Best Literary Fiction Books April 2025

The Rose Code

Amidst the chaos of World War II, three unlikely friends find themselves at Bletchley Park, decoding enemy messages. As they navigate the secretive world of codebreaking, their bond deepens, only to be shattered by betrayal. Years later, a mysterious letter reunites them, forcing them to confront their past and unravel one final code. Quinn’s vivid prose brings to life the tension and camaraderie of wartime Britain, weaving a tale of friendship, love, and espionage that kept me up late into the night.

The Huntress

Sarah’s world shatters when she discovers her British fiancé’s dark past. Across the Atlantic, Nina, a fierce Russian fighter pilot, hunts Nazi war criminals. Their paths collide in post-war Boston, where they join forces with Ian, a war correspondent, to track down a ruthless Nazi known as the Huntress. Quinn weaves a gripping tale of vengeance, justice, and unexpected alliances, keeping readers on edge until the very last page.

My Dark Vanessa

Vanessa Wye’s life is forever altered by her relationship with her charismatic English teacher, Jacob Strane. At 15, she believes it’s love. At 32, she’s forced to confront the truth. As allegations surface against Strane, Vanessa grapples with her memories, questioning everything she thought she knew. Russell’s haunting debut explores power, consent, and the lasting impact of trauma. A raw, unflinching look at the complexities of abuse and the struggle to reclaim one’s narrative.

Carrie Soto Is Back

Carrie Soto’s return to tennis is a rollercoaster of emotions. As I devoured this book, I felt her determination and vulnerability. Reid’s vivid prose transported me courtside, the tension palpable with each serve. Carrie’s journey of self-discovery resonated deeply, reminding me of my own struggles with perfectionism. The complex relationships, especially with her father, added layers of depth. A gripping tale of ambition, love, and redemption that kept me up way past my bedtime.

The Woman Next Door

Hortensia and Marion, two widows in their eighties, are neighbors in an upscale Cape Town suburb. Despite their proximity, they’re bitter rivals, their animosity fueled by decades of racial tension and personal grudges. As life throws unexpected challenges their way, these headstrong women find themselves reluctantly drawn together. Through sharp wit and poignant moments, Omotoso explores the complexities of aging, prejudice, and the possibility of reconciliation. A touching tale that reminds us it’s never too late for second chances.

Our Missing Hearts

Twelve-year-old Bird Gardner lives in a world where dissent is silenced and books are banned. His mother, a Chinese American poet, left years ago, her whereabouts unknown. Bird clings to fragmented memories of her, searching for clues in the pages she once read to him. When a mysterious letter arrives, Bird embarks on a quest to find her, uncovering a network of librarians working to preserve outlawed art and literature. Ng’s haunting tale explores the power of stories and the unbreakable bonds of family, reminding us that hope can flourish even in the darkest times.

More Than Words

Jill Santopolo’s “More Than Words” is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and self-discovery. Nina Gregory, heir to a New York hotel empire, grapples with her father’s death and the secrets it unveils. As she navigates her grief, Nina finds herself torn between two men: her childhood friend and her charismatic boss. Santopolo’s lyrical prose weaves a tapestry of emotion, inviting readers to ponder the weight of family expectations and the courage it takes to forge one’s own path. A heartfelt journey that lingers long after the final page.

About Grace

David Winkler, a hydrologist haunted by premonitory dreams, flees his family to escape a vision of his daughter’s death. Isolated in the Caribbean, he grapples with guilt and longing. Years later, he embarks on a journey home, hoping to reconcile with his past. Doerr’s lyrical prose weaves a tapestry of love, loss, and the intricate patterns of nature. This poignant exploration of a father’s devotion will leave you pondering the delicate balance between fate and free will.

Bridge of Clay

Clay Dunbar, the quiet middle child of five rowdy brothers, embarks on a journey to build a bridge—both literal and metaphorical. Zusak’s lyrical prose weaves a tapestry of family, loss, and redemption, as Clay grapples with his mother’s death and father’s abandonment. Through sweat and determination, he constructs a bridge across a dry riverbed, symbolizing his quest to reconnect his fractured family. This poignant tale of brotherhood and resilience will leave readers pondering the bridges we all must build in our lives.

The Messenger

In “The Messenger,” Zusak weaves a tale of an ordinary man thrust into extraordinary circumstances. Ed Kennedy, a hapless cab driver, finds himself entangled in a mysterious game of chance and destiny. As he receives cryptic playing cards with addresses, Ed becomes an unwitting messenger, touching lives in ways he never imagined. With each task, he uncovers hidden truths about himself and the power of small acts of kindness. Zusak’s prose is both poignant and humorous, crafting a story that lingers long after the final page.