WW Staff Picks: 8 Must-Read Books—From Historical Fiction to Romance and More!

Welcome to the first installment of WW staff picks—books edition! This new column is a way for the Woman’s World editors to share what they’re reading—and loving—right now. These hand-picked book recs will feature a wide variety of genres, but unlike WW Book Club, which features only new books out that week, this column will cover both new releases and old books—plus classics, nonfiction reads, short story collections and more!

And this month, our editors are diving into an array of excellent reads from beloved authors like Taylor Jenkins Reid, Linda Holmes, Tana French and more. In fact, Woman’s World Assistant Digital Editor Carissa Mosness is the one reading Taylor Jenkins Reid’s latest novel Atmosphere—which she thinks might be Reid’s “best book yet!” Meanwhile, Executive Editor Patty Bontekoe recently dove into the sequel to Jill Santopolo’s bestseller The Light We Lost and described the story as “cathartic.”

Keep scrolling to find out what the rest of our editors are reading!

Historical fiction

‘Atmosphere’ by Taylor Jenkins Reid

“Taylor Jenkins Reid is one of my favorite authors,” says Carissa Mosness, Woman’s World Assistant Digital Editor. “And when I found out her new novel was about love, ambition and space, I was intrigued.” Set against the backdrop of the 1980s Space Shuttle program, the plot follows Joan Goodwin, a professor of physics and astronomy, who makes history by becoming one of the first female scientists accepted into NASA’s Space Shuttle program. While there, she begins training alongside an extraordinary group of fellow candidates: Top Gun pilot John Griffin, scientist Hank Redmond, mission specialist Lydia Danes, Donna Fitzgerald and aeronautical engineer Vanessa Ford. But in 1984, a mission goes wrong, and Joan finds herself doing everything she can to bring her friends—and the person she loves—home before it’s too late. Raves Carissa, “This might be TJR’s best book yet!” (Ballantine, 2025)

Women’s fiction

‘The Love We Found’ by Jill Santopolo

“When I saw there was a sequel to The Light We Lost, a love story that has stayed with me for years, I had to read it,” says Patty Bontekoe, Woman’s World Executive Editor. It’s been 10 years since Lucy’s ex, Gabe, has been gone, when she finds a note in his handwriting with an address in Rome. Desperate to know what it means, she books a flight. There, she meets Dax—a handsome American she feels drawn to. “It was so cathartic witnessing Lucy confront her past decisions and start to move on from her grief,” says Patty. (G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 2025)

Women’s fiction

“Everyone loves a wedding—except, perhaps, the newly divorced,” muses Julia Dennison, Woman’s World Digital Director. “This story confronts the awkward-at-best, devastating-at-worst duality of nuptial joy and the pain of a breakup.” Phoebe Stone arrives at Newport’s luxurious Cornwall Inn after hitting rock bottom—only to be mistaken as one of “the wedding people” in the lobby. The inn is hosting a weeklong wedding celebration for a couple, and Phoebe is the only person at the hotel who isn’t a guest. Says Julia, “This story was so relatable and poignant.” (Henry Holt and Co., 2024)

Family saga

‘People of Means’ by Nancy Johnson

“This dual-timeline story about a mother and daughter following their dreams hooked me from the first chapter,” says Melissa D’Agnese, Woman’s World Senior Editor. 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, Freda’s daughter, Tulip, faces similar struggles, grappling with career and racial challenges. Says Melissa, “Following your heart is a courageous feat—and this profound tale reminds us of that.” (William Morrow, 2025)

Romance

‘Honey & Spice’ by Bolu Babalola

“I’ve always been a fan of slow-burn romances,” says Cailey Griffin, Woman’s World Associate Health Editor. “And this story beautifully explores what it looks like to go from barely being friends to falling in love.” Kiki is an ambitious college student in England with big media dreams and her own radio show. After one too many difficulties with past dating experiences, she’s sworn off serious romantic connections. Then she meets a transfer student who not only shares her job ambitions but introduces her to the type of love she didn’t know she was missing. “This sweet story is the perfect read for romance lovers,” says Cailey. “I adored it!” (William Morrow, 2022)

Mystery

‘The Searcher’ by Tana French

“I don’t read mysteries often, but Tana French’s writing is at once lyrical and visceral—and this book was incredible,” says Kristina Mastrocola, Woman’s World Senior Editor. American ex-cop Cal Hooper moves to Ireland to renovate a fixer-upper and start over after his divorce. When he hears noises around his house, he discovers 13-year-old Trey, who recruits Cal to find his missing big brother, Brendan. “I loved the growing bond between Trey and Cal and the mystery at the heart of Brendan’s disappearance,” says Kristina. “It was such an emotional and suspenseful book.” (Viking, 2021)

Literary fiction

‘Intermezzo’ by Sally Rooney

“When I’m in a reading slump, all it takes is some genuinely good writing to get me back on track—and Sally Rooney never misses,” says Julia Dennison, Woman’s World Digital Director. “Her latest novel is classic Rooney—haunting déjà vu realism delivered through smart dialogue and simmering character dynamics—but there’s something more here, a kind of vulnerability that makes it her most intimate work yet.” Intermezzo centers on two estranged brothers, Peter and Ivan, who are pulled into each other’s lives again after their father’s death. Peter is a charismatic but troubled lawyer and Ivan is an awkward and reluctant chess champion. Their parallel lives intertwine as they move through the aftermath, grappling with resentments, complex relationships and the search for life’s meaning. Says Julia, “Rooney brilliantly explores the intersection of grief, love and familial bonds.” (Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 2024)

Romantic comedy 

‘Back After This’ by Linda Holmes

“Summertime always puts me in a romantic mood,” says Shay Trotter, Woman’s World Associate Editor. “And this book about trying to find true love was a great fit!” Cecily Foster reluctantly agrees to host her own podcast about modern dating with the hopes that it will protect her job and her colleagues. But just as a relationship coach begins setting Cecily up with eligible bachelors for the show, she finds herself falling for a photographer named Will…who wasn’t exactly part of the plan. “Not only was this an enjoyable read,” says Shay, “seeing Cecily gain more confidence was quite inspiring!” (Ballantine, 2025)