Since it’s the last official month of summer, we’re all about beach reading. And of course, other new and hot releases that have fallen into our laps this month.
From Reese’s Book Club recommendations to some books from Rory Gilmore’s Reading Challenge (yes, it’s that time of year again), I’ve been on the lookout for unique titles and the most seasonal releases for lounging and relaxing by the pool.
As someone who reads avidly every day and has been doing monthly book roundups since January, this month’s selection was one of the most unique. Most importantly, they are titles to consider – some of which have been approved by the Amazon Books team.
RELATED: The best books in July, rated and reviewed
Here you’ll find the best titles you’ve read this month, with review notes on each title. While hardback and paperback editions are nice, nothing beats listening with Audible, so it’s worth getting a membership.
Goodreads Rating: 3.56/5 stars
About the book: LM Chilton’s Swiped is a gripping thriller about a woman’s search for her missing sister that turns into a dark exploration of deception, obsession and hidden agendas.
With a funny cover and an even more exciting plot, Swiped by LM Chilton is a novel that kept me on the edge of my seat. If you like books about relationship drama, you’ll love this one.
“Described as if ‘Bridget Jones had landed in a Scream movie,’ this novel is actually even darker and funnier than Bridget’s misadventures, which is to say, it is for Internet dating what Bridget did for husband-hunting – only with a lot more murder,” shared Amazon Books Editor Vannessa Cronin. “Half a dozen of them, to be exact. And a whole lot of red herrings, grimly funny, disastrous date summaries, and a crashed ice cream truck.”
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Goodreads Rating: 3.27/5 stars
About the book: All the Summers in Between by Brooke Lea Foster is an emotional novel about a woman confronting her past and rediscovering herself and her family while wrestling with love, loss, and the complexities of time.
Set in the Hamptons and full of classic flair, All the Summers in Between by Brooke Lea Foster is one of the best thought-provoking summer books.
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Goodreads Rating: 4.27/5 stars
About the book: Alison Espach’s The Wedding People is a sharp, insightful novel that explores the intricacies of relationships and personal growth from the perspective of a couple navigating the ups and downs of wedding planning and its impact on their lives.
Trigger warning: mentions of suicide. Otherwise, Alison Espach’s The Wedding People is a well-thought-out and beautifully written novel, unlike anything I’ve read before. Plus, the quiet summer setting is spectacular.
“This is one of the most open, poignant and funny novels I’ve ever read. It’s about how chance encounters can lead to the most surprising results,” Abby Abell, Amazon Books Editor, told the New York Post. “It takes a scalpel to the expectations we place on ourselves and celebrates how liberating it is to let them go.”
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Goodreads Rating: 3.50/5 stars
About the book: A Novel Summer by Jamie Brenner is a gripping story about a woman who returns to her family’s beach house, where she confronts old secrets and discovers the power of love, family, and self-reinvention.
A Novel Summer by Jamie Brenner is pleasant and suitable for lovers of slow reading. It comes from one of my favorite authors and is sure to bring back all the nostalgia.
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Goodreads Rating: 3.79/5 stars
About the book: Elena Armas’ The Fiancé Dilemma is a charming romantic comedy about a woman who, faced with a family crisis, recruits a charming but reluctant fake fiancé, leading to unexpected romance and self-discovery.
From the author of the highly rated The Spanish Love Deception, this romantic comedy is magical, funny, and will keep you on your toes. It was one of my favorite reads this month.
Elena Armas cleverly and wonderfully uses some of my favorite romance cliches – fake engagement, slow burn, he falls in love first,” noted Abell. “It’s sweet and sexy and so much fun. A perfect end-of-summer romance.”
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Goodreads Rating: 3.79/5 stars
About the book: Just One Taste by Lizzy Dent is a wonderful and witty novel about a woman who, after a series of personal and professional setbacks, embarks on a journey of self-discovery and culinary adventure while navigating complicated relationships and finding her own way.
If you are a foodie and love vivid details in literature, Just One Taste by Lizzy Dent is the book for you. Most importantly, you will fall in love with the characters.
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Goodreads Rating: 3.71/5 stars
About the book: Mary Kay Andrews’ Deep Dish is a fun and engaging romantic comedy about a fiery chef and a charming food critic whose rivalry turns into an unexpected romance as they navigate the competitive world of cooking shows and personal ambitions.
“Deep Dish” by Mary Kay Andrews is (again) suitable for foodies and an entertaining read full of suspense, romance and a little bit of everything.
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More books to read in July, according to the Amazon Books editors
“There are rivers in heaven” by Elif Shafak
Goodreads Rating: 4.59/5 stars
About the book: Elif Shafak’s There Are Rivers in the Sky is a thoughtful exploration of love, loss, and the intertwined fates of individuals set against the backdrop of cultural and spiritual landscapes.
“It spans centuries and continents and has everything I love in a great book — curious connections between characters, the glimmer of hope you have for everyone, and the satisfying (and extraordinary) way it all comes together,” said Al Woodworth, Amazon Books Editor. “It’s perfect for fans of Anthony Doerr, Geraldine Brooks, and Abraham Verghese.”
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Goodreads Rating: 4.17/5 stars
About the book: Jodi Piccoult’s By Any Other Name explores the complexities of identity and self-acceptance through the story of a woman grappling with her cultural heritage and personal transformation.
“With fascinating, well-researched details, Picoult brings real depth – and love – to her characters and their narratives, playing with perception to make a point without overdoing it,” said Seira Wilson, Amazon Books Editor. “This remarkable novel is an awakening, entertaining story to share.”
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Goodreads Rating: 4.01/5 stars
About the book: “House of Glass” by Sarah Pekkanen is a gripping novel that deals with the secrets and lies of a seemingly perfect family that falls apart after a mysterious death.
“This is a tense, slow-moving thriller,” said Cronin. “If you like the agony of mounting suspense and questioning your own amateur detective work, this thriller is a real insider tip.”
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Goodreads Rating: 4.59/5 stars
About the book: The Boys of Riverside by Thomas Fuller is a poignant exploration of the lives of young men in a small town, focusing on their struggles and hopes as they overcome personal and societal challenges.
“Reading The Boys of Riverside took me back to the first time I saw Against All Odds in the theater,” said Ben Grange, Amazon Books Editor. “This is one of the best books I’ve read all year. Ultimately, it’s an inspiring story that will resonate with sports fans, deaf communities, allies, and more.”
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Goodreads Rating: 3.98/5 stars
About the book: The Boys of Riverside by Thomas Fuller is a poignant exploration of the lives of young men in a small town, focusing on their struggles and hopes as they overcome personal and societal challenges.
“This novel is perfect for fans of Emma Cline’s ‘The Girls’ and Chris Whitaker’s ‘We Begin at the End’ and ‘All the Colors of the Dark,'” recommends Cronin. “‘We Burn Daylight’ is a gripping novel that will leave your stomach turning with anticipation and fear about what happens in 1993 to two young children who are inextricably linked to a cult leader who hoards weapons. This is a thrilling read that, once you’ve finished it, you’ll want to go back and read it again to understand how seamlessly Johnston ties all the pieces together.”
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