We know a lot of new year resolutions include reading more books. Whether your goal for reading is to better yourself or your business, or to find an escape that's not on a screen, here are our team's favorite books to add to your "must-reads" in 2025!
Below, we include local Crystal Coast shops to support on your book journey AND a few MCKRE listings that have the perfect spot for relaxing with a book — we hope you feel inspired to get reading in 2025, keep scrolling to see our team's favorites:
1. Elise's Fave — Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman
"Drawing on the insights of both ancient and contemporary philosophers, psychologists, and spiritual teachers, Oliver Burkeman delivers an entertaining, humorous, practical, and ultimately profound guide to time and time management."
2. Christina's Fave — The Women by Kristin Hannah
"From the celebrated author of The Nightingale and The Four Winds comes Kristin Hannah's The Women―at once an intimate portrait of coming of age in a dangerous time and an epic tale of a nation divided."
3. Meg's Fave — The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins
"In her latest groundbreaking book, The Let Them Theory, Mel Robbins—New York Times bestselling author and one of the world's most respected experts on motivation, confidence, and mindset—teaches you how to stop wasting energy on what you can't control and start focusing on what truly matters: YOU. Your happiness. Your goals. Your life."
4. Lana's Fave — Happy Place by Emily Henry
"A couple who broke up months ago pretend to still be together for their annual weeklong vacation with their best friends in this glittering and wise new novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Emily Henry."
5. Lori's Fave — Soulful Simplicity by Courtney Carver
"Courtney Carver shows us the power of simplicity to improve our health, build more meaningful relationships, and relieve stress in our professional and personal lives."
Find your own book faves at these Crystal Coast shops:
Beaufort, NC
- The Old Beaufort Shop • 130 Turner Street
- Port of Call Museum Shop • 315 Front Street
- Note: The shop is currently closed due to construction, but has a reopening date of mid-summer 2025
- Beaufort Library • 1702 Live Oak Street
Morehead City, NC
- Dee Gee's Books & Gifts • 508 Evans Street
- The Bookshop • 4915 Arendell Street
- Morehead City Library • 202 S 8th Street
On the Island
- Beach Book Mart • 1010 W Fort Macon Rd, Atlantic Beach
- Emerald Isle Books and Toys • 8700 Emerald Dr, Emerald Isle
Ready to make your home into a relaxing oasis to enjoy reading your favorite books in 2025? Take a peek at some of MCKRE's listings to get your interior design juices flowing:
1. HarborSide 303, Morehead City — A cozy couch and views of Bogue Sound make this a serene spot for diving into your next read!
2. 311 Taylorwood Drive, Beaufort — Golf course views and a covered patio to fill with your coziest outdoor furniture makes for the perfect place to open a new chapter!
3. Shutters on the Shore 402B, Pine Knoll Shores — Either the crackling of the fireplace or the roar of the ocean waves provide an amazing ambiance for your non-fiction escape!
4. 409 Sunrise Court, Emerald Isle — A brick fireplace, bay windows, and Bogue Sound views bestow a beautiful backdrop to put your nose into a good book!
In case you missed our January 10th episode of Coffee with MC, Meg and Mary Cheatham go into detail with even more book recommendations for you to add to your list! Click HERE to watch.
Mary Cheatham's Picks:
- Clarity & Connection, Inward, and The Way Forward by Yung Pueblo
- Atomic Habits by James Clear
- Traction by Gino Wickman
- The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson
- The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O'Farrell
- The Distance Between Us by Reina Grande
- The Scent Keeper by Erica Bauermeister
- Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
- The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
- Fierce Conversations by Susan Scott
- The Universe Has Your Back by Gabrielle Bernstein
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