The most recommended new fiction books

Who picked these books? Meet our 589 experts.

589 authors created a book list connected to new fiction, and here are their favorite new fiction books.
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Book cover of The Stranger I Wed

Bronwyn Scott Author Of The Viscount's Christmas Bride

From Bronwyn's 3 favorite reads in 2023.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author

Bronwyn's 3 favorite reads in 2023

Bronwyn Scott Why did Bronwyn love this book?

This is a Dollar Princess historical and it's like a story in reverseā€”which I love. 

Cora Dove has money; she needs a respectable, noble marriage. She goes to England, and by page 100 (if not sooner), she's married to an Earl who seems like a decent fellow with the best intentions in mind. He's even agreed to all of her marital conditions.

So, right up front, there's a happily-ever-after fairy tale in reverse.  But also right up front is the marriage, which is where most romances endā€”(as if marriage is the end of life). This story is all about the marriage, which is always a fun twist. 

By Harper St. George,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Stranger I Wed as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

New to wealth and to London high society, American heiress Cora Dove discovers that with the right man, marriage might not be such an inconvenience after all. . . .

Cora Dove and her sistersā€™ questionable legitimacy has been the lifelong subject of New Yorkā€™s gossipmongers and a continual stain on their fatherā€™s reputation. So when the girls each receive a generous, guilt-induced dowry from their dying grandmother, the sly Mr. Hathaway vows to release their funds only if Cora and her sisters can procure suitable husbandsā€”far from New York. For Cora, England is a fresh start. She has noā€¦


Book cover of Normal Rules Don't Apply: Stories

Kevin J. Fellows Author Of At the End of the World

From Kevin's 3 favorite reads in 2024.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author

Kevin's 3 favorite reads in 2024

Kevin J. Fellows Why did Kevin love this book?

This collection of eleven fabulous interconnected stories includes a queen who makes one too many promises; a man who bets on a horse who speaks to him; and a family who may have done-in its patriarch. All this against the backdrop of a world-changing event which inevitably, irrevocably, touches every life on the planet.

Each story focuses on a character dealing not only with the emerging situation, but with the events already unwinding in their lives. Kate Atkinson draws these characters with such richness and honesty, they feel familiar: friends, coworkers, and family. Funny and tragic.

By Kate Atkinson,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Normal Rules Don't Apply as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A dazzling collection of eleven interconnected stories from the bestselling, award-winning author of Shrines of Gaiety and Life After Life, with everything that readers love about her novelsā€”the inventiveness, the verbal felicity, the sharp observations on human nature, and the deeply satisfying emotional wallop.

Nothing is quite as it seems in this collection of eleven dazzling stories. We meet a queen who makes a bargain she cannot keep; a secretary who watches over the life she has just left; a man who bets on a horse that mayā€”or may notā€”have spoken to him. Everything that readers love about the novelsā€¦


Book cover of Big Bad Wolf's Yom Kippur

Martha Seif Simpson Author Of Esther's Gragger: A Toyshop Tale of Purim

From my list on fun picture books about Jewish holidays.

Why am I passionate about this?

Iā€™m a retired childrenā€™s librarian with years of experience choosing books and presenting storytimes. Iā€™m also a picture book author. My first three published picture books were about holidays. I recently served on the Sydney Taylor Book Award committee, so I had the opportunity to read all the Jewish picture books published from 2020-2023. Many were about holidays, and the books I selected are among my favorites because they are fun to read and they express the joy of these celebrations. (And yes, I consider Shabbat to be a holiday!)

Martha's book list on fun picture books about Jewish holidays

Martha Seif Simpson Why did Martha love this book?

Iā€™m a big fan of fractured fairy tales, and this book about the Big Bad Wolf repenting on Yom Kippur works really well.

At first, Wolf agrees to go to the synagogue because he thinks it will be a giant lunch buffet. But the rabbi tells the congregants that anyone can become a better person and do good deeds, even Wolf!

love how Wolf revisits the scenes of some of his baddest moments. He helps Little Red Riding Hood care for her sick granny instead of eating them. Rather than blowing down the houses of the three little pigs, he helps them make their homes more secure. Wolf ends up fasting the entire day and is invited to a break fast by his new friends.

I also like the expressive pictures of Wolf as his emotions change throughout the book. This is a great book to teach kids aboutā€¦

By David Sherrin, MartĆ­n MorĆ³n (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Big Bad Wolf's Yom Kippur as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 6, 7, and 8.

What is this book about?

"This sweet, humorous tale conveys the meaning of this important Jewish holiday in a way that's understandable for children. Its premise proves it's easy to err on the side of good; each of us has kindness within, and it's satisfying to let it show." --Kirkus Reviews


In this fractured fairy tale mash-up that explains the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur, Bid Bad Wolf struggles to understand whether he has the capacity for change, and in the process discovers friendship among those he once thought of only as tasty snacks.


When Racoon invites the Big Bad Wolf to Yom Kippur services,ā€¦


Book cover of The House in the Pines

Sara Flannery Murphy Author Of The Wonder State

From my list on thriller and horror with ā€œHouseā€ in the title.

Why am I passionate about this?

I have a lifelong fascination with houses and the sway they hold over us. Coming from a family that moved pretty frequently, Iā€™ve experienced the way a house can feel like a true home, or like an unwelcoming space. Unlike the characters in The Wonder State, I donā€™t break into places to explore (not even abandoned spaces!). But I always take notice of the homes and structures in every neighborhood and city I visit, wondering what the residentsā€™ lives are like and how their houses affect them. Iā€™m a novelist who focuses on the speculative, and all three of my novels feature weird houses in some capacity.

Sara's book list on thriller and horror with ā€œHouseā€ in the title

Sara Flannery Murphy Why did Sara love this book?

The house referenced in the title of this atmospheric thriller is no ordinary home, but I had to take quite a journey before understanding what makes this place so sinister.

In Reyesā€™ thriller, Maya is haunted by the seemingly inexplicable death of her friend. She suspects that the death has something to do with Frank, the mysterious man who created a rift between Maya and her friend. But Maya canā€™t prove anythingā€¦ until she sees Frank connected to yet another womanā€™s bizarre death.

Without any spoilers, this particular house is unlike the others on the list, and Reyes plays with reality and perception in a fresh and intriguing way. Good luck guessing whatā€™s going on in this eerie house in the woodsā€¦ I certainly couldnā€™t anticipate the twists.

By Ana Reyes,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The House in the Pines as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A REESE WITHERSPOON BOOK CLUB PICK
A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
'AN ABSOLUTE, CAN'T-PUT-IT-DOWN THRILLER'
Reese Witherspoon (Reese's Book Club Jan '23 Pick)

'EERIE AND ATMOSPHERIC'
Riley Sager, New York Times bestselling author of The House Across the Lake

'CREEPY'
The Times

'I READ IN A SINGLE SITTING, TOTALLY ENTHRALLED'
Lisa Gardner, Sunday Times bestselling author of One Step Too Far

'SUPERB'
M. W. Craven, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Botanist

'CHILLED ME TO THE BONE'
Andrea Bartz, author of Reese's pick We Were Never Here
________

This is the story of a house. The cabin lies deep inā€¦


Book cover of Bonded by Thorns

K. Marie Smith Author Of Touch

From my list on strong female leads who might be morally gray.

Why am I passionate about this?

I grew up with Irish folklore, Lord of the Rings, and X-Men comics as my bedtime stories, but I am also a domestic violence survivor twice over with c-PTSD. I was never able to get justice for anyone who hurt me. I created my stories as a way to cope and understand my feelings and triggers by making them their own personalities. So, I made my trauma available for everyone in a fantasy setting with two love interests to adore the heroine who had to endure so much but never gave up on giving people someone to root for when they couldnā€™t for themselves anymore.

K.'s book list on strong female leads who might be morally gray

K. Marie Smith Why did K. love this book?

I absolutely adored this book! Iā€™m a sucker for a good Beauty and the Beast retelling. Add the fact that it was full of spice and fated mates, and I fell in love! Easily one of my favorite reads, and Iā€™m dying for the fourth book to come out this fall!

By Elizabeth Helen,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Bonded by Thorns as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Four beastly princes. One awkward bookworm. An enchanted world of fae, magic, and danger.

Iā€™ve always loved fairytales. I never imagined I'd actually be in one.

When my father wanders into the enchanted realm of the fae, I know I have to go after him. And when he gets imprisoned, I'll do anything to save him... Even trade my freedom for his. I had no idea I'd end up imprisoned by four sexy fae who turn into beasts at night.

I have to win my freedom, and that means making a bargain with them. They must find their mates inā€¦


Book cover of My Dark Romeo

Kay Freeman Author Of Hitman's Honey

From Kay's 3 favorite reads in 2023.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Retired art professor Tequila aficionado Weightlifter Owned by Standard Poodle Blues lover

Kay's 3 favorite reads in 2023

Kay Freeman Why did Kay love this book?

Finally, a female heroine who isn't described as eating like a bird, dieting, or with an eating disorder. Dallas Townsend likes to eat, and when we first meet her, she attends the debut ball only for the food, not to meet anyone; she is already engaged.

The manipulative male character, Romeo, ruins her reputation within hours of meeting her and tricks her into marrying him. I thought I would hate him because he comes off like a bastard. Dallas and Romeo couldn't be more opposite of one another.

I thought this book would be darker, but a few pages in, I realized this romance would be more humorous than I thought. I hadn't laughed this much while reading a romance book in a long time, and I was so disappointed when the book ended.

The book surprised me in another way because I didn't expect to fall in love withā€¦

By Parker S. Huntington, L. J. Shen,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked My Dark Romeo as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

My fairy tale turned into a cautionary one.
Inked in tar and sealed in tears.


From Wall Street Journal bestsellers L.J. Shen and Parker S. Huntington comes an explosive marriage of inconvenience...between a tarnished Romeo and a reluctant Juliet.

It was supposed to be a harmless kiss at a lavish debutante ball.
A clandestine moment with a handsome stranger.

But unlike his namesake, my Romeo isnā€™t driven by love.
Heā€™s fueled by revenge.

To him, Iā€™m a chess piece. Leverage.
His rivalā€™s betrothed.

To me, he is a man deserving of poison.
A dark prince I refuse to marry.

Heā€¦


Book cover of White Cat, Black Dog

David Demchuk Author Of Red X

From David's 3 favorite reads in 2023.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Queer elder Collector of oddities Lego enthusiast Crafter Horror fan

David's 3 favorite reads in 2023

David Demchuk Why did David love this book?

I have loved all of Kellyā€™s books, and White Cat, Black Dog has some of her strongest work yet.

These surreal short stories take their inspiration from fairy tales and folk tales, some well-known and others obscure. I was especially delighted by The White Catā€™s Divorce and Skinderā€™s Veil. I really enjoyed how she brought many of these stories into the modern world, magnifying their sharp dark humour and making them strangely more relatable than I would have expected.

I think they are ideal bedtime reading when the lights are low and the covers are pulled up under your chin and the wind is whispering faintly around the windows.

By Kelly Link,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked White Cat, Black Dog as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Seven modern fairytales from Pulitzer Prize finalist Kelly Link, featuring illustrations by award-winning artist Shaun Tan. Leaving behind the enchanted castles, deep, dark woods and gingerbread cottages of fairytales for airport waiting rooms, alien planets and a cannabis farm run by a team of hospitable cats, White Cat, Black Dog offers a fresh take on the stories that you thought you knew. Here you'll find stoner students, failing actors and stranded professors questing for love, revenge or even just a sense of purpose. Poised on the edges between magic, modernity and mundanity, White Cat, Black Dog will delight, beguile, occasionallyā€¦


Book cover of No More Secrets: The Candy Cavern

J. Trevor Robinson Author Of The Mummy of Monte Cristo

From J.'s 4-year-old's 3 favorite reads in 2023.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Christian Cryptozoologist Armchair economist Alternate-historian

J.'s 3 favorite reads in 2023

Plus, J.'s 4-year-old's favorite books.

J. Trevor Robinson Why did J.'s 4-year-old love this book?

My daughter loves the illustrations and feeling like sheā€™s outsmarting the book by seeing through Mr Woolyā€™s disguise from his first appearance.

Every time we get to the climax of Roseā€™s father stepping in to help her, she recites ā€œStay away from my Rose!ā€ in a big voice with me. Hopefully it helps the bookā€™s message to sink in of ā€œdonā€™t trust people who want you to keep secrets from your family.ā€

By Chaya Raichik, James Scrawl (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked No More Secrets as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Chaya Raichik the face behind the popular Twitter handle libsoftiktok has come out with her first children's book. This kid's book for ages 4-8 reveals the dangers of keeping secrets from your parents. The conservative children's book is a modern twist to the familiar Grimm's-style fairy tale, even including a big bad wolf. No More Secrets: The Candy Cavern

Rose the Lamb was so excited to begin second grade. But when her new teacher focused more on candy than teaching, Rose knew that something was wrong.

Rose must decide whether to keep secrets from her parents or to listen toā€¦


Book cover of Lilith

Malayna Evans Author Of Neferura

From my list on badass women who left a mark on the ancient world.

Why am I passionate about this?

Iā€™m an Egyptologist by training and a storyteller by nature. Fascinated by the origins of patriarchy since I was a small girl raised by strong women in a patriarchal context, I turned to Greek and Roman history for answers. I earned an MA and a richer understanding of the civilizations that influenced the classical period, which led to the study of Egypt and Mesopotamia and finally to a Ph.D. in Egyptology. At heart, Iā€™m more creative than scholar. Telling stories that bring ancient Egypt to life and leave readers better informed of the challenges women have faced, and sometimes overcome, is my passion.

Malayna's book list on badass women who left a mark on the ancient world

Malayna Evans Why did Malayna love this book?

This book fueled my feminist rage and left me thinking about it for months after I put it down.

Unapologetically pro-women, Marmery challenges some of the patriarchyā€™s most sacred foundations. I love the courage of this book. Itā€™s an intimate read but somehow also feels large and distant. For me, this one is a ca nā€™t-miss read that makes you think, wonder, and fume.

By Nikki Marmery,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Lilith as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A triumphantly feminist retelling of ancient creation myths in the tradition of Madeline Miller and Claire North.

Lyrically rendered, this epic U.S. debut tells the story of the woman known as Adam's first wife and her fall from Paradise and quest for revenge.

Before Eve, there was Lilith.

Lilith and Adam are equal and happy in the Garden of Eden. Until Adam decides Lilith should submit to his will and lie beneath him. She refusesā€”and is banished forever from Paradise.

Demonized and sidelined, Lilith watches in fury as God creates Eve, the woman who accepts her submission. But Lilith hasā€¦


Book cover of Curse of the Thorn King

Jen Lynning Author Of Deceiving the Cursed Beast

From my list on romantasy magic and manners.

Why am I passionate about this?

Iā€™ve been reading fantasy since before I could read (thanks, Mom and Dad!). I certainly never outgrew my love of fairy tales. But over the years, I discovered I also love historical romance. Then, I stumbled across books that combined the two. They were the best of both worlds. The comfort of a well-fitted waistcoat with the whimsy of an enchanted jewel. Naturally, I gravitated to writing what I loved: books full of magic and manners, castles and balls, romance and intrigue.

Jen's book list on romantasy magic and manners

Jen Lynning Why did Jen love this book?

I am a sucker for fairy tale retellings. Beauty and the Beast especially. Throw in the fae, magic based on a flower language, and an assassin who just wants to be a very proper lady, and itā€™s really no wonder that I was hooked.

The characters are what really made this book shine. I may not be languishing alone in a sentient castle or trying to find my place in high society, but I could still relate to Briannis and the fae king. A perfect romance to showcase that, sometimes, proper manners are the villain.

By Lisette Marshall,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Curse of the Thorn King as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Killing a fae king is hard. Doing so politely is even harder.

Briannis Iavi ā€“ well-bred lady and accidental assassin ā€“ is so close to securing the life of her dreams. All she needs to do is complete one last job: make her way into fae territory, sneak into the enchanted halls of Rosethorn Keep, and kill the king of Faerie.

But her plan goes disastrously wrong, and Briannis finds herself a captive at her targetā€™s mercy instead.

Cursed to a life of loneliness and slow decay, the monstrous fae king seems hell-bent on revenge ā€“ and if he canā€™tā€¦


Book cover of The Stranger I Wed
Book cover of Normal Rules Don't Apply: Stories
Book cover of Big Bad Wolf's Yom Kippur

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