New year, new reads! January is the perfect time to kick off your reading challenge and start slaying that TBR pile—and we’ve got the ultimate book club picks to help you dive right in. Whether you’re soaking up the summer sun, relaxing at the beach, or setting fresh goals for the year ahead, these titles are your perfect companions.
From inspiring memoirs to unputdownable fiction and everything in between, there’s something to spark every reader’s interest. Let our lively book club hosts, Vic and Lee, guide you through this month’s standout reads—they’re perfect for summer and will set the tone for an amazing reading year ahead.
Keep scrolling to explore our January book club selections, and grab your copies in-store or online at QBD Books. Let’s make 2025 the year of unforgettable stories!
Fiction Book of the Month
The Inheritance by Kate Horan
QBD’s January Book of the Month is Kate Horan’s The Inheritance—a gripping tale of privilege, secrets, and the pursuit of truth.
Isobel Ashworth’s seemingly perfect life begins to unravel when a high-stakes project in Hartwell reveals cracks in her family’s empire. An anonymous DNA kit sends shockwaves through the Ashworth’s next generation, forcing Isobel to question everything she knows. Meanwhile, journalist Meg Hunter arrives in Hartwell, determined to uncover corruption and solve the mystery of her past.
Open When by Dr Julie Smith
Dr. Julie Smith’s Open When… is a compassionate guide for navigating life’s toughest moments. Whether facing grief, fear, or burnout, each chapter offers a comforting letter and practical advice to help readers reframe challenges and regain clarity. With her signature straightforward approach, Dr. Julie empowers readers to find calm and strength amidst life’s storms.
Perfect for anyone seeking solace and actionable steps, this book is a comforting companion during difficult times. Accessible and uplifting, Open When… reminds us that even in the hardest moments, there’s a way forward. A must-read for building resilience and maintaining a positive mindset.
A Serial Killer’s Guide To Marriage by Asia Mackay
Asia Mackay’s A Serial Killer’s Guide to Marriage is a darkly hilarious and thrilling ride that redefines the concept of marital challenges. Hazel and Fox, once a power couple in both romance and murder, trade their deadly lifestyle for suburban bliss after becoming parents. But old habits die hard, and when Hazel succumbs to her lethal urges, their quiet life unravels.Packed with sharp wit, gripping tension, and unexpected twists, this thriller balances domestic drama with murderous mayhem.
Perfect for fans of dark humor and fast-paced thrillers, A Serial Killer’s Guide to Marriage will leave you questioning just how far you’d go to protect the ones you love. A wickedly entertaining must-read for 2025!
The Dose Effect by TJ Power
TJ Power’s The Dose Effect is an empowering guide to taking control of your mental health through the power of brain chemistry. In today’s fast-paced, digitally connected world, emotional highs and lows can feel overwhelming. The informative title breaks down complex neuroscience into practical steps, focusing on four key chemicals: dopamine for motivation, oxytocin for connection, serotonin for energy and mood, and endorphins for stress relief.
Packed with actionable advice and science-backed strategies, this book offers simple habits to help you reset and balance your brain chemistry. Whether it’s building deeper relationships or finding calm in chaos, “The Dose Effect” provides the tools to lead a happier, healthier, and more productive life. A must-read for starting the year on a positive, mindful note!
The Bad Bridesmaid by Rachael Johns
Rachael Johns’ The Bad Bridesmaid is a delightful romcom that’s as heartwarming as it is hilarious. Serial dater Fred Darling is determined to stop her mother’s sixth wedding, enlisting the help of Leo, the groom’s equally reluctant son. Their hilarious antics in “Operation Break-Up” lead to unexpected sparks and a reevaluation of Fred’s strict “no feelings” dating rules.
Set on a picturesque island, this friends-to-lovers romance is packed with wedding chaos, laugh-out-loud moments, and plenty of heart. Johns expertly weaves themes of family, love, and personal growth, showing that not every relationship has to follow the rules.
