Best Family Saga Books January 2025

The Book of Magic

In “The Book of Magic,” Alice Hoffman weaves a spellbinding tale of love, loss, and the enduring power of family. Set in the enchanting world of the Owens family, this novel follows three generations of witches as they grapple with an ancient curse. Hoffman’s lyrical prose brings to life a world where magic shimmers just beneath the surface, and where the bonds of sisterhood are tested by fate. As I turned each page, I found myself captivated by the rich characters and their struggles, feeling as if I were right there with them, experiencing their joys and heartaches. A truly magical read.

Practical Magic

In a quaint New England town, two sisters grapple with their magical heritage and a family curse. Gillian, wild and restless, flees their ancestral home, while Sally craves normalcy. But when tragedy strikes, they’re drawn back together, confronting their powers and the whispers of the past. Hoffman weaves a spellbinding tale of love, loss, and the unbreakable bonds of sisterhood, infused with a touch of whimsy and the bittersweet scent of midnight blooms. A bewitching story that lingers long after the final page.

The Rules of Magic

Susanna Owens knew her children were different from the moment they were born. Franny, with her blood-red hair and pale skin, could commune with birds. Jet, as dark and beautiful as her sister was fair, read people’s thoughts. And Vincent, their baby brother, was already displaying a dangerous fascination with candles and fire. Determined to shield them from their family’s cursed legacy of magic, Susanna set strict rules. But when the siblings visit their Aunt Isabelle in Massachusetts, they discover their true selves and the power that lies within. A spellbinding tale of love, loss, and the enduring bonds of family, “The Rules of Magic” weaves a captivating spell that will enchant readers long after the final page.

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.

Shanghai Girls

Pearl and May, two beautiful sisters from Shanghai, find their lives upended when their father’s gambling debts force them into arranged marriages. Fleeing war-torn China for America, they face a harrowing journey and struggle to adapt to a new life in Los Angeles. As they navigate love, loss, and cultural clashes, their bond is tested but never broken. See’s vivid prose brings 1930s Shanghai and immigrant life in America to life, weaving a poignant tale of sisterhood, sacrifice, and resilience that will linger long after the last 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.

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.

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.

The Husband’s Secret

Cecilia Fitzpatrick’s life is picture-perfect: successful businesswoman, devoted wife, and loving mother. But when she stumbles upon a letter from her husband meant to be opened only after his death, her world shatters. As she grapples with the shocking contents, Cecilia finds herself entangled in a web of secrets that connects her to two other women in unexpected ways. Moriarty’s gripping tale explores the ripple effects of our choices and the power of truth to upend even the most carefully constructed lives.