Best Contemporary Women Fiction Books of 2025

"Happy Place" by Emily Henry is a contemporary women's fiction book about a couple who broke up but pretend to still be together during their annual vacation with their best friends. Harriet and Wyn's weeklong stay in a Maine cottage is their last together in the place they've come to cherish, and they don't want to ruin it for their friends. However, the more they pretend, the more they realize they still have feelings for each other. This slow-burn romance is a heartwarming ode to chosen families and the complexities of relationships. Overall, "Happy Place" is a delightful read that will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy.

It Starts with Us: A Novel (2) (It Ends with Us) by Colleen Hoover is a compelling portrait of the dynamics of domestic violence. The story follows Lily as she navigates a second chance at true love with her first love, Atlas, while dealing with her ex-husband, Ryle, who is still very much a part of her life. The novel alternates between the perspectives of Lily and Atlas, revealing more about Atlas's past and exploring the complexities of their relationships. Hoover's talent for creating nuanced and empathetic characters is on full display in this long-anticipated sequel to the bestselling It Ends with Us. This book is a must-read for fans of contemporary women's fiction.

It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover is a touching contemporary women fiction book about a hardworking Lily who falls in love with a neurosurgeon named Ryle Kincaid. But when her first love, Atlas Corrigan, reappears, everything she built with Ryle is threatened. This book is a heart-wrenching tale of love, courage, hope, and tears. The author has crafted an honest, evocative, and tender novel that reminds readers of the fragility of love. It Ends with Us is a unique and gripping book that will leave you smiling through your tears.

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid is a captivating novel that takes readers on a journey through the glamorous and scandalous life of aging Hollywood icon Evelyn Hugo. As she recounts her story to an unknown magazine reporter, Monique Grant, readers are drawn into a tale of ruthless ambition, unexpected friendships, and forbidden love. The book is both heartbreaking and beautiful, with a twist that will leave readers stunned. Overall, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is a must-read for anyone who loves Tinseltown drama and wants to experience the harsh realities of present-day Hollywood.

Meet Me at the Lake is a captivating novel about missed connections, second chances, and the power of forgiveness. Fern and Will's story is heartwarming, emotional, and beautifully written. The idyllic setting of a lakeside resort adds an extra layer of charm to the story. The author's ability to create relatable characters and authentic relationships is impressive. The book is a perfect read for those who love women's domestic life fiction books and are looking for a heart-tugging love story with a unique plot. Overall, Meet Me at the Lake is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good romance novel.

Things I Wish I Told My Mother is a heartwarming mother-daughter novel about the power of familial love. The story follows Laurie, an artist who travels the world, and her mother, Dr. Liz, an elegant perfectionist. When Laurie surprises her mother with a dream vacation to Paris, they unpack a lifetime of secrets and hopes. Written by Susan Solie Patterson, Susan DiLallo, and James Patterson, this book is a convincing case for the importance of family. With a giant twist at the end, readers will be captivated until the very last page.

Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover is a heart-wrenching love story that explores the messy side of attraction at first sight. The novel follows Tate Collins and Miles Archer, who have an undeniable mutual attraction but don't want love. Their arrangement of just sex could be easy to maintain as long as Tate sticks to the only two rules Miles has for her. However, they soon realize that they can't handle it, and love gets ugly. This book is a must-read for fans of new-adult fiction and those who enjoy a powerful love story.

Reminders of Him by Colleen Hoover is a heart-rending yet hopeful novel that tells the story of Kenna Rowan, a young mother who returns to her hometown after serving five years in prison for a tragic mistake. Kenna hopes to reunite with her daughter, but faces obstacles as everyone in her daughter's life is determined to shut her out. The only person who hasn't closed the door on her completely is Ledger Ward, a local bar owner. The two form a connection despite the pressure surrounding them, and Kenna must find a way to absolve the mistakes of her past in order to build a future out of hope and healing. Overall, Reminders of Him is a poignant story of redemption that highlights the power of love and forgiveness.

Firefly Lane: A Novel by Kristin Hannah is a heartwarming story of two women and the depth of their friendship. The novel takes the readers through the journey of Kate and Tully's friendship that spans over three decades. The story is set in the Pacific Northwest and portrays the struggles and ambitions of two women who are poles apart. The novel is a perfect blend of love, loss, and the magic of friendship. The book is a #1 Netflix series and is a perfect read for those who enjoy family life fiction books.

The Wedding Planner by Danielle Steel is a heartwarming novel about Faith Ferguson, a successful wedding planner in New York. Despite her two failed engagements, Faith loves her work and finds fulfillment in her relationships with her twin sister and assistant. As she plans multiple weddings, she forms bonds with her clients and their loved ones, but also faces challenges such as family scandals and the possibility of cancelled ceremonies. Through it all, Faith learns that there is not just one path to happily ever after. Steel's enchanting story offers a delightful read for fans of women's domestic life fiction.