Summer Reading Guide

Summer has long been the time for reading. One of life’s greatest pleasures is finding yourself poolside with a new book and an ice cold beverage. To help you best choose what pages to tote with you this summer - whether on a plane, at the beach, or just sitting porch side on a warm evening - I’ve amassed a summer reading guide. I’ve done my best to include a wide variety of books to appeased all different tastes. Some of these I’ve read myself, but most of them are the buzzed about books that are on my summer TBR (To Be Read) list that I’m excited to share with you.

(These books are linked to Amazon where I do receive a very small commission upon purchase. You can also click the “Book” tab on my website to purchase via BookShop which supports Independent Booksellers.)

P.S. I highly recommend pre-ordering the books that are not yet released. It’s the most fun summer surprise when they land in your mailbox.

ROMANCE

Funny Story by Emily Henry

(Since publishing my guide I have read this book and want to share the following. It is spicy! Honestly, a bit more open-door than my taste. Some of the “spice” just seems to be there for unnecessary reasons and it leaves zero imagination space. Just an FYI for my sensitive readers. :))

An absolute favorite of mine, Emily Henry, weaves together hilarious modern-day romance novels known for their wit and relatable characters. Funny Story is a classic friends-to-lovers trope about two polar opposite personalities thrown together through their shared heartbreak. Prim and proper librarian Daphne finds herself roommates with laid-back, scruffy Miles when both Miles and Daphne are dumped by their exes, who happen to be marrying each other. A little lie leads to a classic tale of “fake dating” as Daphne and Miles try to prove to their exes that they’ve moved on and are recovering fine without them. It’s a delightful story that will have you in stitches.

The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren

Another “fake it” romance this must anticipated summer release follows the buttoned-up heir of a grocery chain and his free-spirited artist ex as they try to pass-off being together in order to claim a large inheritance. This one lines-up as another classic enemy-to-lover trope by a well-loved author. With a 4.2 star rating on Goodreads (out of 5) it’s been heralded as a must-read this summer.

Just For The Summer by Abby Jimenez

Abby Jimenez is absolutely beloved in the RomCom book worlds - and with very good reason. She’s a New York Times bestselling author, as well as a Food Network winner and bakery owner - and her books are as sweet and lovely as her baked treats. Her latest novel is third in a series of wonderfully fun reads - but there’s no need to read these books in order. Like the first two in this series, this book opens with wonderfully lovable characters and fantastic conversational banter. It had me hooked in the first few sentences.

NARRATIVE HISTORY

The Demon of Unrest by Erik Larson

If Erik Larson writes it then I will read it. Narrative history is non-fiction history that is written in such an engaging nature that it reads like fiction. I first read Erik Larson more than a decade ago when I tackled his historical true crime book “Devil in the White City”(a must read, as well as, The Splendid and the Vile) and I’ve been hooked ever since. His newest book takes place between the election of Abraham Lincoln and the start of the Civil War. This master storyteller is sure to present this slice of our American history in a dramatic, spell-binding fashion that will captivate anyone remotely interested in history.

The Wager by David Grann

A tale of shipwreck, mutiny and murder! I admit that this book starts slowly, but it really picks up about a third of the way into the story. Written by the same author as “Killers of a Flower Moon” this one is also for those who love history and drama. This book is painstakingly researched and incredibly well written. History buffs will love the action and intrigue of this one.

LITERARY FICTION

Real Americans by Rachel Kong

Admittedly, I haven’t tackled this one yet, but I’m so eager to read it that it’s already purchased and sitting next to my bed. This is one of my favorite kinds of dramas: a multi-generation family saga that explores how far one might go to shape their own destiny. Covering two time periods: Y2K New York City and an isolated Washington island in 2021 this novel explores family relationships, genetic influence, and fate versus control.

HISTORICAL FICTION

Beyond That, the Sea by Laura Spence-Ash

Another that I have yet to crack open but I’ve been highly anticipating. Described as a sweeping, tender love story this book tells the tale of two families living through World War II on opposite sides of the Atlantic, and the irresistible, shy woman who will call the both her own. As German bombs drop in London a couples makes the impossible choice to send their eleven-year-old daughter across the sea to the United States where she will live our the duration of the war with another family. It is said to be a beautifully written, absorbing novel full of grace, heartache, forgiveness, understanding and love.

Shelterwood by Lisa Wingate (release date June 4th)

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of “Before We Were Yours” (a must-read) comes the a new sweeping saga inspired by the untold stories of women pioneers who fought to protect children caught in the storm of land barons hungry for power and oil-wealth. A story of children abandoned by the law and the battle to see justice done for them. Told from a dual narrative perspective from two different times periods this looks like another winner from Lisa Wingate.

The Briar Club by Kate Quinn (release date July 9th)

In the world of historical fiction there are a few authors who I always read: Kate Quinn is one of them. Her newest book takes place during a time-period and place I am eager to learn more about. It’s a story of female friendships and secrets in a Washington D.C. boardinghouse during the McCarthy era. An oddball collection of neighbors is brought together in the most unlikely of friendships as secrets are reveled and pasts uncovered. A shocking moment of violence has everyone wondering: who is the true enemy in their midst?

FANTASTY

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

This one isn’t new, and if you haven’t heard of it you may live under a rock, but it’s worth mentioning because it got this non-fantasy gal enjoying fantasy. Filled with faeries, beasts, adventure, romance (open door!), heroes and complicated characters this trilogy is a delightful escape into a fantastical world of adventure.

MYSTERY

The Midnight Feast by Lucy Foley (release date June 18th)

Lucy Foley is another “must read” author for me. She’s a master at thrillers, keeping her reader engaged and guessing until the very last page. This one is called “Foley’s best yet”. It’s a “deliciously twisty new locked room murder mystery” and “everything you want in a thriller.” It’s opening night at The Manor, and no expenses has been spared. But there’s a fire, and a body has been discovered. Something’s not right with the guests…and who or what is the cause?

NON-FICTION

There’s Always This Year: On Basketball and Ascension by Hand Abdurraqib

Before you dismiss this one because you’re not a basketball fan hear me out: this book is (apparently) SO MUCH MORE than a basketball book. Goodreads says: “His lifelong long of the game leads Abdurraqib into a lyrical, historical, and emotionally rich exploration of what it means dot make it, who we think deserves success, the tensions between excellence and expectation, and the very notion of role models, all of which he expertly weaves together with member.” This book has been on every book list I’ve seen this year, and I can’t wait to see if it lives up to the hype.