We hope you enjoy the products we have selected for you. Our editorial team has independently curated this list, and you can find out more about our review process here. LoveToKnow may collect a commission on purchases made through the links below.
Is there anything better in this world than diving head-first into a truly great book? A book that takes you out of your everyday life, envelopes you in its world, and stays with you long after you've finished? Whether you enjoy a slow-burn drama, a compelling true crime story, or a light-hearted romance, we've compiled a list of books coming out this year that has something for everyone. So pull up your comfiest chair, grab your softest blanket, and let's get reading (and shopping).
Mysteries & Thrillers
The Family Remains | Lisa Jewell
This one's got all the essential pieces of a "Whodunit" murder-mystery: dead husband, family secrets, and a woman on a mission to find out the truth. You'll love it, your book club will love it, and you'll be ready for the Netflix movie version as soon as you read the final word.
Coming July 21, 2022. Pre-order your copy here.
The Book of Cold Cases | Simone St. James
If true crime is more your speed, this one's for you. The Book of Cold Cases by Simone St. James tells the story of the Lady Killer Murders in Claire Lake, Oregon, and what happens when a true-crime blogger starts digging around years after the case has gone cold. Let's just say that when writer Shea Collins interviews the woman acquitted of the two murders, she gets more than she bargained for.
Order your copy here.
The Swell | Allie Reynolds
After a tragic accident, Kenna Ward had sworn off water forever. But now she's thrown unexpectedly into a new place with new people (a close-knit group of surfers, ironically). However, in a bit of Agatha Christie-esque style, they begin to disappear… one by one. Kenna soon realizes that in order to survive, she'll have to re-enter the water (literally and figuratively) and decode this mystery for herself.
Coming July 19, 2022. Pre-order your copy here.
The Maid | Nita Prose
Molly Gray has struggled with social cues and interacting with society her entire life and after her grandmother's death, the 25-year-old hotel maid finds herself alone for the first time. Things go from bad to worse when Molly discovers the body of a man in a hotel room and becomes the lead suspect in his death. Described as a "Clue-like, locked-room mystery" as well as a "heartwarming journey of the spirit," this is one thriller you don't want to miss.
Order your copy here.
The Other Guest | Helen Cooper
The Other Guest has got it all: unexplained tragic death, family secrets, romance, and two women on a quest for the truth. Oh, and as an added bonus, it takes place on a gorgeous lake in Northern Italy, so there's that too.
Coming July 26, 2022. Order your copy here.
Memoir
Burning Butch | R/B Mertz
Burning Butch, a memoir by nonbinary poet and artist R/B Mertz, tells the emotional story of how the author grew up in a fundamentalist Catholic environment while trying to discover their own identity. Named one of Buzzfeed Books' Most-Anticipated Books of 2022, it's a moving, impactful read that will stick with you for years to come.
Order your copy here.
Lost and Found: A Memoir | Kathryn Schulz
This is a must-read for anyone who has ever suffered a loss. Kathryn Schulz's story weaves the pain of losing her father together with the beauty of falling in love at the same time. Through this compelling narrative, Schultz shows us all how you can simultaneously feel grief and joy, gratitude and pain, love and loss, and that it's these juxtapositions that make life so beautiful.
Order your copy here.
Historical Fiction
A Ballad of Love and Glory | Reyna Grande
Historical fiction buffs won't want to miss this story of love, war, and an unexpected connection between an Irish immigrant and a Mexican widow who are both just trying to survive and defend their beloved homelands. Inspired by true events, this beautifully illustrated story brings to light a part of American and Mexican history that is often forgotten.
Order your copy here.
The Last Queen | Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
Is there anything more inspiring than reading about the unmatchable strength of women throughout history? The Last Queen by Chitra Banerjee takes us back to 19th century India, where we meet fearless leader Jindan Kaur. Said to be the "last queen," Jindan defies tradition and maintains so much power and influence that other nations around the world feel threatened by her strenth. If you need a good "women are amazing and pretty badass" kind of read, this one's for you.
Order your copy here.
Violeta | Isabel Allende
Bestselling Chilean-American author Isabel Allende is back with a new must-read novel. This sweeping saga tells the story of Violeta, a woman born in 1920 who - over the course of her 100 years of life - experiences World War II, the Spanish flu, the Great Depression, and a million challenges and heartbreaks in between. As she endures, she tells her story in the form of a letter to someone she loves deeply.
Order your copy here.
When We Lost Our Heads | Heather O'Neill
When We Lost Our Heads chronicles the often toxic friendship of Marie and Sadie in 19th century Montreal and well, these two live a life. From finishing school to factory work to brothels, you won't believe their journey and how their choices lead them down some very dark and dangerous paths.
Order your copy here.
Historical Nonfiction
In Defense of Witches | Mona Chollet
We like to think that witch hunts are a thing of the past, but are they? In Defense of Witches examines the persecution of witches in the 17th century as well as what happens to women today when they go against the grain, try to live their truth, and make some noise. Is it very different today than it was back then?
Order your copy here.
Historical Feminist Fantasy
When Women Were Dragons | Kelly Barnhill
When Women Were Dragons takes place in 1950's America and depicts an event no one wants to talk about: thousands of women transforming into dragons and taking to the skies. That's right-ordinary women, mothers, and wives grew wings, grew talons, grew scales, rose up, and left everything behind in a fiery path of destruction. Sounds like the perfect allegory for the 1950's housewife, no? This one is sure to give your book club lots to discuss.
Coming May 3, 2022. Pre-order your copy here.
Supernatural Suspense
The Hacienda | Isabel Cañas
If you like horror stories of the supernatural, The Hacienda might be just what you're looking for. Set in the aftermath of the Mexican War of Independence, newly married Beatriz moves into her father's rural home (his hacienda) after he was executed. But strange things start happening and Beatriz soon realizes her new residence might be haunted by something very, very dark.
Coming May 10, 2022. Order your copy here.
Dystopian Fiction
To Paradise | Hanya Yanagihara
To Paradise is getting so much buzz and it's not hard to see why. This semi-utopian novel spans three time periods: an alternate version of 1893 New York, where people are allowed to love whomever they choose, 1993 Manhattan, still reeling from the AIDS epidemic, and 2093-a dystopian world riddled with plagues and run by totalitarian rule. All three time periods are linked with common elements including the need to feel love and protect one another, the pain of loneliness, and the heaviness and unbearable stain of shame. Get comfy for this one because it's going to be a journey.
Order your copy here.
Nonfiction
True Story: What Reality TV Says About Us | Danielle J. Lindemann
If you're ready for some introspection (and love reality TV), True Story: What Reality TV Says About Us is a must-read - just be ready to learn a thing or two about yourself and the rest of society! Sociologist and TV-lover Danielle J. Lindemann takes a hard look at the rise of reality TV and what our obsession with it says about race, gender, class, and sexuality.
Order your copy here.
Romance
The Decoy Girlfriend | Lillie Vale
If you can't get enough of the fake dating trope, you will love The Decoy Girlfriend! In this laugh-out-loud funny romance, sparks fly when Freya switches places with her celebrity doppelgänger and must fake-date the actress's very good looking boyfriend.
Coming September 6, 2022. Pre-order your copy here.
A Brush With Love | Mazey Eddings
Soon-to-be oral surgeon Harper and first-year dental student Dan are determined to be "just friends" but the more they get to know each other, the harder that seems to be. If you love sweet, modern love stories (and have watched everything on Hallmark), this one would be a great choice.
Order your copy here.
The Setup | Lizzy Dent
Grab your SPF and your carry-on because we have the ultimate beach read for your summer getaway. The Setup is a laugh-out-loud story about 31-year-old Mara who (while on a solo vacation) impulsively decides to impersonate a fortune teller. You can't imagine the twists and turns this story takes but we'll just tell you right now it involves a gorgeous Australian cellist named Josef, so do with that information what you will.
Coming June 7, 2022. Pre-order your copy here.
