Are you on the hunt for your next great read? I’ve done LOTS of research to help you find it. My reading genres have been all over the place this year so whether you love historical fiction, emotional dramas or a little romance, this list of must-read books has something for every book lover. From bestselling authors to hidden gems, these ten books will keep you glued to the page, I promise.
1. Weyward by Emilia Hart
If you love stories of resilience and generations of strong women with a little magic sprinkled in, Weyward is a must-read. I’ve always been fascinated by historical stories of women who were accused of witchcraft and this novel does an amazing job of weaving the subject through the lives of three women across centuries. It took me a little bit to keep track of each of the characters and wish a family tree had come with the audiobook but sticking to it is well worth it for this spellbinding story.
2. Variation by Rebecca Yarros
I read this soon after Fourth Wing and it is nothing like it, other than including a few steamy scenes. Another strong interest of mine when it comes to books is dance and Variations by Rebecca Yarros follows the story of a family of professional ballerinas so I was hooked. This novel delves into themes of love, sacrifice, and resilience and Yarros does an amazing job of capturing the raw emotions of her characters, as always. Definitely a must-read if you grew up with dreams of becoming a ballerina!
3. Things We Never Got Over by Lucy Score
If small-town romance with a side of drama is your thing, Things We Never Got Over will be your favorite. I flew through this book and then the second one and now am onto the third in the series. I laughed outloud in some scenes, felt like I should be clutching some pearls in others and just generally willed for these people to get together the ENTIRE book but not in that predictable way that can make you want to speed through a romance novel to just get to the end. This book was easy to read at a time when my brain needed that and SO SO entertaining when I needed that too.
4. Go as a River by Shelley Read
For those who love deeply moving historical fiction, Go as a River is an amazing. Set in 1940s Colorado, this novel follows a young woman whose life is forever changed after a chance encounter. Before startign this book I had read that it was this authors debut novel and I am just in awe. Such a beautiful book that it’s hard to put into words.
5. The Last Love Note by Emma Grey
Another debut novel that I could not believe was a debut novel. I think I hugged this book at the end, then found the author on Instagram, then thanked her for the way she put grief into words. If you’re looking for book full of heart, The Last Love Note is absolutely it. Inspired by the author’s personal experiences, this novel will tug at your heartstrings and remind you of the power of hope and second chances.
6. The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon
I’m running out of words to describe all of the amazing historical fiction on my list. The Frozen River is a 18th-century Maine, based on a real-life midwife who uncovers a shocking crime. I could NOT put this one down. It’s a page-turning mystery right from the beginning and the perfect story of a woman who defies the “women should be seen and not heard” beliefs of her generation..
7. Happiness Falls by Angie Kim
Part mystery, part family drama, Happiness Falls follows a Korean American family in crisis when their father goes missing. Kim does such a good job of examining the gray area of what is right and wrong. She also hooked me by having a character with Angelman’s Syndrome but writing him in a way where the book is not solely about his disability. I read her book Miracle Creek right after because of this and have to say, if you have special needs kiddos, read the description before starting it to see if you’re up for the storyline. I was not!
8. The Women by Kristin Hannah
Kristin Hannah never disappoints, and The Women is no exception. This is definiely my most memorable read of the past year. I don’t know how she does it but Hannah has a certain “feel” to all of her books and this one is no different. This historical novel tells the story of a female nurse serving in the Vietnam War and is just a completely unforgettable read.
9. The Book of Essie by Meghan MacLean Weir
Did you ever watch the Duggars? I did and was strangely fascinated by the family until they all fell apart. The Book of Essie is a coming-of-age story about a teenage girl raised in the spotlight of a conservative Christian reality show and gives off lots of Duggar vibes. Thought-provoking and so so interesting and entertaining, it’s a page-turner that will keep you hooked.
10. We All Want Impossible Things by Catherine Newman
This book might wreck you but it’s worth it. A heartwarming and heartbreaking novel about friendship, love and loss, We All Want Impossible Things follows two lifelong friends as they navigate life’s hardest moments together. It’s a tender, beautifully written book about grief and the exact way to hold space for people when they need you most. So so good.
Which book are you planning to read first?
Have you read any of these already? What would you add? I could talk books all day!
For my full list of books I love from previous lists you can click around all of my favorite books posts below or find them all right here so you can grab them when they’re on sale.
15 Books to add to your must read list
Books you won’t be able to put down
12 Books you must read in the new year
What books to read next
I gave 5 stars to all of these books
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