Best African American Women's Fiction Books of 2025

Did You Hear About Kitty Karr? is a captivating family saga that takes readers on a journey through the glitz and glam of old Hollywood and modern-day showbiz. Crystal Smith Paul's debut novel explores the complexities of family, race, and gender through the lens of the St. John sisters, three young Black women who inherit the estate of white Hollywood icon Kitty Karr Tate. As Elise St. John delves into Kitty's past, she uncovers unexpected family ties and controversial secrets that threaten to unravel everything. This sprawling page-turner is a must-read for fans of family saga fiction.

Summer on Sag Harbor: A Novel is the second book of Sunny Hostin's Summer series. The novel takes readers to a hidden enclave in Sag Harbor, where a close-knit community of African American elites escape the city and enjoy the beautiful warm weather and beaches at their vacation homes. The story follows Olivia Jones, who moves to Sag Harbor to search for her authentic identity in the secret history of her family of origin and fight to preserve her new Black utopia. Hostin's writing captures the essence of the community and the challenges they face. This book is a must-read for those who enjoy cultural heritage fiction.

The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray is a captivating historical fiction novel about the life of Belle da Costa Greene, who was J. P. Morgan's personal librarian. Belle's story is one of deception and intrigue as she must hide her true identity as an African American woman and pass as white to preserve her legacy and protect her family. Benedict and Murray's writing brings Belle's world to life, and their depiction of her internal conflict is both compelling and thought-provoking. This book is a must-read for fans of biographical historical fiction.

Summer on the Bluffs: A Novel (Summer Beach, 1) is a New York Times bestseller and a heartwarming story about three goddaughters from different backgrounds who reunite for one last summer with their beloved godmother in Martha's Vineyard. The story highlights the beauty of Oak Bluffs, the most exclusive Black beach community in the country, where the crème de la crème of Black society vacations. The book showcases the bond between the goddaughters and their godmother as they reminisce about their childhood and the memories they shared at Chateau Laveau. Overall, this book is a must-read for those who love family life fiction books and want to experience the magic of Martha's Vineyard.

Black Cake: A Novel is a captivating family saga that tells the story of two estranged siblings who come together to uncover their mother's hidden past. The inheritance of a black cake, a family recipe with a long history, and a voice recording sets off a chain of events that challenges everything they thought they knew about their lineage and themselves. Charmaine Wilkerson's debut novel is a beautifully written and deeply evocative journey through the life of a family changed forever by the choices of its matriarch. This book is a must-read for fans of character-driven, multigenerational stories.

Seven Days in June by Tia Williams is a heartwarming and steamy romance novel that follows the story of Eva Mercy, a single mother and bestselling erotica writer, and Shane Hall, an award-winning novelist. When they meet unexpectedly at a literary event, they can't deny the chemistry between them, but their past traumas and broken hearts make it hard to trust each other. Over the next seven days, they reconnect and rediscover their love for each other. This novel is a testament to the strength of Black women and the joy of second chances. Overall, it's a captivating read that will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy inside.

The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett is a captivating novel about twin sisters who grow up in a small southern black community but choose to live in two different worlds, one black and one white. As the years pass, their fates remain intertwined, and their daughters' storylines intersect. Bennett's writing style has been compared to James Baldwin, Jacqueline Woodson, and Toni Morrison. The book is a finalist for the 2021 Women's Prize and has been named a best book of 2020 by The New York Times, The Washington Post, NPR, and more. The Vanishing Half is a thought-provoking exploration of identity, family, and the lasting influence of the past.

The Wife Before is a gripping psychological thriller that follows Samira Wilder, a woman who marries a wealthy pro golfer and moves into his secluded Colorado mansion. However, when she discovers the hidden journals of her husband's late wife, she realizes that her marriage might not be what it seems. With each page, Samira's trust in her husband dwindles and she begins to fear for her own life. The book is filled with twists and turns that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Overall, this book is a must-read for fans of the genre, and its unique take on the classic gothic tale of Rebecca is sure to leave readers spellbound.

Kindred by Octavia Butler is a visionary time-travel classic that explores the impacts of racism, sexism, and white supremacy then and now. The protagonist, Dana, is a Black woman who is pulled through time to face the horrors of American slavery and protect her Black ancestor's assault. Butler infuses one of speculative fiction's oldest tropes with lasting depth and power. The book is a controlled and precise narrative that depicts the cruelties of slavery without being gratuitous. The book's unique perspective and powerful storytelling make it a must-read for anyone interested in African American women's fiction.

Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler is a gripping post-apocalyptic novel that explores the consequences of climate change and economic collapse. Set in California in the 2020s, the story follows fifteen-year-old Lauren Olamina, who lives in a gated community with her family and neighbors. Lauren suffers from hyperempathy, a condition that makes her sensitive to others' emotions, which becomes a liability in a society where vulnerability is a risk. The novel is a thought-provoking exploration of how crises can fuel new religious and ideological movements. Overall, Parable of the Sower is a must-read for fans of dystopian fiction and those interested in the intersection of religion and social change.