Tuesday, March 17, 2026

This month’s best new popular fiction

 
Readworthy by BookBub
This Month's Best New Popular Fiction
 
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Book cover for Life: A Love Story by Elizabeth Berg
Nearing the end of her life, 92-year-old Flo writes a revelatory letter to her neighbor
WHY IT'S READWORTHY:
  • The New York Times bestselling author of The Story of Arthur Truluv is "at her heartwarming best" (Booklist starred review)
  • As Flo details the items she's leaving Ruthie in her will, a portrait of Flo's life emerges — inspiring Ruthie in ways neither of them expected
  • "This gentle story of appreciation for the people and things that make up a life will renew your spirit" (Oprah Daily)
Learn more...
Media mentions for Life: A Love Story by Elizabeth BergMEDIA MENTIONS:Oprah Daily, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, Booklist
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Book cover for Wait for Me by Amy Jo Burns
March's Read with Jenna Book Club pick is 'a soul-stirring marvel' (Paula McLain)
WHY IT'S READWORTHY:
  • "Fans of Taylor Jenkins Reid's Daisy Jones & The Six and Kristin Hannah's The Women will find themselves captivated by this multigenerational story" (Booklist)
  • When a meteor strikes the woods near a small Pennsylvania town, the lives of two folk singers are intertwined across decades
  • Glowing reviews from Patti Callahan Henry and Shelby Van Pelt
Learn more...
Media mentions for Wait for Me by Amy Jo BurnsMEDIA MENTIONS:TODAY Book Club/Read with Jenna, TODAY Show, People, Parade, Kirkus Reviews, Booklist
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Book cover for Once and Again by Rebecca Serle
What if you could redo one moment in your life?
WHY IT'S READWORTHY:
  • Jodi Picoult calls this "brilliant, original, and sure to leave you shoving a copy into someone's hands"
  • The Novak women have the rare gift to relive one moment. When fate brings Lauren back to her hometown at the same time as her first love, will she decide to risk everything for a do-over?
  • The New York Times bestselling author of In Five Years delivers a "poignant" and "moving" tale (Kirkus Reviews)
  • A film adaptation is already in the works from Apple
Learn more...
Media mentions for Once and Again by Rebecca SerleMEDIA MENTIONS:TODAY Show, USA Today, Bustle, New York Post, Indie Next List, Library Reads, Publishers Weekly
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AmazonOther formats and retailers
Book cover for Lake Effect by Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney
See why Jenny Jackson crowns this family saga 'a joyful classic in the making'
WHY IT'S READWORTHY:
  • Ten years after her mother's midlife scandal tore the Larkin family apart, Clara returns home for a wedding — and faces her own life-altering decision
  • The author of the smash-hit bestseller The Nest "brings warmth and humor to this nuanced exploration of betrayal and its echoes" (Shelby Van Pelt, author of Remarkably Bright Creatures)
  • "Astute and immersive with a surprising twist" (People)
Learn more...
Media mentions for Lake Effect by Cynthia D'Aprix SweeneyMEDIA MENTIONS:The New York Times/The New York Times Book Review, People, Real Simple, Elle, Parade, The Boston Globe, Indie Next List, Library Reads, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, Library Journal, Booklist, BookPage, Literary Hub
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AmazonOther formats and retailers
Book cover for Down Time by Andrew Martin
After a devastating tragedy, five friends must confront the decisions they've made
WHY IT'S READWORTHY:
  • You'll never forget the characters in this "endlessly entertaining" novel (Los Angeles Review of Books)
  • One of 2026's best books, according to Vogue
  • "Another impressive book by one of the country's most talented authors of comic fiction" (Kirkus Reviews starred review)
Learn more...
Media mentions for Down Time by Andrew MartinMEDIA MENTIONS:The New York Times/The New York Times Book Review, Vogue, Vulture, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, Literary Hub
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AmazonOther formats and retailers
Book cover for One of Us by Elizabeth Day
'One of those books you just want to inhale in one go' (Good Housekeeping)
WHY IT'S READWORTHY:
  • When Fliss, the quirky daughter of the powerful Fitzmaurice family, is found dead on the shores of Bali, it seems like a tragic accident. But soon, dramatic secrets come to light…
  • Stanley Tucci recommends this "intelligent, darkly humorous, and brilliantly written" international bestseller
  • "An entertaining family saga of privilege and comeuppance" (The Wall Street Journal)
Learn more...
Media mentions for One of Us by Elizabeth DayMEDIA MENTIONS:NPR, The New York Times/The New York Times Book Review, The Wall Street Journal, Good Housekeeping, The Guardian, The Times, Publishers Weekly, Booklist
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AmazonOther formats and retailers
Book cover for Kin by Tayari Jones
Oprah calls her latest book club pick 'a masterpiece of a novel'
WHY IT'S READWORTHY:
  • The acclaimed author of An American Marriage delivers her first novel in eight years
  • Both raised in Honeysuckle, Louisiana, without mothers, best friends Vernice and Annie find themselves drawn down very different paths
  • Ann Patchett raves, "Kin is the kind of all-encompassing reading experience I'm always hoping to find: smart and funny and deftly profound"
  • An instant New York Times bestseller
Learn more...
Media mentions for Kin by Tayari JonesMEDIA MENTIONS:Oprah's Book Club, NPR, The New York Times/The New York Times Book Review, People, The Washington Post, Vulture, Los Angeles Times, The Boston Globe, Indie Next List, Library Reads, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, Booklist, BookPage, Electric Literature, Literary Hub
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AmazonOther formats and retailers
Book cover for That's What Friends Are For by Wade Rouse
Jodi Picoult adores this 'hilarious, tender, and devastating' novel inspired by The Golden Girls!
WHY IT'S READWORTHY:
  • "The most unabashedly joyful novel you'll read this year" (Grant Ginder, author of So Old, So Young)
  • Teddy lives in a gorgeous Palm Springs home with his three dear friends: former actor Barry, bighearted Midwesterner Ron, and unlucky-in-love Sid. But when Teddy's sister unexpectedly visits, their lives start to unravel
  • This charming tale of found family "reads like a sitcom, complete with broad characters, amusing zingers, and poignant life lessons" (Publishers Weekly)
Learn more...
Media mentions for That's What Friends Are For by Wade RouseMEDIA MENTIONS:People, Newsweek, New York Post, Publishers Weekly
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AmazonOther formats and retailers
Book cover for Where the Girls Were by Kate Schatz
A gripping and insightful coming-of-age story set at a home for unwed mothers
WHY IT'S READWORTHY:
  • In 1960s San Francisco, Baker finds her bright future upended up an unplanned pregnancy. But when she arrives at a facility with other pregnant teens, she rediscovers her strength
  • "A timely and important novel, and one of the most heartfelt I have read in years… A must-read" (Natalie Jenner, author of The Jane Austen Society)
  • Penned by a New York Times bestselling author
Learn more...
Media mentions for Where the Girls Were by Kate SchatzMEDIA MENTIONS:People, San Francisco Chronicle, Salon, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, Booklist
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AmazonOther formats and retailers
Book cover for The Bookstore Diaries by Susan Mallery
A bookstore owner uncovers her small town's juiciest secrets…
WHY IT'S READWORTHY:
  • The latest release from a beloved #1 New York Times bestselling author
  • Locals use lockboxes at Jax's bookshop to store their private diaries. But when a mishap forces her to read the colorful pages to track down their owners, it upends her outlook on life and love
  • Take it from Debbie Macomber: "Susan Mallery never disappoints"
Learn more...
GET EBOOK ON:
AmazonOther formats and retailers
 
  

New Releases for Less: New books at great prices

 
BookBub
New Releases for Less
 
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Your weekly selection of new books in the genres you love, at prices you'll love.
This House Will Feed
This House Will Feed
Maria Tureaud
Release Date: January 27, 2026
When the potato blight takes everything from Maggie O’Shaughnessy, she accepts mysterious Lady Catherine’s offer to work at a remote manor house — where she’s tasked with impersonating the woman’s daughter. And the role awakens unsettling whispers from deep inside her…

BookBub readers say: “Historical horror perfection.”
Supernatural Suspense
$5.99  
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Borderlanz: Tales from the Edges
Borderlanz: Tales from the Edges
Douglas Smith
Release Date: March 15, 2026
“One of Canada’s most original writers of speculative fiction” (Library Journal) delivers something for every speculative reader — from time travel adventures to unexplained threats to legendary quests — in this stunning collection. “[Smith’s] stories are a treasure trove of riches that touch your heart” (Hugo Award–winning author Robert J. Sawyer).

BookBub readers say: “You truly can’t go wrong with this collection!”
Fantasy
$4.99  
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Moms Love Boy Bands
Moms Love Boy Bands
Jenifer Goldin
Release Date: March 12, 2026
Four best friends escape their messy lives for an island getaway where they can let loose, reconnect, and enjoy their favorite bands. But secrets from home have followed them to paradise — and then one woman goes missing!

BookBub readers say: “Perfect for anyone looking for a fun book for yourself or your book club.”
Women's Fiction
$1.99  
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The Taboo Show
The Taboo Show
Trina E. Read
Release Date: February 28, 2026
Part-time columnist Isabella, professor Amy, lawyer Claire, and devout Jeanette all struggle to find pleasure in their own ways. But surprise onstage encounters, psychic readings, and encouraging Tantra practitioners help them open their lives to empowerment and desire… This warmhearted women’s fiction novel celebrates friendship and the power of reinvention!
Women's Fiction
$2.99  
Amazon
Apple Books
Achilles's Wife
Achilles's Wife
Judith Starkston
Release Date: March 16, 2026
On the ancient Greek island of Skyros, the daughter of a king draws strength from a mysterious outsider — the warrior Achilles, disguised as a girl — to face her destiny. “Unique, fascinating, and restores a long-lost voice to the story the Trojan War” (New York Times bestselling author Margaret George).

BookBub readers say: “Took my breath away, as it will yours.”
Historical Fiction
$5.99  
Amazon
The Water Women
The Water Women
Bonnie Blaylock
Release Date: March 1, 2026
On a beautiful island off the coast of Italy, three generations of Jewish women find their lives threatened by German forces, mounting fear in their community, and their own devastating secrets. “An enchanting tapestry” (USA Today bestselling author Mark Sullivan) with over 2,600 five-star Amazon ratings.

BookBub readers say: “If you, like me, love historical fiction that honors both the sweep of time and the quiet power of individual lives, this novel will stay with you.”
Historical Fiction
$4.99  
Amazon
Beauty and the Demon
Beauty and the Demon
Aurora Ascher
Release Date: February 24, 2026
A New York Times bestseller! Plagued by visions of his impending death, dangerous necromancer Murmur just needs the blood of a powerful witch to save himself — but when he captures coven leader Suyin, she isn’t willing to go down without a fight.

BookBub readers say: “A million stars and my whole heart.”
Paranormal Romance
$5.99  
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Dragon Magic
Dragon Magic
Alexandra Ivy
Release Date: February 24, 2026
From a New York Times bestselling author: Immune to magic, Wynn has enjoyed the last few centuries in solitude and luxury — but when corruption takes root, Azh catches up to her. And the protective dragon is certain she’s afflicted by an ancient curse…
Paranormal Romance
$5.99  
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To Love a Monster
To Love a Monster
Jad Phillip
Release Date: March 12, 2026
When Princess Aurora of Amador learns of her betrothal, she makes her escape to avoid an arranged marriage — and finds herself rescued by the monster considered to be her kingdom’s most dangerous enemy. As dark magic threatens the throne, can their bond save her home?
Romantasy
$0.99  
Amazon
Inked Playboy Next Door
Inked Playboy Next Door
Elodie Ashwood
Release Date: February 23, 2026
When Lillian starts over in small-town Mill Creek, the last thing she expects is to discover that her one-night stand, Gabe, is her new neighbor — and she certainly never imagined he’d be so determined to prove they’re meant to be together…

BookBub readers say: “Enjoyed immensely and highly recommend.”
Contemporary Romance
$0.99  
Amazon
Choosing You
Choosing You
Linny Mack
Release Date: March 17, 2026
Melanie’s life hasn’t been the same since losing her best friend, Cara, in a tragic accident decades ago. At peace with being single, she spends her days writing music and nights bar tending. But when Cara’s brother Josh returns to Cape May, their rekindled connection changes everything…

BookBub readers say: “The ‘it’s always been her’ trope is one that simultaneously breaks my heart and replenishes my soul.”
Contemporary Romance
$6.99  
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Darkness: You Can't See the Evil
Darkness: You Can't See the Evil
Kevin Bachar
Release Date: March 11, 2026
Pennsylvania’s Amish community is shocked when a respected elder is murdered in cold blood. Returning local detective Beth Gould quickly learns the suspect list is longer than anyone thought — and the truth could upend the entire community. A gripping small-town procedural.
Crime Fiction
$0.99  
Amazon
Holler Whispers
Holler Whispers
T.L. Bequette
Release Date: March 12, 2026
A stunning legal drama from a trial attorney: After building a reputation as a capable defense attorney in Oakland, Joe Turner heads to a Southern small town to defend an autistic teenager who has been accused of murder. But as the truth unfolds and the jury is tampered with, Joe may be out of his depth…
Crime Fiction
$0.99  
Amazon
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