Best Literary Fiction Books April 2025

The Last Letter from Your Lover

Ellie stumbles upon a hidden love letter from the 1960s, igniting her curiosity and setting her on a journey to uncover a passionate affair from decades past. As she delves deeper, she becomes entangled in the story of Jennifer and Anthony, whose forbidden romance defied societal norms. Moyes weaves a tale of lost love, missed opportunities, and the power of words to transcend time. With each revelation, Ellie finds herself questioning her own life choices and the true meaning of love. A poignant exploration of human connection that will leave you reaching for tissues.

Golden Girl

Vivian Howe, a beloved Nantucket novelist, meets an untimely end one summer morning. As she watches from the Beyond, she’s granted three “nudges” to influence events on earth. Torn between her children’s struggles and the mystery surrounding her death, Vivian grapples with unfinished business. Hilderbrand weaves a poignant tale of family, love, and second chances, set against the backdrop of sun-soaked beaches and small-town charm. A bittersweet exploration of life’s complexities that’ll tug at your heartstrings.

Summer of ’69

Elin Hilderbrand’s “Summer of ’69” whisks readers away to the sun-soaked shores of Nantucket during a pivotal moment in American history. Through the eyes of the Levin family, we experience the tumultuous summer that changed everything. As the nation grapples with war and social upheaval, the Levins face their own personal dramas. With her signature warmth and insight, Hilderbrand weaves a tale of love, loss, and self-discovery that will stay with you long after the last page is turned.

28 Summers

Mallory Blessing’s life changes forever when she inherits her aunt’s beachfront cottage in Nantucket. There, she meets Jake McCloud, sparking a passionate connection that endures for decades. Their secret rendezvous, held one weekend each summer, become a cherished tradition. As life unfolds around them, with marriages, careers, and families, Mallory and Jake’s bond remains unbreakable. Hilderbrand’s poignant tale explores the bittersweet nature of love, timing, and the choices that shape our lives. A captivating read that will tug at your heartstrings and leave you pondering the power of enduring romance.

A Nearly Normal Family

Stella Sandell, a seemingly ordinary teenager, stands accused of murder. Her parents, a pastor and a defense attorney, grapple with the unthinkable as their perfect family unravels. As the trial unfolds, long-buried secrets emerge, challenging everything they thought they knew about each other. This gripping psychological thriller explores the lengths parents will go to protect their child, and the devastating consequences of lies and betrayal. With each twist, Edvardsson masterfully blurs the lines between right and wrong, leaving readers questioning their own moral compass.

When You Disappeared

I vanished from Sarah’s life without a trace, leaving her to pick up the pieces of our shattered family. Twenty-five years later, I return, unrecognizable and bearing secrets that could destroy everything she’s rebuilt. As I slowly reveal the truth behind my disappearance, Sarah grapples with shock, anger, and a rekindling of long-buried emotions. This gripping tale of betrayal, redemption, and the enduring power of love will keep you guessing until the very end.

The Last Anniversary

Sophie Honeywell inherits a house on Scribbly Gum Island, home of the famous Munro Baby mystery. Intrigued by the island’s quirky inhabitants and their secrets, she leaves her city life behind. As she unravels the truth about the decades-old disappearance, Sophie discovers unexpected connections to her own life. With Moriarty’s signature wit and insight, this captivating tale explores family, love, and the power of long-held secrets to shape our destinies.

Florida

Lauren Groff’s “Florida” is a mesmerizing collection of stories that delves deep into the heart of the Sunshine State. With her lyrical prose and keen eye for detail, Groff paints a vivid portrait of a place both beautiful and treacherous. From swampy wilderness to suburban sprawl, she explores the complexities of human nature against a backdrop of oppressive heat and lurking danger. Each tale is a haunting glimpse into lives shaped by this enigmatic landscape, leaving readers spellbound and slightly unsettled.

Fates and Furies

Lotto and Mathilde’s marriage seems perfect from the outside, a union of two beautiful, talented individuals destined for greatness. But beneath the surface lies a complex web of secrets, ambitions, and hidden truths. Groff’s masterful prose weaves through their entwined lives, revealing the stark differences in their perspectives. As the years unfold, we witness the power of perception and the lengths we go to protect those we love. A haunting exploration of marriage, identity, and the stories we tell ourselves to survive.

I Found You

In a sleepy seaside town, Alice finds a man on the beach with no memory of who he is or how he got there. Intrigued and compassionate, she takes him in, nicknaming him ‘Frank’. Meanwhile, in London, Lily’s new husband fails to come home from work. As Alice digs into Frank’s past and Lily searches for her missing spouse, their stories intertwine in unexpected ways. Jewell masterfully weaves a tale of mystery, love, and redemption that kept me guessing until the very end.