Book recommendations

The Ultimate Guide To building Your Reading List: Top 20 Books

Creating your own reading list can be very tedious. with so many great books being published each year it can be very hard to find the right ones. to help you navigate these literary Landscapes I’ve created the ultimate reading list of the books you need to read. Whether you’re a fan of romance, fantasy or mystery there’s something for everyone. get ready to discover your next roman empire!

Best New Fiction

reading list

Starting off here are some new books to add to your reading list.

  1. The Lost bookshop by Evie Woods

For too long, Opaline, Martha and Henry have been the side characters in their own lives.

But when a vanishing bookshop casts its spell, these three unsuspecting strangers will discover that their own stories are every bit as extraordinary as the ones found in the pages of their beloved books. And by unlocking the secrets of the shelves, they find themselves transported to a world of wonder… where nothing is as it seems.

2. Funny Story By Emily Henry

a new contemporary romance from Emily Henry! looking for a comfy beach read? ( its right here )

The novel by Emily Henry tells the story of Daphne, who was in love with her fiancé Peter, captivated by the way he narrated their relationship’s beginnings. However, Peter eventually realizes he is in love with his childhood best friend Petra. Daphne, now stranded in Waning Bay, Michigan, with a job as a children’s librarian, decides to become roommates with Miles Nowak, Petra’s ex. Miles and Daphne initially avoid each other, but they start forming a friendship and a plan to post misleading photos of their summer adventures together. The novel explores whether Daphne will unexpectedly fall in love with Miles despite her initial intentions.

3. The women By Kristin Hannah

“The Women” by Kristin Hannah is an intimate portrait of coming of age during a tumultuous time, set against the backdrop of a nation divided. The story follows Frances “Frankie” McGrath, a twenty-year-old nursing student from Southern California, who joins the Army Nurse Corps in 1965 after her brother goes to serve in Vietnam.

As inexperienced as the soldiers she accompanies, Frankie is thrown into the chaos and devastation of war, where she experiences the highs and lows of life, including deep friendships and shattering betrayals. The real challenge comes when she returns to a divided America, dealing with the anger of protesters and a society eager to forget the war. This novel highlights the sacrifices and bravery of women in war, aiming to ensure their contributions are remembered.

Gripping mysteries and thrillers

reading list

some cozy mystery and thriller books to add to your reading list TBR.

  • 4. Then She Was Gone By Lisa Jewell

“Then She Was Gone” by Lisa Jewell follows the story of Laurel Mack, whose fifteen-year-old daughter Ellie, a perfect and beloved child, disappeared ten years ago just before a summer vacation. Laurel’s life fell apart as she struggled to move on, but she never fully recovered from the loss. Seven years after Ellie’s disappearance, and months after the last clue was found, Laurel’s marriage ended.

Now, she meets a charming man named Floyd in a café and is quickly drawn into a relationship with him. She is introduced to Floyd’s daughters, and his youngest, Poppy, bears a striking resemblance to Ellie. This discovery raises new questions for Laurel, as she is haunted by the past and the unanswered mysteries surrounding her daughter’s disappearance.

  • 5. The Midnight Library by Matt Haig

“The Midnight Library” by Matt Haig is a novel about a woman named Nora who finds herself in a library between life and death, where each book represents a different life she could have lived. As she explores these alternate realities, Nora grapples with regrets and questions about the choices she’s made. It’s a poignant exploration of the paths not taken and the search for meaning and fulfillment.

  • 6. The Locked door By Freida McFadden

It all started when eleven-year-old Nora’s father was arrested for murdering women in their home’s basement. 26 years later, Nora is now Dr. Davis. That’s right, she is a well-known surgeon. She is determined to hide the fact that she’s the daughter of the famous serial killer from all those years ago. She is definitely not her father’s daughter. When two of her patients (female) are murdered in the same fashion as her father’s victims, Nora is afraid someone knows who she is. Who could this new serial killer be when her father has been locked up for the past few decades? And why are they out to ruin Nora’s life?

my review for this book: The Locked Door By Freida McFadden: book review

  • 7. The Maid by Nita prose

“The Maid” by Nita Prose is a mystery novel about Molly, a maid with a keen eye for detail who becomes embroiled in a murder investigation at the upscale Regency Grand Hotel. As Molly navigates through the hotel’s secrets and hidden agendas, she uses her unique perspective to uncover the truth behind the crime. The novel combines elements of suspense, humor, and social commentary, offering a fresh take on the classic whodunit genre.

Heartwarming Romances

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a few heartwarming and heart-breaking romances to add to your reading list

  • 8.Archers Voice by Mia Sheridan

“Archer’s Voice” by Mia Sheridan is a heartwarming romance novel about a young woman named Bree Prescott who moves to a small town in Maine to escape her troubled past. There, she meets Archer Hale, a reclusive man with a tragic history who communicates through sign language. Despite their differences, Bree and Archer form a deep connection as they help each other heal from their past traumas and find love and redemption in unexpected ways. The novel is filled with poignant moments, emotional depth, and themes of forgiveness, acceptance, and the power of love to heal.

  • 9. A Thousand Boy Kisses by Tillie Cole

Rune and Poppy have been best friends since childhood, and then lovers even a decade later. When Rune is forced to move back to Norway, they promise each other to keep in contact, determined to make this long-distance relationship work. But 2 months after he left, Poppy basically ghosts him. Now, 2 years later, Rune is back in town and he’s wanting to know why his soulmate stopped communicating with him when she promised she wouldn’t. When he finds out the truth… it’s heartbreaking.

my review for this book: A Thousand Boy Kisses By Tillie Cole – Heartbreaking Romance Review

  • 10. Love And Other Words by Christina Lauren

“Love and Other Words” by Christina Lauren is a contemporary romance novel that alternates between past and present, telling the story of Macy Sorensen and Elliot Petropoulos. The book explores their deep connection, starting from their childhood friendship to their reconnection as adults. As secrets from their past resurface, Macy and Elliot must confront their feelings for each other and the choices that led them apart. The novel is a poignant exploration of love, friendship, and the power of second chances. With well-drawn characters and emotionally resonant storytelling, it captures the complexities of relationships and the enduring bonds that shape our lives.

  • 11.book lovers by Emily Henry

“Book Lovers” by Emily Green is a charming novel that follows the lives of a diverse group of characters who share a love for books. Set in a quaint bookstore in a small town, the story intertwines the lives of bookshop owner Alice, her quirky staff, and the eccentric patrons who frequent the shop. As they navigate life’s ups and downs, their shared passion for literature brings them together and helps them find solace, friendship, and even love. With its delightful characters and cozy setting, “Book Lovers” celebrates the magic of books and the joy of connecting with fellow bibliophiles.

engaging young adult fiction

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young adult page turners to add to your reading list.

  • 12. Crave by Tracy Wolff

“Crave” by Tracy Wolff is a paranormal romance novel set in a remote Alaskan boarding school. It follows Grace, a human girl who encounters a world of vampires, witches, and other supernatural beings, leading to a dangerous and romantic entanglement with the brooding vampire, Jaxon Vega.

  • 13. The inheritance games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

“The Inheritance Games” by Jennifer Lynn Barnes follows Avery Grambs, a teen who unexpectedly inherits a billionaire’s fortune. To claim it, she must solve elaborate puzzles and navigate the dangerous dynamics of the Hawthorne family, whose members were disinherited and are determined to uncover why she was chosen.

  • 14 Aurora rising by Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff

“Aurora Rising” by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff follows a misfit squad of space academy graduates tasked with a rescue mission. They discover Aurora, a girl who has been in cryo-sleep for centuries, and together, they must confront a powerful threat to the galaxy while uncovering Aurora’s mysterious past.

  • 15. Fable by Adrienne young

“Fable” by Adrienne Young follows the story of a young woman named Fable, abandoned by her father on a treacherous island. To survive, she becomes a skilled trader and diver, determined to reunite with her father and claim her rightful place in his trading empire.

  • 16. Caraval by Stephanie Garber

“Caraval” by Stephanie Garber centers on Scarlett, who receives an invitation to the magical Caraval, a legendary game. Along with her sister Tella, Scarlett becomes ensnared in a world of illusions and secrets, where she must unravel mysteries and differentiate between reality and fantasy to save her sister.

Top science fiction and fantasy

reading list

fantasy reads that are out of this world to add to your reading list.

  • 17. Heartless by Marissa Meyer

“Heartless” by Marissa Meyer is a retelling of the Queen of Hearts’ origin story. Catherine, a talented baker, dreams of opening a bakery but is pursued by the King of Hearts. When she falls for Jest, the royal joker, she must navigate love, destiny, and her inevitable transformation into a villain.

  • 18. The Cruel Prince by Holly Black

“The Cruel Prince” by Holly Black follows Jude, a mortal girl living in the treacherous High Court of Faerie. Determined to earn her place, she navigates deceit and power struggles, particularly with the cruel prince, Cardan. Jude must outwit the faeries to protect her family and gain influence.

  • 19. These Twisted Vows by Lexi Ryan

“These Twisted Vows” by Lexi Ryan is a steamy romance novel about Quinn and Lila, childhood friends who reunite after years apart. Despite their tumultuous past, they find themselves drawn together again, facing secrets, lies, and the rekindling of their forbidden desires as they navigate their complicated relationship.

  • 20. The Prison healer by Lynette Noni

“The Prison Healer” by Lynette Noni follows Kiva, a seventeen-year-old healer trapped in the brutal prison Zalindov. To secure her freedom, she must survive a series of deadly trials. As secrets unravel and dangers mount, Kiva must confront her past and fight for her future against impossible odds.

my review of this book here: The Prison Healer By Lynette Noni

Top 20 Books To add to Your reading list

Building a reading list is a personal journey, I hope these picks will make it to you reading list. with trying to find the perfect book whether your feeling romantic adventures or curious hopefully this reading list makes it just a little bit easier. From fantasy, mystery and romance, there’s something on this list for (mostly) every type of reader. Happy reading!

2024 Reading Challenge | Goodreads

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