Essential Reads for Any Season: Top Book Recommendations
Seasonal reading lists have become a popular way for book enthusiasts to curate their reading experiences. Whether it’s summer, fall, winter, or spring, there’s a recommendation list ready to guide readers to their next best book. But do these lists genuinely influence our reading habits? Or do we prefer choosing books based solely on our personal interests?
While scrolling through BookTok and Instagram, many find diverse recommendations from influencers who read across genres. This variety showcases voices from a multitude of authors, enhancing the reading experience. However, some readers opt for a different approach—picking books simply because they resonate with them, regardless of when they were published or seasonal recommendations.
What makes a book irresistible? Often, it’s the combination of a compelling title, an engaging cover, a well-regarded author, or rave recommendations from fellow readers. Understanding this, I had initially planned to compile a list of spring historical fiction recommendations. Yet, as ideas often do, that plan evolved into something broader.
Top Five Must-Read Novels
Here’s a selection of five exceptional books, showcasing both established and emerging authors, that are worthy of your reading list, regardless of the season.
Zeal: A Novel by Morgan Jerkins
Availability: Out now!
This captivating debut from Jerkins, following her notable work Caul Baby, begins in 2019 and weaves a story of love and choices across generations.
The Filling Station by Vanessa Miller
Availability: Out now!
Miller’s latest narrative, inspired by true events surrounding the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921, follows the success of her previous work, The American Queen.
Can’t Get Enough by Kennedy Ryan
Release Date: May 12, 2025.
Ryan’s third installment in her acclaimed series promises an unforgettable romantic experience filled with passion and depth.
Under the Stars by Beatriz Williams
Release Date: July 29, 2025.
This new novel revisits Winthrop Island, a familiar setting in Williams’ previous works, captivating readers with its rich narrative.
The Lost Story of Eva Fuentes by Chanel Cleeton
Release Date: September 30, 2025.
This gripping novel from Cleeton revolves around a book with a legacy that transcends centuries, intertwining the past with the present.
Additional Recommendations
Here are a few more titles to consider adding to your TBR list:
- Let’s Pretend This Will Work by Maddie Dawson (Available Now) – A charming and heartfelt love story.
- Family & Other Calamities by Leslie Gray Streeter (Releasing June 1, 2025) – A humorous take on a journalist’s return to her hometown amidst unexpected media attention.
- Far From the A-List by Stephanie Burns (Releasing December 5, 2025) – A debut novel exploring the challenges faced by a former child star in navigating her identity.