Thursday, September 18, 2025

This month’s best new popular fiction

 
Readworthy by BookBub
This Month's Best New Popular Fiction
 
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Book cover for The Academy by Shelby Cunningham and Elin Hilderbrand
A #1 New York Times bestselling author and her daughter team up for a juicy page-turner
WHY IT'S READWORTHY:
  • At a New England boarding school, chaos ensues when the academy is unexpectedly ranked second in the country — and a mysterious new app starts sharing scandalous gossip…
  • "Readers are in for a treat" (Publishers Weekly) with this entertaining read that follows students and staff over the course of one year
  • Kirkus Reviews raves, "Delicious… Sign us up for next term"
Learn more...
Media mentions for The Academy by Shelby Cunningham and Elin HilderbrandMEDIA MENTIONS:Book of the Month, CBS Mornings, People, Elle, Variety, Library Reads, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews
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Book cover for Something to Look Forward To by Fannie Flagg
Meet a colorful cast of small-town characters in this charming read
WHY IT'S READWORTHY:
  • "Comforting, nostalgic storytelling" (Kirkus Reviews) from the beloved New York Times bestselling author of Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe
  • This collection of heartfelt interconnected stories follows a great-grandmother in Kansas tackling generational gaps in her family, a woman in New York who makes a bold plan when her husband leaves her, and more
  • "Fannie Flagg is a national treasure" (Adriana Trigiani)
Learn more...
Media mentions for Something to Look Forward To by Fannie FlaggMEDIA MENTIONS:Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, Library Journal, Booklist, Literary Hub
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Book cover for Buckeye by Patrick Ryan
This sweeping New York Times bestseller is 'an American epic' (NPR)
WHY IT'S READWORTHY:
  • September's Read with Jenna pick "deftly blends in surprising twists and insight" (Booklist starred review)
  • Across generations, two Midwestern families find their lives irrevocably transformed by the consequences of a shattering secret
  • Rave reviews from Ann Patchett, Chris Whitaker, and Ann Napolitano, who says, "I love this book with my entire heart"
Learn more...
Media mentions for Buckeye by Patrick RyanMEDIA MENTIONS:TODAY Book Club/Read with Jenna, NPR, The New York Times/The New York Times Book Review, People, The Washington Post, Financial Times, The Guardian, Indie Next List, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, Booklist, BookPage, Literary Hub
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Book cover for Boy from the North Country by Sam Sussman
'The most beautiful and moving mother-son story in recent memory' (Kirkus Reviews starred review)
WHY IT'S READWORTHY:
  • "A debut novel of rare power… This novel held me breathless at every turn" (Maria Semple)
  • When Evan returns home to care for his dying mother, he must confront the mysteries of his family's past — including the possibility that Bob Dylan is his father
  • Inspired by the author's own uncertain celebrity paternity
Learn more...
Media mentions for Boy from the North Country by Sam SussmanMEDIA MENTIONS:The New York Times/The New York Times Book Review, Oprah Daily, The Washington Post, Kirkus Reviews, Library Journal
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Book cover for Vianne by Joanne Harris
Return to the dazzling world of Chocolat in this delicious new release
WHY IT'S READWORTHY:
  • Years before opening her infamous chocolate shop, Vianne discovers the magic of cooking — and the danger of revealing people's true desires
  • Rave reviews from Marian Keyes and Ruth Hogan, who calls it "every bit as vivid, magical, and delicious as I hoped it would be"
  • "Mouthwatering. Your senses are left reeling" (The Observer)
Learn more...
Media mentions for Vianne by Joanne HarrisMEDIA MENTIONS:Oprah Daily, People, The Wall Street Journal, Good Housekeeping, The Guardian, The Times, Booklist
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Book cover for Hot Desk by Laura Dickerman
Two rival editors are forced to share a desk — while competing for a career-making opportunity!
WHY IT'S READWORTHY:
  • Fans of Writers & Lovers and Younger shouldn't miss this "unique, decades-spanning story of friendship, love, and literature" (Kirkus Reviews)
  • Rebecca and Ben both want to land the rights to a legendary author's estate, and they must decide how far they're willing to go to win
  • "The funniest novel I've read in ages… I challenge any reader not to fall in love with this charming debut" (Joanna Rakoff, author of My Salinger Year)
Learn more...
Media mentions for Hot Desk by Laura DickermanMEDIA MENTIONS:People, Indie Next List, Publishers Weekly, Literary Hub
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Book cover for At Last by Marisa Silver
'Marisa Silver has built a fictional world I was happy to live inside' (Ann Napolitano)
WHY IT'S READWORTHY:
  • In midcentury America, Helene and Evelyn are two fierce matriarchs whose lives are transformed when their children marry — and they're forced to confront their vastly different belief systems
  • This family saga delivers "masterful portraits of women's lives, only half lived" (Kirkus Reviews)
  • From the New York Times bestselling author of Mary Coin
Learn more...
Media mentions for At Last by Marisa SilverMEDIA MENTIONS:Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, Booklist, Electric Literature
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Book cover for Middle Spoon by Alejandro Varela
A sharp, hilarious novel highly anticipated by Today, Town & Country, and more
WHY IT'S READWORTHY:
  • When a man in an open marriage is dumped by his younger boyfriend, he must navigate heartbreak in a society that deems his relationships unconventional
  • "Brilliant… Middle Spoon subverts the ordinary novel with intelligence and vulnerability" (Pulitzer Prize–winning author Andrew Sean Greer)
  • Jacqueline Woodson raves, "From the very first page, I found myself exhaling — awed by Varela's sharp wit, originality, and the extraordinary care and intensity he brings to every sentence"
Learn more...
Media mentions for Middle Spoon by Alejandro VarelaMEDIA MENTIONS:TODAY Show, The Washington Post, Town & Country, Indie Next List, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, BookPage, The Millions, Literary Hub
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Book cover for Isabella's Not Dead by Beth Morrey
If you loved Where'd You Go, Bernadette, pick up this quirky read
WHY IT'S READWORTHY:
  • "Sparkling… A rewarding tale of second chances" (Publishers Weekly)
  • Can 53-year-old Gwen figure out what happened to her former friend who vanished from her life — and everyone else's — 15 years ago?
  • From the author of The Love Story of Missy Carmichael
  • "Beth has such a sharp eye for the comedy of everyday life, I devoured the book in two sittings. An utter joy!" (Freya Sampson, author of The Last Library)
Learn more...
Media mentions for Isabella's Not Dead by Beth MorreyMEDIA MENTIONS:Good Housekeeping, The Times, Publishers Weekly, Booklist
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Book cover for Through an Open Window by Pamela Terry
Don't miss this 'profoundly moving novel' beloved by Patti Callahan Henry
WHY IT'S READWORTHY:
  • Set in a quaint, scenic small town in Georgia
  • Margaret is reeling from the recent loss of her beloved husband — and as she begins to experience visions of her late Aunt Edith, she becomes convinced that there's a secret from her own past, waiting to be uncovered
  • "Poignant… Heartwarming" (Booklist starred review)
Learn more...
Media mentions for Through an Open Window by Pamela TerryMEDIA MENTION:Booklist
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Your ebook bargains for Thursday

 
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Your Ebook Deals
 
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The Sacred Bridge
The Sacred Bridge
By Anne Hillerman
A “captivating” New York Times bestseller (Publishers Weekly) in a series that inspired a hot new show! Sergeant Jim Chee’s peaceful hiking trip through breathtaking desert canyons takes an unexpected turn when he discovers the body of a Navajo man floating in a remote lake. “Anne Hillerman is a star” (J. A. Jance).
Because you're interested in Bestsellers, Crime Fiction, and Thrillers  (Edit)
$1.99  $6.99
Limited time only!
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Carnegie's Maid
Carnegie’s Maid
By Marie Benedict
“Mesmerizing” (Booklist): Posing as an experienced maid, Clara goes to work in the household of steel tycoon Andrew Carnegie — where her life slowly transforms. “Downton Abbey fans should flock to this charming tale” (Pam Jenoff) from a New York Times bestselling author!
Because you're interested in Historical Fiction  (Edit)
$1.99  $8.92
Limited time only!
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The Perfect Divorce
The Perfect Divorce
By Jeneva Rose
A #1 New York Times bestselling recent release from “the queen of twists” (Colleen Hoover) “that will have you on the edge of your seat right from the very first page” (Karin Slaughter)! When her husband has an affair, attorney Sarah files for divorce. And then the other woman is reported missing… “A ride worth taking” (Publishers Weekly).
Because you're interested in Thrillers  (Edit)
$1.99  $9.99
Limited time only!
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How to Read a Book
How to Read a Book
By Monica Wood
“The perfect pick to really light a fire under my book club, and yours” (The New York Times Book Review): Among the stacks of a small-town New England bookstore, three disparate lives intersect… “A beautiful, bighearted treasure” (Lily King) with over 18,600 five-star Goodreads ratings!
Because you're interested in Women's Fiction  (Edit)
$1.99  $11.99
Limited time only!
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A Thief of Time
A Thief of Time
By Tony Hillerman
A “flat-out marvelous” Southwestern mystery (USA Today) from a New York Times bestselling author: When an anthropologist goes missing and two bodies are found at an ancient burial site, Navajo tribal policemen Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee must unravel the deadly crime.
Because you're interested in Crime Fiction  (Edit)
$1.99  $8.99
Limited time only!
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Hit Me
Hit Me
By Lawrence Block
An Edgar Grand Master presents a “fatally appealing protagonist” (The New York Times Book Review)! Nicholas Edwards has a quiet life in New Orleans — until one call pulls him back to work as Keller, a contract killer. Now he’s taking jobs and dodging enemies from New York to the West Indies.
Because you're interested in Crime Fiction  (Edit)
$0.99  $9.99
Limited time only!
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Utopia Avenue
Utopia Avenue
By David Mitchell
This New York Times bestseller and NPR Best Book of 2020 from the author of Cloud Atlas follows a 1960s British rock band as they’re catapulted to new heights of fame. “Mitchell’s rich imaginative stews bubble with history and drama” (The Washington Post).
Because you're interested in Literary Fiction  (Edit)
$1.99  $4.99
Limited time only!
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Cowboy, Take Me Home
Cowboy, Take Me Home
By Genevieve Turner
First in a series: When unhoused Pippa inherits her aunt’s dilapidated home, she believes her luck is finally changing. But surly cowboy Bear claims he has already bought the property — and wants to tear it down! As Pippa stakes her claim and begins renovations, Bear can’t help falling for the newcomer’s charms…
Because you're interested in Contemporary Romance  (Edit)
Free!  $0.99
Limited time only!
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