Welcome back, book lovers! It’s time for another installment of the First for Women Book Club, where we share eight books we’re reading—and loving—right now. Our picks promise to take you on an enthralling journey through a variety of genres including romance, mystery—and even a nonfiction book packed with savvy tips to help you focus. If you’re a fan of Katherine Center’s swoonworthy love stories, check out her latest novel The Love Haters—out now—which Patty Bontekoe, FIRST Executive Editor called “relatable and real.” Looking to get lost in a clever whodunit? Pick up Pomona Afton Can So Solve a Murder by Bellamy Rose, which Courtney Shapiro, FIRST Digital Associate Editor said was “sharp and witty humor”
Keep scrolling to find out more about this week’s FFW Book Club recommendations. Happy reading!
Historical mystery
‘Broken Country’ by Clare Leslie Hall
“As soon as I heard this book described as ‘a sweeping love story with the pace of a thriller,’ I knew I had to start it immediately,” says Melissa D’Agnese, FIRST Senior Editor. “And after reading the first sentence, I literally couldn’t put it down!” This dual-timeline novel takes place in 1968 and 1955. Beth and her kind, hardworking husband, Frank, spend their days tending to their farm in a rural English village. But when her brother-in-law shoots a dog attacking their sheep, Beth has no idea this moment will alter the course of their lives. The dog belonged to novelist Gabriel Wolfe—Beth’s first love, who broke her heart years ago. As she’s pulled back into Gabriel’s orbit, tensions arise, old feelings surface and secrets are revealed. Can Beth make a choice between the woman she once was and the woman she is today? (Simon & Schuster, 2025)
Historical fiction
‘The Saint Laurent Muse’ by C.W. Gortner
“Between the decadence and the dazzling details, I love historical fiction books centered around fashion,” says Carissa Mosness, FIRST Assistant Digital Editor. “And C.W. Gortner’s latest enthralled me.” After leaving her marriage, Loulou de la Falaise flees to Paris during the 1970s to make it in the fashion industry. Then she meets Yves Saint Laurent and they form a friendship that changes the world of fashion forever. “This story transported me to Paris,” says Carissa. “It was a perfect blend of fiction and fact.” (William Morrow, 2025)
Romantic comedy
‘The Love Haters’ by Katherine Center
“I’m not much of a rom-com reader, but Katherine Center’s books always make me laugh. Her female characters are so relatable and real,” says Patty Bontekoe, FIRST Executive Editor. Video producer Katie Vaughn gets a gig profiling Coast Guard rescue swimmer Tom “Hutch” Hutcheson. He’s beloved by all—except his brother, Cole, who is Katie’s coworker. Upon her arrival in Key West, she meets Hutch (a ‘love hater,’ according to Cole) and the fun quickly begins: embarrassing encounters, bad weather, drinking contests and a kiss or two. Says Patty, “This fun read left me craving my own getaway!” (St. Martin’s, 2025)
Cozy mystery
‘Pomona Afton Can So Solve a Murder’ by Bellamy Rose
“I enjoy whodunits with sharp and witty humor—and this one fits the bill,” says Courtney Shapiro, FIRST Digital Associate Editor. Hotel heiress Pomona Afton isn’t exactly heartbroken when she stumbles upon the scene of her grandmother’s murder. But when a clause in the will freezes family assets until the crime is solved, Pomona finds herself cut off and forced to crash with Gabe, the grumpy yet attractive son of her former nanny. Now, they each have a motive for solving the murder: Pom gets her trust fund and Gabe gets the retirement money his mom is owed. Can they crack the case? Says Courtney, “Pomona and Gabe were a cute sleuthing duo!” (Atria/Emily Bestler, 2025)
Fantasy
‘Babylonia’ by Costanza Casati
“I read Costanza Casati’s Clytemnestra last year, so I couldn’t wait to pick this one up,” says Erin McCarthy, FIRST Graphic Designer. This story follows Semiramis, who is being raised by a cruel adoptive father. Over time, she learns how to use the power she acquires to shape the world for the better. “This story presents a nuanced perspective in a world where morality is often dismissed as irrelevant or weakness,” says Erin. “It is a reminder that you don’t need powers or wealth in order to shape things to the benefit of many!” (Sourcebooks Landmark, 2025)
Memoir
‘You’re on an Airplane: A Self-Mythologizing Memoir’ by Parker Posey
“Parker Posey is always a scene-stealer, and her most recent role in Season 3 of The White Lotus is no exception,” says Abbey Bender, FIRST Digital Staff Writer. In her memoir, which takes the form of an impromptu chat on a flight and features collages by the star, Posey walks readers through her childhood, her days as a ’90s “It Girl” in the independent-film scene and her experience moving into mainstream roles and aging in Hollywood. “Learning about Posey’s Southern roots and bold approach to performance made me appreciate her work even more!” (Blue Rider, 2018)
Fiction
‘The Kamogawa Food Detectives’ by Hisashi Kashiwai
“When a friend suggested this heartwarmer, I dove right in,” says Kristina Mastrocola, FIRST Senior Editor. Detective Nagare and his daughter run an unassuming restaurant. Rather than chase a Michelin star, they chase stardust—the kind memories are made of, as they recreate elusive dishes that hold special meaning for each patron. “Our favorite meals often tell a story,” says Kristina. “This touching novel captures that truth—and makes me hungry for more in book two of the series.” (G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 2024)
Retelling
‘James’ by Percival Everett
“This retelling of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Percival Everett was brilliant,” cheers Julia Dennison, FIRST Digital Director. James flips the narrative of Mark Twain’s classic tale by giving the enslaved Jim a voice, and the result is a hard look at the despicable realities of slavery through the lives of the Black people who had to endure it—an element Twain’s novel, though well-meaning and progressive for its time, glossed over. Raves Julia, “Through sharp, code-switching dialogue, Everett beautifully explores the subject with both gravity and unexpected humor, making this a poignant and deeply moving must-read.” (Doubleday, 2024)