Best Literary Fiction Books April 2025

First Comes Love

Emily Giffin’s “First Comes Love” is a poignant exploration of sisterhood and the complexities of family relationships. Set against the backdrop of Atlanta, this novel delves into the lives of Josie and Meredith, two sisters grappling with the aftermath of their brother’s tragic death. Giffin’s keen insight into human emotions shines through as she weaves a tale of love, loss, and self-discovery. With her signature warmth and wit, she crafts characters that feel like old friends, making this an irresistible read for anyone who’s ever struggled with family dynamics or life’s unexpected turns.

Heart of the Matter

Tessa Russo’s life seems picture-perfect: a handsome surgeon husband, two adorable children, and a cozy suburban home. But when her husband operates on a young boy injured in a tragic accident, Tessa’s world collides with that of Valerie Anderson, a single mother grappling with her son’s recovery. As their lives intertwine, both women face unexpected challenges and difficult choices. Giffin’s poignant exploration of love, loyalty, and the complexities of modern relationships will leave readers questioning their own hearts long after the final page.

The Lies That Bind

In Emily Giffin’s “The Lies That Bind,” Cecily finds herself at a crossroads after a painful breakup. One fateful night in a New York City bar, she meets Grant, a charismatic stranger who becomes her confidant. As their connection deepens, Cecily’s world is turned upside down by the tragic events of 9/11. Amidst the chaos, she discovers shocking truths about Grant that force her to question everything she thought she knew. Giffin’s poignant exploration of love, loss, and self-discovery in the face of adversity will leave readers breathless and contemplating their own life choices.

All We Ever Wanted

Nina Browning’s picture-perfect life in Nashville’s elite circles is shattered when her son becomes embroiled in a scandalous incident at his prestigious private school. As she grapples with the fallout, Nina finds herself questioning everything she thought she knew about her family and her values. Meanwhile, Tom Volpe, a single dad from the other side of town, is drawn into the drama, forcing both families to confront uncomfortable truths about privilege, responsibility, and the complexities of modern parenting. Giffin’s nuanced exploration of class and morality will leave you pondering long after the last page.

The Four Winds

Elsa Martinelli’s life changes forever when the Great Depression hits Texas. Dust storms ravage the land, and her family’s farm teeters on the brink of ruin. Faced with impossible choices, Elsa must summon the courage to leave everything behind and journey west to California. Along the way, she discovers her own resilience and the strength of the human spirit. Hannah’s vivid prose brings the Dust Bowl era to life, painting a heart-wrenching portrait of a mother’s love and sacrifice. A powerful tale of hope in the face of adversity.

The Best of Adam Sharp

Adam Sharp’s life is a comfortable routine until an email from his long-lost love, Angelina, resurfaces memories of their passionate affair in Australia decades ago. As he reminisces about their shared love of music and the path not taken, Adam grapples with the possibility of rekindling their romance. Simsion’s witty prose and keen insights into relationships make this a poignant exploration of second chances, the power of nostalgia, and the complexities of love in midlife. A bittersweet melody of what-ifs and might-have-beens.

Two Steps Forward

Zoe, a recently widowed American artist, and Martin, a British engineer reeling from divorce, find themselves on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. As they trek across Spain, they confront their pasts and unexpected feelings. With blistered feet and open hearts, they discover that sometimes the journey is more important than the destination. Simsion’s witty prose and keen observations make this a heartwarming tale of second chances and self-discovery on the ancient pilgrim trail.

The Music Shop

Frank’s vinyl shop is a sanctuary for lost souls, where he prescribes the perfect record to heal any heartache. His uncanny ability to match music to emotions draws a diverse clientele, but Frank’s own heart remains closed off. When the mysterious Ilse Brauchmann faints outside his shop, Frank’s world tilts on its axis. As their unlikely friendship blossoms, Frank must confront his past and learn to embrace the possibility of love. A tender, quirky tale of human connection and the transformative power of music.

The Love Song of Miss Queenie Hennessy

The Position

Meg Wolitzer’s “The Position” is a witty, poignant exploration of family dynamics and sexual awakening. When the Mellow parents publish a sex manual in the 1970s, their four children’s lives are forever altered. As the novel spans decades, we witness the ripple effects of this pivotal moment, following each sibling’s journey through love, loss, and self-discovery. Wolitzer’s keen observations and wry humor make this a captivating read that will leave you pondering the complexities of intimacy and family long after the final page.