In addition to recovering and developing lost or forgotten stories, historical fiction may present a more inclusive picture of the past and highlight marginalized historical individuals as well as radical and contrarian viewpoints.

The following historical fiction books are scheduled for publication in May 2023:

1. Miss Morgan's Book Brigade by Janet Skeslien Charles

The engaging, beautifully detailed novel The Paris Library, written by the New York Times and worldwide bestselling author, is back with a dazzling new book based on the actual tale of Jessie Carson, the American librarian who transformed French literature. Atria Books is scheduled to release this book on May 7, 2024.

2. Whale Fall by Elizabeth O'Connor

An amazing novel about grief, loneliness, folklore, and the delight and dissonance of discovering oneself by venturing outside of one's community from an award-winning author. Whale Fall recounts the narrative of what occurs when one person's aspirations undermine the fabric of a community and what may happen when they are achieved in dazzling writing that is sharply witted. O'Connor depicts a village and a lady who are pushed to face an external world that appears to be closing in on them. Pantheon is scheduled to release this book on May 7, 2024.

3. The Library Thief by Kuchenga Shenjé

For lovers of Fingersmith and The Confessions of Frannie Langton, an incredibly inventive and captivating mystery about a white-passing bookbinder in Victorian England and the mysteries hidden on the estate where she works. The Library Thief is a captivating Gothic mystery that delves deeply into the themes of race, gender, and self-discovery in Victorian England. It is evocative, riveting, and intricately structured. This book is scheduled for release by Hanover Square Press on May 7, 2024.

4. Rednecks by Taylor Brown

Based on the real Battle of Blair Mountain, which saw the greatest labor movement in American history, the play pits a multiethnic army of 10,000 coal miners against the state militia, the federal government, and mine owners. Reminding us of the laborious beginnings of modern unions, award-winning author Taylor Brown vividly depicts one of the most fascinating moments in American history of the 20th century. Rednecks is an enthralling, character-driven novel that is once fiercely modern and a century old. It tells the tale of an unanticipated friendship, bravery in the face of injustice, and the enduring power of love and community. This book is anticipated to be published by St. Martin's Press on May 14, 2024.

5. Last House by Jessica Shattuck

A comprehensive account of a nation on the rise and one family's intricate tie to the resource that both built their wealth and drove their greatest sorrow come from the New York Times bestselling author of The Women in the Castle. Last House depicts the narrative of one American family during a time of lofty goals and even higher downfalls, spanning many generations and nearly eighty years. This is an emotional tour de force that explores deeply into issues of inheritance and what we owe one other against the backdrop of our country's history. It also brilliantly conveys the weight of time, the perilous nature of development, and the arrogance of empire. William Morrow anticipates publishing this book on May 14, 2024.

With women making up the majority of buyers, romance books are the best-selling genre in fiction. Romance book sales continued to rise throughout the economic downturn, despite a decline in sales of other publications. A strong factor that may be linked to human nature is most likely the reason why romance books are so popular. One possible explanation for this might be that romance books provide women with necessities in a manner that the real world is unable to.

Here are some novels under romance genre that will be released this coming May 2024:

1. This Summer Will Be Different by Carley Fortune

Carley Fortune, the #1 New York Times bestselling author, returns with a gorgeous and fascinating novel. A week before her wedding, Bridget abruptly leaves Toronto, and Lucy decides to join her to the island. It is her duty to support Bridget during her crisis and help her reject the one guy she has never been able to refuse. But something else has taken the place of Felix's glistening eyes and flirtatious remarks, and Lucy is starting to question how secure her heart really is. This book is scheduled to be published by Berkley on May 7, 2024.

2. Love at First Book by Jenn McKinlay

The New York Times bestselling author of Summer Reading follows a librarian who goes to a small Irish hamlet where her favorite novelist resides. She never anticipates falling in love with the author's prickly son and having their relationship turned into a book. This book is scheduled to be published by Berkley on May 14, 2024.

3. The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren

Christina Lauren is back with a delectable new romance about a buttoned-up supermarket chain heir and his free-spirited ex-artist who pretend to be in love in order to get a huge fortune. Gallery Books is scheduled to publish this book on May 14, 2024.

4. Savor It by Tarah Dewitt

Savor It—it's full of comedy, heart, and passion. This book is utterly captivating due to its genuine and attainable characters. Readers will love DeWitt's latest heartfelt romantic comedy, which is full of clever repartee, hilarious shenanigans, and touching moments of healing. Give a hand to people who like phony relationships and cranky and cheery pairs. St. Martin's Griffin is scheduled to publish this book on May 21, 2024.

5. Lies and Weddings by Kevin Kwan

In this absurd comedy of manners, a forbidden affair explodes volcanically during a luxurious tropical wedding, written by the renowned, worldwide successful author of Crazy Rich Asians. Kevin Kwan tells a juicy, hilarious, sophisticated, and very well-plotted story about love, money, murder, sex, and the lies we tell about all of it in a story that transports us from the black sand beaches of Hawaii to the skies of Marrakech, from the opulent bachelor pads of Los Angeles to the inner sanctums of England's oldest family estates. Doubleday is scheduled to release this book on May 21, 2024.

Who doesn't enjoy solving riddles? Every novel in one of these categories tests the limits of our brain's ability to handle suspense and mystery. These books aren't able to pique our interest in the intricate narrative twists and make us think harder than a standard literary novel. We always have it set in. Since there are enormous, high risks involved. And if our suspicions were correct, we want to know. Therefore, we try to figure things out as we go along or get fixated on the direction a book is taking us in. 

The following thriller books are scheduled for publication this coming May 2024:

1. The Return of Ellie Black by Emiko Jean

The Return of Ellie Black, the debut novel from New York Times bestselling author Emiko Jean, is a feminist masterwork about the flames of hope that blaze in the wake of tragedy as well as a twisting page-turner that will shock and amaze you all the way to the very end. Simon & Schuster anticipates publishing this book on May 7, 2024.

2. The Last Murder at the End of the World by Stuart Turton

This creative, high-concept murder mystery from the bestselling author of The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle and The Devil and the Dark Water features a brilliant riddle, an amazing setting, and a bold resolution. This book is scheduled to be published by Sourcebooks Landmark on May 21, 2024.

3. Swiped by L.M. Chilton

This gripping thriller takes the mysterious world of internet dating in a darkly amusing, brilliant, and disturbing new direction. A bold and brilliant debut. Chilton deftly strikes a mix between horror and fun, supporting his dramatic idea with careful study of the data mining technology behind the majority of dating apps. Fortunately, he grounds all that hyper-modern clamor and rage on a superbly crafted mystery story that will have readers flipping pages long into the night. This book is scheduled to be released by Gallery/Scout Press on May 21, 2024.

4. One Perfect Couple by Ruth Ware

Ruth Ware is the queen of psychological suspense once again with her fast-paced, captivating thriller full of intrigue and characters that feel so real. This high-tension, clever thriller, which is reminiscent of Agatha Christie's beloved And Then There Were None, follows five couples who are stranded on a storm-tossed island while a killer stalks them. It is written by New York Times bestselling author Ruth Ware, who is proving to be just as cunning and unstoppable as the Queen of Crime. Scout Press is scheduled to release this book on May 21, 2024.

5. If Something Happens to Me by Alex Finlay

If Something Happens to Me is recounted from the perspectives of numerous unique, interesting people whose paths cross and explode into a tale of twist after heart-pounding twist in true Alex Finlay fashion. Finlay's status as a top thriller writer of today is cemented by this tale. This book is scheduled for release by Minotaur Books on May 28, 2024.

People's ability to comprehend and respond cognitively to other people and social circumstances is slightly enhanced by fiction. It seems that reading a good story, by itself, increase our ability to empathize with others. We must intentionally remove ourselves from our own lives and immerse ourselves in the narrative both cognitively and emotionally and somehow, reading can assist us in doing that.

The following fiction books are scheduled for publication in May 2024:

1. Women and Children First by Alina Grabowski

An engrossing literary riddle that unravels the personal lives of ten people facing misfortune in a little Massachusetts town. Grabowski's Women and Children First is a poignant reminder of the interdependence of all life and a beautiful portrayal of bereavement, as seen through the eyes of 10 local women. This novel is a powerful reminder from a remarkable new creative talent that no one travels this planet alone. It touches on a variety of topics, including women, class, and sexuality, ambition, failure, and tragedy. It is also a beautiful depiction of love and sorrow. This book is scheduled to be published by SJP Lit on May 7, 2024.

2. Loneliness & Company by Charlee Dyroff

A young lady becomes entangled in a covert government initiative aimed at overcoming loneliness in this topical and exquisitely observed debut book about near-future New York. The captivating, exquisitely written book Loneliness & Company is about finding connection and meaning in an isolated society. This book is scheduled to be published by Bloomsbury Publishing on May 7, 2024.

3. Shanghailanders by Juli Min

A stunning and ambitious debut novel that explores secrets, losses, and the ways a family creates and reimagines itself throughout time by taking readers on a trip back in time, starting in 2040 and ending in our present and recent past. Shanghailanders is a masterfully written and profoundly poignant examination of marriage, relationships, and the multi-layered experience of time. The anticipated release date of Spiegel & Grau for this book is May 7, 2024.

4. Ella by Diane Richards

This debut novel, a wonderful piece of biographical fiction reimagining the stormy and victorious early years of Ella Fitzgerald, possibly the greatest vocalist of the twentieth century, is in the manner of The Paris Wife and The Personal Librarian. From the speakeasys, slums, and alleys of Depression-era New York City to the opulent hotel rooms where Ella, older and more mature, reflects on her life and at last faces the childhood horrors that haunt her, transports us through time. Ella is a fantastic debut novel about an amazing woman that is captivating and rich in cultural background. Amistad is set to publish Ella on May 7, 2024.

5. I Hope This Finds You Well by Natalie Sue

I Hope This Finds You Well is a new and unexpectedly touching comedy about loneliness and love outside our computer screens, crackling with laugh-out-loud language and sympathetic observations. Your heart will be opened by this brilliant first book to the commonplace quirks of workplace culture and the indisputable human connection that goes along with it. William Morrow is scheduled to release this novel on May 21, 2024.

The largest traveling book festival in the Philippines is returning for a four-day celebration honoring the depths of Philippine literature, lifestyle, and the arts. This exceptional book fair is a geared event that combines shopping, fun, learning, and tourism.

The National Library of the Philippines' Rare Book Collection will make a reappearance, offering customers a fresh choice of historic manuscripts and copies; the Book Bar, an award-winning book library; Cosplay Filipiniana, a cosplay competition where fans can dress up as their favorite Philippine literary characters; and Guhit Pambata, an exhibition showcasing the works of some of our best children's book illustrators. This year, the PBF will open the Tabuan Food Hall, where visitors may dine between each of the sections.

The event this year will take place from April 25 to April 28, 2024, at the World Trade Center in Pasay. It will facilitate collaboration between readers, writers, advertisers, creators, and students.

The PBF's four-day schedule is as follows:

Day 1

Photo Credit: The Philippine Book Fest

Day 2

Photo Credit: The Philippine Book Fest

Day 3

Photo Credit: The Philippine Book Fest

Day 4

Photo Credit: The Philippine Book Fest

This four-day fair, which offers free entry, will feature PBF's four well-known realms: Kid Lit, a dedicated area for kids; Komiks, highlighting Pinoy komiks; Booktopia, containing a vast selection of both fiction and non-fiction books; and Aral Aklat, containing manuals and learning materials. A Creators Lab, Main Stage, and Kids-at-Play will showcase captivating discussions, events, and sessions tailored to the preferences of readers and enthusiasts of those categories.

The book signing and author meet-and-greet for "A Day with Gwy Saludes" is one of the the best bits. A book signing event called "Ambeth Without the Overcoat" will be facilitated by popular novelist and historical author Ambeth Ocampo. "Trip to Quiapo" will be presented by National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Ricky Lee, and the well-known author will be honored with "Dahling Nick: A Tribute to National Artist Nick Joaquin."

As part of its mission to advance reading culture and grow the Philippine publishing sector, the National Book Development Board organizes the Philippine Book Festival. There is no admission charge, and the fair is accessible to the public from 8 AM to 8 PM on April 25 through 28, 2024. For a complimentary registration to the Philippine Book Festival, visit philippinebookfest.com.

Resources: Philippine Book Fest & WhenInManila

“Death, of course, is a refuge. It’s where you go when a new name, or a mask and cape, can no longer hide you from yourself. It’s where you run to when none of the principalities of your conscience will grant you asylum.”

--Little Bee, Chris Cleave

 Brit Chris Cleave published his book The Other Hand, alternatively titled Little Bee, in 2008. The story, which has two distinct narratives, centers on a Nigerian seeking sanctuary and a British magazine editor who first cross paths in the Niger Delta oil battle and eventually reunite in England. Inspired by his brief job at an asylum detention facility while still a university student, Cleave wrote the novel to try and humanize the situation of asylum seekers in Britain. The story looks at how the asylum system treats immigrants as well as globalization, political violence, human responsibility, and British colonialism.

Synopsis from Goodreads...

My reaction to this novel...

I have finally finished this book. To be quite honest, I tried to read this book last year, but I may not have been in the right state of mind to appreciate a novel of this kind. It took me a while to digest and appreciate the story. I didn’t even bother to write a review of this book because I couldn’t understand it before, so I put it in my rack.

Then, last week, I was looking for a book to read at that time, and this is the first book I’ve ever seen. I debated doing so, but I made myself read it once more. I thus started reading it and am currently unable to stop. To fully understand the importance and the seriousness of the sentiments that were jammed in them, I ultimately read every chapter cover to cover. This book has several very amazing moments, and I especially enjoyed the chapters written from Little Bee’s point of view.

Little Bee, the primary character, has such a funny and humorous voice. I felt scared after reading about her terrible tragedies, which made me want to stop reading and trying to comprehend it but also made me want to keep going and learn more. Her tone seemed sincere, and I came to the conclusion that the book may have been even more amazing if it had been presented entirely from her point of view. After completing it today, I put the book down knowing that it will haunt me for a very long time. The snippet cautions readers not to reveal too much of the narrative since, in my opinion, this book is a spine-tingler.

I’d like not to offer you any more details about the narrative since I think it would be better for you to read it for yourself and discover just how thrilling it can be. Without a doubt, this book is not something you should read quickly. This novel, like the innumerable others I’ve been reading lately, is about humanity. Furthermore, this book is excruciating. In reality, it is stressful. The plot of this book will teach its readers that life is typically chaotic and that horrible things may happen at any time, but despite the fact that it is not a happy story, Little Bee maintained her genuine attitude and sentiments of miracle throughout everything, which makes the story pleasant.

This work is a worthwhile read, and I wholeheartedly suggest it to anybody searching for a story in a genre that deals with immigrants. The novel will expose you to stressful circumstances as well as a glimpse into the life of refugees, which was eye-opening for me. I’m not familiar with the author, but I was astounded by how he made me feel as if I were within the novel. That I am the only one who observed everything. It’s an amazing but terrifying experience for me. It’s a good thing I opted to reread this novel.

My Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐(4/5)

"His comment is like a weight, both anchoring me yet making me feel heavy."

--Unsinkable, Jenni L. Wash

Drawing inspiration from real-life accounts of Violet Jessop and the thirty-nine women who worked with the Special Operations Executive. Two invincible ladies. Two tales about family, surviving, and achieving personal fulfillment. One relationship that permanently alters both of their lives.

Synopsis from Goodreads...

The Titanic was only the beginning. What she survived has become legend. What she survived has become legend. Inspired by true stories of survival and resilience, Unsinkable entwines the lives of two women, one from World War 1 and another from World War 2, as they face adversity and take hold of the second chances given to them.

Violet Jessop is Miss Unsinkable.

After her mother becomes too ill to work, the responsibility to provide for the family falls to Violet as the oldest of nine. When the world enters the Great War, she serves as a nurse, helping men who could very well be her brothers. Working as a stewardess and wartime nurse, Violet not only survives a shipwreck but also two sinkings, one on the infamous Titanic. No one can understand why she would return to sea, but something keeps drawing Violet back to the tumultuous waters, where she struggles to put the tragedies of her past behind her and pursue a life and love all her own.

Daphne has survived calamity of her own.

Daphne Chaundanson grows up as an unwanted child after her mother died in a tragedy. She throws herself into education, collecting languages like candy in a desperate attempt to finally earn her father's approval. When the Special Operations Executive invites her to be an agent in France in World War II, her childhood of anonymity and her love of languages make her the perfect fit. She sees it as an opportunity to help the country she loves and live up to her father's expectations. But the dangers of war challenge Daphne in ways she never could have expected, and the secrets from her own past must be faced for her to truly have a future beyond the conflict--if she can survive it.

My reaction to this novel...

When I initially saw this book, I was absolutely thrilled since the Titanic ship on the cover piqued my interest. Since I'm particularly interested in finding out about other people's experiences on the Titanic and because the author claims that this is based on a true account, I was thrilled to start reading the book without first reading the synopsis.

As soon as I started reading this novel, I could see how skillfully the author wrote since even readers who are unfamiliar with historical fiction could readily understand the way she used words and put phrases and paragraphs together. In contrast to other historical fiction that uses highly complex vocabulary that confuses readers even after reading the first phrase, I can assure readers that the author will keep them interested and excited as they read every word the author choose to write. Therefore, the author's writing style has genuinely satisfied me in this instance.

In addition to her writing style, the author also manages to immerse the reader in the events she narrates in the narrative. I became anxious and felt the anxiety and terror of the passengers and crew at that moment because I thought I was inside the Titanic while it was sinking. Despite the fact that I've seen the Titanic movie several times, the narrative in this book resonates with me in a fresh way, so that's a huge positive factor for me. Also, I would like to point out that the main character's experience on the Titanic is a significantly more engaging narrative than the other primary character in one of the book's stories.

In regard to what I've said about the two main characters, I must admit that I was initially really confused because I didn't take the date written into consideration. However, after reading the story again and realizing my error, I was able to laugh at myself and enjoy the story more. It's only that I'd prefer if the novel concentrated more on the main character's experiences aboard the Titanic. Even while some readers could perceive my comments as being more prejudiced toward the main character's tale, the truth is that I read this book mostly because I find such kinds of stories to be more interesting. I was a little let down since I had expected there to be more discussion on the Titanic, but in the end, the author used the Titanic's tale to introduce another one.

Please understand that both of the stories are excellent; it's simply that my expectations weren't met by what I actually read. Actually, I can't describe my concerns, or where and what section of the book I'm upset with, because I'm still smiling and nervous while reading the novel. It's just that, I'm still searching for something that the book ought to have. I'm not sure what was lacking, but I felt like something was missing.

Regardless, the manner the author has written this book makes me want to recommend it highly. Even if I don't know the author, I'm glad this book has allowed me to do so. You may easily go through this book to the times of war, the Titanic's sinking, and other experiences that the major characters went through.

My Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐✨(3.5/5)