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42+ Exciting New Book Releases Of 2020

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.

New Book Releases of 2020 with image of open book with pink cover and tree-scape in backgroundPin
Travel around the world with the most anticipated new book releases of 2020.

Grab your favorite upcoming book releases of 2020 here:

  • Audible Plus: From Amazon, listen to Amazon Originals, podcasts, and audiobooks. They add new titles every week.
  • 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.
  • Amazon Prime Video – Stream thousands of ad-free movies and TV series on demand with Prime Video.
  • Express VPN – Using Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) allows you to view movies worldwide – and they help keep your information safe. Our writers couldn’t have such diverse film reviews without using a VPN.

Table of Contents

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 FukudaPin

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 HittnerPin

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 book cover with person and landscape hued bluePin

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 book cover with blue birdsPin

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 book cover with two white woman looking over balcony at waterPin

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 book cover with two boys sitting and looking out over cityscapePin

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 book cover with blue and green like leaves and vinesPin

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. JamesPin

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 book cover with woman in yellow top and blue skirt in green fieldPin

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

The Kingdom of Back by Marie Lu

The Kingdom of Back by Marie Lu

March 3, 2020 – YA Historical and Music Fiction – Although Nannerl Mozart is a musical prodigy, as a woman living in 18th century Europe, she cannot truly leave behind the legacy wishes. Or, can she with a magical wish?
Amazon | Goodreads

Every Reason We Shouldn’t by Sara Fujimura book cover with two Asian teens, one holding skates

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

The City We Became by N. K. Jemisin book cover with city in the background

The City We Became by N. K. Jemisin

March 24, 2020 – Fantasy Fiction – The first in the brand new The Great Cities trilogy, follow five New Yorkers that unite to save their city.
Amazon | Goodreads

Code Name Helene by Ariel Lawhon book cover with woman carrying an envelope

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 book cover with empty train tracks

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→

Joy At Work by Marie Kondo book cover with blue Japanese symbol

Joy At Work by Marie Kondo

April 7, 2020 – Self Improvement & Management – Marie Kondo is back at it with tidying advice for the office. Join Kondo and organizational psychologist, Scott Sonenshein, as they help you unclutter your workspace. Amazon | Goodreads 

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 book cover with woman and young girl holding hands looking out on the horizon

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→

Simon the Fiddler by Paulette Jiles

Simon the Fiddler by Paulette Jiles

April 14, 2020 – Historical British & Irish Fiction – Set at the end of the Civil War in 1865, watch as a fiddler conscripted into the Confederate army falls in love with an Irish woman. Amazon | Goodreads 

The Women With Silver Wings by Katherine Sharp Landdeck book cover with 4 women pilots during the war

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.

The Book Of Longings by Sue Monk Kidd book cover with gold stars

The Book Of Longings by Sue Monk Kidd

April 21, 2020 – Historical Fiction – Set in the first century, Ana encounters 18-year-old Jesus. The novel’s goal is to bring humanity to Jesus while giving power and voice to a passionate woman. Amazon | Goodreads 

See which 6 April 2020 Book Releases we loved and reviewed.

May 2020 Book Releases

Devolution by Max Brooks book cover with big red foot in the snow and little white foot in middle

Devolution by Max Brooks

May 12, 2020 (Now August 2020) – Science Fiction & Suspense – Through the journals of Kate Holland, fall into a tale of the Mount Rainer eruption, Greenloop Massacre, and the story of Bigfoot. Amazon | Goodreads 

The Ballard Of Songbirds And Snakes by Suzanne Collins green book cover with gold bird and snake

The Ballad Of Songbirds And Snakes by Suzanne Collins

May 19, 2020 – YA Survival Stories – Eighteen-year-old Coriolanus Snow is a mentor in the Hunger Games with a female tribute from none other than District 12. Amazon | Goodreads 

As Much As I Ever Could by Brandy Woods Snow book cover with two teens leaning on a racing car

As Much As I Ever Could by Brandy Woods Snow

May 26, 2020 – YA Southern Fiction & Contemporary Romance – CJ is the sole survivor of a car crash that killed her mother and sister. While battling a relationship with her father, CJ also ironically falls for a NASCAR driver. Amazon | Goodreads 

The Jane Austen Society by Natalie Jenner book cover with townspeople's back to the reader and pink house

The Jane Austen Society by Natalie Jenner

May 26, 2020 – Literary Historical Fiction – At the end of WW2 in a small English town, a group of people band together to save Jane Austen’s legacy and home. An unlikely gaggle of friends, they create The Jane Austen Society. Amazon | Goodreads 

Don’t miss our book reviews and favorite May 2020 Book Releases.

June 2020 Book Releases

Burn by Patrick Ness book cover with black serpent burning in red and orange flames

Burn by Patrick Ness

June 2, 2020 – YA Fantasy – As impoverished outcasts on a little farm in Washington, Sarah and her father are forced to hire a soulless dragon to work their farm. 
Amazon | Goodreads 

The Lies That Bind by Emily Giffin red and orange book cover

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 book cover with man and woman touching backs to each other

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 Megan Miranda

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 book cover with woman in a pink dress and heels hiding an engagement ring behind her backPin

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→

Cinderella Is Dead by Kalynn Bayron book cover with a young Black woman in a blue dress turning to look at the readerPin

Cinderella Is Dead by Kalynn Bayron

July 7, 2020 – Multicultural YA Fairy Tale Retelling – A Cinderella story with a multicultural, feminist, and LGBTQ spin. Amazon | Goodreads

Well-Behaved Indian Women by Saumya Dave book cover with NYC in green, yellow and pink and three shadows of women in bluePin

Well-Behaved Indian Women by Saumya Dave

July 14, 2020 – Multicultural Generational Women’s Fiction – Watch as three generations of Indian women fight for their dreams and identities independent from all of society’s and their families’ constraints. Amazon | Goodreads

We read a ton of July 2020’s Most Anticipated New Books.

August 2020 Book Releases

Paris Never Leaves You by Ellen Feldman book cover with brunette woman turning her headPin

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 book cover with woman in golden yellow dress inside of the NYPL with door and staircasePin

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 book cover with purple mountains and young Japanese woman standing on a ledge looking outPin

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.

The Book Of Two Ways by Jodi Picoult book cover with blue half circle and yellow and orange rays shooting upPin

The Book Of Two Ways by Jodi Picoult

September 22, 2020 – Women’s Sagas Set In Egypt – After surviving a plane crash, Dawn returns to Egypt to reconcile her past. Amazon | Goodreads

Dear Justyce by Nic Stone book cover with young Black men wearing a blue outfit on a gray coverPin

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 book cover with young Black woman wearing purple sunglassesPin

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 deep blue book cover with large library structurePin

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 and Mr. Right by by Sarah Morgenthaler book cover with cartoon of man and woman in AlaskaPin

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 with picture of condiments, food truck, and side of woman in a yellow dressPin

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 book cover with woman in one window, man in another, and dog in betweenPin

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 book cover with bottle of Pinot NoirPin

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 book cover with heart inside Greek symbolPin

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:

New and Upcoming 2020 book releasesPin
Pin this 2020 new and upcoming book releases reading list for later.

Grab your favorite 2020 book releases here:

  • Audible Plus: From Amazon, listen to Amazon Originals, podcasts, and audiobooks. They add new titles every week.
  • 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.
  • Amazon Prime Video – Stream thousands of ad-free movies and TV series on demand with Prime Video.
  • Express VPN – Using Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) allows you to view movies worldwide – and they help keep your information safe. Our writers couldn’t have such diverse film reviews without using a VPN.

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

Christine Owner The Uncorked Librarian LLC with white brunette female in pink dress sitting in chair with glass of white wine and open bookPin
Christine Frascarelli

Christine (she/her) is the owner, lead editor, and tipsy book sommelier of The Uncorked Librarian LLC, an online literary publication showcasing books and movies to inspire travel and home to the famed Uncorked Reading Challenge.

With a BA in English & History from Smith College, an MLIS from USF-Tampa, and a U.S. Fulbright Fellowship in Christine's back pocket, there isn't a bookstore, library, or winery that can hide from her. Christine loves brewery yoga, adopting all of the kitties, and a glass of oaked Chardonnay. Charcuterie is her favorite food group.

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...