As the last official month of summer, you best believe we’re all about the beach reads. And, of course, other new and hot releases that fell into our laps this month.
From Reese’s Book Club picks to some from Rory Gilmore’s reading challenge (yes, it’s that time again), I’ve been on the lookout for unique titles and some of the most seasonal releases to rest and relax poolside.
As someone who has been avidly reading each day and producing monthly book roundups since January, this month’s selection was one of the most unique. Above all else, they are titles to consider — some of which are approved by the Amazon Books team.
RELATED: Best July books, ranked and reviewed
Ahead, find the best titles read this month, with review notes for each. While hardcover and paperback editions are nice, there’s nothing like listening with audible, so it’s worth signing up for a membership.
“Swiped” by L.M. Chilton
Goodreads rating: 3.56/5 stars
About the book: “Swiped” by L.M. Chilton is a gripping thriller about a woman’s search for her missing sister that unravels into a dark exploration of deception, obsession, and hidden agendas.
With a fun cover and an even more engaging plot, “Swiped” by L.M. Chilton is a novel that kept me on my toes. If you love books about relationship drama, you’ll love this one.
“This novel, described as if ‘Bridget Jones found herself in a Scream film’ is in fact more darkly hilarious than Bridget’s mishaps, which is to say it does for internet dating what Bridget did for husband-hunting–except with a lot more murder,” Vannessa Cronin, Amazon Books Editor, shared. “Half a dozen of them, to be exact. And a whole lot of red herrings, grimly funny disastrous date recaps, and a crashed ice cream truck.”
Buy on Hardcover | Buy on Kindle
“All the Summers in Between” by Brooke Lea Foster
Goodreads rating: 3.27/5 stars
About the book: “All the Summers in Between” by Brooke Lea Foster is a heartfelt novel about a woman confronting her past and rediscovering herself and her family while grappling with love, loss and the complexities of time.
Set in The Hamptons and filled with some classic-leaning flair, “All the Summers in Between” by Brooke Lea Foster is one of the best books of summer that makes you think.
Buy on Hardcover | Buy on Kindle
“The Wedding People” by Alison Espach
Goodreads rating: 4.27/5 stars
About the book: “The Wedding People” by Alison Espach is a sharp, insightful novel that delves into the intricacies of relationships and personal growth through the lens of a couple navigating the highs and lows of wedding planning and its impact on their lives.
Trigger warning: mentions of suicide. Otherwise, “The Wedding People” by Alison Espach is a thoughtfully written and beautifully written novel unlike anything I’ve read before. Plus, its serene summertime setting is spectacular.
“This is one of the most candid, resonant, hilarious novels I’ve read about how chance encounters can lead to the most surprising outcomes,” Abby Abell, Amazon Books Editor, told the New York Post. “It takes a scalpel to the expectations we place on ourselves and celebrates how freeing it is to let them go.”
Buy on Hardcover | Buy on Kindle
“A Novel Summer” by Jamie Brenner
Goodreads rating: 3.50/5 stars
About the book: “A Novel Summer” by Jamie Brenner is a captivating 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.
Pleasant and fit for the lover of slow reads, the “A Novel Summer” by Jamie Brenner hails from one of my favorite authors and is sure to bring back all the nostalgia.
Buy on Hardcover | Buy on Paperback | Buy on Kindle
“The Fiancé Dilemma” by Elena Armas
Goodreads rating: 3.79/5 stars
About the book: “The Fiancé Dilemma” by Elena Armas is a charming romantic comedy about a woman who, facing a family crisis, recruits a charming but reluctant fake fiancé, leading to unexpected romance and self-discovery.
From the author who brought us the top-rated “The Spanish Love Deception,” this rom-com is both magical, witty and will keep you on your toes. It was one of my favorite reads this month, at that.
Elena Armas deftly and delightfully delivers on some of my favorite romance tropes–fake engagement, slow burn, he falls first,” Abell noted. “It is sweet and sexy and so much fun. A perfect romance to close out the summer.”
Buy on Paperback | Buy on Kindle
“Just One Taste” by Lizzy Dent
Goodreads rating: 3.79/5 stars
About the book: “Just One Taste” by Lizzy Dent is a delightful and witty novel about a woman who, after a string of personal and professional setbacks, embarks on a journey of self-discovery and culinary adventure while navigating complicated relationships and finding her own path.
If you’re a foodie and love vivid detail in writing, “Just One Taste” by Lizzy Dent is the book for you. You’ll fall in love with the characters, most of all.
Buy on Paperback | Buy on Kindle
“Deep Dish” by Mary Kay Andrews
Goodreads rating: 3.71/5 stars
About the book: “Deep Dish” by Mary Kay Andrews is a fun and engaging romantic comedy about a feisty chef and a charming food critic whose rivalry turns into unexpected romance as they navigate the competitive world of cooking shows and personal ambitions.
Fit for the foodie (again), “Deep Dish” by Mary Kay Andrews is a pleasurable read that’s filled with suspense, romance and a little bit of everything.
Buy on Hardcover | Buy on Paperback | Buy on Kindle
Other July Books to read, per the Amazon Books Editorial team
“There Are Rivers in the Sky” by Elif Shafak
Goodreads rating: 4.59/5 stars
About the book: “There Are Rivers in the Sky” by Elif Shafak is a reflective exploration of love, loss, and the intertwined fates of individuals set against a backdrop of cultural and spiritual landscapes.
“Spanning centuries and continents, this has everything I love in a big book — curious connections between characters, the hook of hope you harbor for each, and the satisfying (and extraordinary) way it all comes together,” Al Woodworth, Amazon Books Editor, said. “It’s perfect for fans of Anthony Doerr, Geraldine Brooks and Abraham Verghese.”
Buy on Hardcover | Buy on Paperback | Buy on Kindle
“By Any Other Name” by Jodi Piccoult
Goodreads rating: 4.17/5 stars
About the book: “By Any Other Name” by Jodi Piccoult” delves into the complexities of identity and self-acceptance through the story of a woman grappling with her cultural heritage and personal transformation.
“With intriguing, well-researched details, Picoult brings genuine depth — and love — to her characters and their narratives, playing with perception to make a point without overplaying her hand,” Seira Wilson, Amazon Books Editor, said. “This remarkable novel is an awakening, entertaining story to share.”
Buy on Hardcover | Buy on Paperback | Buy on Kindle
“House of Glass” by Sarah Pekkanen
Goodreads rating: 4.01/5 stars
About the book: “House of Glass” by Sarah Pekkanen is a gripping novel that delves into the secrets and lies within a seemingly perfect family as they unravel in the wake of a mysterious death.
“This is a tense, slow-burn of a thriller,” Cronin said. “If you enjoy the agony of rising suspense and second-guessing your own amateur sleuthing, this thriller delivers a chef’s kiss of shivers and secrets.”
Buy on Hardcover | Buy on Paperback | Buy on Kindle
“The Boys of Riverside: A Deaf Football Team and a Quest for Glory ” by Thomas Fuller
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 aspirations as they navigate personal and societal challenges.
“When I read The Boys of Riverside, I was taken back in time to when I first saw ‘Remember the Titans’ at the cinema,” Ben Grange, Amazon Books Editor, said. “This is one of the best books I’ve read all year; ultimately, it’s an inspiring story that will speak to sports fans, deaf communities, allies and more.”
Buy on Hardcover | Buy on Kindle
“We Burn Daylight” by Bret Anthony Johnston
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 aspirations as they navigate 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,'” Cronin recommended. “‘We Burn Daylight’ is a page-turner that will make your stomach dip and roll with anticipation and fear for what happens to two young kids in 1993, who are inextricably linked to a cult leader who stockpiles weapons. This is a lightning bolt of a read that, once you finish, you’ll want to begin again to understand just how seamlessly Johnston links all the pieces together.”
Buy on Hardcover | Buy on Kindle
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