Best Domestic Fiction Books December 2024

Malibu Rising

Malibu, 1983. Four famous siblings throw an epic party to celebrate the end of summer. By morning, their lives will be forever changed. Nina, the talented surfer and supermodel; Jay, the championship surfer; Hud, the renowned photographer; and their adored baby sister, Kit. The alcohol will flow, the music will play, and the loves and secrets that shaped this family’s generations will all come bubbling to the surface. I was captivated by the Riva siblings’ complex relationships and the way their past intertwines with their present. A perfect beach read that’ll make you laugh, cry, and yearn for the California coast.

Dreams of Joy

Lisa See’s “Dreams of Joy” is a captivating journey through 1950s China, following a young woman’s search for identity and belonging. As Joy flees to her ancestral homeland, she’s swept up in the tumultuous Great Leap Forward. See’s vivid prose brings to life the sights, sounds, and struggles of a nation in flux. I found myself completely immersed, feeling Joy’s hopes and fears as if they were my own. A poignant exploration of family, sacrifice, and the resilience of the human spirit.

Everything I Never Told You

Lydia Lee is dead, but her family doesn’t know it yet. As the Lees grapple with their loss, long-buried secrets surface, revealing the complexities of love, identity, and belonging. Set in 1970s Ohio, this poignant tale explores the weight of expectations and the struggle to fit in. Ng’s masterful prose delves into the intricate dynamics of a mixed-race family, unraveling the threads that bind them together and the silences that tear them apart. A haunting, intimate portrait of family life that will linger in your thoughts long after the final page.

Silver Sparrow

Tayari Jones weaves a poignant tale of family secrets and sisterhood in “Silver Sparrow.” Set in 1980s Atlanta, the novel follows Dana and Chaurisse, two teenage girls linked by a shocking truth: they share the same father. As Dana grapples with her role as the “secret” daughter, Jones masterfully explores themes of identity, loyalty, and the complexities of love. With lyrical prose and deeply human characters, this heart-wrenching story will linger long after the final page.

The Mothers

In a tight-knit Black community in Southern California, three young lives intertwine in unexpected ways. Nadia, reeling from her mother’s suicide, finds solace in the arms of Luke, the pastor’s son. Their secret romance leads to consequences that echo through the years, touching the lives of Aubrey, Nadia’s best friend, and the church mothers who watch over them all. Bennett’s poignant debut explores the weight of secrets, the power of friendship, and the complexities of motherhood in a tale that’s both heartbreaking and hopeful.

Other People’s Houses

Abbi Waxman’s “Other People’s Houses” is a delightfully witty peek into the lives of four families in a close-knit Los Angeles neighborhood. As the neighborhood carpool driver, Frances Bloom thinks she knows everything about her neighbors, until she accidentally walks in on Anne Porter in a compromising position. Suddenly, the facade of suburban perfection crumbles, revealing the messy, complicated lives behind closed doors. With humor and heart, Waxman explores marriage, friendship, and the secrets we keep, reminding us that sometimes the grass isn’t always greener on the other side of the picket fence.

The Garden of Small Beginnings

Lilian Girvan’s life took an unexpected turn when her husband died in a car accident. Now, three years later, she’s a single mom juggling work, two daughters, and a sister who’s determined to drag her back into the land of the living. When her boss assigns her to illustrate a vegetable encyclopedia, Lilian finds herself enrolled in a gardening class. Surrounded by quirky characters and budding plants, she discovers that new beginnings can sprout in the most unlikely places. With humor, heart, and a touch of dirt under her fingernails, Lilian learns that sometimes, the smallest seeds can grow into the most beautiful gardens.

The Hypnotist’s Love Story

Ellen O’Farrell, a hypnotherapist with a thriving practice, thinks she’s finally found Mr. Right in Patrick. There’s just one hitch: his ex-girlfriend is stalking them. As Ellen becomes increasingly fascinated by this shadowy figure, she finds herself drawn into a complex web of relationships and secrets. With Moriarty’s signature wit and insight, this captivating tale explores love, obsession, and the blurred lines between past and present. A page-turner that will leave you questioning the nature of truth and perception.

Nine Perfect Strangers

Nestled in the Australian bush, Tranquillum House promises transformation. Nine stressed city-dwellers arrive, seeking rejuvenation. But as the days unfold, something feels off. The enigmatic resort director, Masha, seems to have her own agenda. Secrets simmer beneath the surface, and tensions rise. Each guest grapples with personal demons, unaware they’re pawns in a dangerous game. Moriarty weaves a captivating tale of redemption, deception, and the unexpected connections that can bloom in the most unlikely places. A gripping exploration of human nature that will leave you questioning everything.

What Alice Forgot

Alice wakes up on the gym floor, thinking she’s 29 and madly in love. In reality, she’s 39, with three kids and a crumbling marriage. As she pieces together the lost decade, Alice grapples with how she became this stranger to herself. Funny and poignant, this novel explores identity, relationships, and second chances. It’s a thought-provoking journey that’ll make you ponder your own life choices and the power of perspective.