The Best Queen Camilla Book Club Books

Tom Lake

Author: Ann Patchett

Year: 2023

Genre: Historical Fiction (Dual Timeline)

More info: August 2023 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick

Age Range: 15+

Plot

In the spring of 2020, Lara’s three daughters return home and beg their mother to tell the story of her romance with a movie star from long ago.

Throughout their Mom’s telling of her summer theatre experience at Tom Lake, the daughters get the long-awaited answers to questions they’ve asked for years. The whole family also re-examines their lives and relationships through the new lens of information. While this is a pandemic story, it’s more of a plot device to get the family together than anything else. So don’t expect to be triggered!

Trigger Warnings

Pandemic

Why Kirsten loves it

Ann Patchett is an amazing storyteller and I love all her books, so it’s no surprise that this story is one of my best books of 2023 picks! I was completely enchanted by this story, especially because Meryl Streep reads the audiobook version.

Find this book in: Best Books of 2023 / Novels Set on a Lake / Family Dramas / Best Reese Witherspoon Books / Reese Witherspoon Book Club List 2023 / The Best Audiobooks of All Time / The Best Queen Camilla Book Club Books

My Brilliant Friend

Author: Elena Ferrante

Year: 2012

Genre: Fiction

More info: Book 1 of 4: Neapolitan Novels
Named #1 Best Book of the Century

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 16+

Plot

This is the first book in the Neapolitan series that was a must for books about friendship. The book is set in Italy after WWII and follows the lives of two young girls.

This is a character-driven novel that explores the friendship between Elena and Raffaella throughout their lives. It looks at their rivalry and personal identities while trying to find themselves. The book begins in the 1950s and spans nearly 60 years.

Why Jackie loves it

There is no denying that this book is beautifully written and descriptive. As the lives of these women unfold, the country changes around them. You need to give yourself the time and space required for this book to have its full impact.

Find this book in: Best Books in Translation / Friendship Books / Books Set in Italy / The Best Queen Camilla Book Club Books

Bridget Jones’s Diary

Author: Helen Fielding

Year: 1999

Genre: Romance

More info: #1 Bestselling Book

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 16+

Plot

I remember reading this contemporary fiction book shortly before it was turned into a hit movie starring Colin Firth and Renee Zellweger. This modern Pride and Prejudice retelling is told in diary form over the course of one year.

Hysterical and silly, Bridget’s antics are quite something. Mark and Daniel are deliciously brought to life via Bridget’s inner monologue. If you love the movie, try the book.

Bridget starts her diary on New Year’s Day which makes it a perfect pick for books about New Year’s!

Why Kirsten loves it

I love Pride and Prejudice retellings and this is one of the best ones I have ever read. Even though it just had its 25th anniversary, it is still relevant and funny. The fact that it is written as a year of diary entries is icing on the cake!

Find this book in: Epistolary Novels / Best British Books / New Year’s Eve Books / Books Like Pride and Prejudice / British Romance Novels / The Best Queen Camilla Book Club Books

Where the Crawdads Sing Deluxe Edition

Author: Dehlia Owens

Year: 2018

Genre: Historical Fiction

More info: September 2018 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick, Season 7 Queen Camilla’s Book Club Pick

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 16+

Plot

The book begins when a body is found in a North Carolina marsh and is identified as Chase Andrews. The story moves between the past and the present to tell the story of Kya Clark, The Marsh Girl, who is a suspect in the murder.

Kya Clark, The Marsh Girl, is abandoned first by her mother, then by her siblings, and eventually by her father at a very young age. She is forced to fend for herself in the marshes, away from society.

With the help of two beloved friends, she learns to care for herself but not without experiencing cruelty and violence.  Then, she finds herself faced with murder charges and is forced to confront her secrets and past that have shaped her into the woman that she has become. 

Trigger Warnings

Abandonment, Domestic and child abuse, assault

Why Jackie loves it

I admit that when I saw the description of this coming-of-age book, I was not sold.  A trusted individual, who has never steered me wrong in the past, gave me an advanced copy so, I took the leap.  And wow, am I glad I did.  I read this book and then recommended it to everyone I knew. It is a story about love, nature, and perseverance.

Why Kirsten loves it

This is a novel that is so much more than the sum of its parts. It is part mystery and part historical fiction that shows the importance of human connections.

Find this book in: Books About Poverty and Its Impact / Best Mystery Books of All Time / Books Like Where the Crawdads Sing / Book Club for Where the Crawdads Sing/ Books with Food in the Title / Books That Will Emotionally Wreck You / Best Reese Witherspoon Books / Books Set in the 1960s / The Best Audiobooks of All Time / Books Like Eleanor Oliphant

A Gentleman in Moscow

Author: Amor Towles

Year: 2016

Genre: Historical Fiction

More info: New York Times Bestseller

Age Range: 16+

Plot

This historical fiction hotel novel is set in Moscow between 1918 through the 1950s, Count Alexander Rostov has narrowly escaped execution and has been sentenced to house arrest within his hotel, the Metropol for the rest of his life.

The Count is confined to the attic room. Once a part of the spoiled elite, he becomes friends with the staff and the inhabitants.

Trigger Warnings

Suicidal Thoughts

Why Jackie loves it

The book is beautifully written, and I grew to love the Count.

Find this book in: Books set in the 1920s / Hotel Novels / The Best Queen Camilla Book Club Books

Hamnet

Author: Maggie O’Farrell

Year: 2020

Genre: Literary Historical Fiction

More info: New York Times Bestseller

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range:

Plot

This is the story of Shakespeare’s life, family, and extraordinary wife during the time of the plague. Shakespeare himself is never actually mentioned by name in this extraordinary and heartbreaking book that was so hard to put down.

Trigger Warnings

Child Death

Why Jackie loves it

I had this book on my TBR for so long and I am so happy that I finally had a chance to read it. I know why it made so many lists of top books for 2020. And if you are looking for biographical novels about writers, this one is a must-read.

Adaptation Information

Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal star in the movie adaptation of this bestseller. Chloé Zhao directed it and it’s expected to hit theaters Thanksgiving 2025.

Find this book in: Biographical Fiction Novels / Books About Books / Books Becoming Movies / The Best Queen Camilla Book Club Books

The Kite Runner

Author: Khaled Hosseini

Year: 2004

Genre: Historical Fiction

More info: #1 New York Times Bestselling Book

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 16+

Plot

The story of the friendship between a wealthy boy and his servant is one filled with betrayal, tragedy, and heartbreak.

Told against the background of Afghanistan’s destruction and the war, this sweeping tale is a must-read.

Trigger Warnings

Sexual Assault, Child Abuse, War

Why Jackie loves it

This coming-of-age book set in the 70s in Afghanistan is one of the most emotional books I’ve ever read. I sobbed for a full 30 minutes after the last chapter.

Find this book in: Books Set in the 70s / Best Queen Camilla Book Club Books / Books to Emotionally Wreck You

The Book Thief

Author: Markus Zusak

Year: 2005

Genre: Historical Fiction

Age: 12+

Plot

This magical realism book is narrated by Death. Death tells the story of Liesel, a young girl in Nazi Germany in 1939. Liesel is living with her foster parents and learning to read from stolen books. She also shares these books with the Jewish man who is hiding in her basement.

Trigger Warnings

Death, Antisemitism, War

Why Kirsten loves it

This book is a brilliant, powerful, poignant, and unforgettable look at Nazi Germany. It’s becoming part of many school curricula for good reason. I’ve never read a story that encapsulates life for ordinary children during this harrowing time in history.

Find this book in: WWII Books for Kids / YA Historical Fiction Books / Books about the Holocaust / Coming-of-age Books for Teens / The Best Queen Camilla Book Club Books

The Poisonwood Bible

Author: Barbara Kingsolver

Year: 1998

Genre: Historical Fiction

More info: June 2000 Oprah Book Club Pick

Age Range: 18+

Plot

This novel is about one family’s three decades in the Congo. Nathan Price is an evangelical Baptist who takes his family on a mission to the Belgian Congo in 1959. The novel takes place during the Congo’s fight for independence. This epic family saga is told by Nathan’s Wife and four daughters. If you are looking for the best novels about Africa, this one will not disappoint.

Trigger Warnings

Child Death, Racism

Why Jackie loves it

This is another book from Oprah’s original book club that has stayed with me over the years. Oprah chooses books that are emotional and well-written, and this family saga is no exception.

Find this book in: Family Saga / Novels About Africa / Best Oprah’s Book Club Books / The Best Queen Camilla Book Club Books

Lessons in Chemistry

Author: Bonnie Garmus

Year: 2022

Genre: Historical Fiction

More info: April 2022 GMA Book Club Pick, Season 10 Pick from The Queen’s Reading Room

Age Range: 14+

Plot

I don’t even know where to begin with this unique contemporary fiction story. Elizabeth Zott is a chemist in the 50s when women were expected to know their place in society- the kitchen and the home. I did not know what to expect when the book started and I never could have guessed where the story would take me.

Elizabeth struggles to be taken seriously in her field and as a single mother, in this amazing book. So when an offer to host a cooking show for women is put in her path, she reluctantly takes it.

She uses her no-nonsense attitude and chemistry principles to teach the women in America how to cook and follow their dreams outside of the home.

Zott is a quirky character like Eleanor Oliphant with a charming daughter and a dog whose inner monologue is as quirky as hers. This is also an absolutely wonderful book about motherhood!

Trigger Warnings

Sexism

Why Jackie loves it

Elizabeth Zott is never characterized as neurodivergent. However, the way that she relates to the other characters leads me to believe that she is. I love the character growth and I was cheering for her success throughout the entire book. Can I also tell you how much I LOVE Six-Thirty?

Why Kirsten loves it

I loved seeing a woman before her time being a powerful strong role-model. She thrived and set a great example for her daughter. That is not even to mention the narration of this book! She is so great and so is six-thirty.

Find this book in: Lessons in Chemistry Book Club Guide / Books About Mothers and Motherhood / Books Like Eleanor Oliphant / Books About Women in the Workplace / Books About Food / Books With Neurodivergent Characters / Books Set in the 1960s
Find Similar Books in: Books Like Lessons in Chemistry

The Secret Life of Bees

Author: Sue Monk Kidd

Year: 2003

Genre: Literary Fiction

More info: Multi-million Best-selling Novel

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

This story follows Lily Owens, a 14-year-old girl who runs away from her abusive father. It is 1964 in South Carolina and Lily wants the truth about her late mother. She finds refuge with three Black beekeeping sisters (August, June, and May) who teach her about love, family, and forgiveness. Through her journey, Lily discovers her own strength and begins to heal from her past.

Trigger Warnings

Racism, suicide, abuse

Why Jackie loves it

Sue Monk Kidd is a wonderful writer and this book is unlike anything else I have read. There are facts about bees at the start of every chapter and some elements of magical realism.

Find this book in: Books Set in the 1960s / Books With Secret in the Title / The Best Queen Camilla Book Club Books

Miss Benson’s Beetle

Author: Rachel Joyce

Year: 2020

Genre: Historical Fiction

Age Range: 16+

Plot

Miss Benson is a woman who has dreamed of finding the Golden Beetle of New Caledonia all her life. She finally decides to embark on the trip of a lifetime, which is no small accomplishment.

Her assistant on the trip is a very unlikely companion named Enid. With her bright clothes, blond hair, and huge personality, she is the opposite of Miss Benson in every way.

Why Jackie loves it

Oh, how I loved this book. I have never read anything like this before. This story is touching, endearing, funny, and, at times, sad. It will leave you wondering why a beetle expedition isn’t a more popular subject for books. Rachel Joyce is a wonderful writer, and this book did not disappoint.

Find this book in: Friendship Books / Beach Reads 2021 / The Best Queen Camilla Book Club Books

Pachinko

Author: Min Jin Lee

Year: 2017

Genre: Historical Fiction

More info: New York Times 100 Best Books of the 21st Century, National Book Award Finalist

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range:16+

Plot

This family saga book is an epic tale of a family through the generations from 1910-1989.  I absolutely adored the first half of the book.  I felt like I knew each of the characters so well. I rooted for them and loved them. 

From Korea to Japan, this is an epic historical fiction novel that begins when Sunja, the daughter of a fisherman, has an affair with a wealthy stranger. She finds out he is married and she is pregnant with his child. When she decides to reject her son’s father, it begins a saga that is an unputdownable read.

Trigger Warnings

Racism, Suicide

Why Jackie loves it

Even though the book was close to 500 pages, I felt like the second half of the book was rushed.  This is a rare occasion in which I wish there was more to the book, particularly the ending.  I wanted to know more about the later characters so I could relate to the characters as I did at the beginning.

Find this book in: Books Set in the 80s / Books by Female BIPOC Authors / Family Sagas / The Best Queen Camilla Book Club Books

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 Best Queen Camilla Book Club Books

The Magpie Murders by

Author: Anthony Horowitz

Year: 2017

Genre: Mystery

More info: Winner of the Macavity Award for Best Novel, NPR Best Book of the Year

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range:

Plot

Susan Ryland is an editor who is working with Alan Conway, as she has for years. He has been writing about the detective Atticus Pünd for years and is very successful. In Conway’s book, Pünd is investigating a murder at Pye Hall, but the more Suan reads, the more she is unsure how much of the book is fiction. In this book, you uncover the murder of a mystery author while also reading his book about murder. Are they interconnected?

Why Jackie loves it

There is a murder mystery within a murder mystery in this well-written and thoughtful book. Anthony Horowitz is an internationally best-selling author for a reason. This book will keep you guessing until the last page. The idea is truly unique and so well executed.

Find this book in: Mystery and Thriller Novels About Writers / Jewish Authors and Writers / Best British Mystery Books / Best Books of 2017 / The Best Queen Camilla Book Club Books

Rebecca

Author: Daphne Du Maurier

Year: 1938

Genre: Thriller

More info: National Book Award Winner, 1938
Anthony Award Winner, 2000

Age Range: 14+

Plot

The OG psychological thriller book, Rebecca is a book set in Cornwall that will leave you checking behind you when you walk down a dark hallway. 

The new Mrs. de Winter is haunted by her husband’s first wife, Rebecca.  The deceit will have you second-guessing everything you read while you yell at the pages. It is a chilling novel about a naive second wife discovering the truth behind the wife who came before her.

The Netflix book adaptation stars Lily James and it reignited this popular thriller book’s success. If you have not read this book, it is a perfect book for fall.

Why Kirsten loves it

One of the most acclaimed psychological thriller authors, Daphne Du Maurier is at her best in this chilling psychological thriller. Everything about this gothic thriller will make you feel a little bit uncomfortable. I love Du Maurier and I have read this classic more than once.

Why Jackie loves it

I was at least 50 pages into this book when I called Kirsten and asked if I would ever learn the new Mrs. De Winter’s name. The fact that the main character remains nameless throughout the book adds to the thrill of the book. It is a classic that everyone should read at least once.

Find this book in: Best Mystery Novels / Popular Thriller Books / Unreliable Narrator Books / Best Classic Books / British Books / Best Psychological Thriller Books / The Best Queen Camilla Book Club Books

Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank: The Definitive Edition

Author: Anne Frank

Year: 1997

Genre: Nonfiction

More info: “The Single most compelling personal account of the Holocaust” (The New York Times Book Review)

Age Range: 12+

Plot

This is the quintessential book about the Holocaust written by Anne Frank, a Jewish girl in hiding during WWII.  Although she did not live to see freedom, her father survived as did the diary that she kept during her years of hiding. 

This is a powerful book that captures the neverending capacity for hope in the human spirit. After all, Anne said it best when she said “in spite of everything I still believe that people are really good at heart”. The words are a powerful reminder about the human spirit.

Trigger Warnings

Death, holocaust

Why Kirsten loves it

The message that Anne passes along in this diary is one that we can all learn from. Anne’s words are powerful and thoughtful.

Why Jackie loves it

There are really no words to say about this book. Love is not the correct word for how I feel. This book should be required reading for everyone. Anne somehow remained positive despite the danger she faced, the isolation and hunger.

Find this book in: WWII Books / Best Books by Jewish Writers / Best Books for a 12-Year-Old / Epistolary Novels / Best Books in Translation / The Best Queen Camilla Book Club Books

Raising Hare

Author: Chloe Dalton

Year: 2025

Genre: Memoir

More info: International Bestseller

Age Range: 14+

Plot

During the Covid lockdown, Chloe discovered a leveret, aka a baby hare, and decided to rescue it from death. She nursed it to health, working hard not to domesticate it, and watched it grow and thrive, eventually having babies of its own in her backyard in the English countryside.

Why Kirsten loves it

This cozy read is a bestseller in the UK for a reason. Chloe’s narrative was soothing and interesting as she details the hurdles and highlights of rescuing a leveret and watching it mature. I felt her compassion and care in her narrative — it gave me new respect for these wild creatures. #gifted by Penguin Random House

Find this book in: Nonfiction Books About Animals / Best Beach Reads 2025 / Giftable Books / Best Nonfiction Books of 2025 / Feel Good Nonfiction Books / The Best Queen Camilla Book Club Books / Adult Versions of Favorite Childhood Books

Pride and Prejudice

Author: Jane Austen

Year: 1813

Genre: Classic Romance

Spice Rating:💋
More: December 2025 Read with Jenna Book Club Pick

Age Range: 12+

Plot

We love this classic love story. This love story has everything you could want. Elizabeth Bennet is a smart and stubborn woman who was ahead of her time. With five Bennet girls, one of them must marry well to support the other sisters.

Why Kirsten loves it

There are so many new and wonderful adaptations of this novel, that we did an entire post on it. And you don’t want to miss the other Jane Austen adaptations in the post as well. Austen is a master of romances, and this book is the original enemies-to-lovers novel! It’s my favorite of all the Jane Austen books.

Adaptations

If you are a fan of the book, you probably have very strong feelings about which adaptation you like more – the 2005 Keira Knightley version or the 1995 version with Colin Firth. In 2025, filming started on the latest adaptation, which will become a series for Netflix. The cast includes Emma Corrin (Elizabeth Bennet), Jack Lowden (Mr. Darcy), and Olivia Colman (Mrs. Bennet). Rufus Sewell, Freya Mavor, Jamie Demetriou, Daryl McCormack, Rhea Norwood, Siena Kelly, and Louis Partridge are in the supporting cast.

Find this book in: Books About Sisters / Enemies-to-Lovers Books / Jane Austen Books in Order / Grumpy Sunshine Books / Classic Romance Novels / Books Like Bridgerton / Books Becoming Movies / Read with Jenna Book Club List 2025 / The Best Queen Camilla Book Club Books

Dracula

Author: Bram Stoker

Year: 1897

Genre:

More info:

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range:

Plot

This is the book that started it all. Jonathan Harker is a young English solicitor who finds himself in Count Dracula’s castle in Transylvania. Count Dracula has strange customs and mannerisms and things go from strange to scary to completely horrifying.

The slow torture and the helplessness of Harker is terrifying because he is never sure of what is happening to him.

The story of Dracula is timeless and has been remade into countless movies. But, in my opinion, none have been able to capture the truly terrifying essence of this book.

Why Jackie loves it

This is truly a disturbing thriller horror book. If you love vampire books and have not read this one, it is a must-read that will scare the pants off you.

Find this book in: Epistolary Novels / Thriller Horror Books / Vampire Books/ Dark Academia Fantasy Books / The Best Queen Camilla Book Club Books

Sense and Sensibility

Author: Jane Austen

Year: 1811

Genre: Classic

More info: Deluxe Hardcover Version

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 14+

Plot

The Dashwood sisters star in this Jane Austen book about their life after their father’s untimely death. Thrown out of their home, they must try to find husbands to secure their place in the world.

Why Kirsten loves it

I found their struggles to be deeply engaging. Though I connected more with Elinor’s practicality than Marianne’s immaturity, I ultimately loved both sisters.

Find this book in: Jane Austen Books in Order (+PDF) / The Best Queen Camilla Book Club Books