Best Contemporary Books May 2025

Good Harbor

Kathleen Levine’s life is unraveling. Battling breast cancer and reeling from her best friend’s betrayal, she retreats to the idyllic seaside town of Gloucester, Massachusetts. There, she meets Joyce, a librarian facing her own midlife crisis. As they walk the beaches of Good Harbor, a deep friendship blossoms, offering solace, laughter, and unexpected healing. Diamant’s poignant tale explores the power of female bonds, the complexities of marriage, and the resilience of the human spirit. A heartwarming story that will resonate with anyone who’s ever needed a friend to lean on.

Everyone Is Beautiful

In this heartwarming tale, Lanie Coates grapples with the chaos of motherhood and the loss of her identity. After moving cross-country with three young boys, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery, rekindling her passion for photography and her relationship with her husband. With humor and honesty, Center explores the messy reality of family life, reminding us that beauty can be found in unexpected places. A relatable story that will make you laugh, cry, and appreciate the small joys in life.

The Bodyguard

Falling for your client is never a good idea, especially when you’re their bodyguard. Hannah Brooks may look like a kindergarten teacher, but she’s actually an Executive Protection Agent. When movie star Jack Stapleton needs protection from a stalker, Hannah’s assigned to the job. Posing as Jack’s girlfriend at his family’s Texas ranch, Hannah finds herself drawn to the charming actor. As the lines between duty and desire blur, Hannah must confront her growing feelings while keeping Jack safe. A heartwarming tale of unexpected love and self-discovery.

When Lightning Strikes

Megan’s life was picture-perfect until that fateful night when lightning struck, shattering her world. Now, she’s piecing together the fragments of her past while navigating an uncertain future. As she seeks solace in her small coastal town, unexpected connections bloom, challenging her to confront long-buried truths. Hannah’s prose crackles with emotion, weaving a tale of resilience and redemption that kept me up well past midnight. A poignant reminder that sometimes, it takes a storm to clear the air and reveal what truly matters.

If You Believe

Kristin Hannah’s “If You Believe” is a poignant tale of love, loss, and redemption. Set against the backdrop of a small Alaskan town, the story follows Mariah Throckmorton, a woman haunted by her past. When a mysterious stranger arrives, her world is turned upside down. Hannah’s vivid prose brings the rugged landscape to life, while her characters grapple with deep emotional wounds. This heart-wrenching novel explores the power of forgiveness and the strength of the human spirit, leaving readers both moved and inspired.

Waiting for the Moon

In “Waiting for the Moon,” Kristin Hannah weaves a haunting tale of love and redemption. Set against the backdrop of a remote asylum in 1890s Washington, the story follows Selena, a mysterious woman with no memory, and Dr. Jed Harmon, the man determined to unlock her past. As they navigate the complexities of their growing attraction, dark secrets threaten to unravel everything they hold dear. Hannah’s lyrical prose and richly drawn characters make this a mesmerizing read that will stay with you long after the final page.

Night Road

In “Night Road,” Kristin Hannah weaves a poignant tale of love, loss, and redemption. I was captivated by the way she explores the complexities of family bonds and teenage friendships. The story’s twists left me breathless, and I found myself staying up late, unable to put it down. Hannah’s vivid prose brings the Pacific Northwest setting to life, making you feel the mist on your skin. It’s a heart-wrenching journey that will resonate with anyone who’s ever loved deeply or faced impossible choices.

True Colors

In this poignant tale of sisterhood and self-discovery, Kristin Hannah weaves a tapestry of love, loss, and redemption. Three sisters, bound by blood but separated by life’s twists, reunite in their small hometown. As they confront buried secrets and long-held resentments, they learn that family ties can both bind and liberate. Hannah’s vivid prose brings the Pacific Northwest to life, while her keen insight into human nature will leave readers pondering their own true colors.

Between Sisters

Meghann Dontess thought she’d left her troubled past behind, but when her estranged sister Claire announces her engagement, old wounds resurface. As the wedding approaches, Meghann grapples with long-buried secrets and the guilt of abandoning Claire years ago. Through laughter, tears, and unexpected twists, the sisters rediscover their bond and confront the choices that shaped their lives. Hannah’s poignant tale of sisterhood, forgiveness, and second chances will tug at your heartstrings and leave you pondering the complexities of family long after the last page.

Home Front

In “Home Front,” Kristin Hannah weaves a poignant tale of love, duty, and sacrifice. Jolene, a National Guard helicopter pilot, faces the ultimate test when she’s deployed to Iraq, leaving behind her troubled marriage and two young daughters. As she navigates the horrors of war, her family grapples with her absence and their own demons. Hannah’s vivid prose brings the battlefield and homefront to life, tugging at heartstrings with raw emotion and unflinching honesty. A powerful exploration of family, courage, and the true cost of service.