What new book releases of 2020 should be on your radar? Uncover our most anticipated books publishing this year.
Never be late to the party with the best 2020 book releases. Be the first on that library holds list.
We scoured the internet, publishing magazines, newsletters, and professional reviewing databases to find the top books coming out in 2020 across genres.
And we promise: the upcoming book releases of 2020 won’t disappoint. Travel back in time to WW2, and learn how to clean up your workspace and digital files.
Solve a mystery, but watch out for those ghosts.
Journey across the globe, and meet debut authors. Of course, see what’s new from your favorite authors, too, and peruse a few bestselling titles.
Plus, find one of the most controversial upcoming books of 2020.
So, what are the top-hyped book releases of 2020 to add to your TBR pile? Don’t forget to let us know what you are eyeing in the comments. Let’s get started!
With the year over, see what 2020 books we most loved.
Grab your favorite upcoming book releases of 2020 here:
1. Book of the Month: Get the month’s hottest new and upcoming titles from Book of the Month. You might snag an early release or debut author. Along with selecting a book a month, find terrific add-ons, both trendy and lesser-known titles.
2. Audible Plus: From Amazon, listen to Amazon Originals, podcasts, and audiobooks. They add new titles every week.
3. Amazon Prime: Don’t miss Amazon First Reads – early access to Kindle books. Get fast delivery as well as movies, music, Originals, shows, and more.
4. Or, start your trial of Amazon Video for movies and tv series on demand.
Upcoming & New Book Releases of 2020
Please remember that for all 2020 book releases, publishing dates may change.
January 2020 Book Releases
This Light Between Us by Andrew Fukuda
January 7, 2020
YA WW2 Fiction
If you are looking for YA WW2 books coming out in 2020, try This Light Between Us.
A Japanese-American boy and a Jewish French girl become the most unlikely of pen pals. Watch their friendship progress through the horrors of WW2. Amazon | Goodreads
The Caroline Paintings by Arthur D. Hittner
January 10, 2020
Art Fiction
When a Florida retiree scores a handful of mysterious paintings, he begins a journey to uncover the mystery behind the beautiful young muse and her anonymous painter.
Meet an unlikely group of friends in a heartwarming story about love and art.
The Uncorked Librarian has reviewed Hittner’s other two novels, Artist, Soldier, Lover, Muse and Four-Finger Singer And His Late Wife Kate.
Find our full review of The Caroline Paintings in our February 2020’s Currently Reading issue. Amazon | Goodreads
Big Lies In A Small Town by Diane Chamberlain
January 14, 2020
North Carolina Family Fiction
For popular 2020 book releases, travel to North Carolina with Diane Chamberlain’s Big Lies In A Small Town.
Morgan Christopher finds herself with a 3-year jail sentence. When asked to restore an old mural, she uncovers all of the town’s dirty little secrets. Amazon | Goodreads
American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins
January 21, 2020
Family Fiction
One of the most controversial upcoming books of 2020, find a migrant tale of a family fleeing from Mexico to the United States.
Accused of misrepresenting and stereotyping different cultures as a non-Hispanic author, you can read more about the controversy here.
You might better enjoy these books about, set in, and from Mexico. Amazon | Goodreads
Find even more January 2020 book releases here.
February 2020 Book Releases
The Light After The War by Anita Abriel
February 4, 2020
WW2 Historical Fiction
As history majors, we can never get enough WW2 historical fiction, and the upcoming book releases of 2020 won’t disappoint.
Based on a true story, two Jewish friends escape Auschwitz. The story follows the aftermath and their survival. Amazon | Goodreads
If you love historical fiction, don’t miss our most anticipated Winter And Spring WW2 New Book Releases.
The Gravity of Us by Phil Stamper
February 4, 2020
YA LGBT Fiction
Watch as two teens navigate the pressure of fame, family, and love. Add in NASA and a little reality TV, too.
Amazon | Goodreads
Things in Jars by Jess Kidd
February 10, 2020
Literary Gothic and Historical Thriller | Mystery | Irish Novel
Set on the streets of Victorian England, join Bridie Devine as she solves the mystery of a stolen child with magical powers. Amazon | Goodreads
The Sun Down Motel by Simone St. James
February 18, 2020
Paranormal Mystery & Thriller
One of the best new book releases of 2020, Simone St. James’s The Sun Down Motel is sure to creep you out.
Travel back in time to upstate New York where Carly Kirk’s aunt Viv had mysteriously disappeared 30 years earlier.
Find vengeful ghosts, one haunted AF hotel, and a thrilling murder mystery. Amazon | Goodreads | Book Information→
The Tuscan Girl by Angela Petch
February 25, 2020
Historical WWII Fiction Set In Italy
The Tuscan Girl is one of the upcoming book releases of 2020 that promises to transport readers to Italy.
Alba and Massimo are both trying to reconcile their pasts with the discovery of a box of silverware in a home abandoned during WW2. Amazon | Goodreads
Find even more February 2020 book releases, and see which titles are worth a read.
March 2020 Book Releases
Every Reason We Shouldn’t by Sara Fujimura
March 3, 2020 – YA Sports Fiction – A sweet teen romance with a whole lot of ice skating and family drama, gain insight into the life of competitive sports. Japanese-American, Olivia has to decide if she can make a comeback in the figure-skating arena after a devastating competition.
Amazon | Goodreads
Code Name Hélène by Ariel Lawhon
March 31, 2020 – WW2 Biographical Fiction – Based on the true story of WW2 spy Nancy Wake, discover the woman responsible for killing a brutal Nazi soldier and saving thousands of lives. You’ll love learning more about this French Resistance female leader.
Amazon | Goodreads | Book Information→
Don’t miss our mini-book reviews for our 9 favorite March 2020 book releases.
April 2020 Book Releases
Outbound Train by Renea Winchester
April 1, 2020 – Southern & Rural Women’s Fiction – Set in Bryson City, North Carolina, Barbara Parker’s memories haunt her every time she hears the 5:30 train whistle. When her daughter goes missing around the tracks, can she find the strength to save her? Amazon | Goodreads | Read More→
While TUL focuses on most anticipated 2020 upcoming book releases for adults and teens, I am looking forward to Lowry’s children’s book based in Hawaii and Japan. Lois Lowry is the infamous author of The Giver.
On The Horizon by Lois Lowry
April 7, 2020 – Children’s Asian & American History – Lowry looks back on her life and reflects on the tragedies at Pearl Harbor and Hiroshima through a child’s eyes. Amazon | Goodreads | Read More Book Information→
The Women With Silver Wings by Katherine Sharp Landdeck
April 21, 2020 – Women in Aviation & WW2 History Nonfiction – With the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, the Air Force needed women pilots. Only 1,100 women at the time earned silver wings. Learn their role during the war as well as afterward. Amazon | Goodreads | Book Information→
You may remember Sue Monk Kidd from The Invention Of Wings, The Mermaid Chair, and The Secret Life of Bees. Get ready for a new 2020 book release of biblical proportions.
See which 6 April 2020 Book Releases we loved and reviewed.
May 2020 Book Releases
Don’t miss our book reviews and favorite May 2020 Book Releases.
June 2020 Book Releases
The Lies That Bind by Emily Giffin
June 2, 2020 – Contemporary Women’s Fiction – Cecily falls for a stranger at a bar. However, he soon goes missing in the chaos and aftermath of 9/11.
Amazon | Goodreads | Book Information→
The Boyfriend Project by Farrah Rochon
June 9, 2020 – Multicultural Rom-Com – A May 2020 BOTM, watch as three women unite after being cheated on by the same man. Amazon | Goodreads | Book Information→
The Girl From Widow Hills by Megan Miranda
June 23, 2020 – Mystery & Suspense Set In NC – One of my most anticipated books of 2020, find a mystery and stellar dysfunctional family novel set in our home state of North Carolina. Amazon | Goodreads | Book Information→
Don’t miss all of the best June 2020 book releases.
July 2020 Book Releases
One To Watch by Kate Stayman-London
July 7, 2020 – Rom-Com – Plus-size fashion blogger, Bea, attempts to add diversity to a reality TV show similar to The Bachelorette. Can she find love and learn to love herself? Amazon | Goodreads | Book Information→
We read a ton of July 2020’s Most Anticipated New Books.
August 2020 Book Releases
Paris Never Leaves You by Ellen Feldman
August 4, 2020 – WW2 Historical Fiction – Charlotte works at a Paris bookstore during WWII, fighting to survive with her young daughter.
Amazon | Goodreads | Book Information→
The Lions Of Fifth Avenue by Fiona Davis
August 4, 2020 – Historical Fiction – Head to the New York Public Library in both the past and present as rare books mysteriously go missing. Amazon | Goodreads | Book Information→
In The Realm Of Ash And Sorrow by Kenneth W. Harmon
August 4, 2020 – Indie WW2 Historical Fiction – A WW2 bombardier dies over Hiroshima. Haunting a Japanese family, he learns the real “enemy” of war. Amazon | Goodreads | Book Information→
Read about all 15 August 2020 Book Releases here.
September 2020 Book Releases
Also, don’t miss all of our most-anticipated fall 2020 book releases.
Dear Justyce by Nic Stone
September 29, 2020 – YA Books About Racism & Book Set In Atlanta, GA – The sequel to Dear Martin, learn more about Quan and his time in the juvenile (in)justice system. Amazon | Goodreads | Book Information→
Ties That Tether by Jane Igharo
September 29, 2020 – Multicultural Romance – A fast-paced romance about a Nigerian woman falling for a man outside of her family’s expectations. Amazon | Goodreads | Book Information→
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
September 29, 2020 – Time Travel Fiction Set In England – If you could live through all of your various life choices, alternatives, and regrets, would you find a happier version of yourself? Amazon | Goodreads | Book Information→
Read about all 15 September 2020 Book Releases here.
October 2020 Book Releases
Mistletoe & Mr. Right by Sarah Morgenthaler
October 6, 2020 – Romance Set In Alaska – Readers will cozy up for this Christmas romance as Lana tries to save the future of Moose Springs from the Santa Mookse while engaging in a casual romance with one of the locals. Amazon | Goodreads | Book Information→
Simmer Down by Sarah Smith
October 13, 2020 – Multicultural Romance Set In Maui – Head to Maui for the ultimate food truck war. When Callum and his brother Finn park next to Nikki and her mom, disregarding all proper food truck etiquette, IT’S ON!! Both trucks are preparing for the Maui Food Festival contest with a little love mixed in. Amazon | Goodreads | Book Information→
Love Your Life by Sophie Kinsella
October 27, 2020 – Romance Set In Italy and London – Ava heads to Italy for a writers’ retreat to focus on her book. She isn’t expecting to find love at first sight. The catch is that all participants have taken on new names. When both Ava and the mystery man return to London, will their love fizzle when reality sets in? Amazon | Goodreads | Book Information→
Read more about all 16 October 2020 Book Releases here.
November 2020 Book Releases
Pinot Noir by Mads Molnar III
November 1, 2020 – WWII historical fiction set across Europe – When the Nazis visit a French-German winemaker, he is determined to save his vineyard. Gifting the commander with a poisoned case of Pinot Noir, the bottles are shipped across Europe as gifts. Detective Mads Molnar III must recover the bottles or face death. Amazon | Goodreads | Book Information→
Love & Olives by Jenna Evans Welch
November 10, 2020 – YA Romance Set Santorini, Greece – Liz visits her estranged dad in Greece as he hunts for Atlantis. Will she find forgiveness, love, and the mythical city of Atlantis in this novel about family and mental health? Amazon | Goodreads | Book Information→
Read more about all 17 November 2020 Book Releases here, and grab all of the December 2020 book releases.
Save Your Favorite Books Coming Out In 2020 For Later:
Grab your favorite 2020 book releases here:
1. Book of the Month: Get the month’s hottest new and upcoming titles from Book of the Month. You might snag an early release or debut author. Along with selecting a book a month, find terrific add-ons, both trendy and lesser-known titles.
2. Audible Plus: From Amazon, listen to Amazon Originals, podcasts, and audiobooks. They add new titles every week.
3. Amazon Prime: Don’t miss Amazon First Reads – early access to Kindle books. Get fast delivery as well as movies, music, Originals, shows, and more.
4. Or, start your trial of Amazon Video for movies and tv series on demand.
What upcoming book releases of 2020 are you most anticipating?
What books coming out in 2020 are you most excited about?
If you read advanced copies, tell us what 2020 book releases you are reading, too. What can we add to our radar? Let us know in the comments!
Since writing this post, find new books in 2021, 2022, and 2023.
Loving These 2020 Upcoming Book Releases? You May Also Enjoy:
Most Anticipated January to June 2020 WW2 Books
Spring 2020 Book Releases
Most Anticipated Historical Fiction Books Coming This Summer
Summer 2020 WWII Books You Don’t Want To Miss
Hot Summer 2020 Book Releases
Fall 2020 Reading Guide
35 Best Books Of 2020
Sheree @ Keeping Up With The Penguins
Sunday 9th of February 2020
Completely understand your hesitation re: American Dirt. I read and reviewed it, and I think it was the toughest review I've ever had to write ? Also, The Lies That Bind sounds really interesting, I'll have to keep an eye out for it later in the year. It's really interesting to note that there seems to be more and more books (fic and non fic) around the events of 9/11 coming out lately, it's like maybe enough time has passed and enough emotional distance created for us to start addressing it properly in literature, perhaps? My Year Of Rest And Relaxation comes to mind. ❤️
Christine
Monday 10th of February 2020
I still need to go back and read your full review of American Dirt as I think I saw your summary on Goodreads. I cannot wait to hear your thoughts.
You are also spot-on: I am seeing so many more 9/11 books out this year, and it's interesting because it's like there is some secret message going around that it's OK now... I am glad to see people giving even more voice and humanity to all of 9/11. I want to hear those individual stories and understand the event from more than what the media has told us.
Oddly, I am also seeing trends with sole survivor stories and plane crashes?! Is it just me? I've also seen quite a few new releases that are getting pretty political, which is fabulous--but book Twitter is going to lose its damn mind.
Macey @ Brine & Books
Thursday 6th of February 2020
I am very much looking forward to Suzanne Collins' new Hunger Games prequel, and Lois Lowry??? I had NO idea! Too excited for that now as well :)
Christine
Friday 7th of February 2020
I'm SUPER worried about this new Hunger Games. The pressure for Collins is immense. SOOOOO excited for Lois Lowry's too!!!!
Aj @ Read All The Things!
Thursday 6th of February 2020
I’m excited for a bunch of these too! I’m nervous for the new Hunger Games book. That’s one of my favorite series, and I don’t want anything to mess it up.
Christine
Thursday 6th of February 2020
I am so nervous about the new Hunger Games book as well. It's going to be interesting...