The Books We’re Most Excited For: new releases from now until the end of 2017

2017 has shepherded in some incredible new books but the anticipation doesn’t stop there. We’ve hand-picked a range of books that we’re super excited about, and the second half of the year promises even more reading blessings – with books from authors such as Richard Flanagan, Rachael Johns, and Jane Harper soon to bless our bookstores.

Check out a list of our most anticipated new releases:

The Trip of a Lifetime by Monica McInerney: The long-awaited novel from one of Australia’s most beloved bestselling authors, this is a rich and entertaining story about family, love, lies and memories, and the true meaning of home. Released 3 July

First Person by Richard Flanagan: What is the truth? In this blistering story of a ghostwriter haunted by his demonic subject, the Man Booker Prize winner turns to lies, crime and literature with devastating effect. Released 2 October.

Working Class Man by Jimmy Barnes: The sequel to No 1 bestselling Working Class Boy. A spellbinding and searingly honest reflection on success, fame and addiction; this self-penned memoir reveals how Jimmy Barnes used the fuel of childhood trauma to ignite and propel Australia’s greatest rock’n’roll story. But beyond the combustible merry-go-round of fame, drugs and rehab, across the Cold Chisel, solo and soul years – this is a story about how it’s never too late to try and put things right. Released 23 October.

Colombiano by Rusty Young: Blending fact and fiction, Colombiano takes us on a heart-thumping journey into the violent and unpredictable world of post-Escobar Colombia. For seven years Rusty Young, author of the international bestseller Marching Powder, lived and worked in Colombia, interviewing special forces soldiers, snipers, undercover intelligence agents and members of two vicious terrorist organisations – the FARC and Autodefensas. During this time he was both shocked and touched by the stories of child soldiers he encountered. He vowed to one day turn their tales into a book and let their voices be heard. Released 31 July.

The Greatest Gift by Rachael Johns: The poignant, heartwarming story of two women: one who wants nothing else than to be a mum, and one who never wanted to be a mother, from the bestselling, ABIA award-winning author of The Patterson Girls. Released 23 October.

Secrets Between Friends by Fiona Palmer: Secrets Between Friends is a poignant novel of romance, family dynamics and friendship. Through her highly relatable, sympathetic characters, beloved Australian storyteller Fiona Palmer writes about issues, experiences and emotions we have all faced while posing the ultimate question: What is really important in this life? Released 12 September.

The Good Daughter by Karin Slaughter: The stunning new standalone, with a chilling edge of psychological suspense, from the bestselling author of Pretty Girls. Two girls are forced into the woods at gunpoint. One runs for her life. One is left behind … Twenty-eight years ago, Charlotte and Samantha Quinn’s happy small town family life was torn apart by a terrifying attack on their family home. It left their mother dead. It left their father – Pikeville’s notorious defence attorney – devastated. And it left the family fractured beyond repair, consumed by secrets from that terrible night. Released 21 July.

The Secrets She Keeps by Michael Robotham: These two women from vastly different backgrounds have one thing in common – a dangerous secret that could destroy everything they hold dear. Both will risk everything to hide the truth, but their worlds are about to collide in a shocking act that cannot be undone. The Secrets She Keeps is a compelling psychological thriller that delves deeply into the psyche of the human mind, by internationally bestselling author Michael Robotham. Released 11 July.

Force of Nature by Jane Harper: Her hugely anticipated second novel. Five women reluctantly pick up their backpacks and start walking along the muddy track. Only four come out the other side. Released 26 September.

In the Midst of Winter by Isabel Allende: New York Times and worldwide bestselling “dazzling storyteller” (Associated Press) Isabel Allende returns with a sweeping novel about three very different people who are brought together in a mesmerising story that journeys from present-day Brooklyn to Guatemala in the recent past to 1970s Chile and Brazil. Released 31 October.

Sanctuary by Judy Nunn: In Judy Nunn’s latest compelling novel, compassion meets bigotry, hatred meets love, and ultimately despair meets hope on the windswept shores of Australia. Released 16 October.

The Last Tudor by Philippa Gregory: The latest novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Philippa Gregory features one of the most famous girls in history, Lady Jane Grey, and her two sisters, each of whom dared to defy her queen. Released 8 August.