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/3KWkv1g

Paper Hearts by Courtney Walsh: https://amzn.to/49gNpB6

This Life by Jennifer Rodewald: https://amzn.to/4syF9FE

The Traitor Prince by CJ Redwine: https://amzn.to/3N6E0EO

Off the Bench by Tiffany Noelle Chacon: https://amzn.to/49kz0Ec

Also mentioned:

The Aurelian Cycle by Rosaria Munda: https://amzn.to/4sgrkv8

Theo of Golden: https://amzn.to/4phPFy6

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Check 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: Amazon

Sarah’s books can be found here: Amazon

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