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Woman's World
10 Debut Novels From 2024 That You Don’t Want to Miss: From Romance to Time Travel!
By Courtney Shapiro,
5 days ago
Bibliophiles always have a collection of favorite books they'll read time and time again or a host of go-to authors who remain auto-buys with each new release. But with countless books being released weekly by first-time authors, it's also exciting to step out of your comfort zone and give something new a try. Luckily, 2024 has already been chock-full of fresh, captivating debut novels that should be on your radar. To help narrow down your choices, the book lovers and editors here at Woman's World compiled some of our favorite 2024 debut book releases.
Here, we gathered up a variety of exciting debut novels to add to your TBR list — from swoon-worthy romance to secret-filled family sagas, there's something for everyone! If you're interested in a romance filled with heart, heat and healing, don't miss Yulin Kuang's debut How to End a Love Story, which was also just named a 'Reese's Book Club' pick. More in the mood for a riveting time travel journey? Pick up The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley, which Woman's World Executive Editor Carey Ostergard said she "couldn't put down."
Keep scrolling to discover our full recommendation list of debut novels from 2024 (so far!). Happy reading!
A sweet, sparkling love story unfolds in this debut novel by Etta Easton! Event planner Amerie Price is struggling: She’s jobless and single, then she runs into her smug ex and his new flame at her go-to coffee shop. Panicked, she pretends to be dating Vincent Rogers — the irritatingly handsome man she just met. Turns out Vincent is an astronaut and he agrees to fake-date Amerie. But their attraction starts to feel out of this world!
What readers are saying: "A wonderful debut! The Kiss Countdown did literally everything I love about romance (it was so swoony, sweet steamy, funny, and emotional) and I cannot wait to see what is next from this author."
This shimmering debut novel written by Courtney Preiss follows newly single and jobless Caroline Kline. Her father, Leo, asks her to move back to New Jersey while he recovers from an injury. But he doesn’t need a caretaker — Leo needs Caroline to replace him in his local men’s softball league. Now, she has to step up to bat in more ways than one. A story about baseball, second chances and finding your way home again.
What readers are saying: "I’m forever a Jersey girl at heart, so when a friend told me about this book set near the Jersey Shore, it was an auto-buy for me,” says Melissa D’Agnese , Woman's World Senior Editor. "At its heart, this is a story about second chances filled with humor and wit. I was cheering Caroline on until the very last page! ”
It’s the summer of 1987 in the town of Swift River, and Diamond is learning how to drive. As the only Black person in the town, she has always been perceived as a bit of an outcast. This summer also marks seven years since her father’s disappearance, and now her mother is determined to legally affirm his death. But when Diamond gets a letter in the mail from an unknown relative that provides key facts that fill in the plot holes of her father’s — and her family’s — past, she investigates. As Diamond uncovers the past, how will it change her future?
What readers are saying: "Visceral, heartbreaking and oftentimes funny, Essie Chambers excels on multiple fronts as she weaves a tale that simultaneously covers a young girl’s rites of passage, the 80s, complicated family dynamics, the history of sundown towns, and reconciling our past and the identities we can’t escape. You will leave wanting not only to be Diamond Newberry’s next friend, but you’ll also wonder where she lands in the future. I loved it."
Gripping drama and family secrets abound in this twisty debut novel. The story follows Monica Campo, a pregnant Cuban American whose mom confesses that Monica’s father is not the man who raised her. Now, unsure of what to believe, she turns to her ex-boyfriend, Manny. In her search for the truth, Monica uncovers even more about her family history, and nothing could’ve prepared her for what she discovers.
What readers are saying: "Family secrets are at the heart of this twisty read,” says Carissa Mosness , Woman's World Assistant Digital Editor. "Monica’s journey was complex, funny and inspiring — it made me want to know more about my own family history."
Now a New York Times bestseller, this exhilarating story is told by a young British ministry employee who becomes part of a secret time travel project that brings people from particular moments in the past to live in the present day. Her mission? To help a commander of an 1847 Arctic expedition acclimate to the modern world and record his progress. But she soon begins to have feelings for the man, and learns there are many who would actually kill to see the project fail. Part time travel romance, part spy thriller, this is one of the buzziest debuts of the summer!
What readers are saying: “I’m a huge Dr. Who fan who also loves historical fiction, so this novel was right up my alley,” cheers Carey Ostergard , Woman's World Executive Editor. “It was a fresh fusion of historical events, a fish-out-of water perspective, romance and espionage…I couldn’t put it down.”
Smart, funny, heartbreaking, healing...Yulin Kuang's debut novel has it all. The story follows Helen Zhang, who hasn’t seen Grant Shepard in the 13 years since the accident that changed their lives. Now, Helen is a bestselling author. Her most recent gig? A spot in the writer’s room of the TV adaptation of her young adult novels. She tries to shake off new-job nerves and focus on the fact that no one knows her, or her past, in L.A. But years ago, Grant moved across the country to start over and he’s now working as a screenwriter. When Grant and Helen come face-to-face again, they are forced to deal with the past and the present — and all the chemistry crackling between them.
What readers are saying: "Two of my go-to romances are Beach Read and People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry,” says D’Agnese, “So when I heard that Yulin Kuang — the screenwriter and director behind Henry’s books, which are both being made into films— wrote her own novel, I swiped it up so fast. A tale of love in all forms, this incredibly romantic novel stayed with me long after I finished it."
Mai Corland's debut fantasy novel (and the first in the Broken Blades trilogy) combines Korean folklore, political intrigue and romantic tension. This story is told by five different characters who all want the King of Yusan dead. They formulate a plan to murder him — but that’s the only thing they agree on. In a world full of lies and deception, it’s hard to guess who will be betrayed next.
What readers are saying: “I just love stepping into a new romantasy world — and this one swept me away,” says Courtney Shapiro , Woman's World Digital Associate Editor. "I was reeling from the plot twists and fascinated with the tension between the character pairings."
Brimming with humor and millennial woes, Alexandra Tanner's debut follows Jules and Poppy, two sisters who have to come to terms with what they want in life. Jules is 28 and spends her days alone in her apartment doom scrolling and waiting for something exciting to happen. On the other hand, Poppy is struggling with her own mental health and brings home a rescue dog while trying to figure out her next steps. Set over a year-long span, the sisters have to come to terms with each other's idiosyncrasies, the new decade and whether they'll spend the the next chapter of their lives together or apart.
What readers are saying: "Loved the book! It’s a hysterical ride with two sisters, who you can easily catch glimpses of yourself in, as they navigate a period of time they are independently living together in a tiny NYC apartment. Lots of laughs."
In the debut novel by Elle Evans, the plot follows ambitious Olivia “Liv” Fitzgerald, who is planning to be a lawyer — as she has a knack for talking anyone into anything. Then her aunt throws her soon-to-be married cousin, Kali, up against Liv’s best friend, Leighton, for the cover of Southern Charm magazine. Now, Liv must try to help solve these pre-wedding issues, keep Leighton on the cover of the magazine, finish law school and nab the guy of her dreams! What could go wrong?
What readers are saying: "One of my favorite ways to spend a summer day is reading a good book in the shade,” says Mosness . “And this one made last weekend breeze by. Every chapter had me laughing nonstop!"
This honest and comical debut follows Kyoko, a Japanese woman who decides to raise her son, Alex, in San Francisco after the death of her husband. Also involved is Kyoko's Jewish mother-in-law, Bubbe, who hopes Kyoko will find love again. Told in short vignettes that reflect Kyoko's emotional state, she must navigate what life looks like after the loss of a loved one. This book delves into choices, relationships and how those things in life sustain us.
What readers are saying: "This small book packs a big punch emotionally. While it does begin with a heartbreaking loss, there is so much joy within these pages. Kyoko’s relationship with her Jewish mother-in-law, Bubbe, is so lovely. This is an incredible debut! Do not miss this one!"
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