This time travel romance offers a premise that readers seeking books like Outlander will love. 

In the near future, a civil servant is assigned to a project that involves working with "expats" from across history to uncover whether time travel is possible. 

Her assignment as a "bridge" means working closely with an expat named "1847" or Commander Graham Gore. 

Commander Gore, who died on Sir John Franklin's Arctic expedition in 1845, is bewildered by living with an unmarried woman in a world of unfamiliar inventions like washing machines and Spotify.

With a colorful cast of characters, this debut novel promises a blend of romance, spy thriller, comedy, and philosophical exploration. 

Release Date- 7 May 2024

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In this thrilling standalone fantasy adventure from Brandon Sanderson, readers are promised a time travel adventure story reminiscent of Jason Bourne with a twist of time travel.

A man wakes up in medieval England with no memory of his past.

Pursued by enemies from his own time, he must rely on his wits and the help of locals to uncover the truth and survive.

With fragments of a guidebook to aid him, he races against time to unlock the secrets of his identity and escape his mysterious predicament.

Release Date- 25 June 2024

In Madison's enchanting debut, history professor Cecily Bridge-Davis unearths a haunting family secret: a generational curse that transports one member back in time with each passing generation.

Armed with nothing but a family Bible and a cryptic map, Cecily embarks on a quest to unravel her family's legacy.

Release Date- 3 September 2024

This new time travel romance novel is recommended for fans of The Dead Romantics and readers who love a quirky protagonist.

Delphie finds herself in the afterlife after an unfortunate accident.

With the clock ticking, Delphie embarks on a journey back to earth to find him, hoping for a second chance at love and life.

Release Date- 2 July 2024

Clementine is navigating a devastating loss. To remedy that she vows to stay busy, work hard, and find someone decent to love.

But when she meets a charming man in her late aunt's apartment, she faces a rather unusual dilemma—he exists in the past from seven years ago.

As they navigate their unconventional relationship, Clementine contemplates love and timing in this magical novel that made our best books of the year list.

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If 13 Going on 30 was your favorite movie, you will love this new Sophie Cousens novel.

Tired of her mundane life, Lucy Young stumbles upon a wishing machine and makes a wish to skip to the best part of her life. 

Lucy is thrilled when she wakes up to find herself in a seemingly perfect future, complete with a handsome husband, a successful career, and adorable children. 

However, as she navigates this new reality, she questions whether skipping ahead is the right choice.

In this YA rom-com, Charlotte and JT are thrown into adulthood after a mishap while decorating for prom. 

As high school seniors who are transported 13 years into the future, it is a surprise to wake up as a 30-year-old engaged to their high school nemesis. 

As they discover more about each other, they question whether they can return to their high school selves and what that might mean for their relationship. 

Readers have praised Natalie Naudus's audiobook performance in this Mindy’s Book Studio selection as a delight.

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In Arsén's debut, mathematical theory intertwines with time travel, guiding readers through one woman's transformative journey from scientist's daughter to NASA programmer.

When she discovers a wormhole, Annie must navigate the complexities of love and loss through this uniquely created time travel experience.

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The story begins with this shimmering line, "The loss of my mother is like a missing tooth: an absence I can feel at all times, but one I can hide as long as I keep my mouth shut."

Faye is a thirtysomething woman with two daughters and a husband training to be a clergyman.

But unlike her husband, Faye doesn't believe in God, and her logical, scientific brain means she struggles with an unusual predicament.

Faye has been reuniting with her mother, whom she lost as a child, through a unique time machine portal...a cardboard box in her attic.

This experience brings her into 1977, the year before her mother's death, where Faye can finally connect with her long-lost mother and her younger self.

Fisher writes time travel sequences in an Alice and Wonderland way as she slowly (and then dramatically) pulls you into another world.

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Tia Williams's new book, A Love Song for Ricki Wilde, garnered some of her inspiration from this 1989 romance selection.

A woman finds herself stranded in an English church after a breakup, yearning for a knight in shining armor to rescue her.

Little does she know, her fate is about to take an extraordinary turn when Nicholas Stafford, Earl of Thornwyck, a dashing knight from the sixteenth century, appears before her.

Many romance readers encourage getting the original published copy if you can. The story was expanded by 50 pages in the newer editions, which slowed down the pacing for many readers.

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Alice Stern is approaching her fortieth birthday in this big-hearted novel, and life isn't what she expected.

Despite her comfortable job and friendship with her beloved BFF Sam, she feels like something is missing.

These feelings could be because she's sitting by her father's hospital bed as he nears the end of his life.

After a night of too much drinking, Alice wakes up to find herself in her sixteen-year-old body on the morning of her sixteenth birthday, greeted by her younger and healthier father.

Seeing him through the eyes of her forty-year-old mind, Alice questions whether she genuinely understands her father and finds a new appreciation for who he is.

If you like your time travel light on science and big on heart, this book is for you.

This backlist book is gorgeous, original, and profoundly moving.

In 1975, Lux Lysander is a single mother struggling to make ends meet who spontaneously decides to take a solo trip to Sonoma Valley.

She doesn’t expect to find that just beyond a thick fog on her adventure is a community frozen in time in the year 1906.

Lux is stunned to learn that the residents of Greengage have been stuck in the early twentieth century. She finds herself drawn into their simple world.

The reader follows Lux as she travels back and forth through time, finding love in a different era and learning the consequences of living in parallel worlds.

This novel has many lovely plot twists, and the ending Gideon carves for the end is movie-worthy.

Jake Epping is a high school English teacher who receives a gruesome essay from one of his adult GED students. The chilling story documents a horrific event that occurred fifty years ago.

Shortly after this strange classroom encounter, Jake discovers a portal to 1958 in his friend Al's restaurant.

His friend enlists Jake to travel back in time and prevent the Kennedy assassination. You will be on a suspenseful journey filled with many unexpected plot twists in this Stephen King adventure story.

Once you finish the novel, check out the miniseries from Hulu starring James Franco.

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Written in 1979, this classic novel is one of the best science fiction stories you will ever read. 

Dana is a Black woman married to a white man in the late sixties.

After becoming dizzy one day, she finds herself transported to the South in 1815 when a little boy, Rufus, is drowning in a river.

This is just the first of many visits that will take her back into the 1800s when Dana is not free.

Butler layers a riveting dimension by giving Dana a white husband.

When they are transported together, he must act as her enslaver. It's what makes this book such a page-turner!

You can join us for the 2024 Book Club discussion as we discuss this time travel classic this year.

If you are a fan of police procedural stories or love a good serial killer book, this time travel series is for you.

In A Murder in Time, Kendra Donovan, a brilliant FBI agent, suffers a setback in her career after a disastrous raid that leaves her wounded and half her team dead.

Seeking revenge, she travels to England to take out the person responsible, but things take an unexpected turn when she finds herself transported back in time to 1815 and stuck in Aldrich Castle.

Mistaken for a lady's maid, in this new era, Kendra must adapt to her new life in the 19th century and try to figure out how to return to her own time.

However, her investigative skills are tested when a young girl is found dead on the castle grounds, and Kendra realizes that she may have a greater purpose than expected in this new time period.

In the Scottish Highlands of 1945, Claire Randall, a British combat nurse, embarks on a second honeymoon with her husband.

But when she accidentally steps through a standing stone, she finds herself transported to 1743, a time of war where she must navigate as an outlander in a land fraught with danger

Caught between these two eras, Claire must navigate her heart's desires in this historical romance filled with adventures that have made it a beloved modern-day classic.

I loved the first novel in this spicy historical romance series, and hope to continue the Outlander book series with the next eight books.

In 1970, Carly Sears, a young widow from the Vietnam War, received the devastating news that her unborn baby girl has a heart defect with no cure.

However, her brother-in-law physicist proposes a solution that challenges Carly's preconceived beliefs about time.

He shares with her that surgery can be done, but this surgery won't be available until 2001.

With his help, Carly time travels so her child can be part of this experimental surgery.

Of course, nothing is guaranteed, but Carly will do anything to save her daughter.

This historical fiction novel has a surprisingly grounded time travel aspect, approaching the time travel trope with believability, as it fractures relationships with those she left behind.

Searle's version of time travel is light and frothy without a repeating loop sequence, but just a single vision that imagines a different world for our main character in five years.

Dannie Kohan has always been a planner. She lives by the numbers and never strays from her carefully laid path.

So when her job interview goes just as planned, and she accepts her boyfriend's marriage proposal, she knows she is on track to achieve those five-year goals.

But that very successful evening, Dannie had a vivid vision of herself in five years, and her imagined future was turned upside down.

In this sequence, Dannie wakes up in a different apartment with a different engagement ring and a different man by her side.

The year is 2025, five years in the future, and Dannie doesn't even recognize her own life or the man she's with.

This is not a love story but one of great platonic love and the power of our deep, lasting friendships, which sustain us throughout our lives.

This book is a good choice for a reader who needs a quick win that will not ask a lot of you and will not take you too far into elaborate time travel dimensions.

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On New Year's Eve, Oona celebrates her 19th birthday but wakes up in her 51-year-old body, living 32 years in the future.

Each year, she jumps to a different age while internally feeling like she's still 19.

As Oona navigates her life out of order, she discovers the importance of family, the power of love, and the beauty in finding oneself.

This selection is for readers that don't need an answer to the WHY on the time travel experience, but are here for the journey.

Like many readers, The Time Traveler’s Wife was my first dip into this trope.

I still vividly remember my emotional reaction to the storyline and how much it moved me.

Henry's altered timeline can change the past, but doing so has unpredictable and often negative consequences for the future.

This involuntary time travel experience is what makes this so captivating.

Niffenegger weaves the intricacies of time travel with the emotional depth of the characters' relationship, making this a beloved favorite for any time travel enthusiast.

I still count this among my favorite reads of all time.

GoodReads reviewers highly rated this thriller and was inspired by a horrific true crime case.

Lily Bradley's seemingly perfect life in her affluent community is shattered when a newcomer is found dead, and her husband, Tom, discovers the body.

She grapples with her suspicions and realizes that her husband may be hiding secrets, crumbling their façade.

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This powerful collection of short stories is written by bestselling historical fiction authors. The stories offer readers a chance to meet remarkable women who defied barriers in art, war, science, love, and justice.

There are 7 new novellas in the Blaze Collection, and this is one of the highest rated from the 7 books offered.

In this one-hour mystery, Frances Gleser Lee defies societal expectations to become the mother of forensic science.

As a new Harvard instructor, she challenges six male students to solve a murder using her accurate crime scene dioramas, proving that every detail matters in solving a crime.

Related- The Remarkable Murder Mystery That Changed Everything (Podcast)

In this standalone short story, readers can continue through the life of Bubbles from Johnson's novel, House of Eve.

Bubbles, a single mother in segregated Virginia, defies her family's expectations and embraces motherhood despite societal pressures.

With courage and determination, she escapes from the home she was sent to and finds strength in her talent for singing, using it to provide a better life for her daughter.

While connected to her historical fiction novel, you can still read this short story from the Blaze Collection independently.

If you have caught the bug for books like The Women, Skenandore shares her unique medical background as a nurse in this historical fiction novel.

Forced to flee from the law, she cunningly infiltrates Bellevue Hospital's nursing program, where she discovers unexpected compassion and purpose.

Skenandore skillfully crafts a plot with historical accuracy and brings to life the evolution of the nursing field.

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This IndieNext Pick is Everhart's successful debut Southern fiction novel that could be a great fit for fans of The Secret Life of Bees.

In the 1960s, in Alabama, eleven-year-old Dixie coped with her dysfunctional family story by becoming a masterful liar.

When her mother finally decides to leave her father and her Uncle Ray arrives, Dixie's world darkens further as more family secrets come to light.

Readers should note the content warnings, which include sexual abuse.

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Howard crafts a heartwarming tale of unlikely companionship between Lewis Madigan, a young gay man down on his luck, and his cantankerous neighbor, Chester Wheeler, who's battling terminal cancer.

Forced together by circumstance, they embark on a life-changing road trip from Buffalo to Arizona, where Chester seeks closure with his ex-wife.

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Jacinta is a woman in her forties facing a fresh start after her divorce and her son's departure to college.

When she becomes the caretaker of a mysterious old mansion in a small town, she discovers unexpected magic and embarks on a dangerous adventure that will change her life forever.

With humor, adventure, and relatable characters, this book promises to celebrate midlife women embracing new beginnings and forging new paths.

Yes, I did download this immediately!

This icy murder mystery is the first novel in the DC Morgan book series.

This captivating whodunit focuses on a murder investigation that sparks a web of suspicion among residents.

With tensions between Welsh locals and English vacation homeowners at play, detectives Ffion and Leo must navigate personal feelings about the case and each other while solving the case.

Readers should note that this novel has a large cast of characters, but Mackintosh delivers and brings the story together for her readers. You can read more about Mackintosh's process in my interview with the author on her page-turning novel, I Let You Go!

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Louisa May Alcott's timeless classic follows the heartwarming tale of the four March sisters—Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy—as they navigate the trials and triumphs of sisterhood, love, and coming of age during the Civil War era.

Grab a digital copy so you can highlight all the sage advice from Marmee!

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In this enemies-to-lovers romance, Winslow Covington is Quincy, Montana’s new police chief.

Unexpectedly, she has a passionate night with Griffin Eden, the oldest son of the town’s founding family, which creates unusual dynamics in her role.

As they navigate their complicated relationship, she must also unravel the mystery of a string of suspicious deaths in the town.

With alternating points of view and a steamy romance, this romantic suspense novel is the first in six books in The Edens series that has received glowing reviews from romance readers.

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In this slow-burn mystery debut, Silvia is a struggling actress in 1956 Rome who lands a role in a horror movie set on her aunt's sprawling castle property.

When her aunt suddenly disappears, Silvia becomes an amateur sleuth between scenes, investigating the eerie occurrences among the film crew to uncover the truth.

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Note that the entire The Improbable Meet-Cute Collection is also available on Prime Audio and can be borrowed as part of your ten Prime library options.

Just in time for Valentine's Day, this 61-page short story is the perfect pick-me-up while you wait for the release of Just for the Summer!

Holly, a hospice nurse, is now bedside for her grandmother's final moments.

On Valentine's Day, a mistaken note left on her windshield sparks a charming exchange between Holly and the sender, leading to an unexpected connection.

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Longtime personal assistant Georgie Mulcahy's world is turned upside down, propelling her back to her hometown.

Encountering a diary from her teenage years, Georgie is inspired to embrace a new direction.

Joined by an unexpected accomplice, they embark on a journey to let go of the past and discover that what truly matters might be right beside them.

This 101-page novella is among the highest rated from The Improbable Meet-Cute collection.

An endearing email exchange develops between two people who serendipitously connect on Valentine's Day starting in 2014.

As their correspondence evolves it becomes an annual tradition, offering glimpses into their lives, dreams, and growing connection.

If you fall in love with Christina Lauren's writing, be sure to check our The Best One Bed Trope Books for Romance Lovers for more books from this writing duo.

Claire Cook's glamorous façade hides a tumultuous reality.

As she plans to escape her controlling husband, a chance airport encounter leads to a daring ticket switch with another desperate woman.

However, a fateful plane crash propels Claire into a new existence, assuming a stranger's identity and confronting the hidden secrets that come with it.

Enter a Freaky Friday switch of identities and watch each of them try to foster new paths.

Of course, not all is as it seems and one might find themselves in just as much danger.

This 5-star thriller is a fast page-turner and should be at the top of your list, especially if you are in a summer reading slump.

After being left at the altar, Lauren struggles as she faces a lot of unexpected disappointment and pain.

Amidst this unexpected life twist, Rudy, her compassionate driver, emerges as a thoughtful conversationalist that helps empower Lauren to make significant life changes that reader's loved.

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The story opens immediately with a child showing up at a woman's temporary home where she is residing while studying research on nesting birds .

Dirty and sickly looking, Ursa says that she is an alien who has taken over the body of a dead girl and has been granted access to Earth to witness five miracles before returning to her country.

It's Vanderah's eloquent writing that pulled me in to this set-up to find out where this girl really was from and learn more of her story.

A reclusive neighbor is recruited to help, but they don't realize they are both broken in some way, and Ursa really does have the power to bring out these miracles.

This five-star read is a beautiful introduction to Badani's writing.

Jaya is a New York journalist who has suffered her third pregnancy loss and has found herself in a struggling marriage and emotionally drained. Desperate to relieve her anguish, she goes to India to uncover the answers of her family's past.

When she arrives, she is greeted by Ravi, a trusted former servant of her family, and he has been waiting for Jaya to share the beautiful stories of her grandmother's life.

Badani writes with beauty, kindness, and wisdom about Indian customs and the religious beliefs they have built upon. I always learn so much from her writing; she does a phenomenal job of showing India's beauty while acknowledging the harder-to-swallow truths of the caste system.

Related- My Sejal Badani Interview

I highly recommend this fun novel for fans of the Finlay Donovan series craving a light escape this Fall.

Antique store owner Cricket Crosby's world is shattered when she uncovers her husband's affair.

Determined to seek justice, she recruits her resourceful assistant Ruby, who's reinventing herself as a designer as they recruit adorably quirky locals to uncover the truth.

This novel perfectly blends humor and vintage fashion together in one charming read. If you love their adventures, check out the new second book in the series, If the Dress Fits.

Amid World War II, architect Lucien Bernard faces a dangerous commission in Nazi-occupied Paris: designing a secret hiding place for a Jewish man.

As he becomes entangled in the web of deception and moral dilemmas, Lucien's actions take on a personal dimension, forcing him to confront the actual cost of resistance and the value of human lives.

This historical fiction novel was my first book club selection. I loved this book so much that I interviewed the author, and you can read that conversation when you finish.

Related- 2024 Book Club Books Announced (Join My Amazing Book Club!!)

Young Rhea is a miller’s daughter of low birth, so she is understandably surprised when a mysterious nobleman, Lord Crevan, shows up on her doorstep and proposes marriage.

Lord Crevan demands that Rhea visit his remote manor before their wedding.

Upon arrival, she discovers that not only was her betrothed married six times before, but his previous wives were imprisoned in his enchanted castle.

Determined not to share their same fate, Rhea asserts her desire for freedom. To be free, Lord Crevan gives Rhea a series of magical tasks to complete.

With time running out and each task more dangerous and bizarre than the last, Rhea must use her resourcefulness to rally the other wives and defeat the sorcerer.

In search of their dream home, newlyweds Tricia and Ethan become trapped in a remote manor during a brutal winter storm.

As they explore, Tricia stumbles upon a hidden room filled with audio transcripts from Dr. Adrienne Hale's patients, leading her down a chilling path of revelations.

The haunting puzzle of Dr. Hale's disappearance unfolds with each tape, culminating in a final cassette that exposes the spine-tingling truth.

Readers craving a spooky escape will devour this new 58-page short story from horror writer Joe Hill.

Willy's desperate yearning for a child takes a nightmarish turn when he's loaned a decrepit baby stroller to cart his groceries home.

When he hears the eerie coos of an impossible baby stir, Willy faces unsettling questions about the price of his wishes coming true.

This is part of the newly issued Creature Feature Amazon Original Story Collection for Halloween. Browse them all, including a new Josh Malerman book!

This compelling collection of essays offers a candid and insightful exploration of America's turbulent cultural and political landscape of the 1960s and 1970s.

Through her distinctive prose and keen observations, Didion delves into subjects as diverse as the Manson Family murders, the counterculture, and her personal experiences.

This is one of the highest-rated Joan Didion essay collections based on reader feedback.

Readers craving a cozy mystery will delight in this first novel in A Secret, Book, and Scone Society series.

In a quaint North Carolina town, Miracle Books is where Nora Pennington prescribes the perfect novels to mend wounded souls.

Nora forms the Secret, Book, and Scone Society when a businessman's mysterious death shakes the community.

As they unveil a web of corruption, they uncover their purpose in this small town.

Filmmaker Sidney Ryan takes on the task of clearing Grace Sebold, a woman convicted of murder, in the most-watched documentary in television history.

In "The Girl of Sugar Beach," the riveting and record-breaking television documentary takes center stage, posing a captivating question: Did Grace Sebold commit murder on a Spring Break vacation, or is she a victim of a flawed justice system?

This highly-rated thriller is recommended for fans of Alice Feeney and delivers a great final twist.

Taylor Swift's songs inspire this Booktok romance novel.

The story follows Meredith as she navigates a summer wedding on Martha's Vineyard, where their family plays an annual assassin game.

When an alliance with a charming groomsman draws her attention away from the family's game, Meredith must decide between winning the game in honor of her late sister's legacy or risking her heart.

During a pivotal moment during World War II, President Roosevelt orchestrates an unconventional operation utilizing librarians and microfilm specialists as spies.

Among them, Maria Alves, a microfilm expert, is dispatched to Lisbon to gather critical intelligence from Axis publications.

Partnered with Tiago Soares, a Portuguese bookstore owner engaged in aiding Jewish refugees, Maria's path becomes entangled with danger and romance.

In Washington, D.C., Sarah Morgan excels as a powerful defense attorney, while her husband, Adam, struggles as an unsuccessful writer.

As their relationship falters due to Sarah's demanding career, Adam becomes entangled in a passionate affair with Kelly Summers.

Shocking events unfold when Kelly is discovered murdered, thrusting Sarah into her most challenging case: defending her husband against accusations of his mistress's brutal killing.

This is the first book in the Mr. Wrong Number series.

This enemies-to-lovers romance follows the story of a woman who finds an unexpected anonymous relationship through a wrong number text that turns out to be her best friend's brother.

The novel offers witty banter as things get steamy, and Colin has to decide whether he is going to pursue her or ghost her before this relationship gets too messy.

I don't think this should be read as a standalone romance- be sure to read the first book in the Mr. Wrong Number series first as there are overlapping characters.

The book opens with a steamy first night between Hallie and Jack, who end up having a sexy adventure in a hotel bedroom at a wedding reception dinner where Hallie is bartending.  

While Hallie claims to be a little fuzzy on the details due to too many drinks, she remembers enough about this one-night stand to find Jack’s profile on a dating app when she finally decides to get serious about her own dating life. 

One message leads to another as the two support each other in their online dating lives and gamify the experience to see who can find “the one” first.  

Of course, as you might expect, these moments become their favorite part of the night, but what seals their fate is their decision to fake date for an upcoming wedding that blurs the friendship boundaries. 

I recommend the audiobook where Kristen DiMercurio and Zachary Webber narrate these shifting POVs that enhance the chemistry between these two characters. 

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This low-drama novel leans heavily into some fun rom-com movie tropes. 

Izzy impulsively claims someone else's drink at Starbucks, leading to a fateful encounter with the attractive Blake Phillips. 

However, when Blake mistakes her for "Amy" the next day, Izzy finds herself in a tangled web of lies that threatens her dream job and budding romance.

At this time, this novel is availabe as part of the Kindle Unlimited catalog.

We were so lucky that my co-host @getbookedwithlarry got an advanced copy of this novel, and he praised it for its witty banter and steamy scenes. 

Sophie's wedding takes an unexpected turn when Max intervenes, revealing her fiancé's betrayal and calling off the ceremony. 

As they navigate the aftermath, Sophie discovers Max's surprising side job as a wedding objector and finds herself drawn to him despite her skepticism about love.

Their encounters become increasingly charged with chemistry, yet they deny romantic feelings until circumstances force them to confront the undeniable attraction.

Join the Patreon to get a monthly reading guide with reviews on the latest upcoming releases. It is our version of the "Scholastic Book Fair" catalog for adults!

Release Date- 12 March 2024

This new Lynn Painter YA book takes readers on a rollercoaster of romance and friendship in this rom-com book!

Seventeen-year-old Bailey starts a new job at a hotel waterpark, where she reunites with her old acquaintance, Charlie.

Sparks fly as they make a bet on love, but Charlie's hidden secret could shake up everything.

I have to mention that this novel ticks all the right note for time travel tv and movie enthusiasts.

Emilie's meticulously planned life takes a sharp turn on Valentine's Day when a series of unfortunate events begins to unfold.

From a car crash to heartbreak, she finds herself trapped in a time loop, reliving the same disastrous day over and over.

As she struggles to break free, Emilie must confront her deepest fears and discover whether there's a limit to second chances.

The best part is that she just might find love along the way!

Despite this being a time loop story, the audiobook offers an easy-to-follow listening experience.

Related- Time Loop Books List (12 Incredible Titles)

This is the first book in the Better Than The Movies series.

It's no secret that this is my favorite Lynn Painter book, and I'm so grateful for the whole summer of memories we created around it. 

Liz Buxbaum has always known that her next-door neighbor, Wes Bennett, is not the type of guy she should be interested in. 

However, when Liz’s senior year of high school arrives and her crush, Michael, returns to town she realizes that she needs Wes’s help to finally get noticed by Michael.

If all goes according to plan, she could score her dream prom date.

As these two work together to make Liz’s prom dreams come true, she realizes that she actually enjoys being around Wes and begins questioning everything she thought she knew about love.

Please print out our Better Than the Movies PDF printable, which is a one-of-a-kind experience and shares where to stream each iconic film! 

This is the second novel in the series, and I ABSOLUTELY think you should read book one first!

In the highly anticipated sequel, Liz & Wes had a few blissful months together, but tragedy strikes just before they head to UCLA for their freshman year.

Now Wes is determined to mend the heartache he caused Liz. And what could woo Liz more than a few grand gestures inspired by her favorite rom-coms?

I have a feeling my movie list will have a sequel, too.

Today's book list is dedicated to my favorite novel of 2023, and I hope you'll tune in for our moving conversation with the author on Book Gang. 

In Habeck's thoughtful literary fiction debut, animal mutations can occur in humans. 

Habeck writes a stunning portrait of a woman navigating her husband's shark mutation diagnosis as he navigates daily life as his body rapidly evolves.

As we discover more about her past, we learn how this moment has rippled throughout her life. 

I know each reader will take something different from this reading experience.
I saw this book as a love letter to the incredible caretakers who help us troubleshoot diagnoses and daily life.

As a personal testimony, I have never seen MY love story on a page, but it made me see my incredible husband's caretaking role in a new light. 

If you are a show patron, don't miss our Spoiler-Filled episode with Emily, where we discuss the Shark Heart ending and some surprising reasons for her writing choices that I'm so thankful she shared with us.

Related- The Best Debuts of 2023

This week, I'm loving this new Meg Shaffer book that gathers inspiration from C.S. Lewis's The Chronicles of Narnia.

The story eerily opens with Jeremy, a missing-person investigator, being confronted by a woman named Emilie, whose sister vanished in a mysterious forest.

Jeremy doesn't just investigate, though; he had a personal experience where he and his best friend vanished fifteen years ago in that same forest.

These two lost boys were gone for six months, and reuniting them now may hold Emilie's key to finding her sister.

Shaffer uses a similar storytelling mechanism from her first book, interspersing a section called the Storyteller's Corner that weaves in fairytale chapters that inform the reader of story details that will make you feel like a kid again.

Release Date- 16 July 2024

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Ricki Wilde is the heir to the Wilde Funeral Dynasty but unexpectedly decides to go after her dream of opening a flower shop in Harlem.

Amidst the rich history of the neighborhood and a blossoming romance, Ricki finds solace and support in an unexpected mentor.

This new romance novel sends readers down an unexpected path from the author of Seven Days of June, where love and magic intertwine.

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When Lauren returns home to her flat in London late one night, she is greeted at the door by her husband, Michael.

The problem is that she's not married and never met him.

As she tries to figure out why the man is there, he goes into the attic to change a bulb, and a new husband emerges.

Readers follow the ever-changing lineup of husbands from her attic, as Lauren discovers more about about this sequence and herself.

Release Date- 2 April 2024

Related- Meet Our New Book Gang

This Western blends magical realism into the history of a Mexican family spanning generations.

From a ruthless mine owner to a 1960s movie star grappling with his family's dark past, readers are taken on an epic journey through the Old West.

Readers have loved how this novel tackles big themes like racism and legacy that resonate deeply even now.

Cecily Bridge-Davis is a history professor in 1964 who uncovers her family's dark secret: a curse sends one member back in time every generation.

Cecily must navigate her family history with only a family Bible and a map offering mysterious containers scattered through time.

Through this magical plot, Madison's debut weaves a race against time to break the curse and free her family forever.

Release Date- 3 September 2024

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I became drawn to Emily Henry's writing through this young adult novel that offers a modern-day Romeo and Juliet retelling.

When June runs into Saul Angert (quite literally), she is immediately attracted to him, despite her family's only rule that she never spends any time with an Angert.

Each family has its reasons for their anger, but June and Saul find that they can't stay away from each other, no matter how hard they try.

As Saul becomes increasingly connected with June's world, they discover a magical way to see and reflect on the past in each of their families.

This novel from Colson Whitehead is best experienced on audio, but prepare to weep.

The author envisions a TRUE railroad experience as the underground railroad with conductors and train stops.

Each time a passenger departs, they experience a town with its own rules.

In one town, you could be respected for your education. In another, you are the punchline to a show in the park.

It immerses the reader in experiencing that shaky ground that Whitehead crafted from the altogether real and painful true story of the enslaved.

Rebecca Serle is known for her magical stories, and this backlist book was my favorite from the author.

Sabrina's thirtieth birthday celebration takes an unexpected turn when she finds herself dining with the bucket list of people she would pick to share a meal with (living or dead).

Prepare for an iconic Audrey Hepburn dinner moment.

As the evening unfolds, Sabrina acknowledges her past relationships through these conversations with her guests, revealing a grounded emotional plot in this whimsical dinner.

This novel defies categorization, so don't be surprised when you find it featured repeatedly on our book lists.

In 2019, Kate escaped her abusive partner in London and found solace in Weyward Cottage, bequeathed by a distant relative.

Surrounded by nature's embrace, Kate unravels the cottage's secrets from the witch-hunting days of the 16th century to discover her great aunt's hidden legacy.

Ward's unique eye for evocative gothic settings blends beautifully with the natural world.

Related- Best Debut Novels of 2023

I have read and loved every single one of the Steven Rowley books, but none have captured my heart like this debut did.

It's rare to see that even the publisher coyly tells readers very little to allow space for your reading journey.

Can we bring that back as a literary trend when writing descriptions?

Keeping with that theme, Ted has an extraordinary relationship with his dog, Lily, who feels very human-like.

When Lily is in peril, Ted and Lily take a magical journey that will break your heart for all the right reasons.

This grown-up Charlotte's Web features an orphan raised by a pack of wolves, one of many reasons Weylyn can't seem to fit in with others.

When he finds that he can single-handedly stop a tornado with his powers, he realizes how different he is.

Luckily, he discovers a forever friend in a little girl named Mary, who sustains his unusual life path.

As he struggles to navigate adulthood, Mary stands beside his side, and readers discover more about his special gift through the eyes of many characters in this town.

Related- 17 Stunning Friendship Stories

A devastating accident abruptly halted Miranda's once-promising acting career.

Her medical practitioners try everything to rid her of pain, and when her pain persists, they blame her for not #girlbossing hard enough.

Now suffering from unrelenting back pain, a fractured marriage, and an unwelcome dependence on painkillers, she feels friendless and alone.

Nursing her bruised ego, she wanders into a bar where she encounters three mysterious men who offer a tantalizing promise: freedom from pain.

When Mona wakes up the next day, her body feels better than ever.

The only problem is that all the people who have made her life difficult now are cursed and begin to experience Mona's suffering.

Admittedly, the novel's second half takes a surreal, chaotic turn as many of Awad's books do.

Despite that, I found the journey emotionally resonant as someone who has experienced disbelief while dealing with chronic pain.

Related- Cozy Reading With Chronic Pain Guide

I know that this magical realism novel is polarizing as I have two friends who have haunted me since I recommended it, but I loved this book so much despite the unusual ending to the story.

If science fiction bends aren't for you, skip this one.

But there is also a reason it lands on every book list about magical realism: Bender does it so well.

On Rose's ninth birthday, her mother makes her favorite lemon cake. As Rose eagerly dives into the cake, hot from the oven, and takes a bite, this bite changes her life forever.

Within that bite, she can feel an aching sadness and sorrow that goes back to the baker...her mother.

As she struggles with her gift, she discovers other surprising magical secrets about her family.

I've heard from many readers that they struggled with connection to this story, and I always ask- did you read the audiobook?

The audiobook narration by Marin Ireland & Michael Urie will change your experience with this book entirely.

The story explores the unlikely friendship between a giant Pacific octopus, Marcellus, and a 70-year-old woman, Tova.

Near the end of his expected lifespan, Marcellus is in captivity at the aquarium, where Tova works as a cleaner.

As she struggles with losing her husband and her son's disappearance, Tova forms a special bond with the octopus, who may hold the key to solving the mystery of her son's disappearance.

Urie's audiobook narration and distinct diction from the octopus viewpoint are impeccable.

Jack Masterson is a famous middle-grade writer whose life is in a downward spiral. He has not written a story in years, or that is what the world has thought.

In truth, he's been scheming a brand new contest for his most beloved fans to compete for a brand new book he has written.

When a financially struggling teacher receives an invitation to compete for a book that could garner a life-changing sum, she heads to Clock Island to compete.

Listen to my Meg Shaffer interview on the Book Gang podcast- it was one of my favorite moments on our show.

Related- 22 Enthralling Books Set on Islands

This grounded story is set in the early 1960s when a female chemist struggles to garner respect among her colleagues.

Sparks fly when she partners on a research project, but this love story doesn't work out as the reader expects.

One of the unique viewpoints to this book's most significant twist in their love story is the magical narration from her dog, Six-Thirty, which surprised readers and watchers alike.

Allen is known best for her ability to weave compelling family dramas with magical elements.

This first novel in the Waverly Family series is a reader favorite, but once you discover her writing, you have many more books to enjoy.

Sydney and her daughter Bay seek refuge with her estranged sister Claire after escaping an abusive relationship.

The magical bend to this story is that their family garden holds mystical secrets and a legacy that weaves its threads into every fiber of this charming story.

Readers equate the experience with this magical family as enchanting as Steel Magnolias meets Practical Magic.

Let's be honest: This list could be made up of Alice Hoffman books and be a complete assignment.

I'm choosing this selection that blends historical fiction with magic for this reading prompt.

Set against the backdrop of World War II, this novel follows the journey of a golem created to protect a 12-year-old girl throughout this harrowing time.

Hoffman entrances readers with an introduction to Jewish folklore that has made it among her most beloved historical fiction novels.

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If you are craving a joyful Jewish book for your book club- this historical fiction book is it.

In this dual timeline story, Sara, a gifted matchmaker in 1910s New York, hides her abilities in her male-dominated profession.

In a 1990s timeline, her granddaughter Abby, a modern divorce attorney, begins to uncover Sara's journals.

As she learns more, she realizes she may have a gift of her own that complicates her work as an attorney.

After you finish, listen to our Lynda Cohen Logiman interview to discover the rich history of Jewish matchmaking that she confidently weaves into her story.

Related- 2023 Book Club Books

If you need a great audiobook, try this Read With Jenna book, which our book club adored in our 2020 Book Club.

When Lillian receives a surprising letter from her former roommate, Madison, asking for help with her twins, she's thrown into an unexpected situation: the girls spontaneously combust when agitated.

Despite the unusual circumstances, Lillian finds purpose and warmth in caring for them, leading to a heartwarming relationship among the characters.

Don't miss our deep dive on celebrity book clubs, one of our top Book Gang podcast episodes.

Related- The Best Books About Art and Artists

Eowyn Ivey's debut novel was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize and is one of my all-time favorite books.

After reading it a second time this winter to prepare for our 2024 book club year, I can attest that this book holds up.

Jack and Mabel, navigating their grief with pregnancy loss, decide to take up a homesteading journey in Alaska to begin anew.

One night, they sculpt a child from snow.

To their surprise, a magical girl who looks unexpectedly similar to the imagined snow girl appears on their doorstep.

This 2024 Book Club Book soared to the top of my favorite magical realism books last year, and I am so excited that Annie Hartnett is joining us in conversation to talk about all of its magical turns.

Mark Bramhall's charming audiobook narration breathes warmth into the whimsical tale of Emma navigating her father's hallucinations that have magical roots, unleashing chaos in small-town New Hampshire.

The small town comes alive through an unusual magical realism narration tool that offers the reader a unique lens to view this hilarious adventure.

Trust me, it will be one of the best books you read this year.

Magical realism meets family drama in the enchanting town of Macondo.

This Latin American story spans 100 years, taking readers through seven generations of the Buendia Family that readers feel drawn to repeatedly.

Please note that this essay highlights magical realism stereotypes in new Latin American literature, which I have been mindful of today while still including some well-known classics for today's list.

Translated by Magda Bogin, readers have described this as difficult not to compare to Gabriel García Márquez.

Allende's tale follows four generations of two extraordinary families in this sprawling family saga.

Set in Chile, the story weaves beautiful elements of magical realism that have become so beloved this book is part of school curricula.

To immerse yourself further, watch the House of the Spirits movie (filmed in 1993), which boasts an incredible all-star cast including Jeremy Irons, Meryl Streep, Glenn Close, Winona Ryder, Antonio Banderas, and Vanessa Redgrave.

This magical journey won the Man Booker Prize in 1991 and introduces readers to Azaro, a 'spirit child' torn between the realms of life and death.

The story's symbolism reflects the cyclical struggles of postcolonial Africa.

But if this book's premise doesn't pull you in, one of my favorite reviews left on the book shared, "This novel is Kafka meeting Marquez on a canvas prepared by Dali, with a bit of Stephen King added for seasoning."

This is a Pulitzer Prize winning novel from Toni Morrison.

Sethe, formerly enslaved, grapples with her haunting past as she tries to forge a new life for herself and her daughter.

When a mysterious young woman named Beloved appears, claiming to be her deceased child returned from the dead, the boundaries between reality and the supernatural blur.

This 647-page novel introduces readers to Saleem Sinai, born at the stroke of midnight on the day of India's independence.

It turns out, all children born at that precise moment possess extraordinary powers.

Rushdie's lyrical prose takes readers through the tumultuous history of India, where magical realism collides with the country's political upheaval.

Murakami's novel intertwines reality with elements of fantasy like talking cats, mysterious disappearances, and dreamlike sequences.

Our first Murakami novel was brought to our Reading Hacks for Chronic Pain episode, where my guest shared that Hard-Boiled Wonderland and The End of the World was her favorite of the author's works.

After such high praise, I plan to tackle that book first, but I also have this one on my radar.

We would also like to congratulate Thao Thai on being selected for the Read With Jenna Book Club July 2023 pick!

Banyan Moon is a character-driven novel with evocative gothic themes that will transport any reader to its stunning landscape.

This emotional debut novel follows three generations of Vietnamese American women grappling with the death of their matriarch, Minh.

As Minh's granddaughter, Ann faces a crossroads in her seemingly perfect life, she returns home to Florida to help her estranged mother clean out the estate.

When they begin cleaning out the rundown manor, they unravel some long-buried secrets in the Banyan House.

Through Minh's perspective, readers are given a cinematic snapshot into the everyday life of people surrounded by the harrowing hardships of the Vietnam War that builds a deeper connection to her character, even though she is gone.

Most importantly, the story reminds us that there is still beauty and normalcy in the strange ways we can adapt to adversities.

Learn more in today’s Book Gang interview as we discuss what was most important to capture when telling the story of the Vietnam War and the generations that followed.

If you love a captivating audiobook experience, this novel offers a multi-cast narration that enhanced my reading experience. It's the kind of book you can finish in one afternoon.

On the show, Thao described this as "an engrossing story about a determined matrilineal line that blends beauty and darkness for the reader."

In 2019, Kate escaped her abusive partner in London and found solace in Weyward Cottage, bequeathed by a distant relative.

Surrounded by nature's embrace, Kate unravels the cottage's secrets from the witch-hunting days of the 16th century to the rich discovery of her great aunt's hidden legacy.

This well-researched historical fiction debut follows Henry Gaunt and Sidney Ellwood, classmates at an all-boys boarding school.

When the boys are sent off to war, they navigate a consuming and confusing infatuation for each other.

With harrowing depictions in the trenches, we are given an insider snapshot of the lasting impact of war on these boys long after they leave and how they navigate homosexuality in 1914 during World War I.

The story is told beautifully through switching viewpoints, newspaper articles, and moving letters from the trenches.

It would make it an impactful pick for book clubs and LGBTQ History Month for discussion.

Related- The Best Books for LGBTQ History Month

If East of Eden was your favorite classic, take advantage of this 2023 debut! 

Seventeen-year-old Victoria is the sole female in a household of men on her family's thriving peach farm in the 1940s.

When Victoria finds herself in a chance encounter with Wilson Moon, a Native American drifter, she feels an immediate attraction to him.

Despite their bond, they soon face the harsh realities of racism in their close-knit community, an insurmountable challenge when her abusive brother becomes involved.

As their circumstances unfold, she is compelled to make a life-altering decision, impacting the life of another family who unexpectedly becomes a part of her story. To say more would rob you of the experience on uncovering those secrets.

Read offers well-developed landscape details that showcase her background in environmental studies.

O'Donoghue's Adult Fiction debut is just as strong as her YA books.

Inseparable friends Rachel and James are navigating life amidst the recession of 2008.

The two are so deeply intertwined that when Rachel falls for her married professor, Dr. Byrne, she and James hatch a plan to seduce him through their roles at a local bookshop.

Rachel can't wait to act on her feelings for the professor.

But, when she wanders into the back of the bookshop, she discovers her best friend entangled with her crush, beginning many years of heartbreaking secrets.

Rachel’s adult viewpoint works incredibly well as a storytelling device, where she can see her immaturity, vulnerability, and manipulation.

Is the world fixated on her, or is it just because she only thinks about herself all the time?

More importantly, I appreciated how sexual identity can look so different through the decades, as explored through these two men's stories.

Thao described this story as being told through "a beautiful communal voice that taps into the majesty of the community of Hawaii and how tight-knit it is."

In Hilo, Hawaii, young Hi’i comes of age among the mysteries of her family. She doesn’t look like many in her community with her white skin and European features.

Yet, she feels deeply tied to the kingdom of Hawaii, primarily through the dance of hula, a sacred practice that tells the stories of the past.

In her quest to win the Miss Aloha Hula competition, she struggles to find her voice as she navigates her ambitions and her family's secrets.

The book's prose is transporting, capturing all the nuance of the voices, the beauty of the landscape, and the layered tensions between all generations.

Not every debut needs to be emotional or heavy.

Rachel Koller Croft's addictive debut has already been optioned for a TV adaptation. It's a 5-star thriller that you can finish in one delicious gulp.

Bea's mother is a skilled con artist, and she's trained her well. Not only does Bea know how to catch the eye of any man, she can take his wallet in the process.

Now, Bea is ready to unlock her master con, leave behind her peppered past, and marry into old-money domesticity.

But when she sets her sights on the wealthy blue-blooded Collin Case, she finds herself locked in a dangerous game with his childhood best friend, Gale, who doesn't find Bea as enchanting.

The razor-sharp witty banter offers intricate twists and exploration of societal layers.

Croft notably knows how to write ensemble scenes, a tricky terrain for any writer, where every character shines.

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Meg Shaffer's cozy fantasy earns a well-deserved spot on our list of best debuts with its heartwarming blend of magical realism and Willy Wonka-style adventure.

Lucy Hart is a teacher's aide navigating financial struggles and trying to save money through an Etsy shop.

This business has not been lucrative enough for her to recover from her financial woes, and she needs a windfall.

When her favorite childhood author offers a once-in-a-lifetime contest that could help her finally adopt a child, she heads to Clock Island to win a never-released copy of his book.

Drawing inspiration from Episode 470 of This American Life, "Just South of the Unicorns," where Andy's real-life adventure echoes through the pages, the author dedicates this book to children who, in their darkest moments, discover a glimmer of hope within the world of books.

Don't miss these other 22 enthralling books set on islands.

Related- Meg Shaffer Author Interview

Jenny Jackson's standout debut immerses readers in the luxurious world of the ultra-rich.

Inspired by a New York Times article called "The Rich Kids Who Want to Tear Down Capitalism," Jackson weaves a captivating story about the Stockton siblings and their spouses as they navigate their privileged lives in their opulent family home on Pineapple Street.

This journey effectively documents the lives of three women from the Stockton family: Darley, who gave up her career and inheritance for motherhood; Sasha, who feels like an outsider in her new family; and Georgiana, who falls in love with someone she can't have.

As they each begin to recognize how wealth entraps or furthers their initiatives, they question how money and morals come into play. I love the contrast of new and old money in this story.

With its engaging narrative, satirical humor, and memorable characters, Pineapple Street will have you craving more WASP-y fictional shenanigans with these characters.

With her background in the publishing industry, Jackson's assured sparkling prose shines,

My co-host, Larry, brought this 5-star debut novel to our exclusive Patreon podcast, FULLY BOOKED show, where we review the buzziest and best books each month.

Maddie, a devoted daughter, is shouldering the responsibility of caring for her father with Parkinson's while juggling financial burdens and her mother's constant demands.

Despite her decision to embrace new experiences and break free from these familial constraints, Maddie finds herself trapped in unhappiness and struggles at her job.

But she soon learns the significance of belonging as she explores dating, new career aspirations, and ways to navigate her unconventional family.

This debut novel was also selected as a Read With Jenna book club pick this year.

Don’t miss our Celebrity Book Deep Dive podcast episode as we discuss Jenna’s book club and our top recommendations from 3 of the most popular book clubs.

Adele Griffin's debut in women's fiction is a remarkable exploration of surrogacy, interweaving the lives of two women from vastly different worlds.

Nora is known for her fashionable eye and loves curating vintage fashion finds for her clients. Despite her rewarding job, she is battling a hidden struggle with financial debt and infertility.

When a Manhattan socialite, Evelyn Elliot, enters the shop, she's given an insider view of the mysterious world of Manhattan's elite as she assists with special events for Evelyn.

Evelyn is equally charismatic and chaotic, but nothing could be more unpredictable than her sudden offer to be Nora's surrogate.

While this topic could feel too heavy for the reader, Griffin takes a light and caring touch to a complex portrayal of modern motherhood.

Listen to my Adele Griffin author interview on the Book Gang podcast, where we discuss her surrogacy story that inspired some threads of this gentle novel. I know you will be moved by this conversation.

Related- The Best Page Turners About Motherhood

Cesca Major's debut time travel novel is the first time loop story that I've loved in a long time.

]Emma is trapped in an endless Groundhog Day loop, reliving the same Monday as she tries to save her husband from certain death and preserve her family and work life.

It’s hard to describe why this novel impacted me so profoundly, but I believe it is tied to the stunning love story sequence Major crafts for the reader.

We follow the long and tired years of midlife marriage, from the newness of that first date to the often sagging middle years of parental demands. It's a real and relatable love story that you hope to see happily resolved.

But why it landed on this is list is that she also culminates a surprising plot twist that leaves readers gasping at the end.

Cesca joined me from London to discuss what it takes to write a great time travel book, and it was such a joy to share space with her.

Following the taping of her episode, it was announced that this was a Reese's Book Club pick and Hello, Sunshine acquired the movie rights to the novel to adapt it for Apple+

Related- Best Time Travel Books and Best Time Travel TV Shows & Movies

This charming family drama novel takes readers into the lives of a Vietnamese Canadian family in Toronto with unique POVS from each character in a family nail salon.

When a family’s beloved no-frills nail salon is threatened by the arrival of a high-end chain salon, the Trans will stop at nothing to protect their family legacy.

As their business faces gentrification and microaggressions daily, readers are forced to examine some of their own interactions.

I know you will be rooting for the Trans and their success. This novel will make you think about your personal experiences at nail salons in a whole new light.

This sweeping multigenerational saga deserves a spellbinding miniseries.

The news of eighty-one-year-old Kitty Karr Tate's passing dominates the world's headlines. She had an illustrious career as an Academy Award-winning actress, writer, television star, and philanthropist.

Yet, amidst the accolades, many speculate on the intriguing details of her past and the unsual inheritance her death offers.

Kitty leaves her entire fortune—approximately six million dollars—to the Black daughters of her former sitcom co-star.

As these young women find themselves in the limelight, they grapple with the mystery of their unexpected inheritance and why they were chosen when they were already born into immense wealth.

Debut novelist Crystal Smith Paul joined the podcast to discuss her writing process and the best historical fiction books for summer. You can read excerpts from our interview on the site.

Following our recorded interview, Did You Hear About Kitty Karr? chosen as the May Book of the Month and the May Reese's Book Club selection!

The memoirist of Wild Game weaves a mesmerizing family saga of a fractured family on the brink of a milestone birthday celebration.

In this fiction debut, Adam is a brilliant oceanographer who feels threatened as he nears his seventieth birthday. Adam is struggling to face both his own mortality and relevance in his career.

More than anything, he wants to make a final scientific breakthrough to help him not seem obsolete.

When he decides to stop his medication, he believes he has unlocked his genius. But we can see how this devastating personal decision ripples throughout his family as they navigate Adam's emotions.

What unfolds on the page is a family drama filled with big secrets and a large cast of characters that don't overwhelm the reader. Brodeur's Cape Cod settings and story feel reminiscent of her memoir in all the best ways.

I would not have believed you if you had told me I would have been stepping into a world of fierce dragon riders at a War College.

Violet Sorrengail is a twenty-year-old dragon rider who faces unique challenges due to her size and a debilitating condition that afflicts her bones and ligaments,

These same hurdles offer her intuitiveness that other riders wouldn't have as she navigates workarounds where her body fails her.

As the war outside escalates and the kingdom's defenses crumble, Violet discovers she is developing deep feelings for Xaden Riorson, the formidable wing leader of the Riders Quadrant.

With graduation or death the only certain outcomes, it's a high-stakes romantasy book that offers a wonderful escape.

While many readers will continue the series, I felt completely satisfied with the story after reading the first book.

The second book in The Empyrean series, Iron Flame, is on store shelves now.

This novel was my favorite debut of 2023.

Wren and Lewis face a challenging situation when Lewis is diagnosed with a genetic mutation that will turn him into a shark.

Habeck explores the complexities of marriage through a fantastical genetic mutation where humans can become animals. '

As Wren and Lewis navigate the devastating diagnosis, Lewis will evolve into a great white shark; we realize the journey is just beginning for these two.

Through heartbreaking, hopeful, and sometimes humorous moments, Habeck grounds her story with the struggles of couples facing life-altering health challenges that deeply resonated with me.

The story takes the reader on a richly imagined adventure as Lewis finds his place in the shark world with an unlikely sidekick kick, and Wren goes deeper into her past to find herself through her grief.

Related- Best Fiction Books of 2023

There is a reason we invited Sarah Adler to the show- this romance book is AMAZING! 

Millie is on a heartfelt mission to fulfill her elderly best friend's wish of reuniting with a long-lost love from eighty years ago; she never anticipated that the pilgrimage from D.C. to Key West would be with her ashes in her backpack instead. 

She is determined to give Mrs. Nash the happily ever after she never had.

But in a sad twist of fate, her flight stays grounded due to a computer glitch, and Millie finds herself on an unexpected road trip with another reluctant traveler named Hollis. 

What neither could expect is that this is just the first of many hilarious hurdles that will lead them to be grounded once again in a small town of quirky characters reminiscent of Schitt's Creek.  

Who couldn't get behind a fictional bed and breakfast with paint-by-number Jesus art on the walls?

And when there is only one bed at the inn, what's a girl to do but claim she is married in this quirky environment?

Enhancing the storyline is a dual timeline story set in 1944 Key West, where we learn the beautiful love story that started the adventures of Rose and Elsie.

The two have immediate chemistry, and a secret love affair unfolds despite the era's restrictions.

Listen to our Sarah Adler interview on Book Gang in today's embedded player as she discusses her writing process and a unique fan fiction moment that had me searching for vintage sitcoms after this interview.  

Related- The Best Books for LGBTQ History Month

For the record, I've never met a Katherine Center book that I didn't love so I was thrilled Sarah brought this one to our show.

Center has the unique ability to write tenderhearted romances that hurt my face from smiling and laughing.

Hannah is the unlikely pint-sized bodyguard for many high-profile clients in this delightful romantic comedy.

When the famous actor, Jack Stapleton, needs a security detail due to an unhinged stalker fan, Hannah is assigned to the case. 

Jack must return to his family's Texas ranch after his grandmother's diagnosis, though, and he doesn't want to add stress to their family's life.

He asks Hannah to pose as his girlfriend for this trip, and then she can leave for her next assignment. 

As Hannah is fresh off a bad breakup, what better remedy than spending time in the sunshine with this handsome actor?

The one-bed trope takes a sweet turn as she's determined to maintain professionalism, initially insisting on sleeping on the floor. 

However, as the story unfolds, their connection deepens into a beautiful closed-door romance that is a favorite of Sarah Adler's and mine too!

Sarah Adler praised this unique twist on the "one bed" trope in this contemporary romance debut novel from O'Leary.

In this story, a man rents out his flat during the day to earn extra money while the renter uses it at night. 

Their paths rarely cross, but once they start corresponding through post-it notes, it creates an endearing connection to one another.

Adler adored the subversion of the "only one bed" trope in this novel that also embraces emotional themes with their backstory.

This Regency romance follows a determined woman who is passionate about geology and needs to recruit a charming local rake to accompany her on a road trip to Edinburgh.

Using the guise of elopement, they adopt various identities along the way. But, the one-bed trope REALLY comes into play when they pose as siblings, leading to unexpectedly funny situations. 

Adler praised this backlist series book published in 2012 as a fantastic Regency romance escape set in the 1800s. 

As this is the second in the Spindle Cove series, she encourages readers to start at the beginning with A Night to Surrender.

Related- The Best Books About Road Trips to Read Now

In this age-gap romance, a childhood actress named Grey Brooks faces a stalled career after her long-running TV show has ended.

Given her situation, she would do anything to get back into the spotlight, including accepting a scheme concocted by her publicist. 

Encouraged to engage in a little fake dating with an aging Hollywood star who has also been down on his luck could, ultimately, benefit them both. 

The problem is when they no longer mind playing pretend beyond the scope of their contract, including navigating that one-bed situation. 

If you love this, check out The View Is Exhausting one of my FAVORITE Hollywood romances written by a wife duo that shared their writing journey on the Book Gang podcast!

It is no secret that Julia Whelan is an incredible audiobook narrator.

Still, readers were in for a delightful surprise when she took us behind the scenes with an audiobook romance that developed between two audiobook narrators assigned to a legendary romance project. 

Sewanee once dreamed of being a famous actress, but a tragic accident forced her to switch gears and become an audiobook narrator.

When she's asked to narrate a romance novel alongside the enigmatic Brock McKnight, readers are given behind-the-scenes access as they talk through the scenes and coach each other on narration.

This steamy romance REALLY delivers on the audiobook experience as Whelan manages to narrate all the voices of her characters.

Whelan is fearless in embracing a trope. One line in the book reads, "It feels like we fell out of a Romance tree and hit every trope on the way down."

In a very meta moment, you can pre-order a copy of the spicy audiobook these fictional narrators were reading.

Between you and me, Julia Whelan's making some power moves in the audiobook industry by owning her content, and this is her first release under the catalog.

You can listen to my Julia Whelan interview on the Book Gang podcast as she discusses her job's beautiful surprises and successes. 

Patrons can also hear her tackle The Real Bookworm Challenge game show we host with our well-read guests.

This is my favorite Abby Jimenez book- there is a reason it was featured on our Best Fiction Books of 2023 list.

In this story, Dr. Briana Ortiz's life is in turmoil with a pending divorce, a challenging new colleague, and her brother's urgent need for a kidney transplant. 

After some abrupt encounters with her new colleague, Jacob Maddox, she is surprised to receive a handwritten apology letter that admits his struggles with social anxiety. 

The two begin corresponding through a format that feels comfortable for Jacob. Still, as they get to know each other more deeply, their correspondence evolves into heartfelt lunch dates and a gift she could have never expected. 

Jimenez artfully weaves in romance tropes like Briana and Jacob getting locked in a room overnight, which added a gorgeous moment in this charming story.

This romance novel is the second book in the Part of Your World series but it can be read as a satisfying standalone.

For the record, this is my favorite Rachel Lynn Solomon book.

This is the love story of two colleagues at a struggling local Seattle Public Radio station who create a talk show focused on breaking up despite never having been in a relationship.

They fabricate a romantic relationship to perfect the concept, delving into each other's lives to create the quirks and problems that make for entertaining listening. 

As they genuinely get to know each other, the lines between fiction and reality blur, and they discover that a real relationship is on the horizon. 

The included radio scripts for the show make this such an enjoyable and laugh-out-loud read that I couldn't put it down and create an immersive experience for the reader. 

This steamy second-chance romance is the first in the Skyland series and a perfect fit for readers craving emotional themes laced into their romance books. 

Yasmen and Josiah are navigating the complexities of co-parenting and the aftermath of a profound loss in their family.

As they navigate their dissolving marriage, they realize they're still navigating lingering feelings, which complicate their new love lives with other people.

This novel is an open-door romance, and due to the loss they are navigating, please check content warnings to see if this is a good fit. 

Once you finish, prepare for the second book in the Skyland series, This Could Be Us, that will BLOW YOU AWAY and hits store shelves this March!

We are excited to host the author on the Book Gang podcast to discuss her moving friends-to-lovers romance. 

This debut romance was such a hit that we featured it in our 2022 Best Beach Reads!

Lee is a dedicated communications director at a women-run electric car company, whose professional success contrasts her carefree life.

The plot takes an unexpected twist five years later when Lee must reunite with her old boyfriend to collaborate on a crucial clean energy bill, challenging her in all the best ways. 

Winstead documents Lee's history of heartbreak that often led to her impulse for relationship sabotage.

But as we learn more about her backstory, we understand Lee's choices.

This story thoughtfully pulls in a political backdrop that doesn’t lean into the negativity, has lots of chemistry between old flames, and loads of witty banter.

Lee is certainly not a traditionally lovable romance protagonist. That's why this novel is one of my recommendations for people as a great entry point to the genre.

The Boyfriend Candidate might be better fit for seasoned romance readers who prefer a more cozy protagonist. For the record, I loved them both! 

Related- Listen to the Ashley Winstead Interview

It's so interesting that this is one of the more polarizing Emily Henry books because I loved this friends to lovers romance filled with witty banter!

In this non-linear storyline, Poppy and Alex, initially acquaintances from college, unexpectedly discover they share a hometown connection that leads to them returning home together on a college break.

As they share a decade-long tradition of an annual vacation, their friendship took an unexpected turn two years ago.

To mend their bond, Poppy persuades Alex to embark on one last vacation, navigating a week filled with mishaps and revisiting the memories that shaped their relationship.

I enjoyed seeing the evolution of this relationship and how Henry utilizes flashback trips to help build deeper connections with these characters.

If you crave a book like When Harry Met Sally, this is the romance novel for you.

The author announced 3 Emily Henry movie adaptations in the works. Stay tuned for details on the People We Meet On Vacation movie news.

Lucy Hutton and Joshua Templeman hate each other.

Unfortunately, their publishing house merged, and they now must work together as executive assistants to the two CEOs of the company.

Since they find each other intolerable, the two engage in passive-aggressive behavior to pass the time. 

However, the workplace rivalry between Lucy and Joshua takes an unexpected turn when they end up sharing a hotel room during a business trip.

I recommend this lighthearted, fast-paced romance book on audiobook for the perfect weekend escape. 

The Hating Game movie is available for streaming on Hulu when you finish the book.

Identical twin sisters Ami & Olive couldn't be more different. Ami always has the best luck, and Olive is always her poor, unlucky sister. 

When the entire wedding party gets food poisoning at Ami's wedding, Ami decides to forfeit her honeymoon to Olive and Ethan (the brother-of-the-groom) to both go in their place.

Unfortunately, Olive & Ethan have never gotten along but decide to form a temporary truce to take advantage of the free vacation. 

Being together in such close quarters muddies the waters, and they begin to uncover hidden layers of each other and surprising backstories about their siblings. 

For many years, this was my favorite Christina Lauren book, but Love & Other Words entered my reading life this past year, and this moved to slot #2!

This Emily Henry novel nails the one-bed trope, but it also offers a stunning found family trope among this group of friends.

Henry employs a split timeline narrative to gradually unravel the reasons for the breakup of a seemingly perfect relationship many months ago.

Now, Harriet and Wyn, our beloved couple in peril, are invited to an annual weeklong vacation at a Maine cottage, where they find themselves sharing a bedroom and hiding their secret from their closest friends. 

Henry still manages to crank out blockbuster books that never disappoint as we eagerly await her new book, Funny Story.

In the second book of The Trouble With Hating You series, two exes share not just the same apartment but also the same room and bed, as Preeti Patel navigates the challenges of her residency and family expectations. 

With lingering feelings and a chance at a second love, Preeti and Daniel must find a way to stand up and fight for each other before their second chance slips away.

Readers can enjoy this standalone romance novel.

I can admit that I'm more of a Lynn Painter young adult reader, but for romance readers craving more Lynn Painter moments, this adult romance is a favorite among our readers.

The book opens with a steamy first night between Hallie and Jack, who end up having a sexy adventure in a hotel bedroom at a wedding reception dinner where Hallie is bartending.  

While Hallie claims to be a little fuzzy on the details due to too many drinks, she remembers enough about this one-night stand to find Jack's profile on a dating app when she finally decides to get serious about her dating life. 

Creating a friendly, low-stakes wager on who will find love first enhances their friendship as they act as each other's wingperson through the online dating process. 

Rehashing their dating wins and losses, they know they can rely on each other regardless of the outcome. 

Of course, as you might expect, these moments become their favorite part of the night, but what seals their fate is their decision to fake a date for an upcoming wedding.

Enter the one-bed trope! 

Many readers have fallen in love with the audiobook performance by Kristen DiMercurio and Zachary Webber, offering shifting POVs that enhance the chemistry between these two characters.  

While this novel can be read as a standalone, knowing some overlapping characters from Mr. Wrong Number enhances the reading experience.

I accidentally read this out of order and felt it would have helped to read the first one.

Olive, a third-year Ph.D. candidate, rejects the idea that lasting romantic relationships exist.

But, using her scientific mind, she wants to convince her best friend just how accurate her hypothesis is, so she decides to kiss the first man she sees to prove she won't feel anything.

It turns out that the man she randomly selected for her experiment is her grumpy professor- a situation that becomes problematic when the two catch feelings for one another.

Hazelwood marked my first introduction to the fourth wall playfully being broken in the "only one-bed" trope. 

In a scene where Adam invites Olive to share a room at an academic conference with two beds, she responds, "There will only be one bed, for sure… It's always one bed."

I read this book on assignment for our wedding episode with Byron Lane to celebrate Big Gay Wedding in our The Best Wedding Themed Rom Com Books episode.

This popular sapphic romance stars Delilah Green, who reluctantly serves as the photographer for her stepsister's wedding. 

She discovers an unexpected connection and spark with one of her sister's friends, Claire. 

Against the backdrop of wedding preparations, Delilah and Claire navigate their complicated pasts and one-bed complications in this spicy romance. 

Related- The Best Books About Weddings

For readers that crave a Hallmark movie in a book, this first book in the Lovelight series has been a big holiday hit with readers. 

Lovelight Farms is a small business that has found itself missing its Christmas magic as it faces difficulties with bills and keeping up with the daily maintenance on this tree farm. 

The story turns unexpectedly  when Stella fabricates having a boyfriend for a cash prize contest, setting the stage for a delightful fake dating escapade with her best friend, Luka Peters. 

But if she can win the $100,000 cash prize, she can save the business.

Readers love the chemistry between these characters and describe this as a cozy book destination for winter.  

I recommend the audiobook for this one! 

Ghostwriter Chandler Cohen's career takes a surprising turn when her latest author doesn't recognize her, leading to an underwhelming one-night stand with a stranger.

To her shock, the potential new client for her next project is Finnegan Walsh, the beloved star of a teen werewolf series, and her recent fling, blurring their lines between business and pleasure. 

Solomon always thoughtfully weaves in mental health awareness storylines in her romances. In this novel, she tackles OCD and anxiety.

The author is also known for crafting beautiful stories with Jewish representation, but readers should note that this novel is spicier than her previous book.

The author shared that while the book is a standalone, but it completes her "women in journalism doing questionably ethical things" trifecta she had been working towards.

Related- Books About Books, Bookstores, and Libraries

This Booktok book gained a viral following and scooped up the Nominee for Best Romance (2021) and Winner for Best Debut Novel (2021) on GoodReads the year it came out. 

Catalina Martín faces a daunting challenge as she scrambles to find a date for her sister's wedding after her fabricated tale of an American boyfriend spins out of control. 

With only four weeks to spare and a transatlantic deception to maintain, she reluctantly accepts the offer of her infuriating colleague, Aaron Blackford. 

As Catalina gets to know Aaron Blackford, the two develop a surprising connection in Spain.

This novel is for our slow-burn romance readers who are okay with longer romance novels, as this novel is almost five hundred pages! 

The author announced the news of The Spanish Love Deception movie, so read the book before you watch the film!