Disclosure: We are part of the Amazon Affiliate/LTK Creator programs. We will receive a small commission at no cost if you purchase a book. This post may contain links to purchase books.

Welcome back to the What to Read Next Podcast! In today’s episode, I’m joined once again by our resident literary fiction expert and middle grade author, Laura Bird. Laura is bringing us six stunning literary fiction reads that will break your heart—but leave you with hope. These are perfect picks for readers who want emotional depth, compelling characters, and a reminder of the beauty in human connection.

Whether you're in a book club or simply want a novel to get lost in, this episode has a recommendation for you.

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS & BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS

00:00 – Welcome back Laura Bird!

01:00 – Why we love literary fiction with hopeful endings

02:45 – Books perfect for book clubs

04:05 – 📖 A Winter’s Rhyme by Carol Dunbar

07:20 – 📖 The Snowbirds by Christina Clancy

10:40 – 📖 A 40-Year Kiss by Nicholas Butler

14:00 – 📖 All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker

18:05 – 📖 Same As It Ever Was by Claire Lombardo

21:00 – 📖 Margot’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe

25:30 – Mention of The Knockout Queen by Rufi Thorpe

Featured Book Recommendations

1. A Winter’s Rime by Carol Dunbar https://amzn.to/3Eb0eBt
2. The Snowbirds by Christina Clancy https://amzn.to/3RAxBAH
3. A Forty-Year Kiss by Nicholas Butler https://amzn.to/4jjdvqx
4. All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker https://amzn.to/4i4yyw3
5. Same As It Ever Was by Claire Lombardo https://amzn.to/3R2U0qj
6. Margot’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe https://amzn.to/43JFrzy

Bonus Mentions

• Crossing the Pressure Line by Laura Anne Bird (middle grade) https://amzn.to/4iYiQ71
• Marvelous Jackson by Laura Anne Bird (middle grade) https://amzn.to/3FYQhrq

👩‍💻 Connect with Laura Bird

📚 Website: laurabirdbooks.com

📸 Instagram: @laura_at_the_library

Join the Conversation

Subscribe to our Substack for exclusive recommendations. (wtrnblog.substack.com)

Watch Novel Hour Live on Thursdays on YouTube at 12 PM ET.

Follow & Subscribe: What to Read Next Blog | YouTube: What to Read Next

Subscribe & leave a review!

Mentioned in this episode:

Advertise with Us

Do you have a book or service that you want to share with our engaged audience? Check out our opportunities to sponsor with us

Advertise With Us

Cook Unity

Need fresh, chef-made meals ready in just two minutes? CookUnity delivers high-quality, fresh—not frozen—meals with flexible plans you can pause or skip anytime. Get $50 off your first week with my link in the shownotes and code LYA5453649 at checkout!

Cook Unity `