I don't think I've ever had a New Year's Resolution that is "Read More Books". Not because I don't like reading but because it's the one hobby of mine that I partake in -- A LOT. According to my Goodreads log, I average about 70 books every 12 months. While I would always like to read more, I'm pretty happy experiencing 70 different worlds and situations every year. I've always said that reading is my favorite way to travel and oh, how I traveled to some amazing places and met some cunning, intelligent, strange, clever, beautiful, and sad people along the way. Here are a few of my favorites from 2024:
The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon
Tom Lake by Ann Patchett
The Husbands by Holly Gramazio
Sandwich by Catherine Newman
The God of the Woods by Liz Moore
Lies and Weddings by Kevin Kwan
Long Island Compromise by Taffy Brodesser-Akner
Piglet by Lottie Hazell
Go as a River by Shelley Read
There were so many other great ones and a few I didn't love (I'm looking at you, Lapvona) and I'm so excited to dive into all the new releases this year. Here are the first 10 books I've got queued up to start my new year reading. I doubt I'll get through all of them by the end of February, but just the thought of them stockpiled on my nightstand makes me feel like a kid on Christmas morning.
Dive into this mesmerizing exploration of water’s power, from the rippling waves of human emotion to the literal tides shaping our planet. Part science, part poetry, this book makes you see water everywhere—in life, love, and the spaces in between.
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Step into a historical tale where fashion meets forbidden desire. Set in imperial China, a skilled shoemaker creates a pair of magical lotus shoes for a noblewoman, leading to a story of rebellion, beauty, and unexpected empowerment.
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I already know I like this author as I adored her novel The Lions of Fith Avenue so I'm really looking forward to this one. When an ambitious thief sets their sights on abducting a royal queen, they don’t expect her to be such a rebellious handful—or to end up tangled in a web of court intrigue, forbidden romance, and a heist that could change the kingdom. It’s a thrilling medieval caper full of sharp banter and surprising twists!
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House hunting has never been this dramatic—or this hilarious. A mismatched group of renters moves into a too-good-to-be-true property, only to discover secrets hidden in its walls and their own tangled lives. A perfect blend of laughs, tears, and a dash of suspense.
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I do love a good mystery series and this is the first in the Harriet Morrow Investigates. Amateur sleuths, mysterious disappearances, and Victorian shenanigans collide in this cozy whodunit. When a maid vanishes from a grand estate, it’s up to an unlikely pair of investigators to uncover the truth. Think Sherlock Holmes but with a lot more tea and sass.
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I'm usually busy listening to self-help podcasts and leave my reading to fictional escapes. However, this is my only non-fiction pick for the new year. I've read other works by Gabrielle Bernstein, and she's wonderful. No-nonsense, motivational, and packed with practical advice, this book is touted to be like your brutally honest best friend giving you a pep talk. It’s time to grab life by the reins and get stuff done—your future self will thank you!
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Feeling lost in life? Follow a quirky cast of characters as they traverse cities, cultures, and relationships, all in search of a place they can finally call home. Heartwarming, funny, and thought-provoking, it’s perfect for anyone who’s ever felt a little rootless.
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I surprised myself by liking The Fourth Wing and Iron Flame and I can't wait to see what Violet Sorrengail is up to next. Book 3 is dark, glittering urban fantasy where a girl discovers a stone with otherworldly powers—and a world where trust is as rare as gold. Danger, betrayal, and romance swirl together in this addictive adventure you won’t put down. But please read The Fourth Wing and Iron Flame first!
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Cooking? Mystery? Count me in! This debut culinary mystery by MasterChef semi-finalist and cookbook pro Orlando Murrin whisks you into a locked-room whodunit set in a London cooking school. Secrets are simmering, knives are flashing, and the competition is as sharp as the blades—perfect for foodies and mystery lovers alike!
This did come out last summer so it's not exactly "new" but the name alone makes me smile. A laundromat with a cheery façade hides a trove of stories, secrets, and heartfelt connections. Set in Seoul’s artsiest district, this whimsical tale follows the lives of its patrons, proving that even the smallest spin cycles can change lives. This is one I'm looking forward to "traveling" to Seoul.
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Happy reading and Happy New Year!!
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