Most Anticipated Books of 2025
Shelf Reflection’s Most Anticipated Books of 2025
By: Brittany Shields
“Pleasure is found first in anticipation, later in memory.” - Gustave Flaubert, French novelist
It’s always exciting to see what’s ahead! I may have a to-read stack a mile high, but my eyes are always bigger than my plate… wider than my plate… my plate can’t handle my eyes…. my eyes and plate both want a lot of books.( You get the idea.) But I’d rather always be full then scrounging for something to read. (We’re going with it.)
I have SCAVENGED the interwebs to see what’s coming done the pipeline in 2025 and here is my list of books that I’m most anticipating. When I see other lists out there they tend to all look similar. They must all follow Oprah and Time Magazine.
Some of mine may be similar to those but I try to read beyond the mainstream ‘bestsellers’. Plus I have my favorite authors.
So to put this list together, I skimmed the popular lists, but I also ran down my list of five star reads and looked to see what new books those authors were writing in the coming year. Then I also added some of what I was seeing on NetGalley. Most of these authors I for sure stand behind, but to broaden the horizons a little there are also a few new-to-me authors. And as always— a wide variety of genres.
Okay, it’s heavier on the thriller side because I tend to read the most of those in any given year, but there will be something for everyone’s tastes.
A few other notes:
The second half of the year of new books isn’t always publicized very much so I might have to add more for the later months once I become aware of them.
I came across a few conflicting publishing dates on these so I could have a few wrong or they may be subject to change.
I know there aren’t a lot of fantasy books on this list. It seems like this genre is mostly series and I’m not about to jump into the middle of a series. I found a few standalones but I also try to avoid devils, witches, intense romance, and LGBTQ stories so it’s pretty hard to determine what new fantasy books I want to promote. If you can vouch for a really good fantasy standalone or series feel free to let me know about it.
You should also check out these other book lists and challenges as you prepare for another year of glorious books!
Thanks for sharing in my love of reading! I’m looking forward to another year of reading and reviewing and helping others find their next read! I hope you’ll join me :)
If you don’t already, follow me on Goodreads, Storygraph, or Facebook to get my latest reviews and recommendations. There is also a Facebook Group for the Reading Challenge where you can share with others what you’ve selected for the prompts and how you liked it. I’m trying to build a community around it and would love to have you there.
Genre: Historical Fiction
Release Date: January 7, 2024
The Stolen Queen by Fiona Davis
AI Overview: "The Stolen Queen" by Fiona Davis follows Charlotte Cross, an Egyptologist who, as a young student, experiences a tragedy during an archaeological dig in Egypt's Valley of the Kings; years later, while working as a curator at the Met, she teams up with a young fashion assistant to investigate a missing Egyptian artifact during the prestigious Met Gala, uncovering secrets from her past.
When we went to a museum in London the tour guide bypassed the Egyptian exhibit and told us ‘Egypt matters for nothing.’ so I guess I’m reading this book to find out what we missed!
I have not read Fiona Davis before but I’ve seen her books talked about. Maybe I’ll find a new historical fiction author to keep track of!
Genre: YA/Fantasy
Release Date: January 7, 2024
Breath of the Dragon (Breathmarked #1) by Shannon Lee and Fonda Lee
AI Overview: "Breath of the Dragon" tells the story of Jun, a young man who, despite not having special magical abilities like his twin brother, strives to prove himself by competing in a prestigious martial arts tournament, aiming to become the Guardian of the Scroll of Heaven and ultimately redeem his family's exiled status.
Based on the reviews this a book that is definitely a YA novel and appropriate for younger readers. As an adult, that might make it a little less appealing to me, but I’ve enjoyed many YA books and this may be what it takes to read a clean fantasy novel these days. Also one reviewer said this one has no romance which I’m kinda down for. It seems rare to have a YA book without it.
I’ll give it a shot and see what this Bruce Lee-esque book has to offer in whether or not I read the second of the duology.
Genre: Memoir
Release Date: January 14, 2025
In Gad We Trust by Josh Gad
Goodreads Blurb: For the first and possibly last time Josh Gad dives into a wide array of personal topics: the lasting impact of his parents’ divorce; how he struggled with weight and self-image; his first big break; how everyone was sure his most successful ventures (both on the big screen and on the stage) would fail; his take on fatherhood; and much more. This trip down the rabbit hole of overly personal stories will distract readers from climate change, the downward descent of democracy in Western civilization, and the existential threat that AI poses to Drake’s music—with never-before-seen photos and few-to-no spelling errors.
I’ve decided to ignore the sacrilegious title on this one. I’ve liked Josh Gad in a variety of his roles (perhaps not all of them). It says this book is similar to Mindy Kaling and Amy Poehler’s books so this is a toss-up as I liked Kaling’s and not Poehler’s.
But I think the few-to-no spelling errors is the biggest draw for me on this one. We’ll see if Gad is funny or if I’m about to read a book full of swearing and drugs that makes me unable to look Olaf in the eyes.
Genre: Fantasy
Release Date: January 14, 2025
Water Moon by Samantha Sotto Yambao
Goodreads Blurb: A woman inherits a pawnshop where you can sell your regrets, and then embarks on a magical journey when a charming young physicist wanders into the shop, in this dreamlike and enchanting fantasy novel.
This is different than most things I’ve read and I’m looking forward to delving into this magical novel set in Japanese culture.
I think the concept of selling your regrets is interesting and am curious where the journey will take us. Many early reviewers called it imaginative, whimsical, and beautiful; they liked the world-building. Some even mentioned some twists at the end so lots to like in this one.
Genre: Thriller
Release Date: January 16, 2025
The Bridesmaid by Cate Quinn
Goodreads Blurb: Adrianna is planning her dream wedding - a lavish ceremony funded by exclusive sponsors, on a private tropical island, Elysium. But Elysium holds traumatic memories as the place where she was kidnapped and held hostage for three days on her 21st birthday - a case that was never solved... When a bridesmaid is murdered the night before the dress fitting, it soon becomes clear that Adrianna won't be able to get hitched without a hitch. The body is staged in a gruesome display, chillingly reminiscent of Adrianna's kidnapping.
Cate Quinn’s last book, The Clinic, was on my most anticipated list from last year and I really liked it. It had a lot more swearing than I usually tolerate, but I thought the story was really good.
I’m a little disappointed The Bridesmaid doesn’t have super great early reviews, but I’m still going to give it a chance and hope it’s as complex and suspenseful as The Clinic.
(At the time of posting this I did not find the book on Amazon which is strange since it releases soon… not sure what to think about that.)
Genre: Thriller
Release Date: January 21, 2025
A Killer’s Code (Daniela Vega #3) by Isabella Maldonado
Goodreads Blurb: During a recent undercover sting gone bad, hit man Gustavo Toro died in the arms of FBI Special Agent Dani Vega. But Toro had secrets he refused to take to the grave. In the event of his death, Toro left behind a video that promises to expose a mysterious mastermind who has been operating with impunity for decades. But there’s a catch. Dani’s team must follow Toro’s cryptic clues on a cross-country hunt for justice, and piecing together his past is more twisted than Dani could have imagined.
Isabella Maldonado is an auto-read for me and her books usually end up on my most anticipated lists. The Daniela Vega series has been a great one so if you haven’t read it yet, I would recommend reading it from the beginning.
I’m looking forward to another high suspense, dangerous race to catch a killer by solving cryptic clues!
Genre: YA
Release Date: January 21, 2025
The Wilde Trials by Mackenzie Reed
AI Overview: This is a mystery about a high-stakes competition at Wilde Academy, where a dozen seniors compete in a series of physical and mental tests. The winner receives over half a million dollars, which Chloe Gatti needs to help her sick sister. However, the competition is fierce and includes her ex-boyfriend, Hayes Stratford, whose brother died during the trials a few years ago. Chloe is forced to strike a deal with Hayes to discover who is sabotaging her.
I read Reed’s debut novel, The Rosewood Hunt, and thought it was pretty good. The simpler plot made sense for a YA novel so as long as you’re going into it without expecting a super complex plot or a lot of depth in the characters, it should be a lighter, yet still suspenseful enjoyable read.
It’s got some typical YA tropes like a boarding school, a competition, and of course, some romance.
I don’t love reading a million YA novels, but they’re usually entertaining and I like reading a few a year.
Genre: Literary Fiction
Release Date: January 28, 2025
Good Dirt by Charmaine Wilkerson
Goodreads Blurb: The daughter of an affluent Black family pieces together the connection between a childhood tragedy and a beloved heirloom in this moving novel from the New York Times bestselling author of Black Cake, a Read with Jenna Book Club Pick. In this sweeping, evocative novel, Charmaine Wilkerson brings to life a multi-generational epic that examines how the past informs our present.
Black Cake was Wilkerson’s debut novel and has a lot of good reviews and was nominated for best historical fiction on Goodreads in 2022. I have not read anything by her yet, but thought I would give one of her books a shot.
They seem to be well-received. One reviewer said of Good Dirt: “Heartbreak, family legacy, history, redemption, forgiveness. This one has it all!”
I’m not sure if I should be excited to have my heart broken but maybe it will be worth it!
Genre: Devotional
Release Date: February 1, 2025
Grateful: 30 Days of Growing in Thankfulness by Allison Brost
Goodreads Blurb: When life feels mundane or trials come our way, thanking God for his blessings doesn’t always come naturally. This devotional shows how offering a sacrifice of praise can transform our own outlook on life and remind us of Jesus’ goodness and generosity. Each devotion begins with a verse on thankfulness and ends with a practical thing to do or pray in response to God’s word.
Every year at Thanksgiving I feel like I’m trying to instill in my kids that we should be thankful all year round, not just at Thanksgiving. Yet, I’m not sure I do a great job exemplifying that.
I try to teach my kids that comparison is the thief of joy and we should be thankful for the blessings we already have. I’m hoping this devotional will help give some legs to my desire to grow in this area. Probably going to be something I can read at some point every year as it’s only 30 days of a short chapter.
Genre: Thriller
Release Date: February 4, 2025
A Killing Cold by Kate Alice Marshall
Goodreads Blurb: A woman invited to her wealthy fiance’s family retreat realizes they are hiding a terrible secret—and that she’s been there before.
I was planning to read Marshall’s book What Lies in the Woods but had not gotten to it yet. She’s been writing a few years but that one seems to be her breakout book.
Based on the early reviews this one has a lot of twists and turns which is right up my alley! It’s also got the wintry landscape and may be the perfect book to get you through the cold months.
Genre: Theology
Release Date: February 4, 2025
The Steadfast Love of the Lord: Experiencing the Life-Changing Power of God’s Unchanging Affection by Sam Storms
Amazon Summary: Many believers know that “God is love.” But whether through cultural lies, false beliefs, or years of mulling over the tragedies of the world, it may be difficult to see the true, steadfast, and unchanging love of the Father. Thankfully the Bible offers a clear picture of what God’s love looks like and how, through the ministry of the Holy Spirit, believers experience his affection for themselves. Sam Storms explores Scripture to address what God’s love is and what it isn’t. Drawing insights from the Psalms and the life of Jesus, Storms covers God’s sovereignty and the saving power, longevity, and sin-killing nature of his love.
I recently read Storms’ book Chosen for Life and really appreciated the way he handled an often tense topic. His writing was clear and easy to understand.
I’m excited to read another book from him on this topic- God’s love. I think it’s true that many are questioning whether he really is loving and I think it will be good to read Storms defend and reveal what we know about God.
Genre: Christian Living
Release Date: February 4, 2025
Lest We Drift: Five Departure Dangers from the One True Gospel by Jared C. Wilson
Amazon Summary: In this provocative new book, Jared C. Wilson discusses the potentials and problems with evangelical departures from gospel-centrality. In a variety of ways, on both "the left" and "the right," Wilson outlines these threats from angles sometimes imperceptible at first glance. You will recognize the signs of drift in the faith and teaching, and learn to navigate the five particular dangers prevalent in the church today: persecution complex, spiritual dryness, superficial faith, attractional pragmatism, and cultural legalism.
I’ve always been encouraged by Jared Wilson’s books. They are very relatable and he just ‘gets’ what the struggles with living the Christian life are.
I’m looking forward to seeing what his thoughts are on this topic especially as it pertains to the ‘left’ or the ‘right’. I’m not sure how I understand at this point what those five dangers are, but his writing is always easy to read and grasp and apply to your life. This should be a great book!
Genre: Historical Fiction
Release Date: February 11, 2025
The Queens of Crime by Marie Benedict
Goodreads Blurb: Inspired by a true story in Dorothy Sayers’ own life, New York Times bestselling author Marie Benedict brings to life the lengths to which five talented women writers will go to be taken seriously in the male-dominated world of letters as they unpuzzle a mystery torn from the pages of their own novels: a murder of a young woman found strangled in a park in France who may have connections leading to the highest levels of the British establishment.
I’ve got Marie Benedict’s book The Personal Librarian on my shelf that I still plan to read, so I’ve added this book to the list assuming the other one will be good as well.
This one seems like it will be a fun book to read because I like mysteries solved in this era, plus Agatha Christie is one of the women involved and I enjoy her as well.
Genre: Thriller
Release Date: February 25, 2025
Famous Last Words by Gillian McAllister
Goodreads Summary: It is June 21, the longest day of the year, and the life of new mother Camilla is about to change forever. After months of maternity leave, she will drop off her infant daughter at daycare for the first time and return to her job as a literary agent. Finally. But when she wakes, her husband Luke isn’t there, and in his place is a cryptic note. Then it starts. Breaking news: A hostage situation is developing in London. The police tell her Luke is involved—but he isn't a hostage. Her husband—doting father, eternal optimist—is the gunman.
Gillian says of her own book: “It’s a love story set in a hostage situation.”
I really enjoyed her book Wrong Place, Wrong Time and how she handled familial love and am looking forward to seeing what she does with this one. It will be a little different because it doesn’t involve time travel so definitely has a different vibe but it already has a lot of good early reviews!
Genre: YA/Dystopian
Release Date: March 18, 2025
Sunrise on the Reaping (Hunger Games #0.5) by Suzanne Collins
AI Overview: A prequel novel focusing on a young Haymitch Abernathy's experience on the day of the 50th Hunger Games reaping, where he is chosen as a tribute, 24 years before Katniss Everdeen's story, highlighting his struggles and the harsh realities of the Capitol as he enters the deadly arena.
I enjoyed the first prequel book- The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes and I’m sure I’ll enjoy this one too. It seems odd to jump 50 years from the first prequel as I feel like there may have been some more information to gain on the backstory of President Snow, but Haymitch is a classic character and it will be interesting to get into his life more and what led him to be the character that he is by the time Katniss enters the arena.
I might need to research a little bit on how Collins decided what to focus on in her prequel books.
Genre: Thriller
Release Date: March 25, 2025
Nobody’s Fool (Sami Kierce #2) by Harlan Coben
Goodreads Summary: A year after the devastating events that took place in Fool Me Once, Harlan Coben’s bestselling thriller and #1 Netflix series, a secret from former Detective Sami Kierce's college days comes back to haunt him. Present day is hard enough for the disgraced Kierce, but his past isn’t through with him yet…
I had not read Fool Me Once (published 2016) so I might need to read that one first. I didn’t realize he had this series. It took him awhile to revisit it so it’s possible this one would work fine as a standalone.
I’ve typically loved the Harlan Coben books I’ve read (most of them before I started reviewing). He writes good thrillers that don’t usually have a ton of swearing or sexual content.
Plus it looks like a lot of his books are getting picked up for film. Not sure if that will be the case for this one, but let this be your sign to read a Coben book of some sort this year!
Genre: Rom-Com
Release Date: April 1, 2025
Say You’ll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez
Goodreads Summary: Samantha and Xavier have an incredible date, but Samantha must tell Xavier that her family is in crisis and a relationship would be impossible. She asks him to forget her and remember their date as a perfect moment. However, neither distance nor time is enough to forget what happened between them.
I have yet to read a Jimenez rom-com, though I have her book Just for the Summer on my to-read list.
I tend to avoid romance novels because they often have too much spice for me. I can’t say one way or another whether her books are high on that scale. From some of the reviews I’ve read I *think* they’re average to low, but I’ll have to read one first. If it’s pretty spicy, I’ll come back and update this recommendation with that information.
I can’t say the premise really grabs me, especially because she says to forget but then remember which doesn’t make any sense. But this is a popular author and this book’s early reviews are coming in high so I figured I better add it to the list!
Genre: Rom-Com/ Christian Fiction
Release Date: April 8, 2025
Some Like It Scot by Pepper Basham
Goodreads Blurb: An American travel writer who has never found a place to belong and a reclusive Scot with a surprising secret find a shocking connection when she enters a Highlands manor house that has been turned into a three-week long Edwardian experience.
This will be a new-to-me author but she kept popping up in a Facebook group I’m part of and I was intrigued by a Christian version of a rom-com so I had to add her to the list. For some reason in my mind most of Christian romance is Amish stories so I’m always glad to find authors who write different kinds of stories.
The setting of Scotland should be fun, though I’m not entirely sure what an ‘Edwardian’ experience means, I’m ready to see if this is an author I’ll be able to keep reading.
I think romance is better for me when there’s some humor thrown into it like Emily Henry’s or (possibly) Abby Jimenez’s books. And if it’s Christian then I know there won’t be graphic sex scenes which are always a ‘pass’ for me.
Genre: Theology
Release Date: April 8, 2025
The Nicene Creed: What You Need to Know about the Most Important Creed Ever Written by Kevin DeYoung
Amazon Blurb: This book delves into the origins, theological meaning, and modern relevance of the Nicene Creed. Each chapter provides insightful analysis of key terms and phrases within the creed. By examining the truths the creed affirms and the errors it opposes, bestselling author Kevin DeYoung aims to help readers recite this essential statement of faith with understanding and clarity.
I read Kevin DeYoung’s second book in this three part series called The Lord’s Prayer and really appreciated how he brought to life something that often feels rote.
I anticipate that he’s going to do the same with The Nicene Creed. I’m aware of the Nicene Creed, though I can’t even recite it, let alone explain it to you more than a few sentence overview. But I think the Council of Nicaea is often misused to attack the reliability of Scripture so it will be good for me to understand the Council and its statement better in order to counter faulty arguments.
I’m always a fan of Kevin DeYoung’s work so of course this book made the list!
Genre: Historical Fiction
Release Date: April 15, 2025
Strangers in Time by David Baldacci
Amazon Summary: Set in London in 1944, about a bereaved book shop owner and two teenagers scarred by the second world war, and the healing and hope they find in one another… Without guardians and stability, Charlie and Molly find an unexpected ally and protector in Ignatius Oliver, and solace at his book shop, The Book Keep. Mourning the recent loss of his wife, Ignatius forms a kinship with both children, and in each other they rediscover the spirit of family each has lost… As bombs continue to bear down on the city, Charlie, Molly, and Ignatius learn that while the perils of war rage on, their coming together and trusting one another may be the only way for them to survive.
I’m a fan of David Baldacci but I think everything I’ve read by him has been a thriller. It will be interesting to see what he does in the historical fiction realm.
Of course a book shop is not a bad place to start. There is a whole host of WWII books out there so we will see how this stacks up in the midst of it all.
Genre: Thriller/Christian Fiction
Release Date: April 22, 2025
The Other Sister by Jessica R. Patch
Shortened Goodreads Summary: She thought she was the only one lying about her identity. Until she stepped into her sister’s life. Charlotte Kane has always dreamed of a different life, one where she isn’t living paycheck to paycheck. Then her estranged mother dies, and Charlotte makes a stunning discovery—she has an identical twin who was given up for adoption. Acelynn Benedict is polished, successful and seems to have everything Charlotte yearns for… when tragedy hits and Charlotte is forced to assume Acelynn’s identity in a desperate moment, she uncovers something altogether darker…
I discovered Jessica Patch this last year (The Garden Girls) and was very excited about it! She writes great suspense thrillers and I can’t wait to read her newest one.
They are Christian Fiction but not really what you would expect from that genre. She’s not afraid to add a little darkness or twistedness to her characters. It will be a clean book, but not necessarily squeaky clean.
I’ve been reading several books that have twins in them so why not add another?
Genre: Rom-Com
Release Date: April 22, 2025
A Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry
Shortened Goodreads Summary: Alice and Hayden are writers competing for the chance to tell the larger-than-life story of a woman with more than a couple of plot twists up her sleeve— a woman no one has seen in years--or at least to meet with the octogenarian who claims to be the Margaret Ives. Tragic heiress, former tabloid princess, and daughter of one of the most storied (and scandalous) families of the 20th Century. But the problem is, Margaret is only giving each of them pieces of her story. Pieces they can’t swap to put together because of an ironclad NDA and an inconvenient yearning pulsing between them every time they’re in the same room.
I’ve usually enjoyed Emily Henry’s books so this one had to make the list. It seems to have a little more intrigue than some of her other romantic comedies. It’s got the oft-used competition-to-lovers trope… well at least if they end up together.
I still have Funny Story to read, but I may have to get to this one first—we’ll see!
Genre: Thriller
Release Date: April 29, 2025
Hello, Juliet by Samantha M. Bailey
Shortened Goodreads Summary: A TV reunion brings costars back for the drama and betrayals their viewers once craved—and this time, the stakes are deadly. Ivy Westcott fled LA as her acting career imploded. In a flash, she lost her first love and chosen family—her Hello, Juliet castmates… A decade later, Ivy is horrified when a celebrity exposé thrusts the Hello, Juliet cast back into the limelight, dredging up the old scandals she hoped to escape. Ivy’s poised for a comeback, but past betrayals become a present danger when she and the man who once broke her heart find their costar dead.
I really enjoyed Samantha Bailey’s first two books, and wasn’t very interested in the premise of her third. This one is intriguing. We’ve got to see if Ivy’s really poisonous or not!
Early reviews are good so I am optimistic about this one!
Genre: Christian Living
Release Date: May 1, 2025
The Language of Rivers and Stars: How Nature Speaks of the Glories of God by Seth Lewis
Shortened Goodreads Summary: Seth Lewis helps us to experience God and the beauty of creation in an even deeper way by giving us a biblical understanding of what God is saying to us through the world he’s created for us. As we view the plants, the animals, the skies, the earth, the seas and everything else God has created through the lens of his word, we will experience heartfelt joy as we worship him for who he is and what he has made. Take the time to slow down and enjoy the gift of God’s world as you interpret it through the gift of God’s word.
I love nature and learning about the complexities of the things God has created. I have read some books that reflect on nature but from an evolutionary point of view which seems a bit counterproductive to me.
It will be cool to read a book that enjoys nature through the lens that God created it intentionally with purpose— even if only to display his glory and power.
I love a good book that draws me into worship of our Creator.
Genre: Memoir/ Humor
Release Date: May 6, 2025
Big Dumb Eyes: Stories from a Simpler Mind by Nate Bargatze
Goodreads Blurb: In his highly-anticipated first book, Nate talks about life as a non-genius. From stories about his first car (named Old Blue, a clunky Mazda with a tennis ball for a stick shift), life as a Southerner (Northerners constantly ask him things like, do you believe in dinosaurs?), and his first apartment where a rat chewed a hole right through the wall to how his wife keeps him in line and so much more. He also reflects on such topics as Vandy football and the origins of sushi (how can a Philadelphia roll be from old-time Japan?). Nate’s book is full of heart and it will make readers laugh out loud and nod in recognition, but it probably won’t make them think too much.
Nate Bargatze and I go waaay back. My husband and I saw him do stand-up at a local comedy club several years ago with probably less than 50 other people. We saw him 3 other times at increasingly larger venues with the last one being thousands of people at Wells Fargo.
I probably know all of his jokes so hopefully there’s at least some new material in this book. Either way, I have to read it. It’s rare to find a good clean comedian and Bargatze is IT.
His delivery is spot-on dead-pan humor. I know it well and should be able to read this to myself in his voice.
If you don’t know who Nate Bargatze is, you live under a rock and you should probably get out and take a walk and get yourself a laugh with this guy!
Genre: Thriller
Release Date: May 6, 2025
Parents’ Weekend by Alex Finlay
Shortened Goodreads Summary: In the glow of their children’s exciting first year of college at a small private school in Northern California, five families plan on a night of dinner and cocktails for the opening festivities of Parents Weekend. As the parents stay out way past their bedtimes, their kids—five residents of Campisi Hall—never show up at dinner. As the hours click by and another night falls with not so much as a text from the students, panic ensues. What led them out on that fateful night? Could it be the sins of their mothers and fathers come to cause them peril or a threat to the friend group from within? Parents Weekend explores the weight of expectation, family dysfunction, and those exhilarating first days we all remember in the dorms when our friends become our family.
I’ve enjoyed a couple other Alex Finlay books. They had a decent amount of swearing and some other content that kept them from being 5 star reads, but they were suspenseful and had a good twist.
I think I’m ready to go back to the college scene with this one. I don’t remember having a parents’ weekend at my private school so this way I’ll see what kinds of hijinx can come up during such an event.
Genre: Nonfiction
Release Date: May 6, 2025
Second Life: Having a Child in the Digital Age by Amanda Hess
Shortened Goodreads Summary: Second Life is a trenchant look at parenting in early 21st-century America, when humans stopped being raised by villages or even families but rather by a constant onslaught of information. It is a funny, heartbreaking, and surreal examination of fertility apps, the history of ultrasound technologies, prenatal genetic testing, rare disease Facebook groups, baby memes, cultural representations of parenting, gender reveal videos, trendy sleep gurus, “freebirth” influencers, mommy marketers, culminating in a polemic on how to conceive of a real life in the digital age.
I think I’ll find this book pretty relatable as a mom raising kids in a digital era where all the ‘answers’ are at our fingertips. Is the internet a crutch, a benefit, a hindrance?
I’ve reflected a lot on similar avenues of parenting. As well as the question what is real and what is not real. Further, what is true and what is not true. I’m not sure if she will touch on the latter, but I do believe it’s important.
I’m curious to see what her experiences, opinions, and conclusions are on this topic.
Genre: Nonfiction
Release Date: May 13, 2025
The Art Spy: The Extraordinary Untold Tale of WWII Resistance Hero Rose Valland by Michelle Young
Shortened Amazon Summary: Based on troves of previously undiscovered documents, The Art Spy chronicles the brave actions of the key Resistance spy in the heart of the Nazi’s art looting headquarters in the French capital. A veritable female Monuments Man, Valland has, until now, been written out of the annals, despite bearing witness to history’s largest art theft. While Hitler was amassing stolen art, Valland, his undercover adversary, secretly worked to stop him. At every stage of WW II, Valland was front and center. Passing crucial information to the Resistance network, she put herself deliberately in harm’s way to protect the museum and her staff, and faced death during the last hours of Liberation Day. She also singlehandedly provided information to stop the last train of looted artworks—bearing paintings by Picasso, Monet, Cezanne, Gauguin, Braque, Degas, Modigliani—from leaving France.
It’s always hard to decide what non-fiction books look good as there are so many to choose from. I saw this one and was interested in the tag ‘previously undiscovered documents’ and am curious to see what new information we’ve found. There are many stories detailing the roles women played in WWII and I’m looking forward to hearing this one.
Genre: Science Fiction
Release Date: May 20, 2025
The Memory Collectors by Dete Meserve
Shortened Goodreads Summary: What would you do if you could spend an hour in your past? Four strangers in the beach town of Ventura, California are about to find out. But when their “hour” extends beyond sixty minutes, they find themselves stranded in the past. As their paths intertwine unexpectedly, they unearth shocking secrets hidden in the shadows of their shared All their lives were shattered the same night on a secluded highway by the beach. As they delve into the hidden truths of that pivotal hour, a startling revelation emerges. They were not alone. Someone else was present, harboring deadly intentions.
I think I’ve read like five other books with a similar ‘circle’ cover. I think they could have come up with something better, but I’m intrigued by the premise. I enjoy books that deal with memories.
Goodreads says it’s perfect for fans of Wrong Place, Wrong Time which I thought was really good so I think this will be a great book!
Based on Meserve’s other books, it seems like this might be her stand-out book that gets her name recognized. Plus Goodreads marked this on their list of Most Anticipated. Looking forward to another time travel adventure!
Genre: Thriller
Release Date: May 27, 2025
A Dead Draw (Tracy Crosswhite #11) by Robert Dugoni
Shortened Goodreads Summary: Detective Tracy Crosswhite isn’t one to lose her cool. Until her interrogation of the taunting and malicious Erik Schmidt, a suspect in two cold case killings. After a critical mistake during a shooting exercise, Tracy breaks. Haunted by nightmares and flashbacks, Tracy heads to her peaceful hometown of Cedar Grove to refocus. But a legal glitch has allowed Schmidt to go free. And Tracy has every reason to fear that he’s followed her. Forced into a twisted game of cat and mouse, Tracy must draw on all her training, wits, and strength to defeat a master criminal before he takes away everyone Tracy loves.
I’ve read book 1 and then 7-10 of this series and it’s one I always enjoy reading. The last couple books have landed Detective Crosswhite in the cold case area so that’s been an interesting change but it looks like they’re tying this one back into book 1 which tells the story of her sister. We’ll see how much I can remember from that.
I’ve also enjoyed Crosswhite’s character development in becoming a mom, but something tells me this book is going to put her daughter in danger which may be hard for me to read.
If you haven’t read any of this series I would highly recommend it. I don’t think it’s one where you have to read every book in order. There may be minor spoilers here or there but nothing major.
Genre: Literary Fiction
Release Date: June 3, 2025
Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Shortened Goodreads Summary: Joan Goodwin has been obsessed with the stars for as long as she can remember. She comes across an advertisement seeking the first women scientists to join NASA’s Space Shuttle program. Selected from a pool of thousands of applicants in the summer of 1980, Joan begins training. As the new astronauts become unlikely friends and prepare for their first flights, Joan finds a passion and a love she never imagined. In this new light, Joan begins to question everything she thinks she knows about her place in the observable universe. Then, in December of 1984, on mission STS-LR9, everything changes in an instant. Fast-paced, thrilling, and emotional, it transports readers to iconic times and places, with complex protagonists, telling a passionate and soaring story about the transformative power of love, this time among the stars.
I’ve only read Carrie Soto is Back from Taylor Jenkins Reid and I really liked it. However, I already know there are a couple other of her books I would not enjoy but that was more about the subject matter so I’m hoping this will be one I like!
I have not read much historical fiction from this time period/events so I think it will be interesting to see how this story goes.
Genre: Historical Fiction
Release Date: June 17, 2025
The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau by Kristin Harmel
Shortened Goodreads Summary: Set in dual timelines— Nazi-occupied 1940s Paris and 2018— this sweeping novel is about a woman (one in a long line of jewel thieves) who uncovers the truth about her sister's disappearance and a priceless diamond bracelet that went missing with her. Decades after her sister’s body washed up in the Seine, the bracelet turns up in a Boston museum and Colette must find out the story behind the bracelet and what happened to her sister.
Kristin Harmel has written some of my favorite historical fiction novels (The Paris Daughter, The Book of Lost Names, The Forest of Vanishing Stars) so of course I’m going to read her newest book!
Historical fiction often uses the multiple timelines and sometimes I get tired of that, but Harmel’s stories are always so compelling both in plot and emotionally. She always seems to uncover a new facet of WWII and I definitely look forward to seeing what she does here.
It does remind me a little of The Crown Conspiracy which also involves a Robin Hood-esque character who steals paintings from rich, replaces them with replicas, and gives to the poor. Definitely would recommend that one too if that aspect interests you.
Genre: Science Fiction
Release Date: June 17, 2025
Labyrinth by A.G. Riddle
Barnes & Noble Summary: The ringing leads to the numbers. The numbers lead to the group. And then the future. Alan Norris thought the ringing in his ears was just tinnitus. An artifact of the roadside bomb that took half his left leg and shredded his life. But when he starts seeing the numbers, he suspects it's more. Or that he's going crazy. Soon after, he begins losing time. When he wakes up beside a dead body, he doesn't run. He digs deeper. For his sake. And his daughter's. He hides the body. And goes online. There, he discovers that he is not the only person with tinnitus who is seeing the numbers. Can this group save him? So begins one good man's journey into the ultimate labyrinth--and a revelation no one could see coming.
I read A.G. Riddle’s Origin Mystery series and enjoyed that. I also read Pandemic and plan to read Lost in Time. I have felt like I learn a lot reading Riddle’s science fiction stories even though most of it isn’t real. His plotlines are interesting and the writing is good.
There wasn’t a lot to find about this book. It’s not even on Goodreads or Amazon yet and the only image I can find is for the audiobook. Hopefully there is a printed or ebook option! The idea of a labyrinth is always interesting to me so I’m looking forward to reading this one if I can!
Genre: Thriller
Release Date: July 1, 2025
Runner 13 by Amy McCulloch
Goodreads Blurb: It’s the ultimate test of two-hundred-and-fifty miles in the brutal heat of the Sahara, with only the supplies you can carry on your back. Adri is ready. Returning to ultra-running in the wake of a scandal, she needs to prove to herself – and her young son – that she’s a winner. When a fellow runner is badly injured, Adri knows something isn’t right. Yet in a race this extreme, even a dead body can be explained away. But there’s a killer stalking the hot sand. And the problem with running faster than everyone else, is that you’re miles ahead of anyone who can save you...
I don’t run, as a rule, so the relatability of this will be zero, but I am interested in a murder mystery that takes place during a marathon in the Sahara desert! It is a similar ‘extreme’ setting as her book Breathless that I really liked (though sand instead of snow).
What’s also cool about this is that McCulloch has done extreme expeditions and writes from a lot of her experiences- at least that was for sure the case for Breathless, I don’t know about this one yet but it wouldn’t surprise me if she’s done a desert marathon.
Genre: YA/ Romantasy
Release Date: July 1, 2025
Den of Liars (Den of Liars #1) by Jessica S. Olson
Goodreads Blurb: A young thief attempting a daring casino heist during a high-stakes tournament is torn between two warring brothers in Den of Liars, a thrilling YA fantasy romance. Lola St. James will be forced to confront the secrets of her past, the truth of the brothers’ shared history, and the lies she tells herself.
I’ve really enjoyed Olson’s other two books and I’ve kept checking in to see if she had written anything new. It’s been three years and my wish finally came true! Hopefully all the anticipation doesn’t lead to disappointment.
The concept of a Liar’s Dice competition where you gamble with secrets is an interesting plot to consider that I’m sure leads to a lot of danger.
I’m not entirely sure what makes this one fantasy; that element was more overt in her other books.
One reviewer called this a cross between Inheritance Games and Ocean’s Eleven, which I kinda felt like was the description for Thieves’ Gambit that I read at the end of last year. I suppose it’s popular because it’s fun. I’m a fan of heists!
Also a heads up, this one apparently ends on a cliffhanger so Olson better not wait three more years to put out the next one!
Genre: Thriller
Release Date: July 4, 2025 *this might already have released in 2024 but NetGalley tells me it’s 2025.
Breaking the Dark (Marvel Crime #1) by Lisa Jewell
Goodreads Blurb: Meet Jessica Jones: Retired super hero, private investigator, loner. She tried her best to be a shiny spandex crimefighter, but that life only led to unspeakable trauma. Now she avoids that world altogether and works on surviving day-to-day in Hell’s Kitchen, New York. A distraught mother comes into her office and something about her story strikes a chord with her. Amber is adamant that something happened to her teenage twins while they were visiting their father in the UK. The twins don’t act like themselves, and they now have flawless skin, have lost their distinctive tics and habits, and keep talking about a girl named Belle. Amber insists her children have been replaced by something horrible, something “perfect.”… but Jessica Jones has seen all too clearly that behind every promise of perfection trails a dark, dangerous shadow.
There has been a new trend of writing novels set in in the Marvel Universe with fan favorite characters (including Luke Cage by S.A. Crosby) and Lisa Jewell has joined in the fun.
I’m sure there will be purist or super fans that don’t enjoy this type of speculative Marvel fiction but I’m not much of a Marvel movie critic and I doubt I will be for the books either! Give me an action packed, heart pounding thriller/action movie and I’m pretty happy.
And in keeping with the ‘twin’ thing I’m apparently on, this fits perfectly!
Genre: Mystery
Release Date: July 15, 2025
*this is not the correct book cover but the cover has not been released yet so this is my placeholder for now*
The House at Devil’s Neck (Joseph Spector #4) by Tom Mead
Goodreads Blurb: An apparent suicide in a London townhouse uncannily mirrors a similar incident from twenty-five years ago, prompting Scotland Yard's George Flint to delve deep into the past in search of the solution to a long-forgotten mystery. Meanwhile, Joseph Spector travels with a coach party through the rainy English countryside to visit an allegedly haunted house on a lonely island called Devil’s Neck. When a storm floods the narrow causeway connecting Devil’s Neck to the mainland, they find themselves stranded in the haunted house. Before long, the guests begin to die one by one. Flint's and Spector's investigations are in fact closely linked, but it is only when the duo are reunited at the storm-lashed Devil's Neck that the truth is finally revealed.
I’ve read the first two of this series and apparently missed the third one in 2024 but I won’t miss this one! Tom Mead writes locked-room mysteries set in the Golden Age of detective stories.
I always enjoy locked room mysteries like Agatha Christie’s works. If you like the Knives Out vibes, I would definitely recommend you try out Tom Mead’s books!
Genre: Mystery
Release Date: July 22, 2025
*this is not the correct book cover but the cover has not been released yet so this is my placeholder for now*
The Laughing Dead (Steinbeck & Reed #3) by Jess Loury
Blurb from Loury’s website: Two BCA agents are thrown into the investigation of their lives when a grisly homicide is tied to the unsolved cold case of three smiling corpses in this pulse-crushing thriller.
I don’t know much about this book, barely even a summary. There should be more information as the release date gets closer.
But I’m adding it to the list because I really liked her book The Taken Ones (which is book one of this series; apparently I missed book two- The Reaping- in 2024).
Her style is not over the top, but definitely not for the faint of heart and based on the image I conjure for ‘smiling corpses’ this one might be a little creepy too.
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Release Date: August 5, 2025
The Locked Ward by Sarah Pekkanen
Goodreads Blurb: It was the Crime of the Decade. Pathological sibling rivalry. Bitter, all- consuming envy. Whatever the cause - and everyone has an opinion - it led Georgia Worthington, who was adopted as a newborn, to kill the younger, biological daughter of her wealthy, socially prominent family. A jury has just found Georgia not guilty by reason of insanity, and she's being kept at an institution where the most violent offenders are held. When her estranged sister, Amanda, visits her, Georgia's first words are, "You've got to get me out of here. I didn't do it." Her sister can’t walk away. Can Amanda really trust Georgia? Or is she being led down a path of madness and into the web of a master manipulator. Nothing is as it seems.
I was pleasantly surprised with Sarah Pekkanen’s book House of Glass that I read last year. I had only ever read her books co-authored with Greer Hendricks and was a little on the fence about reading more of them. I loved her solo books and was eager to read another one; how perfect that one comes out again this year!
Based on the red herrings of House of Glass I’m guessing this one will be similar where it’s hard to tell who is really the dangerous person and who is the manipulator. Psychological thrillers at their best!
Genre: Mystery
Release Date: November 4, 2025
The Hidden City (Charles Lenox #12) by Charles Finch
Amazon Blurb: A desperate letter from an old servant forces amateur sleuth Charles Lenox to pick up the trail of a cold case: the murder of an apothecary seven years before, whose only clue is an odd emblem carved into the doorway of the building where the man was killed. When Lenox finds a similar mark at the site of another murder, he begins to piece together a hidden pattern which leads him into the corridors of Parliament, the slums of East London, and ultimately the very heart of the British upper class. Featuring a beloved cast of characters, a top-notch puzzle, and Finch's trademark humor and richness of historical detail, The Hidden City is a novel by a master at the top of his form.
The first Charles Finch book I read was An Extravagant Death when it came out in 2021. Turns out it was the 11th book in this series. So then I went back and started working on the earlier books and have read two of them since then. I wish I would have read them closer together to have cohesiveness with the character storylines, but I’ll keep chipping away at it.
This is another series that is similar to the Golden Era of detective stories. This one takes place in 1879. I enjoy reading mysteries from this era to see how they solve things without technology.
My review from the first book of his I read states that it was “Part historical fiction, part Sherlock Holmes, and a dash of wit.”
Can’t wait to learn more and be thoroughly intrigued by what Lenox is up to!
Genre: Thriller
Release Date: November 11, 2025
*this is not the correct book cover but the cover has not been released yet so this is my placeholder for now*
The Perfect Hosts by Heather Gudenkauf
Amazon Blurb: Cordelia and Wes Drake have invited two hundred of their closest friends and family to their sprawling horse ranch for the most anticipated event of the year: a “pistols and pearls” gender reveal party so sensational it is sure to make headlines. But the party descends into chaos when the celebratory explosive misfires, leaving one woman dead and a trail of secrets. As tensions mount, it becomes clear that the explosion wasn’t just an unlucky accident. But who was the target, and why? As the shadow of a killer looms, the happy parents-to-be must unravel the truth before it’s too late.
I recently read Gudenkauf’s book The Overnight Guest which was a fun nostalgic read as it takes place near my hometown. This one definitely feels like a different vibe but I’m hoping it’s the same suspense and twists.
I think the premise of this one is a little funny (or maybe not funny) since there have been headlines for gender reveal parties going wrong, especially when guns are involved. I never thought about someone using something like that to kill someone intentionally. That’s pretty dark actually. I’m curious to see where she goes with this!
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