Best Fiction Books April 2025

Crenshaw

In this poignant tale, Applegate weaves a touching story of friendship, imagination, and resilience. Jackson, a young boy facing homelessness, finds solace in the unexpected return of his childhood imaginary friend, Crenshaw—a giant, talking cat. As Jackson grapples with his family’s struggles, Crenshaw’s whimsical presence offers comfort and hope. Applegate’s gentle prose and heartfelt exploration of poverty’s impact on children make this a powerful, unforgettable read that will resonate with both young and adult readers alike.

The One and Only Ivan

Ivan, a silverback gorilla, has spent 27 years behind the glass walls of his enclosure at the Big Top Mall. Resigned to his captivity, he rarely thinks about his past in the jungle. But when Ruby, a baby elephant, arrives, Ivan’s world changes. Through art and friendship, he finds the courage to confront his own history and fight for a better future. A touching tale of hope, resilience, and the power of unexpected connections.

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.

Finding Audrey

Audrey’s world shrinks to the four walls of her home after a traumatic incident at school. Anxiety becomes her constant companion, dark glasses her shield. But when her brother’s charming friend Linus stumbles into her life, Audrey finds herself slowly emerging from her cocoon. With gentle humor and raw honesty, Kinsella captures the messy, hopeful journey of a teen learning to face her fears and rediscover the world. It’s a story that will make you laugh, cry, and root for Audrey every step of the way.

I’ve Got Your Number

Poppy Wyatt’s life turns upside down when she loses her engagement ring and her phone in the same day. In a stroke of luck, she finds a discarded mobile in a trash can. Little does she know, it belongs to the enigmatic businessman Sam Roxton’s former PA. As Poppy navigates wedding plans and her new “borrowed” phone, she finds herself entangled in Sam’s life, reading his emails and messages. Their witty exchanges and unexpected connection lead to hilarious misunderstandings and a blossoming romance that neither saw coming. Kinsella’s signature charm shines through in this delightful, laugh-out-loud romantic comedy.

Breathless

In “Breathless,” Jennifer Niven weaves a poignant tale of self-discovery and first love. Claudine, reeling from her parents’ divorce, finds solace on a remote island where she meets the enigmatic Jeremiah. As their connection deepens, Claudine grapples with her own identity and desires. Niven’s lyrical prose captures the raw emotions of adolescence, painting a vivid picture of summer romance and the bittersweet journey to adulthood. This tender, introspective novel will resonate with anyone who’s ever felt lost and found themselves in unexpected places.

Holding Up the Universe

Libby’s world crumbles when her mom dies, leaving her feeling lost and alone. Jack’s life is a constant struggle to hide his face blindness, a condition that makes recognizing people impossible. When these two broken souls collide, they find unexpected solace in each other’s company. Through late-night conversations and shared secrets, they learn to see beyond appearances and embrace their true selves. Niven’s poignant tale reminds us that sometimes, the most beautiful connections are forged in the darkest moments, and that love can help us find the strength to face our deepest fears.

All the Bright Places

Theodore Finch is fascinated by death. Violet Markey lives for the future. When they meet on the ledge of their school’s bell tower, it’s unclear who saves whom. As their worlds collide, they begin to discover the healing power of love, laughter, and adventure. But as Violet’s world grows, Finch’s begins to shrink. This poignant, unforgettable story explores the fragile line between life and death, and the importance of living each day to its fullest.

Nowhere But Here

Ava’s life takes an unexpected turn when she stumbles upon a hidden bookstore in the heart of New York City. Inside, she meets the enigmatic owner, Liam, whose passion for literature ignites something within her. As they bond over dusty tomes and shared stories, Ava finds herself drawn into a world of mystery and romance. But Liam harbors secrets that threaten to unravel their budding connection. With each page turned, Ava must decide if she’s willing to risk her heart for a love that feels both impossible and inevitable.

Blind Kiss

In this poignant tale of missed connections and second chances, Penny and Gavin’s lives intertwine after a single, unforgettable blind kiss. Years later, fate reunites them, stirring up long-buried emotions. As they navigate their complex history and undeniable chemistry, both must confront their fears and decide if they’re brave enough to risk their hearts again. Carlino’s vivid prose and relatable characters make this a touching exploration of love’s timing and the power of following your heart.