MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Is it just Fully Booked, or is time whizzing by so fast? The first half of the year is almost done, and it feels like we’ve barely blinked. But if there’s one thing that can help us relax, slow down, and take stock of ourselves, it’s books. Thankfully, the second quarter of 2024 is turning out to be an amazing period for upcoming book releases. Here are some of the soon-to-be-released titles to look forward to (emphasis on “some” because there are many bookish goodies out there).
Below is a video game-inspired cookbook, a story about sisterhood that everyone’s ugly-crying about on BookTok, a comedy about a young mom-turned-OnlyFans content creator, and more. Check out the list:
1. Butter: A Novel of Food and Murder by Asako Yuzuki
Butter: A Novel of Food and Murder is a suspenseful tale inspired by the true story of the “Konkatsu Killer,” a female serial killer who allegedly used food to lure her victims. Rika, a workaholic journalist who subsists on a diet of instant noodles, reaches out to the convicted murderer, Kaiji, hoping to shed new insight on the case as a retrial approaches. However, as Kaiji shares sumptuous recipe after recipe and tales of glorious food she loved and ate, it seems Rika is the one changing. With each meal she eats, something is awakening in her body. Do she and Kajii have more in common than she once thought?
2. How to End a Love Story by Yulin Kuang
When bestselling author Helen Zhang lands a spot in the writers’ room for the TV adaptation of her young adult novels, she hopes for a fresh start in LA. But her past catches up with her when Grant Shepard, the man she hasn’t seen since a tragic accident thirteen years ago, joins the team. Grant, a charming screenwriter still haunted by panic attacks, can’t pass up the career opportunity despite their complicated history. As they work together, old wounds reopen, and secrets come to light, forcing Helen and Grant to confront their past. In this sexy and emotional enemies-to-lovers romance, this story will tug at your heartstrings and leave you with a book hangover from brilliant new voice Yulin Kuang.
3. I Hope This Finds You Well by Natalie Sue
In Natalie Sue’s snarky and highly relatable debut, our heroine is the office misfit and wallflower admin girl, Jolene. She secretly despises her colleagues and vents her frustrations in email postscripts changed to color white for invisibility. But when she makes a mistake, Jolene’s life takes an unexpected turn. She ends up taking HR classes and being taken under the wing of the new, cute, and very off-limits HR guy, Cliff. However, instead of adding restrictions to her computer, she gains access to all of the employees’ inboxes and messages. Jolene starts out afraid of connection, but as she gets to know her co-workers better, will she finally allow others to see the real her?
4. Lies and Weddings by Kevin Kwan
Rufus Leung Gresham, future Duke of Greshambury and son of a former Hong Kong supermodel, has a problem: decades of profligate spending have depleted his family’s fortune. Now it’s up to Rufus to marry a rich woman to save his family. At his sister’s wedding, there are many wealthy prospects, but his heart already belongs to someone else, a simple girl next door, a doctor,, and therefore, a nobody. Surprise surprise, Mother is not happy. This May, Kevin Kwan will take you to the beaches of Hawaii, the glitzy bachelor pads of Los Angeles, and the inner sanctums of England’s oldest family estate in his newest novel about family, money, sex, and the lies we tell about them.
5. The Official Stardew Valley Cookbook by ConcernedApe and Ryan Novak
The Stardew Valley game has captivated millions of players around the world, with its engaging storyline and the countless recipes and dishes to be learned and perfected within the game. Now, fans will have a chance to recreate many of these iconic dishes, featuring 50 delightful recipes adapted to work in a real-life kitchen, accompanied by vibrant illustrations and photography. In time for the 8th year anniversary of the game’s video release, the Official Stardew Valley Cookbook is arriving fresh on our shelves this second quarter of 2024.
6. Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors
Following the success of Cleopatra and Frankenstein, Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors is one of the most anticipated books of 2024. When tragedy strikes and they lose their beloved sister, Nicky, the three remarkable Blue sisters, each unique in their own right, are compelled to return to New York to stop the sale of the apartment they grew up in. At its heart, Blue Sisters is a story about sisterhood and how grief can pull a family apart — and put them back together again.
7. Margo’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe
Laugh-out-loud and heartwarmingly funny, this new novel by the critically acclaimed author Rufi Thorpe follows the story of Margo Millet, who, after enrolling in junior college, has an affair with her English professor, gets pregnant, and develops a plan to get cash by starting an OnlyFans account. With the help of her dad, an ex-pro wrestler who knows how to craft compelling characters and make audiences fall in love with them, Margo becomes a runaway success. Could this answer all of Margo’s problems, or does internet fame come with too high a price?
8. A Novel Love Story by Ashley Poston
On a solo trip, a literature professor named Eileen Merriweather has car trouble and finds herself stranded in a quirky small town. However, she quickly realizes it’s not just any small town – it’s straight out of her favorite romantic series! Convinced she’s there to help the town get its storybook ending, Eileen encounters unexpected obstacles, including a grumpy bookstore owner with mint-green eyes, an irritatingly sexy mouth, and good taste in novels. As she navigates the charming yet mysterious town, Eileen realizes that the town’s happily-ever-after might be more intertwined with her own life than she ever imagined.
9. The Wedding People by Alison Espach
Phoebe Stone arrives at the Cornwall Inn in Newport, Rhode Island, on a day buzzing with wedding preparations. Mistaken for one of the wedding guests, Phoebe finds herself drawn into the festivities despite being the only guest not attending the wedding. As she navigates the weekend alone, Phoebe forms unexpected connections with the bride and other guests. In turns uproariously, absurdly funny, and devastatingly tender, Alison Espach’s The Wedding People looks at the winding paths we can take to places we never imagined—and the chance encounters it sometimes takes to reroute us.
Visit Fully Booked Online to order and enjoy free shipping with a minimum order of PHP 799 only. For more bookish news and recommendations, visit here.
