"It’s a resolution that many of us claim for our own come January 1: read more books. And we start off well-intentioned, opening up to that first page in those first few days of the year as we emerge from our New Year’s food-and-champagne coma. But by February 1, we’ve put the book in a designated spot on the bedside table, where it sits collecting dust. But this year is going to be different. You’re going to accomplish that January reading resolutions goal—and we have the books that will help you do it.
No doubt distractions will arise (hello, mom life), but if a book is good, and we mean really, really good, like page-turning stay-up-too-late good, then you can’t help but make the time to devour it. These new books to read all fall into that category. Browse the list below and find one that calls your name, then get ready to rock those January reading resolutions. Just be forewarned, you may need an extra cup of coffee in the morning to compensate for your upcoming late-night reading sessions.
Books Out Now
Start your year off with this fun story about a woman who comes home from a night out to find a strange man in her house—who turns out to be her husband. The problem? She’s not married. Lauren soon realizes her attic is magically dispensing husbands, and she can swap them out whenever she wants. Get ready to LOL while reading this magical tale.
This book was everywhere in 2024, and for good reason—it totally lived up to the hype! At nearly 500 pages, I was a bit intimidated by its length but was instantly captivated by the story surrounding Camp Emerson. The plot’s many mysteries kept me hooked until the very last page. This book was a 10/10.
If you haven’t read The Women yet, now’s the time. Set in 1965 during the Vietnam War, the story follows Frankie McGrath, a young nursing student, who follows her brother to war by joining the Army Nurse Corps. You won’t be able to put down this book, I can guarantee it.
One of the biggest memoirs of 2024, the Barefoot Contessa opens up like never before and reveals juicy details about her life and career. This book was entertaining until the end!
I was obsessed with this author’s 2021 debut novel, The Push, so I added her newest novel to my TBR list as soon as I could. This story was such a page-turner and I devoured this book in just a few sittings. I loved diving into the complicated (and connected) lives of four suburban families after tragedy strikes in their neighborhood. The way Audrain writes about the many nuances of womanhood has solidified her as one of my favorite authors—don’t miss her books.
I’ve read a few of Emily Henry’s books and Funny Story was by far my favorite. After Daphne’s fiancé dumps her for his childhood best friend, Petra, she moves in with Petra’s jilted ex, Miles. While the two are heartbroken, they form an unexpected bond. I absolutely loved Daphne and Miles’s cute story of friendship—and maybe more! 😉
I looove a good thriller. This fast-paced book follows Evie Porter’s nearly-perfect life. The only problem? Evie Porter doesn’t exist. As this mystery unfolds, the story will keep you guessing again and again.
I loved Amanda Montell’s 2021 book, Cultish, and her latest was just as enthralling. This time, she dives into the modern world of overthinking, irrationality, and the power of our internal thoughts. At just 272 pages, this is an interesting read that’s definitely worth adding to your early 2025 TBR list.
Rebecca Serle’s short and sweet books never disappoint. In Expiration Dates, a thirty-something woman looking for love in LA inexplicably receives a piece of paper revealing the length of her romantic relationships every time she starts dating someone. But when Daphne meets Jake, his piece of paper is blank, causing her to question everything she knows about her life and the possibility of finding her match. You’ll fly through this book—and love reading every page.
You likely know Ketanji Brown Jackson’s name—and very impressive job—but how much do you know about her personal life and story? In her recently-published memoir, Justice Jackson takes readers on a journey from her family’s ascent from segregation to her confirmation on America’s highest court within the span of one generation.
You’ll need a box of tissues nearby while you read this one, but I promise it’s worth it. Blue Sisters follows three siblings in the aftermath of their sister’s death. A year after Nicky’s passing, Avery, Bonnie, and Lucky must come together and return to New York City to stop the sale of the apartment they grew up in.
Fans of the Bad on Paper podcast will know this is host Olivia Muenter’s debut novel. It follows Hazel, the older sister of a mega-popular lifestyle influencer, Evie, who has been internet famous her whole life. When Evie suddenly goes offline and disappears one day, Hazel is convinced something sinister has happened to her.
New Books to Read in Early 2024
The third installment of the viral Fourth Wing series is hitting shelves in January—and I can’t wait to get my hands on it. In Onyx Storm, Violet must leave Basgiath War College and journey to unfamiliar lands to stand with Navarre as war begins. Violet is desperate to protect everyone and everything she loves—but the big secret she’s hiding could destroy everything.
Release Date: January 21, 2025
I’m so eager to pre-order Charmaine Wilkerson’s new book, as I loved 2022’s Black Cake. In Good Dirt, an affluent Black family pieces together the connection between a childhood tragedy and a beloved heirloom. Lauded for being a “sweeping, evocative” novel, I’m excited to dive into this gripping story.
Release Date: January 28, 2025
We all know and love Brooke Shields, and now, she’s opening up about her life in the spotlight and thoughts on aging. At 59, Brooke is reclaiming her agency and power during a time when women are historically left in the shadows.
Release Date: January 14, 2025
Grady Green is on the phone with his wife when he hears her slam on the breaks and get out of the car before the line goes dead. A year after her disappearance, Grady is still reeling from what happened and travels to Scotland to try to get his life together. There, he encounters a woman who looks exactly like his missing wife—is it really her?
Release Date: January 14, 2025
This story follows two very different sisters, Sigrid and Margit. When older sibling Margit sets out to reconnect and better understand Sigrid, the two reignite their shared childhood imagination to help them heal from their secrets and pasts.
Release Date: January 28, 2025
This rec is for my romance girlies. Tessa Bailey’s newest book tells the story of professional hockey player Sig and “manic pixie dream girl” Chloe, who find out their parents are (wait for it) engaged. Can Sig hide his feelings for his future stepsister and can they both survive their newfound family drama?
Release Date: February 4, 2025
The latest psychological thriller from bestselling author Freida McFadden comes out in January, and I can’t wait to read it. Tegan is eight months pregnant and alone when she accidentally drives right into a dangerous blizzard. When she’s rescued by a kind couple who offers her a room in their warm cabin, Tegan quickly realizes they aren’t the saviors they pretended to be.
Release Date: January 28, 2025
Let’s be real: we all love a little gossip. In this book, the host of the Normal Gossip podcast explores our culture’s obsession with gossip and the murkiness of everyday storytelling in modern society.
Release Date: February 11, 2025
In her eighth book (yes, you read that right!) of hilarious essays, comedian Chelsea Handler “captures the antic-filled, exhilarating, and joyful life she’s built—a life that makes the rest of us think, I’ll have what she’s having.” I’ve read a few of Chelsea’s other books, so I’ll definitely be picking up this one in early 2025.
Release Date: February 25, 2025
Another cute rom-com that’s a perfect quick read to jumpstart your 2025 reading goals, this story follows high school sweethearts turned married couple Sarah and Caleb as they seek to find themselves and strengthen their marriage during a week-long wilderness expedition.
Release Date: January 28, 2025
Fans of the Barbie movie will love this new book that reimagines the true story of Ruth Handler’s creation of the Barbie Doll in the mid-1950s and the following decades of Barbie’s legacy in culture.
Release Date: January 21, 2025
A cute enemies-to-lovers story, this novel is about two feuding second-grade teachers and neighbors, Emily and Jack, who must help each other out after Emily’s secret side-hustle as a romance writer is accidentally revealed to their school’s principal.
Release Date: January 7, 2025
Liz Greene, Contributing Writer
Liz is a lifestyle writer living on the East Coast with her husband and three little boys. Her days are filled with endless messes, tons of cold coffee, Post-It notes transcribed with everything she’s worried she’ll forget, and lots and lots of baby wipes—and she wouldn’t have it any other way. Liz was previously an editor at Style Me Pretty.
Julia Poulter, Senior Managing Editor
With more than 10 years of editorial experience, Julia is passionate about bringing motherhood stories to life and providing moms with interesting and informative parenting content. Prior to joining The Everygirl Media Group in 2019, she served as Executive Editor at Closer Weekly. As The Everymom’s Senior Managing Editor, Julia helps manage the brand’s editorial calendar and content strategy.