Best Contemporary Fiction Books January 2025

Flora & Ulysses

Flora Belle Buckman, a self-proclaimed cynic, never expected her life to change dramatically when she rescued a squirrel from a vacuum cleaner. But that’s exactly what happened. Ulysses, the squirrel, develops superpowers and an affinity for poetry, leading Flora on a whimsical adventure filled with quirky characters and unexpected friendships. As Flora navigates her parents’ divorce and her own insecurities, she discovers that sometimes, the most extraordinary things can happen in the most ordinary places. DiCamillo’s charming tale reminds us that hope and magic can be found in the unlikeliest of circumstances.

The Great Gilly Hopkins

Gilly Hopkins is a tough-as-nails 11-year-old foster kid who’s been shuffled from home to home. When she lands with the Trotters, she’s determined to be her usual troublesome self. But Maime Trotter’s unwavering kindness slowly chips away at Gilly’s defenses. As she begins to open up, Gilly faces a choice: embrace this newfound family or cling to her dream of reuniting with her birth mother. Paterson’s poignant tale explores the complexities of belonging and the true meaning of home.

The Half Sister

Sarah always thought she knew her family inside out. But when a mysterious young woman shows up at their Sunday lunch claiming to be her father’s daughter, her world is turned upside down. As secrets unravel and tensions rise, Sarah must confront the possibility that everything she believed about her perfect family was a lie. With each revelation, she questions who she can trust and what it truly means to be family. Jones weaves a gripping tale of betrayal, identity, and the unbreakable bonds that tie us together, even when they’re stretched to their limits.

The First Mistake

Sarah thought she had it all: a loving husband, two beautiful children, and a thriving business. But when she discovers her husband’s secret phone, her world unravels. Desperate for answers, she confides in her best friend, Emma. As Sarah delves deeper into her husband’s deception, she uncovers a web of lies that threatens everything she holds dear. With each revelation, Sarah questions who she can truly trust. A gripping tale of betrayal, friendship, and the lengths we’ll go to protect our loved ones.

The Other Woman

Sarah’s world crumbles when she discovers her fiancé, Adam, has a manipulative mother, Pammie. As wedding plans unfold, Pammie’s subtle sabotage and mind games intensify, leaving Sarah questioning her sanity. Torn between love for Adam and growing suspicion of Pammie’s true intentions, Sarah must navigate a treacherous path. With each twist, she uncovers dark secrets that threaten to destroy her future. A gripping tale of family dynamics, betrayal, and the lengths some will go to protect their own.

The Undomestic Goddess

Samantha Sweeting had it all: a high-powered career as a lawyer, a posh London flat, and a bright future. Until one tiny mistake cost her everything. Now, through a hilarious twist of fate, she finds herself posing as a housekeeper in the English countryside. Armed with nothing but her wit and a stack of cookbooks, Samantha stumbles through domestic disasters and unexpected romance. As she learns to slow down and savor life’s simple pleasures, she discovers that sometimes the best things happen when plans go awry.

My Not So Perfect Life

Katie Brenner’s London life seems picture-perfect on Instagram, but reality is far messier. Struggling with a demanding job and cramped flat, she’s suddenly fired by her intimidating boss, Demeter. Retreating to her family’s Somerset farm, Katie helps launch a glamping business, finding unexpected joy. But when Demeter unexpectedly shows up as a guest, Katie sees a chance for sweet revenge. As truths unravel, she learns that perfection is often an illusion, and true happiness might be closer to home than she thought.

The One Plus One

Jess Thomas is a single mom struggling to make ends meet. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she meets Ed Nicholls, a tech millionaire facing his own troubles. Together, they embark on a chaotic road trip to Scotland for Jess’s math prodigy daughter’s competition. Along the way, they face hilarious mishaps and heartwarming moments that bring them closer. As they navigate their quirky journey, Jess and Ed discover that sometimes, the most unlikely pairings can lead to the most beautiful connections. It’s a story that’ll make you laugh, cry, and believe in second chances.

The Ship of Brides

Jojo Moyes’ “The Ship of Brides” is a captivating tale of love, loss, and new beginnings. Set in 1946, it follows four Australian war brides as they embark on a perilous six-week voyage to England aboard an aircraft carrier. Amidst the chaos of post-war life, these women form unlikely friendships, grappling with their hopes and fears for the future. Moyes masterfully weaves historical detail with intimate character portraits, creating a poignant exploration of female resilience and the transformative power of friendship in the face of uncertainty.

Silver Bay

Liza McCullen never imagined she’d find solace in the sleepy Australian town of Silver Bay. Yet, here she is, running her aunt’s struggling whale-watching business and raising her young daughter. The tranquil waters hide secrets, though—both Liza’s and the bay’s. When a charming London businessman arrives with plans to develop the area, Liza’s carefully constructed world begins to unravel. As whales breach and hearts collide, Silver Bay becomes a battleground of love, loyalty, and the fight to preserve a way of life.