How to Make Sweet Apple Dumplings for Your Next Book Club Night

Oct 12, 2015

We’re in week two of the B + C Book Club, and while we’re loving and LOL’ing our way through Dumplin’, we’ve also got our eyes on the prize: a boozy book club night with all the right snacks. To celebrate this fantastic novel, we’re serving up dumplings in honor of superstar protagonist Willowdean. Willowdean mostly hates her nickname “Dumplin’,” given to her by her mom. But by end of the book, when (spoiler!) Willowdean makes peace with her mom and her nickname, you’ll cheer and maybe even tear up. Join in the fun and scroll on to learn how to make sweet apple syrup dumplings that’ll have your book besties begging for seconds.

Ingredients:

Serves 3-4 (10-12 dumplings)

For the Dumplings:

– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

– 1 plus ½ teaspoons baking powder

– ¼ cup (60g) cold butter, chopped into small chunks

– 1/2 cup milk

– 2 Tablespoons golden syrup

– 1 egg

– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Sauce:

– 1 plus 1/2 cups water

– 1/3 cup golden syrup

– 1/2 cup brown muscovado sugar

– 2 Tablespoons butter

– 1 cooking apple, peeled and chopped into slices and mixed with one tablespoon lemon juice (to prevent the apple from browning)

Instructions:

1. Place the flour in a large bowl, add the butter and use your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour until it looks like breadcrumbs. In a separate bowl, mix the milk, golden syrup, egg and vanilla together until combined.

2. Place the dry mix into the wet mix bowl and use your hands to gently mix together until the dough is just combined (don’t over-mix or you’ll get tough dumplings).

3. Next, make the sauce. Place the water, golden syrup, brown sugar, butter and sliced apple into a large saucepan. Heat without stirring over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the liquid comes to a boil. Turn down the heat and simmer for 10 minutes, then remove the apples with a slotted spoon and place in a dish to one side.

4. With the syrup still bubbling, drop heaped tablespoons of the dough into the simmering liquid (they will expand, so you will probably have to do this in two batches — cooked dumplings can be placed in a covered bowl to keep warm), cover with a lid and cook for 10 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center of a dumpling comes out clean (keep the lid on for a full 10 minutes before checking). Add the apples back into the syrup for one minute to heat, then turn off the heat.

5. Place the dumplings upside down (so the darker side is on top) into bowls. Spoon over the apples and sauce and serve with custard, cream or ice cream.

Place the flour in a large bowl, add the butter and use your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour until it looks like breadcrumbs. In a separate bowl, mix the milk, golden syrup, egg and vanilla together until combined.

Place the dry mix into the wet mix bowl and use your hands to gently mix together until the dough is just combined (don’t over-mix or you’ll get tough dumplings).

Next, make the sauce. Place the water, golden syrup, brown sugar, butter and sliced apple into a large saucepan. Heat without stirring over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the liquid comes to a boil. Turn down the heat and simmer for 10 minutes, then remove the apples with a slotted spoon and place in a dish to one side.

With the syrup still bubbling, drop heaped tablespoons of the dough into the simmering liquid (they will expand, so you will probably have to do this in two batches — cooked dumplings can be placed in a covered bowl to keep warm), cover with a lid and cook for 10 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center of a dumpling comes out clean (keep the lid on for a full 10 minutes before checking). Add the apples back into the syrup for one minute to heat, then turn off the heat.

Place the dumplings upside down (so the darker side is on top) into bowls. Spoon over the apples and sauce and serve with custard, cream or ice cream.

They’re sweet and sticky, but also light and fluffy (and seriously delicious!!).

What’s on your reading list? Would you serve these at your book club night? Let us know in the comments below!

Emma Roberts & Joan Didion Is The Book Club Crossover We've Been Waiting For

Finding a community of people who love reading books as much as you do is top tier — especially when you gather to talk about your favorite book club finds. Since we're having a hard time choosing our favorite celebrity book club at Brit + Co, we're introducing you to another one filled with all the cool girl reads. That's right — the Belletrist book club by besties Emma Roberts and Karah Preiss is the next thing that should be on your literary list.

It's also worth mentioning Belletrist is partnering with online bookstore Tertulia to bring you an exclusive paid membership subscription! Members will receive Emma and Karah's picks each month along with access to interviews, and a "limited edition Belletrist hat," (via PEOPLE). Karah said, "Our aim has always been to deepen the connection between readers and books, and help facilitate conversation with community members."

Created in 2017, Belletrist features bookswith tales that'll have you on the edge of your seat, and we've got 31 worth adding to your TBR pile!

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Didion & Babitz by Lili Anolik (November 12, 204)

Belletrist's latest book club pick is Didion & Babitz, written by the brilliant author Lili Anolik. Talking to PEOPLE, Emma Roberts revealed the reason she chose this read. "Joan Didion was the first writer I truly loved as an adult person," she said and even went as far as admit she feels a personal connection to Didion's words.

As brilliant of a writer as she was, Joan had a complicated relationship with Eve Babitz. They started as close friends, but time gave way to sour feelings. Truthfully, Eve was the only person who truly understood Joan and was able to decode the mysterious nature of her former friend. It is through her letters that Anolik was able to pen this eye-opening novel.

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Intermezzoby Sally Rooney

Peter and Ivan Koubek may be brothers, but that doesn't mean they have the same interests or thought patterns. Peter is the oldest and has been managing a very successful career as a lawyer while Ivan is twenty-something social misfit. Their lives drastically shift with the death of their father, leading to Peter finding vices to numb his pain and Ivan growing closer to an older woman name Margaret.

Somehow, the two Koubek brothers find themselves and love as they stumble through the world in the aftermath of their father's death.

Amazon

Five-Star Stranger by Kat Tang

What would you do if you rent someone to play the perfect role in your life? In Five-Star Stranger, Stranger finds himself striking a high chord with those who've used his services in the past. He's been able to assume several identities for the right price and has never gotten involved with his clients.

But someone has their eyes on destroying his careful image, especially since he's been pretending to have a family that involves a woman and her child. This makes him begin exploring his abandonment issues which have led him to offer himself up for strangers' brief needs.

Amazon

Memory Piece by Lisa Ko

During the '80s, teenagers Giselle Chin, Jackie Ong, and Ellen Ng dealt with insecurity surrounding their identities. The other thing that had in common was their ambitions which created a deep bond between them. But adulthood became something they weren't entirely prepared for.

Giselle finds herself in a social world she's unfamiliar with, Jackie is battling capitalism within the coding industry, and Ellen's facing legal injustice in the NYC neighborhood she lives in. As they grow, their friendship moves past surface level and they're met with changing goals in Memory Piece.

Piglet by Lottie Hazell

Piglet's career as a cookbook editor is flourishing and she couldn't be happier. After all, this type of success is meant to be celebrated at every turn and she's been reveling in it. Surrounded by people she loves and who love her, she feels like nothing can stand in her way. But when Kit commits an offense that's soul crushing, Piglet's appetite for more than her life has afforded her increases. Caught between living the life she has and desiring more, her 'erratic' behavior becomes her saving grace.

Holding Pattern by Jenny Xie

Kathleen Cheng feels like her life is a huge wreck after her relationship ends and she decides graduate school isn't for her. This leads her back to Oakland and she's not quite comfortable with being clueless about what to do with herself. This wouldn't be so weird if her mom, Marissa Cheng, wasn't different from the mother she had growing up. This version of her mom is happily in love and enlists Kathleen's help to plan her wedding.

When Kathleen gets a job at Marissa's fiancé's startup, she slowly begins to work through limiting beliefs about love and life, and forms a close bond with someone as a result. By the end of Holding Pattern, readers will love seeing how one's disruptions in life can be used to push them in a much better direction.

What Happened To Ruthy Ramirez?by Claire Jiménez

When Ruthy Ramirez goes missing, it rattles the Ramirez family but they ultimately decide to learn to live with their loss. However, a chance sighting by her sister Jessica leads them down a path that they hope will give them answers about what happened to her. What the Ramirez women don't anticipate is how their journey to finding her will change them in more ways than one.

I Could Live Here Foreverby Hanna Halperin

Trigger Warning: This book contains drug use.

There are some people who believe in love at first sight and Leah Kempler is one of them. After meeting the most charismatic man she's ever known (Charlie Nelson), she falls head over heels in love with him. He's perfect if you don't count the weird habits everyone around Leah is worried about. It reads as a cautionary tale that unfolds the truth behind loving someone to the point you can't see any damaging red flags.

The Guestby Emma Cline

The Guest tackles the issue of who belongs to upper society and what happens to those who are shunned from it. Despite being told to leave Long Island, Alex decides to take matters in her own hands by staying. However, she has plans to make her presence known whether people like it or not.

My Husbandby Maud Ventura; Translated by Emma Ramadan

Sometimes our suspicions are nothing more than figments of our imaginations because nothing is capable of going well for a long period of time — right? In My Husband, one woman comes to terms with her own insecurities and how they're harming her marriage.

When We Lost Our Headsby Heather O'Neill

When We Lost Our Heads explores an unlikely and sometimes dangerous friendship that develops between two girls. Although Marie Antoine and Sadie Arnett are banned from spending time together, something keeps drawing them near each other. Is it fate, or something unspoken in their hearts?

Cherish Farrahbu Bethany C. Morrow

Young Farrah Turner is a walking contradiction whose inner turmoil influences her actions when her parents' problems lead her to stay with her best friend's family. The Whitmans readily welcome Farrah into their home but Farrah begins to suspect she's not the only one who has ulterior motives. Will her friendship with Cherish Whitman survive or will everything Farrah thought she knew about the community she lives in be exposed as something else?

How to Be Eatenby Maria Adelmann

Maria Adelmanturns folk and fairy tales upside down in this gripping page-turner. From a woman who's trapped in a relationship with a man who has an odd-colored beard to one who's been searching for her perfect love, How to Be Eaten will show readers the darker side of comfort tales by daring us to think beyond what we think we know.

Like a House on Fireby Lauren McBrayer

Like a House on Fire is a painfully beautiful tale of a woman who begins to question the life she's living. While Merit is grateful for her husband and kids, she can't help but feel unfulfilled. However, things begin to change after she's hired by Jane at the architect firm Jager + Brandt. Will Merit rediscover who she is or find that the missing piece of her life involves someone who isn't her husband?

Motherthingby Ainslie Hogarth

Trigger warning: This book mentions suicide.

Motherthing takes the classic 'mother-in-law from hell' trope to a dangerous level when a couple moves in with the husband's mother. Despite Abby Lamb's best efforts, her mother-in-law is more interested in making her life as miserable as possible. Just when she thinks things can't get worse, her mother-in-law commits suicide and begins wrecking supernatural havoc. Will Abby be able to keep her marriage and job intact in the midst of dealing with hatred from beyond the grave? Read Motherthing to find out!

Outlawedby Anna North

Through no real fault of her own, Ada becomes an outlaw after 'failing' to become pregnant after getting married. Outlawed seeks to challenge the burden placed on women during frontier days with this tale filled with courage and hope.

The Nine Lives of Rose Napolitanoby Donna Freitas

Who would you be if you have a certain number of times to make different choices? The Nine Lives of Rose Napolitano looks to answer this by sending its main character of the same name down a journey that involves motherhood. Unsure of whether this role fits in her life or not, Rose is faced with the consequences of her decisions throughout this thought-provoking novel.

Build Your House Around My Bodyby Violet Kupersmith

Sometimes ghosts are meant to help us more than they haunt us and that's what Build Your House Around My Body aims to show readers. Filled with key two vanishings and unexplained happenings at a familiar farmhouse, history is in for a surprise in this poignant tale.

I Love You But I've Chosen Darknessby Claire Vaye Watkins

Dealing with the effects of postpartum depression, a writer comes face to face with the past she thought she'd outrun. From finally coming to terms with her father's involvement in a dangerous cult to more unspoken things, she realizes it's now or never when deciding to find her footing.

We Wish You Luckby Caroline Zancan

Hannah, Leslie, and Jimmy are three graduate students whose charisma is the talk of the campus. They're downright irresistible for a number of reasons and when the brilliant Simone joins their trio? There's no stopping them — until Simone does the unthinkable.

The Vanishing Halfby Brit Bennett

The identical Vignes twins may look alike, but their lives couldn't be more different. While one sister chooses to remain in the south with her daughter, the other builds a life that involves being dishonest about who she really is. When their paths cross again, will the sisters recognize each other or will they take fault with the lives they've individually built?

Blue Ticketby Sophie Mackintosh

Blue Ticket opens the door to a lottery that differs from winning a life-changing amount of money. Instead, women are given the choice to lead lives based on the ticket they receive. However, pregnant Calla is terrified of the consequences of her making a choice that differs from the ticket she's been given and ends up on an unforgettable journey.

The Farmby Joanne Ramos

The Farm is an alarming tale of what happens when one woman trades her freedom for nine months to secure a place where she's guaranteed food and shelter. The only problem? She's forbidden from leaving Golden Oaks during her pregnancy. Will she follow the rules or find a way to save her sanity at the cost of losing what once felt like a dream come true?

Marilou Is Everywhereby Sarah Elaine Smith

What happens when siblings are left alone for an extended period of time? They begin finding a way to survive even if it's unconventional or illegal. In Marilou Is Everywhere, young Cindy takes on missing Jude Vanderjohn's identity and begins living a better life. But as guilt starts to eat away at her, she has to decide if telling the truth is worth going back to the loveless and hard life she previously knew.

Red at the Boneby Jacqueline Woodson

Red at the Bone is a moving novel that seeks to understand one's family origins and the events that shaped life as teenaged Melody knows it. It peels back layers of the Tulsa race massacre that occurred in 1921 among other things that young people often have to face in a world that would rather turn a blind eye to who they are.

Wild Gameby Adrienne Brodeur

Having your mother confide in you can feel amazing...unless she's asking you to harbor secrets that involve her growing affair with your dad's best friend. Unfortunately for Adrienne, her mother does just that, changing the course of her life.

The Immortalistsby Chloe Benjamin

After four siblings decide to learn their fate from a mysterious psychic, their lives become defined in different ways. It's a tale that shows the lives people would live if they knew the exact moment they would die. Instead of reading like a tale that mirrors Final Destination, The Immortalists goes deeper and offers hope throughout its pages.

Godspeedby Casey Legler

Godspeed follows Casey Legler's life as a successful teen swimmer who's struggling with alcoholism that's caused by her intense training and feeling separated from those close to her. When she hits rock bottom, she somehow finds the strength to see herself differently and choose to live life in a way that doesn't feel so isolated.

My Sister The Serial Killerby Oyinkan Braithwaite

If the name of this novel doesn't intrigue you, I'm not sure what will! My Sister The Serial Killer follows Korede as she tries to come to terms with her sister Ayoola's killer nature — literally. However, things begin to change when Korede develops a crush on a doctor who's more interested in Ayoola. Will Korede do everything she can to protect her sister or will she decide to be truthful about who her sister really is?

The Rules Do Not Applyby Ariel Levy

Ariel Levy decides to raise a middle finger to the idea that she should be a softer woman, and she leans into the things people say she should change about herself. This takes her on an amazing adventure that's halted when she realizes she can't control everything like she thought she could. It's a novel that deals with understanding which parts of ourselves are okay to let go and which ones are worth holding on to.

Touchby Courtney Maum

Sloane Jacobsen may be a successful trend forecaster but she feels like her life is a walking contradiction. Suddenly, she finds that her professional work is being derailed by a change of heart — her own. Instead of believing that virtual relationships are rising, she feels the opposite. Caught between her heart and intuition, Sloane must make a choice that will change how she and others relate to each other.

To see the full Belletrist book club list, click here!

Which cool girl reads from the Belletrist book club will you add to your literary list before the end of 2023?

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated.

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4 Habits Women With Tons Of Friends All Have In Common

Have you ever wondered why it seems some women always have the best friendships? We're talking about on the level of Sex and the Cityor Insecure. It's debatable whether some of those friends are toxic or not, but that's another story. The point is, it seems like some women have the best luck when it comes to building fun and supportive platonic relationships.

Are there unique qualities women in this position share? According to friendship coach Zoe Asher and licensed therapist Nicolle Osequeda, the answer is yes! Asher is host of the top-rated Accidentally Intentional podcast while Osequeda is the owner and founder of Lincoln Park Therapy Group, giving them an inside look at how people tend to approach all types of relationships!

Let's dive in!

Here are the unique qualities women with lots of friends share.

1. Women with a lot of friends value connection & community.

Andrea Piacquadio/Pexels

The one thing everyone with a solid group of friends can agree on is how it feels like you've built your own supportive community. Friends are often the first people we turn to with good or bad news, or the ones we simply want to go on adventures with. Osequeda says, "Women with strong friendship circles often value connection, community, and the power of vulnerability."

There's a realization that women in this unique position are able to "recognize that life is richer with a support system," says Osequeda. This involves "people who will listen, validate, and be there through both the highs and lows" she adds. From the friend who stayed up with you all night after a bad breakup to the one who cheered the loudest at your graduation, women who have a huge friend circle know that life feels better when we can connect with others.

Based on her experience as a therapist, she's "observed how women start friendships by gradually sharing layers of themselves." This can look like "having children at the same school or bonding over shared interests," she adds. This vulnerability is important because it creates a foundation that signals to women they've found their tribe.

2. Women with multiple friendships are open to vulnerability.

Like Osequeda mentioned, vulnerability can deepen our friendships. "These women are open to sharing the 'messy' parts of themselves which builds a deeper, more authentic bond." Also, she notes women with a lot of friends "aren't afraid to shed layers and be real" because "this vulnerability strengthens their sense of community." The more this happens over time, the more it "helps foster the connections" women with a lot of friends "cherish," according to Osequeda.

Honestly, she says "we’re all wired to seek out connection, and friendships provide that sense of community, validation, and belonging." She believes we truly "crave spaces where we can share our thoughts and feelings about what truly matters to us."

Asher believes women with lots of friends are "usually drawn towards one another in friendship" based on two levels:

Level 1: Shared interests, appearance of confidence, a positive energy that they feel (smiling helps with this!)
Level 2: (When in conversation) the safety they feel when speaking to another person, [emotional compatibility], how engaged the person is in conversation, and a desire to learn more about them, ultimately to find shared values.

This determines how women move forward in friendships. The approach is often led with "a deep sense of authenticity and care," according to Osequeda. "This is because women want relationships where they can be themselves, sharing hopes, dreams, and frustrations without judgment."

3. Women who have a lot of friends like other people they're friends with.

Again, the fact women with lots of friends actually like the people in their chosen circle is monumental. Asher says, "An interesting Yale study done in 2003 sought to look at 'popularity' in high schools to see if they could find something that all of the most liked and most popular kids had in common (outside of being a jock, etc.,)."

The common thread? "THEY liked the highest amount of people," Asher reveals. I talk about being a people pleaser a lot, but genuinely liking others isn't the same as that. IMO, it's actually admirable when people can respect others regardless of their race, religion, socioeconomic status, or sexuality.

She knows you're likely asking, "How does this apply to women having a lot of friends?" Her answer? "Across the board, the principle here is that women with the most friends are continuously on a hunt to find good and likable things about others."

However, this isn't based on a selfish need or want. "They've determined that the time invested in others is of mutual benefit," says Asher because "the biggest coast in adult female friendships is time — the most finite resource we all share in common."

4. These women also don't mind making new friends.

Elina Fairytale/Pexels

While making friends as adults shouldn't be hard, it definitely doesn't mean it comes easily. From overthinking to social anxiety, there's so many reasons why we struggle. Also, this idea we're doing fine without friends isn't exactly helpful or positive. Asher says, "The CDC has said that the impacts of loneliness on our bodies are more harmful than smoking 15 cigarettes A DAY! Making time for quality friendships (and the pursuit of it) is just as important for your physical state as working out is."

Where should you start if you want to forge new friendships? Osequeda says, "Start within communities that already resonate with you — whether it’s your child’s school, your workplace, a gym, dog park or a shared hobby. Places where you already belong create natural opportunities to connect." She even suggests giving "apps like Bumble BFF or local meet-up groups" a chance because they "can also help you find like-minded friends." But don't think you're limited to this!

Though Asher agrees that women tend to approach "friendships by trying to find commonalities right from the beginning," she says you don't have to confine yourself to this formula. "The reason I don't think this is best is because we are boxing ourselves in when we do this. The greatest friends could be on the other side of the stereotypes we're creating," she notes. Taking it a step further, Asher shared her own experience with this. "I watched all 3 of my best friends get married and have kids all before I ever got married. On the outside, most women would think 'They don’t have anything in common.' But on the inside, the character traits and values we each were looking for were mutual, and that became a more important compass for our friendship than the stage in life we were each in."

She was even surprised she'd become close to her best friends because of how things looked externally. "We had nothing in common, but I'm so glad I didn't box myself in," she says excitedly.

Here Are Even More Ways To Make New Friends!

Asher has three ways you can open yourself up to new adult friendships if you're interested.

The most important place to start is our mindset. We have to first decide “I don’t want to be lonely anymore, and I’m worth having meaningful friendships.” When we make that decision, then we give ourselves permission and the courage to step out and take action in that! Important note about this: there was a study done at Stanford that revealed that people are 1.5x MORE likely to accept us than we think they are! So don’t let the fear of rejection hold you back!
Go first. Make the ask, and then make the plans! Saying “We should hang out sometime” is ineffective because “sometime” isn’t a day on the calendar! We cannot wait for other people to want to pursue a friendship with us, because most of us are in this same boat — not knowing where to start! We can pursue connection, get plugged into a community (examples: book club, fitness class, church, etc), or create our own connections by just inviting someone over to our house/apartment. The biggest thing we need to remind ourselves of that is to stop making excuses, or pre-determining how we think people will respond!
Again, don’t box yourself in. Don’t let your preconceived notions of what you think your archetype of a friend will look like stop you from spending time with others who don't fit that label. As addressed above, the friendships we’ve been looking for our whole lives could be right behind the stereotypes we’ve created! It’s more about character traits than it is about the external compatibility of hobbies or stages of life.

Osequeda's last piece of advice? "If you already have a friend group, meeting friends of friends is another great way to grow your circle. They key is taking that first step with a little bit of vulnerability — start a conversation, ask a question, and show interest." She's sure "it's these small moments of openness that create lasting connections!"

Want to know if you've taken on a certain role in your friendships? Discover the 11 ways you can tell if you're an empath!

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Reese Witherspoon's 101th Book Club Pick Uncovers The Truth Of One Secret Society

After compiling my vacation reads, I'm *finally* ready to start combing through Reese Witherspoon's Book Club list. Her revelation about reading one book every two days in her cover feature interview with Harper's Bazaar made me realize I need to step my game up ASAP. Her admirable hobby - that's since led her to create a bourgeoning book club— continues to highlight books with women at the center and girl does she have a great eye for stories that fit every mood.

To celebrate her 101th pick, Reese Witherspoon has chosen one of best debut dark academia books we've read this year. She said, "If you’re looking for a page-turner that keeps you on the edge of your seat this spooky season, this one is a must-read! 👀 Visit our link in bio to get your copy now." (via Reese's Book Club).Alongside the other 35 titles I think are worth diving into, Secret Society of Lies is sucre to take our emotions on a ride!

After you finish your TBR (To Be Read list), check out 29 Standout Reads From Jenna Bush Hager's Book Club, 20 Captivating Shondaland Book Club Picks, and 21 Must-Reads From The Oprah Winfrey Book Club!

October: Society of Lies

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Society of Lies by Lauren Ling Brown

Maya's back in town for her reunion at Princetown and she's excited to celebrate with familiar faces. It also coincides with her sister Naomi's graduation. As she gets ready for the best weekend ever, she receives the tragic news of Naomi's death and it leaves her shaken to her core. Though everyone says it was an accident, Maya's gut is telling her otherwise.

The more Maya digs into the past, the more she realizes her sister wasn't telling her. Sadly, Naomi was a part of the Sterling Club and it crushes her because she never wanted her sister to join it. Maya's no stranger to the inner workings of the Serling Club because she used to be a member so she knows everything that went on behind the scenes.

As she works to understand what happened to her sister, Maya will come face to face with the memories and secrets that haunt her.

September: The Comfort of Crows

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The Comfort of Crows: A Backyard Year by Margaret Renkl

Over the course of 52 chapters, Margaret Renkl invites readers into the wonders of her backyard. For a year, she watched various animals and plants bloom during varying seasons that speak to the cycles of life. From the way our emotions ebb and flow to the periods where we're active or need rest, The Comfort of Crows: A Backyard Year is a beautiful read that will help us fall in love with every moment of life.

August 2024: Slow Dance

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Slow Danceby Rainbow Rowell

Best friends Shiloh and Cary thought they had everything figured out when they were in high school. They decided they'd both leave Omaha behind, start their careers, and maintain the tight-knit friendship they'd always had. But, life is known to thrown curveballs when we least expect it.

When Shiloh looks up one day, she realizes it's been over 10 years since she talked to her former best friend. She's also increasingly aware that she's now a single mom to two kids.

While she tries to put the pieces of her new life together, Shiloh receives an invitation that makes her heart thunder. The invitation itself is harmless, but she can't stop thinking about what will happen if she sees Cary.

Despite how many years have passed, Shiloh and Cary are pulled to each other's energy as if no time has passed. They've both missed each other, but now adulthood has given way to deeper feelings that may have been there all along.

July 2024: The Cliffs

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The Cliffs by J. Courtney Sullivan

Would you be willing to journey back to a place you once sought refuge as a teen? What if it looked and felt different than you remembered? What if you discovered secrets and buried ghosts that no longer want to remain hidden?

These are questions that Jane Flanagan finds herself answering as she journeys back to Maine after being away for some time. The house she used to seek refuge in has been renovated by a woman named Genevieve, but she feels that all of her hard work has gone to waste because things don't feel right.

She enlists the help of Jane to see if there are ghosts that wander the halls of the house and that's when the discoveries begin to happen. Jane realizes that some parts of history is impossible to erase no matter how much you try to paint over them.

June 2024: The Unwedding

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The Unwedding by Ally Condie

Ellery Wainwright is left reeling after it's clear she and her husband won't be celebrating their twentieth wedding anniversary together in Big Sur, California. Never mind the fact she's dreaming about how it would be the perfect way to applaud themselves for building such a wonderful life together.

But, life comes at you fast and she's left ambling around the resort while people are prepping for a wedding. Talk about a slap in the face. Still, she begins observing all the newness that comes with people planning to spend the rest of their lives together. As beautiful as it is, she can't help but to feel unsettled the longer she's at the resort.

Sadly, her suspicions are confirmed when she finds the groom's dead body. This all but chokes the beauty of the resort from her heart and when someone else dies, it's clear that the unfortunate party is just getting started.

May 2024: How to End a Love Story

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How to End a Love Story by Yulin Kuang

Trigger warning: This book mentions suicide and grief.

Helen Zhang and Grant Shepard are bound by an event that changed their lives forever. Before you ask, it's not a steamy one night stand where one of them ghosted the other.

Their paths actually crossed because of a pivotal accident that neither of them saw coming and it caused Helen to view Grant as her worst enemy for years. However, time passed and they moved on to separately create lucrative careers. What they couldn't have expected was for their paths to cross, especially not at work.

Given the amazing opportunity to be a writer for the TV adaption of her own successful YA books, Helen anxiously travels to LA to accept the position and hit the reset button on her life. She has a brief moment of euphoria until she realizes that Grant will also be in the writer's room.

Now they'll have to confront their complicated feelings for each other in order not to derail their jobs and lives. They know it's impossible for them to have a true love story, but sometimes the messiness of life is all it takes for two people to find common ground and decide how they want their stories to end.

April 2024: The Most Fun We Ever Had

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The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo

When Marilyn Connolly and David Sorenson fell in love, all they knew is that nothing could shake their foundation. Despite their unwavering hope in the past, their current reality looks differently than they imagined. Their four daughters — Wendy, Violet, Liza, and Grace — each have a unique set of problems that creates of chaos for the family. From the loss of one's husband to the secrets the youngest daughter keeps, the Sorensons are never quite sure what to expect.

In a shocking turn of events, a young man — Jonah Bendt — shows up and reveals that one of the daughters is his mom. He was placed up for adoption some time ago, but he's ready to come home to learn more about his biological family. There may be drama in The Most Fun We Ever Had, but there's still a family who finds a way back to the love that Marilyn and David have always believed in.

March 2024: Anita De Monte Laughs Last

Amazon

Art student Raquel only comes Anita de Monte's story after she starts feeling like she's starting to make a name for herself among College Hill's socialites. The more she learns about how Anita's life was horrifically cut short, she starts drawing parallels between their lives. It's almost like history is repeating itself and it's hitting too close to home.

As Gonzalez alternates between both of their perspectives, Raquel and Anita's lives begin to intersect in a way that makes Anita de Monte Laughs Last the kind of novel that'll have you thinking about it longer after you finish the last page.

February 2024: "Redwood Court" by DéLana R.A. Dameron

Amazon

Redwood Court reads like a historical love letter to Black families and contains relationships that remind me of my own family. When Mika Tabor starts asking questions about her family's history, she receives much more than her class assignment asked for. The more she listens to her grandparents and observes her parents, she realizes they've been telling her meaningful stories all along. From tales of racism to the sweet grasp of a world that began moving past obvious racial tension, this novel offers a glimpse into the homes of many Black families.

While I often say I'd like to pass down books to my kids, Redwood Court has become something that I feel is mandatory to read.

January 2024: "First Lie Wins" by Ashley Elston

Amazon

Reese's Book Club is coming in hot with their first pick of the year! This thriller of a reader is all about "Evie Porter" and her separate identities. One paints the picture of who she truly is, but her job places her in the position of assuming a new name in order to complete the mission given to her by Mr. Smith. She's never met Mr. Smith, her boss, but she has the inkling that her latest mission hits a little too close to home.

Does he know more about her than she realizes and can she successfully fulfill the goal he has for? Buy your copy of First Lie Wins today to find out!

December 2023: "Before We Were Innocent" by Ella Berman

Amazon

What would you do if you knew a terrible secret that involved the death of one of your best friends? In Before We Were Innocent, Bess and Joni find themselves trying to escape answering this. However, some things are hard to bury — especially when the past comes knocking in the form of Joni. Will the two former best friends be able to maintain their innocence or will they have to accept the truth about themselves?

November Pick: "Maybe Next Time" by Cesca Major

Amazon

If the past few years have felt like you've been stuck in a weird time loop, you'll love this page turner by Cesca Major. Maybe Next Time follows Emma as she navigates being a busy literary agent, wife and mother - except she only seems to have time for her career. When her husband is involved in a tragic car accident, Emma finds herself distraught only to wake up and see him alive again.

As the scenario continues to repeat, Emma will have to dig deep inside herself to correct patterns she's been a part of her to save not only her husband but life as she knows it.

October Pick: "Starling House" by Alix E. Harrow

Amazon

Starling House is a daring tale of what happens when dreams meet determination, grit and evil. All Opal wants to do is create a haven for herself and her brother Jasper but she'll have to fight for it once she finds herself in the mysterious mansion of author E. Starling. In the depths of the shadows, she'll come face to face with things that'll test her resilience.

September Pick: "Mother-Daughter Murder Night" by Nina Simon

Target

The women of the Rubicon family have a lot to tangle with in Mother-Daughter Murder Night. When powerful matriarch Lana's granddaughter Jack becomes the prime suspect in an unsolved murder, Lana becomes determined to find a killer instead of waiting for her disease to have it's last say. Find out what Nina Simon has in store for the town the Rubicons find themselves living in.

August Pick: "Tom Lake" by Ann Patchett

Target

Tom Lake weaves a beautiful tale of remembered love and viewing the humanity of one's parent. When Lara begins to regale her three daughters of a former romance she shared with actor Peter Duke at Tome Lake, they begin to take stock of what they know about their mom as well as their own love lives.

"Romantic Comedy" by Curtis Sittenfeld

Amazon

Heartbreak has the potential to make you swear off love, which is something that late night writer Sally Milz knows all too well. She's also a firm believer in the "Danny Horst Rule," the phenomenon where average looking men exclusively date women more attractive than them — until pop star Noah Brewster shows up to host the late night show. Join her for an intoxicating love ride that makes her change her perspective.

"Where The Crawdads Sing" by Delia Owens

Amazon

If you love a good romance-murder mystery, you'll fall in love with Kya's story. After the town's golden boy winds up dead, everyone in town begins blaming Kya for his murder. With heartbreak and triumph woven throughout, Where The Crawdads Sing will become the summer read you can't put down.

"The House of Eve" by Sadeqa Johnson

Amazon

Even when forbidden, love seems to find a way in The House of Eve. 15-year-old Ruby is set to be her family's first college attendee, until it appears a scandalous affair will bring her back into poverty. Meanwhile, Eleanor's in love with William, a member of an elite Black family in D.C. that doesn't let just anyone in. The lives of both women will collide in an unexpected way as they forge their own paths.

"The House in the Pines" by Ana Reyes

Maya witnessed her friend's sudden death in the woods seven years ago. Now, with nothing except a few hazy memories, she's determined to figure out what she saw, and who's behind it. The House In The Pines is proof that sometimes our past — and their secrets — don't stay dead.

"Tiny Beautiful Things" by Cheryl Strayed

Life can feel like a dumpster fire sometimes which is why Tiny Beautiful Things feels like a soothing hug. If you love advice columns, you'll love the beautiful compilation of questions "Dear Sugar" answers within the pages as Clare sets out to offer advice while her own life falls apart. After you read the book, check out our interview with Sarah Pidgeon, who stars in the Hulu series!

"Little Fires Everywhere" by Celeste Ng

New friends Mia and Elena are pitted against each other when everyone in town splits over a custody battle. Adapted into a mini-series on Hulu at the beginning of the pandemic, Little Fires Everywhere is a tale that shows everything isn't always what it seems, and there are always secrets to be discovered.

"Wrong Place, Wrong Time" by Gillian McAllister

Wrong Place, Wrong Time is a novel that explores the lengths a mother is willing to take to prevent her son from doing something unspeakable. Will she be able to piece together clues in time or will all hope remain lost?

"Daisy Jones and The Six" by Taylor Jenkins Reid

This titular novel turned Emmy award-nominated Amazon Prime series Daisy Jones & The Six explores the rise — and fall — of a legendary (and fictional) band.

"True Biz" by Sara Nović

This heartwarming book about life at the River Valley School for the Deaf, and all of its students with completely different backgrounds, will make you laugh and cry with its beautiful depiction of human connection.

"The Club" by Ellery Lloyd

If you've never liked hearing "How can you hate from outside the club? You can't even get in," you'll be glad you're not a part of this members-only society. The club has been pushed to its limit and everyone has something to hide.

"The Christie Affair" by Nina de Gramont

Nan infiltrates Agatha Christie's home in 1925, intent on luring her husband away. There's something about love, affairs, and dark secrets that make for a good read, and you won't be able to get enough of this tale where things aren't always what they seem.

"Lucky" by Marissa Stapley

"She's so lucky" ...or is she? Lucky redefines what it means to be honest when the titular character completes a million-dollar heist, and is left stranded by the very people who taught her how to scam.

"Sankofa" by Chibundu Onuzo

When Anna learns the father she never knew is still alive, she travels to West Africa in search of answers. The tale of self-discovery through one's history, as well as the themes of home and belonging, is something we all long to understand at some point.

"L.A. Weather" by María Amparo Escandón

Families can be complicated, and the Alvarados are no different. If you're looking for a little break from your own family dynamics, you'll get a kick out of reading along as they navigate evacuations, relationship problems, and their father's obsession with the Weather Channel.

"The Paper Palace" by Miranda Cowley Heller

What happens when desire spills over and threatens to unravel everything two friends have built? The Paper Palace answers that as Elle must choose between continuing the life she has dedicated herself to and the life she never got to live.

"Seven Days in June" by Tia Williams

When former lovers Eva and Shane reunite in the midst of their successful literary careers, they find that their chemistry is still as strong as it used to be. But, will the flame fizzle before their lingering questions are answered or will Eva choose vulnerability before Shane disappears again?

"The Last Thing He Told Me" by Laura Dave

What would you do if your significant other disappeared without a trace, only leaving a cryptic note behind? In Hannah's case, she sets out on an unpredictable mission for answers — regardless of what lies ahead. After you read the book, check out our interview with Angourie Rice, who stars in the Apple TV+ series!

"The Sanatorium" by Sarah Pearse

Le Sommet is a sanatorium-turned-luxury hotel in the Swiss Alps. Detective Elin arrives to celebrate her estranged brother Isaac's engagement to Laure, and her discomfort turns to all-out horror when Laure goes missing.

"You Have a Match" by Emma Lord

Amazon

DNA tests can reveal new information about our ancestry, but when Abby learns that she has an older sister — and that her older sister is an Instagram star — the women decide to meet up and get to the bottom of why their parents split them up in the first place.

"The Chicken Sisters" by KJ Dell'Antonia

Nothing brings families together like food and age-old rivalries, something that sisters Amanda and Mae learn firsthand when they end up on opposite sides of a cooking competition. If you love hit TV series The Bear, you'll love The Chicken Sisters.

14 Gifts For Book Lovers & Introverts You'll Want For Yourself

Similar to finding the best gifts for your sister, I've become a pro at finding things book lovers will cherish. "It takes one to know one" positively applies to this because I'm a bibliophile too. From keeping up with the latest book club picks to seeing what's being praised (or shredded) on BookTok, there's never a time I'm not engrossed in something reading-related.

On that note, prepare your fingers to take screenshots of these fun gifts for book lovers because someone in your inner circle will love them. And if you decide to snag a few of these for yourself, I won't judge you!

Keep reading for the best gifts for every kind of book lover.

The Best Collector's Edition Book Gift: The Perfect Marriage by Jeneva Rose (On shelves November 26, 2024)
The Best Journal Gift: Book Lovers Journal
The Best Drinkware Gift: Book Lovers Themed 16 Oz Glass Cup
The Best Puzzle: 500 Piece Book Puzzle
The Best Book Lovers Top: "I Have No Shelf Control" Sweatshirt

The best gift for the book lover who loves collector's editions of books:

Amazon

The Perfect Marriage by Jeneva Rose (November 26, 2024)

The Perfect Marriage follows a wild case involving a married couple and their fight for justice. Unfortunately, readers discover that not all is as it seems between Sarah Morgan and her husband Adam. When an affair and the murder of Adam's mistress rocks their marriage, Sarah will have to prove how good of an attorney she is while defending him.

This collector's edition book comes with detailed endpapers, red edges (as seen above), and a brand new chapter that features "courtroom illustrations!" Pre-order it today so it'll arrive in time for Christmas!

The best gift for book lovers who are serious about their 2025 reading goals:

Target

Book Lovers Journal

The rise of BookTok made room for readers whose strong opinions fueled a renewed interest in reading. Even retailers like Target, Walmart, and Barnes & Noble noticed how powerful it is!

If you know someone who needs a place to organize their books and share their unfiltered thoughts about them, don't be shy about slipping this journal into their curated gift bag.

The best gift for book lovers who always pour a glass of wine when reading:

Target

Wine Glass Set — Read Between The Wine

I absolutely love fun sayings that play on familiar ones we've grown up with. This cute glass set would be perfect to include with someone's new book journal because the two complement each other well. What's a good book review without a nice glass of wine?

The best gift for book lovers who love coffee as much as they do reading:

Amazon

Book Lovers Themed 16oz Glass Cup

Some book lovers may be on a sobriety journey so it's best to steer clear of anything that reminds them of alcohol. Instead, you can buy this cute glass cup for them as a way to acknowledge their love of reading. Although it's technically a coffee cup, the reader you know can put their drink of choice in it!

Between us, I see a lovely golden turmeric tea in my future!

The best puzzle for the book lover who wants to immortalize their bibliophile ways:

Target

500 Piece Book Puzzle

Inside of this seemingly massive book lies 500 pieces of pure fun that create the most beautiful puzzle your reader's ever seen. It's less than $15 so you won't go over budget, and will keep that special someone busy in-between their designated reading sessions.

The best book gift to keep a book lover's toes cozy during winter:

Target

Bookworm Low Cut Socks

One thing any book lover can agree on is that we love cute and silly nods to our reading habits. IMO, these socks bring the 'bookworm' title to life with its cute depiction of a worm sitting on a pile of books. The fact the worm is wearing glasses makes these socks even better!

The best gift for book lovers who love practical jokes and playing pranks on people:

Target

Bookie Cushion

Clearly I'm in a jolly (aka goofy) mood because I immediately laughed when I saw this bookmark. I grew up with a brother so I can spot a whoopie cushion from a mile away and this idea? Oh, it's such a delight for book lovers who have a unique sense of humor.

The best gift for book lovers whose bookshelves are happily overcrowded:

Etsy

"I Have No Shelf Control" Sweatshirt

I'd love to write an entire blurb about why this sweatshirt makes sense as one of the best gifts for book lovers, but it's self-explanatory. I already know there's someone in your life who won't stop buying books even though they've run out of space on their bookshelves. Yes, it's plural because I know they have two that are overflowing.

This sweatshirt is definitely for them.

The best book gift for book lovers who love buying themselves flowers:

Etsy

Personalized Eco-Friendly Book Vase

How gorgeous is this eco-friendly book vase? I've personally tried to convince myself that I don't need one, but I think I may add this to my list of Christmas demands, er, wants, so my fiancé has an idea of what to get me.

The personalization of this book vase is simple:

Choose from two styles of vases
Add 10 favorite titles to the personalization box in list form

The best gift for book lovers who still have their childhood library cards:

Etsy

Vintage Library Card Blanket

All book lovers know that falling in love with the library as a kid is like a rite of passage. It was the one place where any outside troubles seemed to fade away because you could pick up any book and be transported to another world. If you know someone who still cherishes those day, you should surprise them with this vintage library card blanket.

You have the option of personalizing it for them or you can let the designer choose which dates or authors to place on it!

The best gift for book lovers who are curating their at-home libraries full of banned books:

Etsy

Personalized Library Sign

Take things a step further and buy a book lover their own library sign, especially if they're buying as many banned books as possible. Reading can be seen as a form of resistance to the idea that books are causing people to think and live in a harmful way. Book lovers know that's not quite it.

The best gift for book lovers who'd rather be reading:

Etsy

Funny Bookish Mug

There may be a pile of laundry on the bed or things to pack if you're moving, but nothing comes before reading. Well, that's probably what you've been telling yourself and I partially agree. At least shower and brush your teeth before you descend into your undisturbed reading time.

The best gift for book lovers who can't stop reading spicy titles:

Etsy

Fantasy Book Lover Candle

I'm going to hold your hand when I say this: We know you or your bestie can't get enough of reading spicy romance books. I'm privy to this insider's information because I can't stop reading them either. They've actually made date night more fun and that's as far as I'll go.

Even if you or your bestie aren't in a relationship with anyone, the very act of reading smutty things can be a fun form of escapism from the dumpster fire that's been going on since 2020.

The best gift for book lovers who swear they're going to bed after reading one more chapter:

Etsy

Book Lover Candle

You may have heard your best friend or younger sibling say this before: "I'm seriously putting this book down after I read one more chapter." You may have said it to yourself before realizing it's 3:00 in the morning and you haven't slept yet.

Do yourself or another book lover a favor by gifting them this realistic candle. You can choose from the following scents:

Rose + Patchouli
Mimosa + Pineapple
White Tea + Jasmine
Coconut + Orange

Stop by Brit + Co's Amazon Storefront for our top 2024 book recommendations!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

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Black Friday Must-Haves for All the Fashion and Beauty Trendsetters on Your Holiday List

This Black Friday, treat the fashion and beauty trendsetters on your list to gifts they’ll love. From chic wardrobe staples to must-have beauty essentials, these top picks are perfect for anyone who loves to stay ahead of the trends. Explore these stylish finds and score incredible deals that will make you the ultimate holiday gift-giving pro. Don't miss out on these must-haves that are sure to impress the trendsetters in your life.

Thanks for reading about our favorite finds from across the internet! FYI: We participate in affiliate programs and may get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

A Lip Oil That Comes in Neutral and Deep Shades

Amazon

Keep your lips hydrated and glossy with this lip oil. This nourishing formula is packed with plant-based oils that deliver a high-shine finish while protecting your lips from the season’s chilly air.