Must-Read Book Club Picks for 2025
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Ready to dive into something fresh and exciting for your next book club meeting? Don’t miss these captivating new releases, each promising to be a discussion-worthy gem for your book club.
I’ll admit I was a latecomer to the book club scene. For years, I was content to lose myself in solitary reading adventures. But I reluctantly agreed when a dear friend invited me to join her book club. Little did I know that I was about to embark on a journey filled with laughter, tears, and deep connections over the love of literature.
But let’s face it, choosing the perfect book for your next book club meeting can be a daunting task. With countless titles vying for your attention, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s where I come in. Every year, I scour through new releases and recommendations to bring you a curated list of book club picks that are sure to make for engaging discussions. Whether you prefer heart-pounding thrillers, heartwarming romances, or mind-bending literary fiction, be ready to add these must-reads to your book club’s reading list.
Happy Reading!
If you’re looking for all the upcoming books, take a look at
Best Book Club Books 2025
We All Live Here
by Jojo Moyes
Contemporary Fiction
Publication Date: February 11, 2025
Lila struggles to keep her life together as a divorced single mother with two rebellious daughters and a crumbling house. But when her estranged father suddenly enters the picture, things take an unexpected turn for the Kennedy household. As Lila navigates through new challenges and relationships, she realizes that family is not just about blood but also forgiveness and love.
Great Big Beautiful Life
by Emily Henry
Romance
Publication Date: April 22, 2025
Two writers, Alice and Hayden, are invited to vie for the chance to write the biography of enigmatic heiress Margaret Ives. As they try to win her over and unravel her secrets, their complicated relationship and personal ambitions complicate matters.
Saltwater
by Katy Hays
Thriller
Publication Date: March 25, 2025
Thirty years after her mother’s mysterious death, Helen must confront long-hidden family secrets and unravel the truth about what happened on glittering Capri. After discovering a surprising clue, she teams up with a family assistant to escape her controlling family. When the investigation into her mother’s death is reopened, everyone becomes a suspect, and not everyone will make it off the island alive.
The Sirens
by Emilia Hart
Magical Realism
Publication Date: March 4, 2025
When Lucy’s sister Jess goes missing, she discovers a haunting legacy of women bound to the sea across centuries. In 2019, Lucy’s vivid nightmares and her search for Jess lead her to a coastal town filled with dark secrets. Through Jess’s 1999 diary, Lucy unravels a tale of isolation and forbidden connections. Meanwhile, in 1800, twin sisters aboard a convict ship uncover mysterious powers tied to the ocean.
Atmosphere
by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Literary Fiction
Publication Date: June 3, 2025
Joan Goodwin, a reserved and thoughtful professor of physics and astronomy at Rice University, has always been fascinated by the stars. But it is not until she sees an advertisement seeking the first women scientists for NASA’s Space Shuttle program that her passion ignites even further. Against all odds, Joan is chosen from thousands of applicants to train at Houston’s Johnson Space Center alongside an exceptional group of fellow candidates.
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.
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.
Three Days in June
by Anne Tyler
Contemporary Fiction
Publication Date: February 11, 2025
Gail Baines’s life is far from perfect, but she’s always kept her head above water. That is until a series of events in the span of three days drastically shakes up her world. With her daughter’s wedding looming, Gail must navigate past secrets, unexpected visitors, and family drama that threatens to unravel everything she has worked so hard for.
Sounds Like Love
by Ashley Poston
Romance
Publication Date: June 17, 2025
When Joni Lark, a successful songwriter in LA, returns to her hometown of Vienna Shores, North Carolina, hoping to find inspiration for her next hit song, she never expected to hear an alluring and addictive melody in her head. She soon discovers that this melody belongs to Sam, a gruff and aggravating musician with his own struggles. Despite their initial plan to finish the song together and go their separate ways, Joni and Sam find it increasingly difficult to resist their growing connection.
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.
Save for Later
What Kind of Paradise
by Janelle Brown
Literary Fiction
Publication Date: June 10, 2025
Set in the 1990s, this coming-of-age story follows Jane as she navigates life in an isolated cabin with her elusive father before embarking on a journey to uncover the mysteries of her past and confront the harsh realities of the outside world.
The Otherwhere Post
by Emily J. Taylor
Sci-Fi & Fantasy
Publication Date: February 25, 2025
Maeve Abenthy lost everything seven years ago when her father was accused of a crime he didn’t commit. Now, she’s determined to clear his name and discover the truth behind his supposed guilt. To do so, she must be an apprentice for the Otherwhere Post, a secretive organization that uses magic to deliver letters to other worlds. But she soon discovers that her mentor is onto her deception, and time is running out. As Maeve delves deeper into her father’s past, she starts receiving threatening letters warning her to stop or face grave consequences.
The Last Days of Kira Mullan
by Nicci French
Thriller
Publication Date: March 4, 2025
Nancy North struggles to piece her life back together after a psychotic break. With the support of her partner Felix, she tries to move forward in their new flat, but when she hears mysterious voices again, she realizes that something sinister is at play. When her neighbor Kira is found dead, and everyone insists it’s a suicide, Nancy’s doubts only grow stronger, especially with the help of Detective Maud O’Connor, who also suspects foul play.
One Golden Summer
by Carley Fortune
Romance
Publication Date: May 6, 2025
Alice, a successful photographer, is drawn to Charlie Florek during a summer at her grandmother’s cottage by the lake. As she starts to let go of her usual reserved self and enjoy life with Charlie, she begins to worry about her heart and whether he sees her as more than just a friend.
Famous Last Words
by Gillian McAllister
Publication Date: February 25, 2025
On the longest day of the year, new mother Camilla’s life is thrown into chaos when her husband Luke becomes a gunman in a hostage situation. As the police and media swarm around her, she must grapple with the shocking realization that the man she loves may be capable of such violence.
Promise Me Sunshine
by Cara Bastone
Romance
Publication Date: March 4, 2025
Lanny is navigating the aftermath of her best friend’s death when she meets Miles, a grumpy but caring man who offers to help her complete her “live again” list in exchange for helping him connect with his niece and overcome his own struggles. As they spend more time together, Lanny begins to find hope and healing in unexpected places.
Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil
by V. E. Schwab
Sci-Fi & Fantasy
Publication Date: June 10, 2025
Three women, each living in different times and places, yet all bound by an eternal existence and a deep hunger that consumes them. From colonial Santo Domingo to Victorian London to modern-day Boston, their stories intertwine and unfold as they navigate through the endless years, struggling with their insatiable desires and the consequences it brings.
The Maid’s Secret
by Nita Prose
Thriller
Publication Date: April 8, 2025
Molly Gray is living a happy life as the Head Maid and Special Events Manager of the Regency Grand Hotel. However, everything changes when she brings in some old items to be appraised on the TV show Hidden Treasures. One item is revealed to be a rare artifact worth millions, making Molly an overnight sensation. But just when she is about to sell her treasure at auction, it disappears without a trace, and Molly and her friends are thrust into the middle of an intense investigation to track down the missing artifact.
Close Your Eyes and Count to 10
by Lisa Unger
Publication Date: February 25, 2025
Maverick Dillan, a charismatic daredevil and extreme adventurer, invites several contestants to participate in an ultimate game of hide-and-seek on Falcao Island. However, as the storm rages and a deadly threat stalks the players, the game quickly becomes a twisted test of survival. Adele, a single mother determined to protect her children, unwittingly becomes a part of the game and must navigate through deception and danger to make it out alive.
A Sea of Unspoken Things
by Adrienne Young
Thriller
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.
This Book Will Bury Me
by Ashley Winstead
Thriller
Publication Date: March 25, 2025
A crime that captivated the nation, the Delphine Massacres sent shockwaves through the country and launched a frenzy of amateur sleuths trying to crack the case. But amidst all the theories and speculation, one person holds the key to what really happened – Jane Sharp.
Swept Away
by Beth O’Leary
Parents Weekend
by Alex Finlay
Thriller
Publication Date: May 6, 2025
Five families come together for a night of celebration during Parents Weekend at their children’s college, but the night quickly turns into a nightmare when the students fail to show up. As panic and rumors spread, questions arise about the reason behind their disappearance, whether it was caused by their parents’ sins or an internal threat within the friend group.
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.
Save for Later
Don’t Let Him In
by Lisa Jewell
Thriller
Publication Date: June 24, 2025
When Paddy Swann is tragically killed in a mysterious accident, his daughter Ash and wife Nina are left to pick up the pieces. But their lives take an unexpected turn when they receive a surprise package from an old friend of Paddy’s, Nick Radcliffe. Meanwhile, Martha struggles with her marriage and financial stability while being drawn into the web of lies surrounding Paddy’s death.
Deep End
by Ali Hazelwood
Romance
Publication Date: February 4, 2025
Scarlett Vandermeer, a determined and hardworking junior at Stanford, has her sights set on med school and recovering from a career-threatening injury. On the other hand, Lukas Blomqvist is a disciplined swimmer and world champion with his eyes firmly set on winning gold medals and breaking records. At first glance, they seem to have nothing in common. But when a secret slips out between them, their relationship turns unexpectedly.
The Griffin Sisters’ Greatest Hits
by Jennifer Weiner
Contemporary Fiction
Publication Date: April 8, 2025
Two sisters, once part of a successful pop band, find themselves estranged after a meteoric rise to fame in the early 2000s. Zoe, the charismatic dreamer, and Cassie, the reluctant musical genius, once ruled the charts as the Griffin Sisters before their sudden breakup. Now, two decades later, Zoe’s daughter Cherry is determined to uncover the truth behind their split. As buried secrets resurface, the three women confront the choices that shaped their lives.
The Original Daughter
by Jemimah Wei
Literary Fiction
Publication Date: May 6, 2025
Genevieve Yang had always been an only child, living with her parents and grandmother in a modest flat in the working-class neighborhood of Bedok. But everything changes when Arin, the long-lost daughter of Genevieve’s supposedly dead grandfather, appears in their lives. Despite their initial reluctance to accept each other as family, Genevieve and Arin soon develop a close bond as they navigate the pressures of living in a society that demands perfection and success above all else.
The Love Haters
by Katherine Center
Romance
Publication Date: May 20, 2025
Katie Vaughn must navigate a complicated love triangle while trying to save her career as a video producer. With the help of her coworker Cole, Katie takes on a challenging gig profiling Tom “Hutch” Hutcheson, a Coast Guard rescue swimmer with whom she shares an undeniable chemistry. However, things get messy when Katie’s lack of swimming skills forces her to fake it to keep the job.
El Dorado Drive
by Megan Abbott
Thriller
Publication Date: June 24, 2025
When Harper moves in with her sister Pam, she’s surprised to find Pam doing so well financially after her messy divorce. Pam has found her way back, thanks to the Wheel – a women’s group that meets twice a month and pools money together to gift to one lucky member. As Harper gets drawn into the group and its promises of financial stability, she uncovers a dark side that puts her and her sister in danger.
Isola
by Allegra Goodman
Literary Fiction
Publication Date: February 4, 2025
Set in the 18th century, Marguerite is forced to leave her life of luxury and confront the harsh realities of survival. With only her guardian’s servant, Claude, for company, Marguerite learns self-reliance and bravery in the face of danger.
The Missing Half
by Ashley Flowers
Thriller
Publication Date: May 6, 2025
When Nic Monroe’s sister Kasey disappears without a trace, she is left to pick up the pieces of her life in Mishawaka, Indiana. But when Jules Connor contacts Nic for help to find her sister Jenna, who went missing in the same way as Kasey, they embark on a dangerous quest to uncover the truth behind their sisters’ disappearances. As their investigation leads them down unexpected paths and forces them to confront dark secrets from the past, Nic and Jenna will stop at nothing to find their missing halves and bring justice to those responsible.
It’s a Love Story
by Annabel Monaghan
Romance
Publication Date: May 27, 2025
Jane Jackson, once known as “Poor Janey Jakes” on a popular sitcom, is now a Hollywood studio executive trying to prove herself in the industry. She’s determined to fake it till she makes it, but her plans go awry when she promises to get music superstar Jack Quinlan on board for her latest project. To make matters worse, she must turn to her former crush and now cocky cinematographer Dan Finnegan for help.
The Busybody Book Club
by Freya Sampson
Mystery
Publication Date: May 27, 2025
Set in a small Cornish village, a group of eclectic book club members find themselves caught up in a mystery when money is stolen during one of their meetings and a dead body is discovered at the home of one member. As they work to solve the crime and clear their friend’s name, they must also confront their struggles and conflicting opinions.
Historical Fiction Novels for Book Clubs in 2025
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 her family’s history and her future.
Save for Later
Last Twilight in Paris
by Pam Jenoff
Publication Date: February 4, 2025
Set in post-WWII Europe, Louise is a housewife who stumbles upon a necklace from a Parisian department store that she believes holds the key to her friend’s mysterious death during the war. With the help of her former boss and romantic interest, Ian, Louise embarks on a journey to uncover the truth behind the necklace and the dark history of Lévitan – a glamorous department store that served as a Nazi prison.
The Queens of Crime
by Marie Benedict
Publication Date: February 11, 2025
In 1930s London, five of the greatest female crime writers formed a secret society to combat their treatment as second-class citizens in the male-dominated world of detective fiction. As the group sets out to solve the murder of a young woman in France, one of them becomes the target of an unknown killer, forcing them to confront their secrets and the power of sisterhood.
The Mademoiselle Alliance
by Natasha Lester
Publication Date: April 8, 2025
Marie-Madeleine Fourcade led one of France’s most powerful resistance networks during World War II, defying every expectation placed upon her. When her mentor, Navarre, is captured, Marie-Madeleine boldly takes the reins, proving her brilliance in espionage. As she risks everything for her country, she faces the ultimate challenge—opening her heart amidst the peril.
The Amalfi Curse
by Sarah Penner
Publication Date: April 9, 2025
Haven Ambrose, a trailblazing nautical archaeologist, sets out to investigate the mysterious shipwrecks along the Amalfi Coast in hopes of finding her late father’s rumored gemstone treasure. But as she delves deeper into the region’s history and secrets, strange maelstroms and misfortunes start plaguing the town of Positano.
The Book Club for Troublesome Women
by Marie Bostwick
Publication Date: April 22, 2025
Set in 1960s suburban America, Margaret Ryan’s seemingly perfect life as a housewife is turned upside down when she meets her mysterious new neighbor, Charlotte, and starts a book club. Together with two other women, they discover the hidden truths and yearnings within themselves, ultimately leading to a transformative and liberating journey.
The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau
by Marie Bostwick
Publication Date: June 17, 2025
Colette Marceau has always lived by her family’s code of honor, using her skills as a jewel thief to take from the rich and give to those in need. But when a priceless diamond bracelet, sewn into the hem of her sister’s nightgown during WWII, resurfaces years later, Colette is forced to confront her past’s painful memories and secrets. As she races to uncover the truth behind the bracelet’s disappearance and its connection to her family’s tragic history, she must also face unexpected challenges and betrayal from those closest to her.
New York Times Bestsellers for Book Clubs in 2025
The Stolen Queen
by Fiona Davis
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.
The Life Cycle of the Common Octopus
by Emma Knight
Publication Date: January 7, 2025
Pen sets out to uncover the secrets her parents have been keeping from her. As she navigates her first term at university and falls in love, Pen learns to rely on herself and discover her own strength. As she grapples with adulthood and the complexities of relationships, Pen must confront her past in order to move forward.
So, there you have it! A list of the best book club books to enhance your reading experience in 2025. Whether you’re a seasoned book club member or a curious newbie, these titles are guaranteed to spark engaging conversations.
What’s your most anticipated book club pick for 2025? Share your thoughts and recommendations in the comments below!