Women’s Fiction Novels For Your Winter TBR List
By: Hidden Gems on November 2, 2021
Women’s Fiction can range from flirty, and humorous to heartfelt and even suspenseful. Today we’ve rounded up 5 women’s fiction novels that Hidden Gems ARC readers got to read and enjoy first. You’ll want to add these to your TBR list this winter, we’re sure.
While I’m Gone by Ana Simons
Perfect for romantic women’s fiction fans, While I’m Gone brings together two strangers whose paths cross unexpectedly. An honest and thought-provoking story about life, love and second chances.
“Wow! I was hooked on this story from page one,” explains Merry J.E. in her 5-star review. “Sophie was thrown for a loop by her husband and if it was me I think I would have handled things a bit differently especially after everything came out about what he was doing. Meeting Matthew was one of the best things that could happen to her considering everything going on in her life. Their relationship was intriguing being one where they had to travel to be with each other but will it sustain them in the long run? This touching story will have you in Sophie’s corner and pulling for Matthew to come to the conclusion that they were meant to be!”
Jen T. writes in her 5-star review, “While I’m Gone embodies detailed characterization, so prepare to be 100% invested in Sophie and Matt and for a back and forth of rooting for them and then cursing one of their actions. However, this is not simply a romance novel, but instead, a woman’s journey from the life she thought she loved to discovering what true happiness looks and feels like. This story and the characters serve as a reminder of the outstanding outcome that can come from taking risks with our deepest emotions, our hearts, and our entire lives. This is an amazing story that I highly, highly recommend.”
Entitled by Cookie Boyle
With an impressive 4.7 average star rating on Amazon, this charming, humorous, debut novel follows the extraordinary adventures of an extraordinary book. Entitled is told from the perspective of a book, seeking to find a home.
“It is a refreshing, fun and oh so welcome read,” explains Steve G. in his 5-star review. “This unique story is told from through the voice of a book! It takes us on an unexpected journey from San Francisco to the capitals of Europe and back to New York as it gets passed from reader to reader, city to city and continent to continent. It’s interesting how the book learns both from the stories in its own pages and the experiences of its readers. Entitled is a wonderful blend of people and places and is a great book for those who love to travel – who doesn’t wish they could travel — or those who are simply looking to read something different. I highly recommend it.”
Paulbel writes in their 5-star review, “Entitled is a great, goodhearted, easy read that gets under your skin. I guarantee you’ll never look at your bookshelf, or that pile of books on your bedside table, the same way again. Cookie Boyle inhabits an ink-stained world whose wood pulp ‘fibres’ carry the lifeblood of authors, celebrated and otherwise and their manifestations. She takes you on a journey from hand to to hand, bookshelf to bookshelf, bookbag to bookbag in a continente-hoping adventure one particular volume of THE SERENDIPITY OF SNOW, a novel that, if it exists, is probably not nearly as much fun as this one. This would be a really, really, challenging book to film and I can’t wait to see it.”
Wayward Girls by Claire Matturro and Penny Koepsel
With an astounding 4.8 average star rating on Amazon, Wayward Girls is one of those women’s fiction novels you don’t want to miss out on. It’s full of suspense and delivers a gripping story of sisterhood.
Southern Literary Review raves in their review, “Sizzling with tension and intriguing characters, Wayward Girls, by Claire Matturro and Penny Koepsel, is set in a creepy Central Florida boarding school that is supposed to provide structure for teens whose parents or therapists have deemed them as too rebellious, who thought they were ‘crazy girls. The ones who lied.’ Their infractions seem to be as trivial as skipping school—so what’s really going on?… The careful unfolding of the truth as the story moves back and forth in time is a testament to the skill of these talented authors… The Matturro-Koepsel collaboration has produced a compelling novel, one worthy of wide readership and a lasting place on bookshelves.”
“I found myself picking up the book every chance I got,” writes Karin T. in her 5-star review. “I enjoyed the way the characters were introduced in the present, how the story unravels through looking back at their shared boarding school experience, and how that experience shaped their lives. Even though it’s been a long time since I was a teenager, I could easily connect with the feelings of the teenage girls. Claire Matturro is one of my favorite authors, and this joint effort with Penny Koepsel does not disappoint!”
No Names to Be Given by Julia Brewer Daily
Told from three women’s perspectives, this mesmerizing story is based on actual experiences of women in the 1960s who found themselves pregnant but unmarried, pressured by family and society to make horrific decisions. How that inconceivable act changed women forever is the story of No Names to Be Given, a heartbreaking but uplifting novel of family and redemption from Hidden Gems reader favorite, Julia Brewer Daily.
“Well-written and well-paced, I feel this novel is more than entertaining,” writes Melissa A.B. in her 5-star review. “It’s a gripping story that is as much social commentary as compelling fiction. It is intensely female, but deals with universal subjects. I would recommend this to anyone interested in the culture of America in the 1960’s, as a counterpoint to all the stories about free love and wild adventures (not to invalidate those stories), and make it required reading for anyone in a women’s studies program.”
Karen V. explains in her 5-star review, “An eye opening reveal of young girls and women who found themselves pregnant and shamed. Such strong character development and plot twists. I couldn’t put this book down until I found out how the characters and their babies would fare. Lots of soul searching. As a person with New Orleans roots, she nailed the details and ambulance of the Crescent City right as well as those Southern traditions surrounding my visits to relatives. I do love how she combats racism through characters beliefs. You must read Julia’s book!!”
Sunrise in Magnolia Bloom by Paula Adler
Sunrise in Magnolia Bloom is the third prequel novella in the Magnolia Bloom series, in which two women separated by time, are both drawn in the magical MacInnes family.
“This is a heartwarming novella that fills in some of the history of Magnolia Bloom,” writes GranJan in her 5-star review. “It is about getting beyond our past, forgiving ourselves and not hating those who cause pain. It is also a great look at 1890s ocean liner travel, electrification of cities and factories, and the growth of America. This novella fits into the story seamlessly and will bring a smile to the reader’s heart.”
Kec200 writes in their 5-star review, “I love these short books that give us more background on the characters. This is Bruce’s story relating his romance with Dara. We also get some more insight into Lexi, who is a Scottish cousin, in current times. Hopefully, she’s coming to America soon. A really nice little serving of Magnolia Bloom.”
Hidden Gems readers got to read these enticing women’s fiction novels first, so if you want more stories that will stay with you, sign up today! Subscribers to Hidden Gems receive invitations to read books like these – plus other titles from any of up to 15 other genres – for free. Authors send these out in the hopes that the readers will write an honest review on Amazon once they’re done.
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