Fall is here, and the coziest of seasons has begun! For me, thinking about fall cues images of curling up under a chunky blanket with a steaming mug in one hand and a good book (either old-fashioned or Kindle girlies, I’m here for it all!) in the other. Let’s be clear, any time of year is a great time to read (I’m so sad summer beach reading season is over), but the crispness in the air and the new rhythms that begin during this season can provide a perfect opening to either start reading or pick back up if you’ve fallen out of the habit. So what should you read?! Here are my top ten 2024 reading list faves.

2024 Reading List

There have been some amazing 2024 book releases so far across multiple genres. I’ve read a mix of new releases as well as plenty of books that have been on my TBR forever (although that list isn’t getting any shorter). I’ll break out books by genre and you can decide if you want to add them to your 2024 book club list or read them on your own!

Fantasy Genre

Let’s talk fantasy! Whether you’re a part of the Maasverse (I’m referring to Sarah J. Maas and her sensations like ACOTAR, Throne of Glass, and Crescent City series), or you are into some old-school fantasy like Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings, there’s something truly magical about fantasy world-building that transports you out of your reality and into another realm entirely. It can be the perfect escape when life gets crazy. Some newer fantasy releases that I have loved this year include:

Once Upon a Broken Heart Trilogy by Stephanie Garber

This series was recommended by a close friend of mine, and I devoured all three books in literally three days. There are not many books for which I can say that, but don’t just take my word for it – see for yourself. Evangeline Fox is the bold and feisty female main character (FMC) that you really just want to root for to get her happily ever after. When she strikes a dangerous deal with the Prince of Hearts, there’s no telling where she’ll end up or what manner of madness will happen along the way. The third and final book was released in October 2023 so holla for not having to wait on any new book releases!

Books in the trilogy include:

• Once Upon a Broken Heart
• The Ballad of Never After
• A Curse for True Love

Letters of Enchantment Duology by Rebecca Ross 

You have probably seen Divine Rivals and Ruthless Vows as chart toppers on best-seller lists, and for good reason. This duology sucks you into the world of two magically connected rival journalists who find themselves in the midst of a war of the gods. Uniquely written and full of emotion, these books will have you fully invested as you follow the story of Iris and Roman through to the end. Both books are released and available on Kindle Unlimited!

Books in the duology include:

• Divine Rivals
• Ruthless Vows

Murder Mystery (Cozy Murder) & Thriller Genre

So maybe you see the word “murder” and immediately say “sign me up!” Or, you could be more like me and have some reservations (will this be gory and grotesque and give me all the nightmares?!) Trust me, the answer to that is NO for what I’m recommending. In fact, one of my friends recently went to a book shop and learned from the employee helping her that these titles could be considered “cozy murder” books – WHAT? Say no more. I am HERE for the cozy murders. When you read them, that classification will make sense. Do yourself a favor and grab some of these cozy murder mysteries this fall:

The Thursday Murder Club Series by Richard Osman

Richard Osman’s dry British humor and wit makes you feel right at home among the senior residents of Cooper’s Chase retirement home. Do not underestimate these old folks when it comes to making tea, causing a stir, or solving a murder. I found the twists in these books surprising, and I laughed out loud multiple times. If you want a series with endearing characters, banter-filled dialogue, and enough action to ensure that there’s never a dull moment, then check out the four books in this series, all released and ready to go:

• The Thursday Murder Club
• The Man Who Died Twice
• The Bullet That Missed
• The Last Devil to Die

Killers of a Certain Age by Deanna Raybourn 

This standalone mystery thriller is filled with action and comedy when five retired female assassins just try to go away on vacation. Think bachelorette trip with old ladies where everything suddenly goes wrong and now their lives are in the balance. Filled with plenty of laughs and an endearing cast of characters, this book really should be turned into a movie ASAP. 

Finlay Donovan series by Elle Cosimano

Whether you feel like you have your life together or you would say that the meme of the dog sitting in the house engulfed in flames (it’s fine, everything’s fine) is a more accurate depiction of your life, Finlay Donovan has you beat. When her life starts to spiral, there’s a whole flood of chaos ready to ensue, and you want to be along for this ride! The books making up the series are listed below:

• Finlay Donovan Is Killing It
• Finlay Donovan Knocks ‘Em Dead
• Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun
• Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice
• Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave (to be released in March 2025)

Rom-Com Genre

If you’re looking for the book equivalent of a cute, cozy rom-com, there are a couple new releases that could be categorized under best books for women 2024. Check and see if your book club girls want to read them along with you, and add these new romances to your 2024 book list:

Funny Story by Emily Henry

Emily Henry’s newest book hit shelves in April of this year, and guys, this one instantly became one of my favorites of hers. Sometimes romance books can lack substance, but Emily Henry does a great job of building relatable characters that are both comedic and deep. The relationship between the two main characters, Miles and Daphne, feels satirical in the best way, and the book truly reads like a “funny story.” I’ll be honest – I gave this one 5 stars on Goodreads and I think it’s one of the top 10 books for women in 2024!

Happily Never After by Lynn Painter 

I have read most of Lynn Painter’s books, and she’s another go-to author for me in the romance genre. Happily Never After is her latest book, which came out in March. Reminiscent of Wedding Crashers, this book is uniquely humorous and fun! Sophie and Max find themselves thrown together in the aftermath of Sophie’s failed wedding. A slow burn friends-to-lovers trope emerges, and you can’t help but hope that these two are each other’s endgame. 

The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center

Here is another new 2024 reading list title that was just released in June from Katherine Center. The Rom-Commers is a tale of two screenwriters. Emma gets the chance of a lifetime to meet her screenwriter icon, Charlie Yates. He is less thrilled to meet her under the circumstances they find themselves in. Can these two overcome seemingly insurmountable odds to not only co-exist but potentially work together and maybe even find love along the way? Add this one to your reading list for 2024 to find out! 

Historical Fiction Genre

Last, but certainly not least is the historical fiction genre. Don’t sleep on these! Whether you’re a Kristin Hannah die-hard or new to the genre, there are so many amazing historical fiction reads to explore. I’m limiting myself to two, and both would be great women’s book group recommendations:

What the Wind Knows by Amy Harmon

I may not have picked up this book on my own, but my book club chose to read it, and it became an instant favorite! With time travel, a love story, and a journey through Ireland in the 1920s, this book was filled with adventure and heartbreak, love and tears. 

The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes

Set during Depression-era America, this book is the awe-inspiring story of a group of women delivering books on horseback as the “Packhorse Librarians of Kentucky.” Facing life-threatening danger in order to bring books to those who have never had access before, these women change the course of history and learn just how strong they truly are. 

I hope you add these titles to your TBR and give them a try. I’d love to hear what you think! I’ll pop in again periodically with more titles as I go. Feel free to send any must-read recommendations my way as well, and Happy Reading!

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