Best Books to Read Right Now: Our Recent Favorites
I recently asked for some of your favorite recent reads and wow, you all delivered! I pulled together the full list here so it’s easy to come back to whenever you’re looking for your next book or audiobook. I’ve already started diving into a few of these myself and can’t wait to get through more!
Just a heads up: I haven’t personally read or listened to every single title yet, so be sure to look into them a little yourself to make sure they’re a good fit for you. Here’s the list, with a quick peek into each one. I hope you find something you love!
Starting with books specifically recommended as audiobooks!
Audiobook Recommendations
The Help by Kathryn Stockett (Narrated by a full cast)
A powerful story set in 1960s Mississippi, told through the voices of Black maids and the white woman writing their stories. The audiobook’s ensemble narration brings every character vividly to life.
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
A lyrical mystery about a girl growing up alone in the marshes. Atmospheric and emotional, with a narrator whose voice wraps around you like the Carolina swamp air.
Once in a Millennial by Kate Kennedy
A funny, nostalgic memoir-essay collection from the host of the Be There in Five podcast. Think deep dives into millennial culture with humor and heart.
Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey
Read by the actor himself, this memoir is wild, wise, and wonderfully weird. A mix of life lessons, personal stories, and that unmistakable voice.
The Boy Next Door by Meg Cabot
A light and funny romantic comedy told entirely through emails. Meg Cabot delivers classic early 2000s vibes and plenty of charm.
Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson
A tongue-in-cheek murder mystery where the narrator directly addresses the reader (or listener). Witty, clever, and full of twists.
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
A lonely woman working the night shift at an aquarium and a surprisingly perceptive octopus become the heart of this unique novel. Tender, unexpected, and beautifully narrated.
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
Elizabeth Zott is a chemist in the 1960s who becomes an accidental TV star teaching housewives more than just cooking. Sharp, witty, and empowering, made even better by the narration.
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
Told through letters after WWII, this charming historical novel is brought to life with a full cast in the audiobook. It’s like comfort food in story form.
The Unmaking of June Farrow by Adrienne Young
A magical realist tale about a woman who sees signs of madness, and time travel, in her family line. Eerie, immersive, and poetic.
Anything narrated by Julia Whelan
She’s one of the most beloved voices in audiobooks for a reason. From Educated to Funny Story, if you see her name, you’re in good hands (or ears).
The House on the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
A heartwarming fantasy about a rule-following government worker who inspects magical orphans, and learns the true meaning of love and belonging. Whimsical, tender, and full of hope.
John Green explores why tuberculosis remains the world’s deadliest infectious disease, despite being curable. Through personal stories and historical insight, he sheds light on the social and economic injustice behind its persistence. It’s a powerful, eye-opening nonfiction read that calls for awareness and action.
Daisy Jones and The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Told as an oral history of a fictional rock band, this audiobook shines with a full cast. It’s emotional, raw, and feels like a true documentary.
Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy
On a remote island near Antarctica, a grieving family protects a UN seed vault as climate change looms. When a mysterious woman appears, long-buried secrets begin to surface. This is a haunting, atmospheric story about survival, healing, and the fragile connection between people and the planet.
Anne of Green Gables (series) by L.M. Montgomery
Pure nostalgia in audio form. Anne’s whimsical spirit and poetic musings are timeless, and there are several excellent narrators to choose from.
Books by Freida McFadden
Thrillers with unputdownable twists, often compared to Gone Girl but with even more surprise endings. Addictive listens.
Red Rising by Pierce Brown
Described as The Hunger Games set on Mars, this epic sci-fi series is high-stakes, brutal, and brilliant. The Irish-accented audiobook narration makes it even better.
What the Wind Knows by Amy Harmon
A time-travel love story set in Ireland, blending history and romance with lyrical writing. The audiobook’s dual narration is especially beautiful.
Me Before You / After You / Still Me by Jojo Moyes
A beloved trilogy following Louisa Clark through love, loss, and rediscovery. Deeply emotional, with moments of humor and hope.
The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah
A family moves to the wilds of Alaska in the 1970s, only to discover that danger comes from both outside and within. Heart-wrenching and vivid, who doesn’t love Kristin Hannah.
Click HERE for a breakdown of our favorite Kristin Hannah books.
The Reef by Nora Roberts
An underwater treasure hunt meets romantic suspense. Fast-paced with strong characters and plenty of tension.
State of Terror by Hillary Clinton & Louise Penny
A political thriller co-written by two powerful women. Smart, suspenseful, and surprisingly human.
Tell Me Everything by Minka Kelly
In this raw and honest memoir, Minka Kelly shares her turbulent upbringing marked by poverty, addiction, and survival. She reflects on her journey from hardship to Hollywood, offering hard-won insight along the way. Narrated by the author, the audiobook feels intimate and deeply personal.
The Things We Cannot Say by Kelly Rimmer
A WWII story woven with a present-day family journey, full of secrets and deep emotion. Perfect for fans of The Nightingale or Lilac Girls.
These next titles also made the list of recent favorite reads! While they weren’t specifically noted as audiobook recommendations, I’m sure they’re fantastic whether you prefer reading the physical book or listening in.
Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutanto
Vera Wong is a lonely Chinese tea shop owner who stumbles upon a dead body—and decides she’s the best person to solve the case. What follows is a cozy mystery full of heart, found family, and laugh-out-loud moments. Think Knives Out meets your favorite aunt.
Finlay Donovan Is Killing It by Elle Cosimano
Finlay is a struggling single mom and author who’s mistaken for a hitwoman, and decides to play along. It’s quirky, fast-paced, and surprisingly heartfelt. You’ll root for her even as the chaos spirals out of control.
Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson
This sweet Regency romance follows Marianne Daventry as she’s swept into country estates, family secrets, and an unexpected love story. Perfect for fans of Jane Austen looking for a lighter, comforting read. Romantic, clean, and full of charm.
Blackmoore by Julianne Donaldson
Set in a moody English estate by the sea, Kate Worthington is determined never to marry, but her trip to Blackmoore challenges everything she thought she knew. Deeply romantic and filled with longing, this one’s ideal for fans of brooding heroes and atmospheric settings.
Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson
A haunting, lyrical novel about a girl battling anorexia and grief after the death of her best friend. Told in a raw, poetic voice, it’s both heartbreaking and powerful. A stunning exploration of mental health and healing.
The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary
Tiffy and Leon share a flat, and a bed, but they’ve never met. With quirky charm and slow-burn romance, this book is a heartwarming celebration of unconventional love. Expect to smile, laugh, and maybe tear up a little.
The No-Show by Beth O’Leary
Three women are stood up by the same man on Valentine’s Day…but nothing is as it seems. A clever, emotional story that blends romance with mystery and plenty of surprises.
The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren
A marriage of convenience with a wealthy family twist turns into something real in this latest from Christina Lauren. Funny, romantic, and perfect for fans of fake dating turned real love.
Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez
A smart, successful city girl falls for a small-town carpenter in this heart-melting story. With lovable side characters, emotional depth, and satisfying romance, Abby Jimenez delivers again and again. All of her books were highly recommended but does contain some spice.
Great, Big, Beautiful Life by Emily Henry
Two writers compete for the chance to tell the larger-than-life story of a woman with more than a couple of plot twists up her sleeve in this dazzling and sweeping new novel.
All of Emily Henry’s books were highly recommended!
The Wedding People by Alison Espach
Three strangers meet at a wedding they weren’t really invited to. As the weekend unfolds, secrets are revealed and unexpected bonds form. A literary novel with humor and heart.
God of the Woods by Liz Moore
A literary thriller set in the Adirondacks, where a young girl goes missing at a summer camp. Haunting and suspenseful with a deep emotional core. Great for fans of character-driven mysteries.
The Sicilian Inheritance by Jo Piazza
A dual timeline novel set in Sicily, following a woman uncovering family secrets and murder after inheriting her aunt’s estate. Atmospheric, deliciously layered, and full of Italian flavor.
The Stolen Marriage by Diane Chamberlain
Set in the 1940s, a woman marries a stranger under mysterious circumstances and moves to a new town full of secrets. Part historical fiction, part domestic suspense, and fully gripping.
The Orphan Keeper by Camron Wright
Based on a true story, this novel follows a boy stolen from his Indian village and adopted by a family in the U.S. only to discover the truth years later. Emotional and inspiring, it’s about family, belonging, and identity.
American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins
A gripping and controversial novel about a mother and son fleeing cartel violence in Mexico. Suspenseful and emotional, it gives a face to immigration in a deeply human way.
The Things We Leave Unfinished by Rebecca Yarros
A dual-timeline romance that weaves WWII love letters with a present-day story. Heart-tugging and beautifully written, with a satisfying blend of past and present.
While a smaller part of the list, these romantasy titles came highly recommended and I couldn’t leave them out!
*** I’m pretty sure these all have a fair amount of spice so please do your research before just diving in***
Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
A legendary assassin is pulled from prison to compete for a royal position as the king’s champion, if she survives the contest. This expansive, beloved series grows from court intrigue to epic war, full of romance, magic, and unforgettable character arcs.
Heartless Hunter by Kristen Ciccarelli
In a world where witches are hunted, a witch hiding in plain sight is forced into a deadly game with a ruthless witch hunter. With enemies-to-lovers energy and high-stakes magical politics, this one’s full of tension, secrets, and a simmering romance. Great for fans of dark academies and morally gray characters.
Quicksilver by Callie Hart
When a skilled thief is pulled into a mysterious, icy realm, she finds herself bound to a powerful fae warrior with secrets of his own. What starts as survival turns into something far more tangled, full of slow-burn tension, sharp banter, and dark magic. A moody, romantasy read with plenty of heat and heart.
Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry
A royal bargain forces a reluctant princess and a hardened warrior into a dangerous alliance. As they journey through a monster-filled land, tension and unexpected feelings grow. A dark, romantic tale woven with magic, grit, and slow-burn chemistry.
From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Chosen from birth for a sacred duty, Poppy has lived a life of isolation, until a guard with secrets turns her world upside down. This spicy fantasy romance features steamy tension, ancient prophecies, and a slow-burn that quickly catches fire. It’s a fan-favorite for a reason, and the series only gets wilder from here.
Happy Reading!!
-xo Eliza
