Most Anticipated Summer 2023 Releases

There’s nothing better than a warm night with a good book! With vacations, more down time, and a general slowing down to life, summer is the perfect time to read. Most summer reads are lighter and fluffier, but sometimes I like digging into a really thick, complicated novel or taking the time to learn about an unknown time period from history during this slower time. I’ve written before about the best summertime historical fiction categories from compulsively readable tomes to beach settings. Just because books deal with hard issues doesn’t mean they don’t make great summertime reads! 

As I do each season, I’ve put together a list of my most anticipated books being released this summer. My list is not a reading guide as I haven’t read most of the books – yet (check out my favorite reading guides linked below!). I tried to find books that aren’t on many lists or are different from the books you’ll see everywhere. Use it to plan your TBR list this summer!

All links are Amazon affiliate links. You can also find these books listed in my Bookshop.org shop, which supports independent bookstores and creators. 

All books are listed with their anticipated publication dates (subject to change).

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Historical Fiction

Real Life Amazing Tales

After Anne by Logan Steiner (May 30th)

This is the backstory on LM Montgomery that you didn’t know about. It’s a sad story full of heartache and loss, but Anne’s voice in Montgomery’s head still shines through. I absolutely adored it even though it was heartbreaking. If you are a fan of Montgomery’s work, I highly recommend this book! Find my Goodreads review here.

A Right Worthy Woman by Ruth P. Watson (June 13th)

I knew I had to read this novel about Richmond’s own Maggie Walker the minute I saw it! I have visited her home and have written about this woman born to an enslaved mother during the Civil War who became the first African-American woman to open her own bank. It’s an amazing story, and one I can’t wait to see brought to life through fiction. 

White House Intrigue

I am interested in all things First Ladies (see my Booking It Through History: First Ladies project), so I can’t wait for these two books!

The First Ladies by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray (June 27th)

This book follows the partnership of First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and civil rights activist Mary McLeod Bethune. Written by the author duo behind The Personal Librarian, this book is sure to be great! 

The President’s Wife by Tracey Enerson Wood (August 15th)

I am eagerly anticipating this book about one of the most interesting First Ladies, Edith Bolling Wilson. I’ve been to her birthplace in Wytheville, VA, and she is often described as the first woman to act as president while her husband, President Woodrow Wilson, was incapacitated by a stroke. 

WWII

The Traitor Beside Her by Mary Anna Evans (June 6th)

This is a WWII-era espionage historical mystery set in Washington, DC with some romance and pulse-pounding action. It’s the second in a series but can be read as a stand-alone. I have a new love of historical mysteries, and so far, I am really enjoying this one! It’s very propulsive and captures you right from the beginning.

The Paris Daughter by Kristin Harmel (June 6th)

I love books about motherhood during times of war so this one about two women and a missing daughter amidst the confusion of post-WWII Paris looks really good. I know it will be heartbreaking but also poignant.

Books about Books

The Bookbinder by Pip Williams (August 1st)

This novel focuses on a young woman working in a bookbindery at Oxford University during WWI and how she thirsts for something more. Her life is upended when Belgian refugees come to the town, and she begins a relationship that may hold her back from her dreams. I just went to Oxford last year so this book will be especially interesting to me! And I always love learning more about WWI and am glad to see more books coming out about this relatively unknown time period.

The Keeper of Hidden Books by Madeline Martin (August 1st)

I loved Martin’s The Librarian Spy last year, so I’m excited to read this book about an underground library in Warsaw during WWII. Plus I’m getting to participate in Cindy at Thoughts from a Page’s Traveling ARC program with this book so that’s fun (a Patreon perk!). 

To Keep Your Kids Entertained

A Season Most Unfair by J. Anderson Coats (June 20th)

It’s hard to find a good historical fiction novel about medieval times and this one about spunky candlemaker, Tick, looks cute.

Light Comes to Shadow Mountain by Toni Buzzeo (July 11th)

This book about electricity coming to the mountains of Appalachia brings to life a little-known region and one that is near and dear to my heart. 

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History Nonfiction

Presidential History 

First Family: George Washington’s Heirs and the Making of America by Cassandra A. Good (June 6th)

I love any book about presidential history, and this one focuses on an aspect of George Washington’s life that isn’t as well known, his relationship with his step-children and step-grandchildren. 

President Garfield: From Radical to Unifier by C.W. Goodyear (July 4th)

I enjoy a good presidential biography, and can’t wait to deep dive into the little-known story of President Garfield who showed huge promise as a leader but was assassinated just six months into his presidency.

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Contemporary Novels

Friends and Family 

Tom Lake by Ann Pachett (August 1st)

I love Ann Pachett’s writing and the premise of this book looks so intriguing. Set in Michigan, it focuses on the story of a mother’s life and loves before having kids, something her children have never considered. I love books about your past and how it shapes your future, and this one looks like a poignant look at the “life not taken.”

Who We Are Now by Lauryn Chamberlain (August 8th)

A story about friendship over fifteen years about “Sliding Doors” moments? I couldn’t preorder this book fast enough! 

Summer Lovin’

Ciao for Now by Kate Bromley (June 6th)

I adored (and still think about!) Bromley’s romance debut, Talk Bookish To Me. Her latest with an enemies-to-lovers romance set in Rome looks like the perfect summer read!

Same Time Next Summer by Annabel Monaghan (June 6th)

Monaghan’s Nora Goes Off Script was one of my top books of 2022 so I am eager to read her latest romance about a woman who is searching for a wedding venue but runs into trouble when her first love appears. Perfect beach read! 

Hello Stranger by Katherine Center (July 11th)

I loved Center’s The Bodyguard last year. This romance deals with the condition of face blindness which seems really different!

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For even more recommendations, check out some of my favorite Summer Reading Guides:

Thoughts from a Page

Sarah’s Bookshelves

Modern Mrs. Darcy (purchase link)

Kellyhook.readsbooks on Instagram (her list comes out tomorrow!)

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I think that’s enough to keep us reading all summer! What’s your most anticipated book coming out this summer?

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Follow me on Instagram and Goodreads to learn more about what I’m reading throughout the year!