These BookFest Spring 2025 winners bring the thrills, the feels, and the fantasy escape you’ve been craving.
If you’re in the mood for a page-turner, look no further than this powerhouse lineup of BookFest Spring 2025 winners. From pulse-pounding thrillers and dark fantasy to steamy romance and emotionally rich fiction, these award-winning books hit every note. Whether you’re into magic, mystery, or love stories that linger, this list is packed with unforgettable characters, bold plots, and stories that don’t let go. Ready to fall into your next obsession? These books are calling.
The Third Estate: Secrets of the Manor by D R Berlin
This high-stakes thriller follows a brilliant young cadet thrust into a world of secrets after her estranged father dies in a suspicious lab explosion. As she uncovers a hidden network called the Third Estate, her journey reveals buried truths and a legacy of danger. With fast-paced intrigue and an undercurrent of emotional discovery, this story explores identity, trust, and the courage it takes to confront the past. A pulse-pounding reminder that some secrets refuse to stay buried.
Equilibrium by Darin Miller
In the uneasy calm following Y2K, four strangers find themselves hurtling across a fractured America—two bent on killing a young girl destined for something far greater, and two risking everything to keep her alive. With time running out and loyalties blurred, the battle between good and evil plays out in the shadows, where nothing is as it seems, and the fate of the world may rest in the hands of a child.
Threat (The City of the Magicians) by Peter Gribble
As invaders close in, a city of magicians must defend itself without weapons, relying instead on ancient mental powers. Chosen for a mission he doesn’t understand, young Sas steps into the unknown, while librarian Lalya uncovers secrets that could change everything. Thoughtful and imaginative, this story blends quiet tension with bold ideas, showing that true power often lies in the unseen.
Demon Memories by Pamela K Kinney
The Karma Sequence (The Karma Kantata Book 1) by A. O. Wagner 
A gene-analysis system starts predicting death dates with eerie precision. As introverted coder Dan investigates, he confronts haunting truths about fate, addiction, and the search for meaning in a tech-driven world.
During Scottsdale’s busy wedding season, two single friends make a pact to be each other’s plus one—no strings attached. But as old flames resurface and feelings grow, their simple deal turns into something far more complicated. A witty, heartfelt rom-com about love sneaking up when you least expect it.
The Pale Flesh of Wood: A Novel by Elizabeth A. Tucker
In 1950s Northern California, a young girl’s life is forever altered when her father’s tragic death intertwines with a tree swing she helped create. As years pass, three generations of women grapple with guilt, grief, and the echoes of a single moment. This poignant narrative delves into the complexities of family, the weight of secrets, and the enduring quest for forgiveness.
Rescue My Heart by Gwen Overland
In a heartfelt journey of healing and rediscovery, a woman returns to her hometown after a painful divorce, seeking solace and a fresh start. Amidst familiar faces and cherished memories, she finds unexpected love and a renewed sense of purpose. This touching narrative reminds us that sometimes, the path to mending a broken heart leads us back to where it all began.
