The book experience that Junie immediately brings to mind is The Girl With the Louding Voice, which explores a girl growing up in an unfathomable situation who finds comfort in literature.

In this story, Eckstine envisions a world where an enslaved girl's friendship with the plantation owner's daughter means that the girls share a deep love for books and each other.

But when Violet's family's financially failing plantation comes into play, she must contemplate marrying an evil wealthy suitor risking the safety of Junie. Their worlds are transformed in surprising ways that the reader won't see coming, especially as the power dynamics come into play.

Eckstine's background as an English teacher means the home's library is immaculately curated, as is her storytelling.  

Listen to today's Erin Crosby Eckstine interview on the Book Gang podcast to learn more about her research and writing process for this novel that was selected as a GMA Book Club pick.

Murray brings to life the true story of Jessie Redmon Fauset, a central figure in the Harlem Renaissance who helped shape the literary voices that defined an era.

As the literary editor of The Crisis, Jessie discovers young talents like Langston Hughes and Countee Cullen while navigating a secret, tumultuous affair with W.E.B. Du Bois.

In the face of overwhelming sexism and racism, Jessie must balance her drive with her desires. However, as she strives to preserve her legacy, she’ll discover the high cost of her unparalleled success.

Murray's exploration offers an inspiring and poignant tribute to a woman who made her mark on history.

A publishing event ten years in the making, this searing, exquisite new novel from Adichie is on my Kindle right now, and I can't wait to dive back into her storytelling.

Set against the backdrop of the pandemic, the novel follows four women—Chiamaka, Zikora, Omelogor, and Kadiatou—as they navigate the complexities of their lives, relationships, and dreams.

Adichie's lyrical prose delves deep into the emotional intricacies of each woman's journey, from past betrayals to self-doubt, all while questioning the nature of true happiness and what it means to truly love.

Release Date- 4 March 2025

Johnson weaves together the stories of two women across generations, connected by their legacy of activism.

In the fall of 1959, Freda arrives on the campus of Fisk University full of hope. Soon, the ugliness of the Jim Crow South intrudes, and she's thrown into the movement for social change.

Reluctant to get involved, torn between a soon-to-be doctor her parents approve of and an audacious young man willing to risk it all in the name of justice, Freda finds herself caught between her two worlds.

In 1992 Chicago, Freda's daughter Tulip is an ambitious PR professional on track for an exciting career, if workplace politics and racial microaggressions don't get in her way. But with the Rodney King trial ruling weighing heavily on her, she feels called to action.

Now she must decide what she will risk in the name of justice and equality, just like her mother had three decades prior.

Johnson's novel powerfully reflects on the cost of standing up for what is right, no matter the personal sacrifice.

Isaac's Song is a return to the beloved characters of Don't Cry for Me and has been adored by fans of this story.  

In the late '80s, Isaac, a tenderhearted young Black man, is finally embracing his queer identity. But as the AIDS crisis and the attack on Rodney King cast shadows over his newfound freedom, he turns to writing as a means of survival and self-reckoning.

His journey takes him back to his Arkansas roots, where long-buried truths and generational trauma threaten to either heal or unravel him.

With lyrical prose and deep emotional resonance, Isaac's Song is a profound exploration on the pursuit of authenticity.

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Readers might not know that this sharp, darkly funny novel comes from an acclaimed writer who also happens to be married to fellow author Percival Everett!

Jane, a struggling writer and college professor, is on a year-long sabbatical to complete her sprawling, 400-page history of mulatto identity in America—her ticket to tenure. But with two kids, an artist husband, and a precarious financial situation, she finds herself drawn into the world of television writing, lured by the promise of stability and fame.

Her assignment to create "the Jackie Robinson of biracial comedies," forces her to examine her creative integrity—and the uneasy feeling that she might be playing a role she never auditioned for.

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This brilliant reimagining of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is told from the point of view of Jim, the enslaved man whose voice has been lost in history, and is one I'm eager to discuss with my book club this year.

This powerful adventure novel follows Jim as he plans his escape from slavery while Huck Finn embarks on his own journey down the Mississippi River.

Everett's signature humor and deep insights into race and identity make James an unforgettable, contemporary classic. It's both a tribute to and a subversion of the American literary canon, exploring the complexities of freedom and friendship in the face of overwhelming odds.

Be sure to purchase a paper copy to highlight while listening to Dominic Hoffman's riveting audiobook performance as it brings Jim to life for an immersive reading experience.

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Nnedi Okorafor creates a thought-provoking, genre-bending exploration of identity and storytelling.

Zelu, disabled and facing the crushing weight of rejection—both professionally and personally—decides to take a risk that will change her life.

In the midst of a family wedding, she writes a science fiction novel about androids and AI after humanity's extinction, a far cry from her past work. To say more would spoil the plot elements, but Okorafor masterfully blurs the line between fiction and reality, reminding us that the stories we tell can reshape the world and the very essence of who we are.

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Debut novelist Sarai Johnson explores the lives of four generations of Black women—Evelyn, Charlotte, Corinna, and Camille—whose deep love for each other is complicated by their trauma and differing worldviews.

As Camille is born into this complex family, the three mothers commit to raising her with the tenderness and empathy they missed in their own relationships, though their differences persist.

When Camille leaves her rural Tennessee home for Washington, D.C., she must reconcile her family's expectations and define her own path to happiness.

Johnson's lyrical prose creates a rich, moving portrait of Black women navigating motherhood and is a moving experience on audiobook with narration by Karen Chilton.

As a Black woman following in her mother's footsteps to become a physician, Blackstock's journey—from Harvard Medical School to the front lines of emergency medicine—reveals the systemic barriers Black patients and doctors face.

Her experiences, set against the COVID-19 pandemic and the Black Lives Matter movement, transform into a call to action for health equity.

Both deeply personal and sharply analytical, Legacy is a compelling testament to advocacy and the urgent need for change in medicine.

Charmaine Wilkerson returns with a sweeping, multi-generational novel that cements her place as a masterful storyteller. At its heart is a treasured stoneware jar, passed through generations, carrying the weight of a family's history and the echoes of a crime that shaped one woman's life.

Her meticulous research into African pottery makes this an unforgettable read for Black History Month. With lyrical prose and an immersive narrative, this one is destined for book club greatness—I can't wait to read it with you next month in our book club.

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This month, our book club is reading this well-researched historical fiction novel on the life of Hattie McDaniel, who made history with her Academy Award win for Gone With the Wind, but beyond that monumental night lay a world filled with challenges.

This powerful, immersive narrative sheds light on her relentless push against Hollywood's rigid boundaries, a fight often unseen by the public. It feels as cinematic as her career, from fiery clashes with the NAACP to romantic entanglements and a bond with Clark Gable that defied societal norms of this era.

Tate's writing captures Hattie's complexity and her pursuit of more meaningful roles. I highly recommend the audiobook, as Lynnette Freeman delivers an immersive experience that brings Hattie's magic to life for the reader.

In this thrilling debut, a former Olympic-level runner, Dixon, has avoided his obsession ever since missing his chance at the Games by two-tenths of a second.

But when his charismatic brother, Nate, proposes they become the first Black American men to summit Mount Everest, Dixon can't resist a new challenge.

As they push their limits on the unforgiving mountain, their journey becomes an endurance test and a test of their brotherhood.

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Ady, a sharp-witted young girl enslaved in New Orleans, finds her world shattered when she is separated from her mother, Sanite.

Lost and unmoored, she discovers The Daughters, a clandestine society of Black women spies working against the Confederacy.

With the courage instilled in her by Sanite—and with help from these strong women—Ady learns how to begin to put herself first.

The novel is meant to serve as a reminder of what is possible when a community bands together to fight for their freedom. I have found the storytelling to be so compelling as I'm closing in on the final pages this week.

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This haunting and powerful work of historical fiction shines a light on the injustices of the Jim Crow South and is on my personal stack this month to read.

Robbie is sent to a notorious reformatory school in Florida, where he uncovers the dark secrets of its history, aided by the ghosts of boys who never escaped its horrors.

Based on the real-life Dozier School for Boys, this novel blends chilling supernatural elements with a poignant family story, as Robbie's sister Gloria fights to save him from the terrifying truths lurking behind the school's walls.

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Carr weaves her own personal experience of IVF and the haunting possibility of a mix-up into this debut novel.

Katherine, a woman whose life has been defined by her pursuit of perfection, has finally achieved the dream she's spent years chasing: motherhood.

But when her IVF miracle child, Rose, is born with a different skin tone than her own, doubts begin to gnaw at her. Is Rose truly hers?

Tess, on the other hand, never got the happy ending she dreamed of—her IVF baby was stillborn, and she's been struggling with grief, a broken marriage, and a dismal future.

Then, just before Rose's first birthday, the truth is revealed: Katherine and Tess's eggs were switched at the fertility clinic.

What follows is a heart-wrenching journey as both women wrestle with the question of who deserves to be Rose's mother, confronting their deepest fears, including racial identity.

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It was a joy to share space with Crystal Smith Paul, on the Book Gang Podcast, whose novel was selected as a Reese's Book Club selection.

Kitty Karr is an iconic actress whose rise to stardom is precariously in balance as she harbors secrets to her family's story.

As her past and present begin to collide, the novel delves deep into issues of identity, legacy, and the painful truths that can shape our lives.

Paul's exploration of the discrimination of the Jim Crow era clashes beautifully on the page with the fabricated security of Hollywood.

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This chunky novel offers readers a searing and insightful exploration of identity, race, and the immigrant experience that I am so glad I read, especially as I anticipate her next novel.

When a Nigerian couple become adults, they both try to make their way to America, one succeeding and the other not reaching their destination.

Adichie writes beautifully about race in America, effectively creating social commentary through one of her characters as a blogger who focuses on racial tensions.

I loved that the novel weaves together themes of love, belonging, and the complexities of being Black in two different parts of the world.

This gripping coming-of-age novel follows a young gay Black man forging his own identity amidst the AIDS crisis.

Leaving behind his privileged upbringing, Trey immerses himself in activism, encountering the harsh realities of systemic oppression and the fierce fight for survival.

With powerful footnotes that offer historical context, Newson crafts an urgent, unflinching portrait of early AIDS activism and the marginalized voices too often erased from history.

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This powerful and necessary historical fiction novel sheds light on a horrific chapter of American history—the forced sterilization of Black girls in the 1970s.

Inspired by true events, this story unfolds through the eyes of a young Black nurse who wrestles with the devastating realization that she has unwittingly played a role in a systemic violation of bodily autonomy.

As she fights for justice for these girls, the novel lays bare the intersections of race, healthcare, and reproductive rights in America, which continue to be ongoing issues for women in this country.

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This moving novel is a powerful testament to the transformative power of education for young Nigerian girls.

Fourteen-year-old Adunni's story illuminates the reader on the ongoing fight for girls' education and the realities of child marriage and domestic servitude. These issues persist today for many her age who are unable to escape their financial circumstances.

Through her unwavering determination, Adunni refuses to be silenced, embodying the spirit of countless young women striving for a better future.

Daré's stunning prose and the immersive audiobook narration bring Adunni's voice to life, making this an unforgettable reading experience.

When you fall in love with Adunni, know that you can continue her story in And So I Roar when Adunni finds herself returning to her village, facing hard choices and a reputation now clouded by scrutiny.

This gripping, heart-wrenching young adult book pulls back the curtain on the dark side of the music industry and the exploitation of young Black women.

Enchanted, an aspiring singer, finds herself drawn into the world of R&B star Korey Fields, whose initial mentorship quickly turns into manipulation and abuse.

Jackson's poignant storytelling not only highlights the dangers of fame but also forces us to reckon with systemic exploitation that often goes unnoticed.

It is a powerful and necessary read that is especially timely as we examine the horrors committed by artists like R. Kelly and P. Diddy.

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Spanning four decades, this twin story masterfully unpacks the complexities of colorism and privilege as one sister embraces her Black identity while the other vanishes into whiteness.

Bennett's intimate and expansive storytelling offers a deeply emotional look at the generational impact of passing and the search for belonging.

It's the kind of meaty novel you don't want to end, as the reader longs for the two girls to come together and find their commonalities again.

This poignant and haunting Nigerian novel follows the life and tragic death of Vivek Oji, a young boy unlike any other.

He loves wearing dresses and keeping his hair long, which is unusual in Nigeria's conservative society. His family is supportive and protective of him, but they do not fully understand him.

One day his mother discovers his body wrapped in colorful fabric at her doorstep. As the family grieves and tries to make sense of the tragedy, they learn that Vivek had been keeping many secrets.

This story beautifully explores the challenges of growing up in a society that does not accept differences and the pain of losing someone who was never fully understood.

Emezi's writing is lyrical and powerful, and she creates unforgettable characters who will stay with readers long after they finish the book.

This book has left an imprint on my heart forever.

When I picked up this spicy romance novel, I wasn't expecting a history lesson, but Ryan thoughtfully honors the history of Black artists during the Harlem Renaissance.

Through Neevah's journey—from an overlooked Broadway understudy to the star of a groundbreaking biopic—Ryan highlights Black women's barriers in the entertainment industry while celebrating the rich history of Black storytelling in film and theater.

The novel also provides a deeply moving depiction of how Neevah's lupus impacts her career and relationships. It is a disease that disproportionately affects Black women, who are two to three times more likely to develop the disease!

This novel won an Audie Award for Best Romance with a full-cast narration that has made a favorite audiobook among romance readers.

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Colson Whitehead's searing, unflinching portrayal of slavery is a must-read.

Reimagining the Underground Railroad as a literal subterranean network, Whitehead blends historical fiction with surrealism, immersing the reader in Cora's harrowing journey toward freedom.

Each stop along her escape reveals a new face of American racism, from deceptive sanctuary to outright terror, mirroring the shifting realities Black people have endured throughout history.

Devastating, necessary, and unforgettable.

This novel is the remarkable true story of Belle de Costa Greene, who served as the personal librarian to J.P. Morgan and became the first director of the Morgan Library Museum. 

In a singular role during the early 20th century, Belle, a Black woman passing as white, made significant contributions to the world of art and literature.

The narrative follows Belle’s home life and rises in upper society as she makes a name for herself, procuring rare manuscripts and art to build Mr. Morgan’s personal collection. 

Constantly threatened by the shadow of her true identity, Belle navigates a world dominated by men, evading advances from various suitors. However, her heart is unexpectedly captured by a man who harbors a secret of his own.

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This stunning novel follows the lives of two half-sisters from Ghana. One sister marries the British governor of the Cape Coast Slave Castle, while the other is imprisoned in the castle's dungeon, awaiting transport to America.

The sweeping narrative winds between Ghana and America as their children and descendants live very differently. These two timelines connect beautifully, highlighting historical events and their impact on each generation.

More importantly, it yields a powerful exploration that is unflinching in both its depiction of the horrors of slavery and the triumph of the human spirit.

This novel was discussed in our Celebrity Book Deep Dive podcast episode as one of the most impactful reads ever selected for Jenna’s Book Club. Sadly, it has been a banned book in many school libraries as have many other books featured in today's list.

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Kindred is not just a propulsive page-turner; it's a journey.

This science fiction classic pulls the reader in with this jarring opening sentence. "I lost an arm on my last trip home. My left arm."

Dana is a Black woman married to a white man in the late 1970s. A modern African-American writer, she begins to find herself mysteriously pulled back in time when she experiences dizzy spells.

As this happens, Dana finds herself being pulled repeatedly to the South in 1815 after she arrives and discovers a little boy named Rufus is drowning in a river.

After saving him, it initiates the first of many visits where Rufus risks his life, and Dana returns to repeat this heroic act. The catch is that her role as a Black woman is not free in this era.

When pulled in, she must work as an enslaved person at the house and witness the true brutalities of an unkind enslaver.

What Butler does so well is offer readers a captivating dimension by giving Dana a white husband in a modern timeline. When they are transported through time together, he must act as her enslaver to keep her safe.

The dynamics in these roles cause stress and doubts between the two, unlocking unbelievable tension to see if their relationship can weather these changes in dynamics.

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Maya Angelou's first autobiography is a deeply personal yet universally resonant coming-of-age story.

The book recounts her early years in the segregated South, where she experiences racism, abandonment, and abuse, yet ultimately finds her voice through literature and self-expression.

With vivid imagery and poetic language, Angelou transports readers into her world, making them feel every hardship, triumph, and moment of self-discovery.

This collection of two searing essays, written as a letter to Baldwin's nephew and a reflection on his own experiences, lays bare the realities of racial injustice in America.

Baldwin's words are urgent and lyrical, filled with raw emotion and piercing insights about the country's failure to confront its racial history.

His analysis of religion, power, and identity remains as relevant today as it was in the 1960s. This is not just a book—it's a reckoning with the soul of America.

Janie Crawford's journey from a voiceless young girl to a woman who fully embraces her desires and dreams is told with dazzling prose and unforgettable characters.

The novel's unique storytelling techniques set it apart as one of the most beautifully written works in American literature.

Hurston captures the complexity of Black womanhood in the early 20th century, offering a narrative that feels both timeless and radical.

A novel of memory, loss, and haunting love, Beloved tells the story of Sethe, an escaped slave who is forced to confront the past when a mysterious young woman arrives claiming to be her deceased daughter.

Morrison's prose is poetic and deeply layered, immersing readers in a world where trauma and love intertwine heartbreakingly.

The novel challenges readers to grapple with the psychological scars of slavery and the ways the past refuses to be buried.

A winner of the Pulitzer Prize, this book is an unforgettable masterpiece of American literature.

Octavia Butler was a trailblazer and the first Black woman to be honored with both the Hugo and Nebula awards. It's impossible to not include more than one of her novels in today's list.

Set in a near-future America ravaged by climate change and social collapse, this novel follows Lauren Olamina, a teenage girl with a vision for a better world.

As she escapes her burning community, she develops a new spiritual philosophy called Earthseed, believing that humanity's destiny lies among the stars.

Butler's dystopian world feels eerily plausible, especially now, making this novel an unsettling premise.

This sweeping historical narrative chronicles the Great Migration through the lives of three individuals who left the South searching for a better life.

Wilkerson's research is meticulous, yet her storytelling is so engaging that the book reads like a novel. She captures the heartbreak, hope, and perseverance of those who reshaped America by leaving everything behind.

By weaving together personal stories with historical context, Wilkerson provides a deeply humanized perspective on one of the most significant movements in American history.

This groundbreaking book tells the story of Henrietta Lacks, a Black woman whose cancer cells were taken without her consent in 1951 and went on to revolutionize modern medicine.

Known as HeLa cells, they became the first immortal human cell line, leading to medical breakthroughs in vaccines, cancer research, and even COVID-19 treatments.

However, while her cells generated billions of dollars in scientific advancements, Henrietta's family was left in poverty, unaware of her immense contribution to medical science for decades. This story highlights racial and ethical injustices in healthcare, mainly how Black bodies have been historically exploited without consent.

What if you fell asleep in 2019 and woke up in 2021? That's the reality for Jack Jr., who emerges from a two-year coma to find his life unrecognizable. His job is gone, his apartment is lost, and his partner has moved on.

But in his return to his childhood home and his family's struggling restaurant, he begins to rebuild—rekindling relationships, rediscovering love with the male nurse who cared for him, and redefining what home truly means.

Jinwoo Chong shares the beautiful inspiration behind this poignant and tender slice-of-life novel on the Book Gang Podcast, which seamlessly blends a swoon-worthy love story in with a cozy family drama. We discuss how I Leave It Up to You evolved from a short story, the impact of the pandemic on its themes, and the role of food as both a comfort and a metaphor for resilience.

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Julia Whelan delivers an impeccable performance on Hannah's new historical fiction novel, offering an earnest portrayal of the lives of nurses who served in the Vietnam War but seemingly were forgotten.

This novel celebrates nurses and their service during the Vietnam War, a detail that few Americans think about, showcasing the sacrifices made and the disbelief in their journey when returning home. It delivers on the book's goals while encompassing a signature soapier spin perfect for fans of her earlier work on Firefly Lane.

There were many elements of surprise that made me glad that I read this. I had yet to learn that nurses could not take advantage of the VA benefits when returning home from their service. I appreciated the accurate portrayal of PTSD on returning and the haunting nature of caring for patients in this environment. I found it enlightening how women were demoted to the roles of candy stripers upon their return home despite their expertise in serving on the frontlines.

It has been an enormous hit with frontline workers, including my sister, so I included it in today's list. Fans of the novel will be excited to hear that Warner Bros. acquired the rights to The Women movie ahead of its bestselling release.

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Mary Kubica is back with her ninth thriller, and I'm so happy to report that her new book delivers. The story builds slow-burn suspense, but Kubica plots a line of dominoes that will all come tumbling down with her signature twists.

Meghan is navigating single parenting of her teen daughter and a demanding job as an ICU nurse. Put in charge of a patient with a traumatic brain injury, she learns that the patient has jumped from a bridge, triggering difficult memories of the loss of her sister.

But as you might have guessed, there is more to her story and some surprising overlap to Meghan's that will leave you guessing until the final pages.

The novel's cinematic Chicago setting, smart red herrings, and a believable mother-daughter relationship with her teenager enhance the storyline. I appreciated the researched medical details, from the demanding patient challenges to safety concerns to even oversights that can happen on an ICU floor.

As the story unspooled, the novel kept me up until midnight to finish as I closed in on the second half.

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Jimenez's satisfyingly clever concept for her new romance novel is bringing together two people who feel cursed in love for a potential fling to break their curse and meet their soulmates.

If that sounds enchanted, I will ground it a bit and tell you that they meet on a subreddit titled r/AmItheAsshole. Seeing this as a rather unique experience, they are stunned to discover they aren't alone in this haunting dating issue. Each person they break up with finds their soulmate after ending things with them. Could they potentially rig the system?

What starts as witty banter between Justin and Emma evolves into serious contemplation on taking a traveling nurse assignment near Justin for a summer fling. Her assigned job locations are three-month stints—a perfect amount of time to make this a short but successful run of a failed relationship.

Told in dual perspectives, Justin approaches the dating negotiations with adorkable charm, from sending Emma evites to conducting exit surveys on each of their planned dates.

Readers will discover some Easter eggs from past novels, but this novel can be read as a standalone.

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Katherine Arden may have been in your book stacks before with her popular magical realism series, The Bear and the Nightingale.

The Warm Hands of Ghosts is a haunting, lyrical historical novel set during World War I. The story follows Laura, a battlefield nurse who searches for her missing brother while confronting supernatural forces lurking in the trenches. The reader should be prepared to navigate the bloody trenches and the horrors of the war in vivid detail.

Arden shared on GoodReads that while this novel is not her longest, it was her most difficult to write.

She states, "Ghosts is a book about love and loss, how the world ends, and how it goes on. It's about the nature of evil and the shape of hell, and about war. I started it in 2019, and here it is coming out in 2024, when young men are fighting in trenches in Europe once again. Perhaps enjoy is the wrong word for the book I spent a long time calling the Fiend. But I hope it haunts you, as it has haunted me."

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From the Dagger Award-winning author of Norwegian by Night comes a vivid, thrilling, and moving World War II art-heist-adventure tale in which enemies become heroes, allies become villains, and a child learns what it means to become an adult. This highly-rated novel is recommended for fans of All the Light We Cannot See.

This genre-blending novel features a nurse caught in a dangerous adventure involving a legendary magician's secret. With elements of mystery, historical intrigue, and a touch of the supernatural, this book offers readers a fresh and thrilling take on the nurse-as-hero trope.

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In Nazi Germany, Allina Strauss is forced into service as a nurse at Hochland Home, a state-run "baby factory" where women are used to perpetuate the Aryan race.

As she navigates the horrors of the Lebensborn program, Allina must hide her Jewish identity while caring for the neglected children in her charge. When she uncovers the atrocities within the home, she risks everything—not only to save herself but also the innocent lives she's vowed to protect.

A book pairing with Necessary Lies following social workers navigating a secret eugenics project in the South would be a magnificent medical drama book pairing.  

This haunting novel was a MomAdvice Book Club selection that I highly recommend for a thought-provoking conversation.

This historical fiction selection is inspired by the real-life story of two girls, Mary Alice and Minnie Lee Relf. In 1973, at ages 12 and 14, they were surgically sterilized without their consent in Montgomery, Alabama.

This book adds dimension by using narration through the eyes of a Black nurse in her first job, unknowingly participating in this sterilization project, and what steps she takes once she finds out.

As she fights for justice, she's forced to confront the limits of her own power. Thought-provoking and heartbreaking, this novel explores race, healthcare, and the haunting ethics of medical intervention.

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Set in a Dublin maternity ward during the 1918 flu pandemic, this tense and beautifully written novel follows three women—a nurse, a doctor, and a volunteer—who work tirelessly to care for expectant mothers battling the deadly virus. Donoghue's immersive storytelling brings to life the claustrophobic urgency of a hospital under siege.

This 5-star novel had a surprising detail in the author's note that shared that Donoghue had submitted her draft well before COVID, as I had poured over eerie similarities to this tragic chapter in our lived history.

This novel follows an ambitious young woman determined to break barriers as a nurse and war correspondent from the Spanish-American War to the early days of World War I.

Our heroine has sworn off war nursing but receives word that an estranged friend is headed to Cuba to work for the Red Cross. Determined to stop her, she joins in her place, following Teddy Roosevelet's Rough Riders straight to the heart of the fighting.

Willig might not have a medical background, but the author has a PhD in history from Harvard, so readers know that the historical details in her novels will be top-notch.

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Set in the gritty underbelly of 1880s New York, this historical mystery follows a cunning con artist who escapes the law by posing as a nurse at Bellevue Hospital.

But when a series of murders shakes the city, she finds herself at the center of a deadly game. The Nurse's Secret is a fascinating look at the early days of modern nursing, wrapped in a twisty, page-turning plot.

Skenandore gives us a unique lens into this world because she isn't just an author; she's also a registered nurse and certified infection preventionist.

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Rachel Kalama is a spirited little girl who captures your heart immediately. She is living the typical life of a little Hawaiian girl, but when a rose-colored mark appears on her leg, her mother knows immediately that she has leprosy.

To protect her daughter, she covers the mark and hides other marks that appear on Rachel's body. It is the family's dark secret since all people afflicted by leprosy are quarantined and taken from their families.

But, when Rachel's sister gets in a fight with Rachel, and calls her a, "leper," the authorities are immediately notified. She is taken from her family and moved to the island of Kalaupapa, a quarantined leprosy settlement on the island of Moloka'i.

Her life should be over, but it is just beginning. Over the years, as Rachel grows up in Kalaupapa, she encounters dedicated healthcare professionals, including nuns and nurses, who provide care and compassion to the residents despite the stigma surrounding the disease.

While much of the story focuses on Rachel's resilience and personal journey, the role of nurses and other caregivers highlights the evolving understanding of public health, the ethics of patient care, and the humanity within the medical field during a time of fear and misunderstanding.

If you love the story, don't miss the sequel, Daughter of Moloka'i!

Fleeing a troubled past in Michigan, Eva joins the Army Nurse Corps, hoping for a fresh start in Hawaii.

Her journey begins aboard a military transport ship, where she finds herself drawn to the dashing Lieutenant Clark while navigating the tense atmosphere of intercepted Japanese signals and looming uncertainty.

As the attack on Pearl Harbor unfolds, Eva is hurled into the chaos, tending to the wounded in a hospital overwhelmed by the devastation.

With rich historical detail, this novel explores the intrigue surrounding the attack and the resilience of those who fought to save lives in its wake.

Inspired by true events, this novel tells the story of a nurse in 1926 who secretly places a premature baby in Dr. Couney's controversial Coney Island incubator exhibit in a desperate bid to save its life.

Decades later, a young teacher discovers her mother's hidden past, unraveling a family mystery that challenges everything she thought she knew. Armstrong crafts a deeply moving dual-timeline tale about medical ethics, motherhood, and courage.

This historic event made a cameo in The Last Carolina Girl and would be a perfect pairing with this novel.

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Based on the true story of Julia Stimson, this novel follows a pioneering nurse who leads a team of American women to the Western Front during World War I.

As superintendent of the Army Nurse Corps during World War I, Stimson became the first woman to attain the rank of Major in the United States Army.

This powerful and inspiring tribute to the women who served is penned by Tracey Enerson Wood, a registered nurse and military wife!

When people ask for books like The Women- this is ALWAYS my first recommendation.

Inspired by Fader's mother's career in nursing, this novel delves into the layers of tender and enduring bonds of friendship set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War, with rich dual timelines that offer glimpses into magnificent Hollywood settings.

The story begins with the funeral of BettyKay Beecher, a beloved nurse, and mother. Her daughters, Clara and Abby, are reunited for the somber occasion, but tensions arise as the two sisters cannot be more different in their lives and approach wrapping up their mother's estate.

However, things take an unexpected turn when Kitty Deveraux, a famous Hollywood actress, appears at the funeral and places an unusual pink button in the coffin.

Intrigued, Clara and Abby, invite Kitty to their mother's home, where she reveals that she knew BettyKay and their "Aunt Jenny" from their time as nursing students. The two odd-couple roommates had formed a fast comradery with Jenny, one of the few Black women in their nursing school program, a friendship that endured for many years.

Her daughters have never known of their friendship with Kitty or her secret past life, and Jenny does not seem pleased by her sudden appearance. So, as Kitty regales them with stories from their three friends' pasts, the girls learn surprising secrets about their mother they never knew.

While Molly Fader may be a new writer to me, she is well-known as the award-winning author of more than 40 romance novels under the pennames Molly O'Keefe and M. O'Keefe!

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The story is about a trio of nurses and was written by a trio of bestselling historical fiction writers!

Inspired by true events, this novel tells the harrowing story of three military nurses stationed in the Philippines during World War II, who become prisoners of war after the Japanese invasion. Their friendship and resilience become their greatest weapons as they fight for survival under brutal conditions.

Readers should be aware that as prisoners of war, they endure harrowing conditions yet continue to inspire by providing medical care to their fellow internees with minimal resources.

The partnership for this writing project came through the publisher Harper Muse, whose assignment coincided with the pandemic. These three friends selected characters based on their own backgrounds, which aligned with many details in this nurse story.

"Men tell stories. Women get on with it. For us it was a shadow war. There were no parades for us when it was over, no medals or mentions in history books. We did what we had to during the war, and when it was over, we picked up the pieces and started our lives over."

This novel is one of my favorite Kristin Hannah books because it highlights the courage and sacrifices of women during World War II, particularly those inspired by real-life nurses and resistance fighters who were the unsung heroes of this era.

Hannah tells a beautiful story of two sisters who fought the war in their own ways when the Nazis invaded France. It is a moving rendering of the survival skills needed during this time, focusing on the missions of one sister, who joins the French Resistance and brings soldiers to safety.

While her story may seem more significant, the everyday struggles of her own sister, who must house a Nazi soldier, are just as harrowing.

The writing is brutally honest and unflinching at what women must do to survive, and Hannah perfectly captures their journey.

Picoult's gripping courtroom drama centers on a Black labor and delivery nurse who is wrongfully accused of murder after a racist couple refuses her care.

When a baby goes into cardiac arrest while Ruth is on duty, she finds herself in the middle of a grueling murder trial and without a job to support her.

Kennedy, a lawyer assigned to this tough case, and the reader get to go along on this journey with Ruth as she agonizes over a split-second decision that may have cost her the job she has loved for so many years.

In a predictable Picoult fashion, there is a twist at the end that you may or may not see coming. Powerful and deeply relevant, this is one of Picoult's most thought-provoking and timely novels.

Myra Lipinsky, a dedicated visiting nurse, has built a quiet life centered around caring for others. At fifty-one, she has accepted her solitude, finding purpose in patient care rather than personal relationships.

When she is assigned to care for Chip Reardon, a former high school crush now terminally ill, her professional and personal worlds collide.

As she tends to his physical and emotional needs, Myra grapples with the boundaries of nursing practice, the complexities of human connection, and the profound impact of compassionate care.

Lib Wright, a nurse trained by Florence Nightingale, is tasked with a strange assignment in 19th-century Ireland: to watch over an eleven-year-old girl, Anna, who claims to have survived for months without food, living only on "manna from heaven."

As Lib and a nun monitor Anna's condition around the clock, Lib's skepticism gives way to a growing sense of doubt. As Anna's health deteriorates, she must confront her training and beliefs, questioning whether she's witnessing a miracle or a dangerous deception.

The Wonder movie can be streamed on Netflix, starring France Pugh, after you finish the book.

In Jacqueline Winspear's Maisie Dobbs series, nursing plays a crucial role in shaping the protagonist's journey. Before becoming a psychologist and private investigator, Maisie served as a nurse during World War I, an experience that deeply influenced her approach to both life and detective work.

These experiences fuel her compassion and sharpen her observational skills making her uniquely suited to uncover hidden truths.

As she investigates a mysterious case tied to the war, Maisie's background in nursing—and her understanding of both physical and emotional wounds—prove invaluable. Winspear masterfully weaves historical fiction, mystery, and a deep respect for the nursing profession into this compelling debut.

We have to have a nurse behaving badly story!

The infamous Nurse Ratched is certainly not a nurse to emulate, but she is one of the most well-known figures in literature.

While the novel critiques the oppressive nature of psychiatric institutions, it also highlights the critical role nurses play in shaping patient experiences—for better or worse. Nurse Ratched's character serves as a haunting exploration of power, compliance, and the ethical responsibilities of healthcare professionals.

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School nurse Kate Cypher returns to her rural Vermont hometown to care for her mother, who is battling Alzheimer's. On the night of her arrival, a young girl is brutally murdered—an unsettling echo of a similar crime that haunted Kate's childhood.

The victim back then was Del, a lonely outcast cruelly nicknamed the "Potato Girl," whose tragic fate still lingers in the town's memory.

As the novel weaves between past and present, Kate becomes entangled in the mystery of these two eerily similar murders. As she uncovers long-buried secrets, the boundaries between memory, guilt, and the supernatural become unclear.

A chilling ghost story, a gripping mystery, and a poignant coming-of-age tale, this novel delivers a dark and twisted narrative with a satisfying final twist like Jennifer McMahon's other works.

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When a glamorous Hollywood socialite is diagnosed with leprosy in the 1920s, she is sent to a Louisiana quarantine hospital, where she unexpectedly finds purpose as a volunteer nurse.

Mirielle, spoiled and wealthy, struggles to fit in, but as time goes by, she finds purpose at this clinic and discovers her new found family. How she connects with one young patient, in particular, speaks to Mirielle's character growth.

Skenandore's medical background helps bring to life this disease, its social stigma, and the experimental medical treatments used by this leprosy colony, making this an informative reading experience.

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Set during World War II, this sweeping historical novel follows Red Cross volunteer Irene Woodward as she embarks on a dangerous mission to bring comfort and coffee to soldiers on the front lines through her volunteerism with the Red Cross.

Inspired by the true story of the Clubmobile women, Urrea's poignant tale celebrates the resilience and camaraderie of women in wartime.

With rich historical detail and unforgettable characters, this novel is a must-read for fans of The Nightingale and The Alice Network.

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After surviving a tragic plane crash, Margaret Jacobsen faces a long and painful rehabilitation guided by an uncompromising but deeply compassionate physical therapist.

As she rebuilds her life, she learns that sometimes, the things we fear losing most aren't the things we truly need.

Center's signature blend of heart, humor, and hope makes this a compelling story of resilience and unexpected love.

Get your tissues out for this novel, which I'm strongly considering for next year's book club.

Set against the backdrop of war-torn Syria, this powerful novel follows Salama, a young pharmacy student turned volunteer nurse, as she struggles with an impossible choice—to stay and help her people or flee for safety.

A stunning mix of historical fiction and magical realism, Katouh's novel explores love, loss, and the heartbreaking realities of war through breathtaking prose.

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