The Best Books to Inspire New Beginnings in 2025
This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a small commission.
With the new year just around the corner, why not pick up one of these inspiring reads and give yourself the gift of growth and possibility? Whether you’re drawn to the magic of fiction or the practicality of nonfiction, each book on this list has the power to inspire you in new ways.
As the new year approaches, there’s no better time to dive into stories that spark change, inspire courage, and guide us toward fresh beginnings. Both fiction and nonfiction books can offer wisdom and motivation to help us let go of the past, embrace the present, and step boldly into what lies ahead. Whether you’re seeking practical strategies for self-growth or beautiful stories of resilience and self-discovery, these books are the perfect companions for anyone ready to start anew.
Both fiction and nonfiction books have the unique power to encourage us through new life chapters. From novels that bring characters’ transformations to life to motivational reads that provide real-world tools for change, each book on this list can serve as a source of inspiration and insight as you consider your own path forward.
Happy Reading!
If you’re looking for all the upcoming books, take a look at
Popular New Beginnings Books of 2024
The Wedding People
by Alison Espach
When Phoebe Stone arrives alone at the luxurious Cornwall Inn, she is mistaken for one of the wedding guests. Actually, she is there to fulfill a long-time dream of taking sunset sails and shucking oysters with her husband. But now alone and at rock bottom, she is determined to enjoy one last splurge on herself. Unexpectedly, she forms a bond with the bride-to-be, confiding in each other and finding solace in their unexpected friendship.
What Does It Feel Like?
by Sophie Kinsella
In her latest novel, bestselling author Sophie Kinsella explores the power of new beginnings in the face of adversity. In What Does It Feel Like?, Eve is forced to confront her own mortality and navigate the challenges that come with a life-changing diagnosis. But as she struggles to hold onto memories and make sense of her new reality, she also discovers the beauty and strength in starting anew. Through Eve’s journey, Kinsella reminds us that even in our darkest moments, there is always hope for a fresh start. With poignant prose and relatable characters, this novel will definitely touch your heart.
The Husbands
by Holly Gramazio
Lauren finds herself in a bizarre situation when she discovers that her attic has the power to create an infinite supply of husbands for her. As she continues to experiment with different versions of her life, she begins to question the very essence of who she is and what truly makes her happy. Holly Gramazio’s debut novel is a thought-provoking exploration of identity and the choices we make in life. Through the captivating story of Lauren and her mysterious husbands, Gramazio invites readers to question the idea of a “perfect” life and whether it truly leads to happiness.
Summer Romance
by Annabel Monaghan
Life has not been easy for Ali Morris. After losing her mother and going through a divorce, she feels lost and unsure of what the future holds. But when a chance encounter with a charming man leads to a summer romance, Ali begins to see the possibility of a brighter tomorrow. Join her on this journey as she learns to let go of the past and embrace new possibilities in love and life.
Fiction Books That Spark New Beginnings
The Midnight Library
by Matt Haig
Imagine if you could go back in time and change the decisions that shaped your life. That’s exactly what Nora Seed gets to do when she finds herself in the Midnight Library, a place between life and death where she has the chance to undo her past regrets. But as Nora delves deeper into different versions of her life, she begins to question if true happiness can be achieved by simply changing one’s circumstances. Through her journey, we see how regret can consume a person and how difficult it can be to let go of past mistakes.
The Alchemist
by Paulo Coelho
This timeless classic follows the journey of Santiago, a young shepherd who embarks on a quest to follow his dreams and discover his true destiny. Through his adventures, Santiago learns valuable lessons about life, love, and the power of following one’s heart. With its captivating storytelling and powerful messages, this book has captured the hearts of millions of readers all around the world.
Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine
by Gail Honeyman
Eleanor Oliphant is a woman who has never been told that life should be more than just fine. Her carefully structured and isolated existence is turned upside down when she meets Raymond, her bumbling coworker, and the two of them rescue an elderly gentleman named Sammy from a sidewalk fall. As they become friends, Eleanor begins to open up and heal her own damaged heart with the help of Raymond’s kind nature. Through their unlikely friendship readers are taken on an uplifting journey of friendship and self-discovery, where Eleanor learns that in order to truly survive, she must open her heart.
Where the Crawdads Sing
by Delia Owens
This brilliant coming-of-age novel is the story of Kya Clark, a young girl who is left to fend for herself in the marshes of North Carolina when her family abandons her. Kya learns to survive on her own, relying on the natural world around her and finding peace in the beauty of nature. As she grows, her isolation and self-sufficiency are challenged by the arrival of two young men who show her kindness and love. But when one of them is found dead, Kya becomes the prime suspect in his murder.
A Man Called Ove
by Fredrik Backman
Let’s enter the world of Ove, a man known for his strict routines and short temper. But behind this cranky exterior, there is a story and sadness that have shaped him into the person he is today. When a young family moves in next door, accidentally destroying Ove’s mailbox, it sets off a chain of events that leads to unexpected friendships, unkempt cats, and even changes in the local community. Despite his initial rough exterior, we cannot help but root for Ove as he navigates through life and finds unexpected connections with others.
Save for Later
Wildflower Hill
by Kimberley Freeman
Two women, Emma and her grandmother Beattie, find themselves at a crossroads in their lives. Emma, a famous ballerina, is forced to confront her injury and the emptiness in her life, while Beattie, a successful businesswoman who had an unconventional past, leaves behind a legacy for Emma in the form of an isolated sheep station in Australia. As Emma learns more about her grandmother’s struggles and triumphs, she also discovers the healing power of nature and the importance of keeping her heart open to love no matter what challenges come her way.
The Bookish Life of Nina Hill
by Abbi Waxman
This delightful novel follows the life of an introverted bookstore employee as she navigates unexpected family connections and a budding romance. Nina Hill is just your average bookworm, content with her quiet and structured life surrounded by books. But when her estranged father passes away, leaving behind a large extended family, Nina’s world is turned upside down. Forced to interact with strangers and confront her fears of socializing, Nina must learn to adapt to this new reality.
The Secret Life of Bees
by Sue Monk Kidd
In the heart of South Carolina in 1964, a young girl named Lily Owens embarks on a journey to uncover the truth about her mother’s death. Along the way, she discovers the healing powers of nature and forms a strong bond with three beekeeping sisters who introduce her to their world of honey and the Black Madonna. As Lily learns about divine female power and the importance of sisterhood, she also uncovers secrets about her mother’s past that will change her life forever.
The Great Alone
by Kristin Hannah
Kristin Hannah’s novel is a powerful story of love, family, and resilience. When the Allbright family’s dream of a new life in Alaska turns into a fight for survival, they must come together and find strength within themselves to weather the storm. Kristin Hannah’s vivid storytelling takes readers on an emotional rollercoaster through the rugged Alaskan wilderness as the characters struggle against nature and their inner demons.
Georgier, All Along
by Kate Clayborn
When Georgie Mulcahy returns to her hometown after an unexpected upheaval, she is faced with the uncomfortable truth that she has always put others before herself. But when she comes across a diary from her teenage years filled with unfulfilled dreams and possibilities, Georgie sees it as a guidebook for starting a new path in life. However, her plans are derailed when she meets Levi Fanning, a former town troublemaker who now lives as a recluse. Despite his reputation, Levi offers to help Georgie with her quest and together they embark on a journey through her forgotten wishlist.
Nonfiction Books That Inspire Change
Atomic Habits
by James Clear
Good habits are the foundation for achieving success in any aspect of life. However, forming good habits can be challenging, especially when we have been stuck in bad habits for a long time. In his book Atomic Habits, James Clear provides a practical and proven framework for building good habits and breaking bad ones. This book teaches you how to create a system that supports your goals and leads to remarkable results.
Save for Later
Year of Yes
by Shonda Rhimes
In this book, Shonda Rhimes shares her journey of saying yes to everything that scared her for one year. What started as a challenge from her sister turned into a life-changing experience. Despite being the creator and producer of popular television shows, Shonda reveals that she is an introvert who avoids public appearances and suffers panic attacks before media interviews.
Untamed
by Glennon Doyle
In a world where women are often told to put others before themselves, Untamed reminds them that it’s okay – and necessary – to prioritize one’s happiness and fulfillment. Doyle shares her journey of rediscovering her authentic self after years of numbing addictions and conforming to societal norms. This powerful and thought-provoking book challenges women to break free from societal expectations and embrace their true selves.
The Happyness Project
by Gretchen Rubin
This book is an insightful and practical guide that provides a step-by-step approach to creating true happiness in our lives. With her engaging writing style, Rubin takes readers on a journey toward self-discovery and fulfillment. One of the key aspects of this book is its incorporation of scientific research. Rubin takes readers through her personal experiences and struggles as she embarks on her year-long happiness project. The result is a transparent and honest account of one woman’s pursuit of happiness – flaws and all.
A Novel Love Story
by Ashley Poston
In Big Magic, Elizabeth Gilbert shares her journey and insights into creativity, encouraging readers to embrace their curiosity and let go of fear to live their most vibrant and fulfilling lives. Through a balance of spirituality and practicality, she guides readers on tapping into their unique creative potential and discovering the “strange jewels” within themselves. This book is not just for writers or artists but for anyone looking to infuse more passion and mindfulness into their everyday lives.
Wild
by Cheryl Strayed
Cheryl Strayed’s memoir Wild is a story of resilience, determination, and self-discovery. Amid immense loss and personal turmoil, Strayed embarks on a solo journey along the Pacific Crest Trail, facing the harsh elements and physical challenges of hiking over 1,000 miles. Through her vivid storytelling and intimate reflections, we witness her transformation as she pushes herself to the limit both physically and emotionally.
The Power of Now
by Eckart Tolle
With its simple yet profound teachings, The Power of Now guides readers on a transformative journey toward inner peace and spiritual awakening. Throughout the book, Tolle encourages readers to let go of their attachment to the past and future and instead focus on living in the present moment. He explains that by constantly dwelling on negative thoughts from the past or anxieties about the future, we are preventing ourselves from fully experiencing life.
Designing Your Life
by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans
Designing Your Life is a guide to applying the principles of design thinking to your life, creating a personalized roadmap for success and fulfillment. Through a series of practical exercises and real-life examples, Burnett and Evans show readers how to identify their values, set goals, prototype different life paths, and ultimately choose the one that aligns with their personal vision. They also emphasize the importance of constantly iterating and adapting as we navigate through life’s challenges and opportunities.
Everything Is Figureoutable
by Marie Forleo
Everyone faces challenges and obstacles in life, but what separates successful people from those who give up is their belief that everything is figureoutable. In her book, Marie Forleo shares this powerful message with readers and provides actionable steps to help them tap into their own creativity and ingenuity. With a conversational and relatable tone, Marie’s book is both informative and inspiring, encouraging readers to approach their problems with a positive mindset and the belief that they are capable of overcoming anything.
The Four Agreements
by Don Miguel Ruiz
In The Four Agreements, Don Miguel Ruiz invites readers to question and challenge the limiting beliefs that hold them back from living a life of joy and fulfillment. He presents four simple but powerful agreements that can help individuals break free from self-imposed limitations and create a new reality for themselves.
These books are a wonderful reminder that every day holds the potential for a fresh start—whether it’s beginning a new chapter in your life, finding joy in a new home, pursuing a different career path, or simply embracing a more positive outlook. Choose a few favorites, dive into their pages, and let 2025 be the year you create your next exciting chapter. I can’t wait to hear your thoughts and recommendations—share them in the comments below!