Welcome to the annual Words on the Waves round-up of our favourite reads from the past year! You’ll see we like to dip our hands into many different reading jars, from romantasy to sci-fi, memoir to poetry. As always, you might spy some festival guests past (and future!) in there… can you guess who?
Grabbing some top titles for Christmas? Please support your local independent bookseller – for us here on the Central Coast it’s Umina Beach Book Nook and BOOKFACE Erina. Both have lots of cute and quirky gift items as well, and gorgeous wrapping. Enjoy!
Adult Fiction
A Great Act of Love by Heather Rose
This is a beautiful, compelling novel, with some wonderfully crafted characters who really took a piece of my heart. This story was inspired by events in the history of Heather’s own family and brings to light some often-unheard voices and perspectives. Engrossing and, at times, heartbreaking. (Mary-Jayne)
Fireweather by Miranda Darling
Fireweather is a beautifully written novella from writer and poet, Miranda Darling. Winona Dalloway is struggling: her children are not at home, the doctors her ex-husband ordered say that she is mad, and the world seems to be on fire. Winona seeks solace in the natural world as she tries to find a way to exist in a world that no longer makes sense. (Mandi)
Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy
So much happened in this book; it’s very character driven and plot-heavy, and at times I found it a little difficult to stay invested in the beginning. But then it gripped me! I loved every character in the book and also enjoyed the exploration of the human spirit. I found this book to be heart-wrenchingly emotional, I wasn’t sure if I was reading a thriller or a mystery until the end. I also loved the way McConaghy weaved environmental themes into the story. This book was filled with beauty and the more I read the more I didn’t want this story to end and then delivered an amazing ending that left me deeply moved. (Jacqui)
The Names by Florence Knapp
I loved this debut novel that explores the power of a decision, in this case, the choice of one of three names for a child. The ripple effect of the choice made is followed for decades and explores the resulting three very different lives of Cora and her son. There is beauty, heartbreak, humour and hope. This book will stay with me for a long time. (Sue)
Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros
After waiting what felt like forever for this, I was raring to read on release day. The Empyrean Series has been one of my favourites due to the world-building, the politics of both the people and the dragons, the puzzle pieces of history and the character banter. I loved getting deeper into the lore with the expanded map and visits to new places and people. The relationships between characters evolved and the conflict stakes go up. You get some answers and so many more questions. The last 100 pages had me holding my breath and the ending cliffhanger left me in a book hangover for weeks. (Billie-Jean)
Tenderfoot by Toni Jordan
I adored this coming-of-age story set in the 70s, reminiscent of Boy Swallows Universe in style and theme. I was completely immersed into this story, I loved the main character Andie and her matter-of-fact attitude, her character kept me wanting to read more. Andie brings us her story in a retrospective style, taking us in and out of her childhood to the pivotal moment that defined her. This book is set during my childhood years, so plenty of nostalgia. Jordan did a great job of recreating the 1970s, even the choice of lollies available at the time. In Tenderfoot Toni Jordan has shown the world through the eyes of Andie the child, while also providing the perspective of the adult story writer. Tenderfoot is a beautiful story of resilience, navigating the challenges of growing up and the way we see the world differently once we’re through it. This story will be one that stays in my heart for a while. (Jacqui)
Funny Story
I’m a little late to the Emily Henry party, but I am now cueing up her novels to devour, and I really loved Funny Story. So clever, funny and romantic. A real joy! (Lauren)
Seed by Bri Lee
Everything I love in a late night read – mystery, ecology and the Arctic. Set in the near-future (like many books I’ve read, lately) Seed is a literary page-turner centered around scientists who work and live in a seed bank in the middle of the Arctic. A mystery crate arrives, and so do the penguins. It’s gripping and fun and I raced to the action-packed end. (Bec)
Lyrebird by Jane Caro
I love a good police procedural! Set in the wild, eerie Barrington Tops, Lyrebird follows an ornithology student and a retired detective reuniting to solve a 20‑year‑old cold case. What drew me in weren’t just the twists — it was how vividly Caro writes her characters. I felt I knew Jessica and Megan, their fears, their ambitions. And the uniquely Australian setting grounded every moment, especially as they raced against time — and nature — to find truth. Classic procedural satisfaction: the good guys, or in this case girls, prevail. (Laurena)
A Little Trickerie by Rosanna Pike
My favourite read of the year, this colourful tale of friendship, courage and superstition in Tudor England blends grit, wonder and dark humour with a sharp, unforgettable protagonist at its heart. Not shying away from graphic hardship, it is compelling, emotional and richly atmospheric. This goes on my ‘read again’ list for sure! (Fiona)
Artemis by Andy Weir
This is a sharp, fast-paced heist thriller set on the moon. The story follows a smuggler, Jazz and like all Weir’s novels, blends clever science with witty dialogue and lots of action. Not quite as inventive as The Martian, the world-building of the first moon city is intriguing and thorough, and I really liked his flawed young heroine. (Marie)
I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman
If you’re wondering why you’re suddenly seeing a 1995 Belgian dystopia everywhere — we have TikTok to thank (finally, the algorithm has some taste! Joking.) Set in an unknown time and on an unknown planet, it follows a young girl who is trapped in a mysterious bunker along with 39 women. Freedom becomes possible and yet maddeningly it does not offer all the answers. Unsettling and unforgettable, the fact my favourite book of 2025 is 30 years old is a good reminder to look beyond the New Release table. (Angela)
The Worst Thing I’ve Ever Done by Clare Stephens
The Worst Thing I’ve Ever Done by Clare Stephens is incredibly timely and thought-provoking. Clare writes in such a clever way to draw you into the story and feel all the feelings. Appearance versus reality, pressure, reputation, work, family – it’s all here. (Mary-Jayne)
Lonely Mouth by Jacqueline Maley
Tender, poignant, and emotionally intelligent. One of the most beautifully written books I’ve read this year, the topics of addiction and mental illness were really beautifully dealt with, this book offered deep insight into how trauma shows up – through control, repression, restriction. I especially loved the Darlinghurst setting, a bonus that I knew the area well. Another great read of Australian nostalgia. (Jacqui)
Inside the Maelstrom by Grace McGinty (Audio)
This is a contemporary romance that I picked up as its author is an ‘always read’ for me. I fell in love with the characters. It is an exploration of young adults dealing with the expectations placed on them by the world and by themselves. It follows five characters and the interconnected relationship dynamics between them. The story has elements of mental health struggles that are written in an authentic and respectful way, and the love story is modern and complex. I listened to the audiobook and the dual narration is very well done. Highly recommend. (Billie-Jean) *There are some triggers to be aware of and this is an 18+ why choose story with on-the-page spice scenes
The Cicada House by Ella Ward
Though I don’t usually go for a time-traveller romance, The Cicada House charmed me completely. It introduces Caitlin, who, after a shocking inheritance, escapes to Australia only to discover her life — and her heart — is more entangled than she expected. It’s part love story, part self-reckoning, with a magical realism twist that whispers of time travel and transformation. Ward beautifully captures Caitlin’s journey out of emotional stasis, celebrating love in its many forms — self-love, friendship, and romantic love — in a way that felt deeply hopeful to me. (Laurena)
Spark of the Everflame by Penn Cole series
One of my favourite adult fantasy series of the year, although not for the faint-hearted. Cole throws you into a vivid, immersive fantasy world full of inventive magic and adventure. The story follows Diem Bellator who leaves her village after her mother disappears, only to discover hidden powers, royal secrets, and a brewing civil war. It’s a thrilling ride with high stakes, and adult romance. A real page-turner! (Marie)
Ash by Louise Wallace
Ash is a brilliant short novel by New Zealand author Louise Wallace which was longlisted for the Ockham Literary Awards. It is about motherhood, female rage and the small, precious moments in amongst the chaos – to me Wallace perfectly captures that feeling of overwhelming love and the struggle of the juggle. (Mary-Jayne)
There are Rivers in the Sky by Elif Shafak
I loved this book, after discovering Shafak’s work with The Island of Missing Trees. It will definitely say of my favourites for this year. Elif Shafak’s ability to tell a story, especially an epic tale that weaves three time periods with three different characters. The research on this book must have been epic as it covers so many areas. Absolutely mesmerising. (Jacqui)
The Bookstore Family series by Alice Hoffman
This series of short stories set on a wild and wooly island off the Maine coast about the lives of sisters Isabel and Sophie feature books, nature and baking, and are magical, heartfelt and heartbreaking. (Lauren)
Quicksilver by Callie Hart
The second book has just been released in this series and I cannot wait to read it. The first book – Quicksilver – is a dark romance with thriller vibes that pulls you in from the first page. The main character, Layla, crosses paths with Luke ‘Quicksilver’ and then the ride really starts, with intense chemistry and high-stakes that will send you on an emotional rollercoaster. For fans of A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J Maas. (Marie)
Hidden by Bryan Brown
Brown has such a distinctive narrative style and in Hidden he again assembles a great cast of characters in a small coastal town and shines a light on some really awful goings-on. His writing is terrific and he builds atmosphere and tension so well. Such a talented Australian! (Mary-Jayne)
Adult Non-Fiction
Anything Can Happen by Susan Hampton
This gem of a book won the Victorian Premier’s Literary Award for Non-Fiction in 2025, and yet no doubt you haven’t heard of it. But now you have, there’s no excuse not to rush out and grab your own copy. An episodic memoir, it reveals glimpses of bohemian Sydney, the working-class fishing culture of Stockton (Newcastle) and the paradise of rural Victoria – even the author’s current Central Coast home of Davistown earns a mention. Whether as a mother, wife, friend or lover, Susan’s voice glimmers throughout with hard-won honesty and wry humour. More than anything, it’s a keyhole into moments of 20th century Australia that no longer exist, and a reminder that in life, anything can happen. A quiet book you won’t stop thinking about. (Angela)
Human? by Ziggy Ramo
Human? is an immersive, multimedia body of work by Wik artist Ziggy Ramo that lives and breathes between 9 book chapters and their corresponding songs and artworks. Ramo seamlessly weaves his lived experiences with the colonial historical context in which we find ourselves to open up a difficult and necessary dialogue for everyone who calls so-called ‘Australia’ home and is searching for a way forward together. (Charlotte)
The Chairman’s Lounge by Joe Aston
This is a blistering exposé of Qantas: how, post‑COVID, cost-cutting, loyalty mismanagement, and big executive payouts hollowed out one of Australia’s most beloved institutions. Aston’s insider storytelling is razor-sharp: one minute I was laughing at the absurd perks in the ‘Chairman’s Lounge,’ the next I was horrified by how power, politics, and profit collided. It gave me a front-row seat to corporate highs and the shocking lows of a national icon. (Laurena)
Poetry
A Rebellion of Care by David Gate
David Gate’s poetry masterfully holds the emotional complexity of being human in our times: grief, wonder, anger, protest, tenderness and compassion mingle together in these pieces that critique the invisible systems we exist within while pointing towards the possibility of alternatives. (Will)
Vampire Squid by Prema Arasu
I’m being a bit cheeky including this book as it’s not out till January 2026… but hey, it gives you something to look forward to! Just like the eponymous sea creature, this book defies characterisation: part marine research, part quotidian quirk, part homage to the mysteries of the deep sea. Its structure plunges you downwards through the sunlight, twilight and midnight zones, and while the light may not always reach… the humour certainly does. A delightful and unusual debut from a Western Australian writer and researcher. (Angela)
Kids
Tubowgule by Melissa-Jane Fogarty and Dylan Finney (picture book)
An inclusive and engaging history of Tubowgule by two Central Coast locals, that honours 60,000 years of culture while tracing the site’s transformation into the Sydney Opera House. This richly illustrated book offers an accessible introduction to Country, colonisation, and continuity – ideal for young readers and thoughtful classroom discussions. (Fiona)
The Callers by Kiah Thomas (middle grade fiction)
My 10-year-old son brought this adventure/fantasy tale home as a school reader, and he couldn’t put it down! In the land of Elipsom, “Callers” can conjure anything they wish – until they find out that doing so destroys the environment somewhere else. An inventive series by an Australian author that introduces young kids to complex ideas in a thrilling way. (Bec)
Young Adult
A Murder is Going Down by Kate Emery
Kate Emery has such a fantastic, darkly humorous writing style and her second novel A Murder is Going Down is terrific. Some weighty issues make an appearance in this YA crime novel but Kate’s terrific characters and her engaging narrative voice keep the story humming along. Such a great read for adults and teens alike. (Mary-Jayne)
Drift by Pip Harry
Another resonant read in the rising popular genre of verse novels, Drift is beautifully crafted and captures the tender uncertainty of early adolescence and self-discovery. As two teens navigate upheaval, friendship, healing – and bees, their intertwined voices offer a moving exploration of change, trust, and finding connection in unexpected places. A lyrical and entertaining read for younger teens. (Fiona)
The Worst Perfect Moment by Shivaun Plozza
Grab your tissues, as this one is a tear-jerker. The Worst Perfect Moment is a funny and heartfelt YA novel about grief, friendship and the beginnings of first loves. The story follows Tegan Masters, who finds herself dead and stuck in a replica of her worst weekend. She meets a teen angel who helps Tegan discover what it truly means to be happy. Inventive, edgy and beautifully written – made me cry… a lot. (Marie)
Catch by Sarah Brill
Catch by Sydney-based author Sarah Brill is a creative and heartfelt young adult novel about a sixteen-year-old girl who suddenly discovers that she can catch people. The real-world teen experiences, concerns and relationships are so sensitively crafted, with this fantastical gift and the things it gives rise to offering a way to explore some very powerful themes. (Mary-Jayne)
Lady’s Knight by Amie Kaufman and Megan Spooner
Fun. Fun. Fun. A witty YA romance about friendship, love and medieval adventures. Gwen, a blacksmith’s daughter disguises herself as a male knight to compete in a royal jousting tournament. Her secret is discovered by Lady Isobella, who is desperate to avoid marrying the winner of said tournament. She’s the main prize. Together they hatch a plan to achieve their freedom… and many adventures ensue. I loved this novel because I laughed out loud on so many occasions I had to stop reading it on the quiet train! (Marie)
