Best Contemporary Fiction Books July 2025

Angel Falls

Nestled in the heart of a small Washington town, Angel Falls weaves a poignant tale of love, loss, and redemption. Mikaela Campbell’s perfect life shatters when a tragic accident leaves her in a coma. As her husband Liam struggles to keep their family together, he uncovers secrets that challenge everything he thought he knew. Hannah’s lyrical prose paints a vivid portrait of a community rallying around one of their own, reminding us that even in our darkest moments, hope can bloom like wildflowers after a storm.

Summer Island

Nestled off the coast of Washington, Summer Island holds bittersweet memories for Ruby Bridge. Returning after years away, she’s confronted by the ghosts of her past and the mother she left behind. As Ruby navigates old wounds and new beginnings, she discovers that healing comes in unexpected forms. With vivid characters and lyrical prose, Hannah weaves a tale of forgiveness, family, and the enduring power of love that will stay with you long after the last page.

On Mystic Lake

Annie Colwater’s world shatters when her husband confesses he’s in love with a younger woman. Fleeing to her hometown, she finds solace in the arms of an old friend, Nick Delacroix. As they rekindle their connection, Annie discovers a strength she never knew she had. Through the misty shores of Mystic Lake, Hannah weaves a tale of heartbreak, healing, and second chances. With lyrical prose and raw emotion, this novel explores the depths of human resilience and the power of love to mend even the most broken spirits.

Comfort & Joy

Nestled in the cozy pages of “Comfort & Joy,” Kristin Hannah weaves a heartwarming tale of second chances and unexpected love. Joy Candellaro, reeling from a painful divorce, impulsively boards a charter flight that crashes in the Pacific Northwest. Miraculously surviving, she finds herself in a small town where she meets Daniel O’Shea and his young son. As Joy helps them heal from their own loss, she discovers the true meaning of family and the magic of Christmas. Hannah’s touching prose and relatable characters make this a perfect fireside read for chilly winter nights.

Winter Garden

Meredith and Nina Whitson, two sisters with a strained relationship, are brought together by their father’s death. As they grapple with grief, they uncover their mother’s hidden past through a Russian fairy tale she’s reluctantly sharing. The story unfolds, revealing a tale of love, loss, and survival during the Siege of Leningrad. As the sisters piece together their family history, they discover the strength of their bond and the power of forgiveness. Hannah’s prose is haunting and beautiful, weaving past and present into a tapestry of human resilience.

Sweet Disaster

Olivia never expected her life to unravel so spectacularly. One moment, she’s planning her dream wedding; the next, she’s nursing a broken heart in her childhood bedroom. But when a freak accident lands her back in her hometown’s quirky bakery, she finds unexpected solace in sugar and flour. As she kneads dough and frosts cupcakes, Olivia rediscovers parts of herself she’d long forgotten. And then there’s Jack, the infuriatingly charming firefighter next door, who seems determined to add some spice to her carefully measured life. Maybe disaster isn’t so bad after all.

An Anonymous Girl

Jessica Farris stumbles into a psychology study for easy money, but finds herself caught in a web of deceit and manipulation. As the mysterious Dr. Shields pushes her boundaries, Jess begins to question reality and her own morality. With each twisted turn, she’s drawn deeper into a dangerous game where trust is a luxury she can’t afford. This gripping psychological thriller will leave you breathless, questioning who’s really pulling the strings in this masterful dance of deception.

Believe Me

Claire Wright, a struggling British actress in New York, takes on a new role: entrapping married men for suspicious wives. It’s just acting, until she’s hired to seduce Patrick Fogler, a charming psychologist suspected of murdering his wife. As Claire delves deeper into Patrick’s world, the line between reality and performance blurs. With each twist, she questions who’s manipulating whom. A gripping psychological thriller that keeps you guessing until the final curtain call.

The Girl Before

Haunting and seductive, “The Girl Before” weaves a tale of obsession and control. Emma and Jane, separated by time, both find themselves living in a minimalist architectural marvel with strict rules. As they uncover the house’s dark secrets and the enigmatic architect’s twisted games, their lives intertwine in unexpected ways. Delaney masterfully builds tension, leaving you questioning reality and relationships. I couldn’t put it down, my heart racing with each revelation. A psychological thriller that will linger in your mind long after the final page.

Before I Go to Sleep

Christine wakes each morning with no memory, her mind wiped clean by a mysterious accident. Guided by a journal she keeps, she pieces together her life daily, uncovering unsettling truths about her husband and past. As fragments of memory return, Christine realizes she’s caught in a web of lies and must unravel the truth before it’s too late. This gripping psychological thriller explores identity, trust, and the fragility of memory, keeping readers on edge until the shocking finale.