Half Year Wrap Up Templates

Hey book lovers!

Can you believe we’re already more than halfway through the year? This is the perfect time to look back on all the wonderful books you’ve read so far! I’ve created something to help you do just that! Introducing my Half Year Wrap Up Templates for your Instagram or Tiktok Stories.

With three different templates to choose from, you’ll have space to share your top 3 reads, favorite authors, preferred genre, your first 5-star read, and every book you’ve finished so far. These templates are designed to make it easy (and fun) to reflect on your reading journey and share it on social media with your friends. Keep scrolling to see my favorite books of 2025 so far! (Sneak peek: most of them are contemporary romances HAHAHA not a shocker tho!)

Download the templates! And while you’re here, let me know in the comments what books you’re excited to read this month and what other Instagram story templates you’d like to see. Psst… don’t miss out on future freebies! Subscribe to my email notifications to get the latest freebies and updates straight to your inbox! You can find my other templates on my Template page or click here. And don’t forget to check out my Etsy shop here.

Happy reading!

Gabby.

My favorite books of 2025 (so far)

We’re only halfway through the year, and honestly? 2025 has already been such a win for my reading list. These top five books? They’re the ones I tore through in one sitting because I literally couldn’t put them down. They made me laugh, cry, or feel way too emotionally attached to fictional people, and I loved every second of it. The writing? Beautiful. The characters? Felt so real like the characters were not just words on paper, and it was like I actually knew them. And not gonna lie, I’m still thinking about these stories weeks after finishing them.

So, if you’re looking for something new to read (or just want to see what’s been living rent-free in my head lately), here are the five books that have truly made my 2025 reading year so far. Let’s get into it

Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry – This one hit me right in the feelings. Emily Henry always nails that mix of romance and real-life messiness, but this book felt extra special. It’s about growth, grief, and figuring out what actually makes a life beautiful. I read it in two days and wanted to highlight every other paragraph. Also, can we talk about how beautiful all the different editions are? I got the Walmart one, but I loved the Barnes one too!

Summer in the City by Alex Aster – Best MMC (male main character) EVER! Loved Parker SO much that I literally cried because he is just words on paper. And yep, he’s a billionaire. That’s it, that should be enough to convince you haha

The Toll by Neal Shusterman – Technically not brand new, but I finally finished the Scythe series this year, and WOW with the ending! It was WILD. So many plot twists. Dark, smart, and a little creepy in the best way. If you’re into dystopian stuff that actually makes you think, and like political criticism, then you gotta give the series a try.

Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros – I waited forever for this sequel that I stayed up until midnight to get it on my kindle and start reading it. I gotta say… it was totally worth it 6 STARS. The action? Intense. The romance? Even more intense. The dragons? I love Andarna. I literally had to pause mid-chapter just to breathe. I can’t wait for the next one and its breaking my heart that she’s taking her time I NEED IT NOW.

The Love Haters by Katherine Center – Got the ARC and I finished it in a day! It’s my new favorite Katherine Center book by faaaar! Loved that it was a mix of an action movie and a romance. I’m so sad that I can’t just go to the Keys and meet everyone. Cried, laughed and giggled.

If you’ve read any of these, tell me your thoughts or send recs my way (you can follow me on TikTok)! I’m always looking for my next favorite. And feel free to download these templates and share your top 5 and what other Instagram Story templates you’d like to see.

Embrace your reading journey! Pin your favorite bookish template and save it to share it later on your social media.

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