Thursday, July 31, 2025

The best new books according to readers

 
Readworthy by BookBub
This Month's Best New Reader Favorites
What are readers saying about the buzziest books of the season? We've rounded up their top-rated picks — including a moving Oprah's Book Club selection, a stunning dual-timeline novel, and more!
 
.
 
Book cover for The River Is Waiting by Wally Lamb
Readers are calling this moving Oprah's Book Club pick a masterpiece
WHY IT'S READWORTHY:
  • After causing the tragedy that tears his family apart, a young father must adjust to life in prison — where small acts of kindness help him find hope
  • This instant New York Times bestseller has an impressive 4.4-star average rating on Goodreads
  • Readers say: "It hits you right in the feels and lingers long after you've turned the last page. You'll find yourself chatting about it with friends and recommending it to anyone who will listen"
Learn more...
Media mentions for The River Is Waiting by Wally LambMEDIA MENTIONS:Oprah's Book Club, Book of the Month, NPR, The New York Times/The New York Times Book Review, Oprah Daily, People, The Washington Post, Associated Press, USA Today, Los Angeles Times, Indie Next List, Library Reads, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, Booklist, BookPage
GET EBOOK ON:
GoogleOther formats and retailers
Book cover for Under the Stars by Beatriz Williams
Three women's lives intertwine in this sweeping novel with glowing reviews
WHY IT'S READWORTHY:
  • When Audrey and her famous mother, Meredith, reluctantly return to the New England island they left behind, they unravel the centuries-old story of a woman who vanished aboard a luxury steamship
  • Readers say: "If you're looking for a transporting read with a bit of history, heart, and a hint of mystery, Under the Stars is the perfect summer beach read!"
  • A riveting must-read from the New York Times bestselling author of Husbands & Lovers
Learn more...
Media mentions for Under the Stars by Beatriz WilliamsMEDIA MENTIONS:Parade, The Boston Globe, Kirkus Reviews
GET EBOOK ON:
GoogleOther formats and retailers
Book cover for The Place of Tides by James Rebanks
An unforgettable true story capturing hearts around the world
WHY IT'S READWORTHY:
  • On a remote Norwegian island, a septuagenarian carries on a dying tradition: caring for wild eider ducks and collecting their down
  • "A modern classic, one we very much need right now" (George Saunders)
  • Readers say: "Quiet, reflective, emotional. This book came to me just as I needed it… and will never leave me"
Learn more...
Media mentions for The Place of Tides by James RebanksMEDIA MENTIONS:The Washington Post, Financial Times, The Guardian, The Times, The Times Literary Supplement, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, BookPage, Literary Hub
GET EBOOK ON:
GoogleOther formats and retailers
Book cover for What Kind of Paradise by Janelle Brown
Readers won't be able to put down this propulsive tale of family secrets
WHY IT'S READWORTHY:
  • In an isolated Montana cabin, young Jane pushes the boundaries of her father's restrictive world — but a shocking act of violence will change everything
  • Readers say: "This story is worthy of all the stars… Not only has Brown invented a creative premise, she has also perfected the measure of detail needed to envision her characters as they interact and the events as they unfold"
  • Already has over 4,000 five-star ratings
  • From the New York Times bestselling author of Pretty Things and Watch Me Disappear
Learn more...
Media mentions for What Kind of Paradise by Janelle BrownMEDIA MENTIONS:Book of the Month, The New York Times/The New York Times Book Review, People, The Washington Post, Harper's Bazaar, Elle, San Francisco Chronicle, Library Reads, Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, Literary Hub
GET EBOOK ON:
GoogleOther formats and retailers
Book cover for The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau by Kristin Harmel
Fans of dual-timeline stories are loving this sparkling historical tale
WHY IT'S READWORTHY:
  • An instant New York Times bestseller
  • In 1942, Colette's jewel thief mother is arrested by the Germans — and Colette's sister is found dead. Decades later, a priceless bracelet helps Colette unravel the mysteries of her past
  • Readers say: "It kept me up way past my bedtime because I couldn't put it down… Colette was a beautiful character, and I enjoyed how Harmel wove the timelines together"
Learn more...
Media mentions for The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau by Kristin HarmelMEDIA MENTIONS:People, Library Reads, Publishers Weekly, Library Journal
GET EBOOK ON:
GoogleOther formats and retailers
Book cover for Hidden Nature by Nora Roberts
'Maximum reading pleasure' (Booklist) from one of the world's most popular authors!
WHY IT'S READWORTHY:
  • While recovering from an injury, police officer Sloan is drawn to the case of a woman who disappeared from a supermarket parking lot. But her investigation pulls her into the path of two killers…
  • This standalone novel from the legendary storyteller behind the In Death series has over 16,000 five-star ratings
  • Readers say: "Toss this one in your beach bag or your suitcase, but realize you may not want to stop reading once you start"
Learn more...
Media mentions for Hidden Nature by Nora RobertsMEDIA MENTIONS:New York Post, Smart Bitches Trashy Books, Publishers Weekly, Booklist
GET EBOOK ON:
GoogleOther formats and retailers
Book cover for The Ghostwriter by Julie Clark
The twists in this New York Times bestseller are shocking thriller fans
WHY IT'S READWORTHY:
  • After 50 years of silence, horror writer Vincent Taylor is ready to reveal what truly happened the night his two siblings were found murdered
  • Readers say: "This one had me guessing all the way through. Every time I thought I had it figured out, something else happened and I WAS SO WRONG"
  • Fans of Lisa Jewell should add this to their reading list
Learn more...
Media mentions for The Ghostwriter by Julie ClarkMEDIA MENTIONS:Book of the Month, TODAY Show, The New York Times/The New York Times Book Review, Oprah Daily, People, USA Today, Los Angeles Times, Indie Next List, Library Reads, Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, Booklist, BookPage
GET EBOOK ON:
GoogleOther formats and retailers
Book cover for So Far Gone by Jess Walter
This modern classic is earning high praise from readers and critics alike
WHY IT'S READWORTHY:
  • Rhys has spent the past few years living off the grid — but he must come out of hiding to rescue his grandchildren from danger
  • Penned by the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Beautiful Ruins and The Cold Millions
  • Readers say: "This is most definitely a book that I wouldn't have wanted to miss. In fact, it's one that will go on the list of my top 10 favorite reads of all time"
Learn more...
Media mentions for So Far Gone by Jess WalterMEDIA MENTIONS:NPR, The New York Times/The New York Times Book Review, The Washington Post, Associated Press, Vogue, Vulture, Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune, The Boston Globe, Indie Next List, Library Reads, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, Library Journal, BookPage, Literary Hub
GET EBOOK ON:
GoogleOther formats and retailers
Book cover for The Bewitching by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
A spellbinding multigenerational saga from an author with legions of fans
WHY IT'S READWORTHY:
  • As grad student Minerva researches an eerie true story from decades ago, she's pulled into a deadly, magical mystery
  • Readers say: "Moreno-Garcia did such a fantastic job weaving the threads of this story that I was completely captivated by each of the lead women, their lives, and their tales"
  • Fans of dark academia and gothic tales will want to finish this in one sitting
Learn more...
Media mentions for The Bewitching by Silvia Moreno-GarciaMEDIA MENTIONS:NPR, The New York Times/The New York Times Book Review, Locus, People, Smart Bitches Trashy Books, Library Reads, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, Library Journal, Booklist, BookPage, Literary Hub
GET EBOOK ON:
GoogleOther formats and retailers
Book cover for Can't Get Enough by Kennedy Ryan
Don't miss a beloved romance author 'at the very top of her game' (Publishers Weekly)
WHY IT'S READWORTHY:
  • Ambitious Hendrix doesn't have time for romance — but how can she resist tech mogul Maverick?
  • Readers are praising the emotional storyline, electric chemistry, and unforgettable characters
  • This New York Times bestseller has over 10,000 five-star Goodreads ratings — and counting
Learn more...
Media mentions for Can't Get Enough by Kennedy RyanMEDIA MENTIONS:TODAY Show, CBS Mornings, People, The Washington Post, Elle, Essence, Ebony, Rolling Stone, Smart Bitches Trashy Books, Library Reads, Publishers Weekly, Library Journal
GET EBOOK ON:
GoogleOther formats and retailers
 
  

Your ebook bargains for Thursday

 
BookBub View Deals on Site
Your Ebook Deals
 
.
 
Key of Knowledge
Key of Knowledge
By Nora Roberts
An enthralling #1 New York Times bestseller from “America’s favorite writer” (The New Yorker): In the small town of Pleasant Valley, librarian Dana dreams of opening her own bookstore — and tracking down a mysterious key may be the answer… An “irresistible” read featuring “sharp wit and bliss-inducing pacing” (Booklist).
Because you're interested in Bestsellers, Contemporary Romance, and Women's Fiction  (Edit)
$1.99  $8.99
Limited time only!
Google
The Lost Passenger
The Lost Passenger
By Frances Quinn
“A must-read for 2025” (Michelle Moran, author of Maria): After entering a stifling marriage, Elinor boards the Titanic with her beloved infant son — and as the ship begins to sink, she sees an opportunity to become someone else… “You’ll be rooting for Elinor Coombes all the way” (USA Today bestselling author Gill Paul).
Because you're interested in Historical Fiction  (Edit)
$1.99  $11.99
Limited time only!
Google
The First Rule
The First Rule
By Robert Crais
From a #1 New York Times bestselling author: Hungry for the truth behind the brutal execution of an old friend, PI Joe Pike descends into a labyrinth of twisted motives and deeply held grudges in this “adrenaline-fueled” read (Publishers Weekly). With over 10,000 five-star ratings on Goodreads!
Because you're interested in Crime Fiction  (Edit)
$1.99  $9.99
Limited time only!
Google
The Cocktail Waitress
The Cocktail Waitress
By James M. Cain
Desperate young widow Joan Medford has two fateful encounters while working at a cocktail lounge in an “entertaining and cleverly plotted” classic noir (The New York Times). This long-lost final novel from an Edgar Grand Master “serves up ample delights” (Kirkus Reviews).
Because you're interested in Crime Fiction  (Edit)
$1.99  $9.99
Limited time only!
Google
Black Woods, Blue Sky
Black Woods, Blue Sky
By Eowyn Ivey
From the Pulitzer Prize–nominated author of The Snow Child: After soft-spoken recluse Arthur rescues six-year-old Emaleen from the Alaskan woods, she and her single mom, Birdie, spend idyllic days at his secluded cabin — but Arthur may not be what he seems… “No one writes like Eowyn Ivey” (Geraldine Brooks).
Because you're interested in Literary Fiction  (Edit)
$1.99  $13.99
Limited time only!
Google
The Gold Bug Variations
The Gold Bug Variations
By Richard Powers
The Pulitzer Prize–winning author of The Overstory delivers “an outright marvel” (The Washington Post)! Years after a promising scientist suddenly vanished, a librarian and a computer programmer team up to uncover his story. This National Book Critics Circle Award finalist is “rewarding in every sense” (Kirkus Reviews).
Because you're interested in Literary Fiction  (Edit)
$1.99  $13.21
Limited time only!
Google
The Third Angel
The Third Angel
By Alice Hoffman
With over 2,700 five-star Goodreads ratings: In this “elegant and stunning” New York Times bestseller (Publishers Weekly), follow three unlucky-in-love women across decades as they search for hope after heartbreak. “Alice Hoffman is my favorite writer” (Jodi Picoult).
Because you're interested in Women's Fiction  (Edit)
$2.99  $12.99
Limited time only!
Google
Delicate Condition
Delicate Condition
By Danielle Valentine
“I devoured it in one sitting” (Chris Whitaker, author of All the Colors of the Dark). Anna Alcott knows something is terribly wrong when she’s told that she has miscarried her longed-for baby — because all signs point to an ongoing pregnancy. “Unbearably tense and deeply scary” (Katie Gutierrez).
Because you're interested in Psychological Thrillers  (Edit)
$1.99  $6.75
Limited time only!
Google