In 2025, I read a lot of books—and along the way, I began to notice a striking contrast in books written for women.
So many modern novels portray marriage and family life as a burden, depict men as villains, and frame marriage as something that must be escaped in order to find fulfillment. While those stories may resonate with some readers, they do not reflect my lived experience.
I love my husband.
I love my sons.
And I believe that most people—men and women alike—are doing their best to love well.
Because of that, I want to curate a homeschool and a home culture where every member of our family is treated with dignity, respect, and compassion. That conviction has shaped not only the books I read aloud to my children, but also the books I I choose to read quietly on my own.
After all, the stories we consume—whether silently or together—shape our worldview.
Why Curating Your Reading Matters for Homeschool Families
As homeschool parents, we are often thoughtful about:
curriculum choices
living books for our children
stories that inspire virtue and imagination
But we sometimes overlook how deeply our own reading habits influence our attitudes, tone, and expectations.
The books we read as mothers shape:
- how we view marriage and family life
- how we speak about men and women
- how we model resilience, faith, and hope
- how we approach hardship and sacrifice
When our reading nourishes faith, courage, and love, it naturally overflows into our homes.
Life-Giving Books I Loved in 2025
Here are some of my favorite books from this year—stories that honor resilience, faith, community, and family, and that left me feeling strengthened rather than cynical.
The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion by Beth Brower
I read all eight books in this delightful series back-to-back (and yes—like many readers, I am impatiently waiting for book nine).
Set in 1880s London, these books are full of wit, warmth, and richly drawn characters. My daughter read them as well, and we both agree they would make an excellent mother-daughter book club for early teens.
These novels celebrate observation, humor, restraint, and relational complexity without bitterness.
Isola by Allegra Goodman
Based on a true story, Isola tells of a woman abandoned on a deserted island in the 1600s. It is a powerful account of endurance and survival.
While a prominent male character in the book is horrible, the story ultimately centers on the heroine’s release of bitterness and growing trust in God. This book is not appropriate for children due to intense themes, but it is a compelling adult read about resilience and faith.
Dear Mad’m by Stella Patterson
This gentle memoir recounts the life of an elderly woman living alone in a cabin in the woods who gradually forms meaningful relationships with her neighbors.
It beautifully illustrates:
- the importance of community
- the dignity of work
- the quiet ways we make the world more beautiful
This is a lovely reminder that hospitality and care can flourish in the simplest of lives.
Joan of Arc by Mark Twain
This book was one of the most moving reads of my year.
Twain’s portrayal of Joan of Arc is a testament to faith, courage, obedience, and a life laid down in service. Her unwavering trust in God and willingness to sacrifice comfort for calling were deeply inspiring.
Habits for a Sacred Home
While I didn’t reread my own book this year, the stories within it highlight remarkable Christian women throughout history—women who built homes, served others, and lived faithfully in ordinary circumstances.
If you’re looking for encouragement and inspiration as you plan a new year, this is a beautiful place to begin.
(Amazon links to the books above)
Reading Together in the Restoration Home Community
In the Restoration Home Community, we believe that sustained growth happens best in community, and that mother culture, or nurturing our own
This year, we are reading 12 thoughtfully chosen books together, blending:
- nourishing nonfiction
- beautiful fiction
- practical wisdom
- spiritual encouragement
We don’t require mothers to read every book in order to join our monthly meetings. Instead, each month we gather to discuss:
- the featured book
- the monthly virtue
- the habits we are cultivating
This gentle rhythm allows for steady, meaningful growth over time—without pressure or perfectionism.
Restoration Home Year of Books
January – Restorative
Habits for a Sacred Home (new members) or The Legacy Life by David Green
February – Work
Man of the Family by Ralph Moody
March – Stewardship
Tending the Heart of Virtue by Vigen Guroian
April – Prayer
The Life of the Beloved by Henri Nouwen
May – Order
The Bird in the Tree by Elizabeth Goudge
June – Simplicity
Simplicity Parenting by Kim John Payne
July – Stability
The Inspired Homeschool by Jennifer Pepito
August – Hospitality
These Happy Golden Years by Laura Ingalls Wilder
September – Community
The Art of Living by Edward Sri
October – Balance
The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt
November – Gratitude
Mother Culture for a Happy Homeschool by Karen Andreola
December – Generosity
Winter Fire Christmas by G. K. Chesterton
See the full Restoration Home Booklist in our Amazon shop here.
Why Community Matters for Lasting Change
James Clear writes:
“The key, if you want to build habits that last, is to join a group where the desired behavior is the normal behavior.”
That is exactly what we aim to cultivate—a space where:
- reading good books is normal
- growth is supported
- faith and family are honored
- flourishing is shared
An Invitation
If you want to nurture a flourishing family in 2026, we would love to welcome you into the Restoration Home Community.
Members receive:
weekly themed lessons for connecting with our children
access to our monthly book discussions
encouragement and accountability
in person gatherings
free access to the Flourishing Homeschool Workshop
You can save 10% with code “restoration.” but we open just four times a year!
Let’s choose stories that build up rather than tear down—and create homes shaped by truth, beauty, faith, and love.