March 2025 Book Releases
I am so excited to bring you the March 2025 book releases. Choosing from so many books can seem daunting, so I included only the books that Kirsten and I cannot wait to read.
Every month, Kirsten and I scour the internet to find the books we are most excited to read. We look through publishers’ lists, our personal lists of advanced reader copies (ARCs), as well as a few other sources. I cannot give away all our secrets, can I? If you are looking for February 2025 book releases, you can check them out here.
From this list of hundreds of books, we look through the picks and decide our most anticipated books for March 2025. I have divided the books by genre to help you decide which books to add to your TBR! If you are looking for more tips on how to choose your next book, check below. I am happy to help with that as well.
Most Anticipated Books for March 2025
Most Anticipated Fiction
Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy- Click here for a book description
Most Anticipated Historical Fiction
The Story She Left Behind by Patti Callahan Henry – Click here for a book description and more books in this category
Most Anticipated Fantasy
Our Infinite Fates by Lauren Steven – Click here for a book description and more books in the category
Most Anticipated Thriller /Mystery
Killer Potential by Hannah Deitch- Click here for a book description and more books in the category
Most Anticipated Romance
The Love We Found by Jill Santopolo – Click here for a book description and more books in the category
Most Anticipated Nonfiction
Four Red Sweaters by Lucy Adlington – Click here for a description of the book and more books in this category
Most Anticipated Young Adult
Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins – Click here for a description of the book and more books in this category
*March 2025 Book Releases Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you.
Fiction Book Releases: March 2025
Wild Dark Shore
Author: Charlotte McConaghy
Year: 2025
Genre: Literary Fiction
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
Plot
Joannie has not been on a date in seven years when she goes to Johnny’s house for dinner for a first date with her daughter in tow. When a billionaire crashes his hot-air balloon in Johnny’s pool, it turns out to be Jonathan, Joannie’s childhood crush from summer camp. Now, Joannie, Johnny, Jonathan, and his wife Julia are stuck together is a story of lust, money, and who wants who.
Plot
Florence Grimes is thirty-one years old with a ten-year-old son named Dylan. After the failure of her girl band, she is broke and single but devoted to her son. When Alfie Risby, Dylan’s bully goes missing during a school trip, Dylan becomes the prime suspect. Now, Florence has to find Alfie and clear her son or she risks losing him.
Plot
This debut novel from the March 2025 book releases is a must-read. Annie is 9 months pregnant and shopping for a crib when an earthquake hits Portland, Oregon. The city is left in complete chaos and Annie is left with no phone or money. To get home, she has to walk. This book takes place over one day as Annie reflects on her life, career, and anxieties.
The Anatomy of Magic
Author: J.C. Cervantes
Genre: Magical Realism
Release Date: March 11, 2025
More info: New York Times Bestselling Author
Plot
Every woman in Lily’s family has a secret. They each possess a unique power and Lily can manipulate memories. Even though Lily seems to have it all, a life-changing event at the hospital she works at sends her to her family home in Mexico. There, she comes face to face with Sam, her first love that she has not seen in more than ten years. Lily must find a way to navigate their history if she wants to regain control of her magic and her life.
Jane and Dan at the End of the World
Author: Colleen Oakley
Year: 2025
Genre: Fiction
More info: A Most Anticipated Book of 2025
Age Range:16+
Plot
Jane and Dan have been married for 19 years but their marriage is failing. Jane is pretty sure Dan is cheating on her as well. When the two go out for dinner at an upscale restaurant, they are taken hostage by a climate activist group.
The strangest part is that everything the terrorists do is directly out of Jane’s failed book which sold less than 200 copies. Only she and Dan know what is going to happen next so it is up to them to save everyone.
Why Jackie loves it
This book is such an interesting look at marriage while being hilarious at the same time. I laughed out loud at certain moments. It is also a look at parenthood and the changes that come as we get older and our kids get older as well.
Find this book in: Books About Books / March 2025 Book Releases
Historical Fiction: March 2025 Book Releases
The Story She Left Behind
Author: Patti Callahan Henry
Year: 2025
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: Beyond the Bookends Most Anticipated Book March 2025
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 14+
Plot
In 1927, When Clara Harrington was 8 years old, her mother disappeared off the coast of South Carolina. Bronwyn Newcastle Fordham was an author renowned for the book she wrote when she was 12 years old. The follow-up to the book, written in her mother’s made-up language, sat untranslated because the dictionary disappeared along with Bronwyn.
Now in 1952, Clara is a mother and illustrator. She is contacted by Charlie Johnson in London, who claims to have a handwritten dictionary in her mother’s lost language. Clara must travel to London to retrieve the dictionary and finally get some answers.
She travels with her asthmatic daughter by boat only to arrive at the start of The Great Smog.
Why Jackie loves it
This book was more than I could have hoped for. It was absolutely captivating from the first word to the last. I listened and read this book at the same time because I could not get enough. I loved the story, but loved it even more when I found out that Bronwyn was based on the life and disappearance of Barbara Newhall Follett. There are also references to Beatrix Potter. This book is a must for any book lover. It reads like a love letter to language.
Find this book in: The Ultimate List of Books About Books
Broken Country
Author: Clare Leslie Hall
Year: 2025
Genre: Historical Mystery Romance
More Info: March 2025 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick
June 2025 Beyond the Bookends Bookclub Pick
Spice Rating:💋💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Set in 1968 and about a decade prior, this mesmerizing book examines both the loss of a child and the paths not taken. Beth and her husband Frank are still reeling from the unexpected loss of their son, when Beth’s first love, Gabriel Wolfe, comes back to town newly divorced with his own son in tow.
After an accident on the farm, Beth finds herself entwined in Gabriel‘s life once more. Between flashbacks to their former romance and previews of a murder trial, the novel explores the love Beth has for both men.
Trigger Warnings
Death of a Child
Why Kirsten loves it
Hall paints, such a vivid picture and explores Beth’s feelings so well that I forgot I was reading fiction. I cried on numerous occasions and was left wanting more.
It reminds me of Where the Crawdads Sing in some ways and The Light We Lost in others. The mystery of who was shot and why was a masterful narrative choice that kept the story moving at a clip. I would give this novel six stars if I could. I truly couldn’t put it down. Gifted by Simon & Schuster
Why Jackie Loves it
This beautifully crafted story depicts lost loves and loss in a way that is still approachable and readable. Kirsten and I cannot wait to discuss this book with our book club in June. Kirsten read the book, and I listened to it. The audio version was powerful and I highly recommend. Gifted by Simon & Schuster Audio
Find this book in: Best Historical Fiction Books / Best British Books / Best Reese Witherspoon Books / Books Set in the 1960s
The Boxcar Librarian
Author: Brianna Labuskes
Genre: Historical Fiction
Release Date: March 4, 2025
More info: Inspired by a true story
Plot
This pick from the March 2025 book releases is inspired by the true story of a woman and her quest to uncover the mystery of a local librarian and the Boxcar Library that brought books to rural towns in Montana via a converted mining train. Alic Monroe created the boxcar library and when she and Colette went out on the first trip, only Alice returned. Now, Millie arrives in Missoula and needs to find out what happened to Collette.
The Girl from Greenwich Street
Author: Lauren Willig
Genre: Historical Fiction Mystery
Release Date: March 4, 2025
More info: Based on the true story of a famous murder trial
Plot
In 1799, Elma Sands leaves her Quaker cousin’s boarding house and disappears. When her body is found in a well, the family accuses Levi Weeks of the murder. Now, the weeks family hired Aaron Burr to defend Levi with the perk that not only will he get publicity but, he will also get money to win the 1800 New York elections. Not wanting to be outdone, Alexander Hamilton joins the defense team.
Fantasy/ Sci-fi: Most Anticipated for March 2025
Our Infinite Fates
Author: Lauren Steven
Year: 2025
Genre: YA Fantasy
Spice Rating:💋💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Evelyn can remember all her past lives and being murdered by Arden before her 18th birthday in every one of them. In this life, Evelyn needs to stay alive to give her sister a life-saving bone marrow donation. To do so, she will need to outsmart Arden. She needs to find out why she is being hunted and break the curse without falling in love again.
Why Kirsten likes it
This starcrossed romantasy is a great choice for teens. Between every chapter of her current life, we get a look back at a previous Arden/Evelyn romance. The fantasy portion comes into play at the last 20% or so of the book, and while it was cute for teens as an adult, I found it hard to connect with the story. Gifted by Macmillan Audio
Find this book in: YA Fantasy Romance Books
Malinalli
Author: Veronica Chapa
Genre: Historical Fantasy
Release Date: March 11, 2025
More info: Perfect for fans of Gods of Jade and Shadow
Plot
Manlinalli is a historical figure who was also known as Malintzin, La Malinche, Doña Marina, and Malinalxochitl. She was the interpreter who helped Hernan Cortes, the Spanish conquistador communicate with the native people in Mexico. In this retelling, Malinalli is a girl who was kidnapped into slavery at 12 years old. She is blessed with magical powers to help her defend her people’s legacy.
The Winter Goddess
Author: Megan Barnard
Genre: Fantasy
Release Date: March 11, 2025
More info: Based on Irish Mythology
Plot
Calleach is the goddess of winter. When she goes too far to punish mortals for their selfish ways and thousands die in a brutal winter, she is punished by her mother. Danu, the queen of the gods, strips Cailleach of her powers and punishes her to live and die on earth with mortals until she understands what it means to be mortal. Soon, she learns to live and love and learns secrets about what it really means to be a god.
The Bane Witch
Author: Ava Morgan
Year: 2025
Genre: Fantasy
More info: Author of The Witches of Bone Hill
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Piers Corbin has always felt the need to ingest poisonous plants that should kill her. She does not know that she comes from a long line of Bane Witches. These women purposely ingest deadly plants and use their magic to get rid of evil men. Piers has already escaped a bad marriage by faking her death and gone to live with her Aunt Myrtle.
Now, she has to learn about her unique magic and how to control it. When she finds a serial killer in the area, she has to find a way to get rid of him without causing suspicion with the local sheriff. She also has to ensure that her husband never finds out that she is alive.
Trigger Warnings
Rape, physical abuse, emotional abuse
Why Jackie loves it
This was darker than I thought it would be but gave me satisfaction that these strong women didn’t take crap from anyone. I liked the fantasy element and the relationship between the flawed characters.
Find this book in: March 2025 Book Releases
Thrillers and Mysteries for March 2025
Killer Potential
Author: Hannah Deitch
Genre: Thriller
Release Date: March 18, 2025
More info: Debut Novel
Plot
I cannot wait to read this debut novel from the list of March 2025 book releases. Evie Gordon was a scholarship kid at an elite university and had big plans. But instead, she finds herself drowning in debt and working as an SAT tutor for LA’s wealthiest families. When she arrives for her lesson in Beverly Hills, she finds the parents murdered and a woman crying for help in the closet. Soon, they are suspects and wanted for murder.
The two are at the heart of a nationwide manhunt and they must find the real killer. But the press is going crazy over the story and Evie is finally getting the notoriety she always wanted.
Pomona Afton Can So Solve a Murder
Author: Bellamy Rose
Year: 2025
Genre: Mystery Rom-Com
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 14+
Plot
Pomona Afton has never worked a day in her life and has depended on her trust fund to support her. When her grandmother is murdered, a stipulation in the will is that if she dies an unnatural death, all assets will be frozen.
Suddenly Pomona is out of her huge apartment and moving in with her former nanny’s son, Gabe. He needs to help her solve the murder or his mom won’t get her retirement! Pomona needs to get an education on the real world pretty quickly.
Why Jackie loves it
Pomona starts as a spoiled, selfish brat. As the story progresses, you see the sweet, kind side that has been waiting to come out. Some of the story requires you to suspend belief because nobody learns to be a baker on their first try, however, I enjoyed every minute of this adorable rom-cozy. #gifted
Find this book in: Romcozy Books
Saltwater
Author: Katy Hays
Genre: Thriller
Release Date: March 25, 2025
More info: Best Selling Author of The Cloisters
Plot
In 1912 Sarah Lingate was found dead and the death was ruled an accident. Every year, the family returns to Capri, where she died, to look for answers and prove her death was murder. Now, 30 years after the death, they return to the villa and find the necklace Sarah was wearing on the day of the murder waiting for them.
Helen, Sarah’s daughter, and Lorna, the family assistant, decide to leave the family. But Lorna disappears, the investigation reopens and suddenly everyone in the family is a suspect.
Retreat
Author: Krysten Ritter
Genre: Thriller
Release Date: March 25, 2025
More info: Bestselling Author
Plot
Liz Dawson is a con artist whose newest mark is Isabelle Beresford, the wealthy owner of a villa on the Mexican coast. When she offers Liz a job installing art in the villa, Liz jumps at the chance and when she is mistaken for Isabelle, she easily slips into Isabelle’s life. But the more she enters into the community and Isabelle’s life, the more she wonders about the dangers. Where is Isabelle and will this be her last con ever?
Romance: March 2025 Book Releases
The Love We Found
Author: Jill Santapolo
Year: 2025
Genre: Romance
More info: The Light We Lost #2
Watch the Beyond the Bookends Discussion with Jill Santopolo by joining the Book Club
Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
This is the long-awaited sequel to the Reese Witherspoon book Club pick and Bestselling book, The Light We Lost. It’s been ten years since Gabe has been gone when his best friend contacts Lucy about an art exhibit they are putting on with his works as a commemoration. While looking for photographs, Lucy finds a piece of paper in a box of photos. It is an address in Rome and she cannot resist buying a plane ticket for one last connection to Gabe.
She is led to Dr. Dax Armstrong, a New Yorker living in Italy. Her connection with him is immediate and she begins to feel things she has not felt since she met Gabe.
Why Kirsten loves it
I love that we get to check in on Darren, Lucy, and the kids and find out how their story concludes. The book wraps the story up nicely, particularly when it comes to the story of Gabe’s child. I had bittersweet tears streaming down my face at the conclusion.
Why Jackie loves it
Call me crazy, but I have been waiting for this book for years. I have my thoughts on both Darren and Gabe, but Dax was the one I have been waiting for all this time! If you loved The Light We Lost, this is a must-read. And if you have not read it, what are you waiting for?
Find this book in: Books Set in Italy / New Release Books You Must Read
The Love Simulation
Author: Etta Easton
Genre: Romance
Release Date: March 4, 2025
More info: This is perfect for anyone who loves a STEM romance
Plot
When Brianna’s proposal for a library upgrade is rejected in favor of spending money on the football team, she decides to spend her summer with a team of teachers doing a Mars simulation. The last-minute addition of the school principal’s son, Roman, to the team, makes Brianna very skeptical. When sparks begin to fly between the two science teachers, Brianna may have to choose between the school she loves and the man who stole her heart.
Summer in the City
Author: Alex Aster
Genre: Romance
Release Date: March 25, 2025
More info: Adult debut novel from bestselling author
Plot
Elle is a screenwriter trying to write a big-budget movie set in NYC. To do it, she needs to move there for the summer. She ends up next door to Parker Warren, a tech billionaire who was also a hookup from two years ago. After she sees him, it fuels her fire to start writing- finally, and realizes if she wants to finish in time, she will have to see more of him. He needs a fake relationship during his company’s acquisition. This is an enemies-to-lovers/ fake-dating trope romance from one of the best there is. Pre-order now for this gorgeous edition with sprayed edges.
Nonfiction March 2025 Book Releases
Four Red Sweaters: Powerful True Stories of Women and the Holocaust
Author: Lucy Adlington
Genre: Nonfiction
Release Date: March 18, 2025
More info: From the New York Times bestselling author of The Dressmakers of Auschwitz
Plot
This is the story of four Jewish girls during the Holocaust. Jock Heidenstein, Anital LAsker, Chana Zumerkorn, and Regina Feldman never met but each had a red sweater that played a major role in their lives. Adlington is a clothes historian who documented their stories in this book.
Propaganda Girls: The Secret War of the Women in the OSS
Author: Lisa Rogak
Year: 2025
Genre: History
Age Range: 16+
Plot
This is the true story of four women whose bravery helped win World War II. Betty Macdonald was a reporter from Hawaii, Zuzka Lauwers grew up in Czechoslovakia, Jane Smith-Hutton was the wife of a naval attaché, and Marlene Deitrich was a German American actress and singer.
Together, as part of the OSS, they forged “official” letters, scripted radio broadcasts, and developed rumors for double agents to spread to the enemy.
Trigger Warnings
War
Why Kirsten loves it
I am always interested in how women have shaped the wars of the past. Often unacknowledged, these women made a profound impact on the war efforts for their country and were truly instrumental in the downfall of Hilter and the Nazis. It’s wonderful that their story could be highlighted and their heroic actions get the recognition they deserve. Gifted by St. Martins Press
Find this book in: WWII Books
Best YA March 2025 Book Releases
Sunrise on the Reaping
Author: Suzanne Collins
Year: 2025
Genre: YA Sci-Fi
More info: Prequel to the Hunger Games
Age Range: 12+
Plot
This prequel to The Hunger Games is Haymitch’s story. It is the 50th annual Hunger Games, and in honor of the quarter quell, twice as many tributes will be selected. Haymitch just wants to make it through the day and be with the girl he loves, but instead, he is sent to the Capitol.
This is where Haymitch meets Effie and so many more characters from Catching Fire. There were glimpses of Hamitch’s games, and this heartbreaking novel puts it all front and center
Why Jackie loves it
This prequel to The Hunger Games gave me perspective on why Haymitch is the way he is- Lonely, miserable, drunk, and alone. If you thought the deaths in the previous Hunger Games books were sad, then be prepared to sob. I have a new understanding of President Snow and everything Haymitch ever said to Katniss about the Capitol and how to win the games. This was the book I needed to put the series into perspective for me.
Find this book in: Best Beach Reads 2025
While We’re Young
Author: K.L. Walther
Year: 2025
Genre: YA Romance
More info: Bestselling author of Summer of Broken Rules!
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
This is a perfect pick for anyone who loves Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (and who doesn’t?). Grace, Isa, and Everett used to be inseparable until Everett broke up with Isa in Freshman year. The threesome never recovered. Now, Grace loves Everett and Isa is hanging out with James, Grace’s brother. When Grace decides to take a senior skip day she includes all the Philly greats in this epic day.
But will they be able to talk about the secrets they are keeping from each other? Will this be their last hurrah?
Trigger Warnings
Death of a parent, depression
Why Jackie loves it
This is everything I loved about Ferris Bueller and more. There were nods to the characters I loved so much from the movie, but there was also a much deeper look into the pressures on teens to be outstanding. These characters are fully developed and I loved their relationships with each other. Note that this does have references to a sexual encounter between two 18-year-old consenting characters.
Find this book in: Best Beach Reads 2025
Plot
When Tasha Nicastro witnesses her father and sister’s murders, she learns that her family is the most powerful Mafia family in New York and she is set to inherit it all. She vows to track down their killers but needs to enlist the help of Leo Danesi, the youngest son of a rival family. This pick from the March 2025 book releases is a thrilling rivals-to-lovers mystery that will keep you on your toes.
Plot
When Riley slaps a girl for talking badly about her sister who had an abortion, she avoids suspension by agreeing to go to church camp over spring break. Riley left the church when she realized they did not approve of her bisexuality. She vows to spend the week at camp committing seven deadly sins and showing the other campers how to have fun. What could go wrong other than falling for her best friend who also happens to be the pastor’s daughter?
More March 2025 Book Releases
We LOVE to support independent bookstores. You can shop our entire list of March 2025 book releases on Bookshop.org
Expert Tips
Looking through 30 books can be daunting if you are trying to add some books to your TBR. Remember that this list is for fun. You may add books to your TBR stack and never read them. That is OK! I have two tips to help narrow down the choices for you.
- If you do not want to look through 30 descriptions, I selected a top pick from each genre. I narrowed it down for you!
- If you have a favorite genre that you like to read, head over to that section and pick from those books.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is your most anticipated March 2025 book release?
There are so many books that I cannot wait to read this month. There are some fantastic debuts like Killer Potential by Hannah Deitch as well as Alex Aster’s adult debut. There are also some great books by favorite authors like Jill Santopolo and Suzanne Collins as well.
Related Content
Epilogue
I hope you love this list of most anticipated March 2025 book releases. If there is a book you want to read and don’t see on this list, please let me know. You can also tell me which books you look forward to reading.
