Whether you’re wondering which books to add to your TBR (to be read) list for 2025 or you’re finally cozying up at home after weeks filled with holiday festivities, chances are you’re in the market for a new batch of book recommendations. And this week, FFW Book Club returns with an array of enthralling reading picks for January 3 to January 16. From memoir to thriller, magical realism and more, we have something for everyone!
If you’re a fan of Elvis, and the Presley family in general, we suggest picking up From Here to the Great Unknown by Lisa Marie Presley and Riley Keough, which a FIRST editor described as “an extraordinary story of family, love and legacy.” Also, Julia Roberts brilliantly co-narrates the audio version with Riley Keough if listening is more your style!
For those in the market for a deeply romantic and imaginative story, try The Love Elixir by Augusta Stern. Stern’s latest novel follows pharmacist Augusta Stern, who retires in Florida and runs into Irving Rivkin—the boy who broke her heart 60 years ago. We also have a sizzling recommendation for romantasy readers! Glow of The Everflame by Penn Cole had FIRST’s Executive Editor Carey Ostergard enthralled from page one.
In the mood for unputdownable dramas? Well, we have two books that fit the bill. For a family saga brimming with complex sibling relationships, dive into Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors. Or, get lost in a romantic yet heartwrenching story via The Last Love Note by Emma Grey, which had one editor raving: “This book took me on an emotional roller coaster in the best way possible.”
Keep scrolling here for the entire list of FFW Book Club must-read recommendations for January 3 to January 16!
Memoir
‘From Here to the Great Unknown’ by Lisa Marie Presley and Riley Keough
“I’ve been totally fascinated by all things Elvis Presley since I was a little girl,” says Melissa D’Agnese, FIRST Senior Editor. “I also adore Riley Keough, Elvis’ granddaughter, ever since her spectacular performance in Daisy Jones & The Six. After hearing the tragic news of Lisa Marie’s death, and that Riley was going to finish writing her mom’s memoir, I couldn’t wait to read it.” In 2022, Lisa Marie Presley asked her daughter Riley to help her finish her long-awaited memoir. A month later, Lisa Marie passed away—and the world would never know her story in her own words. As Riley grieved, she collected Lisa Marie’s tapes and listened to her mother’s stories—about Graceland, Elvis, her marriages and more—and it was then she knew she’d keep that promise: to tell the world her family’s story, to make her mother known. Written in both Lisa Marie’s and Riley’s voices, the book is deeply moving, revealing and healing. “Riley co-narrates the audiobook version with Julia Roberts, and I was enthralled from the very first line,” says Melissa. “An extraordinary story of family, love and legacy.” (Random House, 2024)
Magical realism
‘The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern’ by Lynda Cohen Loigman
“I enjoy books with alternating timelines and a touch of magic—and this one took me on a journey,” says Courtney Shapiro, FIRST Digital Associate Editor. When pharmacist Augusta Stern retires in Florida, she runs into Irving Rivkin, the boy who broke her heart 60 years ago. “Told from Augusta’s point of view as a teen in the 1920s and in the 1980s and focused on her healing abilities, this novel reminds us it’s never too late for new beginnings,” says Courtney. (St. Martin’s, 2024)
Fantasy
‘Glow of the Everflame’ by Penn Cole
“A romantasy with a female lead and a powerful ‘shadow daddy’ by her side is the perfect way to escape the January chill,” says Carey Ostergard, FIRST Executive Editor. The second in the Kindred’s Curse Saga finds newly crowned Diem Bellator forced to ally with the people she hates most: the royal family of House Corbois. As she prepares for the “challenging,” where other magical houses can fight her for the throne, Diem realizes things aren’t as black and white as they seem. Says Carey, “Diem is relatable, dynamic and discovering her inner strength—I can’t wait to continue the series!” (Atria, 2024)
Women’s fiction
‘The Last Love Note’ by Emma Grey
“I’m always a sucker for heart-wrenching love stories,” says Heather Liang, FIRST Deputy Copy Director. Kate is a young mom whose husband suffers a tragic medical diagnosis, leaving her a widow at the age of 38 with a 3-year-old son. Two years on, she’s attempting to hold her life together but still hasn’t taken the time to grieve, as she struggles to raise her son and hang on to her career. Then a diverted flight during a business trip with her boss forces her into an unplanned vacation, giving her the chance to reflect, grieve, scream, laugh and cry—and perhaps even get a second shot at love. Says Heather, “Heartbreaking, funny, poignant and hopeful, this book took me on an emotional roller coaster in the best way possible.” (Zibby, 2023)
Historical fiction
‘The House of Eve’ by Sadeqa Johnson
“Spending less time staring at a screen is my New Year’s resolution this year,” shares Lauren Stachiw, FIRST Beauty Director. “I recently curled up with this book—and I couldn’t put it down.” It’s 1948 in Philadelphia, and 15-year-old Ruby Pearsall is about to be the first in her family to attend college, but a love affair might threaten her plans. Meanwhile, in Washington, D.C., Eleanor Quarles arrives at college carrying secrets of her own. Soon, Eleanor and Ruby’s lives intertwine in an unlikely way. Says Lauren, “Both women’s determination was so inspiring!” (37 Ink, 2023)
Family saga
‘Blue Sisters’ by Coco Mellors
“I can never resist a well-written book about family drama, and this one certainly fit the bill,” says Patty Bontekoe, FIRST Executive Editor. Sisters Avery, Bonnie and Lucky are living in different cities, grieving the unexpected death of their sister Nicky a year earlier. When they come together to stop the sale of their childhood home, they discover just how much they’re all hurting—and hiding. “I loved every minute of this book, which is told from the point of view of each sister and is a true testament to the power of sibling relationships,” says Patty. (Penguin Random House, 2024)
Thriller
‘She’s Not Sorry’by Mary Kubica
“I admit it: It’s tough to pass up a BookTok book rec—and I just kept hearing people rave about this psychological thriller,” says Anna Traver, FIRST Assistant Editor. ICU nurse and single mother Meghan is trying to balance her busy life when a patient named Caitlin arrives in her ward after supposedly jumping off a bridge. But it might not be what it looks like, according to a witness who comes forward with details. Before long, Meghan realizes she and her daughter may be the next victims. Says Anna, “This entire story kept me on the edge of my seat.” (Park Row, 2024)
Romance
‘Pickleballers’ by Ilana Long
“Just like the rest of the world, I have recently become obsessed with pickleball,” shares Carissa Mosness, FIRST Assistant Digital Editor. “So when I heard friends talking about a romance centered around the sport, I knew I needed to read it ASAP.” After learning that her ex-husband is a total player, Meg Bloomberg jets off to Bainbridge Island, Washington, for an uplifting pickleball excursion. While there, she meets Ethan Fine, a handsome local, and try as she might, Meg can’t fight her feelings for him. “Not only is this book filled with fun pickleball facts, it also has a couple you can’t help but root for,” says Carissa. “A must-read for fans of sports romances!” (Berkley, 2024)
