Can’t Miss Book Releases For January 2025! #bookrecommendations

Every month, many books are published, and I sort through them to find the ones I most want to read. Here are my Can’t-Miss Book Releases for January 2025! Click on the book’s cover to read the full synopsis and/or add it to your Goodreads shelf!

Publishing the Week of January 7:

In Fiona Davis’s captivating new novel, readers are transported between the glamour of 1970s New York City and the mysteries of 1930s Egypt. In 1936, anthropology student Charlotte Cross joins an archaeological dig in Egypt’s Valley of the Kings, only to have her life forever altered by a devastating tragedy. Decades later, in 1978, eighteen-year-old Annie Jenkins begins working for legendary Vogue editor Diana Vreeland, assisting with the iconic Met Gala. Charlotte, now an associate curator at the Met, is engrossed in her research on a dismissed female pharaoh, Hathorkare, until a prized artifact vanishes on the night of the gala, hinting at the pharaoh’s fabled curse. Teaming up to recover the artifact, Charlotte and Annie’s quest leads them to Egypt, where Charlotte must confront her haunting past and face unexpected dangers.

Publishing the Week of January 14:

In More or Less Maddy by Lisa Genova, a young woman’s journey with bipolar disorder unfolds in a riveting and deeply empathetic narrative. Freshman Maddy Banks is navigating the pressures of NYU, a recent breakup, and feelings of alienation from her seemingly perfect Connecticut family when she experiences a devastating low. After starting an antidepressant, her mood soars into a frightening mania, culminating in a bipolar diagnosis. As Maddy grapples with the disorder’s impact on her identity, relationships, and aspirations, she rejects conventional expectations in favour of pursuing a bold and unpredictable career in stand-up comedy. With profound insight, Genova crafts a moving exploration of mental health, self-discovery, and resilience.

In Julia Jarman’s heartwarming and witty novel, The Widows Wine Club, lifelong friends Viv, Janet, and Zelda set sail on a luxury cruise aboard the Queen Mary 2, hoping to lift Janet’s spirits after a tough blow. The ship offers endless distractions, from tai chi to crafting, but their relaxing getaway takes an unexpected turn when fellow widow Primrose Carmichael joins their table. Not only does Primrose share Janet’s surname, but both women had late husbands named Mal. As uncanny coincidences pile up, Viv and Zelda grow suspicious and launch their own playful investigation, determined to uncover the truth before reaching New York. Filled with humour, heart, and a touch of intrigue, this is a celebration of friendship and embracing life at any age.

In Alice Feeney’s gripping thriller, Beautiful Ugly, bestselling author Grady Green’s life unravels when his wife, Abby, mysteriously disappears. After a chilling phone call during her drive home, Grady finds her car abandoned by a cliff, her belongings left behind, and no trace of her. A year later, consumed by grief and unable to write, he retreats to a remote Scottish island to rebuild his life—only to encounter a woman who looks exactly like Abby. As secrets of marriage, identity, and revenge come to light, Feeney weaves a dark and twist-filled tale that questions how well we really know those closest to us.

In Tracey Lange’s What Happened to the McCrays?, Kyle McCray returns to his hometown of Potsdam, New York, after his father suffers a debilitating stroke, hoping to quietly help with his recovery and leave again. His sudden departure two and a half years earlier left deep wounds—his wife Casey, a beloved local teacher, and the close-knit community he abandoned remain angry and hurt. Despite initial hostility, Kyle begins to reconnect through coaching a struggling middle school hockey team, finding unexpected redemption and healing. As he contemplates staying, he and Casey must confront the pain of their past and determine if their fractured relationship can ever be repaired. This poignant story explores the power of forgiveness, family, and the bonds of community making it one of my choices for Can’t Miss Book Releases for January 2025!

Publishing the Week of January 21:

In Jill Shalvis’s charming small-town romance, Better Than Friends, Olive Porter is forced to reconnect with her ex, Noah Turner, when her off-the-grid parents go missing. As a National Park Service investigator on leave due to an injury, Noah is desperate for a distraction from his meddling family but wary of letting Olive back into his life after she once shattered his heart. Despite their shared resolve to keep things strictly business, their forced proximity rekindles old feelings, leading them to question if their second chance at love is worth the risk. Filled with humour, heart, and the warmth of community, this is a heartfelt tale of love, family, and forgiveness.

Publishing the Week of January 28:

In Charmaine Wilkerson’s evocative novel, Good Dirt, Ebby Freeman’s life was forever changed at ten years old when her brother Baz was fatally shot, shattering their family and a treasured stoneware jar with deep ancestral ties. The crime was never solved, and as one of the few Black families in an affluent New England community, the Freemans have faced enduring public scrutiny. Years later, when a high-profile breakup thrusts Ebby back into the spotlight, she flees to France, only to be confronted by her unresolved past. As she reflects on the loss of her brother and the jar, which was brought North by an enslaved ancestor, she discovers the artifact may hold secrets that connect her family’s history to her own future. This sweeping, multi-generational tale explores the enduring impact of the past on the present and the journey toward healing and self-discovery.

In this chilling thriller, eight-months-pregnant Tegan flees her crumbling life, hoping to find refuge with her brother, but her plans take a terrifying turn when a blizzard leaves her stranded in rural Maine. With a broken ankle and no way to reach her destination, she’s relieved to be rescued by a seemingly kind couple offering shelter in their remote cabin. However, as the days pass, Tegan realises the safe haven is anything but, and her hosts harbour sinister intentions. Trapped and desperate, she must summon every ounce of courage to protect herself and her unborn child before it’s too late.

Book Lists From Previous Months:

November/December 2024

October 2024

September 2024

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So there you have it! Can’t Miss Book Releases for January 2025! Did I help you find a book or two to add to your reading list? Let me know in the comments!

As always, I hope that you have a wonderful day!