As the holidays approach and the year winds down, Woman's World editors are reflecting on their favorite books of the year. From sweeping fantasies to romances that made us believe in the power of love again to fascinating memoirs and many more, 2024 was a year filled with extraordinary stories.
And now, WW editors are celebrating a year of excellent books with our first-ever WW Book Awards! With dozens of books in the running, our editors curated and voted for their top reads of the year -- the special, standout books that captured our imaginations and our hearts from page one. Keep scrolling to discover which books -- written by beloved and debut authors alike -- were crowned as "the best books of 2024" across 13 genres.
Whether you see some familiar titles or new-to-you books, we guarantee that any book on this list will provide either enthralling entertainment, soul-stirring drama, heart-pounding mystery or powerfully heartfelt charm. Happy reading -- and congratulations to all the authors! (And stay tuned for WW to announce their most-anticipated reads of 2025 later this month!)
Unforgettable characters and deeply captivating moments abound in The Women, the international bestselling saga from beloved author Kristin Hannah. It's 1965 and 20-year-old nursing student Frances "Frankie" McGrath joins her brother to serve in Vietnam in the Army Nurse Corps. Even after the overwhelming day-to-day of the war, the real challenge Frankie will face is coming home to a changed America. A story of the women who courageously served their country.
What our editors are saying: "I enjoy books that take me back in time, and this one opened my eyes to the past," says Patty Bontekoe, Woman's World Executive Editor. "This book spans 20 years of Frankie's life and how she tries to return to 'normal.' I was bowled over by her strength and courage!"
What it's about: Bestselling author Emily Henry is known for her smart and witty romances -- and her latest is another triumphant love story. When Daphne's fiancé, Peter, admits he's actually in love with his childhood friend, Petra, she's crushed. The only person who can understand her is Petra's ex, scruffy Miles Nowak. Miles and Daphne become roommates, then hatch a plan to make their exes jealous, but the faux romance starts to feel very real.
What WW editors thought: "I've been a fan of Emily Henry's since her debut," says Melissa D'Agnese, Woman's World Senior Editor. "But I have to admit...Funny Story may be her best novel yet. Between the richly descriptive scenery and the heartfelt, slow-build moments between Daphne and Miles, I couldn't get enough of this story. It was my favorite romance novel of the year by far."
What it's about: Riveting family drama and absorbing history meld in this fascinating page-turner. Camp Emerson is located in the Adirondack Mountains and owned by the Var Laar family. One August morning in 1975, a camp counselor uncovers an empty bunk where Barbara Van Lear was sleeping...and it's not the first time a Van Laar child has gone missing. What follows is a nail-biting community search rife with secrets and, hopefully, second chances.
What WW editors thought: "I am a huge mystery lover," shares Louisa Marshall, Woman's World Digital Managing Editor. "And when I kept seeing this one pop up everywhere, I knew I needed to pick up a copy right away. Equal parts thrilling, enthralling and entertaining, The God of The Woods kept me guessing until the very last page."
What it's about: Danger, deception and secrets...this heart-racing thriller penned by Sally Hepworth has it all. The plot follows Jessica, Norah and Alicia, who are taken in by a foster mom, Miss Fairchild. They think they'll finally have a good family life -- until Miss Fairchild's rules become suffocating and the girls break away. But when a body is discovered under the home they grew up in years later, the women return to the house to discover the truth.
What WW editors thought: "I will read anything Sally Hepworth writes," says Bontekoe. "She has a way of capturing family drama like no other. "The story is told from all three of the women's points of view in the present and past, giving true insight into each character. The bonds they formed despite their trauma reminded me how strong women are and the power of female friendship -- and the twist at the end left me reeling!"
What it's about: Pulitzer Prize-winning author Elizabeth Strout -- who penned Olive Kitteridge -- brings readers back to Crosby, Maine, and to a beloved cast of characters in her latest heart-tugging novel. In this tale, town lawyer Bob Burgess is enmeshed in a local murder investigation. He also befriends Lucy Barton. Meanwhile, Lucy meets the iconic Olive Kitteridge and they strike up a friendship. A story full of hope, meaning and love.
What WW editors thought: "Elizabeth Strout's Olive Kitteridge and Olive, Again are two of my favorite books, so I was eager to dive into her newest story," shares Sienna Sullivan, Woman's World Editorial Assistant. "This story was full of hope, meaning and love -- and every character felt so relatable and tangible."
What it's about: Bestselling author Elin Hilderbrand is the reigning "queen of beach reads" and Swan Song brings her Nantucket novels to a captivating finish. Ed Kapenash is ready to retire after serving 35 years as Chief of Police on Nantucket island. But just before his retirement, he receives a phone call that a $22 million summer home has burned down. The Richardsons, the flashy family who purchased the home, are throwing a yacht party when news of the fire gets out...and their personal assistant is missing. Ed knows the Richardsons, and his daughter is best friends with their assistant: the now-missing girl. With no choice, Ed puts off his retirement plans and takes on the double case. Meanwhile, drama is brewing for other locals, including town gossip Blond Sharon and local real estate agent Fast Eddie. An expertly woven story set on the beautiful island of Nantucket!
What WW editors thought: "Whenever I'm looking for a multilayered story to pack into my beach bag, I always reach for an Elin Hilderbrand book," says Maggie Dillard, Woman's World Features Editor. "Swan Song was the big finale in her Nantucket series -- and it was hands-down one of my top reads of the year. It blended sunshine-filled scenes with intrigue, drama and tender moments. I couldn't put it down."
What it's about: Lend an ear to the story of superstar singer, actress and legend Cher in her highly anticipated new memoir. In the first of two installments, the award-winning performer shares her earliest childhood memories, how she met Sonny Bono and their ascent into superstardom. She also opens up about their painful divorce, her relationship with Gregg Allman and her ongoing drive for independence amidst Hollywood fame.
What WW editors thought: "As an avid music lover, I knew Cher's memoir would blow me away," confesses Carissa Mosness, Woman's World Associate Digital Editor. "Not only was the audiobook the perfect combination of honest and real, but it was also partially read by the singer herself, making it my favorite must-listen of the year. I simply cannot wait for part two to release next year."
What it's about: Bestselling sensation Sarah J. Maas returns with the third spellbinding, heart-racing saga in the beloved Crescent City series. After being stranded in a strange world, Bryce Quinlan has to do everything she can to get back home to Midgard. Meanwhile, Hunt Athalar finds himself stripped of his freedom in the Asteri's dungeons with no way to help Bryce. Now, they must devise a new plan to save their world.
What WW editors thought: "I truly love anything Sarah J. Maas does," says Courtney Shapiro, Woman's World Digital Associate Editor. "This was a great addition to the Crescent City series, and it was so nice to see all the growth from book one to now in the characters and the story. I was hooked from page one until the very last chapter -- it's always an adventure!"
What it's about: This sparkling novel, written by the bestselling author of the reader-favorite American Royals series, 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.
What WW editors thought: "Nothing beats escaping into a fun royal drama -- and Katharine McGee's American Royals series is one of my favorites," says Mosness, "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. Based on real women and true events, this Victorian-era story swept me away. Plus, the romance and marriage mart gossip was very entertaining! This might be my favorite Katharine McGee book yet."
What it's about: In 2022, Lisa Marie Presley asked her daughter Riley to help her finish her long-awaited memoir. A month later, Lisa Marie passed away -- and the world would never know her story in her own words. As Riley grieved, she collected Lisa Marie's tapes and listened to her mother's stories -- about Graceland, Elvis, her marriages and more -- and it was then she knew she'd keep that promise: to tell the world her family's story, to make her mother known. Written in both Lisa Marie's and Riley's voices, this heartwrenching story is deeply moving, revealing and healing.
What WW editors thought: "I've been totally fascinated by all things Elvis Presley since I was a little girl," says D'Agnese. "I also adore Riley Keough, Elvis' granddaughter, ever since her spectacular performance in Daisy Jones & The Six. After hearing the tragic news of Lisa Marie's passing, and that Riley was going to finish writing her mom's memoir, I couldn't wait to read it. Riley co-narrates the audiobook version with Julia Roberts, and I was enthralled from the very first line. An extraordinary story of family, love and legacy."
What it's about: This exhilarating tale is told by a young British ministry employee who becomes part of a secret time travel project that brings people from particular moments in the past to live in the present day. Her mission? To help a commander of an 1847 Arctic expedition acclimate to the modern world and record his progress. But she soon begins to have feelings for the man, and learns there are many who would actually kill to see the project fail. Part time travel romance, part spy thriller, this is one of the buzziest science fiction books of the entire year!
What WW editors thought: "I'm a huge Dr. Who fan who also loves historical fiction, so this novel was right up my alley," cheers Carey Ostergard, Woman's World Executive Editor. "It was a fresh fusion of historical events, a fish-out-of water perspective, romance and espionage...I read it through the night."
What it's about: Filled with hilarious moments and a sweet cast of characters, this story follows Lydia, who decides to take a job running a senior citizens' social club three days a week. Before long, Lydia learns the quirks of the members -- and they are not at all what she was expecting. But when the city council threatens to sell the community center, the social club joins forces with the daycare next door to save the building...and chaos ensues!
What WW editors thought: "This cover and title -- which had me chuckling out loud -- caught my eye first," says Lauren Stachiw, Woman's World Beauty Director. "But the charming cast of characters and the hysterical moments are what hooked me. Clare Pooley has a knack for writing characters who feel like friends. This very funny tale also delivered a heartwarming reminder: age is truly just a number. I read many books this year, but I keep thinking back to this one most, and smiling."
What it's about: This debut novel follows Helen Zhang, who hasn't seen Grant Shepard in the 13 years since the accident that changed their lives. Now, Helen is a bestselling author. Her most recent gig? A spot in the writer's room of the TV adaptation of her young adult novels. She tries to shake off new-job nerves and focus on the fact that no one knows her, or her past, in L.A. But years ago, Grant moved across the country to start over and he's now working as a screenwriter. When Grant and Helen come face-to-face again, they are forced to deal with the pain of the past and the present -- and all the undeniable chemistry crackling between them.
What WW editors thought: "Two of my go-to romances are People We Meet on Vacation and Funny Story by Emily Henry," says D'Agnese. "So when I heard that Yulin Kuang -- the screenwriter and director behind Henry's books, which are both being made into films -- wrote her own novel, I swiped it up so fast. A tale of love in all forms, this incredibly romantic novel stayed with me long after I finished it. To me, it's the standout debut of the year."