If there is one truism about books, it’s that the love of reading never disappears – once you are a book lover – you may take a break when life gets in the way- but you always return to it. It’s also true that “perfect” is hard to achieve in most categories, but who hasn’t found the perfect book – the one that feels made for them. The perfect book can be a thought-provoking psychological thriller or a slow-burn, beautifully written, and quiet literary fiction – it’s very individual and all about connection.
So, if you’re ready to embrace your next great read, keep scrolling for fabulous suggestions.
Women’s Fiction
The Favorites by Layne Fargo
This book immerses you in the elite but ruthless world of figure skating. But it’s also a love story following the journey of Katarina and Heath – from their beginning to their rise on the Olympic skating stage. It’s perfect for anyone who enjoys women’s fiction and would make a great Sunday afternoon or vacation read; it’s an engaging escape.
Behind Every Good Man by Sara Goodman Confino
Beverly is a 1960s housewife; she’s happily married (or so she thinks) and loves caring for her husband and children. Then she discovers her husband is unfaithful, and instead of simply accepting her situation, she decides to take control. As she reinvents her life, the story is a blend of humor and female resilience and taking charge of one’s own destiny. Loved it!
Historical Fiction
The Stolen Queen by Fiona Davis
Charlotte is an anthropology student who eventually becomes a curator of the Met’s Egyptian collection. Annie works for the renowned Diana Vreeland, who is organizing the prestigious Met Gala. They meet when a precious Egyptian artifact is stolen during the gala, and together, they try to solve a mystery that leads them to Egypt and long-buried secrets.
This story blends historical intrigue with compelling character development, appealing to fans of Fiona Davis and those who love historical fiction, especially immersive tales about ancient Egypt.
The Sunflower House by Adriana Allegri
Allina is a young Jewish woman hiding her identity from the Nazis. After a wartime tragedy leaves her without family, she is forced to work as a nurse in a facility dedicated to breeding Aryan children for the regime. There, she witnesses and becomes entangled in the atrocities of Hitler’s eugenics agenda while also trying to protect her true identity and the innocent lives under her care.
Psychological Thrillers
Beautiful Ugly by Alice Feeney
Grady is an author whose life unravels when his wife, Abby, goes missing after stopping to help someone on the roadside. Grady, struggling with grief and writer’s block, retreats to a secluded island to revive his career. There, he becomes entangled in a labyrinth of mystery and psychological tension.
You will love this one if you like books with atmosphere, twisty plots, and suspense.
Fantasy
The Book of Doors by Gareth Brown
I was intrigued by the premise of this book. It features an ancient book that can open doors to any place, anytime, anywhere in the world. Cassie discovers this remarkable book, but as she unravels its secrets, she realizes that others are also seeking it. This puts her in a dangerous chase, where every door she opens reveals new wonders and threats.
The core idea of a book that allows travel through any door, including through time, is inherently captivating and will appeal to those who enjoy reading about time travel and stories with mystery, fantasy, and many secrets.
Backlist Books
Women’s Fiction
The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett
This story is captivating about family and identity – twin sisters taking a different path. They are light-skinned blacks. One sister decides to live as black and the other as white. The story explores racism and discrimination and does it well. Well-written, beautiful, and thought-provoking.
Fantasy
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
This book is engaging and entertaining from cover to cover with one caveat – it must be read with an open mind to be fully appreciated. Those unable to suspend belief will most likely not enjoy this book. Still, the journey is colorful, imaginative, and creative for the rest. It’s a book of challenges, romance, and genuinely excellent descriptions. I loved It!!
Books I Can’t Wait To Read . . . Coming in March
Non Fiction
Propaganda Girls by Lisa Rogak
This book explores how American women were brought into the fold during World War II to work on propaganda. They wrote, broadcasted, and designed various materials to sway opinions at home and overseas. It shines a light on their essential, yet often forgotten, contributions to the war, showing how they used their talents to lift spirits and rally support for the Allied cause. I love books about strong women and can’t wait to start this one.
Praise for Propaganda Girls:
“Journalist [Lisa] Rogak offers a riveting portrait of four women who worked as Allied propagandists during WWII. … WWII buffs will be hooked.” ―Publishers Weekly
“An enjoyable and briskly told group biography.” ―Kirkus Reviews
“A clean, compact story about four amazingly successful soldiers in one of our first information wars.” ―BookPage
Psychological Thriller
Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy
This is a dark, atmospheric thriller set on the Irish coast. It follows a young woman drawn into a dangerous search for a missing person, uncovering secrets about her family and community. The book blends mystery, folklore, and psychological suspense, exploring themes of grief, trauma, and the natural world’s power. Charlotte McConaghy is also the author of “Once There Were Wolves” which you may be familiar with.
Praise for Wild Dark Shore:
A Most Anticipated Book (Goodreads, BookPage, Publishers Weekly, WNYC, The Nerd Daily, Zibby’s Highlights)
“Riveting… McConaghy’s descriptions of nature’s glory and terror are galvanic, the psychological struggles wrenching, the suspenseful action spectacularly choreographed. McConaghy has attained new heights of intensity and lacerating ecological conviction in this complexly plotted, tragic, and all-consuming tale of the battle to survive.”
―Booklist (starred review)
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