Most Anticipated October 2024 Book Releases
The October 2024 book releases are here and I know you have been waiting for this list! And with good reason. This October, there are so many books that we cannot wait to read.
Our most anticipated October 2024 book releases list is filled with so many fun books. Of course, there are plenty of mysteries and thrillers like the newest installment in the Cheif Inspector Gamache series and new books from masters like Paula Hawkins and Blake Crouch.
There are some amazing fantasy books with stunning painted covers you will want to snag before they are gone. And, October is the start of the holiday reading frenzy here at Beyond the Bookends. Kirsten cannot get enough and her infatuation with this genre is contagious. I have added a few of these to my TBR.
So whether you love fiction, fantasy, or nonfiction books, there is a little something for everyone and we hope you can find a few of these books to add to your TBR. While you are at it, make sure you add these books into your “want to read” section of your book apps like Storygraph and Goodreads. This helps the authors.
To help even more, you can pre-order the books you know you will want to read. You can do this on any book website or at your local indie bookstore! Pre-ordering helps the little guys a lot.
Happy reading and let me know if there are books you are looking forward to reading that I should add to this list.
*October 2024 Book Releases Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you.
Most Anticipated October 2024 Book Releases
Fiction // Historical Fiction // Fantasy & Sci-Fi // Thriller & Mystery // Romance // NonFiction // Young Adult // Holiday
Most Anticipated October 2024 Fiction Book Releases
The Love Elixir of August Stern
Author: Lynda Cohen Loigman
Year: 2024
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: Author of The Matchmaker’s Gift
Age Range:15+
Plot
Augusta Stern grew up in Brooklyn with her pharmacist father. Shortly after her mother died, Augusta’s Great Aunt Esther moved into their house. Ester had her own cures for women’s problems that were overlooked by male doctors and pharmacists. August is torn between loyalty to her father and fascination with her Aunt.
The book follows Augusta in two timelines. One in the 20’s and the other sixty years later. At 80, Augusta is forced into retirement after lying about her age for the last 20 years. Her niece helps her find a nice active senior community in Florida so she can retire in nice weather. Shortly after her arrival, she bumps into the man who broke her heart more than 60 years ago.
Now she will have to address the mistakes of her past if she wants to move forward.
Why Jackie loves it
I loved this book and Augusta’s fiery personality. She takes no crap from anyone. A lot of that stems from old wounds, but even at 80 years old, she is not so stuck and set in her ways that she cannot change. Some of the parts of this book had me laughing out loud.
Find this book in: Best New Historical Fiction Books of 2024 / Books Set in the 80s
Dear Eliza by Andrea J. Stein
Genre: Fiction
Plot: Eliza never recovered from her mother’s death when she was 16 years old. Now, years later, she has a good job, an apartment, and a no-strings relationship that she wants. When her father dies unexpectedly, her aunt Claude arrives at the Shiva with a letter from her mom, and what is inside is a bombshell. As Eliza’s relationship with her brother, stepmother, and best friend falls apart, her brother’s best friend, Josh, steps up to become a support. This pick from the October 2024 book releases is on my TBR and I cannot wait.
How Does That Make You Feel, Magda Eklund by Anna Montague
Genre: Fiction
Plot: Magda is still trying to get over the loss of her best friend Sara. She has routines that help her get through the day. When Sara’s widower asks for help going through her things, Magda finds Sara’s journal in which Sara has given Magda instructions for a road trip together. Magda gets in the car with Sara’s ashes and heads across the country.
Because Fat Girl by Lauren Marie Fleming
Genre: Fiction
Plot: Diana has always had one end goal: an Oscar. Now, for the filmmaker to get back in the game, she needs to take things into her own hands and go off-script. This looks like a hilarious pick from the October 2024 book releases
Ultimate List of Contemporary Fiction
Love Contemporary Fiction? I do too! The Ultimate List of Contemporary Fiction is carefully divided by genre.
October 2024 Book Releases: Historical Fiction
The Secret War of Julia Child by Diana R. Chambers
Genre: Historical Fiction
Plot: Everyone knows Julia Child as the famous chef but not many people know that Julia worked as part of the Office of Strategic Services. And while Julia declared that she was not a spy, she certainly had an intriguing part to play in WWII. This book from the October 2024 book releases is on my TBR.
Ultimate List of Historical Fiction
Love Historical Fiction? The Ultimate List of Historical Fiction is the perfect list for you. It is carefully divided by time.
October 2024 Book Releases: Most Anticipated Fantasy/ Sci-fi
A Song to Drown Rivers
Author: Ann Liang
Year: October 1, 2024
Genre: Mythology
More info: October 2024 GMA Book Club Pick
Instant New York Times Bestseller
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Xishi lives in the village of Yue with her parents still mourning the loss of her beloved younger sister at the hands of the Wu warriors. Fanli is a military advisor to the king who recognizes that Xishi’s beauty can be used as a weapon to help infiltrate the enemy palace of Wu. She agrees so she can help the kingdom and avenge her sister’s murder.
He trains her in everything from dancing and etiquette to the art of seduction and sends her to the king. Her goal is to infiltrate the court and make the king fall in love with her. Once inside the palace, the king is drawn to her, and she rises through the court. But one mistake can bring the whole kingdom crashing down. She must strategize and navigate enemy territory without drawing any suspicion, or her punishment will be torture and then death.
This book is Inspired by the legend of Xishi, one of the famous Four Beauties of Ancient China which is why it is included in the fantasy category. Those looking for magic and world-building will not find it in this book, but it remains a 5-star read and one of the best new fantasy books of the year.
Trigger Warnings
War, Death
Why Jackie loves it
I absolutely loved this book and could not put it down. The story is beautifully written. The plot pulled me in from the first page and was non-stop throughout the book. My heart felt the pain of Xishi’s loss and the anxiety of living a second life “undercover”. This story is heartwrenching and beautiful at the same time #gifted
Find this book in: Good Morning America Book Club List/ Most Anticipated October 2024 Book Releases / October 2024 Celebrity Book Club Spoilers / Mythology Books / Best New Fantasy Books and Sci-Fi Books of 2024 / Best Books of 2024
Plot
No book says “Jackie” like a book about tea and witches. A family curse is trying to separate Anne, Beatrix, and Violet Quigley, witch triplets run the Crescent Moon Tearoom. When the witch counsel comes for a visit, the sisters are given an ultimatum. They must help three witches find their life’s purpose before it’s too late and only then can they stay together and keep their beloved tearoom.
The sisters each have ideas on how to help the other witches but they also feel themselves being pulled apart. Is the pull away from each other a curse or their destiny?
Why Jackie loves it
This magical book gave me the same feeling as The Night Circus. Sivinski’s writing is so descriptive, that I felt the words coming off the page. The house is one of my favorite characters with a personality that made me laugh and despite the fact that the sisters were triplets, their personalities were completely distinct.
Find this book in: Books About Tea / The Best Witch Books /Best New Fantasy Books and Sci-Fi Books of 2024 / The Best Adult Fantasy Novels / Giftable Books
Bloodguard (Old Erth #1) by Cecy Robson
Genre: Fantasy
Plot: This fantasy pick from the October 2024 book releases has amazing sprayed edges and looks gorgeous! Leith of Grey thought that becoming a gladiator would give him the gold he needed to save his sister. Now, the kingdom has taken everything from him. When Lieth meets an Elven royal who offers him a chance to win the title of Bloodguard along with his freedom, he must decide who to trust in a kingdom built on secrets and lies.
A New Lease on Death (Supernatural Mysteries #1) by Olivia Blacke
Genre: Supernatural Mystery
Plot: Ruby has just moved into her new Boston apartment that comes complete with her very own ghost. Cordelia Graves has been in the apartment since she died a few months ago and now she must depend on Ruby to help solve a murder! I love a good ghost book and this pick from the 2024 book releases is on my TBR.
Ultimate List of YA Fantasy
If fantasy books are your favorite books, then these are the perfect book lists for you. We carefully divided them into sub-genres.
Most Anticipated Thrillers for October 2024
The Blue Hour by Paula Hawkins
Genre: Thriller
Plot: This is a psychological thriller from our October 2024 book releases you will not want to miss. When a present-day discovery links three people together, secrets will be exposed. This book set in Scotland asks questions about power, gender, and perception.
Run by Blake Crouch
Genre: Thriller
Plot: Five days ago, an epidemic of rage spread across the country and even the president’s pleas for peace would not be heard. Today, the names of people to be killed are being read over a broadcast system. Jack and his family hear their names and know that the only way to survive is to run.
The Boyfriend by Freida McFadden
Genre: Thriller
Plot: Sydney Shaw is looking for the perfect man and thinks she has found her perfect man. He is handsome, charming, and a doctor. When a woman is murdered- another from a serial killer who dates women before he kills them, Sydney starts to worry that her new boyfriend may not be as perfect as he seems. This pick from the October 2024 book releases looks like a perfect fall thriller.
The Last One at the Wedding
Author: Jason Rekulak
Year: 2024
Genre: Thriller
More info: New York Times Bestseller
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Are you looking for an epic mystery-thriller that will keep you invested until the last page? Jason Rekulak’s newest novel DELIVERED.
Frank has not spoken to his daughter, Maggie, in three years and is shocked when she calls to invite him to her wedding. When he arrives at the private estate where the wedding will take place with his sister and her foster child, Frank discovers Maggie is marrying billionaire heir, Aiden Gardner.
The family is not friendly, Maggie has no time for him, and Frank gets suspicious when he realizes that Aiden is suspected of having something to do with a missing woman. When a fellow wedding guest winds up dead, Frank goes on the hunt to figure out what secrets are being kept from him in a bid to save his daughter.
Why Kirsten loves it
Frank is an everyman way over his head with the antics of the 1%. While he strives to help his daughter in a bid to repair their relationship, he is met with a myriad of scenarios he can’t wrap his head around as he is thwarted at every turn. His outsider looking in perspective was an exceptional narrative tool and as he uncovered each secret, I was every bit as shocked as he was. At the 70% mark my mind literally looked like this – 🤯. I DEVOURED it and you will too.
Find this book in: Wedding Novels / Best New Thrillers of 2024/ Best Psychological Thriller Books / Giftable Books / Best Books of 2024
Ultimate List of Thrillers
Love Thrillers? This list is curated and carefully divided by sub-genre. These will definitely keep you on your toes.
Mysteries from October 2024 Book Releases
The Grey Wolf
Author: Louise Penny
Year: October 29, 2024
Genre: Mystery
More info: Chief Inspector Gamache #19
Age Range: 16+
Plot
The book starts with phone calls to Gamache’s house in Three Pines. He knows who is calling and does not want to take the calls. He eventually tells the person on the other end of the line to stop calling. When the calls continue, Gamache answers only to be told that the alarm on his pied a terre in Montreal has been activated.
This starts a chain of events that will lead Gamache, Jean-Guy Beauvoir, and Isabelle Lacoste from Montreal to France, Rome, and the Monastery, Saint Gilbert Entre Les Loups, to track down a possible bioterror attack.
This book references the events from Beautiful Mystery (#8) and How the Light Gets In (#9). If you are not reading the Louise Penny books in order, I would not recommend reading this book until you have read both those books, or you will not understand many of the plot points.
This is Penny’s most complex book to date and is a 5-star read. If you want a full summary of the book with spoilers and explanations of the plot, you can head over to my new post, Louise Penny’s New Book: The Grey Wolf.
Why Jackie loves it
It is very important to note that this book has a new audiobook narrator. Jean Brassard is a French Canadian man who narrates with the slight accent I imagine Gamache would have. That being said, it may take a while to become accustomed to a new voice and accent, especially for names of places and people.
This book was Penny’s most complex to date. The plot points from earlier books are all important and the crime is something we have never seen before. It felt like a step up which for a master like Penny is high praise.
Find this book in: Louise Penny Books in Order With Summaries
The Mistletoe Mystery
Author: Nita Prose
Year: 2024
Genre: Mystery Short Story
More info: Part of The Maid series
Age Range: 14+
Plot
Molly loves Christmas ever since her Gran made it so special every year. Now, she is living with her beloved boyfriend Juan Manuel and he tries to make Christmas just as special for her as when her Gran was alive. But Juan Manuel is acting strange and Molly has trouble reading social cues. What is really going on with him and will she have a merry Christmas?
Why Jackie loves it
This was such a sweet Christmas novella and while, as the reader, I was not surprised, I felt for Molly as she blundered her way through the season trying not to self-destruct.
Find this book in: New Christmas Books for 2024 / Christmas Mystery Books / October 2024 Most Anticipated New Releases
The Puzzle Box
Author: Danielle Trussoni
Year: 2024
Genre: Mystery
More info: National Bestseller
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Mike Brink is a puzzle master invited to Japan to open the legendary dragon box. The competition is held every 12 years, in the year of the dragon. Every puzzle master who has attempted to open, the box has died trying. Now this quest will send Brink across Japan, but he needs to be aware that not only are there, booby-traps, and poisons, but there are two sisters, determined to open the box before him.
This fast-paced thriller will leave you wondering about the true motives of those who want to see the box opened.
Why Jackie loves it
Trussoni writes fast-paced, page-turning thrillers that are extremely smart. If you love The Da Vinci Code, you will love this mystery thriller as well. I did not know what was going to happen next but each twist and turn was believable.
Find similar book in: 17 Best Books About Puzzles to Test Your Logic
The Ultimate List of Mystery Books
Love Mysteries? This is a list of the best mystery books carefully divided by sub-genre for anyone who lives a good mystery as much as I do.
Romance: October 2024 Book Releases
Variation by Rebecca Yarros
Genre: Romance
Plot: I am so excited to read this romance from our list of October 2024 book releases. This is a Second Chance Romance about a dancer who returns home to reconnect with a Coast Guard rescue swimmer and discover family secrets.
I’ll Be Gone for Christmas
Author: Georgia K. Boone
Year: 2024
Genre: Romance
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 16+
Plot
This is an adorable house swap rom-com for fans of the movie “The Holiday”. Bee and Clover both have reasons to need a break from their lives. Soon, Bee is living in Clover’s cottage in Salem, Ohio and Clover is living in Bee’s San Fransisco apartment. While they experience Christmas in a new locale, they make new friends, reset their own lives, and even find love!
Why Kirsten loves it
I love a Christmas romance, so you know I love 2 romances in one! Just like the movie it was inspired by, the city girl in the country and vice versa were so fun to see. I think the scenes set in San Fran were my favorite.
Find this book in: New Christmas Books 2024 / Christmas Romances / October 2024 New Releases
Perfect Fit by Clare Gilmore
Genre: Romance
Plot: Josie is the CEO of a brand she built in Austin. When her biggest investor wants her to hire a consultant, she is shocked when it is her ex-best friend’s brother. As the two of them work closely together, they realize there is a lot of attrition. But, the two of them have many reasons to stay away from each other including the fact that they live 1700 miles apart. Can Josie have it all?
Ultimate List of Romances
If you love all things romance, then this is the list for you! This is carefully divided by sub-genres like second-chance romance books, romcoms, and more.
October 2024: Best Non-Fiction Book Releases
The Plan: Manage Your Time Like a Lazy Genius
Author: Kendra J. Adachi
Year: 2024
Genre: Nonfiction
Age Range: 14+
Plot
If you are like me you know that managing all the expectations and demands of motherhood can be daunting. Using the acronym PLAN, this book will teach you to prepare, live, adjust, and notice while considering things like hormones, personality, and your stage of life.
Why Kirsten loves it
I adore Adachi’s Lazy Genius Podcast and her book by the same name, so I just knew I had to pick up her book on time management. The straightforward advice was easy to digest because it was written with women in mind. It takes into account that our seasons of life change more than men do because of family obligations, hormones, life stages, and the patriarchy.
We need to be more nimble than our male counterparts – unfairly or not – but Adachi’s PLAN helps us to do just that by leaning into what makes us different and having us push back against the traditional frameworks of planning because they were created for men, by men. (she mentions a stat early on of 93% of time management books being written by males.)
In the few days since I’ve read it, I’ve seen myself reframing the workload ahead of me, and adjusting to balance what is most important at this time in my life. Pair this with her first book and you will set yourself up for a happier, more successful life tailored to YOU. #gifted the audio by Penguin Random House, but I also purchased a physical copy.
Find this book in: Books about Organizing / October 2024 New Books/ Best New Nonfiction Books of 2024 / Giftable Books
Dinner for Vampires by Bethany Joy Lenz
Genre: Nonfiction
Plot: This memoir written by One Tree Hill star, Bethany Joy Lenz is a fascinating glimpse into her life on the hit TV show as well as her life in a cult for more than 10 years. It was only when she became a mother that she was able to free herself and her child from the cult and begin to heal.
YA Books: October 2024 Book Releases
Plot
Blum’s debut novel was a brilliant, must-read for every teen and his sophomore novel was equally as good. Yoyo Gold is a Jewish girl from a strict Orthodox community who strives to be perfect by following all the rules, helping at home, and being a good role model as the daughter of the community Rabbi.
When her best friend is cast out of the community, she is outraged at the double standards for girls and boys, as well as the often hypocritical judgment of her community. After meeting and befriending a reform Rabbi’s daughter, she begins testing the boundaries of her religious beliefs, even going so far as making anonymous TikTok videos calling out the rule breakers in her community thinking it’s a safe way to vent. But when those videos go viral, she’s left to contemplate her role in the community and her values.
Why Kirsten loves it
Not as heavy as Blum’s last book, this story still examined parts of orthodox Judaism that I hadn’t considered before. I understood Yoyo’s struggles to figure out her own beliefs in a tight-knit community steeped in strict tradition and the deep judgment that comes along with it. I was rooting for Yoyo as she found a way to marry her moral compass within her religious beliefs.
Find this book in: Best Books for 13-year-olds / Best New Children’s Books of 2024
The Fate of Magic by Sara Raasch
Genre: YA Fantasy
Plot: This is the long-awaited sequel to the Night of the Witch I have been waiting for! Fritzi and Otto have taken refuge with the witches of the black forest after they escaped Dieter, the leader of the witch hunters. Fritzi throws herself into serving the goddess and Fritzi throws herself into serving the goddess and Otto is sure his bond with Fritzi as her protector will heal old wounds. They have no idea that their bond might be the biggest threat of all.
The Debutantes by Olivia Worley
Genre: Young Adult Mystery
Plot: Les Masques Ball is the event of the season among the New Orleans elite. Last year’s queen of the ball, Margot, was found dead but this year’s queen, Lily, is the perfect debutante, not a party girl. When Lily sends tests to her best friend, former frenemy, and boyfriend’s sister to meet her and she doesn’t show up, they realize that Lily may be in danger. There is something dark in the debutante world. Lily may be in danger and Margot’s death may not have been an accident.
Holiday Books from the October 2024 Book Releases
The Merry Matchmaker
Author: Sheila Roberts
Year: 2024
Genre: Holiday Fiction
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 16+
Plot
This holiday romance is a retelling of Jane Austen’s Emma! Frankie Lane is a 50-year-old widow who knows what is best for everyone but herself. She tries to set up her employees, meddles in her daughter’s life, and battles her frienemy for control of the town holiday committee. And then there is Mitch, a divorcee who needs his perfect match – at least according to Frankie.
Why Kirsten loves it
I’m not typically an Emma lover, because I find her meddling to be self-serving in the original story. I was expecting to feel the same about Frankie, but I was pleasantly surprised by her motivations really being based on love – even if they weren’t warranted. The holiday spin heightened my enjoyment!
Find this book in: New Christmas Books 2024
One Big Happy Family
Author: Susan Mallery
Year: 2024
Genre: Holiday Fiction
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Julie Parker is excited to spend the holiday with her new younger boyfriend and skip a big family Christmas. But when her grown children decide they want to spend Christmas together at the family cabin, she knows she will have to introduce them to the man she has been hiding. Soon the guest list starts growing and so goes the drama. From exes to mother-in-laws and even some unexpected kids, the house gets fuller with each passing day and secrets can’t stay hidden with so many people lurking around.
Why Kirsten loves it
Here’s the thing about miscommunication book tropes, I usually hate them! But I was so refreshed by how the conversations in this book were all so adult. Differences were worked out, if someone did something that mistakenly hurt another it was talked out with grace, and secrets weren’t kept for malicious or stupid reasons!
In addition, the holiday antics of the whole crew put me in the Christmas spirit and I loved each new guest that arrived and was folded in. My only complaint is that I wish I could have actually been part of this big blended family.
Find this book in: New Christmas Books 2024 / Giftable Books
The Holiday Honeymoon Switch
Author: Julia McKay
Year: 2024
Genre: Genre
Spice Rating:đź’‹đź’‹
Age Range: 18+
Plot
You read it here first. The newest trend in holiday books this year is trading places/houses! Holly and Ivy are best friends who are so in sync that they look alike. When Holly’s fiancĂ© breaks up with her the night before their wedding is supposed to take place, she is stuck with a nonrefundable honeymoon.
She convinces Ivy to go on the Hawaiian honeymoon so it does not go to waste. Ivy can take her art retreat on beautiful beaches and Holly can escape to a secluded rented cabin in the Hudson Valley where Ivy was supposed to go. Now, Holly finds out the Airbnb owner is her high school rival and Ivy meets a hotel bartender who comes to her rescue when she finds that Holly’s ex-fiance has already checked into the honeymoon suite with a different woman.
Why Jackie loves it
I loved the relationship between Holly and Ivy as a true love that only best friends can give each other. I also loved that both Holly and Ivy were able to learn about themselves and what they each needed to make themselves happy while be true to who they are.
Find this book in: New Christmas Books 2024 / Christmas Romances / Most Anticipated October 2024 Books / Giftable Books
Plot
A Hanukkah fake dating romance? You had me at Hanukkah. Abby is charged with putting together her Vermont town’s first Hanukkah festival. It is difficult because the people in her town do not understand putting blue lights on a Christmas tree does not make it a part of the Hanukkah story.
When Abby goes on a dating app to find someone Jewish nearby to help her, she find Seth, who has been coming to Abby’s cafe every day. She had no idea he was Jewish. He offers to introduce her to all the vendors she needs to make her festival successful if she comes home to New York City with him and pretends to be his girlfriend.
Why Jackie loves it
Along the way, Abby finds herself and her connection to her Judasim. We learn a lot about Abby and I loved seeing her character development. The story was sweet without being sappy. While this is not a trigger warning, Abby’s parents display disturbing behaviors that may be upsetting.
Find this book in: Fake Dating Books / October 2024 Book Releases / Best Holiday Books
A Winter Wish
Author: Emily Stone
Year: 2024
Genre: Romance
Spice Rating:đź’‹đź’‹đź’‹
Age Range: 18+
Plot
This fun enemies-to-lovers romance will brighten up your holiday season. Lexie has inherited half of her father’s holiday travel company – which is a shock because they had not spoken in over a decade. The other half of the company will go to her father’s partner, Theo, who is young, hot, and pissed he needs to work with Lexie for a year.
As Lexie and Theo work together to run the travel company, which specializes in trips to experience holidays and festivals around the world, Lexie struggles with the complex grief she has over the loss of her dad.
Why Kirsten loves it
This is less a Christmas book than a full holiday book – which is fabulous! The different celebrations I got to glimpse through the trips had my inner travel bug itching to book some incredible vacations!
This one did not pack the same emotional punch as Stone’s previous books – I didn’t cry reading this one – but I still enjoyed it. I found the lack of communication between Lexie and Theo to be pretty frustrating at times though. #gifted by Penguin Random House
Find this book in: New Christmas Books 2024 / Christmas Romance Books / Emily Stone Books Ranked / Most Anticipated October 2024 Books
The Christmas Countdown
Author: Holly Cassidy
Year: 2024
Genre: Romance
Spice Rating:đź’‹đź’‹đź’‹
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Callie’s childhood sweetheart dumped her and the last thing she wants is to return home for the holidays where he will be next door – with his new girlfriend. Callie’s sister, Anita, makes her a holiday advent calendar with fun activities to get her back in the Christmas spirit. When she meets a charming baker who agrees to do the activities with her, sparks fly.
Why Kirsten loves it
I loved the Advent calendar tasks within this story – it was such a fun premise! Callie and Marco’s slow-burn love story gave me the same feeling as drinking a warm cup of peppermint cocoa. You won’t want to miss this Christmas romance.
Find this book in: New Christmas Books 2024 / Christmas Romance Books / Most Anticipated October 2024 Books / Giftable Books
The Most Wonderful Time
Author: Jayne Allen
Year: 2024
Genre: Holiday Romance
Spice Rating:đź’‹đź’‹
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Ramona, from Chicago, is struggling with the recent ending of her engagement – specifically that she hasn’t told her parents the news. Chelsea lives on the beach in Malibu and has been unable to get over the loss of her parents.
They swap houses for the week leading up to Christmas so each can have a reset. Along the way, they have romances that help reset their hearts and they both find what they need to move forward in life.
Why Kirsten loves it
I’m a sucker for anything that reminds me of The Holiday and this story fills that role quite well. Not just a romance, this book deals with grief (in Chelsea’s chapters) and racism (which Ramona, a black woman, encounters in Malibu.) This is a story worth discussing with your book club!
Find this book in: New Christmas Books 2024
Plot
The Belvedere siblings are all at a romantic Crossroads during the holiday season. Liz is a Hollywood showrunner who has a crush on the show’s star. Birdie is spending more time wooing than creating new material for her stand-up routine and Rafi proposes to his girlfriend in front of everyone only to be turned down. The three siblings head to their mother’s house in the Catskills to spend the holiday season and avoid their failures….but can they escape them?
Why Kirsten loves it
This queer romance was a holiday delight. It was filled with silly antics, love stories, and heartwarming moments.
Find this book in: New Christmas Books 2024
The Merriest Misters by Timothy Janovsky
Genre: Holiday Romance
Plot: This looks like an adorable romance, from the fall, 2024 book releases. Patrick and Quinn have been married for less than a year, and it looks like their marriage may not make it until Quinn accidentally knocks out Santa Claus, thinking he is a burglar. Now Quinn and Patrick have to work together to save Christmas and become the new Santa Claus and Merriest Mr. Claus.
The Wedding Witch (The Ex Hex #3) by Erin Sterling
Genre: Holiday Fantasy Romance
Plot: What is there not to love in this holiday fantasy romance from the October 2024 book releases? Bowen is attending a wedding at Tywyll House along with Tamsyn Bligh. She hopes to obtain one artifact (a priceless magical one) that would set her up for life. When a spell sends them back to 1958, they must face off with witches and hauntings to get back to their time.
Eight Nights to Win Her Heart by Miri White
Genre: Holiday Romance
Plot: Andie Williams is not looking forward to spending Hanukkah alone. It is her first holiday since her father’s death. Leo lives across the hall and has always had a crush on Andy but never had enough courage to say anything. One night he finally offers to join Andi for the first night of Hanukkah. As the two fall for each other, they realize they might need a Hanukkah miracle. After all, Andie is supposed to move across the country for her new job.
Spectacular by Stephanie Garber
Genre: Young Adult Holiday Novella
Plot: This is a beautifully illustrated holiday novella that brings us back to the amazing world of Caraval. Tella, Scarlett, Julain and Legend are all back together again in this pick from the October 2024 book releases.
We LOVE to support independent bookstores. You can shop our entire list of October 2024 book releases on Bookshop.org
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