Historical Mystery, Romance and More: Marie Benedict’s New Book Tops WW’s Must-Reads for Feb 18-24

Great news, book lovers! If you’re in the market for a fresh book recommendation, looking to add books to your ever-expanding TBR (to-be-read) list or you’re just interested in previewing the best new books out this week, you’re in the right place! This week, Woman’s World Book Club is serving up a wide variety of book picks that are guaranteed to enthrall readers from the first chapter. From swoony romance to adventurous historical mystery to powerful nonfiction and more, there’s a book here for everyone!

Do you adore sweet rom-coms starring memorable main characters? Try The Perfect Rom-Com by Melissa Ferguson. Fans of Jojo Moyes’ heartfelt novels like Me Before You and The Giver of Stars will delight in the author’s latest offering. In We All Live Here, Moyes delivers her signature humor and heart while exploring the meanings of family and love in all forms.

Any readers on the hunt for a historical mystery will enjoy The Queens of Crime by Marie Benedict! Benedict’s latest page-tuner is inspired by true events and follows five legendary female crime writers. This week’s other historical fiction must-read: People of Means by Nancy Johnson. Bestselling author Sadeqa Johnson called Johnson’s new novel “a beautifully crafted story…profound and sharp.”

For those looking for a profound book about grief, we suggest Memorial Days by Pulitzer-prize-winning author Geraldine Brooks. This beautiful, heartwrenching memoir recounts the shocking loss of Brooks’ longtime partner and her search for hope and healing.

Historical mystery

‘The Queens of Crime’ by Marie Benedict

Danger and intrigue come alive in this tale set in 1930s London and inspired by a true story. The five greatest female crime writers, including Agatha Christie and her legendary rival Dorothy Sayers, form a secret society with one goal: to show their refusal to be treated poorly by their male counterparts. To prove it, they’ll solve the actual murder of May Daniels. But the culprit targets Sayers next and threatens to expose a dark secret.

Entertainment

Travel Back in Time With These 9 Best Historical Fiction Audiobooks

Whether you’re going on a road trip, cleaning the house, sitting on an extra-long flight or walking around the neighborhood, a really good audiobook serves as a great way to pass the time. Audiobooks are set apart from books because, somehow, they’re even more immersive. With talented narrators pulling you into the story’s atmosphere, audiobooks […]

Romance

‘The Perfect Rom-Com’ by Melissa Ferguson 

Filled with humor and heart, this story follows aspiring author Bryony Page, who has a rough start at a writers’ conference but then corrects another author’s work—and impresses the book agent. When Bryony is offered a gig as a ghostwriter for a popular rom-com author, she agrees on one condition: Literary agent Jack Sterling must work to sell her book, too. As Bryony’s work skyrockets to success sparks fly with Jack.

Women’s fiction 

‘We All Live Here’ by Jojo Moyes

Bestselling author Jojo Moyes is beloved by readers worldwide for her emotional, funny books— and her latest is a heart-tugging delight. Lila Kennedy is facing a broken marriage, troubled daughters, a deteriorating home and a struggling career. Then, to make matters more complicated, her estranged father reappears after 35 years. His unexpected return challenges Lila’s understanding of forgiveness, family and love in all forms.

Historical fiction 

‘People of Means’ by Nancy Johnson 

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A powerful, thought-provoking saga unfolds when Freda Gilroy arrives at Fisk University in 1959, eager for a future shaped by her family’s legacy. But the harsh realities of the Jim Crow South position Freda between two worlds—and two loves— as she rallies for equality. Then, in 1992 Chicago, her daughter Tulip faces similar struggles, grappling with career and racial challenges. Will she follow her heart just like her mother did?

Entertainment

Winter Historical Fiction Books: 8 Snow-Kissed Reads!

Snowy landscapes, icy air, cozy evenings spent at home…winter always provides a picture-perfect setting. Many readers even insist it’s the best of all seasons for snuggling up with a good book. In fact, for countless bibliophiles, pairing reads with the current season often adds an extra layer of enjoyment. And if you’re looking for books […]

Nonfiction 

‘Memorial Days’ by Geraldine Brooks

In this moving memoir, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Geraldine Brooks recounts the sudden, shocking loss of her longtime partner, Tony Horwitz, who died unexpectedly at age 60. In her story, she faces society’s immediate demands and struggles to find space to grieve. Three years later, she retreats to a remote Australian island to reflect on her grieving process, explore different cultural rituals for grief and begin her own journey toward peace. A deeply personal, heartfelt book that captures the beauty and mystery of love, life, loss—and the search for healing.