If you’re like me, you’re already scoping out novels releasing in 2025 to add to your to-be-read list. From what I’m seeing, it’s shaping up to be a fabulous year of reading, in part because of the amazing-sounding novels releasing from Tall Poppy writers, spanning historical fiction to contemporary women’s fiction to romance.
Ready to add to your TBR? Look for these books releasing January through May and start off 2025 with these much-anticipated novels that capture the indomitable spirit of women.
People of Means by Nancy Johnson
February 11
From the acclaimed author of The Kindest Lie, a propulsive novel about a mother and daughter each seeking justice and following their dreams during moments of social reckoning — 1960s Nashville and 1992 Chicago. Perfect for readers of Brit Bennett and Tayari Jones, Sadeqa Johnson New York Times bestselling author of The House of Eve, says, “People of Means left me breathless! A beautifully crafted story…profound and sharp.”
Love Letters from the Trail by Tif Marcelo
February 25
In the long-awaited continuation of the Spirit of Shenadoah series, military widow Evangeline Espiritu’s world turns topsy-turvy the minute wealthy Cruz Forrester invades the peaceful hiking trail behind her bucolic Virginia bed-and-breakfast. But while they are rivals in reality, on paper they may just be the perfect match.
The Wandering Season by Aimie K. Runyan
April 1
Veronica Stratton, a specialty food broker with a business on the cusp of brilliant success that would change the trajectory of her life, visits her parents in idyllic Estes Park for Christmas. She’s fresh from a breakup with her longtime boyfriend, so she’s eager to reconnect with her beloved family in the mountains and forget about her troubles for a few days. But with the holiday comes a DNA test from her younger sister that confirms her secret suspicions: she’s adopted. And now, with so much of her life in upheaval, Veronica is looking for an escape.
Beach House Rules by Kristy Woodson Harvey
May 27
When Charlotte Sitterly’s husband is arrested for a white-collar crime, she and her daughter Iris are locked out of their house by the FBI and—what’s potentially even worse—thrust into the spotlight of @JuniperShoresSocialite, the town’s snarky anonymous Instagram account. Cut off from her bank accounts and feeling desperate, Charlotte takes up an acquaintance’s offer to stay at a beachfront former bed-and-breakfast that’s home to a community of single mothers and draws plenty of gossip in the small coastal North Carolina town. Beach House Rules is a delightfully moving new novel about a mother-daughter duo learning to lean on their community of women—and each other—after their world is turned upside down.
Editor’s Note: Don’t forget to check out Jenni L. Walsh’s upcoming historical novel, Ace, Marvel, Spy, about a little-known tennis marvel named Alice Marble, who was also an editor for the Wonder Woman comics and an international spy. This woman did it all, the makings of an incredible story. Releasing January 14, sports icon and equality champion Billie Jean King calls Ace, Marvel, Spy “a smashing success”.
