Introduction
There’s something magical about books that capture the hearts and imaginations of millions. Whether it’s an emotionally riveting drama, a thrilling mystery, or a deep philosophical journey, novels that become bestsellers often tap into universal human experiences. In this guide, we’re diving into the top 20 best-selling novels currently dominating Amazon’s charts, providing a breakdown of each book’s storyline, sales stats, and why they’re goldmines for Amazon affiliates.
Amazon sales aren’t just a popularity contest—they reveal what resonates deeply with global readers. When a novel hits six or seven figures in sales, it reflects more than just good marketing; it speaks to emotional impact, word-of-mouth power, and literary excellence.
This article isn’t just for curious readers—it’s tailor-made for affiliate marketers too. We’re not just talking about what these books are; we’ll help you understand why they’re hot and how to promote them effectively. From book clubs to Kindle Unlimited readers, this list can help you target multiple niches with affiliate links that actually convert.
1. Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
Author Background & Novel Accolades
Bonnie Garmus made a splash with her debut novel Lessons in Chemistry, and what a debut it was. The novel has sold over 8 million copies worldwide, translated into over 40 languages, and is a #1 New York Times bestseller. Garmus, who worked as a copywriter and creative director, wrote this book after experiencing workplace discrimination herself—mirroring her character’s struggles.
Story Summary & Themes
Set in the 1960s, the story follows Elizabeth Zott, a fiercely intelligent chemist who faces constant sexism in the scientific community. After being unjustly fired, she unexpectedly lands a gig hosting a cooking show, “Supper at Six.” But instead of sticking to traditional recipes, Elizabeth blends chemistry with feminist life lessons, inspiring an entire generation of women to challenge social norms.
It’s not just a feminist story—it’s a brilliant mix of humor, emotional depth, and scientific metaphor. Readers adore Elizabeth’s tenacity, her unconventional methods, and the lovable supporting cast, including her dog Six-Thirty.
Amazon Sales & Popularity
As of 2025, it boasts over 316,000 Amazon reviews and holds an average rating of 4.6. It was adapted into a limited series on Apple TV+, further propelling its popularity.
Insights & Audience Appeal
- Target Audience: Women readers, feminist book lovers, science-curious audiences, historical fiction fans
- Promote with: TV adaptation trailers, quote snippets, social media clips
- Formats to Highlight: Hardcover, paperback, Kindle, audiobook, box sets
2. The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
About the Author & Achievements
Matt Haig is no stranger to the literary world. With numerous bestsellers under his belt, The Midnight Library became his most acclaimed yet, selling over 6 million copies globally. It won the Goodreads Choice Award for Fiction and was embraced by book clubs, influencers, and mental health advocates alike.
Story Summary & Themes
The premise is brilliantly simple yet profoundly deep. Nora Seed is in a dark place, filled with regret. When she finds herself in the Midnight Library, a mystical place between life and death, she’s given the chance to explore all the lives she could have lived had she made different choices.
Each book she opens is a life where one small decision was made differently—whether it’s pursuing a dream, saving a relationship, or moving to another country. Through this emotional journey, she discovers what truly gives life meaning.
Sales Metrics & Reader Response
With 271,000+ verified reviews, a 4.4-star rating, and major support from celebrities and book reviewers, this book remains a fan favorite. It’s also part of numerous college reading lists and mindfulness workshops.
Promotion Tips
- Best For: Mental health advocates, philosophy enthusiasts, young adults, and life-coaching audiences
- Tactics: Blog posts like “Best Books for a Quarter-Life Crisis,” social ads with emotional quotes, or “books that changed my life” reels
3. All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
Author History & Awards
Anthony Doerr’s masterpiece All the Light We Cannot See won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction (2015). Doerr’s lyrical prose and deep historical research resulted in a novel that spent over 200 weeks on the New York Times Bestseller list and sold more than 15 million copies worldwide.
War-time Storyline & Emotional Impact
Set during WWII, the novel intertwines the stories of Marie-Laure, a blind French girl, and Werner, a German orphan recruited by the Nazi army. As their paths converge in the besieged town of Saint-Malo, the story paints a haunting and hopeful picture of resilience, human connection, and the costs of war.
The prose is poetic, the themes are universal, and the pacing is as gripping as a thriller. It’s a novel that stays with you long after the final page.
Sales Volume & Screen Adaptation
Adapted into a Netflix miniseries in 2023 starring Aria Mia Loberti, Mark Ruffalo, and Hugh Laurie, this book gained another wave of fans. The visual storytelling enhanced the novel’s reach among younger and international audiences.
Why It’s a Must-Promote Book
- Target Niches: History buffs, literary fiction lovers, WW2 book collectors
- Promote via: Lists like “Best War-Time Fiction,” Netflix tie-ins, historical reading challenges
4. The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman
The Writer & His Unique Voice
TV presenter turned author Richard Osman brings wit and warmth to crime fiction like never before. His debut, The Thursday Murder Club, has sold over 5 million copies globally. A film adaptation by Steven Spielberg’s production company is also in development.
Summary of the Quirky Crime Plot
The story follows a group of four retirees in a quiet British retirement village who meet weekly to discuss unsolved crimes. When a local developer turns up dead, they find themselves caught in an actual murder mystery—one they’re hilariously unqualified for.
It’s clever, charming, and surprisingly heartfelt.
Sales & Global Recognition
With 168,000+ Amazon sales and rave reviews, it’s popular among cozy mystery readers and fans of British humor.
Target Audience & Notes
- Best For: Cozy mystery fans, Agatha Christie readers, older book clubs
- Strategy: Highlight the humor and community themes, promote alongside similar titles like Still Life or The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency
5. Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate
Inspiration Behind the Novel
Based on true events surrounding the Tennessee Children’s Home Society scandal, Lisa Wingate’s Before We Were Yours brings to light one of America’s darkest adoption crimes.
Gripping Historical Plot Summary
The story alternates between past and present. In the 1930s, five siblings are stolen from their home and sold to wealthy families. In the present, a successful lawyer begins uncovering long-buried family secrets linked to that dark past.
It’s a heartbreaking yet hopeful story of resilience, family, and identity.
Amazon Performance
The book has sold 154,000+ copies on Amazon alone, with an average rating of 4.7 stars. It was a New York Times Bestseller for over a year.
Selling Tips
- Target Readers: Historical fiction fans, true crime readers, family drama lovers
- Promotion Ideas: “Books based on real events,” emotional quote carousels, video trailers
6. The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods
Magical Realism & Literary Nostalgia
Evie Woods crafts a beautiful blend of whimsy and wonder in The Lost Bookshop, a story that feels like a love letter to literature itself. It captures the charm of magical realism, appealing to book lovers who find solace in dusty old pages, forgotten stories, and the possibility of hidden worlds.
Story Summary
Three timelines intertwine across decades. In modern-day Dublin, Martha seeks to escape an abusive past and finds a job cataloging books at a mysterious old shop. In 1920s Paris, Opaline—a woman with a passion for rare books and women’s rights—goes missing. These threads are connected by the bookstore itself, which seems to hold its own secrets and power.
The novel pulls you into a spellbound journey about finding yourself through stories, with themes of courage, healing, and rediscovery.
Sales Performance
With over 145,000 copies sold, The Lost Bookshop quickly became a hit among fans of The Midnight Library and The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue. It currently enjoys a 4.5-star rating across thousands of Amazon reviews and is regularly featured in “Books You Need to Read This Year” lists.
Ideal Audience for Promotion
- Target Demographic: Female readers, literary fiction fans, book club participants
- Promotion Hooks: “A must-read for lovers of The Night Circus,” aesthetic book photos on Instagram or Pinterest, “bookstore magic” listicles
7. Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell
Author Profile
Lisa Jewell has established herself as a queen of domestic suspense and psychological thrillers. With a sharp eye for human relationships and emotional trauma, Jewell’s books often explore the haunting consequences of secrets, lies, and what happens when ordinary lives go horribly wrong.
Psychological Thriller Plot
Story Summary
Fifteen-year-old Ellie Mack was the perfect daughter. She was beloved by her parents, friends, and teachers. She and her boyfriend made a teenage golden couple. She was days away from an idyllic summer vacation, with her whole life ahead of her. And then she was gone.
Now her mother, Laurel Mack, is trying to put her life back together. It’s been 10 years since her daughter disappeared, seven years since her marriage ended, and only months since the last clue in Ellie’s case was unearthed. So when she meets an unexpectedly charming man in a cafe, she is surprised at how quickly their flirtation develops into something deeper. Before she knows it, she’s meeting Floyd’s daughters – and his youngest, Poppy, takes her breath away. Looking at her is like looking at Ellie. And now the unanswered questions she has tried so hard to put to rest haunt her anew…as well as some new ones about Floyd and Poppy….
Reader Reviews & Sales Stats
With 126,000+ copies sold, a 4.6-star rating, and glowing praise across BookTok and Goodreads, this novel remains a top pick for fans of Gillian Flynn and Paula Hawkins.
Affiliate Guidance
- Target Market: Thriller fans, readers of Gone Girl or The Girl on the Train
- Marketing Strategies: “You’ll read this in one sitting” ads, carousel posts with shocking plot quotes, thriller recommendation videos
8. The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett
Social Themes & Character Depth
Brit Bennett’s The Vanishing Half is more than a novel—it’s a sharp and moving commentary on race, identity, and family. It explores how our past shapes us, and how far we’re willing to go to redefine who we are.
Plot Summary
Twin sisters Stella and Desiree grow up in a small Southern Black community. While Desiree returns to live with her Black daughter, Stella disappears and starts passing as white, marrying a white man who knows nothing of her past. Over the decades, their lives diverge and reconnect through the choices they’ve made.
The novel spans generations and perspectives, revealing the emotional and societal toll of denying one’s identity.
Commercial Success
A Good Morning America Book Club pick, The Vanishing Half sold over 126,000 copies on Amazon, was a New York Times Bestseller, and is being adapted into an HBO series produced by Issa Rae.
Promotion Strategy
- Audience: Literary fiction fans, social justice readers, book clubs
- Affiliate Tips: Include it in “Must-Read Books on Identity,” Black History Month features, or “Reese’s Book Club Favorites” campaigns
9. Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano
Oprah’s Book Club Spotlight
Ann Napolitano’s emotionally powerful novel Hello Beautiful was selected for Oprah’s Book Club, and that endorsement alone propelled it into national attention. But beyond the badge, it’s the writing that sticks—poetic, heartbreaking, and full of depth.
Story Summary
Three timelines intertwine across decades. In modern-day Dublin, Martha seeks to escape an abusive past and finds a job cataloging books at a mysterious old shop. In 1920s Paris, Opaline—a woman with a passion for rare books and women’s rights—goes missing. These threads are connected by the bookstore itself, which seems to hold its own secrets and power.
The novel pulls you into a spellbound journey about finding yourself through stories, with themes of courage, healing, and rediscovery.
Moving Family Saga Summary
The novel follows William Waters, a lonely boy who finds himself entangled in the lives of the four Padavano sisters—Julia, Sylvie, Cecilia, and Emeline. What begins as a hopeful love story soon unravels as trauma, mental health, and generational tension challenge their bonds.
It’s inspired by Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women, reimagined for the 21st century.
Reader Engagement & Sales
With 103,000+ sales, 4.5-star average ratings, and thousands of emotional reviews, this novel has captured the hearts of readers who value nuanced characters and lyrical storytelling.
Affiliate Pointers
- Promotion Tactics: “Books like Little Women,” Oprah Book Club roundups, heartwarming Instagram Reels
- Ideal Audience: Literary fiction fans, family drama readers, those seeking books with mental health themes
10. Heart Bones by Colleen Hoover
About the Author
Colleen Hoover is a literary phenomenon. With multiple #1 bestsellers, she dominates the romance and contemporary fiction space. Her books consistently go viral on TikTok, making her a go-to name for emotional, high-impact storytelling.
Story Summary
Three timelines intertwine across decades. In modern-day Dublin, Martha seeks to escape an abusive past and finds a job cataloging books at a mysterious old shop. In 1920s Paris, Opaline—a woman with a passion for rare books and women’s rights—goes missing. These threads are connected by the bookstore itself, which seems to hold its own secrets and power.
The novel pulls you into a spellbound journey about finding yourself through stories, with themes of courage, healing, and rediscovery.
Emotional Romance Summary
Heart Bones follows Beyah, a young woman raised in poverty and neglect. Just as she’s preparing to escape to a new life, tragedy strikes. She spends the summer with her estranged father and meets Samson—a mysterious boy hiding his own darkness. It’s a love story, but also a story about survival, grief, and finding beauty in brokenness.
It’s slower, more introspective than some of Hoover’s other works, but just as powerful.
Fanbase & Sales Metrics
With over 103,000 sales, 4.6-star reviews, and a devoted fanbase, this book is constantly featured in “Books That Made Me Cry” lists.
Promotion Essentials
- Audience Match: Young adults, new adult readers, Colleen Hoover fans
- Affiliate Tips: Lean into emotion—create viral quote graphics, “tearjerker” book list articles, or TikTok reads for summer romance themes
11. The Wedding People by Alison Espach
Author & Writing Style
Alison Espach returns with a sharply observant and emotionally layered novel in The Wedding People. Known for her unique ability to mix humor with heartbreak, Espach delivers a powerful story set in one of the most joyful yet chaotic backdrops—weddings.
Story Summary
Three timelines intertwine across decades. In modern-day Dublin, Martha seeks to escape an abusive past and finds a job cataloging books at a mysterious old shop. In 1920s Paris, Opaline—a woman with a passion for rare books and women’s rights—goes missing. These threads are connected by the bookstore itself, which seems to hold its own secrets and power.
The novel pulls you into a spellbound journey about finding yourself through stories, with themes of courage, healing, and rediscovery.
Plot Summary
Phoebe, recently dumped and utterly disoriented, finds herself mistakenly invited to a stranger’s wedding at a luxury hotel. Instead of correcting the error, she stays—and finds that everyone at the event is carrying emotional baggage of their own. As the weekend unfolds, revelations about love, family, identity, and healing bubble to the surface.
It’s a touching, offbeat take on what happens when life doesn’t go as planned, and how sometimes crashing into other people’s lives can teach us about our own.
Sales Performance
With 99,000+ Amazon sales, it’s gained a loyal following, especially among readers of Emily Henry and Taylor Jenkins Reid. It boasts an average 4.4-star rating and is a popular book club pick.
Affiliate Marketing Tips
- Promotion Themes: “Books about messy love and self-discovery”, “Best wedding-themed reads”
- Audience Match: Fans of contemporary fiction, lighthearted drama, romance with depth
12. First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston
Reese’s Book Club Feature
Ashley Elston’s First Lie Wins was launched into the spotlight as a Reese’s Book Club pick—and it fully deserves the acclaim. Combining fast-paced suspense with a morally complex protagonist, this thriller is impossible to put down.
Story Summary
Three timelines intertwine across decades. In modern-day Dublin, Martha seeks to escape an abusive past and finds a job cataloging books at a mysterious old shop. In 1920s Paris, Opaline—a woman with a passion for rare books and women’s rights—goes missing. These threads are connected by the bookstore itself, which seems to hold its own secrets and power.
The novel pulls you into a spellbound journey about finding yourself through stories, with themes of courage, healing, and rediscovery.
Plot Overview
Evie Porter doesn’t exist. She’s an identity created by a mysterious handler who controls her life, her assignments, and her lies. But when she’s sent on a new job and falls for her target, things begin to unravel. As she struggles to remember who she really is, secrets pile up, and the tension escalates into a dangerous showdown.
This is Gone Girl meets Killing Eve—fast, furious, and deeply addictive.
Sales Figures
Over 90,000+ copies sold and a 4.5-star rating make this one of 2025’s breakout hits in the thriller genre.
Affiliate Positioning
- Best For: Fans of psychological thrillers, fast-paced suspense, and female antiheroes
- Promotion Ideas: “If you liked Reese’s Book Club picks,” “Binge-worthy thrillers,” or TikTok suspense videos
13. Local Woman Missing by Mary Kubica
About the Author
Mary Kubica is a veteran in the psychological thriller space, and Local Woman Missing may be her most disturbing and brilliantly structured story yet.
Story Summary
Three timelines intertwine across decades. In modern-day Dublin, Martha seeks to escape an abusive past and finds a job cataloging books at a mysterious old shop. In 1920s Paris, Opaline—a woman with a passion for rare books and women’s rights—goes missing. These threads are connected by the bookstore itself, which seems to hold its own secrets and power.
The novel pulls you into a spellbound journey about finding yourself through stories, with themes of courage, healing, and rediscovery.
Thriller Summary
The story begins with the disappearance of Shelby Tebow. Then, a few weeks later, another woman and her daughter vanish. Eleven years later, a girl believed to be long dead returns, sparking a chilling chain of events. Told from multiple points of view, the novel peels back the layers of truth, exposing what really happened all those years ago.
Kubica plays with narrative form to keep readers guessing until the very end.
Sales & Ratings
Over 90,000 units sold, averaging 4.5 stars, and an instant favorite among fans of twist-heavy thrillers.
Affiliate Selling Strategy
- Key Angles: “Books with shocking endings,” “Domestic suspense gems,” “For fans of Big Little Lies”
- Target Readers: Domestic thriller enthusiasts, true crime fans, fast-paced fiction lovers
14. The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller
Reese’s Book Club Recognition
The Paper Palace debuted to critical acclaim and was selected as a Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick—instantly cementing its place on the bestseller list. This novel is as much about longing and family history as it is about choices and consequences.
Story Summary
Three timelines intertwine across decades. In modern-day Dublin, Martha seeks to escape an abusive past and finds a job cataloging books at a mysterious old shop. In 1920s Paris, Opaline—a woman with a passion for rare books and women’s rights—goes missing. These threads are connected by the bookstore itself, which seems to hold its own secrets and power.
The novel pulls you into a spellbound journey about finding yourself through stories, with themes of courage, healing, and rediscovery.
Plot Summary
Set over the course of a single day, interspersed with decades of memory, the novel follows Elle, who must decide between the life she’s built with her husband and the passionate affair she’s had with her childhood best friend. The titular Paper Palace is the summer estate where secrets are kept—and eventually revealed.
It’s emotionally raw, elegantly written, and full of tension.
Performance Metrics
With 88,000 copies sold, a 4.3-star rating, and high visibility due to Reese’s backing, it’s a consistent seller and discussion starter in book clubs.
Affiliate Suggestions
- Promotion Angle: “What would you choose?”—create polls and discussion posts
- Best Audience: Women’s fiction readers, literary fiction enthusiasts, drama lovers
15. The God of the Woods by Liz Moore
Author Background & Critical Acclaim
Liz Moore, author of the bestselling Long Bright River, returns with The God of the Woods, an atmospheric mystery set in the wilds of the Adirondacks. Her storytelling balances tight suspense with lyrical, character-driven prose.
Story Summary
Three timelines intertwine across decades. In modern-day Dublin, Martha seeks to escape an abusive past and finds a job cataloging books at a mysterious old shop. In 1920s Paris, Opaline—a woman with a passion for rare books and women’s rights—goes missing. These threads are connected by the bookstore itself, which seems to hold its own secrets and power.
The novel pulls you into a spellbound journey about finding yourself through stories, with themes of courage, healing, and rediscovery.
Story Overview
The Van Laar family is wealthy and powerful, but when their daughter Barbara disappears from their summer camp, dark secrets emerge. The novel weaves a rich tapestry of family dysfunction, privilege, and wilderness survival, gradually revealing the truth about what happened in the forest.
It’s an elegant mix of literary fiction and classic whodunit.
Sales Stats
Recently passed 86,000 units sold, praised by outlets like The New York Times and NPR. 4.6-star rating.
Affiliate Strategy
- Ideal For: Literary mystery lovers, true crime fiction fans, fans of Where the Crawdads Sing
- Promotion Tactics: Nature-themed visuals, mystery roundups, “page-turners with depth”
16. The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon
GMA Book Club Endorsement
Ariel Lawhon is known for breathing new life into real historical events, and in The Frozen River, she delivers a chilling yet inspiring tale rooted in early American history. Its selection by the Good Morning America Book Club helped catapult the novel into the mainstream spotlight.
Story Summary
Three timelines intertwine across decades. In modern-day Dublin, Martha seeks to escape an abusive past and finds a job cataloging books at a mysterious old shop. In 1920s Paris, Opaline—a woman with a passion for rare books and women’s rights—goes missing. These threads are connected by the bookstore itself, which seems to hold its own secrets and power.
The novel pulls you into a spellbound journey about finding yourself through stories, with themes of courage, healing, and rediscovery.
Plot Summary
Set in 1789, the story follows Martha Ballard, a real-life midwife and healer in Maine. When a man is found frozen in the Kennebec River, Martha—who also keeps a detailed diary—becomes the only one who can unravel the mystery. But the murder is just the beginning. Through vivid historical detail and a feminist lens, Lawhon reimagines the extraordinary life of a woman who kept her community alive—literally and figuratively.
Sales & Reader Response
With over 78,000 Amazon sales, The Frozen River holds a strong 4.6-star rating and has been called “timely, gripping, and full of heart.” Book clubs and history buffs alike praise its accurate period detail and relevance to modern women’s rights.
Affiliate Marketing Ideas
- Themes: Historical thrillers, feminist fiction, true story adaptations
- Ideal Audience: Historical fiction fans, women’s history advocates, mystery lovers
- Suggested Strategies: Promote during Women’s History Month, “Books That Spotlight Forgotten Women” lists
17. The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride
Author Profile
James McBride, National Book Award winner, brings humor, grit, and compassion to every page of The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store. With a career spanning fiction, memoir, and music, McBride’s voice is unmistakably soulful and rich with cultural commentary.
Story Summary
Three timelines intertwine across decades. In modern-day Dublin, Martha seeks to escape an abusive past and finds a job cataloging books at a mysterious old shop. In 1920s Paris, Opaline—a woman with a passion for rare books and women’s rights—goes missing. These threads are connected by the bookstore itself, which seems to hold its own secrets and power.
The novel pulls you into a spellbound journey about finding yourself through stories, with themes of courage, healing, and rediscovery.
Plot Summary
Set in 1972 in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, the story begins when human bones are found in a well. What unfolds is a captivating, decades-spanning exploration of the town’s Black and Jewish communities, their shared struggles, resilience, and unexpected intersections. The titular grocery store becomes the emotional heart of the novel—where love, betrayal, and community converge.
Sales Metrics
This novel has sold 70,000+ copies, with a 4.7-star average rating. It’s praised for its unforgettable characters, sharp dialogue, and layered plot. It was also named a New York Times Notable Book of the year.
Promotion Notes
- Themes to Highlight: Cultural fiction, community narratives, American history
- Affiliate Angles: Promote as a powerful, uplifting literary read; feature in “Books That Build Bridges” campaigns
18. James: A Novel by Percival Everett
About the Book
A reimagining of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn through the eyes of Jim, the enslaved character from Twain’s original classic, James is bold, masterful, and socially resonant.
Story Summary
Three timelines intertwine across decades. In modern-day Dublin, Martha seeks to escape an abusive past and finds a job cataloging books at a mysterious old shop. In 1920s Paris, Opaline—a woman with a passion for rare books and women’s rights—goes missing. These threads are connected by the bookstore itself, which seems to hold its own secrets and power.
The novel pulls you into a spellbound journey about finding yourself through stories, with themes of courage, healing, and rediscovery.
Plot Summary
In this retelling, we follow Jim—not as a caricature, but as a deeply intelligent, brave man with his own voice, dreams, and moral compass. Set against the backdrop of pre-Civil War America, the novel tackles the brutal realities of slavery while offering a new, humanized view of a classic character.
Sales & Reception
With 75,000+ Amazon sales, 4.5-star reviews, and high acclaim from critics and educators alike, James is quickly becoming a staple in modern American literature courses.
Best Promotion Tactics
- Who It’s For: Literary scholars, students, fans of historical reimaginings
- Affiliate Strategy: Highlight during Black History Month, use “Books that Rewrite Classics” articles or videos
19. Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel
National Book Award Finalist
Emily St. John Mandel’s Station Eleven is eerily prescient and poetic. Though it came out before the COVID-19 pandemic, it has gained renewed interest for its haunting portrayal of a world reshaped by disease and the resilience of art.
Story Summary
Three timelines intertwine across decades. In modern-day Dublin, Martha seeks to escape an abusive past and finds a job cataloging books at a mysterious old shop. In 1920s Paris, Opaline—a woman with a passion for rare books and women’s rights—goes missing. These threads are connected by the bookstore itself, which seems to hold its own secrets and power.
The novel pulls you into a spellbound journey about finding yourself through stories, with themes of courage, healing, and rediscovery.
Plot Summary
After a flu pandemic wipes out most of the world’s population, a traveling Shakespeare troupe moves from settlement to settlement, preserving culture and storytelling. The narrative jumps across timelines, following actors, survivors, and artists as they try to make sense of what came before and what could come next.
Sales Performance
With 68,000+ Amazon sales, a 4.3-star average rating, and a HBO Max miniseries adaptation, this novel continues to thrive, especially among speculative fiction fans.
Affiliate Strategy
- Best For: Dystopian fans, literature buffs, pandemic-themed fiction readers
- Promo Ideas: “Books like The Last of Us,” “What to read after a global crisis,” tie-ins to the HBO show
20. The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams
Reese’s Book Club Pick
Pip Williams’ The Dictionary of Lost Words is a beautifully crafted novel that explores the creation of the Oxford English Dictionary from a woman’s perspective. Inspired by true events, it shines a light on the words, and the people, history often overlooks.
Story Summary
Three timelines intertwine across decades. In modern-day Dublin, Martha seeks to escape an abusive past and finds a job cataloging books at a mysterious old shop. In 1920s Paris, Opaline—a woman with a passion for rare books and women’s rights—goes missing. These threads are connected by the bookstore itself, which seems to hold its own secrets and power.
The novel pulls you into a spellbound journey about finding yourself through stories, with themes of courage, healing, and rediscovery.
Plot Summary
Esme is raised in the “Scriptorium,” where her father works on the dictionary. As she grows, she notices certain words—mostly those used by and about women—are left out. Esme begins collecting her own dictionary, one filled with forgotten voices, pain, beauty, and truth.
It’s a novel about language, history, and who gets to tell the story.
Sales Data
Though newer on the bestseller list with 34,000+ copies sold, it enjoys a passionate fanbase and a 4.6-star rating. It’s often featured on lists of feminist fiction and historical novels that matter.
Affiliate Recommendations
- Best Audience: Readers interested in language, women’s history, literary fiction
- Tactics: Include in “Books That Celebrate Women’s Voices” or “For Word Lovers” collections
Conclusion
From page-turning thrillers and heart-wrenching family dramas to sweeping historical epics and emotionally intelligent romances, Amazon’s top 20 best-selling novels reveal what readers crave today: connection, emotion, suspense, and reflection. Whether it’s the philosophical musings of The Midnight Library or the twisty suspense of Then She Was Gone, these books hit the emotional and narrative sweet spots that keep pages turning—and affiliate links clicking.
For Amazon affiliates, these books offer rich ground for promotion. With club picks, screen adaptations, and passionate fanbases, you have endless opportunities to target readers with content that’s meaningful, timely, and most importantly—converting.
FAQs
1. Which book is best for a beginner reader?
If you’re just getting back into reading, The Midnight Library by Matt Haig or Heart Bones by Colleen Hoover offer accessible writing styles with deeply emotional stories.
2. Are these novels suitable for book clubs?
Absolutely. Most are book club picks already. Titles like Hello Beautiful, The Paper Palace, and The Vanishing Half offer layered narratives that spark great discussion.
3. Can I read these books for free with Kindle Unlimited?
Some titles like Heart Bones may be available on Kindle Unlimited, but availability can change. Always check the listing for each book before recommending to readers.