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Modern Bestsellers Set in Boston: An Ode to the Literary Heart of New England

Published by Likewise | Feb 20, 2025Explore a selection of captivating modern novels set in the vibrant city of Boston, where stories of love, ambition, and mystery collide amidst its historic streets.

Boston, a city steeped in history, culture, and literary fervor, serves as the backdrop for various compelling narratives. In this editorial, we take a closer look at nine contemporary bestsellers set in this iconic city, each revealing a different facet of life, love, and ambition. From heart-wrenching romances to gripping thrillers, these novels resonate with readers around the world.

It Ends with Us

It Ends with Us
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From the #1 New York Times bestselling author, this poignant novel navigates the complexities of love and relationships through the eyes of Lily, a young woman who battles her connections with her first love and a new romance with a talented neurosurgeon, Ryle Kincaid. As she uncovers Ryle's hesitations toward commitment and confronts her past with Atlas, whom she once loved dearly, Lily's emotional journey becomes a powerful exploration of resilience and self-discovery. It Ends with Us is a touching read that lingers long after the last page.

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It Starts with Us

It Starts with Us
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In a sequel that continues Lily’s saga, It Starts with Us delves into the intricacies of co-parenting between a divorced couple navigating complicated emotions. When Lily unexpectedly rekindles her romance with Atlas, she finds herself torn between her past and present, bridging the gap between her former marriage and her evolving relationship. This installment captures the delicate balance of family, love, and the quest for happiness.

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The Love Hypothesis

The Love Hypothesis
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A delightful blend of romance and academia, The Love Hypothesis follows Olive, a Ph.D. candidate who finds herself in a fake relationship with the brilliant yet infuriating professor Adam Carlsen. Aimed at playing matchmaker for her friend, Olive unexpectedly discovers sparks flying between them. This charming tale of romance, science, and unexpected turns will captivate readers with its humor and depth.

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The Boston Girl

The Boston Girl
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Drawing from her own family's history, Anita Diamant's The Boston Girl narrates the life story of Addie Baum, who grows up in a modest Jewish immigrant family in early 20th-century Boston. As she seeks to break free from the constraints of her upbringing, Addie's journey is filled with ambition, love, and the quest for personal fulfillment, creating a rich and moving portrait of a woman's life in a changing world.

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Love, Theoretically

Love, Theoretically
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Rival physicists clash in a delightful romance as Elsie, an adjunct professor and fake girlfriend extraordinaire, navigates an explosive relationship with Jack Smith, an experimental physicist. As their professional rivalry brews, Elsie finds herself drawn to Jack in unexpected ways. Ali Hazelwood brings vibrant humor and heart to this STEMinist rom-com, exploring the complexities of love and ambition within academia.

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The Teacher

The Teacher
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A gripping psychological thriller, The Teacher unravels the intrigue surrounding Caseham High School as secrets from the past resurface. The narrative follows Addie, a girl linked to a scandal surrounding a former teacher, and Evie, a colleague embroiled in dark uncertainties. This suspenseful story explores the boundaries of trust and the lengths to which people will go to protect their secrets.

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Writers & Lovers

Writers & Lovers
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Lily King's poignant novel follows Casey Peabody as she grapples with grief, love, and the challenges of artistic ambition in Boston. At twenty-nine, Casey's journey toward fulfilling her creative aspirations collides with her complicated romantic entanglements. Writers & Lovers captures the bittersweet essence of seeking one's path while navigating the tumultuous waters of love and loss.

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Run

Run
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Ann Patchett's Run tells the compelling story of two brothers, Tip and Teddy, who become embroiled in a life-altering incident amid a snowstorm. The narrative spans the complexities of privilege, family ties, and the notion of safety within a turbulent environment. Set across various iconic Boston locations, the novel intricately weaves societal themes with personal dilemmas in a gripping tale that speaks to the human condition.

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Small Mercies

Small Mercies
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Dive into the tumultuous summer of 1974 in Boston with Dennis Lehane's Small Mercies. This tale centers on Mary Pat Fennessy, who embarks on a desperate search for her missing daughter against a backdrop of racial tensions and personal grudges. Lehane's gripping narrative sheds light on the intersections of community, power, and family in a city grappling with systemic challenges.

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These novels not only capture diverse stories but also reflect the cultural and social dynamics of Boston. Each narrative is as unique as the city itself, inviting readers to lose themselves in tales of passion, intrigue, and resilience. As you explore these modern bestsellers, let Boston's heartbeat resonate through their pages, reminding you of the enduring power of storytelling.

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