Best Contemporary Fiction Books July 2025

The Bright Side of Disaster

Emily’s life takes an unexpected turn when her fiancé bolts just before their baby is born. Suddenly a single mom, she navigates sleepless nights, diaper changes, and the chaos of new motherhood with humor and heart. As she finds her footing, Emily discovers inner strength she never knew she had. With the help of quirky neighbors and a charming handyman, she learns that sometimes life’s biggest challenges can lead to its greatest joys. A touching, relatable story about resilience, self-discovery, and the messy beauty of new beginnings.

Get Lucky

Sadie’s life takes an unexpected turn when she inherits her grandmother’s lucky charm bracelet. Suddenly, everything starts going her way—from landing her dream job to meeting a charming stranger. But as her luck grows, so do her doubts. Is it really the bracelet, or is she finally embracing life’s possibilities? A heartwarming tale of self-discovery, love, and the power of believing in yourself, “Get Lucky” will leave you smiling long after the last page.

Happiness for Beginners

Helen Carpenter’s life is in shambles. Newly divorced at 32, she decides to shake things up by joining a wilderness survival course in Wyoming. Hoping to find herself amidst the rugged landscape, Helen’s plans are thrown off-kilter when her brother’s best friend, Jake, unexpectedly joins the trip. As they navigate treacherous terrain and face personal challenges, Helen discovers inner strength she never knew she had. With humor, heart, and a touch of romance, this story explores second chances and the transformative power of nature. It’s a journey that’ll make you laugh, cry, and yearn for your own mountain adventure.

What You Wish For

Sam Casey loved her job as a school librarian, but everything changed when Duncan Carpenter became the new principal. Once her teenage crush, Duncan was now a different man—rigid and joyless. As the school atmosphere darkens, Sam realizes she must fight for the heart of her beloved workplace. Amidst personal struggles and unexpected alliances, she rediscovers her own capacity for joy and the power of choosing happiness. A heartwarming tale of resilience, second chances, and finding light in the darkest times.

Things You Save in a Fire

Cassie Hanwell’s life as a firefighter in Austin is upended when she’s forced to transfer to a small-town Massachusetts department. Struggling to fit in with an all-male crew and a past that haunts her, Cassie finds unexpected solace in rookie firefighter Owen Callaghan. As she navigates old wounds and new challenges, Cassie learns that sometimes the things we try hardest to protect are the very things that save us in the end. A heartwarming tale of courage, forgiveness, and the transformative power of love.

How to Walk Away

Margaret Jacobsen’s life was on track: a promising career, a devoted fiancé, and a bright future. But in one tragic moment, everything changes. Faced with a devastating injury, she must learn to navigate a new reality. As Margaret grapples with loss and pain, unexpected connections emerge, challenging her to redefine happiness. With humor and heart, this poignant tale explores resilience, love, and the courage to embrace life’s detours. Center’s vivid characters and raw emotions make this an unforgettable journey of healing and hope.

The Enchantment

Angie Malone’s world crumbles when her marriage falls apart and her beloved restaurant closes. Seeking solace, she returns to her childhood home on Mystic Lake. There, she rediscovers the magic of small-town life and unexpected love. As she helps a troubled young girl navigate loss, Angie finds healing and purpose. With vivid characters and heartfelt prose, Hannah weaves a tale of second chances, family bonds, and the transformative power of community. A poignant reminder that life’s greatest joys often arise from its deepest sorrows.

Once in Every Life

Tess Gregory’s life changes forever when a tragic accident leaves her in a coma. Awakening in 1861, she finds herself in the body of Mary Lange, a Civil War nurse. Struggling to adapt to her new reality, Tess discovers unexpected strength and purpose in caring for wounded soldiers. As she navigates the chaos of war and her growing feelings for a handsome doctor, Tess must decide whether to fight for a way back to her old life or embrace the chance at love and redemption in this tumultuous era.

Home Again

Mira Stanton never expected to return to her childhood home in the Pacific Northwest, but life has a way of surprising us. After a messy divorce and a string of career setbacks, she finds herself back in the misty forests of her youth, seeking solace and a fresh start. As she reconnects with old friends and confronts long-buried secrets, Mira discovers that sometimes, going home again is the bravest journey of all. With lyrical prose and heartfelt insights, Kristin Hannah weaves a tale of redemption, family, and the enduring power of place.

Distant Shores

Emily Emerson’s life seems perfect on the surface, but beneath the facade, she’s drowning in unfulfilled dreams. When her husband’s career uproots them to a small coastal town, Emily finds herself adrift, questioning her choices and the path not taken. As she navigates this new chapter, she stumbles upon an old journal that awakens long-buried desires. Suddenly, Emily is faced with a life-altering decision: stay in her comfortable but stifling existence or risk everything for a chance at true happiness. Hannah’s poignant exploration of love, identity, and second chances will resonate with anyone who’s ever wondered “what if?”