13 Books by Filipino Authors You Should Be Reading

A diverse romance, the second in the Eastside Brewery series, is told from anti-hero Eddie Rosas’s point of view. Eddie is trying to reclaim his life and find his father after being released from prison. Although he attempts to live under the radar, he’s pulled to the surface by the independent chef Carmen Centeno, as well as his old crew, who mean to bring him back to the fray. An emotional read with ample sexy times, this book asks the evergreen question: Can people change?

The first in the Carpe Diem Chronicles, this fun multicultural romance takes place in Boracay, Philippines, where Krista Lopez’s very last expectation on her week-long vacation is to fall for her American boss, who’s staying at the same resort. A light, enjoyable read, and the happily ever after is sweet and satisfying.

A debut, this enemies-to-lovers romance brings together Emmie, a headstrong heroine, and an equally formidable coworker, Tate, to work together for a charity construction project. With a sizzling and well-written first kiss, this romance is sure to keep you reading until the last page.

In this debut novel steeped in family drama and magic, Natalie Tan, a chef, returns home to San Francisco after her mother’s death, only to find that she’s inherited her grandmother’s restaurant. There, she’s challenged to cook three recipes to help her neighbors and the restaurant and, in doing so, finds her own healing.

A romantic novella about chance meetings and starting over, this book explores the giddiness of new love and the bittersweet reality of facing the unknown. As a #romanceclass book, it’s set in the Philippines with Filipino characters, bringing the authenticity of modern love and life in this island country to the reader.

The author of the unputdownable Creep series gives us a new dark thriller about pharmaceutical executive Georgina “Geo” Shaw, recently released from prison for her role in the murder of her best friend when they were in high school. With alternating timelines and points of view with investigator and childhood friend Kaiser Brody, Jar of Hearts weaves a chilling tale of secrets, seduction, and fear.

I could not put down this book of short stories. Representing the range of Filipino diaspora across countries, with stories both poignant and sometimes heartbreaking, In the Country speaks to the memories and customs familiar to Filipinos, written in exceptionally honest prose.

Set in World War II in the Philippines, this book captivated me with its blend of magic, the tragedy of war, and the strength of community. While the fight for possession of Manila during the Japanese occupation occurs above ground, the Karangalan family and their neighbors hunker down in a cellar for safety, telling each other tales that enable them to survive, tales that could teach all of us much about the power of hope.

Now I’m switching gears to a few of my favorite children’s books—which by no means should keep adults from reading! Ambitious Lou Bulosan-Nelson intends to build a home for her extended family, and along the way she discovers the meaning of home. We could all learn a lot from Lou’s tenacity in this middle-grade book, which should be read by all ages.

Brave Nora embarks on a journey to find her missing mother in a shantytown in Manila’s North Cemetery. With beautiful prose, Everlasting Nora will sweep you away with the precious joys in its characters’ lives. This middle-grade book will speak to children and adults alike for its messages of hope and community.

The 2018 Newbery-winning middle-grade book, Hello, Universe explores the unlikely friendship of four very different children. When one falls into trouble, the other three embark on an epic adventure to help, and along the way learn more about themselves and others. This book encourages empathy and cooperation—and we can never have enough of that!

In Something in Between, Jasmine de los Santos, on the cusp of adulthood, finds out that her family is undocumented and now has to decide how to face this new reality. This young adult book is only one of the many written by powerhouse bestselling author Melissa de la Cruz, but this one is special (in my opinion) because it speaks to the straddled identity of many Filipinos.

The author of The Key to Happily Ever After—“a true gem filled with heart, laughs, and a cast of delightful characters” (Nina Bocci, USA TODAY bestselling author)—returns with a heartwarming and charming novel about a woman who travels to the Philippines to reconnect with her long-lost family…and manages to find herself along the way.

Diana Gallagher-Cary is at a tipping point. As a Washington, DC, OB/GYN at a prestigious hospital, she uses her career to distract herself from her grief over her granny’s death and her breakup from her long-term boyfriend after her free-spirited mother moves in with her. But when she makes a medical decision that disparages the hospital, she is forced to go on a short sabbatical.

Never one to wallow, Diana decides to use the break to put order in her life, when her mother, Margo, stumbles upon a box of letters from her grandfather, Antonio Cruz, to her grandmother from the 1940s. The two women always believed that Antonio died in World War II, but the letters reveal otherwise. When they learn that he lived through the war, and that they have surviving relatives in the Philippines, Diana becomes determined to connect with the family that she never knew existed, though Margo refuses to face her history. But Diana pushes on, and heads on a once-in-a-lifetime trip that challenges her identity, family history, and her idea of romantic love that could change her life forever.

Infused with Tif Marcelo’s signature “sexy, adorable, and heartfelt” (Kate Meader, USA TODAY bestselling author) voice, Once Upon a Sunset is a moving and lyrical celebration of love, family, and second chances.