Welcome back, dear readers! Whether you’re gearing up for a long road trip for the holidays or a cozy weekend spent at home, we have a new batch of book recommendations for November 22 to December 5—and it’s just in time for the long Thanksgiving weekend. From historical fiction to family saga, mystery, thriller and more, we guarantee there’s a compelling book for every reading taste.
If you feel like traveling to 19th-century Europe and diving into royal drama, bestselling author Katharine McGee’s A Queen’s Game is a perfect fit. More in the mood for a multilayered family saga that spans decades? Try Jami Attenberg’s A Reason to See You Again, which readers describe as “undeniably absorbing.”
For those looking to kickstart the festive reading season, pick up The Mistletoe Mystery by Nita Prose—it’s a holiday whodunit filled with intrigue and charm! This week, FIRST editors are also recommending bestselling author Liane Moriarty’s Here One Moment for its “powerful” premise and beautiful prose.
Keep scrolling here for the entire list of FFW Book Club must-read recommendations for November 22 to December 5!
Young adult
‘A Queen’s Game’ by Katharine McGee
“Nothing beats escaping into a fun royal drama—and Katharine McGee’s American Royals series is one of my favorites,” says Carissa Mosness, FIRST Assistant Digital Editor. “So when I heard she was releasing another royal-themed book—this time set in 19th-century Europe—I cleared my schedule to read it!” The story follows Queen Victoria’s favorite granddaughter, Alix of Hesse. Alix knows she will marry a prince, but the one she’s currently falling for is not the one she’s set to marry. Elsewhere, Hélène d’Orléans, the daughter of the exiled King of France, is technically no longer a princess, but she’s spending time with charming Prince Eddy, heir to the British throne—and very much off-limits. Royal outsider May of Teck wants one thing: to finally have a place in the royal court. And she is determined to marry the future king to make it happen. What follows is a battle of love, duty and staying true to who you are and what you believe in. “Based on real women and true events, this Victorian-era story swept me away,” cheers Carissa. “Plus, the romance and marriage mart gossip was very entertaining! This might be my favorite Katharine McGee book yet.” (Random House, 2024)
Family saga
‘A Reason to See You Again’ by Jami Attenberg
“When I’m in the mood for an emotional book, I reach for a family saga,” says Melissa D’Agnese, FIRST Senior Editor. “And Jami Attenberg’s latest novel is a captivating story about family love and the many forms it can take.” The book begins in the 1970s, after the death of patriarch Rudy, which sends the Cohen women into a crisis. Shelly, the youngest, runs off to the West Coast. Her sister, Nancy, gets married at age 21. Their mother, Frieda, moves to Miami to try to forget her past. Says Melissa, “This story intrigued me from the jump.” (Ecco, 2024)
Historical mystery
‘The Third Wife of Faraday House’ by B.R. Myers
“My mom’s book club reads the most interesting books, and she recently let me borrow this one by B.R. Myers,” says Lauren Stachiw, FIRST Beauty Director. It’s 1816, and Emeline Fitzpatrick’s plan to marry a lieutenant has been ruined after a scandal. Now she’s left with only two options: Join a coven or marry Captain Graves, a two-time widow. Emeline picks the latter, but once she moves into Faraday House, she learns that Graves’ second wife is still alive and determined to find a way out. “I enjoyed the whodunit’s Gothic setting,” says Lauren. “And the slow tension kept me turning pages!” (HarperCollins, 2024)
Mystery
‘The Mistletoe Mystery’ by Nita Prose
“I fell in love with Molly Gray, the title character in Nita Prose’s The Maid series, so when I saw a holiday novella featuring the quirky, naive hotel maid, I was all in,” says Patty Bontekoe, FIRST Executive Editor. “And it did not disappoint!” Molly adores the holidays almost as much as she loves her job at the Regency Grand Hotel. But this year, her boyfriend, Juan Manuel, a pastry chef at the hotel, is acting odd. And before long, she finds herself wrapped up in another mystery, wondering what is going on at the hotel—and what he’s actually up to in the days leading up to the staff’s Secret Santa gift exchange. Says Patty, “This heartwarming story was exactly what I needed to get into the holiday spirit.” (Ballantine, 2024)
Thriller
‘Here One Moment’ by Liane Moriarty
“I’ve been a fan of Liane Moriarty’s for years, and when I heard the premise of Here One Moment, I was hooked,” says Rachel Cosma, FIRST Health Director. On a short domestic flight, a woman dubbed “The Death Lady” tells each passenger when and how they’ll die. Most shrug it off—until one person dies as she predicted. Then two more. Soon, the rest of the passengers must decide how to spend their remaining time or dare to try to change their destinies. “This powerful saga inspired me to slow down and focus on what truly matters,” says Rachel. (Crown, 2024)
Self-help
‘Your Best Financial Life’ by Anne Lester
“Learning about finances is overwhelming and confusing,” admits Kristina Mastrocola, FIRST Senior Editor. “That is, until I found this simple guide!” Anne Lester, former head of retirement solutions for JPMorgan Asset Management, shares practical, easy-to-follow advice on everything from the magic of compounding to the difference between dollar cost averaging and lump sum investing. Says Kristina, “I feel more confident and prepared now that I’ve implemented so many of the strategies I learned from Lester: Hello, Roth IRA!” (William Morrow, 2024)
Fantasy
‘Atalanta’ by Jennifer Saint
“Between the daring adventure and complex characters, Jennifer Saint’s Greek mythology retellings are so good—and I couldn’t wait to read this one,” says Erin McCarthy, FIRST Graphic Designer. Atalanta’s life is simple and free, until one day, Artemis selects Atalanta to be her champion. She embarks with the Argonauts on the quest to get the golden fleece. But as she is tested, her quest evolves into a journey of self-realization. “The story showcases how Atalanta makes her own choices while facing opposition,” says Erin. “It’s a celebration of powerful women!” (Flatiron, 2023)
Romance
‘You, With a View’ by Jessica Joyce
“A friend told me this story’s enemies-to-lovers trope was executed immaculately,” says Courtney Shapiro, FIRST Digital Associate Editor. “And she was right!” Noelle Shepard is grieving the loss of her grandmother when she comes across letters detailing her Gram’s forbidden love. Desperate to know more, Noelle makes a TikTok video that goes viral. Next, Noelle finds herself taking Gram’s planned honeymoon trip with the man Gram loved, Paul. The catch? Paul’s grandson, Theo—Noelle’s rival—is joining them. “Joyce also captured grief beautifully,” says Courtney. “She showed how honoring lost loved ones helps us heal.” (Berkley, 2023)
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