When it comes to books being published, there are so many to choose from and so little time! If I’m searching for my next favorite read, I’ll scroll to find books that look interesting and then I’ll pre-order them months in advance. When a book finally arrives at my door, it’s like a surprise gift I hadn’t expected. Here’s a selection of recently published and upcoming books I have purchased that are on the very top of my TBR. Whether it’s a thriller, memoir, love story or general fiction, I can’t wait to read these books—some from debut authors, and others from long-time favorites. Trust me, you’ll want to check out these books too!
Strangers by Belle Burden
You have most likely seen the buzz about this memoir of a marriage that Joyce Carol Oates calls “riveting.” Strangers is a completely honest look at a marriage come undone. Shocking, emotional and extremely personal, Belle Burden does a deep dive as she reclaims her life by sharing her story in this instant New York Times bestseller.
Half His Age by Jennette McCurdy
Let’s start by saying if you haven’t read Jennette McCurdy’s memoir, I’m Glad My Mom Died, do yourself a favor and read it. Because of her memoir, McCurdy is now an auto-buy author for me, and I was so excited to learn she had written a novel with Lolita vibes. Half His Age has been called “dark” and “mortifying,” and admittedly, the writing may make readers uncomfortable. Female rage is a big theme in this story, and McCurdy’s hope is that the book will encourage readers to consider their internal rage and find compassion for their past selves. And, of course, it’s going to be a provocative read…I mean, have you seen that cover?
Dandelion is Dead by Rosie Storey
I’m not ashamed to admit that I absolutely judge a book by its cover, and that is what first attracted me to Rosie Storey’s debut novel, Dandelion is Dead. Not only is it a completely original title but I also love that the author’s last name is so fitting for a writer. There is an undeniable instant attraction between Jake and Poppy when they meet, and as they get closer, their relationship deepens. But there is a lie that Poppy told that may influence their future. Poppy hijacked her dead sister Dandelion’s dating app to connect with Jake out of curiosity and she didn’t expect a relationship to blossom. She can keep her sister’s memory alive by pretending to be Dandelion and continue to deceive Jake. Or she can admit her wrongdoing, face the repercussions and hopefully, find a true love with Jake.
Little One by Olivia Muenter
Another stunner of a book cover, I paused immediately when I saw Little One featured on my Instagram “For You” page. I love a good cult novel so I pre-ordered this baby right away. When Catharine leaves her family and the farm she has grown up on, she is hoping to reinvent her life. Then she receives an email from a journalist inquiring about her childhood and the cult in which she was raised. She suspects the journalist knows more than he’s letting on, and while Catharine is not sure how much she should reveal, perhaps he could help her find the one person she regretted leaving behind.
It’s Not Her by Mary Kubica
I met Mary Kubica at one of her very first book tours for The Good Girl in 2014 and it’s been so fun to follow the trajectory of her writing career, and to see that her auditorium book events are standing room only these days. She has astounded readers for more than a decade and each of her thrillers somehow gets better than the last, complete with jaw-dropping unexpected twists. A family getaway takes a turn for the worst when Courtney Gray discovers her brother and sister-in-law dead in the lakeside cabin next door. Her teenage niece is missing, and her nephew is asleep upstairs, unharmed. In this quiet resort town, secrets about Courtney and her family emerge, and it’s anyone’s guess who the killer is. In signature Mary Kubica fashion, I’m sure we will be shocked at the end.
Cherry Baby by Rainbow Rowell
Rainbow Rowell “had me at hello” when her first novel Attachments was published way back in 2011. Rainbow has this extraordinary gift of creating characters that appear fully onto the page and into your mind. I can envision them wholly—from each specific quirk and peculiarity, to every smile, and when I read a Rainbow book, I feel like I know her characters. Eleanor, Park, Shiloh and Cary still live rent-free in my head (in the best way possible!). All that to say that each time Rainbow Rowell gives us a new book, I feel like I’m about to meet some life-long friends! I can’t wait to get to know Cherry and Russ in Cherry Baby, which publishes on April 14 (and yes, this one is an actual birthday gift to me since that is my birthday!).
The Better Mother by Jennifer van der Kleut
Who doesn’t love a good The Hand that Rocks the Cradle-themed novel that explores the sinister moments of motherhood and co-parenting? When 34-year-old Savannah rebounds after a breakup by having a casual fling with Max, she’s shocked to find out she’s pregnant. When she tells Max, he informs her that he’s back together with his ex, Madison, and that he’ll need time to break the news to her. But Madison is thrilled when she learns the news, and she is ready and willing to assist in any way possible with the pregnancy and birth. As the weeks progress, the healthy co-parenting situation that Savannah envisioned goes from bad, to worse, to dangerous. I’m ready for the twists, turns and unhinged moments that this book is sure to “deliver.”
