Best Romance Books January 2025

The Lost Girls of Paris

Grace Healey stumbles upon an abandoned suitcase in Grand Central Terminal, uncovering a trove of photographs that ignite her curiosity. As she delves deeper, she unravels the story of Eleanor Trigg and her team of female secret agents during World War II. Grace becomes obsessed with discovering the fates of these brave women, whose dangerous missions in Nazi-occupied Europe have been all but forgotten. Through her journey, she not only honors their memory but also finds her own path to healing and purpose.

The Orphan’s Tale

Sixteen-year-old Noa, cast out by her family, finds refuge in a German circus during World War II. There, she meets Astrid, a Jewish aerialist hiding from the Nazis. As they form an unlikely friendship, both women must confront their pasts and fight for survival. Amidst the chaos of war, they discover strength in each other and the power of human connection. Jenoff’s poignant tale weaves together love, loss, and the resilience of the human spirit in a heart-wrenching exploration of hope in the darkest of times.

Love and Ruin

Hemingway’s tumultuous love affair with Martha Gellhorn comes alive in this passionate tale. McLain’s vivid prose transports readers to 1930s Spain, where two fiercely independent spirits collide amidst the chaos of war. As Gellhorn finds her voice as a journalist, their relationship evolves, challenging both to confront their ambitions and desires. A poignant exploration of love, sacrifice, and the price of greatness that left me pondering long after the final page.

Circling the Sun

Beryl Markham’s unconventional upbringing in colonial Kenya shaped her into a fierce and fearless aviator. McLain’s vivid prose transports readers to 1920s Africa, where Beryl navigates love, loss, and societal expectations. As she pursues her passion for flying, we witness her determination to break barriers in a male-dominated world. This captivating tale of adventure and self-discovery left me pondering the courage it takes to forge one’s own path, especially as a woman in a time of rigid social norms.

The Paris Wife

Hadley Richardson never expected to fall for Ernest Hemingway, let alone become his wife. But their whirlwind romance sweeps her into the intoxicating world of 1920s Paris. Surrounded by artistic luminaries, Hadley struggles to find her place amidst the revelry and creative fervor. As Ernest’s star rises, their marriage faces challenges that test their love. McLain’s vivid prose brings Jazz Age Paris to life, capturing the passion and heartbreak of a woman caught in the shadow of a literary giant.

Tomorrow Will Be Better

Betty Smith’s “Tomorrow Will Be Better” is a poignant tale of hope and resilience set in 1920s Brooklyn. Margy Shannon, a young woman from a struggling family, dreams of a brighter future despite the hardships around her. Smith’s vivid prose brings to life the gritty streets and tenements, while exploring themes of love, poverty, and the human spirit. I found myself rooting for Margy, feeling her disappointments and small triumphs as if they were my own. A touching, bittersweet read that lingers long after the last page.

Joy in the Morning

Joy in the Morning is a tender coming-of-age tale that tugs at the heartstrings. Betty Smith’s vivid prose transports readers to 1920s Brooklyn, where young newlyweds Carl and Annie struggle to make ends meet. Their love story unfolds amidst financial hardships and family disapproval, yet their unwavering bond shines through. Smith’s keen eye for detail and authentic dialogue bring the characters to life, making you feel like you’re right there with them, cheering them on. A poignant reminder of love’s power to overcome adversity.

The Bright Side of Disaster

Emily’s life takes an unexpected turn when her fiancé bolts just before their baby is born. Suddenly a single mom, she navigates sleepless nights, diaper changes, and the chaos of new motherhood with humor and heart. As she finds her footing, Emily discovers inner strength she never knew she had. With the help of quirky neighbors and a charming handyman, she learns that sometimes life’s biggest challenges can lead to its greatest joys. A touching, relatable story about resilience, self-discovery, and the messy beauty of new beginnings.

Everyone Is Beautiful

In this heartwarming tale, Lanie Coates grapples with the chaos of motherhood and the loss of her identity. After moving cross-country with three young boys, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery, rekindling her passion for photography and her relationship with her husband. With humor and honesty, Center explores the messy reality of family life, reminding us that beauty can be found in unexpected places. A relatable story that will make you laugh, cry, and appreciate the small joys in life.

Get Lucky

Sadie’s life takes an unexpected turn when she inherits her grandmother’s lucky charm bracelet. Suddenly, everything starts going her way—from landing her dream job to meeting a charming stranger. But as her luck grows, so do her doubts. Is it really the bracelet, or is she finally embracing life’s possibilities? A heartwarming tale of self-discovery, love, and the power of believing in yourself, “Get Lucky” will leave you smiling long after the last page.