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Must-Read Books November 2025 |
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| The French Kitchen by Kristy CambronBoston's Kat Fontaine, who as a child spent summers in France, follows her brother into the Office of Strategic Services during World War II. Working undercover as a kitchen maid in a chateau occupied by the Nazis, Kat faces danger helping the resistance and hears nothing from her sibling. After the war, she returns to uncover what happened to him, getting help from friends, including Julia Child. Try this next: Amy Lynn Green's The Codebreaker's Daughter.
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| The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny by Kiran DesaiWhile her relatives in India worry about her, Vermont college student Sonia fights loneliness by dating a famous artist, though his affection is costly. Meanwhile, ambitious Manhattan journalist Sunny hasn't told his widowed mother in India that he has a white girlfriend. Then Sonia and Sunny meet in this sweeping saga, a “masterpiece” (Kirkus Reviews) that examines identity, art, love, and belonging. For fans of: Real Americans by Rachel Khong; Dry Spells by Archana Maniar.
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| Photograph by Brian FreemanPrivate investigator Shannon Wells must unravel a decades-old mystery when her former client, Faith Selby, is found dead. With only a vintage photograph of a girl in a motel parking lot as a clue, Shannon traces the case from Florida to Michigan, confronting dangerous secrets that intertwine with her own troubled past.
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| Gelato at the Villa by Robin Jones GunnNeeding a vacation due to work problems and recent losses, 30-something friends Grace and Claire take a trip to Italy, visiting Venice, Florence, and Bellagio. As they embrace the culture, meet warm locals, and view stunning art, they also grow in their faith, especially Claire, who had left the church years earlier. Though this is the 2nd Suitcase Sisters novel, it can be read on its own. Read-alike: Lauraine Snelling’s Florence Legacy. |
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| The Last Death of the Year by Sophie HannahOn New Year’s Eve 1932, Hercule Poirot and Inspector Catchpool holiday on a small Greek island while Poirot investigates a threat against a guest in the rundown house where they are staying. Then a note appears, promising “the last and first death of the year,” which is followed by a murder. This clever latest from Sophie Hannah (Hercule Poirot’s Silent Night) is authorized by Agatha Christie’s estate and will appeal to fans of Colleen Cambridge's Murder at Mallowan Hall. |
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| Bad Bad Girl by Gish JenBased on the life of the author’s mother, this “heartbreaking and stunning” (Library Journal) story follows Loo Shu-hsin, from her privileged but unhappy childhood in Shanghai to 1947 Chicago, where she studies for an advanced degree. Marrying a fellow immigrant, she settles in New York, but she isn’t happy and mistreats her eldest daughter. Try this next: Wendy Chen’s Their Divine Fires. |
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The Starving Saints
by Caitlin Starling
From the nationally bestselling author of The Luminous Dead and The Death of Jane Lawrence, a transfixing fever dream of medieval horror following three women in a besieged castle that descends ravenously into madness under the spell of mysterious, godlike visitors.
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Maggie; Or, a Man and a Woman Walk Into a Bar
by Katie Yee
A Chinese American woman discovers her husband is cheating with someone named Maggie; she then finds out she has cancer and names the tumor Maggie, talking to her body's new inhabitant as she embarks on a journey of grief, healing, and reclamation.
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Lloyd McNeil's Last Ride
by Will Leitch
From the award-winning author of How Lucky and The Time Has Come, this heartfelt and humorous novel follows an Atlanta police officer who learns he has months to live and determines to get killed in the line of duty to provide for his son . . . but keeps failing in unexpected ways.
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| Life, and Death, and Giants by Ronald J. RindoIn a small Wisconsin town, an unwed Amish woman dies giving birth to a son without naming his father. Raised by family members, the kind-hearted boy grows over eight feet tall and finds success in athletics, which takes him into the wider world. Narrated by his grandmother, a veterinarian, a bar owner, and a football coach, this moving story has “unforgettable characters…[and] is a must-read” (Kirkus Reviews). For fans of: fantastical, lyrical coming-of-age novels.
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An Overdue Match
by Sarah Monzon
After losing her hair to alopecia, librarian Evangeline Kelly decided that she isn't heroine material, so she turns to matchmaking library patrons instead. Tattoo artist Tai Davis uncovers her scheme and strikes a deal for her to go on dates with him in exchange for keeping her secret, but they'll both learn you can't judge a book--or each other--by the cover.
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| We Met Like This by Kasie WestHopeless romantic and dating app-averse literary agent Margot keeps getting matched with Oliver, who she swiped right on three years ago but hasn't seen again since their single bad date. Will these opposites find a second chance at love? This banter-filled adult debut from YA author Kasie West (Better Than Revenge) will appeal to fans of The Right Swipe by Alisha Rai. |
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John Candy : A Life in Comedy
by Paul Myers
This heartfelt portrait of the legendary comic actor based on the interviews with his friends and colleagues follows his rise from Canadian sketch comedy to Hollywood stardom, his deep personal struggles, and enduring legacy of warmth, generosity and humor.
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| The Women's Orchestra of Auschwitz: A Story of Survival by Anne SebbaBestselling author Anne Sebba's (Ethel Rosenberg: An American Tragedy) moving account chronicles the lesser-known story of the all-women orchestra at Auschwitz-Birkenau, whose 40 members included both Jewish and non-Jewish musicians and whose conductor, Alma Rosé (Gustav Mahler's niece), demanded excellence to ensure her fellow prisoners' survival. For fans of: The Dressmakers of Auschwitz: The True Story of the Women Who Sewed to Survive by Lucy Adlington.
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| Moon Song by Michaela Goade"Come! Haagú! Follow the light." So begins a bedtime story, spun by a Tlingit child for her anxious cousin. Together, they take an imaginary journey through nighttime wonders, from the snow-covered woods to the dark ocean waves to the glowing aurora borealis overhead. Illustrated in jewel-bright colors, this companion book to Berry Song is equal parts enchanting and soothing. |
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| War Games by Alan GratzDesperate to help her poor family, American gymnast Evie competes in the 1936 Berlin Olympics with a secret goal: to join with other Olympians in a high-stakes attempt to steal Nazi gold. Fans of author Alan Gratz will know to expect fascinating details and gripping twists in this historical heist thriller. |
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| The Scammer by Tiffany D. JacksonJordyn’s fresh start at Frazier University was going great until her roommate’s brother moved in. Fresh from prison, Devonte wields conspiracy theories and charisma to develop a cultlike campus following that Jordyn isn’t falling for. Fans of author Tiffany D. Jackson’s brand of thought-provoking thrillers will enjoy this propulsive tale.
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| Fake Skating by Lynn PainterA lot has changed since Dani and Alec fell out of touch in middle school. Finally reunited in hockey-obsessed Southview, Minnesota, they hatch a fake dating scheme that forces them to confront their complicated past. Read-alikes: Rachael Lippincott and Alyson Derrick’s Make My Wish Come True; Ellen O'Clover’s Seven Percent of Ro Devereux.
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Contact your librarian for more great books!
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