KJ Dell'Antonia is the former editor of Motherlode and current contributor to The New York Times, as well as the author of How to Be a Happier Parent. She lives with her family on a small farm in Lyme, New Hampshire, but retains an abiding love for her childhood in Texas and Kansas.
On Being 40(ish) (2019) Fifteen Writers on the Prime of Their Lives edited by Lindsey Mead
KJ Dell'Antonia recommends
June in the Garden (2025) Eleanor Wilde "One of those books that compels you to turn the page to find out what has happened, what will happen next, and what lies ahead for June. All the while, you're captivated by a winning voice that makes you root for her from the very first line to the very last."
All the Signs (2025) Jessie Rosen "All the Signs is a quirky journey of self-discovery, as a woman wrestles with and ultimately embraces astrology's power - not to dictate who we are, but to reveal who we're meant to be."
Hate Follow (2024) Erin Quinn-Kong "Wildly timely, deeply relatable, Hate Follow had me rooting for every character even when it seemed impossible that they could all win."
Just Some Stupid Love Story (2024) Katelyn Doyle "If you've ever loved any stupid love story, you'll love this (perfect, delightful, very smart) stupid love story. Just read it. Now."
Ready or Not (2024) (Dial Delights) Cara Bastone "Ready or Not is the very definition of the perfect slow burn, friends-to-lovers romance. Cara Bastone's voice is wholly unique and sparkles with effervescence and joy. I savored every page."
The Gardins of Edin (2024) (Gardins of Edin, book 1) Rosey Lee "The surprises and heart in this fast-paced family drama kept me turning pages late into the night."
Familia (2023) Lauren E Rico "Familia is an absolute delight. I couldn't stop turning the pages--I needed to know what the both the past and the future held for these sisters and how they would put together the pieces of the events that separated them to make their family whole again."
Hex Education (2023) Maureen Kilmer "Hex Education is a magically spiked pumpkin spice latte of a fall read. I drank it right up!"
The Collected Regrets of Clover (2023) Mikki Brammer "I couldn't put this book down. The Collected Regrets of Clover is a tender, charming delight, perfect for anyone who loved The Authenticity Project or Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine."
The Do-Over (2023) Suzanne Park "A satisfying story of overcoming your fears about expectations - other people's, and your own - and figuring out your own worth. Second-chance romance meets all the other second chances we need to give ourselves."
The Only Game in Town (2023) Lacie Waldon "A charming romp that had me rooting for the most unexpected characters. I loved every minute."
A Likely Story (2023) Leigh McMullan Abramson "A Likely Story is a literary page-turner and a thoroughly modern story of family mistakes and redemption that I couldn't put down."
A Very Typical Family (2022) Sierra Godfrey "I couldn't put it down. Engrossing, satisfying. The minute I turned the last page I messaged three friends to tell them they had to grab it."
Lucie Yi Is Not A Romantic (2022) Lauren Ho "A sharp, fresh story of finding yourself, and letting love follow. I AM a romantic--and I was rooting for Lucie Yi!"
Sadie on a Plate (2022) Amanda Elliot "Sadie on a Plate is a joyful, satisfying romp. I loved it - and I'm still hungry!"
Home or Away (2022) Kathleen West "A gloriously entertaining plunge into the ultra-competitive world of youth sports and the lengths we go to for the kids and game we love."
Must Love Books (2022) Shauna Robinson "Honest, relatable, and real, Must Love Books is a tender reflection on finding your person while you're still desperately searching for yourself rolled up in a thoughtful novel about the changing work world."
