Marissa Stapley is a journalist and the author of the acclaimed novel Mating for Life. She writes page-turning, deeply emotional fiction about families, friends, and women's lives. She lives in Toronto with her family.
Till Death Do Us Part (2024) Laurie Elizabeth Flynn "Featuring a labyrinthine plot that's as twisty as grape vines and as complex as good wine, this novel kept me guessing until the very end. Suspenseful, sexy, gritty, and empowering - perfect for fans of Laura Dave and Ashley Elston!"
My Mother Cursed My Name (2024) Anamely Salgado Reyes "A beautiful story woven with care from the fierce yet tender bonds of familial love, this entrancing novel burrowed its way into my heart, leaving me thoroughly charmed by the characters, writing, and concept. Like a grown up Encanto with a Gilmore Girls twist - what could be better?"
A Man Downstairs (2024) Nicole Lundrigan "Combining sharp, assured prose with boundless humanity, this deftly plotted novel is a triumph. I stayed up all night racing toward a conclusion that provided more than just the deep satisfaction of a whodunit solved--it gave me chills, and made me think. Now all I want is another Nicole Lundrigan novel to become addicted to!"
The Inheritance (2024) Joanna Goodman "Wise, immersive and full of the fierce vulnerability that links women together, The Inheritance reminded me of a Meg Wolitzer novel. With immediately engaging characters and a multilayered story that is, at its core, an ode to the deep complexities of being female and the powerful ties of family in all its forms, this is an unforgettable novel from a genuine talent."
Since She's Been Gone (2024) Sagit Schwartz "A pacy, emotionally resonant thriller that also explores the painful realities of eating disorders with empathy and authenticity. This is a terrific debut from an author to watch!"
This Spells Love (2023) Kate Robb "This Spells Love is the smart, funny, spicy, heartfelt romcom I've been waiting for. Kate Robb's writing is a delight, her pacing is perfect, and she has created an unforgettable romance that gave me all the feels. This novel is a feat. Emily Henry and Mhairi McFarlane fans take note: You will be utterly charmed by this marvelous debut!"
It Happened One Christmas (2023) Chantel Guertin "With its charming setting, addictively sweet love story, scene-stealing dog and all the fun, festive feels I could ask for, this adorable novel ticked every box on my Christmas romance wish list. A delightful read that's guaranteed to add sparkle and joy to your holiday season!"
Asking for a Friend (2023) Kerry Clare "This novel is like the best kind of friend: honest, wise, complicated, endearing, smart - and Kerry Clare as a writer is all these things, too. What a poignant, observant tribute - and elegy - to the life sustaining force that is friendship between women. Clare sees it so clearly: the way friendship can be a love story, complete with heartbreak and redemption. I plan to share this book with my dearest friends, all the while marvelling at how lucky I am to have them, and how much better a place the world is with Clare's books in it."
Who We Are Now (2023) Lauryn Chamberlain "An unforgettable novel, populated with recognizable characters, packed with nuanced emotion, and replete with the intimately tender, relatable style that has fast become Lauryn Chamberlain's trademark. Every lifelong friendship is its own epic tale, and Chamberlain gives these stories their due with a level of care I found incredibly moving, all while expertly weaving a diverting narrative I couldn't put down!"
Sunshine Nails (2023) Mai Nguyen "The story of the Tran family is full of zany, hilarious fun - but it's also poignant and told with care. Sunshine Nails made me laugh, cry, and think deeply about culture, family, and the ties that bind. What a witty and engaging debut - I was thoroughly charmed!"
Much Ado about Nada (2023) Uzma Jalaluddin "A novel by one of my favourite authors set in one of my favourite cities? Yes, please! And yet somehow, Uzma Jalaluddin has still managed to raise the bar. This is a love story that is both addictively tart and marvellously sweet told by a writer who has mastered the art of blending romance with laughter. Nada, Baz and the quirky cast of characters who make up their world are utterly charming. I didn't want it to end, and will have a hard time waiting patiently for another novel by this outstanding talent."
The Drowning Woman (2023) Robyn Harding "This edge-of-your-seat thriller combines wildly intricate plot twists and turns with complex, carefully developed characters--and reading it made me wonder if there's anything Robyn Harding can't pull off! I had no idea where I was headed, but knew I definitely wanted to be on this propulsive, suspenseful, often shocking ride that explores the ways in which we betray ourselves and others--and just how far we'll go for redemption."
Fit to Die (2023) Daniel Kalla "Combines a timely plot with a well-paced thriller I became addicted to, fast. This is a gripping page-turner crafted by a skilled, intelligent writer."
The Fake (2023) Zoe Whittall "The genius of Zoe Whittall's writing is her clear-eyed understanding of human nature, which she lays on the page in beautiful, startling, frank detail. I inhaled The Fake as fast as I could - and haven't stopped thinking about it since."
A Death at the Party (2023) Amy Stuart "For fans of Gillian Flynn and Ashley Audrain, A Death At The Party is razor-sharp and salaciously riveting. A jigsaw puzzle of a story that will hook you instantly and reward you with a shattering, satisfying conclusion."
Hold My Girl (2023) Charlene Carr "For fans of Ashley Audrain's The Push and Celeste Ng's Little Fires Everywhere, this breathtakingly taut story will pin you to your seat. Charlene Carr plumbs the deepest secrets of motherhood with an unflinching eye, while delivering a poignant exploration of how much our hearts can carry. Sure to inspire engrossing book club discussions, this novel will stay with you long after you read the last word."
The Witches of Moonshyne Manor (2022) Bianca Marais "The new Practical Magic for a generation of women who value sisterhood, friendship and fierce, fabulous feminism above all else."
Stargazer (2022) Laurie Petrou "A sinuous, captivating exploration of the mysterious depths of female friendship that had me hooked from its first pages... This unforgettable novel from a truly talented novelist is perfect for fans of Celeste Ng."
The Mutual Friend (2022) Carter Bays "A thoroughly modern and entirely captivating exploration of what it means to be alive in the world today. Funny, sad, romantic, perfect. I finished it and told all my friends to go read it immediately."
Every Summer After (2022) Carley Fortune "Just like summer, I didn't want this epic, nostalgic tale of youthful romance all grown up to end. Set in Ontario's cottage country, one of my favourite places on earth, this tantalizing debut is a perfectly gorgeous summer love story fans of Jojo Moyes and Emily Henry should add to their wish lists immediately!"
Watch Out for Her (2022) Samantha M Bailey "Yet again, one of our most beloved thriller writers brings us a story with the heart of a family drama and the pulse of an edge-of-your-seat spine-chiller. Filled with foreboding from the very first page, this one will keep you up all night--and have you checking the locks!"
The Push (2021) Ashley Audrain "The Push is written on the edge of a knife. It's a howl in the face of what we think we know - or want to believe - about motherhood. Relentlessly compelling, distressing and beautiful, Ashley Audrain's debut is the next Gone Girl, with shades of We Need to Talk About Kevin. I devoured it whole."
Loss Lake (2020) Amber Cowie "This is a thriller with a beating heart and a vivid soul. Amber Cowie delivers the kind of breathless page turner we’ve come to expect from her, but Loss Lake has something more: a vivid setting, an emotional undercurrent that will pull you under, a mythical bent that is unexpected, gorgeous and terrifying—and an ending that will stay with you long after you’ve read the last line."
Tell Me My Name (2020) Erin Ruddy "This is a chilling, propulsive debut perfect for fans of Shari Lapena and Lisa Jewell. Clear your schedule and prepare to lose a few nights of sleep! You won’t be needing a bookmark."
Better Luck Next Time (2020) Kate Hilton "Kate Hilton's writing reminds me of Nora Ephron's work: it's laugh-out-loud funny, with startling observations about life, love, family and reinvention at any age. Witty, poignant, and deeply observant, I loved every moment I spent with Hilton's latest novel!"
The Forgotten Home Child (2020) Genevieve Graham "Another gem from one of my favourite historical fiction authors! Graham reveals our past--both the shame and the hope of it--in the truest possible light. In doing so, she offers promise that the future can be changed by the telling of such important stories. This novel is heartbreaking yet romantic, distressing yet charming--and perfect for fans of Joanna Goodman and Jennifer Robson!"
Recipe for a Perfect Wife (2019) Karma Brown "Recipe for a Perfect Wife is as witty, charming, and insightful as anything Karma Brown has written to date, but it's also got something more: it cuts straight to the heart of modern marriage by going back in time. Flawless transitions between past and present remind us of how far we've come while Brown's penetrating prose deftly underscores the importance of staying the course on the journey ahead. This timely novel is alarming and unforgettable, illuminating and ominous--and perfect for your next book club discussion!"
The Quintland Sisters (2019) Shelley Wood "This gorgeously written novel about miracles, love and resilience is perfect for fans of Joanna Goodman."
A French Wedding (2017) Hannah Tunnicliffe "A French Wedding is a delectable page turner with huge heart from an author who has proven herself to be an expert at creating endearing characters and compelling stories. Hannah Tunnicliffe writes with warmth and emotional depth about life in all its stages and love in all its forms. A bonus: she writes about food with true passion too, which makes this novel even easier to devour!"
Small Great Things (2015) (Ruth Jefferson, book 1) Jodi Picoult "Picoult carefully shows how close the dangerous beliefs of someone like Turk can come to all of us, and also how the seemingly innocuous prejudices of a person like Kennedy can do just as much damage. . . . I admire her for telling this particular story, even if some might feel parts of it aren’t hers to tell. . . . It’s a story that should be told, no matter the pitfalls, and I hope other well-known authors follow Picoult’s brave path, forcing their captive audiences to face unpleasant facts and perhaps enact change—even if the only change is talking about things we normally keep hidden inside."
