Do you have a family member or friend who is looking to get into reading, but they don’t know where to start? Do you love giving books, but you don’t want to give something that has been overhyped? Well, look no further, because here are some popular options Booktok has given five stars!

We have suggestions for many different types of readers. You’re bound to find the perfect one to put under the tree! Take our quiz and read on for all the options you’ll need.

“A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” by Holly Jackson

This is Young Adult (YA) mystery book is impossible to put down. It is aimed for high school-aged readers It’s so well written and fast-paced that adults are sure to love it too! This is the first book in the trilogy.

The plot follows Pip, a senior in high school. For her senior project, she decides to reopen a closed murder case that happened in her small town. It is said that Sal Singh killed his girlfriend Andie Bell and then killed himself. But Pip has a hunch that Sal didn’t kill Andie, so she starts to dig in with hopes to find out what really happened.

The plot twists in this book are crazy and will keep you guessing until the very end. This series is also about to become a tv show, so it’s a great gift for loved ones who love true crime or mystery shows!

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“Book Lovers” by Emily Henry

If you’re looking for a quick and funny read, then this is the gift for you. Emily Henry’s latest book is an enemies to lovers beach read that will have you laughing throughout.

It follows big city literary agent, Nora, and big city editor, Charlie, who just happen to meet again while in North Carolina for the summer. Many of their past interactions were less than pleasant when their careers crossed paths. They keep ending up in situations that would seem like meet-cutes, if life was really like one of those romance novels that her sister is always reading. But it’s not, so it is just an annoying inconvenience for Nora.

The snarky, sarcastic comments and banter make this a light-hearted and easy read. Perfect for fans of romantic comedy movies, or someone who is looking to relax from the stress of daily life.

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“Delilah Green Doesn’t Care” by Ashley Herring Blake

This is a romance that follows the namesake character, Delilah Green, a photographer in New York City. Overt time Delilah has excelled at finding casual relationships and avoiding getting attached.

She left her small town of Bright Falls, Oregon and never planned on returning. But then she gets hired by her wealthy stepmother to photograph her stepsister Astrid’s wedding. While there she runs into Astrid’s long-term best friend Claire Sutherland. To spite Astrid, Delilah starts flirting with Claire, but soon it becomes something more than a joke. The chemistry between them grows even more, until it becomes impossible to ignore.

This book is perfect for anyone who is looking for a cute and funny romance. It’s great for people who love shows like “Sweet Magnolias” or any other story with small town romance vibes.

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“Daisy Jones and the Six” by Taylor Jenkins Reid

If you’re looking for a book that shakes things up, this is for you since it’s written in an interview format. It follows fictional band, Daisy Jones and the Six. Most of the book follows the bands peak popularity in the mid-60s.

Daisy Jones is an incredible singer and songwriter, and you see her go through personal and professional issues. It also shows how the media takes what actually happens and twists it to become more newsworthy.

“Daisy Jones and the Six” is perfect for fans of music and pop culture, or anyone who is wanting a book that follows a strong, independent woman.

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“The Sanitorium” by Sarah Pearse

Perfect for fans of thrillers and suspense, “The Sanitorium” follows Detective Elin Warner.

She visits a remodeled hotel in the Swiss Alps with family and friends to celebrate her brother’s engagement. When his fiancé goes missing, Elin must investigate. But another woman has gone missing and she was the one person who could have warned them about the danger ahead.

“The Sanitorium” has been described as “The Shining,” but with more guests. So, get this book for loved ones who are fans of Stephen King or similar authors. They are sure to love this book.

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“The Love Hypothesis” by Ali Hazelwood

Jump into the world of academia with this fake-dating, grumpy x sunshine romance! Follow Olive, a biology PhD student at Stanford, as she tries to convince her best friend Anh that she is dating someone new.

Enter Adam, a professor, who works in the same department as Olive. He has a reputation of being a jerk. But Adam is trying to convince the board to renew his contract. So, they strike up a fake dating deal to solve both of their problems.

This is a super cute and quick read that is perfect for people in STEM, or anyone looking for a fun and quirky romance!

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“In Five Years” by Rebecca Serle

“In Five Years” is beautiful literary fiction about the platonic love between two female best friends. Dani, a Type A lawyer in Manhattan, has an interview for her dream job that goes very well. That evening, her boyfriend proposes to her. Her life is going great, and she doesn’t think it could be going any better.

The next morning, She wakes up in a different apartment next to a man who isn’t her fiancé. She realizes it is five years after she fell asleep. About an hour later, she wakes back up in her normal time. She then uses the next five years trying to change her future into the one she “thinks” she wants.

This book is perfect for someone who loves shows like “This is Us” and “Parenthood.”

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“Window Shopping” by Tessa Bailey

Set in New York City the week before Christmas, this is a quick holiday read. “Window Shopping” follows Stella, who was recently released after a four-year prison sentence. Her dream has always been to be a window designer for a big department store, but she thinks that dream is impossible now.

But things change for the better after she observes a not-so-fabulous when she observes an especially window display at a high-end department store. Coincidentally, the owner Aiden comes out and asks for her opinion. She doesn’t realize she is talking to the owner, but he appreciates her opinions and hires her on a trial basis to improve the window. The chemistry between them grows as they try to fight their feelings.

This book has the perfect balance of feel-good holiday happiness and spicy scenes. It’s perfect for fans of Christmas romance movies like “The Holiday” or “Love Actually.”

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“The Guest List” by Lucy Foley  

If your friend or family member loves the movie “Knives Out” and they are looking for something with the same vibe, this is it. “The Guest List” is set at a wedding on an island off the coast of Ireland. The bride, groom, wedding party, a few guests, and a couple of staff members, are the only attendees.

This Agatha Christie style mystery introduces you to each of the characters. But you don’t know who dies or who the killer is until the end of the book.

Enjoy this quick read that keeps you interested all the way through. This is a great book for people who are looking to get into reading, and for avid readers too!

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“The Cruel Prince” by Holly Black

This trilogy is one that will grab your attention and not let you go. The first book of this trilogy, “The Cruel Prince” begins by following 17-year-old Jude, who is risking her life to save the Court of Faerie, her sisters, and herself.

This story starts in the Young Adult genre, and then moves into the adult genre with the final book “The Queen of Nothing.” This slow burn enemies to lovers story set in the fantasy world is great for romance and fantasy lovers! It’s perfect for fans of shows like “Game of Thrones” or “Winx: The Fate Saga.”

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You have a lot on your mind this holiday season. So get the help you need with our Booktok quiz to find the perfect novel to wrap for your loved ones!

Tori Tromblay

Tori Tromblay

Special Projects Producer
Tori Tromblay (she/her/hers) is a book enthuisiast, cat lover, and Cincinnati native. She graduated from Ohio University with a degree in journalism. After traveling to New York, D.C., London, and Tulsa, she settled back home, where she lives with her husband and two cats. She has worked for Pure Romance for two years and loves to learn and teach about sex education.