100+ Most Memorable Books I’ve Ever Read

If you are looking for a list of the most memorable books, this post is for you. As a book blogger, I have read many unforgettable books. These are novels that deliver the best reading experiences. The list includes unputdownable books , thriller books with twists, gripping historical fiction, and more. Perfect for any book club that loves gripping novels with memorable characters. These are also excellent choices for anyone looking to start a reading habit.

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The Most Memorable Books

The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston

The Seven Year Slip follows Clementine, a book publicist trying to keep her heart safe after loss, until she discovers her late aunt’s apartment can slip through time. One day she walks in and finds Iwan, a man from seven years in the past, standing in her kitchen. He’s kind, funny, and the sort of person she might have fallen for before life broke her open. What struck me most was how the story blends grief with wonder, showing how timing shapes love and life. I found myself lingering on how magical and bittersweet it felt. It’s a perfect feel good romance for the weekend.

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By Any Other Name by Jodi Picoult

Jodi Picoult is known for her thought-provoking novels. I’ve read a few of her works, but By Any Other Name is the most memorable one. The story moves through two interconnected timelines. In the present, we follow Melina Green, who battles sexism in the theater world and submits her play under a male pseudonym. In Elizabethan England, we meet Emilia Bassano, who fights to break free from societal constraints. This novel beautifully combines historical fiction with contemporary struggles. I loved how well-researched it is and how it showcases the resilience of women. Emilia Bassano is one of the strongest female protagonists I’ve ever read.

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The Five-Star Weekend by Elin Hilderbrand

The Five-Star Weekend centers on Hollis, who brings four friends from different eras of her life to Nantucket after her husband dies. What begins as a healing retreat quickly unravels—friendships clash, old love resurfaces, and secrets start slipping out. I loved how layered the dynamics felt, the way each woman carried her own baggage into the weekend. It made me think about the friendships I’ve kept, the ones that drifted, and how the past never fully stays behind. It felt messy in the best way. If you are looking for a good summer read for 2025, this is for you.

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Heartwood by Amity Gaige

Heartwood follows the disappearance of Valerie, an experienced hiker who goes missing deep in the Maine woods. Through letters she writes to her mother, you feel her desperation and fight to hold on. At the same time, a game warden leads the frantic search, while an elderly birdwatcher miles away starts piecing together clues of her own. I felt completely drawn in by the tension, the way the voices braided together like a puzzle. It’s a story that had me holding my breath, but also thinking about survival and the strange ways people can connect across distance.

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Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate

Before We Were Yours is a heartbreaking story inspired by real history. In 1939, twelve-year-old Rill Foss and her siblings are taken from their shantyboat home on the Mississippi River and sent to the Tennessee Children’s Home Society. Promised safety, they instead face cruelty, and the threat of being separated forever. In the present day, Avery Stafford, born into wealth and privilege, discovers hidden family secrets after a chance encounter raises questions about her past. As Avery digs deeper, she comes across  a shocking connection to Rill and the other children. This novel was powerful and very emotional. It reminds us of how stolen children were sold to wealthy families and how love and memory survive even in the darkest times.

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Witchcraft for Wayward Girls by Grady Hendrix

Witchcraft for Wayward Girls is both chilling and unforgettable. In 1970, fifteen-year-old Fern is sent to the Wellwood Home in Florida, a place where unwed mothers are hidden away until they give birth and give up their babies. Life there is tightly controlled by stern adults who decide everything the girls can eat, say, or do. . Everything changes when she’s given a book of witchcraft, a secret that gives the girls power for the first time. 

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Such Quiet Girls by Noelle W. Ihli

Such Quiet Girls is a tense, claustrophobic thriller inspired by real events. Ten children vanish when their school bus is hijacked, and they are buried alive in a container underground. Jessa, the new bus driver, feels the weight of responsibility, haunted by the memory of her own daughter who died years earlier. Trapped with the kids, she struggles to keep them calm while fighting her own fear. Sisters Sage and her sibling are among the captives, and Sage doubts they will survive until rescue comes. As air runs out and tension grows, the children and Jessa must find a way to outsmart their captors. 

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The Maidens by Alex Michaelides

The Maidens is a dark and atmospheric thriller set at Cambridge University. Mariana, a group therapist, is convinced that professor Edward Fosca is a murderer. Fosca is handsome, charming, and adored by his students, especially the secret society of young women known as the Maidens. When one of them, who is also her niece’s friend, turns up dead, Mariana becomes obsessed with proving Fosca’s guilt. As her investigation continues, more bodies are found, and her obsession spirals out of control. Rooted in Greek mythology and the story of Persephone, The Maidens was a  suspenseful, and haunting book.

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Too Old for This by Samantha Downing

Too Old for This is a darkly funny thriller about Lottie Jones, a retired serial killer living quietly in a small town. Decades after hiding her identity, Lottie spends her days playing bingo and chatting with friends. But her past comes knocking when journalist Plum Dixon shows up asking questions about old unsolved murders. Determined to protect her secret, Lottie realizes she may have to kill again. Murder is not as easy when you’re older, and every knock on the door puts her life at risk. Both sharp and unsettling, Too Old for This is one of the most humorous thrillers I’ve ever read. 

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When the Wolf Comes Home by Nat Cassidy

When the Wolf Comes Home follows Jess, a struggling actress whose life changes the night she discovers a five year old runaway hiding near her apartment, and almost instantly she is pulled into a violent situation with the boy’s father that sends them both fleeing for safety, unsure who to trust or where to go. This book leans into horror, blood, and a steady sense of dread as they move from place to place, trying to stay one step ahead of the danger chasing them. The more the story opens up, the stranger and more chilling the events become, and I liked that the book never lets you settle because it keeps revealing that there is always another secret underneath the last one.

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The Academy by Elin Hilderbrand & Shelby Cunningham

The Academy is set at an elite New England boarding school that suddenly jumps in national ranking, and this creates a whole wave of excitement and pride on campus until a new anonymous app starts dropping blind items about everyone, from influencers to teachers to new transfer students, and absolutely nobody is safe. The tension builds as this gossip machine exposes private details, ruins reputations, and forces characters to face the things they tried to bury, and it becomes obvious that this school looks perfect on the outside, but inside there is pressure, competition, and a hunger for status that can turn even small secrets into disasters.

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We Live Here Now by Sarah Pinborough

We Live Here Now follows Emily, who moves with her husband to a beautiful country home after almost dying from a severe illness, and she genuinely hopes the change of scenery will help her recover both physically and emotionally. Instead she finds herself in a house that feels wrong, where objects move, fires suddenly go out, and strange things happen only when she is alone, which makes her question her own senses because she knows her condition can blur reality. As her marriage strains under the weight of all this doubt and fear, Emily becomes fixated on figuring out what happened inside this house long before she arrived, and the book pulls you into that search with her. This book makes you sit inside uncertainty, and you never really know if you are reading a haunting or a woman trying to trust her mind again.

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The Reformatory by Tananarive Due

The Reformatory is set in Jim Crow Florida and follows twelve year old Robbie Stephens Jr after he is sent to a brutal boys reform school for defending his sister. The school is violent, racist, and corrupt, and Robbie also sees ghosts, which makes him witness not only the cruelty of the living but the evidence of dead boys who never made it out. The book moves between Robbie trying to survive each day, and his sister Gloria outside the school, doing everything she can to get him released before it destroys him. Reading The Reformatory felt heavy, powerful, and important because it shows how history has real victims.

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The Irish Goodbye by Heather Aimee O’Neill

The Irish Goodbye is about three adult sisters returning home to Long Island for Thanksgiving twenty years after a boating accident that changed all their lives and shattered their family. Cait is carrying guilt no one else knows, Alice is facing a crisis that might ruin her marriage, and Maggie is finally ready to introduce the woman she loves to her mother. The entire gathering becomes a pressure cooker of old wounds, buried secrets, and unresolved grief for their brother Topher who died years ago, and being back together forces every one of them to face the truth they avoided. This is one of the best books that  shows how families hold pain for decades. It’s also a must-read book for the Thanksgiving book club.

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Heart the Lover by Lily King

Heart the Lover is about a woman looking back on the most formative love story of her life, which started in college when she became close with two brilliant classmates, Sam and Yash, and the three of them formed an intense connection that blurred friendship and romance. The novel shifts between her present day life and those charged early years, and the story slowly shows how choices made in youth ripple for decades.

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Where the Forest Meets the Stars by Glendy Vanderah

Where the Forest Meets the Stars follows a woman named Jo, who returns to her bird research after losing her mother and going through breast cancer, and she is determined to keep moving forward. Her life changes when a mysterious young girl shows up at her cabin with bruises and a strange story about being sent from the stars to witness five miracles. Jo and her quiet neighbor Gabe try to figure out who this girl really is, but the more time they spend with her, the more they start to believe there is something unusual happening. The book mixes grief, mystery, and a hint of magic in a way that makes you want to believe in hope again.

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The Keeper of Happy Endings by Barbara Davis

The Keeper of Happy Endings moves between Paris during World War II and decades later as two women’s lives collide. Soline grew up running her family’s Paris bridal salon, a place where brides believed a Roussel gown would guarantee joy, but war and loss destroyed her faith in that magic and left her heart closed. Years later, a woman named Rory leases Soline’s old shop space and finds a box with letters and a wedding dress that was never worn, which leads her straight into Soline’s past. The two women’s stories connect in surprising ways, and both have wounds that need healing. 

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Lightning in a Mason Jar by Catherine Mann

Lightning in a Mason Jar follows Bailey Rae Rigby as she returns to her small South Carolina town after the aunt who raised her passes away. Bailey Rae plans to settle her aunt’s estate and move on with her own goals, but a young mother arrives with the same personal cookbook Bailey Rae found, and that cookbook turns out to hold a hidden code meant to help women who are desperate and running from danger. The book then reveals the secret life of Aunt Winnie, and how she and other women built strength and safety out of trauma that once tried to break them. 

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Call of the Camino by Suzanne Redfearn

Call of the Camino follows two women on the Camino de Santiago, twenty years apart, and shows how the same path can change lives in different ways. Reina, in the present timeline, walks the Camino after her career falls apart and she is still carrying the childhood grief of losing her father. Isabelle, in the past timeline, runs away from boarding school and believes the Camino will lead her to a better future. The novel moves back and forth until both stories connect in a way you don’t expect, and the pilgrimage becomes a journey of letting go, facing truth, and finding meaning.

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Don’t Let Her Stay by Nicola Sanders

Don’t Let Her Stay is a psychological thriller about Joanne. She has everything she dreamed of: a loving husband, a new baby, and a beautiful home. But her life changes when her husband’s adult daughter, Chloe, suddenly moves in. Chloe claims she wants to repair her relationship with her father, but Joanne isn’t convinced. Strange things start happening, and Joanne feels like she’s losing her grip on reality. Everyone else sees Chloe as helpful, but Joanne wonders if Chloe has a darker plan.

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Home Is Where the Bodies Are by Jeneva Rose

Home Is Where the Bodies Are is an eerie family drama with a dark secret at its core. After their mother’s death, siblings Beth, Nicole, and Michael gather to settle her estate. Old tensions rise as they reconnect after years apart. While sorting through belongings, they find old VHS tapes that reveal something shocking: footage of their father covered in blood, a dead body, and their parents agreeing to hide it. None of the siblings remember this night, but now they must decide, do they dig into the past or leave it buried? 

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She Didn’t See It Coming by Shari Lapena

She Didn’t See It Coming is a tense mystery about a perfect life that shatters overnight. Bryden and Sam appear to have everything: a good marriage, successful careers, and a happy daughter. But one day, Bryden disappears without warning. Her car is in the garage, her phone and keys are left behind, and her laptop is still open. It looks as if she just walked out of her life. As detectives begin to search, the luxurious condo building becomes a place of secrets. Also check out : 17 Thriller That Will Give Your The Best Hangover.

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Do Not Disturb by Freida McFadden

Do Not Disturb is a suspenseful, Hitchcock-style thriller.Quinn Alexander is on the run after committing a terrible crime. Hoping to escape to freedom, she drives north but gets stranded in a snowstorm. Seeking shelter, she ends up at the eerie Baxter Motel, run by the seemingly kind Nick Baxter. But the motel has a disturbing history, and the presence of Nick’s sickly wife, always watching from the window, makes Quinn uneasy. Trapped by the storm, Quinn realizes this place may be more dangerous than the life she left behind. 

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The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell

The Family Upstairs is a gripping mystery about inheritance and dark family secrets. On her twenty-fifth birthday, Libby Jones learns she has inherited a mansion in London’s wealthy Chelsea neighborhood. But the house has a chilling past. Decades earlier, police found three bodies in the kitchen and a baby left upstairs Libby herself. Four other children once lived there, but they vanished without a trace. As Libby uncovers the story of her birth family, she realizes others have been waiting for this day too. This haunting novel weaves together the lives of three families bound by secrets and a house that hides the truth. Also read: 8 of the Best Intense Mystery-Thrillers Ever Written

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What Kind of Paradise by Janelle Brown

What Kind of Paradise follows Jane, a teenager raised off the grid in Montana by her father, who shaped her world with books and isolation. At first, I felt the weight of how small her life was, built only around him and his secrets. But when she discovers she’s been pulled into something dark, she flees to San Francisco in search of answers about her mother and herself. The mix of 1990s tech culture and her raw, emotional journey will leave you thinking about how we break free from the worlds we inherit and create our own.

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Home of the American Circus by Allison Larkin

Home of the American Circus centers on Freya, who returns to her hometown after her life in Maine falls apart, only to find her fifteen-year-old niece secretly living in her childhood house. Their relationship becomes the heart of the story as they mend not just the house, but years of pain and silence. I felt pulled into the way family can be both broken and redemptive, how old wounds surface when you least expect them. The small-town setting was amazing. I also loved the raw feeling of the story that stayed with me long after.

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Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane 

Ask Again, Yes follows two families who live side by side in suburban New York. Their children grow up together, but the adults’ struggles and a sudden act of violence shatter everything. As the story stretches across decades, what stood out to me was how love and forgiveness run alongside hurt. Reading it felt like watching ordinary lives unfold with all the messiness, silence, and deep bonds of family. I kept thinking about how some wounds never fully close, yet people still find ways to keep going.

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The Gifted School by Bruce Holsinger 

The Gifted School centers on four families in Colorado whose friendships unravel when a new school for gifted children opens. The competition between parents starts off almost playful but grows sharper, spilling into lies, and betrayals. I felt hooked by how real it all seemed, the ambition, the pressure, the cracks in friendships once thought unshakable. It made me realise how far people will go to protect their kids, and how that pursuit of prestige can expose who they truly are.

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This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger 

This Tender Land follows Odie, his brother Albert, and two friends as they escape a brutal boarding school in the 1930s and journey downriver in search of freedom. Their trip becomes an odyssey across America’s landscape of hardship and hope. I felt swept up in their courage and heartbreak, the way they met strangers who were both dangerous and kind. It read like a classic adventure but had deep questions about belonging and survival. I loved the friendship between the four of them, fragile yet fierce. And that is what stayed with me most.

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Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver

Demon Copperhead is sad but powerful book. It’s a coming-of-age story about a boy born into poverty in the Appalachian Mountains. Demon’s life is a constant struggle, but his humor and determination make him a truly memorable protagonist. I loved the raw and visceral circumstances the author has portrayed. The story, characters, and plot make it a perfect pick for your next book club discussion.

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We Are All Guilty Here by Karin Slaughter

We Are All Guilty Here is a mystery set in a small town where everyone has secrets. On the night of the fireworks two teenage girls disappear. The town is shocked and scared. Officer Emmy Clifton takes the case. For her it is personal because she turned away when her best friend’s daughter needed help. Now she must face her past and find the missing girls. The deeper she investigates the more she realizes no one is innocent. If you like small-town mysteries, suspense, and secrets this book is perfect for you. It has a lot of tension . Also, it was a bit slow-paced but definitely worth it at the end. This Karin Slaughter book is just as gripping and memorable as her others. It’s also one of the intense thrillers of 2025.

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The Girl Who Was Taken by Charlie Donle

Two girls go missing at a beach party. Only one returns. Megan escapes from a bunker and becomes famous for surviving. Nicole is still missing. Her sister Livia will not give up. She teams up with Megan to find out the truth. Megan remembers more than she has shared. The deeper they dig the darker the secrets become. If you like disturbing thrillers  The Girl Who Was Taken  is perfect for you. It is intense and gripping from start to finish. This was an unforgettable read for me in 2025. 

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A Boy Made of Blocks by Keith Stuart

A Boy Made of Blocks is a moving contemporary fiction novel about family and love. It follows Alex, a father who feels distant from his wife and struggles to connect with his eight year old son Sam. Sam sees the world in a different way and it often leaves Alex frustrated and unsure how to reach him. When Alex begins to join Sam in his imaginative world, he slowly learns how to listen and rebuild trust. Inspired by the author’s real life experience with his own son, the story has many  heartfelt moments. It shows how love can be rebuilt when we find the courage to meet people where they are. This is a warm and uplifting book that feels both funny and emotional. It is a great feel good read for 2025.

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The Muse by Jessie Burton

The Muse is a historical fiction novel that blends art and secrets. The story opens in 1967 with Odelle Bastien, a young woman from Trinidad starting work at a London art gallery. Under the guidance of the glamorous Marjorie Quick she discovers a painting with a secret past. The mystery of the painting takes you  back to 1936 Spain, where Olive Schloss, the daughter of an art dealer, meets artist Isaac Robles and his sister Teresa. Their arrival changes everything for Olive and her family in ways that echo across time. The Muse is about the power of creativity, the truth behind art, and the sacrifices people make for their dreams. It is both mysterious and emotional with a dual timeline. This is a rich and layered fan of historical fiction I absolutely loved. 

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Mrs England by Stacey Halls

Mrs England is a historical fiction novel set in Edwardian England. In 1904 nurse Ruby May accepts a position caring for the children of the wealthy England family in West Yorkshire. The house is grand and the children are sweet but Ruby quickly senses that something is not right with their mother, the mysterious Lilian England. The novel explores marriage, power, and the dark truths behind appearances. It is atmospheric with a slow building tension that draws you  into Ruby’s world. Stacey Halls captures both the beauty of the setting and the menace that lingers beneath. Mrs England is a haunting book perfect for fall. 

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The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden

The Bear and the Nightingale is a historical fantasy novel inspired by Russian folklore. It follows Vasilisa, a girl who grows up on the edge of the wilderness listening to fairy tales about spirits and demons. After her mother dies, her father remarries a devout woman who forbids the family from honoring the old household spirits. Darkness begins to creep into their village, crops fail, and strange creatures emerge from the forest. Vasilisa must embrace her hidden gifts and defy expectations to protect her family from an ancient evil. The novel weaves together magic, myth, and the harsh beauty of Russian winters. It feels both enchanting and dangerous, with a heroine who is brave and unforgettable. 

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Only Child by Rhiannon Navin

Only Child is a heartbreaking contemporary fiction novel told through the eyes of a six year old boy. Zach Taylor survives a school shooting by hiding in a closet with his classmates. Nineteen people lose their lives that day, leaving Zach’s family and community shattered. His mother focuses on blaming the shooter’s parents, while Zach escapes into art and stories to cope with his fear and sadness. Through his childlike but powerful voice, Zach begins to see a path toward forgiveness and healing. The story captures grief in a raw and honest way while also showing the resilience and compassion of a child.

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The Temptation of Gracie by Santa Montefiore

The Temptation of Gracie is a heartwarming family drama. Gracie Burton is a grandmother living quietly in Devon. When she discovers a cookery course in Tuscany, she decides to spend her savings and go. Her daughter Carina and granddaughter Anastasia join her reluctantly, not knowing that Gracie has hidden an extraordinary past. Over the course of the trip, the three women confront their differences and begin to understand one another in new ways. The story moves between present day Tuscany and Gracie’s past. It is a warm and inspiring read perfect for 2025.

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Dear Mrs. Bird by A.J. Pearce

Dear Mrs Bird is a historical fiction novel set in London during World War II. It follows Emmy Lake, a spirited young woman who dreams of becoming a war correspondent. Instead, she lands a job typing for advice columnist Henrietta Bird, who insists that any letter with unpleasantness be discarded. Emmy cannot resist secretly answering these letters herself, offering kindness and hope to women facing hardships during the Blitz. Emmy’s friendship with Bunty adds warmth and energy to the narrative, even as tragedy strikes around them. The novel is both uplifting and poignant.

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The Bermondsey Bookshop by Mary Gibson

The Bermondsey Bookshop is a historical fiction novel set in 1920s London. It tells the story of Kate Goss, a girl living in poverty with an unkind aunt and cousins. When she is thrown out of her home, Kate finds work as a cleaner in the Bermondsey Bookshop and Reading Room. There she discovers books and ideas that open up a new world. But trouble follows her, with secrets and violence threatening her chance at freedom. The novel captures both the hardships of working class life and the power of books to inspire change. Kate is a resilient heroine who faces her challenges with courage. 

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Frost Falls at the Potting Shed by Jenny Kane

Frost Falls at the Potting Shed is a cozy contemporary romance novel about family and new beginnings. Maddie Willand has always dreamed of running her father’s plant nursery. After his death, she fears losing it when her sister suggests selling it. Determined to keep the Potting Shed alive, Maddie fights to save her father’s legacy. Along the way she meets Ed, a kind lawyer who may be more of a distraction than she expects. The story is about resilience, love, and finding strength in unexpected places. I loved the seasonal backdrop that adds to the cozy and hopeful mood. 

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All the Acorns on the Forest Floor by Kim Hooper

All the Acorns on the Forest Floor is a contemporary fiction novel about motherhood and identity. It follows multiple women whose stories are connected by love, loss, and the choices surrounding having children. Alex is pregnant after a painful miscarriage. Deb is grappling with being abandoned as a newborn. Wendy is uncertain if she wants to be a mother at all. Their lives intersect with others who face adoption, childlessness, and difficult decisions. Through these interconnected stories, the novel explores the many shapes that motherhood can take. It is emotional, honest, and thought provoking.

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Olivia Holmes Has Inherited A Vineyard  by Mark Daydy

Olivia Holmes Has Inherited a Vineyard is a lighthearted contemporary romance novel about second chances. Olivia is a forty four year old Londoner with a stressful job, a mortgage, and a dull love life. When she unexpectedly inherits a run down vineyard with two distant cousins, her life takes a new turn. The vineyard is full of challenges but also possibilities for joy, friendship, and maybe even love. Olivia must decide if she will hold on to her old life or embrace something completely different. The story is funny, warm, and full of charm. It celebrates fresh starts and the courage to take risks. 

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Messy, Wonderful Us by Catherine Isaac

Messy Wonderful Us is a contemporary family drama. Allie discovers a hidden letter that reveals shocking truths about her late mother and her family’s past. With her best friend Ed, she travels to Lake Garda in Italy to uncover the story. What she finds is more complicated than she imagined, with secrets that threaten the people she loves most. The novel blends emotional depth with a sun drenched Italian setting, making it. It is a beautiful contemporary story for 2025.

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Honor by Thrity Umrigar

Honor is a powerful contemporary fiction novel about love and cultural divides. Smita, an Indian American journalist, returns to India to cover the case of Meena, a Hindu woman attacked for marrying a Muslim man. As Smita investigates, she is forced to confront her own past and the painful reasons her family left India. Along the way she meets Mohan, a man who helps her see the complexity of love and tradition. The novel tells two parallel love stories, one filled with danger and sacrifice and the other with choice and freedom. It is emotional, thought provoking, and deeply moving. Honor shows the courage of women who fight for love despite impossible odds.

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The Recipe for Happiness by Jane Lovering

The Recipe for Happiness is a cozy contemporary romance novel about change and healing. Seren works as a cook at a day center and enjoys her simple life, but she knows it is small and lonely. After her brother signs her up for a dating service, Seren is encouraged to open herself up to new experiences. Her life changes when she takes in a clever dog named Kez and meets her new colleague Ned. As Seren faces her fears and secrets from her childhood, she learns the value of friendship, love, and second chances. The novel is warm and funny with an uplifting tone. It celebrates growth, kindness, and the importance of community. The Recipe for Happiness is a sweet and comforting romance. 

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New Beginnings at Wildflower Lock by Hannah M. Lynn

New Beginnings at Wildflower Lock is a charming contemporary romance about fresh starts. Daisy May inherits a narrow boat called the September Rose, giving her the chance to change her stalled life. She moves to Wildflower Lock where she meets Theo, a grumpy but kind riverman who helps her adjust to her new life. Together they fix up the boat while Daisy learns to navigate both canals and her own uncertain future. The story is gentle, hopeful, and filled with community spirit. It is about finding courage, embracing change, and opening your heart to new possibilities.

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Gray After Dark by Noelle W. Ihli

Gray After Dark is about Miley who dreams of Olympic gold. After an accident she takes a summer job in the mountains. The wilderness is quiet and remote. It should be safe. But one morning she is abducted during a run. She wakes in a cabin far from help. She must use her strength, courage, and wits to survive. The situation is terrifying and dangerous. If you enjoy survival stories or psychological thrillers this book is definitely worth reading. It will keep you on edge and make your heart race. It’s also a great thriller book for the book club.

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The Secrets of Summer House by Rachel Burton

In 1976 Alice Kenzie falls in love with Tristan Somers at university. She has a baby, but Tristan dies in a car accident. Heartbroken, she leaves her daughter at Summer House and disappears. In 2018 Olivia Somers grows up believing her mother died in the same accident. One day she finds hidden letters in Summer House. Everything she believed about her family changes. The Secrets of Summer House was such a heartwarming historical fiction. If you are looking for memorable historical fictions with strong female leads this is for you. 

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That’s Not My Name by Megan Lally

A teen wakes up on the side of a dirt road with no memory. She does not know who she is or what happened. A police officer finds her. A man claims to be her father, but things feel wrong. Her life is in danger. Drew is searching for her while everyone thinks he is guilty. The clock is ticking and every lead is risky. That’s Not My Name is packed with suspense  and will keep you turning pages. It is intense, sad, and unsettling, but perfect for a gripping weekend read.

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Saving Ruby King by Catherine Adel West

Saving Ruby King is a powerful story about friendship  and the ties that shape us. When Ruby’s mother is murdered, she is left in the care of her violent father. Her best friend Layla refuses to abandon her, even when uncovering the truth means revealing painful secrets that link their families. The story tells us what  it means to fight for someone you love. I also liked that it  layered with suspense. It feels like one of the most emotional novels I have read in recent years.

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The Winemaker’s Wife by Kristin Harmel

The Winemaker’s Wife transports you to the Champagne region of France during World War II. As German troops occupy the vineyards, lives are torn apart . Decades later, a young woman finds out  the hidden truths of the past. She also  discovers how much strength it takes to survive war and still choose love. I really enjoyed the mix of  history, romance, and resilience. This makes this a novel that stays with you. It is one of the best historical fiction books to come out  about World War II.

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The Stationery Shop by Marjan Kamali

The Stationery Shop is a heartbreaking love story set against the backdrop of 1950s Tehran. Roya, a young girl  who adores poetry and books. When  meets Bahman in a little stationery. Something changes in her.But political unrest and tragedy tear them apart before their love can truly begin. Years later, fate brings them back together, giving them a chance to face the past and the choices that changed everything. For me, it’s an unforgettable book about love and destiny.

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Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo

Clap When You Land tells the story of two sisters who live in different worlds, one in New York and one in the Dominican Republic. They never knew about each other until their father dies in a plane crash.. Written in verse, the story flows with real  emotion . It shows the strength of family and the struggle to find your place when everything you believe changes. It is bold, moving, and unique. This is one of the most powerful young adult novels I loved. This is a must-read for teen book clubs. 

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The Jasmine Wife by Jane Coverdale

The Jasmine Wife is a beautifully written story set during the British Raj. Sarah Archer’s life in India feels empty and restrictive as the wife of a British official. When she meets Ravi Sabran, a powerful French-Indian man, everything changes. For the first time, she feels passion and meaning in her life. The book captures India with rich detail and vivid atmosphere. I loved the setting, and this is one of the best novels I’ve read that takes place in India. It’s a book I’ll remember for a long time. The writing is gorgeous and kept me hooked the whole way through.

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The Home for Unwanted Girls by Joanna Goodman

The Home for Unwanted Girls is a deeply moving story set in 1950s Quebec. Maggie is forced to give up her baby, Elodie, who grows up in an orphanage that is later turned into a psychiatric institution. Their lives move on different paths, but the bond between them never disappears. The novel shows the pain of separation. It is heartbreaking and unforgettable, one of the most memorable books about motherhood  I have read.

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The Last Bookshop in London by Madeline Martin

The Last Bookshop in London is a love letter to books and the people who keep them alive during the hardest times. Set in World War II, it follows a young woman who begins working at a dusty old bookshop just as bombs start falling over the city. In the midst of fear and destruction, books become a source of hope, connection, and survival. It is a story that shows how literature can change lives even in the darkest days. 

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America for Beginners by Leah Franqui

America for Beginners is a sweet  journey across the United States with a woman who has never left her home country before. After losing her husband, she travels from India to America, joined by two strangers, to reconnect with the son she has been estranged from. Along the way, she discovers kindness, culture clashes, and the unexpected healing that comes from facing your fears.

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Last Night by Mhairi McFarlane

Last Night is a story about friendship, love, and the choices that change everything. A group of friends share laughter and secrets, but one night shatters the balance forever. As the main character tries to face grief, love, and betrayal, she learns how fragile and complicated relationships can be. 

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The Hidden Child by Louise Fein

The Hidden Child is a gripping historical novel about a respected academic and his family living peacefully in England, until his past connections to eugenics research come back to haunt them. When the truth is revealed, his daughter’s future hangs in the balance. It is a thought-provoking story about morality, prejudice, and the damage hidden beliefs can cause. 

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The Summer Seekers by Sarah Morgan

The Summer Seekers is a heartwarming story about three women from different generations who are all looking for change. Kathleen is eighty years old. After an intruder breaks into her home, her daughter thinks she should move into a care home, but Kathleen wants adventure instead. Liza, her daughter, feels trapped by the stress of family life and secretly dreams of a summer for herself. Martha is young, lost, and unsure of her future, but when she sees Kathleen’s ad for a driver to take her on a road trip across America, she decides to take the chance. I really enjoyed this book about taking chances and realizing we’re never too old. It’s such an uplifting story, one I could happily read again and again.

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The Confession by Jessie Burton

The Confession is a story about truth and secrets. A young woman wants to know more about her mother and ends up meeting a famous writer who knows the truth. The story moves between 1980s London and the present, mixing love, art, and hidden history. The writing feels emotional and real, and the characters stay with you. 

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Infinite Country by Patricia Engel

Infinite Country is a powerful story about family, migration, and identity. A Colombian family is divided between two countries as they struggle to build a future together. The novel moves between past and present. It was heartbreaking to read this book. It  shows the sacrifices, risks, and dreams that come with leaving one home to build another. It is beautifully written and full of emotion. This is one of the most unforgettable novels about immigration and family bonds.

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Melissa by Alex Gino

Melissa is a tender and important novel about identity and acceptance. The main character knows she is a girl, but the world still sees her differently. Through her courage and determination, she finds the strength to live as her true self. It is simple and deeply moving, written in a way that resonates with many people. This is one of the most memorable middle-grade novels of the last decade.

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Dear Reader by Cathy Rentzenbrink

Dear Reader is a book lover’s dream, a memoir about the comfort and joy that stories bring to our lives. It follows the author’s life  shaped by reading, showing how books can guide us through grief, inspire hope, and open new worlds. You will love the voice. It is warm, personal, and full of love for literature. Anyone who has ever turned to a book for comfort will connect with it. 

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The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is about a fictional Hollywood legend Evelyn Hugo. A strong, ambitious woman who does whatever it takes to succeed. You’ll remember her as extremely determined and courageous. Reid’s writing is detailed and fast-paced. You’ll experience everything from Evelyn’s glamorous life to her messy marriages and heartbreaks. It’s also one of the must-read historical fiction . Also read my review of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo.

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The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah

The Great Alone is about a family trying to survive in the wilds of Alaska. Ernt Allbright, a Vietnam veteran with mental health struggles, moves his family to Alaska for a fresh start. His 13-year-old daughter, Leni, hopes the move will bring a better life. But as winter arrives, Alaska’s isolation reflects her father’s worsening condition I absolutely loved the book, I really enjoyed the audio version. The narrator Julia Whelan was incredible. To me, this was one of Kristin Hannah most memorable novels.

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The Dutch House by Ann Patchett

The Dutch House is a family story that spans 50 years. It follows Danny and Maeve, siblings with a strong bond, who are forced out of their childhood home by their stepmother. As they try to move on, the house and their past keep pulling them back. There is so much sadness in the book. But also sweet, charming and uplifting moments.It explores how family, wealth, and loss shape who we are. It’s also one of the most memorable multi-generational dramas I have read.

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Me Before You by JoJo Moyes

Me Before You broke my heart in the best way. Louisa is an ordinary girl who becomes a caregiver for Will, a man who has lost hope. Their connection is both sweet and sad. There are so many heartbreaking moments in the book. It’s also why I loved this book. Lou grows so much as a person, and her journey is really inspiring. This is a book that will stay with you long after you finish it.

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Saving Noah by Lucinda Berry

Saving Noah is a powerful book that tells the story of Noah, a teenager who confesses to a terrible crime. His confession changes his life and his family’s forever. His mother, Adrianne, struggles to support him while facing the seriousness of his actions. But his father refuses to accept him. This was truly a heartbreaking novel. It was a memorable thriller that made me think from the perspective of families of those who are accused of crimes. This book will make you question your morals.

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Then She Was Gone Lisa Jewell

A teenage girl vanishes without a trace. Years later, her mother meets a man and his daughter, who looks shockingly like her missing child. Then She Was Gone  slowly reveals the truth about what happened. I loved the emotion in the book.  It’s not just a thriller, it’s about grief, family, and how you keep living after tragedy. It’s one of the most memorable missing daughter/grieving mother thriller books. It’s dark but impossible to put down. It’s also one of the most rated thriller books on Goodreads. 

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Born A Crime by Trevor Noah

Trevor Noah shares his childhood growing up in South Africa during apartheid. He was literally “born a crime” because his mother was Black and his father was white. The stories are funny, heartbreaking, and eye-opening all at once. What made Born A Crime  unforgettable is Trevor’s voice, I loved how he was able to  balance humor with tough truths about race, survival, and resilience. It feels like he’s telling you his story over coffee. It’s a must-read funny book club pick.

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Hidden Pictures by Jason Rekulak

A woman takes a nanny job for a sweet five-year-old boy. Everything seems normal, until his crayon drawings start showing disturbing, violent scenes. The mystery gets even deep as she uncovers what the drawings might mean. What makes Hidden Pictures  memorable is how it blends a creepy thriller with raw emotion. It’s chilling, but it also makes you care  about the characters. It’s clever, and scary, and surprisingly deep. If you are looking for intense mystery-thrillers, this is for you. 

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The Measure by Nikki Erlick

One morning, every person in the world finds a box on their doorstep. Inside is a string that shows how long you’ll live. The Measure follows different characters as they decide whether to look, and how it changes their choices. What made this book unforgettable is how it made me think, what would I do if I knew my time? This will be a disturbingly good book Club book. 

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Love, Mom by Iliana Xander

A daughter finds a series of letters her late mother wrote to her, each one filled with memories, advice, and secrets. Through the letters, she learns things about her mother and herself that she never expected. Love, Mom is a thriller that will stay with me  because it feels honest and very touching. It’s about family and the lasting bond between mother and child. If you are looking for great psychology thriller for 2025, you will love this. It’s a book like Verity in my opinion, since it  uses letters and secret writing, but this one feels more about love and family.

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Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir

Project Hail Mary is the story of Ryland Grace, who wakes up alone on a spaceship, far from Earth, with no memory of who he is or why he’s there. His crewmates are dead, and slowly, his memories return. He realizes he’s on a mission to save humanity from extinction.This book has really good memorable plots and characters. It’s also one of the bestselling audiobooks I highly suggest you listen to in 2025.

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Beartown by Fredrik Backman

Beartown is set in a remote where hockey is more than just a sport, it’s a lifeline. The community’s hopes rest on the success of their junior team. But when a violent act occurs, the town is torn apart. This is a powerful, deeply empathetic novel that will stay with you for a long time.

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A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara

Let me start by saying this is saddest book I have ever read. I don’t usually cry after reading, but A Little Life  had me in tears. I remember sitting for a long time, thinking about it, unable to believe I had finished the story. It’s truly an unforgettable novel. It follows the lives of four friends, with Jude as the main character. There’s so much to love about this book and so much to cry about. So please be aware, it’s not an easy read.

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Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

Where the Crawdads Sing is the story of Kya also known as the Marsh Girl. She is an orphan learns to live in the wild. She taught self the language of The Marsh. She connects deeply with the land and animals around her. I absolutely loved the writing. It is very descriptive and real. The story also includes a mystery about a local man’s death. What is truly unforgettable is Kya herself. This is also one of my favorite choice from Reese Witherspoon’s book club.

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The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides

The Silent Patient follows Alicia, an artist, stops speaking after shooting her husband. Theo, a psychotherapist, is fascinated about her story and wants to find about the truth. You will love the twists in the book. I really loved the pace and short chapters. So if you love thrillers with shocking plot twists, you will love it. Also check out thrillers like The Silent Patient.

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Room by Emma Donoghue

Room tells the story of a young boy, Jack, and his Ma, who have been trapped in a small room for years. To five-year-old Jack, the Room is his whole world. This is a powerful I really loved. It’s about love, survival, and the unbreakable bond between a mother and her child.

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Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

Elizabeth Zott is the protagonist of Lessons in Chemistry. She is a scientist who refuses to let the sexism of the 1960s hold her back. There is so much to love about her. She’s smart, determined, and above all unapologetically herself. We follow her journey as a lover, mother and a celebrity chef. It’s also another fabulous books I’ve read as a book blogger.

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The Midnight Library by Matt Haig

The Midnight Library is a great book that talk about “what-ifs” in their life. The protagonist Nora Seed is at her lowest point when she finds herself in a magical library filled with books. It lets her choose the life she wants. It’s definitely an uplifting book that leaves you feeling motivated and hopeful.

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Anxious People by Fredrik Backman

This book made me fall in love with Fredrik Backman’s writing. Anxious People is a fascinating blend of humor, romance, and drama. A failed bank robbery sets the stage, but the story is about so much more. It’s full of life, with people from all walks of life coming together. I also enjoyed the dialogues and witty commentary on so many topics. I’ve never read anything like this, which is why I think it’s one of the most memorable books. It’s also incredible as an audiobook.

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A Woman Is No Man by Etaf Rum

A Woman Is No Man tells the story of four generations of Palestinian-American women. It explores cultural expectations, abuse, and the fight to find one’s voice. It’s a truly phenomenal book. The writing feels so real. The story made me angry , sad and deeply moved. This book is very memorable because of its characters, plot, and powerful writing. It’s another remarkable multi-generational books you should read.

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Mary Jane by Jessica Anya Blau

You’ll remember Mary Jane  as a book full of color and a vibrant rock ‘n’ roll vibe. It’s one of the most immersive book I have ever read. Set in 1970s Baltimore, it’s about a 14-year-old girl Mary Jane, escaping her structured life while working as a nanny for a family. You’ll lover her innocence and honesty. She is sweet and lovable. By the end, I felt like I’d lived through her summer with her. One of the most feel-good books I’ve ever read. I also think it would a great audiobook for road trip.

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City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert

City of Girls is a story set in 1940s New York. I really enjoyed the world of glamour and drama. The heroine, Vivian is unapologetically bold and adventurous. The book follows her life as she goes through the highs and lows of her life. I absolutely loved larger than life characters. Gilbert’s writing is rich and poignant and really steamy. After watching her interview , I learned that she talked to real showgirls for her book. I also think she’s one of those under-the-radar authors you need to check it out.

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Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman

Eleanor Oliphant is unlike any character you might’ve ever met. She follows a strict routine. Not so much into people. But underneath all lies a lot of pain. Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine follows her daily, mundane life. As she slowly begins to see a new world around her, she meets good people. There are so many laugh-out-loud moments and heart-wrenching revelations. I really loved this feel good book. Also, it’s one of the most memorable characters.

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Appetite for Innocence by Lucinda Berry

Teen girls are going missing. No one knows where they are. Appetite for Innocence follows one girl who’s been taken. She’s trapped and trying to survive. The man holding her seems like a normal guy on the outside, but he’s hiding something dark. The story moves between the victim and the people looking for her. This book stuck with me because it felt too real. It made my skin crawl, but I couldn’t stop reading. I kept thinking this could happen in real life. That’s what made it so scary. It’s more than just a thriller, it shows what trauma does to someone. I was hooked the whole time and kept thinking about it after I finished. If you like dark and disturbing thrillers this one is for you. 

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The Three Lives of Cate Kay by Kate Fagan

Cate Kay is one of the most famous authors out there. Her books are bestsellers, and the movie versions are huge hits. But Cate Kay isn’t real. She’s a pen name. The woman behind the name has never done an interview, never shown her face. And now, she’s finally ready to tell the truth about who she is and why she disappeared.The Three Lives of Cate Kay was a great book. It’s part mystery, part drama, and very emotional. Cate and her best friend had big dreams, but a tragedy changed everything. What made this book memorable for me was the voice. It felt raw, personal, and real. It’s about identity, guilt, and the cost of keeping secrets. If you like layered characters and good plot, this is for you. It’s one of the most anticipated releases of 2025.

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The Good Daughter by Karin Slaughter

Two sisters survive a violent attack that tore their family apart. Years later, one of them is involved in a school shooting case. This brings old memories back. The Good Daughter  goes back and forth between past and present. It blends crime, trauma, and family drama.
This one was unforgettable. It’s raw, intense and very deep. It’s not just about the crime but what comes after. The relationship between the sisters felt so real. Messy and emotional. I was hooked the whole time. It’s dark, but it never feels like too much. It’s one of the unforgettable thrillers I read as a blogger. 

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Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Atmosphere is the story of Joan Goodwin, a physics professor leading a normal life until she sees an ad that changes everything. NASA is looking for female scientists to join the Space Shuttle program. Joan applies, not really expecting much, but she gets in. Suddenly, she’s training at Johnson Space Center in the 1980s, surrounded by pilots, engineers, and other brilliant minds. Some become friends, some are harder to figure out, but all of them are chasing something bigger than themselves.
Taylor Jenkins Reid is a brilliant storyteller. Every book she writes feels like a deep dive into someone’s messy, beautiful life. I really loved the plot of this one . Joan is smart, focused, and a little awkward, which made me love  her even more. I won’t forget this story, just like every other Taylor Jenkins Reid book. Trust me, she creates the best female characters. Just because they’re not perfect doesn’t mean they’re weak.

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My Friends by Fredrik Backman 

A teenager named Louisa is given a painting to protect. It seems simply a calm ocean scene but there are three tiny figures on a pier that no one pays attention to. Louisa knows there’s a deeper story behind it. So she sets out to learn who those people are and how the painting came to be. What she finds is a group of teens from 25 years ago who spent one life-changing summer together by the sea. They were each struggling, but together, they found a kind of peace. My Friends is the best immersive books I’ver ever read.  It’s about the kind of friendships that shape you especially when you’re young and trying to figure out the world. I loved how it tied art and memory together. There’s sadness in it, but also hope. I absolutely love Backman’s writing. He writes  people in a way that makes you care. You’re pulled into their world so deeply and strongly that you can’t stop thinking about them. You totally become part of their story.

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We Used to Live Here by Marcus Kliewer

A couple moves into their dream home. But strangers show up, claiming the house used to be theirs. Slowly, things get weird. And then terrifying. We Used to Live Here  starts slow and keeps getting more unsettling. You’re never quite sure what’s real. This book creeped me out in the best way. It’s not gory. It’s psychological. It plays with your mind. I kept guessing and was still surprised. I read it fast because I had to know what was going on. It’s one of the best books of 2024. 

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The Good Samaritan by John Marrs

Laura works at a suicide hotline. But she’s not helping people, she’s doing the opposite. The Good Samaritan  is told from different points of view. You see how far she’s willing to go and what happens when someone catches on. This was one of the most twisted books I’ve ever read. The main character is unlike anyone else. She’s calm, but scary. It made me uncomfortable, but I couldn’t stop. It’s also one of the best books by John Marrs. This one’s unforgettable. So dark, but so good. If you are looking for insanely good psychological thrillers for book club, this is for you.

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Margo’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe

Margo is a single mom trying to make things work. When things get hard, she starts doing adult content online. Margo’s Got Money Troubles is about money, motherhood, and how people judge women for surviving the only way they can.
I found this really unique story. Margo is smart, funny, and messy. She’s not trying to be perfect. That’s what made her real. The memorable part of the book was the witty dialogues. It’s honest in a way you don’t always see. I loved her voice. It’s one of the best books everyone loved in 2024. 

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The Wedding People by Alison Espach

A woman checks into a hotel where a wedding is happening. She doesn’t know the couple. She doesn’t seem to belong. The book slowly unpacks why she’s there, and what she’s running from.
The Wedding People  book felt like a slow burn, but in a good way. I liked the mystery around the main character. It’s about loss and figuring out where you fit. It’s funny, emotional but also hopeful. It’s a must-read book club book. Check out discussion-worthy questions for The Wedding People.

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Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

At a school for dragon riders, only the strong survive. Violet is smaller and weaker than the others. She wasn’t supposed to be here. But she fights to stay alive and discovers secrets that could change everything.
Fourth Wing was fast-paced, full of action, but also great character moments. Violet was easy to root for. The world-building was cool without being confusing. It gave me Hunger Games meets fantasy vibes. I read it in one weekend and wanted more right away. It’s fun, intense, and has just enough romance. It’s also one of the most memorable, swoon-worthy romantasy books for sure. 

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Yellowface by R.F. Kuang

Yellowface  starts with a shocking event, June’s friend and fellow writer, Athena, dies suddenly. June takes her unpublished manuscript and claims it as her own. The book becomes a hit, but June has to lie her way through success while trying to avoid getting caught.  What made this book stand out for me was how bold it was. June isn’t likable. Her thoughts are uncomfortable and raw, and that’s what kept me reading. It made me think about the behind-the-scenes stuff in the book world. It’s not just about the plot, it’s about who gets to tell stories, and who gets left out. It was one of the addictive Reese Witherspoon book club picks.

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Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera

Listen for the Lie is about Lucy who doesn’t remember the night her best friend was murdered. Everyone in her small town thinks she did it, but there was never enough proof. Now, years later, a true crime podcast is digging into the case, and Lucy is dragged back into it. As she tries to figure out what happened, you get pieces of the podcast, interviews, and Lucy’s own messy inner thoughts. 
I loved the dark humor in this book.  Lucy is sarcastic and blunt, which made her feel real. She’s not trying to be likable. The podcast angle made it feel like I was listening to a Netflix doc as I read. I had theories the whole time, and still didn’t see the full twist coming. What made this book unforgettable for me was the audiobook. It was that good. It’s one of the best thriller audiobooks I listen to. 

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Keep It in the Family by John Marrs

When Mia and Finn buy an old fixer-upper, they think it’s their dream home. But then Mia finds something terrifying in the attic. The house has a dark history involving a string of murders. Keep It in the Family  jumps between different characters including the killer so you slowly piece together what happened.
This was a really good but disturbing book. The story unfolded like a puzzle. Marrs knows how to mess with your head. It’s creepy, twisted, and still somehow grounded. I read this one fast because I couldn’t wait to see how it all came together. Definitely one of the darker thrillers  I’ve read, but if you like thrillers with the best twists, this is for you. 

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The Drowning Woman by Robyn Harding

Lee is homeless and living in her car. One day, she sees a woman walk into the ocean. She saves her, but that’s only the beginning. The woman, Hazel, is in an abusive marriage and wants out. They come up with a plan, but of course, nothing goes as expected.
The Drowning Woman was one of those stories where you think it’s going one way, then it completely shifts. I loved how it looked at two women from very different lives, both stuck in their own way.  I finished it in two sittings. This will be an unforgettable thriller that will give you the best hangover.

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Famous Last Words by Gillian McAllister

On the morning Camilla goes back to work after maternity leave, her husband Luke doesn’t show up. Instead, he leaves a note and then disappears. Soon, she sees the news. There’s a hostage situation in London. And Luke isn’t just involved. He’s the gunman.
Camilla is in shock. Luke is a kind dad, a hopeful person. None of this makes sense. The police show up at her door. Everyone wants answers. But only Camilla knows what the note said and what it might mean. I couldn’t stop reading Famous Last Words . I was hooked from the first page. It’s a fast-paced thriller start with a bang but also full of real emotions. This story is about more than the crime,  it’s about marriage, motherhood, and how well you really know someone. 

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