Welcome back, book lovers! FFW Book Club is excited to present another installment of book recommendations—from our very own editors—that are guaranteed to captivate from cover to cover. This month, we have a wide variety of must-read books filled with dual-timeline drama, swoon-worthy moments, spellbinding action and more. From literary fiction to historical fiction, memoir and romance, there’s a genre for every mood and preference!
If you’re a fan of British rom-coms, look no further than Sophie Cousens’ latest novel, Is She Really Going Out With Him? This funny, flirty story will have you smiling and swooning from the start. If you’re interested in learning more about One Tree Hill star Bethany Joy Lenz’s life in Hollywood—and her experience in a real-life cult—pick up her memoir Dinner With Vampires. Julianne MacNeill, FIRST’s Assistant Digital Editor, says “This memoir is heartbreakingly beautiful and worth the read.”
If you’re feeling stressed and looking for a solution, we have an excellent nonfiction book recommendation. Beyond Anxiety by life coach and Harvard-trained sociologist Martha Beck is brimming with research-backed tips and wise advice on turning anxiety spirals into creativity spirals.
Keep scrolling here for the entire list of FFW Book Club must-read recommendations for February 14 to February 27. Happy reading!
Literary fiction
‘Homeseeking’ by Karissa Chen
“I always reach for books that combine historical fiction, lost loves and flashbacks into one page-turning tale,” shares Carissa Mosness, FIRST Assistant Digital Editor. “So when I heard this novel did exactly that, I knew I had to read it.” Karissa Chen’s dazzling debut novel follows Haiwen, a recently widowed man who sees his long-lost love, Suchi, for the first time in almost 60 years at a market in Los Angeles. Soon, he is transported back in time, recalling when they first met as young children in Shanghai, later fell in love and had it all taken away from them after Haiwen joined the Nationalist Army in 1947 to save his brother from the draft. Haiwen left Suchi with nothing but his beloved violin and a note that said Forgive me—but even after 60 years, will she ever be able to? “Filled with descriptive details and a heart-wrenching love story, I found myself rooting for Haiwen and Suchi. Their saga captured me from page one—and didn’t let it go,” says Carissa. “This intense read had me crying, laughing and sitting on the edge of my seat in equal measure. I really cannot wait for Karissa Chen’s next book!” (G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 2025)
Romance
‘Is She Really Going Out With Him?’ by Sophie Cousens
“I’m a sucker for a good British rom-com,” says Patty Bontekoe, FIRST Executive Editor. Struggling at work, magazine writer Anna Appleby ends up pitching a column in which she’ll go on 7 dates with men chosen by her kids. She soon discovers the horrors of post-divorce dating, all while fighting her handsome work nemesis, Will, who is writing his own dating column. Says Patty, “Anna’s hilariously bad dates and chemistry with Will kept me engaged!” (G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 2024)
Nonfiction
‘Beyond Anxiety’ by Martha Beck
“Everything from making an appointment to making a left turn stresses me out,” admits Kristina Mastrocola, FIRST Senior Editor. “So when I learned that life coach and Harvard-trained sociologist Martha Beck had written a new book on taming stress, I was all-in.” With anxiety on the rise, the sense of overwhelm we’re all feeling is being called the “inner pandemic,” notes Beck, as she teaches us how to turn anxiety spirals into creativity spirals. Says Kristina, “I loved how she reminds us that the solution to anxiety lies in our ability to listen to ourselves and connect with others.” (The Open Field, 2025)
Contemporary fiction
‘Once More From the Top’ by Emily Layden
“A friend said I’d enjoy this novel about the music industry and the juicy, albeit tricky, rise to pop stardom,” says Melissa D’Agnese, FIRST Senior Editor. Dylan Read is a pop icon. She released her debut album in high school and she’s grown up in the public eye ever since. She’s mastered how to craft a perfect melody and a perfect public image—that’s why everyone feels they know her. But no one knows this: Her childhood friend Kelsey vanished the year before Dylan became famous. So when Kelsey’s body is found at the bottom of their hometown lake, Dylan is forced to face her past. “I listened to this audiobook on a flight,” says Melissa. “It’s a sharp tale of friendship, fame and secrets woven into an intriguing modern mystery!” (Mariner, 2024)
Historical fiction
‘The Secret War of Julia Child’ by Diana R. Chambers
“Julie & Julia is one of my favorite movies—it captures Julia Child’s drive and talent,” says Lauren Stachiw, FIRST Beauty Director. “And this book, based on her earlier life, is fascinating!” Before she became synonymous with French cooking, Julia was working for the Office of Strategic Services in D.C. during WWII, which sent her to India and China to set up communication stations. This time in Julia’s life shaped her future. Raves Lauren, “Now, I have an even bigger appreciation for her!” (Sourcebooks Landmark, 2024)
Mystery
‘Think Twice’ by Harlan Coben
“I’ve heard great things about Harlan Coben’s novels,” says Rachel Cosma, FIRST Health Director. “So when my book club chose his latest in the Myron Bolitar series, I was excited to see if it lived up to the hype. Spoiler alert: It did.” Former basketball star Myron is stunned when federal agents walk into his office and demand to know where his former associate Greg is. The problem? Greg died three years ago—or so Myron thought. Now, Myron and his friend Win must find out if Greg really is alive. “This was a page-turning thriller punctuated with moments of humor that kept me wanting more,” says Rachel. (Grand Central, 2024)
Fantasy
‘Somewhere Beyond the Sea’ by TJ Klune
“I was recently introduced to TJ Klune’s Cerulean Chronicles series, so I had to crack this one open,” says Erin McCarthy, FIRST Graphic Designer. Arthur Parnassus seeks to adopt six magical children in a world that has branded them as dangerous. On his journey, Arthur faces oppression, but he makes it his life’s work to fight for the freedom and safety of all magical people. Says Erin, “What I find so invaluable and relatable is the way Klune manages to capture the nuances and gravity of anyone facing adversity.” (Tor, 2024)
Memoir
‘Dinner for Vampires: Life on a Cult TV Show’ by Bethany Joy Lenz
“As a big fan of Bethany Joy Lenz, I’d been waiting for this memoir release since it was announced,” says Julianne MacNeill, FIRST Assistant Digital Editor. Bethany Joy Lenz was just about to make her breakthrough as a lead on One Tree Hill, but behind the scenes, the actress was dealing with devastation after joining what she would later realize was a cult that took over every aspect of her life. After enduring years of trauma, Lenz was only able to escape once she became a mother. Says Julianne, “This memoir is heartbreakingly beautiful and worth the read.” (Simon & Schuster, 2024)
