If you love reading as much as I do, you probably get excited for the major new releases and buzzy books each spring. May 2025 brought out some especially interesting titles, but there’s one that really pops for me as the best book of May 2025. I’ve read a lot of books throughout the years, sometimes just for entertainment, other times because I’m searching for something new or meaningful. This time, I’m thrilled to share my pick for the top new book of May 2025, based on my own experience, insights from other book lovers, and plenty of careful reading.
Here’s a quick look at how I’d rate the best book of May 2025, before I break down all the details that made it my top choice:
Title: Rain in the Morning Sun
Author: Morgan F. Holloway
Publisher: Willowstrand Books
Release Date: May 7, 2025
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Length: 384 pages
Formats: Hardcover, eBook, Audiobook
My Overall Rating: 4.9/5
Goodreads User Rating: 4.8/5 (as of May 29, 2025)
Availability: Wide, most bookstores, online, and local libraries.
There are tons of great books out there, but this one checked all the boxes for me: thoughtful story, memorable characters, beautiful writing, and a message that stays with you. So, let me break down why Rain in the Morning Sun stands out and why I highly recommend it.
About the Author: Morgan F. Holloway
One of the things that pulled me to this book is the author’s own story. Morgan F. Holloway is known for writing literary fiction with heart, depth, and an eye for the everyday moments that reveal so much about people’s lives. Before publishing this novel, Holloway worked as a magazine editor and creative writing teacher. I first stumbled upon Morgan’s writing through short stories in literary journals, and those pieces had a certain warmth and openness that felt inviting but never syrupy. If you’ve read any of Holloway’s previous books, like The Lantern Season or the short story collection Blackbird Mornings, you’ll spot a consistent approach to storytelling: clear, realistic dialogue, sharply observed settings, and a real sense of searching for your place in the world.
Holloway often draws on personal experiences and stories shared from readers or friends. That’s partly why the characters in Rain in the Morning Sun feel lived-in and genuine. I’ve joined a few virtual book chats hosted by Morgan, and it’s always clear how much the author listens to readers’ reactions and questions. It’s rare to find a writer so connected with their readership, actually answering questions directly and sharing stories about writing the book. Morgan even described how the core image—a rainstorm breaking over a quiet neighborhood—was inspired by real memory rather than pure invention. You can feel that authenticity throughout the novel.
Story and Key Themes in Rain in the Morning Sun
When I first picked up Rain in the Morning Sun, the summary pulled me in: a coming-of-age story set in a small coastal town, focusing on family ties, grief, and hope. The book follows the adventure of Nora Greaves, who heads home after years away to care for her aging grandmother, only to find herself pulled into old memories and new duties. The novel balances mundane daily life—grocery lists, family dinners, rainy afternoons on the porch—with pivotal events that force Nora to reflect on her past and think about her future.
Some of the core themes that really hit home for me:
- The power of returning home, and how places shape us even if we think we’ve outgrown them.
- The complicated, often unspoken bonds between family members and friends.
- How loss shapes our sense of self, especially after someone close passes away.
- Ways that ordinary moments can spark real change, even when life feels routine.
- The importance of forgiveness, both for others and for ourselves.
Holloway doesn’t try to shock with huge twists. Instead, the strength of the book comes from its focus on realistic details and real emotions. I found myself caring about not just Nora but the entire community Holloway builds. Whether it’s the local grocer with a knack for advice, or the neighbor quietly watering the lawn in the drizzle, every character brings something that adds to the overall experience.
Plot Breakdown and What Makes the Story Engaging
Right from the first chapter, the novel sets a warm but honest tone, striking a soft balance between nostalgia and hope. Nora arrives off a late-night bus in the drizzle, suitcase in hand, stunned by how familiar and foreign home can feel at once. The opening third tracks Nora settling in: adjusting to her grandmother’s rhythms, reconnecting with old friends, handling unfinished business from her childhood. Holloway handles these moments without drama or rushing. Nora’s stumbles in conversation, her guilt for how long she stayed away, and the awkward attempts to connect again all ring true to me.
As the novel goes on, more family secrets bubble up. What I found striking is how Holloway brings up these revelations with careful empathy, avoiding melodrama. There are sharp moments—a heated argument at the kitchen table, a letter pulled from an old drawer—but the book always spotlights how Nora and her loved ones react. The middle act ramps things up emotionally: Nora’s grandmother has a health scare, a storm damages the house, and long-buried memories resurface. Each step brought me further into the story, rooting for Nora and her family to come through it.
The final chapters bring everything together. Relationships are tested, but moments of kindness help Nora and her family get through. There’s honest growth—characters mess up, but try to fix things, and forgiveness feels real. The closing pages gave me that rare feeling where a book actually gets through to you. I finished, sat in the quiet for a few minutes, and found myself thinking about my own relatives and how the little things add up over time.
Writing Style and Voice
What really made this book shine for me is Holloway’s writing style. The sentences have a steady, gentle rhythm, fitting the story’s thoughtful pace. Dialogue is spot on—sometimes wry, sometimes vulnerable—but always believable. I marked several passages just because they captured a feeling so perfectly, not because they were showy, but because they hit home. This one stuck with me:
“Rain on the roof always sounded like my grandmother whispering, saying that everything will be all right, even if it isn’t. Not yet, not now.”
Everyday details come to life, whether it’s the aroma of coffee in the kitchen or the gardens outside after rain. Holloway uses setting and weather to steer the mood without forcing it. The result is a book that feels personal but also universally relatable. I read the hardcover in two sittings, and never felt it dragged.
Character Development and Relatability
One of my favorite things about Rain in the Morning Sun is its cast. Nora, at the core, is fully realized and easy to relate to. She’s got flaws—sometimes indecisive or too worried about others’ opinions—but that just made her more believable. Supporting characters stand out too: Nora’s grandmother, whose stubborn love sets the story in motion. Milo, an old friend (and maybe more), who adds humor and calm. Even minor figures, like neighbor Meg or the teen barista, get quick but memorable backstories that make them feel real.
I recognized a bit of myself in Nora, especially her tendency to dwell on the past. Friends of mine who read it said the same—the characters reflect normal, everyday worries and doubts. Nobody’s painted as flawless, and that makes the story and every small gesture resonate deeper.
Major Themes You’ll Connect With
Just like the best novels, Rain in the Morning Sun is about more than meets the eye. Here’s what stood out for me as I read:
- Family and Generational Ties: The novel looks at what it means to care as loved ones age and how roles flip over time.
- Grief and Resilience: An honest look at loss, and the slow work of moving on when memories run deep.
- Returning Home: There’s a really powerful sense of place, and the story shows how coming back changes your whole perspective.
- Small Moments Matter: I loved how the focus on daily life makes you remember that simple moments count most.
- Hope in Uncertainty: Even as the characters face tough odds, there’s a real hope running through the whole book.
These big-picture ideas aren’t hammered in; the author lets you stumble upon your own meaning. I’ve recommended it to friends facing big changes or tough stretches, since it’s a reminder that hope isn’t lost, even when things hurt.
Comparisons and Other Standout New Releases
May 2025 was packed with great reads, and I tested out several to find my new favorite. Comparing helps you track down your next must-read, so here’s how the competition stacked up:
- The Starlit Orchard by Jasmine Peel: Gorgeous and poetic, with childhood nostalgia. Runner-up for me, though Rain in the Morning Sun felt more personal.
- Shining Below by Robert Linton: Family drama with a suspense twist. Well-paced, but I didn’t connect as much with the cast.
- For Keeps by Carla Tseng: Smart, funny romance, loaded with great dialogue. Lighter than my mood this month, but still fun.
- Paper Gate by Elias Monroe: Small town historical fiction, deeply researched but slower going.
Ultimately, Rain in the Morning Sun served up both emotional depth and a smoothly readable pace. Honest moments land without being overdone, and the voice is distinct enough to stay with you long after you set the book down.
Why This Book Matters in 2025
Books mirror the times we live in, and I think Rain in the Morning Sun gets at something true about 2025. There’s an underlying tone of reflection, as Nora and her family face changes inside and outside their home. Topics like caring for aging relatives, finding ways to reconnect, and adapting after personal setbacks all feel timely. With so many people dealing with uncertainty, this story is steadying and real.
I noticed that several book clubs and libraries picked it up for group reads. Its focused length and broad themes make it easy to share, and I’ve had some great chats with friends over our own reactions. Some clubs even called it “the perfect contemporary novel for 2025,” and I’m right there with them.
Book Design, Formats, and Audiobook Edition
The book design deserves a mention. Willowstrand Books nailed the cover—a watercolor sunrise breaking through clouds over a peaceful street. The hardcover feels sturdy, and the inside font is easy on the eyes. The eBook reads well on every major device; great for folks who haul books around on their tablet.
The audiobook is standout as well. Emmy-winning narrator Eliana Lowe brings extra layers to the characters. I spent a rainy afternoon listening and found the narration calming and rich. If you’re into audiobooks, it absolutely does justice to the original writing.
Critical Response and Reader Feedback
I like to read reviews after finishing, to see how others felt. Rain in the Morning Sun is racking up praise—both from reviewers and everyday readers. Here’s what stood out in the early feedback:
- Publishers Weekly: “A thoughtful, beautifully written portrait of family and the healing power of returning home. Holloway’s finest work yet.”
- Kirkus Reviews: “Sensitive, nuanced, resonant. Catches the small wins that make everyday lives special.”
- Goodreads Reader Reviews: People really love the honest characters and vivid setting. Many said it “feels like a conversation with an old friend.”
- Bookstagram/BookTok: Readers online are posting lush photos and quotes, telling others to grab the book, especially if they like stories that walk the line between softness and truth.
The book built loyal fans fast. Readers are sharing favorite lines, book photos with coffee mugs, and even sketches inspired by scenes. This kind of excitement shows the story resonates in a unique way.
Who Should Read This Book?
If you enjoy heartfelt, realistic stories in contemporary fiction, Rain in the Morning Sun is for you. I’d also suggest it for:
- Fans of Anne Tyler, Elizabeth Strout, and Yaa Gyasi—authors focused on families and neighborhoods.
- Anyone drawn to smaller town settings and the rhythms of everyday life.
- Readers dealing with their own family changes, whether moving or taking on care tasks.
- Book clubs searching for discussion-rich reads.
- Anyone who wants writing with honesty and hope, not just easy answers.
Though Nora’s an adult, I think older teens or young adults might find the themes of change and belonging really relatable. I know a few readers of all ages—from my college cousin to my retired neighbor—who finished it feeling inspired and reassured.
Where to Buy or Borrow Rain in the Morning Sun
A question I often get is, “Where can I pick this up?” The great news is this book is everywhere—here’s where I checked or snagged a copy:
- Independent bookstores: Most locals are carrying it, thanks to the buzz. Call to check they have it in stock.
- Chain bookstores: On the shelves at Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, Indigo (Canada), and Waterstones (UK).
- eBook retailers: Downloadable on Kindle, Nook, Kobo, and Apple Books.
- Audiobook platforms: Search on Audible, Libro.fm, and Google Audio.
- Libraries: Many public systems already offer it in both print and digital.
If possible, support your indie store, but digital formats make quick access easy too. Watch for publisher giveaways or price drops—they’re happening often due to high demand.
Tips for Getting the Most From Your Reading Experience
When people ask how to get the most from a book like Rain in the Morning Sun, I come back to a few ideas that boosted my read:
- Read slowly when you can; a chapter or two per night makes it linger.
- Pair up with a friend or club—talking about the story brings fresh ideas.
- Keep a notepad close—lots of lines are worth jotting down for later.
- Try the audiobook version during a stroll or commute for a new perspective.
- Revisit your favorite sections; fresh meaning pops up each time.
Sharing this book with a friend or community really adds to what you get out of it. It’s a story that grows richer the more you think it over.
Other Recommendations for May 2025
If you’re in search of a stack of good reads after Rain in the Morning Sun, here are some standouts from May 2025 that I think you’ll like:
- Above Violet Hill by Leila Becker: Filled with poetic detail and set in rural New England. Great for anyone who loves nature writing.
- The Distant Field by Hassan Kaur: Sweeping, multigenerational historical fiction centering on migrant family histories.
- Edge of Every Season by Maria Sena: Lyrical fiction laced with magical realism—unusual in the best way.
- Lowercase by Kevin Toro: Urban vignettes, sharp language, quick pacing that gives city life real flavor.
Each title brings something unique—so if you enjoyed the central themes or relaxed narrative style of Rain in the Morning Sun, you’ll probably enjoy these too. I’ve already slotted them onto my summer reading calendar.
Closing Thoughts
Picking the best book of May 2025 was challenging, but Rain in the Morning Sun really jumped out for me. The novel brings warmth, sincerity, and a sense of deep compassion that feels critical right now. If you want a modern read with layers and real heart, you can’t go wrong here. I hope this book resonates with you too, sparking new conversations and giving you things to reflect on.
Have thoughts? I love chatting about a great book—drop your feedback below, and let me know what I should check out next!
