Books to Look Forward to in 2021! There are so many amazing books that came out in 2020. I didn’t get to read all the new ones I wanted to but I’m already looking forward to the 2021 releases. These are some of the books that I’m most excited for in 2021. There are 30 books in total which I’ve categorized them by genre.
Contemporary Fiction
How the One-Armed Sister Sweeps Her House
A debut novel in the tradition of Zadie Smith and Marlon James, from a brilliant Caribbean writer, set in Barbados, about four people each desperate to escape their legacy of violence in a so-called “paradise.”
Publication date – February 2, 2021 by Little, Brown and Company
Why I’m excited to read it – I don’t think I’ve read a book set in Barbados so I’m excited to be transported there via this book.
This Close to Okay
A cathartic novel about the life-changing weekend shared between two strangers: a therapist and the man she prevents from ending his life.
Publication date – February 2, 2021 by Grand Central Publishing
Why I’m excited to read it – This sounds like a powerful story, it sounds heavy so will have to save it for the right time. This was an early release via Book of the month this past month.
The Kindest Lie
The Kindest Lie examines the heartbreaking divide between black and white communities and plumbs the emotional depths of the struggles faced by ordinary Americans in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis. Capturing the profound racial injustices and class inequalities roiling society, Nancy Johnson’s debut novel offers an unflinching view of motherhood in contemporary America and the never-ending quest to achieve the American Dream.
Publication date – February 9, 2021 by William Morrow
Why I’m excited to read it – I am always drawn to these kinds of stories and this one is set in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis which is different.
Infinite Country
An urgent and lyrical novel about a Colombian family fractured by deportation, offering an intimate perspective on an experience that so many have endured—and are enduring right now.
Publication date – February 23, 2021 by Avid Reader Press
Why I’m excited to read it – I enjoy reading and learning from immigrant stories. I travelled to Colombia last year and would love to read more books set there.
What’s Mine and Yours
From the author of Halsey Street, a sweeping novel of legacy, identity, the American family-and the ways that race affects even our most intimate relationships.
Publication date – March 2, 2021 by Grand Central Publishing
Why I’m excited to read it – This book was recommended by Elizabeth Acevedo which is one of my favorite authors.
One Two Three
A timely, topical novel about love and family that will make you laugh and cry…and laugh again.
Publication date – March 2, 2021 by Henry Holt and Co.
Why I’m excited to read it – The author of this book, Laure Frankel wrote another book that I loved, This is how it always is. She is a great writer and amazing story teller.
Romance
Life’s Too Short
A brilliant and touching romantic comedy from the USA Today bestselling author of The Friend Zone and The Happy Ever After Playlist. (That’s all you need to know!)
Publication date – April 6, 2021 by Forever
Why I’m excited to read it – Abby Jimenez is an auto-read author for me. I loved both her books The Friend Zone and The Happy Ever After Playlist.
Under the Southern Sky
Two childhood friends discover that love—and family—can be found in unconventional ways in this timely, moving novel from the USA TODAY bestselling author of the “beautifully Southern, evocative Peachtree Bluff series”
Publication date – April 20, 2021 by Gallery Books
Why I’m excited to read it – I love Kristy Woodson Harvey and this sounds like a great southern women’s fiction book. Can’t wait to read it while at the beach.
Dial A for Aunties
A hilariously quirky novel that is equal parts murder mystery, rom-com, and a celebration of mothers and daughters as well as a deep dive into Chinese-Indonesian culture, by debut author Jesse Q. Sutanto
Publication date – April 27, 2021 by Berkley
Why I’m excited to read it – I don’t think I’ve ever read a murder mystery/rom-com book so I am very intrigued about this one.
People We Meet on Vacation
With one week to win back the best friend she might just be in love with, a travel writer plans the trip of a lifetime in this sparkling new novel from the New York Times bestselling author of Beach Read.
Publication date – May 11, 2021 by Berkley
Why I’m excited to read it – I loved Beach Read so I’m looking forward to the author’s next book.
One Last Stop
Casey McQuiston’s One Last Stop is a magical, sexy, big-hearted romance where the impossible becomes possible as August does everything in her power to save the girl lost in time.
Publication date – June 1st, 2021 by St. Martin’s Griffin
Why I’m excited to read it – This is at the top of my most anticipated books of the year. I loved the author’s book Red, White and Royal Blue.
The Road Trip
Addie and her sister are about to embark on an epic road trip to a friend’s wedding in the north of Scotland. The playlist is all planned and the snacks are packed. But, not long after setting off, a car slams into the back of theirs. The driver is none other than Addie’s ex, Dylan, who she’s avoided since their traumatic break-up two years earlier. Dylan and his best mate are heading to the wedding too, and they’ve totalled their car, so Addie has no choice but to offer them a ride. Will they make it to the wedding on time? And, more importantly… is this really the end of the road for Addie and Dylan?
Publication date – June 1st, 2021 by Berkley
Why I’m excited to read it – Another author I love. I really liked The Flatshare and The Switch so I’m looking forward to Beth O’learys next romantic comedy.
Historical Fiction
Meet Me in Bombay
It’s New Year’s Eve in Bombay, 1913, and Madeline Bright, new to the sweltering heat of colonial India, is yearning for all she has left behind in England. Then, at the stroke of midnight, Maddy meets Luke Devereaux, and as the year changes so do both their lives.
Publication date – January 19, 2021 by St. Martin’s Press
Why I’m excited to read it –
The Four Winds
An epic novel of love and heroism and hope, set against the backdrop of one of America’s most defining eras—the Great Depression.
Publication date – February 9, 2021 by St. Martin’s Press
Why I’m excited to read it – If you’ve been following along you know I love Kristin Hannah. This book sounds super depressing but I’m excited to read it and have a good cry.
The Women of Chateau Lafayette
An epic saga from New York Times bestselling author Stephanie Dray based on the true story of an extraordinary castle in the heart of France and the remarkable women bound by its legacy in three of humanity’s darkest hours.
Publication date – March 30, 2021 by Berkley
Why I’m excited to read it – I love historical fiction books with alternating timelines and this one sounds amazing.
Of Women and Salt
A sweeping, masterful debut about a daughter’s fateful choice, a mother motivated by her own past, and a family legacy that begins in Cuba before either of them were born.
Publication date – March 30, 2021 by Flatiron Books
Why I’m excited to read it – I’m not going to lie the cover of this one is what initially made me want to read it. I am also fascinated with books set in Cuba.
The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba
At the end of the nineteenth century, three revolutionary women fight for freedom in New York Times bestselling author Chanel Cleeton’s captivating new novel inspired by real-life events and the true story of a legendary Cuban woman–Evangelina Cisneros–who changed the course of history.
Publication date – May 4, 2021 by Berkley
Why I’m excited to read it – Another author I love. Chanel Cleeton’s books are amazing. The writing, the setting everything. I’m looking forward to another great book from her!
Malibu Rising
Four famous siblings throw an epic party to celebrate the end of the summer. But over the course of twenty-four hours, their lives will change forever. Set in Malibu in August 1983.
Publication date – May 25, 2021 by Ballantine Books
Why I’m excited to read it – Taylor Jenkin’s Reid is my absolute favorite author. Some of my favorite books are The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo and Daisy Jones and The Six (I’ve read it twice). This is by far my most anticipated book of the year.
Thrillers/Mystery
The Perfect Guests
A twisty novel about a grand estate with many secrets, an orphan caught in a web of lies, and a young woman playing a sinister game.
Publication date – January 12, 2021 by Berkley
Why I’m excited to read it – The premise of this book sounds so interesting. It sounds like my kind of thriller.
Waiting for the Night Song
A startling and timely debut, Julie Carrick Dalton’s Waiting for the Night Song is a moving, brilliant novel about friendships forged in childhood magic and ruptured by the high price of secrets that leave you forever changed.
Publication date – January 12, 2021 by Forge
Why I’m excited to read it – This book was described as similar to Where the Crawdads Sing but more mystery so I’m intrigued.
Girls with Bright Futures
Three women. Three daughters. And a promise that they’ll each get what they deserve. Set during college admissions season at a High School. As the community spirals out of control, three women will have to decide what lines they’re willing to cross to secure their daughters’ futures…and keep buried the secrets that threaten to destroy far more than just college dreams.
Publication date – February 2, 2021 by Sourcebooks Landmark
Why I’m excited to read it – A book about parents behaving badly, I’m here for it! I’ve seen this book described as a great mashup of Desperate Housewives meets Big Little Lies.
Every Vow You Break
A bride’s dream honeymoon becomes a nightmare when a man with whom she’s had a regrettable one-night stand shows up in this electrifying psychological thriller from the acclaimed author of Eight Perfect Murders.
Publication date – March 23, 2021 by William Morrow
Why I’m excited to read it – One of my favorite thrillers of the year was written by Peter Swanson (Eight Perfect Murders) so I’m excited to see what he comes up next!
The Good Sister
Spine tingling, creepy, utterly compelling and unpredictable, The Good Sister is about the ties that bind sisters together…and about the madness that lurks where you least expect it.
Publication date – April 13, 2021 by St. Martin’s Press
Why I’m excited to read it – If you don’t follow Sally Hepworth on Instagram what are you waiting for? She is hilarious and a great writer. I am looking forward to her latest book.
While Justice Sleeps
From celebrated national leader and bestselling author Stacey Abrams, While Justice Sleeps is a gripping, complexly plotted thriller set within the halls of the U.S. Supreme Court.
Publication date – May 11, 2021 by Doubleday
Why I’m excited to read it – A legal thriller from Stacey Abrams? Yes please! I didn’t even need to read the synopsis.
Young Adult
Happily Ever Afters
Jane the Virgin meets To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before in this charming debut romantic comedy filled with Black Girl Magic. Perfect for fans of Mary H. K. Choi and Nicola Yoon, with crossover appeal for readers of Jasmine Guillory and Talia Hibbert romances.
Publication date – January 5th, 2021 by Balzer + Bray
Why I’m excited to read it – The description of this book is what drew me to it and the cute cover.
Concrete Rose
International phenomenon Angie Thomas revisits Garden Heights seventeen years before the events of The Hate U Give in this searing and poignant exploration of Black boyhood and manhood.
Publication date – January 12, 2021 by Balzer + Bray
Why I’m excited to read it – I have a confession, I haven’t read any of Angie Thomas books. I know, I know, they are great. I want to read them all hopefully next year and this prequel sounds great!
You Have a Match
From the beloved author of Tweet Cute comes Emma Lord’s You Have a Match, a YA novel of family, friendship, romance and sisterhood…
Publication date – January 21, 2021 by Wednesday Books
Why I’m excited to read it – This book is about what happens if a DNA test brings back surprising results and I’m so excited to read it.
Written in Starlight
An adventurous South American Tomb Raider! This hotly anticipated companion to Woven in Moonlight follows an outcast Condesa, as she braves the jungle to forge an alliance with the lost city of gold.
Publication date – January 26, 2021 by Page Street Kids
Why I’m excited to read it – This is one of the most beautiful book covers I’ve ever seen. This is the sequel to Woven in Moonlight which I haven’t read but I’m super excited to!
The Project
Lo Denham is used to being on her own. After her parents died, Lo’s sister, Bea, joined The Unity Project, leaving Lo in the care of their great aunt. Thanks to its extensive charitable work and community outreach, The Unity Project has won the hearts and minds of most in the Upstate New York region, but Lo knows there’s more to the group than meets the eye. She’s spent the last six years of her life trying—and failing—to prove it.
Publication date – February 2, 2021 by Wednesday Books
Why I’m excited to read it – I really liked Courtney Summer’s book Sadie (it is a great audiobook). The premise of this one sounds super interesting.
Muted
A ripped-from-the-headlines novel of ambition, music, and innocence lost, perfect for fans of Elizabeth Acevedo and Jason Reynolds! Be bold. Get seen. Be Heard.
Publication date – February 2, 2021 by Scholastic Press
Why I’m excited to read it – I mean it says its for fans of Elizabeth Acevedo so I have to read it right?
I hope you find some books to Look Forward to in 2021 and to add to your to be read pile. Pre-ordering books help authors a lot so if you know you want to own one of these books consider pre-ordering them now. Think of it as a little gift to your future self! I put together a list of these books on bookshop.org which you can find here or you can also pre-order them from Amazon here.
Which of these books are you excited to read next year?
