8 Novels That Will Warm You Up From the Inside

The idea for A. J. Pearce’s irresistible debut novel came to her after she read actual letters and articles in wartime magazines written by the women who remained behind during World War II. DEAR MRS. BIRD is a charming story about a bygone era, with likable characters in Emmeline Lake and her best friend Bunty, and a refreshingly different perspective on wartime Britain that history buffs and casual readers alike will love.

This magical novel from Steve Rowley is perfect for readers who know the joy and pain of losing a beloved pet. Ted Flask’s love life is in a pitiable state, but there is someone special in his life: his aging dachshund, Lily. When Lily has a health scare, Ted is frantic to make everything right for his faithful companion. LILY AND THE OCTOPUS is an emotional tearjerker about the profound connection between a man and his dog.

Read the full review of LILY AND THE OCTOPUS.

Anne Youngson’s debut is a beautifully written epistolary novel about the deepening friendship between two lonely and unfulfilled people. Tina Hopgood and Professor Anders Larsen are isolated in their everyday life but form a connection through their shared fascination with the Tollund Man—a man who lived during Denmark’s Iron Age. The frenzied pace of their letters flying back and forth between London and Denmark will leave readers anticipating their first meeting.

Stephen McCauley has a sharp sense of humor and knows how to deliver a snarky one-liner with perfection. In the national bestseller, MY EX-LIFE, he’s written a witty tale about David Hedges, a man whose life is coming undone: his boyfriend has left him, his apartment is about to be sold by the owner, and he’s gained twenty pounds eating his sorrows away at a Thai takeout spot. When his ex-wife Julie, reenters the picture asking for his help with college plans for her daughter, Mandy, David is forced to reexamine what he wants from life and his beliefs about family and love.

After the death of his parents, Jacob Jankowski gives up on his dream of becoming a veterinarian, hops on a train out of town, and unintentionally joins the circus. With no home and mounting debt, Jacob accepts a job with the Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth as the caretaker of the menagerie. Told in flashbacks, Jacob recounts the first time he meets the love of his life, the beautiful equestrian, Marlena, and Rosie, the elephant. Gruen has given readers a beautifully written romantic page-turner set beneath the big top of a Depression-era circus.

TUESDAYS WITH MORRIE is the inspirational novel about the true story of author Mitch Albom’s life-changing relationship with his college professor, Morrie Schwartz. When Mitch discovers Morrie has ALS and has been told he has only one month left to live, he rekindles his friendship with his old mentor for one final lesson about the meaning of life.

Maggie and Rose believe they have nothing in common but their last name, Feller, and their love of shoes. After a fight over a boyfriend, the two sisters drift apart until their grandmother, Ella, who they haven’t seen in twenty years steps in to help them reconnect and heal from the emotional trauma of their mother’s death.

Emma Straub's bestselling novel MODERN LOVERS  centers on a close-knit group of college friends caught up in the ennui of midlife crises and marital tensions, desperately trying to hold on to their last sparks of youth—all while getting their teenagers ready to begin their own college experiences.