Hi, Mia! Welcome back! It’s been a bit over six months since we last spoke. How’s 2025 treating you?

2025 has been a LOT so far, but it’s also shaping up to be a significant year for me since it’s one of beginnings and endings. Not only has my YA debut just come out, but the last book in the Tita Rosie’s Kitchen Mystery Series releases on November 25^th. It’s like the end of one era and the beginning of another.

Your latest novel, Death in the Cards, marks your YA debut and it’s out now! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?

Queer Filipino Veronica Mars vibes

What can readers expect?

The usual suspects in a Mia P. Manansala story, namely family, food, and murder. There’s also quite a bit of tarot reading, a teen protagonist doing her best to figure out who she is and what she truly wants, and even a little bit of romance.

Where did the inspiration for Death in the Cards come from?

I love amateur sleuth and P.I. stories, so when I started to develop the idea, I asked myself what would be a fun and somewhat believable reason for a teenager to become a detective? I loved Veronica Mars, so I figured with a private investigator for a mom and a mystery author for a dad, of course my protagonist Danika would want to get involved in investigations. She’s gotten plenty of training from her parents, but I also wanted her to have her own particular skill that makes her a good detective and that’s how I incorporated tarot reading as an important part of her character since tarot reading is one of my hobbies.

Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?

There were so many moments that I enjoyed, but I think the character that surprised me the most is one that wasn’t even in my original proposal when I sold the book. Based on some feedback I got from my editor, I added a particular character and subplot (don’t want to say which one in case of spoilers) and I was amazed at the depth I was able to weave in because of them.

Did you face any challenges whilst writing? How did you overcome them?

Every single book is challenging in a different way. I think for me, the biggest challenge was making sure the book felt like a proper YA story that teens would actually want to read. Once I realized that I didn’t necessarily need to sound like a teenager (there was no way for me to do that without sounding cringe and outdated), I just needed to make you feel the way a teenager does (the intense highs and lows, being misunderstood, trying to figure out who you are) then it became easier.

What was the shift like going from writing adult mysteries to YA?

Anxiety-inducing yet freeing and rewarding. I didn’t want Danika to sound like a younger version of Lila (my Adult cozy protagonist), I wanted her to be her own person. After writing so many books following the same protagonist in the same world, I now had to build everything again from the ground up. In some ways, the process was similar since I was still writing a mystery but because I’m now writing for kids, I had to be so much more mindful of what I’m putting on the page. I learned to be more intentional. Because of that, I feel like I’ve levelled up as a writer. And while I’m very comfortable in the world of Adult mystery, YA is a completely different ballgame, so I’m nervous about the reception of this book.

With six books in the Tita Rosie’s Kitchen Mystery series released in the last four years, when did Death in the Cards begin forming and what was your schedule like? Were you juggling two books?

Death in the Cards started forming back in 2021. My (now) YA editor had read my debut, Arsenic and Adobo, and contacted my literary agent saying she liked my voice and wanted to know if I was interested in writing YA. We bounced several ideas back and forth, and once we decided on a concept, I worked on the proposal on and off for about a year and a half. It took me a while because the Tita Rosie’s Kitchen Mystery books come out less than a year apart, so I’m always drafting one book, editing a second, and promoting a third, so I wasn’t able to devote a lot of time to it. I finally sold the book on proposal in Fall 2023 and had to juggle the deadlines of my YA with my Adult books as well. The timelines for YA are very different than in Adult, so that was definitely an adjustment.

Can we expect to see more of Danika?

Yes! I was lucky enough to sell the next book in the series, tentatively titled Murder Under the Full Moon. My teen sleuth, Danika, goes undercover at a Burning Man-esque retreat to find out who is targeting members of the community after a series of “accidents” leads to another teen’s murder.

What’s next for you?

I’ve got a short story coming out in the Crime Ink: Iconic anthology, which releases September 2^nd. The anthology features all queer crime writers and we each chose a queer icon to base a story around. November 25^th is the release date for the last book in the Tita Rosie’s Kitchen Mystery Series, Death and Dinuguan, which is definitely a bittersweet feeling. And I’m currently drafting the sequel to my YA, Murder Under the Full Moon, which is scheduled to come out Fall 2026.

Lastly, what books are you looking forward to picking up this year?

• House of Monstrous Women by Daphne Fama
• The El by Theodore C. Van Alst Jr
• The Princess and the P.I. by Nikki Payne
• Menu of Happiness (Kamogawa Food Detectives series) by Hisashi Kashiwai
• Celestial Banquet by Roselle Lim

Will you be picking up Death in the Cards? Tell us in the comments below!

The post Q&A: Mia P. Manansala, Author of ‘Death in the Cards’ appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

We apologise in advance to your TBR and bank account, but there’s so many fantastic upcoming young adult books hitting shelves between January and June 2025! There’s new releases from Brigid Kemmerer, Libba Bray, Neal Shusterman, Allison Saft, Tracy Deonn, Ava Reid, Jennifer Dugan, Dahlia Adler, Elizabeth Lim, Becky Albertalli, and many more, plus incredible debut novels!

Read on to discover new books hitting shelves in the first half of the year and be sure to check out our other 2025 round-ups too, including our Most Anticipated, Romance, Fantasy & Sci-Fi and Fiction lists.

JANUARY 2025 YA BOOKS

Breath of the Dragon by Fonda Lee and Shannon Lee

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A young warrior dreams of proving his worth in the elite Guardian Tournament, fighting not only for himself but the fate of everything he loves.

Bingsu For Two by Sujin Witherspoon

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This outrageously charming and infuriatingly adorable enemies-to-lovers coffee shop romance is perfect for fans of Jenny Han and Better Than the Movies.

Everything Is Poison by Joy McCullough

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This historical novel in prose and verse tells the story of a deadly secret hiding in plain sight and of the women who risk everything to provide care for those with nowhere else to turn, perfect for fans of Blood Water Paint and The Lost Apothecary.

Royal Heirs Academy by Lindsey Duga

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In this story filled with “romantic tension, royal drama, and family secrets” (Kristy Boyce), four teens living in a glamorous boarding school must compete in order to inherit a European kingdom.

Liar’s Kingdom by Christine Calella

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An Into the Woods-inspired fairy tale retelling where Cinderella never went to the ball and must lie to get her prince.

Brewed With Love by Shelly Page

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A cozy sapphic romantasy about a teen witch trying to keep her family’s apothecary up and running, with a little help from her ex-best friend—and first crush.

I Am Not Jessica Chen by Ann Liang

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From the bestselling, and award-winning author of If You Could See The Sun comes a new page-turning speculative YA about a girl who wishes she could be as perfect and successful as her cousin… then wakes up the next morning in her cousin’s body.

Ex Marks the Spot by Gloria Chao

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A swoony rivals-to-lovers romance . . . Family secrets that can’t stay buried . . . A globe-spanning treasure hunt with puzzles to solve . . . This latest YA novel by acclaimed writer Gloria Chao takes readers on a soaring adventure through love, loss, and the lively streets of Taiwan.

The Romantic Tragedies of a Drama King by Harry Trevaldwyn

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Heartstopper meets Derry Girls in this wonderfully hilarious rom-com about finding your first love when your personality might be too big for the world around you.

The Queen’s Spade by Sarah Raughley

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In this riveting historical thriller inspired by true-life events, Belladonna meets Bridgerton as revenge, romance, and twisted secrets take center stage in Victorian England’s royal court when Sally, a kidnapped African princess and goddaughter to Queen Victoria, plots her way to take down the monarchy that stole her from her homeland.

Build A Girlfriend by Elba Luz

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A teen deep-dives into her dating history to uncover her mistakes, become the perfect girlfriend, and get revenge on the wrong guy so she can ride into the sunset with the right one in this debut rom-com.

Carving Shadows into Gold by Brigid Kemmerer

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Dangerous magic. Fateful choices. Broken promises. The spellbinding series by New York Times bestselling author Brigid Kemmerer continues.

FEBRUARY 2025 YA BOOKS

The Otherwhere Post by Emily J. Taylor

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The New York Times bestselling author of Hotel Magnifique returns with another glittering dark fantasy about a deadly mystery that spans worlds and a teenage girl who must risk everything to uncover the truth.

Wicked Darlings by Jordyn Taylor

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From the author of The Revenge Game comes a twisty YA thriller about the underbelly of Manhattan’s high society, where nothing is off-limits—not even murder.

Under the Same Stars by Libba Bray

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From New York Times-bestselling author Libba Bray comes an evocative and groundbreaking young adult historical mystery that examines truth, rebellion, reconciliation, and what must be sacrificed for a better world.

Needy Little Things by Channelle Desamours

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In this debut speculative YA mystery, a Black teen with premonition-like powers must solve her friend’s disappearance before she finds herself in the same danger, perfect for fans of Ace of Spades.

These Vengeful Wishes by Vanessa Montalban

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A vengeful female spirit with a thirst for justice ignites a teen girl’s rage in this new YA horror, perfect for fans of She Is a Haunting and House of Hollow.

The Wildest Things by Andrea Hannah

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In this sapphic Snow White retelling, if Snow is to save her kingdom from being ravaged by the Blight, she’ll have to kill the Evil Queen’s daughter…if she doesn’t fall in love with her first.

All Better Now by Neal Shusterman

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From New York Times bestselling author Neal Shusterman comes a young adult thriller about a world where happiness is contagious but the risks of catching it may be just as dangerous as the cure.

The Rose Bargain by Sasha Peyton Smith

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The Cruel Prince meets The Selection in this captivating duology opener brimming with heart-pounding romance, vicious competition, and beautiful, cruel fae, from the New York Times bestselling author of The Witch Haven, Sasha Peyton Smith.

Wings of Starlight by Allison Saft

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Brimming with magic and romance, a young fairy queen must form an unlikely alliance or risk an unspeakable danger destroying all she holds dear in this fantasy adventure from New York Times bestselling author Allison Saft.

Unlock the Dark by Sasa Hawk

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Perfect for fans of Brigid Kemmerer and Lexi Ryan, this debut romantasy stand-alone novel blends an immersive world, unique magic system, and swoon-worthy romance to create an unputdownable read that explores the great and terrible lengths to which love compels us to go.

Unhallowed Halls by Lili Wilkinson

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A teen girl travels to an exclusive boarding school after a deadly incident at her old school, but the wood-paneled halls of Agathion are built over centuries of secrets—including an ancient society which may have ties to demonic magic—in this dark academia fantasy perfect for fans of Curious Tides.

This Ends in Embers by Kamilah Cole

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Perfect for fans of Raybearer and Fourth Wing, this astonishing sequel to the bestselling novel So Let Them Burn doesn’t hold back. After all, there are no easy endings in war—especially when sisters are forced to fight on opposite sides.

MARCH 2025 YA BOOKS

All the Hidden Monsters by Amie Jordan

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With a crew so entertaining and unique―All the Hidden Monsters is funny, serious, scary―and you’ll never guess who did it. There’s a world below our own, but who is killing who in both of them?

Say a Little Prayer by Jenna Voris

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Saved! meets Casey McQuiston in this wry, heartfelt tale of a teen who’s taking her church camp by storm—one deadly sin at a time.

Nightweaver by R.M. Gray

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Filled with elemental magic, forbidden romance, and breathtaking twists, Nightweaver is a propulsive romantasy about an iron-willed heroine avenging her brother and discovering her destiny.

Oathbound by Tracy Deonn

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Tracy Deonn’s #1 New York Times bestselling Legendborn Cycle continues in the sensational third book about a dazzling contemporary fantasy world that blends Southern Black Girl Magic with secret societies and the legend of King Arthur!

When The Bones Sing by Ginny Myers Sain

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From New York Times bestselling author of Dark and Shallow Lies comes a new southern gothic supernatural thriller about a teen girl in a small Ozark town who can hear the bones of the dead.

Fable For The End of the World by Ava Reid

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The Last of Us meets The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes in this stand-alone dystopian romance about survival, sacrifice, and love that risks everything.

Hangry Hearts by Jennifer Chen

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Jennifer Chen’s Hangry Hearts is a funny, big-hearted romance about friendship, family, and first love―and being brave enough to have it all.

Lovely Dark and Deep by Elisa A. Bonnin

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From author Elisa A. Bonnin comes Lovely Dark and Deep, a YA dark academia novel exploring magic, loneliness, and the power of found family.

What Wakes the Bells by Elle Tesch

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Inspired by an ominous Prague legend, What Wakes the Bells is a lavish gothic fantasy by debut author Elle Tesch that is perfect for fans of Adalyn Grace, Margaret Rogerson, and V.E. Schwab.

In The Company of Killers by Elora Cook

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Gossip Girl meets The Sopranos in this fast-paced drama about a teenage mafia heiress who would do anything to avenge her family, even join forces with her handsome enemy.

How to Survive a Slasher by Justine Pucella Winans

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You’re Not Supposed to Die Tonight meets Scream in this YA slasher that turns classic horror tropes on their heads.

Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins

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The phenomenal fifth book in the Hunger Games series. Sunrise on the Reaping revisits the world of Panem twenty-four years before the events of The Hunger Games, starting on the morning of the reaping of the Fiftieth Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell.

APRIL 2025 YA BOOKS

The Notorious Virtues by Alwyn Hamilton

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Bestselling Rebel of the Sands author Alwyn Hamilton is back with a glittering fantasy thriller about a glamorous media darling, a surprise heiress, and the magical competition of a lifetime.

Run Away With Me by Brian Selznick

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From #1 New York Times bestselling author/illustrator Brian Selznick, a profoundly romantic YA novel about two boys finding each other and falling in love over one summer in Rome.

The Floating World by Axie Oh

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From Axie Oh, the New York Times-bestselling author of The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea, Final Fantasy meets Shadow and Bone in this lighthearted romantic fantasy reimagining the Korean legend of Celestial Maidens.

Somadina by Akwaeke Emezi

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From the National Book Award finalist and author of Pet comes a novel set in a magical West African world, about a teen girl who must save her missing twin while learning to navigate her own terrifying new powers.

Boys with Sharp Teeth by Jenni Howell

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We Were Liars meets The Raven Boys in this mind-bending YA debut about dark revenge, twisted desire, and the sinister secrets lurking behind the walls of an elite boarding school.

Pride or Die by C.L. Montblanc

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In this delightful dark comedy debut, when the members of an LGBTQ+ club find themselves accidentally framed for attempted murder, it’s up to them to clear their names before it’s too late.

The Coven Tendency by Zoe Hana Mikuta

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Zoe Hana Mikuta delivers a bloody and unrelenting fantasy about young witches dangling on the edge of love and obsession, of magic and madness, of life and death (and death and death and death). . .

If We Were a Movie by Zakiya N. Jamal

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Booksmart meets Phantom of the Megaplex in Zakiya N. Jamal’s debut enthralling enemies-to-lovers queer romance, set against the backdrop of a historic Black-owned movie theater, the quirky employees who work there, and the suburbs of Long Island. Perfect for fans of Leah Johnson and Today Tonight Tomorrow.

Nav’s Foolproof Guide to Falling in Love by Jessica Lewis

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Giving the new girl lessons in romance so she can woo your best friend couldn’t possibly go wrong…right? Perfect for fans of Becky Albertalli and Casey McQuiston, this romantic comedy from Jessica Lewis is packed with heart.

Murder Between Friends by Liz Lawson

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Two years ago, the murder of a neighbor tore three best friends apart–now the killer is going to walk free and the ex-friends are going to have to face the past–and each other–in another twisty thriller from the New York Times bestselling co-author of The Agathas.

Chaos King by Kacen Callender

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The explosive sequel to instant New York Times bestselling YA debut Infinity Alchemist by Kacen Callender.

Lady Knight by Amalie Howard

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The daughter of a duke defies the rules of London high society with the help of the resident rake—who just so happens to be her brother’s best friend—in this fun teen historical romance from the USA Today bestselling author of Queen Bee.

MAY 2025 YA BOOKS

The Thrashers by Julie Soto

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A twisty thrill-ride of unforgettable drama and suspense that “encapsulates the vulnerability of adolescents playing adult games” (Ali Hazelwood) from USA Today bestselling author Julie Soto, The Thrashers will keep you up at night desperate to read just one more page.

Audre and Bash Are Just Friends by Tia Williams

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Scorching-hot summer. Scorching-hot chemistry. Two teens can’t forget they’re just friends in this sweet, funny, electrifying romance from New York Times bestselling author Tia Williams. Perfect for fans of Jenny Han and Nicola Yoon.

Salvación by Sandra Proudman

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In this Latinx YA fantasy inspired by El Zorro, Lola de La Peña becomes the masked heroine Salvación in order to save her family and town from a man who would destroy it for the magic it contains…if she doesn’t fall in love with one of his men first.

The Lost Queen by Aimee Phan

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A heroine like no other, ancient magic unleashed, a fated epic battle–the first book in an enchanting YA fantasy duology inspired by Vietnamese lore, weaving magic, sisterhood, and self-discovery.

Summer Girls by Jennifer Dugan

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From the author of Some Girls Do comes a YA sapphic romance about two girls from different sides of the tracks.

This Moth Saw Brightness by A. A. Vacharat

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A weird and revelatory debut that vividly captures the dislocation of growing up BIPOC and neurodivergent in a country awash in both conspiracy theories and genuine conspiracies.

Come As You Are by Dahlia Adler

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Dahlia Adler’s Come As You Are is about refusing to accept less than you deserve, and realizing that the best relationships are with people who know exactly who you are.

Cruel is the Light by Sophie Clark

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An epic new fantasy about a demon hunter and a foot soldier thrown together in a centuries-old war. . . and the forbidden love that could change the course of history.

All-Nighter by Cecilia Vinesse

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Booksmart meets Today, Tonight, Tomorrow in this page-turning romp about two archnemeses—the valedictorian and the class slacker—who band together for a whirlwind night after discovering that they need each other to achieve their very different sunrise goals.  

Out of Step, into You by Ciera Burch

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Out of Step, into You is a sapphic contemporary romance following childhood friends turned cross-country team rivals who are forced to work together to win the state championship – for fans of She Gets the Girl.

Titan of the Stars by E.K. Johnston

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Alien meets The Titanic in this tense YA science fiction horror series by #1 New York Times bestselling author E.K. Johnston.

Death in the Cards by Mia P. Manansala

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The young adult debut from the award-winning author of Arsenic and Adobo! When a high school tarot reader’s latest client goes missing after a troubling reading, she must apply everything she’s learned from her private investigator mother to solve a case of her own.

JUNE 2025 YA BOOKS

Celestial Banquet by Roselle Lim

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Iron Chef meets The Hunger Games in Roselle Lim’s dazzling YA fantasy debut, following a young noodle chef who competes in a cutthroat cooking competition for the gods.

Heir of Storms by Lauryn Hamilton Murray

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RED QUEEN meets SHADOW AND BONE in this explosive start to a YA romantasy trilogy about dangerous magic, forbidden love, and a cut-throat competition for the throne in an empire where crowns are not inherited — they’re won.

The Beautiful Maddening by Shea Ernshaw

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From #1 New York Times bestselling author Shea Ernshaw comes a haunting romantic contemporary fantasy about a teen navigating her family’s love curse that blooms with their enchanted tulips every year.

Never Thought I’d End Up Here by Ann Liang

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From the author of the instant New York Times bestseller I Hope This Doesn’t Find You, Never Thought I’d End Up Here is another hilarious and romantic romcom from Ann Liang, this time following a former model determined to get revenge on the boy who ruined her life.

A Forgery of Fate by Elizabeth Lim

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A breathtaking romantic fantasy inspired by Beauty and the Beast about a girl who paints the future and a cursed dragon lord, bound by love and deception in a plot to bring down the gods.

Nobody in Particular by Sophie Gonzales

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Young Royals meets The Prince and Me when a disgraced princess falls for a new student at their all-girls boarding school, but the two must hide their forbidden love at all costs.

Kill Creatures by Rory Power

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From the bestselling author of Wilder Girls and queen of twisty narratives, Rory Power, comes her highly anticipated new Young Adult thriller.

A First Time for Everything by K.L. Walther

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From the New York Times bestselling author of The Summer of Broken Rules comes a fun new coming-of-age romance full of dating disasters, powerful firsts, and the importance of family.

Amelia, If Only by Becky Albertalli

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The beautiful and heartwarming new romance from Becky Albertalli, best-selling author of Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda.

A Treachery of Swans by A.B. Poranek

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From the New York Times bestselling author of Where the Dark Stands Still comes an atmospheric fantasy based on Swan Lake, following Odile as her plan to restore magic to her kingdom gets disrupted by a murder—forcing her to beg for help from the young woman whose identity she stole.

Among Ghosts by Rachel Hartman

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Set in the world of New York Times bestseller Seraphina, a boy on the run from a dragon—among other dangers—seeks refuge in a haunted abbey in this wholly original ghost story about what haunts us, and what connects us.

If We Survive This by Racquel Marie

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The Walking Dead meets Yellowjackets in If We Survive This, a tense and emotional young adult horror novel from award-winning author Racquel Marie about a teen girl leading a group of survivors on a perilous journey during the apocalypse.

What YA books are you looking forward to? Any other recommendations? Tell us in the comments below!

The post 72 Of The Most Anticipated YA Books Of 2025 appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Hi, Mia! Welcome back! It’s been almost three years since we last spoke, what have you been up to?

The same thing I’m always up to: writing, eating, and playing video games. I’ve also been working on my tarot reading skills, both for myself (it’s part of my self-care/journaling practice) and also as research for my new YA series.

Guilt and Ginataan is the fifth installment in your Tita Rosie’s Kitchen Mystery series and it’s out now! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?

Corny, both literally and figuratively (…it takes place at a corn festival)

For those who haven’t picked up the Tita Rosie’s Kitchen Mystery series, what can they expect?

My books are light-hearted, humorous mysteries centered around a family-owned Filipino restaurant as well as the café that my protagonist opens with her two best friends. As such, you can expect tons of mouth-watering food and drinks, family drama, nosy aunties, ride-or-die BFFs, a shocking amount of dead bodies for such a small town, and the cutest little wiener dog named Longganisa.

And for readers who have, what’s to come in Guilt and Ginataan?

I decided to get real Midwest with my setting and figured what’s more fun than dropping a dead body in a corn maze? This time, Lila’s bestie and business partner, Adeena, is being framed for the murder of a local politician’s wife and it’s up to Lila and her crew to clear her name.

Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring further?

Exploring the dynamic between Lila (my protagonist) and Elena (Adeena’s girlfriend and the third partner at the Brew-ha Café) was SO interesting. I already find friendship dynamics fascinating, but when you’re a trio that not only owns a business together but two of the members are dating…well, that’s bound to get messy, don’t you think?

The food! Can you tell us about some of the mouth-watering food featured in the new installment?

Ginataan refers to any food cooked in coconut milk, both sweet and savory, so it’s more a cooking style than a particular dish. Since this book centers around the Shady Palms Corn Festival, there are plenty of corn and/or coconut-milk based dishes represented.

One of my favorite Filipino comfort foods, ginataang mais, shows up in two different forms: the traditional porridge of glutinous rice and corn cooked in coconut milk and sugar, as well as a fusion take where I use the flavors from ginataang mais to put my own spin on Hawaiian butter mochi. The ginataang mais butter mochi has become one of my family’s favorite recipes since I first tested it on them.

Did you face any challenges whilst writing Guilt and Ginataan?

The same challenge I’m sure anyone who writes a series faces: How can I keep this book fresh and interesting for both me and the reader while still hitting all the beats that make my series what it is? It’s a balancing act between what satisfies me, a writer who wants to keep learning and getting better, and my readers, who are seeking a particular type of comfort in my books.

What’s next for you?

My YA debut, DEATH IN THE CARDS, comes out May 13, 2025, and the 6th book in my Tita Rosie’s Kitchen Mystery series, DEATH AND DINGUAN, comes out Fall 2025.

Lastly, what books have you enjoyed this year and are there any that you can’t wait to get your hands on in 2025?

Books I enjoyed this year:

• The Restaurant of Lost Recipes by Hisashi Kashiwai, translated by Jesse Kirkwood
• Say You’ll Be Mine by Naina Kumar
• Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree
• Missing White Woman by Kellye Garrett
• The Teller of Small Fortunes by Julie Leong (haven’t read this yet since it comes out Nov 5, but highly anticipated!)

2025 books:

• The Ex-Girlfriend Murder Club by Gloria Chao
• Temple of Swoon by Jo Segura
• The Matchmaker by Aisha Saeed
• A Tropical Rebel Gets the Duke by Adriana Herrera
• Vera Wong’s Guide to Snooping (on a Dead Man) by Jesse Q. Sutanto

Will you be picking up Guilt and Ginataan? Tell us in the comments below!

The post Q&A: Mia P. Manansala, Author of ‘Guilt and Ginataan’ appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

Intrigued? Well read on to discover the synopsis and an excerpt from Murder and Mamon by Mia P. Manansala, which is the fourth installment in the Tita Rosie’s Kitchen Mystery series and releases on September 19th!

Lila Macapagal’s godmothers April, Mae, and June—AKA the Calendar Crew—are celebrating the opening of their latest joint business venture, a new laundromat, to much fanfare (and controversy). However, what should’ve been a joyous occasion quickly turns into a tragedy when they discover the building has been vandalized—and the body of Ninang April’s niece, recently arrived from the Philippines, next to a chilling message painted on the floor. The question is, was the message aimed at the victim or Lila’s gossipy godmothers, who have not-so-squeaky-clean reputations?

With Ninang April falling apart from grief and little progress from the Shady Palms Police Department in this slippery case, it’s up to Lila and her network to find justice for the young woman.

The Calendar Crew have stuck their noses into everybody’s business for years, but now the tables are turned as Lila must pry into the Calendar Crew’s lives to figure out who has a vendetta against the (extremely opinionated yet loving) aunties and stop them before they strike again.

Chapter One

You do realize we’re a cafe, not a plant shop, right?”

I stared at the array of blooms and greenery filling the front of the Brew-ha Cafe, all lovingly grown and arranged by Elena Torres, the cafe’s resident green witch. Her plants, dried herbs, and teas had always been an important part of our business, but they usually had their own corner, which she carefully tended.

Today, they spilled out over almost every surface in the shop: Our floating shelves held potted spring flowers, adding a riot of color that popped against our brick accent wall. Long tendrils of lush greenery trailed down our pastry cases. And the invigorating aroma of fresh herbs wafted around the cafe from their places at each table, the fragrance of basil, rosemary, mint, and lavender providing a wonderful antidote for those getting over the winter blahs. You’d think it’d be overwhelming combined with the cafe scents of coffee, tea, and pastries, but they somehow worked in harmony and created our own version of Brew-ha Cafe aromatherapy.

Elena just grinned at me. “We are a business that likes to make money, and I guarantee you that all the plant parents and aspiring plant parents who come here will snatch these up in no time. Besides, spring is so beautiful and fleeting, we should really take advantage of it. Our customers love our seasonal offerings.”

Spring had most definitely sprung in my little hometown of Shady Palms, Illinois, and all the residents were preparing for the Big Spring Clean taking place in about two weeks, an annual monthlong event where local business owners offered discounts to entice customers out after a long winter. It was also the perfect time to clear out old stock and start advertising our new seasonal offerings.

My best friend and other business partner, Adeena Awan, was embracing spring’s floral vibes by pushing her signature lavender chai latte as well as her new seasonal creations, including a lavender honey latte (the honey sourced from Elena’s uncle’s local apiary), lavender calamansi-ade, and a sampaguita matcha latte (I didn’t really like floral flavors, but even I had to admit the matcha drink was stunning).

As for me, I was leaning into “spring means green” and had prepared pandan-pistachio shortbread and brownies with a pandan cheesecake swirl. I also came up with a red bean brownie recipe, which wasn’t particularly spring-like, but hey, I was in a brownie mood. And for a quick no-bake option, I developed buko pandan mochi Rice Krispie treats, which would be sure to delight our younger customers (or anyone, really; I had to keep smacking Adeena’s hands away from the tray when I was testing it because she kept snatching bits of it while it cooled). I finished stocking the pastry case and moved to prop open the cafe door-we weren’t due to open for another fifteen minutes, but on a sunny day like today, the gentle breeze and fresh air were more than welcome in the shop.

I stood in front of the cafe for a moment, my face lifted to the sun. My preference for cold weather and dark color palettes aside, there was something about me that absolutely craved a good bit of sunshine. Maybe it was my Filipino heritage, and the love of sunlight ran deep in my islander blood. Or it could just be a vitamin D deficiency, I don’t know. Either way, I appreciated this moment of zen before the morning rush began.

“Hey, Lila, get back in here! I made you another iced sampaguita matcha!” Adeena yelled.

Forget zen, caffeine was calling.

As I picked up my drink from the front counter, the money plant next to the register caught my eye and I remembered that I had plant-based business with Elena to take care of. I joined my partners at the table, a tray of my pastries and several dishes of honey waiting for us.

“What’s with all the honey?” I asked as I split open a fresh-baked scone. A curl of steam escaped, and I hummed to myself as I dolloped a bit of clotted cream on top and added a drizzle of honey.

Elena studied my face as I took a huge bite. “The honey I’ve been sourcing from my tio’s apiary has been selling really well here, so I thought it’d be fun to play with an infused honey recipe. Something exclusive to the Brew-ha Cafe. What we’ve got here is-”

Elena pointed at the dish of honey I’d just used, but before she could tell me what was in it, Adeena interrupted her. “Wait, don’t tell her! We wanted to test her, remember? See if she can guess what you used to infuse each honey.”

I had a pretty good, though untrained, palate and sense of smell, and Adeena was forever coming up with little tests to see if I could determine what was in certain food and drinks. I didn’t mind-these tastings had fast become a ritual with us, a fun way to start the day and keep my senses sharp. Plus, I did enjoy showing off a bit.

I was pretty sure I knew what spices were in the honey I’d just sampled, but just in case, I took another healthy bite of the honey-topped scone and chewed slowly, letting the contrasting textures and flavors permeate my mouth. The crisp crust of the scone yielded to a soft, fluffy interior that melted in the mouth. The clotted cream added body and richness and perfectly complemented the sweetly spiced honey.

“Star anise, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, black pepper, and just a touch of ginger,” I pronounced. “Did you take inspiration from Adeena’s chai spice mix?”

Adeena applauded and Elena laughed and said, “There’s fennel, too, but that’s exactly what I was basing it on. I wish I could get a better ginger flavor in there. Fresh ginger doesn’t impart enough flavor unless it steeps for a while, and ground ginger gets close but just isn’t the same. Which is the problem I’m having with my next infused honey. I’m working on a salabat honey for you, but it’s going to take some time to get that ginger right.”

“Yay, looking forward to it. I’m guessing the chai honey represents Adeena and you’re working on the salabat for me, so one of the dishes here is your signature honey?” I asked.

She pointed at the dish in front of her and I broke off a piece of scone to sample this new flavor. One bite and my tongue flared with a powerful, exciting heat. I couldn’t decide if I wanted to gulp down an iced latte to cool my mouth or guzzle down the rest of the honey straight-it was a sweet, delicious pain.

“Oh my gulay, is this red chile?” I asked, trying to play it cool as if my nose wasn’t running and I didn’t have tears threatening to spill over. The heat finally got to me, and I gulped down my sampaguita matcha, letting the milk in the tea latte sit on my tongue to stop the burning.

Adeena and Elena cracked up at my reaction, the latter handing me a napkin to dab at my runny nose and watery eyes.

“I’m so sorry, but Adeena insisted that I not tell you, to better test your powers. And that’s the spicy variation, for people like me and Adeena. I also have a mild variety for people who only want a hint of heat,” Elena said, a contrite smile on her face.

Adeena, that jerk, just laughed harder. “She’ll be fine. You should’ve seen her the first time she ate at my house. She started crying after her first few bites, but she wouldn’t stop eating. My parents were so weirded out, watching this kid shoveling biryani in her mouth with tears running down her face.”

My face was already flushed from the spiciness of the honey, and I turned an even deeper shade of red as Adeena relayed that embarrassing childhood story. “I’d never had spicy food before that! Tita Rosie’s food is usually on the milder side since Lola Flor’s stomach can’t tolerate too much spice. I wasn’t expecting my food to hurt me.”

“So then why did you keep eating it even after it made you cry?”

I dabbed at my watery eyes, careful to only touch them with the napkin in case there was chile residue on my fingers. “It would be rude to not eat the food your family served me. Plus it was super delicious, so the pain was worth it.”

There were two other infused honeys on the tray, floral ones if my trusty nose was correct, but I’d have to wait and taste them later-the chile pepper had overwhelmed my taste buds and I would need some time before I could properly taste anything with a more delicate flavor. Once I’d gotten my runny nose under control, I brought up the topic I’d forgotten to ask Elena about earlier.

“Is the money tree for the Calendar Crew ready yet? I want to give it to them before their grand opening.”

My godmothers, Ninang April, Ninang Mae, and Ninang June (or the Calendar Crew, as I privately referred to them), had recently gone into business together, opening a laundromat next door to the dry-cleaning service Ninang June had taken over from her deceased husband. Their grand opening was timed to start the same day as the Big Spring Clean, which was rather genius on their part since Shady Palms residents likely had tons of heavy winter bedding and clothing that needed professional cleaning. To congratulate them on their new business, I’d commissioned Elena to grow the biggest, most eye-catching money tree possible. These lovely trees with their ornate braided trunks were symbols of good fortune, and I wanted to show my appreciation to the aunties who’d provided so much help (and stress and judgment, but that’s neither here nor there) this past year.

Elena handed me her phone to show me a picture of the plant. “I know you said you wanted the biggest tree possible, but these things can reach eight feet tall, and that seemed a bit much. This one is closer to six feet and really lovely.”

After I gave her (and the money tree) my nod of approval, she swiped to the next picture. “I also have a potted orchid I was thinking of giving them. At first, I was going to gift them these gorgeously scented jasmine flowers since you said it was the flower of the Philippines, but I figured the aunties would want something brighter and more eye-catching.”

I laughed. “Your instincts were spot-on. Orchids give off a more luxurious feel and the aunties are all about appearances. Thanks for handling this for me, Elena.”

As I gave her back her phone, the chimes above the door signaled our first customers of the day. When I saw who they were, I shot out of my chair. “Oh, good morning, ninangs! What brings you here so early?”

All three of my godmothers stood near the register, completely ignoring me as they continued their conversation, talking over each other in rapid-fire Tagalog.

“Honestly, April, this is too much-”

“She’s family!”

“I know, but it’s so last minute-”

“We need more help anyway-”

“Exactly, and we don’t have the time-”

“We’ll figure it out-”

“But does she even know what she’s-”

“Of course she knows what she’s doing-”

“Yes yes, she’s very smart, you keep on saying that, but-”

The three women volleyed these half-finished statements back and forth so quickly, I was getting whiplash trying to keep up with their conversation.

I waved my hand to get their attention. “Um, can I get you all anything? We’ve just released our seasonal offerings, and-”

“Lila!” Ninang April interrupted me. “Just the person I wanted to see. You’re close to her age, you’ll be the perfect guide.”

Ninang Mae and Ninang June, both wearing grim expressions, brightened up as they studied me. “You might be right, April,” Ninang Mae said. “We don’t have time for this distraction, so it’s better for the young people to welcome her.”

“Welcome who?” I still had no idea who or what they were talking about, but now that their plan involved me, a sense of dread pooled in my stomach.

“My niece just arrived from the Philippines, and she’ll be staying with me for a while. She recently graduated from college, so she’s only a few years younger than you. I thought we could have a welcome dinner for her at your restaurant, and you and your friends can play tour guide,” Ninang April said, smiling first at me, then at Adeena and Elena.

Behind her back, Ninang Mae and Ninang June shook their heads vigorously at me but stopped as soon as Ninang April turned to look at them. That definitely didn’t bode well for me, but I couldn’t think of a way to turn down Ninang April without upsetting her and incurring her wrath.

“Why don’t we see if Tita Rosie and Lola Flor are available for that welcome dinner first and we can go from there?” I suggested.

My aunt and grandmother ran Tita Rosie’s Kitchen, the small Filipino restaurant next to my shop. Considering my aunt was the kindest, most welcoming person ever-and her nurturing nature meant she was determined to feed the world-I knew this was just me delaying the inevitable. Of course Tita Rosie would host the dinner. But I needed time to talk it over with my crew and figure out what the heck was going on and why my godmothers were so divided over this.

“You’re right, I need to go over the menu with them anyway. Divina is rather picky, I have to make sure the food meets her standards,” Ninang April said, almost to herself, as she turned away and headed toward the door. Ninang Mae and Ninang June just shook their heads and followed her out.

“Yo, what was that all about?” Adeena asked as she cleared the table we’d been sitting at.

Elena took the tray of dirty dishes from her girlfriend and started back toward the kitchen. “Sorry to say this, Lila, but this is your family we’re talking about, so you know what this all means.”

I groaned, as the truth of her words sank in. There was no doubting it. A lifetime of dealing with my aunties and all their drama told me one thing:

Ninang April’s niece was going to be trouble.

Excerpted from Murder and Mamon by Mia P. Manansala. Copyright © 2023 by Mia P. Manansala. Excerpted by permission of Berkley. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.

The post Read The First Chapter of ‘Murder and Mamon’ by Mia P. Manansala appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

We chat with Mia all about her new release Homicide and Halo-Halo, along with writing, 2022 book recommendations, and more!

Hi, Mia! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?

Hi, everyone! I’m Filipino American, born and raised in Chicago, and a huge geek. My interests outside of books/writing are food and video games. I enjoy baking, love eating, and appreciate a good JRPG and dating or farming sim. I’m also a relatively new DnD player (level 7 half-elf Paladin) and would love to be a plant mom, but they keep dying and that makes me sad.

How has the first month of 2022 been for you?

An absolute rollercoaster! I spent the beginning of January recovering from Omicron, the middle of the month celebrating the fact my publisher bought the next three books in my series, and the end of it shocked and amazed by Arsenic and Adobo receiving several award nominations. And through it all, I was on deadline! I turned in my edits for Book 3: Blackmail and Bibingka on February 1st and can sorta breathe a little, but not really because now Homicide and Halo-Halo is out!

When did you first discover your love for writing?

I’ve loved writing since I was a kid. The first story I remember writing was in maybe 5th grade where we had to do a retelling of the Three Little Pigs for class. My version had the Big Bad Wolf as a drug dealer that the pigs were trying to take down, so maybe I was always meant to be a crime fiction writer.

Quick lightning round! Tell us the first book you ever remember reading, the one that made you want to become an author, and one that you can’t stop thinking about!

• Encyclopedia Brown Takes the Cake
• Ooh, I’m not sure. Possibly A Wrinkle in Time
• Not one particular book, but every time I finish the latest in the Sherry Thomas Lady Sherlock series, I wonder how she manages to write hit after hit. It’s been six books so far and not a single one has missed.

Homicide and Halo-Halo, which is the follow up to Arsenic and Adobo, is out now! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?

Beauty pageants, family drama, and murder (“and” doesn’t count, right?)

What can readers expect?

A slightly heavier tone than Arsenic and Adobo, since the book has Lila dealing not just with the aftermath of the previous book’s events, but also the unresolved grief that the return of the Miss Teen Shady Palms beauty pageant brings up in her. However, it’s still a cozy mystery, which means there’s light surrounding that darkness, plenty of humor, and LOTS of delicious food.

Can you tell us a bit about the challenges you faced whilst writing the sequel and how you were able to overcome them?

Second Book Syndrome hit me hard. I already had to deal with the usual issues of writing a book under contract for the first time (much less time and way more pressure) but I drafted this book in 2020–a global pandemic, massive social unrest, plus job insecurity (my previous employer shut down at the beginning of the pandemic and everyone was laid off) made writing darn near impossible for me.

I made it through 2020 (and that first draft) through the power of my extremely supportive social circle (particular shout out to the Berkletes!), the uplifting effects of BIPOC romance novels, and the knowledge that there were people out there waiting for my books, who were so hungry for representation and lightness and fun.

Were there any favourite moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring further?

I liked getting to expand the roles for Lila’s best friends, Adeena and Elena, since the three of them are opening a business together, the Brew-ha Cafe. They all bring such different things to the table and have a great dynamic that I’m looking forward to building upon with each book. I also really enjoyed exploring Lila’s relationship with her deceased beauty queen mother. There’s a lot of pain and grief inside of Lila that she’s pushed down most of her life, and getting involved with the town beauty pageant is bringing it all to the forefront so now she has to deal with them. It wasn’t easy to write those scenes, but I loved how each one peeled back another layer that Lila tried to keep hidden. Discovering new things about my characters is one of the best parts of writing.

Can you give us a tease about Blackmail and Bibingka, which is currently set to release in October?

Sure! It’s set at Christmastime (bibingka is a rice cake traditionally served at Christmas) and Lila’s cousin, Ronnie, who ghosted the family fifteen years ago, has returned to Shady Palms to open up a winery specializing in Filipino fruit wines, particularly lambanog (a coconut liquor). Tita Rosie is overjoyed to see her only child again, but Lila knows that where Ronnie goes, trouble follows. She’s proven right (which she loves, but also ugh) when Tita Rosie starts receiving blackmail letters, and then one of his investors is murdered, leaving him one of the main suspects. For the sake of her beloved aunt, Lila gets involved in the investigation to clear her cousin.

What’s next for you?

As I mentioned above, my publisher bought the next three books in the series, so Book 4 comes out sometime in 2023. I’ve also got several projects I’m working on that I’d love to get picked up, but they’re still in development so I can’t say anything yet.

Lastly, do you have any 2022 book recommendations for our readers?

Haha how much space do you have? For my crime fiction fans, these are the books I’ve been screaming about:

• LIKE A SISTER by Kellye Garrett (March 8)
• SECRET IDENTITY by Alex Segura (March 15)
• UNDER LOCK AND SKELETON KEY by Gigi Pandian (March 15)
• HARLEM SUNSET by Nekesa Afia (June 28)
• KISMET by Amina Akhtar (August 1)
• TWO PARTS SUGAR, ONE PART MURDER by Valerie Burns (August 30)
• CALYPSO, CORPSES, AND COOKING by Raquel V. Reyes (November 2022)

Will you be picking up Homicide and Halo-Halo? Tell us in the comments below!

The post Q&A: Mia P. Manansala, Author of ‘Homicide and Halo-Halo’ appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

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The post Read An Excerpt From ‘Arsenic and Adobo’ by Mia P. Manansala appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

JANUARY

Happily Ever Afters by Elise Bryant
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Jane the Virgin meets To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before in this charming debut romantic comedy filled with Black Girl Magic. Perfect for fans of Mary H. K. Choi and Nicola Yoon, with crossover appeal for readers of Jasmine Guillory and Talia Hibbert romances.

Black Buck by Mateo Askaripour
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

For fans of Sorry to Bother You and The Wolf of Wall Street—a crackling, satirical debut novel about a young man given a shot at stardom as the lone Black salesman at a mysterious, cult-like, and wildly successful startup where nothing is as it seems. Black Buck is a hilarious, razor-sharp skewering of America’s workforce; it is a propulsive, crackling debut that explores ambition and race, and makes way for a necessary new vision of the American dream.

Waiting for the Night Song by Julie Carrick Dalton
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A startling and timely debut, this is a moving, brilliant novel about friendships forged in childhood magic and ruptured by the high price of secrets that leave you forever changed. Waiting for the Night Song is a love song to the natural beauty around us, a call to fight for what we believe in, and a reminder that the truth will always rise

If I Disappear by Eliza Jane Brazier
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

When her favorite true crime podcast host goes missing, an adrift young woman plunges headfirst into the wild backcountry of Northern California and her own dangerous obsession.

Detransition, Baby by Torrey Peters
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A whipsmart debut about three women–transgender and cisgender–whose lives collide after an unexpected pregnancy forces them to confront their deepest desires around gender, motherhood, and sex. 

FEBRUARY

The Kindest Lie by Nancy Johnson
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The Kindest Lie examines the heartbreaking divide between black and white communities and plumbs the emotional depths of the struggles faced by ordinary Americans in the wake of the financial crisis. Capturing the profound racial injustices and class inequalities roiling society, Nancy Johnson’s debut novel offers an unflinching view of motherhood in contemporary America and the never-ending quest to achieve the American Dream. 

Fat Chance, Charlie Vega by Crystal Maldonado
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Coming of age as a Fat brown girl in a white Connecticut suburb is hard. Harder when your whole life is on fire, though. A sensitive, funny, and painful coming-of-age story with a wry voice and tons of chisme, Fat Chance, Charlie Vega tackles our relationships to our parents, our bodies, our cultures, and ourselves.

Like Home by Louisa Onomé
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Fans of Netflix’s On My Block, In the Heights, and readers of Elizabeth Acevedo and Ibi Zoboi will love this debut novel about a girl whose life is turned upside down after one local act of vandalism throws her relationships and even her neighborhood into turmoil.

Me, My Dad and the End of the Rainbow by Benjamin Dean
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The rainbow-filled, joyous debut from a hugely exciting new talent. Perfect for fans of Lisa Thompson, Stewart Foster and Onjali Rauf, this promises to be a story all about celebrating your individuality, navigating gender, family and advocating for kindness always.

Open Water by Caleb Azumah Nelson
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A stunning, shattering debut novel about two Black artists falling in and out of love. At once an achingly beautiful love story and a potent insight into race and masculinity, Open Water asks what it means to be a person in a world that sees you only as a Black body, to be vulnerable when you are only respected for strength, to find safety in love, only to lose it.

MARCH

Body of Stars by Laura Maylene Walter
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A bold and dazzling exploration of fate and female agency in a world very similar to our own–except that the markings on women’s bodies reveal the future.

The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

In this addictive and spectacularly imagined debut, a female apothecary secretly dispenses poisons to liberate women from the men who have wronged them—setting three lives across centuries on a dangerous collision course.

Saving Grace by Debbie Babitt
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Set in a remote mountain town, where the secrets run as deep as the hollows, Saving Grace is at once a spell-binding tale of innocence lost and a twisty, edge-of-your-seat psychological thriller. This startling debut novel introduces a captivating protagonist whose concept of good and evil can shape a young girl—then and now.

Of Women and Salt by Gabriela Garcia
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A sweeping, masterful debut about a daughter’s fateful choice, a mother motivated by her own past, and a family legacy that begins in Cuba before either of them were born.

Dog Days by Ericka Waller
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Dog Days is a novel about those small but life-changing moments that only come when we pause to let the light in. It is about three people learning to make connections and find joy in living life off the leash.

APRIL

Dial A for Aunties by Jesse Q Sutanto
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A hilariously quirky novel that is equal parts murder mystery, rom-com, and a celebration of mothers and daughters as well as a deep dive into Chinese-Indonesian culture.

Witches Steeped in Gold by Ciannon Smart
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Deadly, fierce, magnetically addictive: this Jamaican-inspired fantasy debut is a thrilling journey where dangerous magic reigns supreme and betrayal lurks beneath every word.

Fragile Monsters by Catherine Menon
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In her stunning debut Catherine Menon traces one family’s story from 1920 to the present, unravelling a thrilling tale of love, betrayal and redemption against the backdrop of natural disasters and fallen empires. Written in vivid technicolour, with an electric daughter-grandmother relationship at its heart, Fragile Monsters explores what happens when secrets fester through the generations.

Hot Copy by Ruby Barrett
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A meet-cute-gone-wrong on his first day leads an intern to prove to his boss that he’s not the type of man she thinks he is, and they’re both forced to choose what matters more: work, or love.  

The Music of Bees by Eileen Garvin
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A heartwarming debut novel for readers of Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine, following three lonely strangers in a rural Oregon town, each working through grief and life’s curveballs, who are brought together by happenstance on a local honeybee farm where they find surprising friendship, healing–and maybe even a second chance–just when they least expect it.

MAY

Arsenic and Adobo by Mia P. Manansala
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

The first book in a new culinary cozy series full of sharp humor and delectable dishes—one that might just be killer…. n the small town of Shady Palms, Illinois, Lila Macapagal and her relatives run Tita Rosie’s Kitchen, serve delicious Flipino dishes, and solve crimes on the side.

Threadneedle by Cari Thomas
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Within the boroughs of London, nestled among its streets, hides another city, filled with magic. But magic is the first sin. It must be bound. 

Talk Bookish to Me by Kate Bromley
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

For fans of Beach Read and The Bookish Life of Nina Hill a whip-smart, laugh-out-loud story about a bestselling romance novelist with writer’s block who finds herself having an unexpected creative and personal reawakening when she’s thrown together with her infuriating (and gorgeous) ex-boyfriend during the week of her best friend’s wedding.

Indivisible by Daniel Aleman
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A timely, moving debut novel about a teen’s efforts to keep his family together while his parents face deportation from the United States.

Things We Lost to the Water by Eric Nguyen
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A stunning debut about an immigrant Vietnamese family who settles in New Orleans and struggles to remain connected to one another as their lives are inextricably reshaped.

JUNE

For the Love of Friends by Sara Goodman Confino
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A sharp and hilariously relatable novel about the business of weddings, the toll they can take, and the lengths one exasperated bridesmaid will go to for the love of friends.

The Sea is Salt and So Am I by Cassandra Hartt
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

I’ll Give You the Sun meets Normal People in Cassandra Hartt’s The Sea Is Salt and So Am I, a stunning YA contemporary debut that asks if the secrets we keep and the people we love can change who we are.

Blood Like Magic by Liselle Sambury
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

A rich, dark urban fantasy debut following a teen witch who is given a horrifying task: sacrificing her first love to save her family’s magic. The problem is, she’s never been in love—she’ll have to find the perfect guy before she can kill him.

Star Eater by Kerstin Hall
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A phantasmagorical indictment of hereditary power, Star Eater takes readers deep into a perilous and uncanny world where even the most powerful women are forced to choose what sacrifices they will make, so that they might have any choice at all. 

I Don’t Forgive You by Aggie Blum Thompson
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

It all starts at a neighborhood party when a local dad corners Allie and calls her by an old, forgotten nickname from her dark past. The next day, he is found dead. 

What debut novels are you looking forward to? Tell us in the comments below!

The post Anticipated Debut Novels You Should Have On Your Radar In 2021 appeared first on The Nerd Daily.