it to shock you quite as much.

The twists are still there but feel slightly more predictable if you’ve read the original. Still finished it in two days because McFadden knows how to write compulsive page-turners. The short chapters and cliffhangers make it perfect for “just one more chapter” reading sessions.

Paperback quality matches the first book – mediocre binding that creases easily. But at $9.74, it’s cheap enough that I’m not stressed about the spine cracking. Buy it for the story, not the physical longevity.