Explore the Best January 2025 Releases
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Ready to discover your next literary obsession? Explore the hottest January 2025 book releases, including my top picks and the most talked-about titles of the month.
It’s always exciting to start a new month, especially when you get to plan out your reading list! There are some fantastic books coming out soon, ranging from romantic novels to popular New York Times bestsellers, thought-provoking coming-of-age stories, and gripping historical fiction novels.
With so many new books being published every month, it can be overwhelming to decide which ones to include in your reading list. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!
Every month, I’ll highlight some of the most exciting upcoming releases that you should remember. As an eclectic reader, I balance my reading list and recommendations with a mix of genres from both established and debut authors to give you the best and most varied reading experience possible. So, I’m confident that you’ll find something you’ll love on this list.
Happy Reading!
If you’re looking for all the upcoming books, take a look at
Best January 2025 Book Releases
The Stolen Queen
by Fiona Davis
Historical Fiction
Publication Date: January 7, 2025
Two women, Charlotte and Annie, are brought together by fate as they both navigate their struggles in the bustling city of New York. Charlotte is an associate curator at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, consumed with her research on a forgotten female pharaoh. Meanwhile, Annie is starting her career at the iconic Vogue under the demanding editor Diana Vreeland. As they work together to solve the mystery of a missing artifact from the Egyptian collection at the Met, Charlotte must confront her painful past and return to Egypt where it all began.
Beautiful Ugly
by Alice Feeney
Thriller
Publication Date: January 14, 2025
Grady Green is a successful author whose life is turned upside down when his wife, Abby, mysteriously disappears. Desperate for answers, Grady embarks on a journey to a remote Scottish island, where he discovers shocking truths about his wife and their marriage.
Beg, Borrow, or Steal
by Sarah Adams
Romance
Publication Date: January 7, 2025
Emily is a small-town writer with big dreams of becoming a bestselling author, while Jack is a successful mystery writer who has always been Emily’s biggest competition.After years of rivalry and animosity, fate brings these two enemies together when Jack returns to their hometown as Emily’s colleague and neighbor. As they both try to navigate their newfound working relationship, sparks fly between them, fueling their intense chemistry and animosity.
Witchcraft for Wayward Girls
by Grady Hendrix
Horror
Publication Date: January 14, 2025
Set in 1970s Florida, the story centers on fifteen-year-old Fern, who finds herself sent to Wellwood House, a home for unwed, pregnant girls. Under strict rules and surveillance by the stern Miss Wellwood, Fern and the other girls are isolated from society and forced to forget their pasts. That is until Fern discovers an occult book on witchcraft that gives her newfound power but also brings deadly consequences.
Three Wild Dogs
by Markus Zusak
Memoir
Publication Date: January 21, 2025
Markus Zusak shares the unforgettable story of his family’s experience with three wild dogs and their impact on their lives. From street fights to hospital visits, this memoir explores the unique bond between humans and animals and how it can change us in unexpected ways.
Onyx Storm
by Rebecca Yarros
Sci-Fi & Fantasy
Publication Date: January 21, 2025
After months of training at Basgiath War College, Violet Sorrengail is ready for the real battle. But as enemies close in on all sides, she’s unsure who she can trust. With time running out, Violet must leave behind everything she knows and journey beyond the Aretian wards in search of allies. Along the way, she’ll face challenges that will test her wit, luck, and strength – but nothing will stop her from protecting what she loves.
Top Thrillers January 2025
A Sea of Unspoken Things
by Adrienne Young
Publication Date: January 7, 2025
When James returns to her hometown after the death of her twin brother, she must face the painful memories and secrets of their shared past. As she delves deeper into Johnny’s life, James discovers that he was hiding something, and she must decide whether or not to bring the truth to light.
Cross My Heart
by Megan Collins
Publication Date: January 14, 2025
Rosie Lachlan knows the fragility of life all too well after receiving a life-saving heart transplant. But when she becomes convinced that her donor’s widower is her soulmate, she risks everything to uncover the truth about his previous marriage. As she delves deeper into his secrets, Rosie must confront whether their connection is real or if it’s all just a figment of her desperate imagination.
Clever Little Thing
by Helena Echlin
Publication Date: January 14, 2025
Charlotte’s daughter Stella, who was once a disruptive and anti-social child, has become docile and agreeable after the death of their babysitter, Blanka. However, she begins to mirror Blanka’s personality and cravings, leading Charlotte to believe that she may have somehow possessed her daughter. As Charlotte becomes increasingly obsessed with saving her daughter, she must also confront her deteriorating mental state, as her husband believes it’s all in her head.
Save for Later
The Last Room on the Left
by Leah Konen
Publication Date: January 14, 2025
When Kerry, a struggling writer, takes a job as a caretaker at an isolated mountain hotel to escape her problems, she finds herself in a terrifying game of survival when she discovers a frozen body and must fight for her life against a killer. As the blizzard rages outside, Kerry must use all of her wits and courage to make it out alive.
The Crash
by Freida McFadden
Publication Date: January 28, 2025
Tegan, a pregnant woman is on the run, trying to escape her troubled past. But when she becomes stranded in a blizzard, she must face the harsh reality of her situation and fight for survival. With danger lurking around every corner, Tegan must do whatever it takes to protect herself and her unborn child. As she uncovers the truth about the couple who rescued her, she realizes that this safe haven may be more dangerous than she originally thought.
Top Historical Fiction January 2025
The Unbecoming of Margaret Wolf
by Isa Arsén
Publication Date: January 7, 2025
When Margaret Shoard, a talented actress and wife to her best friend Wesley, gets the opportunity to play Lady Macbeth in an unconventional Shakespeare performance in the New Mexico desert, she sees it as a chance to escape her crumbling personal life. But when she arrives, she finds herself caught up in a web of deception and betrayal orchestrated by eccentric director Vaughn Kline.
Let’s Call Her Barbie
by Renée Rosen
Publication Date: January 21, 2025
In 1956, Ruth pitched her idea for a doll unlike any other to her co-founded toy company. With determination and passion, she assembles a team of creative rebels who will help bring her vision to life. However, they face numerous challenges as they work against the clock to launch Barbie into the world. As Barbie becomes an instant success and grows into a cultural phenomenon, Ruth and her team must navigate personal struggles and public scandals that threaten to overshadow their creation.
Good Dirt
by Charmaine Wilkerson
Publication Date: January 28, 2025
Ebby Freeman is a young woman grappling with the aftermath of a childhood tragedy. As she navigates her struggles and confronts the looming shadow of her family’s past, Ebby must also come to terms with the role that an heirloom stoneware jar plays in both her family’s history and her future.
Most anticipated January 2025 New Books
Water Moon
by Samantha Sotto Yambao
Magical Realism
Publication Date: January 14, 2025
Hana, a pawnshop owner in Tokyo, wakes up to find her shop ransacked and her father missing. With the help of a charming stranger, they embark on a journey through a mystical world to find her father and the stolen item, all while facing the consequences of their past choices. As they get closer to the truth, Hana must reveal a secret that could change everything.
Save for Later
Homeseeking
by Karissa Chen
Literary Fiction
Publication Date: January 7, 2024
Set against the backdrop of China’s tumultuous history, two childhood friends, Haiwen and Suchi, are torn apart by war and fate. When they unexpectedly cross paths sixty years later, they must confront their past and grapple with the choices that define their lives. Told through Haiwen’s memories of the past and Suchi’s present struggles, Homeseeking is a poignant tale of love, loss, and longing for the sense of home that can only be found in each other.
All the Water in the World
by Eiren Caffall
Sci-Fi & Fantasy
Publication Date: January 7, 2025
In a post-apocalyptic world, a young girl named Nonie and her family use their knowledge of water to survive and protect the collections of human history and science at the American Museum of Natural History. However, when a devastating storm hits New York City, they must embark on a dangerous journey along the Hudson River, encountering new communities and challenges.
Old Soul
by Susan Barker
Horror
Publication Date: January 28, 2025
Jake and Mariko are two strangers who meet in Osaka after missing a flight. Over dinner, they discover that they both have lost loved ones whose paths crossed with the same beguiling woman whose whereabouts are unknown. Determined to find her and get answers, Jake travels around the world gathering testimonies from others who have encountered this mysterious figure throughout history. His search leads him to Theo, a dying sculptor in rural New Mexico, who may hold the key to unraveling the truth about this enigmatic woman.
Reese's Book Club Pick January 2025
Reese’s Book Club is a book club founded by Reese Witherspoon. The club reads one book a month and then discusses it online. All the books are chosen with a wide range of readers in mind. Reese’s Book Club is a great way to get recommendations for books to read and to connect with other readers. Here you’ll find the updated list and know about my favorite picks.
City of Night Birds
by Juhea Kim
Coming-of-age story
Publication Date: November 26, 2024
Natalia Leonova, a once-renowned prima ballerina, returns to St. Petersburg after a devastating accident halted her career. As she grapples with her past and the ghosts of her former life, she is faced with a difficult decision: return to the world of Russian dance that nearly broke her or walk away forever.
Read With Jenna Book Club December 2024
The Read with Jenna Book club is a great way for fans of Jenna Bush Hager to connect with each other and discuss their favorite books. It’s also a great way to discover new authors and learn more about the reading experience. If you’re looking for a way to get more out of your reading, be sure to check out the Read with Jenna Book Club. You won’t regret it!
GMA Book Club December 2024
Listen For The Lie
by Amy Tintera
Thriller
Publication Date: March 5, 2024
Lucy and Savvy had it all – beauty, brains, and popularity. But on a fateful night, something went horribly wrong, and Savvy was found dead, with Lucy covered in her best friend’s blood and no memory of what happened. Years later, a true crime podcast decides to reopen the case, and Lucy must face the truth about what really happened that night.
Book of the Month January 2025
Book of the Month is perfect if you’re looking for a subscription that will keep you entertained and engaged. They carefully select books from well-known authors and new releases to send to their subscribers. You’re guaranteed to find a great book each month.
So if you’re looking for a great way to get new books each month, Book of the Month is a great option. Try it out today!
Homeseeking
by Karissa Chen
Definitely Better Now
by Ava Robinson
Beautiful Ugly
by Alice Feeney
The Most Wonderful...
by Ally Carter
The Thirteenth Child
by Erin A. Craig
What books are you most excited about this month? Share your top picks in the comments below and let’s discuss our TBR piles!