Thursday, December 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 Heir Apparent by Rebecca Armitage
Taylor Jenkins Reid meets The Princess Diaries
WHY IT'S READWORTHY:
  • Reese Witherspoon's December book club pick is "filled with secrets, scandals, and a few unexpected twists" (Booklist starred review)
  • Lexi loves her quiet life in Australia — until a family tragedy leaves her next in line to become the Queen of England…
  • "One of the best books I've read all year" (Natasha Lester)
Learn more...
Media mentions for The Heir Apparent by Rebecca ArmitageMEDIA MENTIONS:Reese's Book Club, The New York Times/The New York Times Book Review, People, Publishers Weekly
GET EBOOK ON:
GoogleOther formats and retailers
Book cover for Before I Forget by Tory Henwood Hoen
This 'uplifting tale… will have readers laughing through their tears' (Library Journal)
WHY IT'S READWORTHY:
  • As Cricket navigates a quarter-life crisis, she returns to her hometown to care for her father, who has Alzheimer's disease. But as he loses his memories, he seemingly gains the ability to predict the future
  • "At once a charming exploration of small-town life and a realistically heartbreaking depiction of Alzheimer's disease" (Kirkus Reviews starred review)
  • Will transport you to a scenic lake house nestled in the Adirondacks
Learn more...
Media mentions for Before I Forget by Tory Henwood HoenMEDIA MENTIONS:Book of the Month, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, Library Journal, Booklist, Literary Hub
GET EBOOK ON:
GoogleOther formats and retailers
Book cover for Needle Lake by Justine Champine
During one fateful winter, two cousins are bound together by a dark secret
WHY IT'S READWORTHY:
  • Born with a hole in her heart, Ida is forbidden from strenuous activities and left out by her peers. The arrival of her older cousin, Elna, changes everything— until a man dies in the woods on Christmas Eve…
  • "A searing, unforgettable novel that captures the intense and dangerous alchemy of girlhood" (Chelsea Bieker, author of Madwoman)
  • "Authentic voice and gritty detail give this novel power… A standout" (Kirkus Reviews)
Learn more...
Media mentions for Needle Lake by Justine ChampineMEDIA MENTIONS:People, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, Library Journal, Booklist, Literary Hub
GET EBOOK ON:
GoogleOther formats and retailers
Book cover for The Curse of the Cole Women by Marielle Thompson
Three generations navigate a family curse in this sweeping page-turner
WHY IT'S READWORTHY:
  • For centuries, a curse has bound the Cole women to a small island's lighthouse, where they're fated to experience unimaginable loss and heartbreak. But is the curse real?
  • "Readers will be swept away… A gripping and moving read that will stick with readers long after they put it down" (Hazel Beck)
  • Fans of Alice Hoffman and Emilia Hart should pick this up
Learn more...
Media mentions for The Curse of the Cole Women by Marielle ThompsonMEDIA MENTIONS:Locus, Reactor, Indie Next List, Publishers Weekly
GET EBOOK ON:
GoogleOther formats and retailers
Book cover for When the Fireflies Dance by Aisha Hassan
'A highly recommended and heart-wrenching story' (Library Journal) inspired by true events
WHY IT'S READWORTHY:
  • After Lalloo's brother is brutally murdered in Pakistan, his family remains trapped in indentured servitude — but Lalloo will stop at nothing to free them
  • Rave reviews from Santa Montefiore and Marjan Kamali, who says, "Aisha Hassan's gift for storytelling makes this a beautiful and poignant read"
  • Features a twist-filled plot and thought-provoking social commentary
Learn more...
Media mentions for When the Fireflies Dance by Aisha HassanMEDIA MENTIONS:Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, Library Journal, Booklist
GET EBOOK ON:
GoogleOther formats and retailers
Book cover for The Book of Luke by Lovell Holder
Steven Rowley crowns this 'the most fun you'll have reading all year'
WHY IT'S READWORTHY:
  • Ten years ago, Luke starred in a competition-based reality show called Endeavor. Now, he returns to the show as his personal life implodes — and must confront the bitter rivalries and broken friendships of his past
  • One of the best books of 2025, according to Marie Claire
  • If you love The Traitors and Survivor, take note: "Reality TV devotees will eat this book up with a spoon" (Library Journal starred review)
Learn more...
Media mentions for The Book of Luke by Lovell HolderMEDIA MENTIONS:Indie Next List, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, Library Journal, Booklist, Literary Hub
GET EBOOK ON:
GoogleOther formats and retailers
Book cover for Huguette by Cara Black
One of December's very best new books, according to Amazon
WHY IT'S READWORTHY:
  • In 1945 France, Huguette is pregnant and on the run, unable to return to her childhood home in Paris. When she lands a job with a legendary film director, she sees a chance to shed her past once and for all
  • Penned by a New York Times bestselling author who "excels at setting vivid scenes, creating lively characters, and maintaining pulse-elevating suspense" (The Wall Street Journal)
  • A thrilling postwar tale with an "extraordinary character" at its heart (Booklist)
Learn more...
Media mentions for Huguette by Cara BlackMEDIA MENTIONS:The New York Times/The New York Times Book Review, Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, Booklist
GET EBOOK ON:
GoogleOther formats and retailers
Book cover for The Time Hop Coffee Shop by Phaedra Patrick
At the Time Hop Coffee Shop, a magical brew can grant your wishes…
WHY IT'S READWORTHY:
  • A "charming book" (Library Journal) for fans of The Midnight Library
  • Greta Perks once starred in an iconic series of coffee commercials — and when a granted wish transports her into that make-believe world, she must decide the life she truly wants
  • From the USA Today bestselling author of The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper and The Messy Lives of Book People
Learn more...
Media mentions for The Time Hop Coffee Shop by Phaedra PatrickMEDIA MENTIONS:Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, Booklist
GET EBOOK ON:
GoogleOther formats and retailers
Book cover for Audrey Lane Stirs the Pot by Alexis Hall
Fans of The Great British Bake-Off will delight in this cozy, heartfelt read!
WHY IT'S READWORTHY:
  • When reporter Audrey applies to be on a beloved British baking show, she unravels fellow contestant Doris's World War II–era love story. Meanwhile, sparks fly between Audrey and bristly producer Jennifer…
  • "Charming… [A] humorous and earnest tale" (Kirkus Reviews)
Learn more...
Media mentions for Audrey Lane Stirs the Pot by Alexis HallMEDIA MENTIONS:Smart Bitches Trashy Books, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, BookPage
GET EBOOK ON:
GoogleOther formats and retailers
Book cover for Ten Thousand Light Years from Okay by Tracy Dobmeier and Wendy Katzman
What if the stories you wrote actually came true?
WHY IT'S READWORTHY:
  • Four years ago, Thea's husband tragically died in a situation eerily similar to a plotline in her debut novel. Now, a charming astronaut enters her life — just like in her latest romance…
  • "A poignant exploration of grief and the bittersweet journey of embracing life after loss" (Hadley Leggett, author of All They Ask Is Everything)
  • Filled with twists and surprises that will keep you hooked until the end
Learn more...
Media mentions for Ten Thousand Light Years from Okay by Tracy Dobmeier and Wendy KatzmanMEDIA MENTIONS:People, Good Housekeeping
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