Best Relationships Books May 2025

My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry

Elsa is seven, precocious, and utterly devoted to her eccentric grandmother. Their nightly adventures in a fantastical world of fairy tales are Elsa’s refuge from school bullies and her parents’ divorce. When her beloved granny dies, Elsa is left with a series of letters, each a quest to deliver an apology. As she embarks on this treasure hunt, Elsa uncovers the colorful, often painful stories of the quirky tenants in her apartment building, realizing that her grandmother’s imaginary world wasn’t so make-believe after all. A touching, whimsical tale of love, loss, and the power of storytelling.

Britt-Marie Was Here

Britt-Marie’s life has always been defined by order and routine. But when her world suddenly crumbles, she finds herself in the small town of Borg, reluctantly taking a job at the local youth center. As she navigates this unfamiliar terrain, Britt-Marie discovers a community that challenges her rigid beliefs and awakens long-dormant passions. With Backman’s signature warmth and humor, we follow Britt-Marie’s journey of self-discovery, learning that it’s never too late to start over and find your place in the world. I found myself rooting for her every step of the way.

Anxious People

Backman’s “Anxious People” is a delightfully quirky tale that had me chuckling and tearing up in equal measure. It’s a story about a failed bank robbery that turns into an accidental hostage situation, but it’s so much more than that. The characters are beautifully flawed and relatable – I found myself in each of them. Backman’s wit shines through, making this a heartwarming exploration of human nature and the connections that bind us all. A must-read for anyone who’s ever felt a bit lost in life.

Other People’s Houses

Abbi Waxman’s “Other People’s Houses” is a delightfully witty peek into the lives of four families in a close-knit Los Angeles neighborhood. As the neighborhood carpool driver, Frances Bloom thinks she knows everything about her neighbors, until she accidentally walks in on Anne Porter in a compromising position. Suddenly, the facade of suburban perfection crumbles, revealing the messy, complicated lives behind closed doors. With humor and heart, Waxman explores marriage, friendship, and the secrets we keep, reminding us that sometimes the grass isn’t always greener on the other side of the picket fence.

The Garden of Small Beginnings

Lilian Girvan’s life took an unexpected turn when her husband died in a car accident. Now, three years later, she’s a single mom juggling work, two daughters, and a sister who’s determined to drag her back into the land of the living. When her boss assigns her to illustrate a vegetable encyclopedia, Lilian finds herself enrolled in a gardening class. Surrounded by quirky characters and budding plants, she discovers that new beginnings can sprout in the most unlikely places. With humor, heart, and a touch of dirt under her fingernails, Lilian learns that sometimes, the smallest seeds can grow into the most beautiful gardens.

Firefly Lane

In “Firefly Lane,” Kristin Hannah weaves a poignant tale of friendship that spans decades. Tully and Kate, inseparable since adolescence, navigate life’s twists and turns together. From wild teenage years to the challenges of adulthood, their bond remains unbreakable. Hannah’s vivid prose brings their world to life, evoking nostalgia and tugging at heartstrings. As I turned each page, I found myself reflecting on my own friendships, laughing and crying along with these unforgettable characters.

And the Mountains Echoed

Khaled Hosseini’s “And the Mountains Echoed” is a poignant tapestry of interconnected lives, spanning generations and continents. At its heart lies the heart-wrenching separation of two Afghan siblings, setting in motion a cascade of decisions and consequences. Hosseini’s lyrical prose weaves through time, exploring the bonds of family, the weight of choices, and the echoes of our actions. As I turned each page, I found myself deeply moved by the characters’ struggles and triumphs, their stories resonating long after I closed the book.

The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry

A.J. Fikry’s life is not at all what he expected it to be. His wife has died, his bookstore is experiencing the worst sales in its history, and now his prized possession, a rare collection of Poe poems, has been stolen. But when a mysterious package appears at the bookstore, its unexpected arrival gives Fikry the chance to make his life over–and see everything anew. This heartwarming tale reminds us of the joy of connecting with others through books, and how love can bloom in the most unexpected places.

The Memory Keeper’s Daughter

In a moment of crisis, Dr. David Henry makes a decision that will haunt his family for decades. Delivering his own twins during a snowstorm, he discovers his daughter has Down syndrome. Fearing the impact on his wife, he hands the baby to his nurse, telling her to take the child to an institution. But the nurse, unable to abandon the infant, disappears into another city to raise the girl as her own. As the years unfold, the consequences of this fateful choice ripple through the lives of both families, exploring the power of secrets, the nature of love, and the intricate bonds of family.

A Walk to Remember

Landon Carter never expected to fall for Jamie Sullivan, the quiet, religious girl in his small town. But as he gets to know her, he discovers a depth and beauty he never imagined. Their unlikely romance blossoms against the backdrop of 1950s North Carolina, filled with tender moments and heart-wrenching challenges. Jamie’s unwavering faith and Landon’s journey of self-discovery will leave you laughing, crying, and believing in the transformative power of love. A poignant tale that reminds us how one person can change our lives forever.