Celebrating Our Favorite Authors: The Storytellers behind the books!

This November we’re taking a moment to celebrate the creative minds that fill our shelves with unforgettable stories, incredible characters, and exciting new worlds. We love meeting new people and traveling the world (real and imaginary) from the comfort of our couches!

At Once Upon a Book Club, we know there’s something absolutely fabulous about finding an author whose books you thoroughly enjoy. If you’re like us, we can’t wait for our favorite author's next release because you know it will be another great read. Perhaps it's their style, their wordsmithing, those characters you identify with, or their ability to keep you guessing until the last page.

Our team has rounded up ten authors we absolutely love, so, get comfortable, grab a glass of wine, and join us as we shine a spotlight on some of our favorites!

Simone St. James

Simone St. James is a master of suspense, whose novels make us question every creak and whisper in the dark. Known for her spine-tingling works like The Book of Cold Cases, The Sun Down Motel, and The Broken Girls, Simone has an exceptional gift for blending eerie mysteries with rich storytelling. 

Before embracing her writing career, she spent two decades in television, which perhaps contributes to the cinematic quality of her narratives. After years of perseverance (and as she puts it, “collecting rejections”), her debut The Haunting of Maddy Clare launched her into the literary spotlight. 

Simone loves sushi, rainy days and true-crime podcasts and currently lives just outside Toronto with her husband and a pampered rescue cat. 

Make sure to check out our blog if you would like to find out more about the master of suspense!

Ruta Sepetys

Ruta Sepetys is a literary gem who brings overlooked stories from history to light, creating space for forgotten voices. With powerful novels like Salt to the Sea and Between Shades of Gray, she has captivated readers globally, with her books being translated into over sixty languages. 

As the daughter of a Lithuanian refugee, Ruta’s heritage fuels her passion for giving voice to stories often lost in the cracks of history. Recognized by the President of Lithuania and honored with numerous awards, her work goes beyond the pages, sparking dialogue about resilience and memory preservation. 

Whether speaking at NATO or the U.S. Capitol, Ruta champions the transformative power of storytelling. She currently lives in Tennessee, proudly embracing her Baltic roots.

Sarah Beth Durst

Sarah Beth Durst’s vibrant imagination has brought us over twenty-five books, spanning everything from fantasy to cozy adventures. With her witty prose and engaging narratives, Sarah has built a diverse readership of adults, teens, and children. 

The Spellshop is just one of her many tales that blend magic, adventure, and relatable characters. We featured this book in our Magic Halloween 2024 Box and it sold out in no time! Sarah’s talent has earned her an American Library Association Alex Award, and one of her novels, Drink Slay Love, even became a TV movie and a Jeopardy question! 

We featured her book The Shelterlings in our February 2024 Middle Grade box and it proved to be a big hit. If you’re looking for a gift idea for your tween, you are in luck as we still have some copies of this magical story in stock.

When she’s not writing, Sarah lives in Stony Brook, New York, with her husband, children, and a misbehaving cat who likely provides endless writing inspiration.

R.F. Kuang

R.F. Kuang is a powerhouse in the fantasy genre, with bestsellers like the Poppy War trilogy and Babel: An Arcane History. Known for weaving intricate worlds and complex characters, Rebecca’s work has received prestigious awards, including the Nebula and Locus. 

As a Marshall Scholar, her academic background in Chinese Studies plays a major role in her storytelling, adding a rich depth to her novels. Currently, she’s pursuing a PhD at Yale, diving deeper into Sinophone and Asian American literature. 

R.F. Kuang’s incredible achievements — “Time 100 Next” and “Forbes 30 Under 30” honoree — cement her as a brilliant, rising star whose books resonate with readers worldwide.

Kristin Hannah

Kristin Hannah’s novels are emotional journeys that stay with readers long after the final page. With titles like The Nightingale, The Great Alone, and Firefly Lane, Kristin weaves compelling stories of resilience, love, and survival. 

Believe it or not, Kristin was originally a lawyer, but we are so pleased that she decided to trade legal briefs for storytelling! Kristin’s books frequently become bestsellers, and some, like Firefly Lane, even make their way to our TV screens. 

She resides in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, where the dramatic landscapes may just inspire her gripping tales of human strength and perseverance.

Hafsah Faizal

Hafsah Faizal brings a fresh voice to the young adult fantasy genre, celebrated for her Sands of Arawiya duology and A Tempest of Tea. She is not only a bestselling author but also the founder of IceyDesigns, where she crafts enchanting designs for authors and readers alike. 

She was also named a “Forbes 30 Under 30” honoree and her work has earned her widespread recognition and praise. Hafsah is known for her dedication to diversity in publishing and she is also respected for her willingness to help other writers, especially those from marginalized communities. 

For those who know her best, say that Hafsah’s creative spirit and warm personality shine through in every project she undertakes.

Jodi Picoult

Jodi Picoult is a storytelling icon whose thought-provoking novels explore the complexities of the human experience. With bestsellers like My Sister’s Keeper, The Book of Two Ways, and Wish You Were Here, she tackles sensitive subjects with grace and depth. 

Her works have been translated into thirty-four languages, and several have been adapted for TV and film. Not only a novelist, Jodi is also a librettist, co-writing musicals such as Between the Lines with her daughter. Her commitment to storytelling spans across mediums, earning her numerous awards and honors. Jodi’s passion and creativity make her a cherished voice in contemporary fiction.

If you’re a fan of Jodi, make sure to check out our Limited Edition Women of Words featuring her latest novel By Any Other Name plus 5 surprise gifts and plenty of extras!

Emily Henry

Emily Henry’s novels, such as Beach Read, Book Lovers, and People We Meet on Vacation, are a delightful mix of humor, romance, and heart. She has a unique gift for creating stories that feel like a warm hug, transporting readers to charming settings with characters we’d love to befriend. 

Emily lives and writes in the Midwest, infusing her novels with the kind of charm and wit that keep readers coming back for more. Emily is a firm favorite and we loved featuring her book Happy Place in our April 2023 box.

Make sure to check out our blog to get the low-down on this fabulous author!

Jesse Q. Sutanto

Jesse Q. Sutanto is a Chinese-Indonesian author whose books have become instant hits, combining humor, mystery, and relatable family dynamics. Her breakout novel, Dial A for Aunties, won the prestigious “Comedy Women in Print Prize” in 2021, making her the first writer of color to receive this honor in the UK. The novel, which brings Chinese-Indonesian culture to life through a hilarious blend of romance and murder mystery, has captivated readers worldwide and is being adapted into a Netflix film. 

Jesse holds an MFA in creative writing from Oxford University and has published nine books for adults, young adults, and tweens. She has a knack for weaving cultural insights with laugh-out-loud humor, which probably can be attributed to her growing up between Singapore, Indonesia, and Oxford. We were honored to feature her young adult novel, Well, That Was Unexpected, in our October 2022 YA box!

Fredrik Backman

Fredrik Backman has a knack for touching our hearts while making us laugh. His novels, including A Man Called Ove, Anxious People, and Beartown, explore the intricacies of human relationships with empathy and humor. 

Hailing from Sweden, Fredrik’s stories resonate globally, capturing both the light and dark moments of life. A Man Called Ove especially stands out for its tender portrayal of a grumpy old man finding friendship and joy again. Fredrik lives in Stockholm with his family, and his work continues to remind us of the importance of connection, kindness, and second chances.

We are so excited to feature his novel, My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry, in our upcoming “Sympathy & Solace” Care Package.

Conclusion

As you know here at Once Upon a Book Club, we believe that every book is a doorway to new adventures and emotions!. Whether through spine-tingling mysteries, heartwarming family sagas, or journeys through hidden histories and magical realms, these authors have given us worlds we’ll never forget

So, whether you’re revisiting a favorite or discovering a new voice to love, let’s celebrate the authors who’ve made our bookshelves a treasure trove of unforgettable stories. Happy reading, and may your next page be as magical as the last!