Summer reading is different for everyone. Some folks like lighter reads while others like more serious books since they have time to dig deep. Check out a post I did a few years ago about how to categorize your summer reading!
I’ve listed below the books I am most excited to read this summer. Some are by favorite authors while some just look interesting! No matter what you like to read, there is a new book coming out that will be a hit!
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).
Historical Fiction
Latest by Favorite Author
The Last Twelve Miles by Erika Robuck (June 4th)
I love Robuck’s books about important women during WWII, and her latest about rum running during the Roaring ‘20s is just as good! A sultry tale full of danger and intrigue, this book is a propulsive cat-and-mouse game between two strong women on opposite sides of the law. I just finished my ARC yesterday and loved it! Check out my five star review here.
First Ladies
Jackie: A Novel by Dawn Tripp (June 18th)
With my Booking It Through History: FIrst Ladies project, this novel is high on my list! I love reading fictionalized accounts of this amazing woman’s life. Read my five-star review here.
Obsessions
The Queen’s Faithful Companion: A Novel of Queen Elizabeth II and Her Beloved Corgi, Susan by Eliza Knight (June 11th)
I am totally obsessed with corgis and the Queen, so this book about the late Queen Elizabeth II’s beloved corgis looks perfect for me! Plus I love Eliza’s books.
Maria: A Novel of Maria von Trapp by Michelle Moran (July 30th)
I absolutely love The Sound of Music, so this novel based on the real Maria von Trapp’s life is a must-read for me! I hope I can resist singing along while reading! Read my five-star review here.
Unknown History
Let Us March On by Shara Moon (June 18th)
I had no idea about the life story of Lizzie McDuffiee, a maid in FDR’s White House who spearheaded the Civil Rights movement of her time. I love when author’s find a hidden woman to highlight, and I’m looking forward to learning Lizzie’s story. Edited: This release date has been pushed to February of 2025.
Follow the Stars Home by Diane C. McPhail (August 20th)
Following an early 19th century pregnant mother on a dangerous trip through the fledgling country on a steamboat, this book looks like a historical adventure mixed with a tale about a strong woman! I have the ARC through BookBrowse and am excited to learn about Lydia Latrobe Roosevelt. Read my final review here.
Literary History with a Twist
A Daughter of Fair Verona (Daughter of Montague) by Christina Dodd (June 25th)
A murder mystery set in the world of Romeo and Juliet? Sign me up! This book is centered on Rosaline, the eldest daughter of Romeo and Juliet (if they hadn’t died), and looks delightful! I had never heard of it before the publisher reached out with an ARC. Can’t wait to read it! (Read my final review here)
WWII Intrigue
The Last Light Over Oslo by Alix Rickloff (August 6th)
This book is about Daisy Harriman, one of the first female ambassadors who was in Norway during the Russian invasion in WWII. I haven’t read anything about Norway during the war, so I am excited to learn about this amazing woman’s time there. Since she’s a cousin of the Junior League founder, Mary Harriman, I know she will be formidable!
Beyond WWII
Beyond Summerland by Jenny Lecoat (July 2nd)
WWII has ended on the Channel Island of Jersey but now comes the hard part of deciding who was a collaborator and who fought against the Nazi occupation. I am loving books set on these islands, and I can’t wait to read this ARC, especially since I loved Kate Thompson’s book about the Island of Jersey a few months ago (The Wartime Book Club). I love pairing books together! Read my review here.
The Berlin Apartment by Bryn Turnbull (August 27th)
I love stories about the Berlin Wall (see my review of The Berlin Letters), so this one about a husband and wife separated by the wall looks great. And I love Turnbull’s books! Read my final review here.
British Royalty from Ages Past
The Queen’s Lies by Oliver Clements (August 13th)
This is a fourth in the Agents of the Crown series and is about Queen Elizabeth I and Mary, Queen of Scots. Looks really intriguing and perfect for fans of Hilary Mantel.
Favorite Series
The Comfort of Ghosts (Maisie Dobbs #18) by Jacqueline Winspear (June 4th)
This beloved historical mystery series comes to a close with the 18th book. I have a while to catch up (I’m on number 8!), but it’s good to know there is an end in sight!
History Nonfiction
White House Intrigue
The Hidden History of the White House: Power Struggles, Scandals, and Defining Moments by Corey Mead (June 4th)
This nonfiction book about behind-the-scenes stories from the White House looks amazing!
John Quincy Adams: A Man for the Whole People by Randall Woods (June 25th)
I can’t wait to read the latest presidential biography about John Quincy Adams, husband to one of my favorite first ladies, Louisa Catherine Adams! I hope the author has lots of great facts and details about their marriage.
The Mysterious Mrs. Nixon: The Life and Times of Washington’s Most Private First Lady by Heath Hardage Lee (August 6th)
With my obsession for first ladies, you know I’ll be reading this book about the enigmatic Mrs. Nixon. Heath is a friend, and I just loved her previous book about The League of Wives. I know I’ll love this one just as much! Read my final review here.
Contemporary Fiction
A Different Life
All This and More by Peng Shepherd (July 9th)
There is nothing I love more in books than a chance to live an alternate life, so this one where the main character gets to rewrite her life based on the reader’s choices looks amazing! I am excited to read it and meet the author through being a Thoughts from a Page patron member!
Isn’t It Romantic?
Summer Romance by Annabel Monaghan (June 4th)
I love Monaghan’s romances with heft, especially with older protagonists like Nora Goes Off Script. This one is about a divorced mom of three finding love again, so I know I’ll love it! Read my review here.
The Rom-commers by Katherine Center (June 11th)
Center writes heartfelt romances that leave you hugging the book afterwards, and this novel about a sweet aspiring screenwriter who gets the opportunity to write a rom-com with her grumpy idol looks adorable. I have the ARC and am reading it right now! So far, it’s really cute. (Read my final review here)
Nonfiction
Personal Growth
Do the Next New Thing: Embrace Uncertainty and Discover Purpose, Happiness, and Friendship by Pamela Lamp (August 6th)
I love Pam’s warm and informational podcast, Who I Met Today, so I know I am going to love her book about how to not be afraid of trying new things no matter your age! I have the ARC and can’t wait to read! (read my final review here)
There are so many additional books that you may love. Check out the look book (purchase link) put together by Cindy from Thoughts from a Page and fellow bookstagrammer, kellyhook.readsbooks. It has almost 400 titles that are coming out through October!
Enjoy reading by the pool or with your toes in the sand!
Follow me on Instagram and Goodreads to learn more about what I’m reading throughout the year!
Your anticipated release lists always give me several books to add to my TBR! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you so much! I hope you find some that you love!