2025 Holiday Gift Guide: Books for Every Reader

The Secret of Secrets by Dan Brown

The gift of gifts. Wrap up the perfect holiday escape with the #1 New York Times bestseller, The Secret of Secrets.

The world’s most celebrated thriller writer and author of The Da Vinci Code returns with his most stunning novel yet—a propulsive, twisty, thought-provoking masterpiece that will entertain readers as only Dan Brown can do.

Hungerstone by Kat Dunn

Before Dracula, there was Carmilla, and now, 127 years later, we have Hungerstone, a fabulously sensual, sapphic retelling.

It’s the height of the Industrial Revolution and ten years into Lenore’s marriage to steel magnate Henry, their relationship has soured. When Henry’s ambitions take them from London to the remote British moorlands to host a hunting party, a shocking carriage accident brings the mysterious Carmilla into their lives. Carmilla, who is weak and pale during the day but vibrant at night. Carmilla, who stirs up something deep within Lenore. And before long, girls from the local villages fall sick, consumed by a terrible hunger . . .

As the day of the hunt draws closer, Lenore begins to unravel, questioning the role she has been playing all these years. Torn between regaining her husband’s affection and the cravings Carmilla has awakened, soon Lenore will uncover a darkness in her household that will place her at terrible risk.

The Widow by John Grisham

#1 New York Times bestselling author John Grisham is the acclaimed master of the legal thriller. Now, he’s back with his first-ever whodunit, even more suspenseful than his courtroom dramas, as a small-time lawyer accused of murder races to find the real killer to clear his name.

The Possession of Alba Díaz by Isabel Cañas

When a demonic presence awakens deep in a Mexican silver mine, the young woman it seizes must turn to the one man she shouldn’t trust…from bestselling author Isabel Cañas.

The Road to Tender Hearts by Annie Hartnett

A comic and warm-hearted novel about an old man on a cross-country mission to reunite with his high school crush—bringing together his adult daughter, two orphans, and a cat who can predict death—by the beloved author of Rabbit Cake and Unlikely Animals.

At sixty-three years old, million-dollar lottery winner PJ Halliday spends both his money and his time at the bar, knowing he probably doesn’t have much time left—he’s had three heart attacks already.

But when PJ reads the obituary of his old romantic rival, he realizes his high school sweetheart, Michelle Cobb, is single again. Filled with a new enthusiasm for life, PJ decides he’s going to drive across the country to the Tender Hearts Retirement Community to win Michelle back.

This could be the second chance PJ has long hoped for—but does he have the strength? It’s very possible his heart can’t take it.

The Heart of It's a Wonderful Life by Jimmy Hawkins

Remember what makes a wonderful life with this keepsake book that honors the film’s legacy and timeless lessons. Go behind the scenes of one of the most beloved holiday films of all time. For millions, watching It’s a Wonderful Life is a cherished Christmas tradition. But what made the film so lastingly magical?

Jimmy Hawkins, who played Tommy Bailey in the classic film, shares rare, heartwarming stories and personal reflections from his time on set. This intimate book explores the movie's production, its timeless message that every life has value, and its surprising journey to becoming a holiday staple. Discover new anecdotes from cast and crew, learn historical context about the film's creation, and see why its themes of hope and community resonate more deeply than ever.

Perfect for fans of old Hollywood and anyone who loves the film, this book is an uplifting companion guide for group discussions or quiet reflection during the Christmas season. It’s a reminder that no one is a failure who has friends.

Twice by Mitch Albom

What if you got to do everything in your life—twice? The heart of Mitch Albom’s newest novel—charmingly narrated by Mitch himself—is a stunning love story that dares to explore how our unchecked desires might mean losing what we’ve had all along.

Heart the Lover by Lily King

From the New York Times bestselling author of Writers & Lovers comes a magnificent and intimate new novel of desire, friendship, and the lasting impact of first love.

Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy

A family on a remote island. A mysterious woman washed ashore. A rising storm on the horizon. Wild Dark Shore is a story of impossible choices and ferocious love from Charlotte McConaghy, bestselling author of Once There Were Wolves and Migrations.

Dominic Salt and his three children are the final caretakers of Shearwater, a tiny island off the coast of Antarctica. Home to the world’s largest seed bank, Shearwater is now isolated due to rising sea levels. During the worst storm the island has ever seen, a woman mysteriously washes ashore.As the storms gather force, they all must decide if they can trust each other enough to protect the precious seeds in their care—and if they can finally overcome the tragedies of the past to create something new, together. Experience a story with breathtaking twists and dizzying beauty, brought to life by a full cast of exceptional narrators.

The Irish Goodbye by Heather Aimee O'Neill

For fans of J. Courtney Sullivan and Mary Beth Keane, this powerful debut, read by Kristen Sieh, explores a family grappling with a shared tragedy and desperately trying to heal their strained bonds over a pivotal Thanksgiving weekend.

It's been two decades since the three Ryan sisters—Cait, Alice, and Maggie—were all together in their beloved Long Island family home after their lives were fractured by a childhood accident. Years later, the sisters return, each carrying a heavy secret. And when a guest from their shared past is invited to Thanksgiving dinner, the explosive tension forces new truths to the surface, asking the Ryan family if they can finally forgive one another before their fragile family bond is broken forever. 

The Correspondent by Virginia Evans

Discover the word-of-mouth hit hailed by Ann Patchett as “A cause for celebration”—an intimate novel about the transformative power of the written word and the beauty of slowing down to reconnect with the people we love.

Narrated by a full cast.

The Rose Field by Philip Pullman

The breathtaking conclusion to Philip Pullman’s landmark new trilogy The Book of Dust! Return to the world of His Dark Materials and discover what fate has in store for Lyra, “one of fantasy’s most indelible heroines” (The New York Times Magazine).

Narrated by actor Michael Sheen (as were all three books in the trilogy).

Bonds of Hercules by Jasmine Mas

From the New York Times bestselling author of Blood of Hercules comes the highly anticipated sequel everyone’s talking about—where Greek mythology gets darker, hotter, and wilder.

Alexis never asked to be the daughter of Hades and Persephone. She didn’t ask to be Hercules, either. But fate doesn’t care what she wants.

Now she’s trapped in a marriage with two enemies and surrounded by gods who lie as easily as they breathe. Augustus and Kharon want her. Achilles and Patro are hiding something. And a prisoner has escaped the Underworld, threatening to unravel everything.

Alexis is done being a pawn. She’s entering the Gladiator Competition, where power is earned in blood and betrayal. She’s not just fighting for survival—she’s fighting to take back control of her story.

The gods want her broken. Her enemies want her heart. And readers won’t stop until they know how it ends.

Spellcaster by Jaymin Eve

This holiday, treat yourself or surprise the romance fan in your life with Jaymin Eve’s Spellcaster—it dazzles with foil detailing and if you’re lucky, you can still find copies with the vibrant sprayed and stained edges. Inside, Weatherstone College beckons, where ancient magic pulses through shadowed halls and danger lurks at every turn.

At its heart is a magical dark academia with sizzling enemies-to-lovers romance, blending “who hurt you?” tension, irresistible “f*ck it” moments, and a relationship founded on irresistible and instant chemistry...with sexy, enthusiastic consent. Magical creatures, dark secrets, and high stakes make every page fly by in this fast-paced, adventure. Captivating from start to finish, Spellcaster is the ultimate gift for readers who love Hallmark vibes, CW-level drama, compelling tropes and crave any all things witchy!

Katabasis by R. F. Kuang

Dante’s Inferno meets Susanna Clarke’s Piranesi in this all-new dark academia fantasy from R. F. Kuang, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Babel and Yellowface, in which two graduate students must put aside their rivalry and journey to Hell to save their professor’s soul—perhaps at the cost of their own. 

Alchemised by SenLinYu

In this riveting dark fantasy debut, a woman with missing memories fights to survive a war-torn world of necromancy and alchemy—and the man tasked with unearthing the deepest secrets of her past.

Good Spirits by B.K. Borison

The USA Today bestselling author of Business Casual, B.K. Borison is back with a whimsical new holiday romance—this time with a magical twist—that will have everyone falling in love with the Ghost of Christmas Past.

Merry Christmas, You Filthy Animal  by Meghan Quinn

From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Meghan Quinn comes a brand new holiday rom-com with all the humor and heat her fans adore.

The Eight Heartbreaks of Hanukkah by Jean Meltzer

Can these exes rekindle their love this Hanukkah?

Evelyn Schwartz has the perfect Hanukkah planned: eight jam-packed days producing the live-action televised musical of A Christmas Carol. Who needs family when you've got long hours, impossible deadlines, and your dream job? That is, until an accident on set lands her in the medical bay with one of her chronic migraines, and she's shocked to find her ex-husband, David Adler, filling in for the usual studio doctor.

There's Always Next Year by George M. Johnson, Leah Johnson

From New York Times-bestselling author George M. Johnson and USA Today-bestselling author Leah Johnson comes a revolutionary new holiday romcom for fans of Lynn Painter, Alice Oseman, and Nicola Yoon.

Book of Lives by Margaret Atwood

How does one of the greatest storytellers of our time write her own life? The long-awaited memoir from the author of The Handmaid’s Tale and The Testaments, one of our most lauded and influential cultural figures.

Mother Mary Comes to Me by Arundhati Roy

A raw and deeply moving memoir from the legendary author of The God of Small Things and The Ministry of Utmost Happiness that traces her complex relationship with her mother, Mary Roy, a fierce and formidable force who shaped Arundhati’s life both as a woman and a writer.

Bread of Angels by Patti Smith

A radiant new memoir from artist and writer Patti Smith, author of the National Book Award winner Just Kids.

Joyride by Susan Orlean

From Susan Orlean, the beloved New Yorker writer and bestselling author of The Orchid Thief and The Library Book who has been hailed as “a national treasure” by The Washington Post, comes a masterful memoir of finding her creative calling and purpose that invites us to approach life with wonder, curiosity, and an irrepressible sense of delight.