Best Fiction Books of 2025
I have read so many great books this year that I knew it was time to make my list of the best fiction books of 2025. I wanted to have a list of all my favorite books in one place.
Together, Kirsten and I read approximately 300 books a year, give or take. The best books immediately stand out. The writing, storytelling, and character development set these books apart. The 5-star reads become more than just the sum of their parts. If you are looking for the best historical fiction books of 2025, I have that list as well.
Since this year is not through, this list will change as Kirsten and I add books we love. We would also love to hear your recommendations for your favorite five-star fiction books of 2025 to add to our list. Feel free to reach out with suggestions.
*Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. Some books have been gifted. All opinions are our own.
Best Fiction Books of 2025
Heart the Lover
Author: Lily King
Year: 2025
Genre: Fiction
More info: New York Times Bestselling Author of Writers & Lovers
Spice Rating:💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
This coming-of-age tale is told in three parts as our intrepid narrator (nicknamed Jordan) tells the story of her time in college, impacted by the relationships she has with Sam and Yash – best friends who let her into their off-campus world. Told with astounding insight with prose that will have you highlighting each page, Jordan’s college life is as mundane as it is monumental – especially in the decisions she makes after graduation.
As time progresses, Jordan shows us the beginnings of her marriage and early parenthood when an unexpected visitor comes to see her, and then a brief, but earthshattering few days in the future that collide with the ripple effects of her post-graduation choice.
Trigger Warnings
Cancer
Why Kirsten loves it
I started this book at 9:30 at night, forced myself to stop 2 hours in, and had it finished by 10am the next morning. When I say I couldn’t put it down, I mean it. I was reading it while brushing my teeth, walking on the treadmill, and eventually I turned off notifications on my phone so I could devour this incandescent story without distraction.
I ran an emotional gauntlet while reading this story, and even at the 95% mark, I was still on pins and needles with so much anxiety I could scarcely breathe. It is a hauntingly beautiful tribute to the impact of first love. It would make an EXCELLENT book club book too, because I bet people will have FEELINGS about some of the choices our dear heroine made. #gifted by Grove Press.
Find this book in: Best Fiction Books of 2025 / Best Books for Book Club / Books Set in College / Books Inspired by The Life of A Showgirl
Spectacular Things
Author: Beck Dorey-Stein
Year: 2025
Genre: Fiction
More info: July 2025 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 13+
Plot
In their small town in Maine, Cricket and Mia Lowe are the closest of sisters – banding together with their single teen mom to support one another. Mia is the smart, responsible sister who looks after Cricket, a rising soccer star, even if it means sidelining her own dreams.
Opening with Mia’s desperate need for a kidney, which might derail Cricket’s soccer career, the story immediately catapults back to their childhood. Told over the course of their life, we see how the sisters’ relationship went from the closest of confidants to strained and a bit distant.
Trigger Warnings
Grief, Death of Parent
Why Kirsten loves it
Flashing between past and present, this story will grip you and never let you go. The characters were richly developed in a way that had me feeling like I grew up with them. I was initially unsure of a plot that revolved so heavily around soccer, but I found it compelling because of the emotional depth the author achieves with this plot. #Gifted by Penguin Random House
Find this book in: Reese Witherspoon Book Club List 2025 / Books About Women in Sports / Best Fiction Books of 2025 / Books Inspired by The Life of A Showgirl
The Names
Author: Florence Knapp
Year: 2025
Genre: Fiction
More info: May 2025 Read with Jenna Book Club Pick
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
When Cora arrives at the registrar’s office to name her infant son, she is debating between three names: Bear, Julian, and Gordon. Her husband is a well-respected and loved local doctor who is controlling and abusive. He wants his son named after him, Gordon.
When it comes time to choose a name, the story follows three paths that span over 35 years. One path follows the life of Bear, the name Cora’s daughter chooses. The second path follows the life of Julian, the name Cora wants to name her son. The final path follows the life of Gordon.
This book asks if a name can change a life and explores family, abuse, and healing.
Trigger Warnings
Domestic Abuse, murder
Why Jackie loves it
I started this book and could not put it down. The premise is so unique and the book is plotted in such a way that it is very easy to follow each timeline. The way each name changed the outcome of Bear/Julian/Gordon’s life was brilliant. This book is very poignant and powerful. I did mention above but anyone that is triggered by domestic abuse should be aware that it is a prominent aspect of the plot. #Gifted by Penguin Random House
Find this book in: The Best Read with Jenna Books / Best Fiction Books of 2025 / Read with Jenna Book Club List 2025
I See You’ve Called in Dead
Author: John Kenney
Year: 2025
Genre: Literary Fiction
More info: Instant National Bestseller, Thurber Prize Winning Author
USA Today April Pick, October 2025 Beyond the Bookends Book Club Pick
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Bud is an obituary writer who has not gotten over the fact that his wife had an affair and left him. His life since has not been going well, he’s in a writing rut, and then he gets drunk and accidentally publishes his own obituary.
He cannot work but he also cannot be fired since you cannot fire a dead man. Now, he must learn to live the life that he has been given. He takes his best friend, Tim with him to see if he can learn the meaning of life by attending the funerals of strangers.
Trigger Warnings
Death
Why Jackie loves it
This is such a well-written book with dry humor that had me laughing out loud. Bud reminds me of any man who is going through a rough time. His story is beautiful and poignant.
Find this book in: Fiction With a Funeral / Best Fiction Books of 2025
Beach House Rules
Author: Kristy Woodson Harvey
Year: 2025
Genre: Fiction
More info: New York Times Bestselling author
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 14+
Plot
Charlotte Sitterly has reached a low point when she enters the bank begging for a job after she and her daughter, Iris, have been locked out of their house by the FBI. She is surprised when Alice, a local “black widow,” invites her and Iris to come stay at her house. Charlotte accepts and finds herself living at the “mommune”.
They are surprised at how much they enjoy their time together as they figure out their next steps. The mommune decides to convince Juniper Shore that Charlotte’s husband is innocent. Iris decides to do some sleuthing of her own to prove her father’s innocence. Meanwhile, they are all in the spotlight thanks to @JuniperShoreSocialite, an account that seems to have eyes everywhere.
Why Jackie loves it
I am being honest when I say there is nothing Kristy can write that I will not read! Every one of her books captures family relationships and dynamics like nobody else. This book captured friendship, family, and mother/ daughter relationships perfectly. It was sweet, funny, emotional, and a total page-turner. Gifted by Simon & Schuster Audio
Find this book in: Books About Mothers and Motherhood / Friendship Books / Books Set at the Beach / Best Fiction Books of 2025
The Correspondent
Author: Virginia Evans
Year: 2025
Genre: Fiction
More info: August 2025 Beyond the Bookends Book Club Pick
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Sybil Van Antwerp writes letters as a way of interacting with the world. She writes to her best friend, her brother, various authors, and the president of the university who will not allow her to audit classes, among many others. These letters are a record of her life and take place over nine years. Through these letters, we have an intimate look into Sybil’s life as she navigates through painful memories and declining eyesight.
Throughout this is a character-driven novel, Sybil writes a letter she has been writing for years to an unknown recipient. The beauty of these letters will make you feel like you are spying on Sybil.
Trigger Warnings
Death of a child, death from cancer
Why Jackie loves it
From the first page, I was absolutely drawn to this book! What an astonishing debut novel. The storytelling is wonderful and the pacing is perfect. Each of the characters had such a unique voice that I had no trouble differentiating them. I listened and read this book, and I loved both versions in equal measure. The audio version is a full cast. The letters were written so beautifully, it made me want to start writing letters as correspondence. Gifted by PRH Audio
Why Kirsten loves it
Like Jackie, I adored reading this story. The audiobook narrators brought Sybil and her correspondents to life. The last 20 minutes I had tears streaming down my face. I can’t wait to discuss this with my book club!
Find this book in: Epistolary Novels / Best Fiction Books of 2025
The Road to Tender Hearts
Author: Annie Harnett
Year: 2025
Genre: Fiction
More info: author of Rabbit Cake and Unlikely Animals
Age Range: 18+
Plot
PJ Halliday won a million dollars in the lottery and has done nothing since other than sit in the bar and mourn his bad luck- and he has had his fair share. He lost a daughter, had a terrible divorce, and his health is steadily declining (which is not helped by the fact that he is an alcoholic). To top it off, his ex-wife is marrying his best friend, and they are headed to Alaska for four months- alone.
When PJ sees an obituary of his old rival, he decides to head to the Tender Hearts Retirement Community across the country to win back his high school first crush. It just so happens that he is now the guardian of two young orphans and a cat who can predict death. Oh, and did I mention that he cannot drive because he had his license revoked after his last DUI? Enter his daughter as the driver!
Trigger Warnings
Death of a parent, murder, suicide, drug use
Why Jackie loves it
Although this book deals with a lot of serious topics, it does it in a way that is heartwarming and funny. I laughed my way through this book, which is a series of one disaster after another. On the surface, this book should not work; however, it is a literary wonder. I absolutely loved this poignant, wonderful book. It is one of my favorites of the year, and you will hear me talk about it!
Find this book in: Novels About Addiction / Beach Reads 2025 / Best Fiction Books of 2025 / Books About Road Trips
These Summer Storms
Author: Sarah Maclean
Year: 2025
Genre: Fiction
Spice Rating:💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Alice Storm has not returned to her family’s private island vacation home since she wanted a life outside of the Storm family’s billions and her father’s control. When her father dies unexpectedly, she returns home to for his funeral and discovers he has plans from beyond the grave. He had created an inheritance game where Alice, her siblings (Greta, Sam, and Emily), and her mother must complete tasks to earn their inheritance, and they ALL have to complete their tasks or no one receives anything.
Alice’s task is to remain on the island for a full week – a challenging task given that her family hasn’t spoken with her since her father cut her off. Secrets will be revealed, and the family will either come together or split for good. And when her father’s second-in-command shows up to enforce the rules, the chemistry he has with Alice might become a problem.
Why Kirsten loves it
Every member of this uber-rich family is INSUFFERABLE in the absolute most delicious way possible. If you like shows like White Lotus or The Sirens, I think you will be able to picture exactly the kinds of people I’m talking about. I loved Alice’s struggle to do what her moral compass was telling her to do (run for the hills) and wanted to stay to give her family what they so desperately wanted – the money, when really she just wants to feel important and valued.
The romantic element of the story was steamy and quite a great sidequest, but it was the family struggles that had me squirming in my seat with anxiety, flipping through the pages at warp speed. This is a DELICIOUS summer read.
Find this book in: Beach Reads 2025 / Family Dramas / Best Fiction Books of 2025 / Books Inspired by The Life of A Showgirl / Family Inheritance Novels
Plot
Duc is the founder of a chain of sandwich shops around the country. He has 5 estranged adult children and a wife he has not seen in years. When he decides to retire, he gives conditions to his children. His four daughters must revitalize failing shops within a year, but his only son will inherit everything if he gets married. The catch? Whoever does it first wins the whole inheritance.
But the store each sibling is given unlocks bigger mysteries, and soon, everyone will learn the real reasons for this bazaar scheme and the secrets their mother and father kept hidden.
Trigger Warnings
Racism, Hate Crimes
Why Kirsten loves it
I love a sibling drama, but I was not expecting to fall in love with this story so deeply. I didn’t want it to end. I loved each sibling’s journey. I loved learning the back story between Duc and Evelyn…and I craved a Bánh Mì the entire time! Gifted by Simon & Schuster & Simon & Schuster Audio
Find this book in: Sibling Books / Books About Food / Best Beach Reads 2025 / Best Fiction Books of 2025 / Family Inheritance Novels
Finding Grace
Author: Loretta Rothschild
Year: 2025
Genre: Literary Fiction Romance
Spice Rating:💋💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Honor, her husband, Tom, and their daughter Chloe seem like a perfect family. Still, Honor and Tom’s marriage is beginning to show the strains of repeated fertility issues, when something catastrophic happens that will forever alter their future.
Years later, Tom makes a decision that will impact every aspect of his life as he manipulates information, hides truths, and flat-out lies his way into someone’s orbit because of their connection with is family.
Trigger Warnings
Infertility
Why Kirsten loves it
I can’t say much about this story without ruining it, but I will say this. The end of the first chapter had me re-reading because I was so shocked. I cried, I winced, and I felt every moment of this deeply moving literary romance in my bones. I’ve never read a story quite like it. It will be one of my favorite books of the year. I just know it. #Gifted by St. Martins Press
Find this book in: Books About Mothers / Beach Reads 2025
Culpability
Author: Bruce Holsinger
Year: 2025
Genre: Fiction
More info: July 2025 Oprah Book Club Pick
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Are you looking for a summer read that doubles as a thought-provoking book club pick? Look no further than Culpability.
The story opens with the five members of the Cassidy-Shaws en route to a lax tournament when they are involved in a devastating accident in their self-driving car. Now the family is headed to the Chesapeake Bay for a week to recoup before facing the aftermath of the accident back at home.
But each family member is hiding secrets about the accident. Noah, our protagonist, is grappling with being distracted in the passenger seat when his 17-year-old son, Charlie, is behind the wheel. Lorelei, his wife, is an expert in the field of AI morality, and she was the one insistent that the car they were in was safe.
Scattered throughout the book are interviews on the effects of AI and quotes from Lorelei’s fictional book, which explores the moral consequences of machines without morals. Each family member is reacting differently to the accident, and their week on vacation has the power to push them together or drag them apart.
Why Kirsten loves it
This novel ponders the very real human culpability when AI is involved. And it’s not just examined via the autonomous car — bots, drones, and even smart home systems are examined with a critical eye throughout the story. I love how Lorelei and Noah’s relationship was depicted – while they struggle throughout these events, it was refreshing to see a man supporting a woman who is a rockstar in her field.
Holsinger was able to frame the abstract complexities of the consequences of AI into a compelling story that was as entertaining as it was demanding of deeper study. I hope this book gets into the hands of readers everywhere so that we can all ponder the message within. #gifted by Spiegel and Grau
Find this book in: Thought-Provoking Books / Best Fiction Books of 2025
Full Bloom
Author: Francesca Serritella
Year: 2025
Genre: Literay Fiction Romance
Spice Rating:💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Iris is fresh out of a break-up with the man she thought was going to marry, is facing stagnation in her job, and is stuck in life. She is desperately in need of a fresh start when she goes to her elderly neighbor and gets a custom perfume that has an almost magical effect on her body. With her newfound confidence, she gets a new account at work and attracts the attention of more men than ever before.
As she embarks on a journey of self-discovery, she also finally addresses childhood trauma related to the death of her parents, her feelings toward her cousin (who has a drug addiction issue), and her quest to freeze her eggs so she can be a parent someday. Her custom perfume is the impetus for romantic entanglements that give her validation and create more drama than she can keep up with.
Is wearing the perfume and all its rewards worth the hassle? Should she go back to being boring old Iris? Can she figure out who she is at her core and, more importantly, what she wants out of life? And when she does, will she have the courage to reach for it? Each of these questions will be addressed when this book comes to a fantastic conclusion.
Trigger Warnings
Infertility, Fire
Why Kirsten loves it
My obsession with this book is real. I couldn’t put it down. The imagery was so beautifully written that I could picture each scene vividly in my mind as if I were watching a movie. The story is rich, the imagery is lush, and it’s easily one of my favorite books of the year. Gifted by Ballantine Books
Find this book in: Best Fiction Books of 2025
Wild Dark Shore
Author: Charlotte McConaghy
Year: 2025
Genre: Literary Fiction
More info: November 2025 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick
Spice Rating:💋💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
This novel is unique, compelling, and unputdownable. It’s the story of a tiny island near Antarctica that holds one of the world’s seed vaults, a place that holds the last parts of life should the world be destroyed. Due to climate change, the island is being swallowed by the sea, and the caretakers and scientists need to pack up the seeds to prepare to move them to a new location.
But the isolated island holds lots of secrets – including that none of the scientists remain, the communications lines to the outside world no longer work, and now a mysterious woman has washed ashore with secrets of her own.
Trigger Warnings
Destruction by fire, death
Why Kirsten loves it
I can’t stop thinking of this INCREDIBLE story. The premise, the set-up, and the writing combined to create a narrative that held me captive and had me gasping and crying in equal measure. I felt the ending in my bones as I reluctantly turned the last page. I’ll be recommending this book for years to come. #gifted
Why Jackie Loves it
This is a unique story that is scary in how relevant this story is with its references to fires and climate change. The story immediately captivated me, but I was even more invested with every chapter. This is a dystopian mystery thriller with family drama all rolled into one powerful book. The end had me gasping. #gifted
Find this book in: Winter Books / Best Books for Book Clubs to Read / Dystopian Novels / Best Fiction Books of 2025 / Best Reese Witherspoon Book Club Books / Reese Witherspoon Book Club 2025
Good Dirt
Author: Charmaine Wilkerson
Year: 2025
Genre: Literary Fiction
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
In this powerful novel, Ebby Freeman is from a wealthy Black family who is haunted by tragedy—the unsolved shooting of her brother during her childhood along with the destruction of a cherished stoneware jar heirloom, known as Old Moe.
Years later, after being left at the altar by her fiance Henry, Ebby flees to France. While she’s there, she’s drawn back into the mystery surrounding her brother’s murder while simultaneously dealing with her disastrous would-be wedding day.
Sprinkled through the pages are chapters written by Ebby’s descendant, Willis, who escaped enslavement with the very jar that was destroyed.
Trigger Warnings
Racism, Rape (off-page)
Why Kirsten loves it
Like Black Cake, Wilkerson was able to capture my attention and hold me completely enthralled. I was drawn into each storyline and despite the book being nonlinear in format, I had no trouble keeping track of the various timelines, flashbacks, and flashforwards. Watching Ebby grow and deal with her trauma was profoundly moving. I truly can’t wait to see what Wilkerson writes next.
Find this book in: Books Set in France / Nonlinear Narrative / Best Fiction Books of 2025
Plot
This speculative novel revolves around The Poppy Fields, a location in the desert where those suffering from grief can undergo medically induced rest for a few months to help them heal. After a plane flight is cancelled due to severe weather, a group of strangers ends up on a road trip to the Poppy Fields, where each has a different reason for visiting.
Along the way, their individual grief stories are revealed and they form connections that have each reevaluating their feelings about The Poppy Fields in surprising ways.
Why Kirsten loves it
I was mesmerized by each character’s narrative and their growth throughout the novel. The pacing of the story was a perfect balance of quick, high-tension scenes and slower, thought-provoking ones. I found myself examining grief in a new light after reading about each character’s experience with it. I can’t wait to read whatever Nikki writes next. #gifted by William Morrow.
Find this book in: Novels About Grief/ Best Fiction Books of 2025 / Books About Road Trips
Plot
A group of teenagers spends their summer on an abandoned pier where they take solace in their friendship, as they dream of leaving their small town and difficult childhoods. From that friendship comes one of the most famous paintings in the world which, years later, is given to 18-year-old Louisa, an aspiring artist.
After receiving the unexpected item, and struggling with her own feelings of abandonment and homelessness, she embarks on a cross-country journey to find the story behind the painting. What follows is a deep, touching story, of teens forced to grow up too soon, found family, and finding the light in the darkest of times… told as only Backman can write it.
Trigger Warnings
Domestic Violence
Why Kirsten loves it
It took me ages to read this book because of the incredible ruminations on life, love, death, and friendship peppered throughout this treasure of a novel. Numerous times, I would read a sentence, pause, read it again, and then marinate on the token of wisdom that felt like a gift from Backman.
This is not a story to be rushed, but one to be savored. Resoundingly one of my favorites of the year, it’s Backman at his best. #gifted by Simon and Schuster
Find this book in: Books About Art / Friendship Books / Best Fiction Books of 2025
Expert Tip
Are you looking for the best new fiction books of 2025 but can’t choose what to read next? Here are some expert tips for choosing your next book:
- If you know what genre of book you are in the mood for, pick a book from that category
- Are you a “Kirsten” or a “Jackie”? Have a look at who read the book and what we loved about it. Kirsten and I often read different books, so you have a wide variety of books to choose from. Bonus if we both read the book!
- Read the description of what the book is about. Kirsten and I never include books that we have not read in our book lists.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best new fiction books of 2025?
There are so many fantastic fiction books this year that Kirsten and I had a very difficult time narrowing them down. As you can see by the number of books on this list, 2025 is a very good year for books. These are a few of the best new fiction books from authors you may not have heard of yet.
1. Finding Grace by Loretta Rothschild
2. Road to Tender Hearts by Annie Harnett
3. The Correspondent by Virginia Evans
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Epilogue
What is your favorite fiction book of 2025? If you have a book that you loved that is not on this list, please let me know so I can add it to my TBR.
