Ann Patchett’s Bookstore Staff Recommend 5 Page-Turners You’ll Love—From Historical Fiction to Cozy Romance
Need your next great read? These 5 Parnassus picks will enthrall you from the start!
Key Takeaways
- Ann Patchett's Nashville bookstore, Parnassus, is a beloved literary haven for book lovers.
- Expert booksellers share 5 backlist page-turners from romance to historical fiction.
- These time-tested favorites are waiting to become your next literary obsession!
A really good, earnest book recommendation from a fellow bibliophile is priceless. With countless options hitting shelves each week, choosing your next read can honestly feel overwhelming. That’s why hearing “I could not put this down!” from a fellow book lover is like being handed a gift! Seriously. And we’ve just rediscovered another excellent place to get top-tier book recommendations: at your local bookstore.
Recently, Woman’s World stopped by acclaimed author Ann Patchett’s beautiful Nashville bookstore, Parnassus, and left with a treasure trove of recommendations. In our opinion, booksellers at local shops are much more passionate and intentional about their recommendations than an algorithm will ever be. Also nice? Their recommendations are highly specific and oftentimes they’ll even suggest hidden gem backlist titles—books that have been on shelves for months or even years but remain just as compelling as the day they were published.
So if you’re looking for an excellent, new-to-you book to get lost in, you’re in the right place. Keep scrolling for Parnassus staffers’ 5 must-read backlist books in a range of genres—from historical fiction to literary romance and more!
‘Heart the Lover’ by Lily King
With more than 400,000 Goodreads ratings, Lily King’s Heart the Lover became a New York Times bestseller after its release last year—and readers are still raving about it. The story follows an unnamed narrator during her senior year of college. Before long, she’s swept into an alluring world of academic ambition and witty banter, thanks to star students Sam and Yash. At first, their lives become intertwined with friendship—and then more. Decades later, the narrator is living a charmed life with her husband and children. But after an unexpected visit upends her world, she’s forced her to face the choices that shaped her life.
Why Parnassus loves it: “No one is writing literary romance like Lily King! Heart the Lover is everything I love about King’s writing—it’s vulnerable, swoony and beautiful. I inhaled this novel, then immediately went back and reread Writers & Lovers, and now my heart is full.” -Lindsay
‘The Astral Library’ by Kate Quinn
Acclaimed author Kate Quinn steps into the realm of fantasy with this immersive, time-travel tale about the ultimate reader’s dream: stepping inside a book—literally! For Alexandria “Alix” Watson, books are her safe place. And when she stumbles into the magical Astral Library within the Boston Public Library, she meets its dashing guardian. But then, a dark enemy threatens the library and all it protects. Racing through the literary worlds of Jane Austen, Sherlock Holmes and The Great Gatsby, Alix tries to find out who the true target is—herself, the librarian or the library itself.
Why Parnassus loves it: “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, The Wizard of Oz. And this book! Alix goes through a hidden door and finds a magical space inside the Boston Public Library where she can “live” inside books and save the library!” -Ashby
‘The Last Letters of Sally and Walter’ by Cammie McGovern
Fans of Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand or The Thursday Murder Club will love this heartwarming, cozy novel by Cammie McGovern. When Sally moves into Golden Grove, an active senior community, she is hoping for a fresh start. Then, a visit to the Scrabble Club introduces her to Walter, a competitive wordsmith with an unexpected soft side. As their unlikely friendship blossoms, Walter discovers Sally’s brilliant talent—and finds himself falling for her. But when Sally’s reasons for moving to Golden Grove are exposed, Walter aims to make his last chapter extraordinary.
Why Parnassus loves it: “Scrabble nerds unite! In this tender story, Sally moves into an independent living home and immediately makes friends with Walter over a game of Scrabble. You’ll be cheering for their relationship just as they cheer each other—and their Scrabble-loving friends—on in competitions.” -Treva
‘Kissing the Sky’ by Lisa Patton
If you like your books filled with music history, summer fun and nostalgia, bump this coming-of-age novel by Lisa Patton to the top of your TBR list. Set in the summer of 1969, Suzannah is home from college, daydreaming in her traditional Southern home, while her freewheeling friends indulge in free love and rock’n’roll. But when her friend Livy invites Suzannah, who is a gifted singer, to join her for “three days of peace and music” in upstate New York, she sneaks off and joins her. What follows is a frolicking adventure that proves how even just a few days can change your world.
Why Parnassus loves it: “In the summer of ‘69, Suzannah defies her family to go to a music festival…She steps out of her comfort zone and her true talent emerges. Reading Kissing the Sky feels like falling into a Woodstock documentary.” -Rae Ann
‘August Lane’ by Regina Black
Released in 2025, Regina Black’s heartfelt second-chance romance strikes all the right notes. When struggling country singer Luke Randall, gets an opportunity to open for his childhood idol, Jojo Lane, he takes it. But this also means he’ll have to return to his Arkansas hometown and see Jojo’s daughter, August, for the first time in a long time. August is the real talent behind lyrics Luke stole years ago and their reunion will awaken old wounds and undeniable chemistry.
Why Parnassus loves it: “Regina Black is such an immense talent that you’ll be rooting for the second chance Luke and August deserve. This book will break your heart and then quietly stitch it back together.” -Katie
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