It’s almost summer and my annual list of most anticipated new releases is sure to fill up your beach bag! Whether you’re reading on your Kindle while traveling to your summer vacation destination or reading a print book by the pool, there is something for every reader on this list!
As a reminder, I have not read these books already, but I will update with links to my reviews when I do.
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
- Historical Mysteries
- History Nonfiction
- Contemporary Fiction
- Contemporary Romance
- YA/Middle Grade
- Nonfiction
Historical Fiction
Favorite Authors
The English Masterpiece by Katherine Reay (June 10th)
I love Reay’s thrilling historical fiction and always learn so much. Her new novel looks so interesting as it is set in my favorite world city (London) in the 1970s art scene. I will be reading it soon, maybe when I am actually in London in June! Read my review here.
The Last Assignment by Erika Robuck (August 19th)
I love all of Erika’s well-researched historical fiction novels, and her latest about an award-winning female photojournalist looks so good! Read my review here.
The Secret Book Society by Madeline Martin (August 26th)
I love all of Madeline’s books, and this one looks great as it’s set in late 19th century London. Bringing together three women, they learn about sisterhood and female power as they meet in a secret book society. So fun!
Ship of Dreams by Donna Jones Alward (August 26th)
I absolutely loved Alward’s 2024 book (When the World Fell Silent) and this one looks just as interesting. I am a sucker for anything dealing with the Titanic! Read my review here!
WWII-related
The Listeners by Maggie Stiefvater (June 3rd)
This novel looks so interesting! Axis diplomats are housed at a West Virginia mountain resort during WWII in this novel which reminds me of the real-life history of The Greenbrier.
The Codebreaker’s Daughter by Amy Lynn Green (June 17th)
I am excited about this novel set in Washington, DC during WWII featuring the Office of Strategic Services. I really enjoyed this author’s book last year and love how she weaves faith into her historical fiction! Read my review here.
When Sleeping Women Wake by Emma Pei Yin (June 17th)
I love historical fiction set in unexplored places, and this novel is about women facing the worst as the Japanese invade Hong Kong during WWII. And it has a beautiful cover!
The Night Sparrow by Shelly Sanders (July 1st)
I love WWII stories about strong women, and this one about women snipers looks great!
A Bookseller in Madrid by Mario Escobar (July 1st)
After becoming interested in the Spanish Civil War during our trip to the country in 2023, this new book about this time period stands out to me. Read my review here.
The Lost Baker of Vienna by Sharon Kurtzman (August 19th)
I love books about the aftermath of WWII as it’s an uncertain time period you don’t read much about in books. This one about post-war Vienna looks intriguing. Read my five star review here!
New-to-Me Authors
Lincoln’s Lady Spymaster: The Untold Story of the Abolitionist Southern Belle Who Helped Win the Civil War by Gerri Willis (June 3rd)
I am so excited about this book set during Civil War-era Richmond and featuring the amazing Elizabeth Van Lew. It would make a perfect pairing with my friend’s book (see below in middle grade releases). I am attending an event with the author at our local history museum and hopefully will get a chance to meet her!
The Lamplighter’s Bookshop by Sophie Austin (June 10th)
I love the English city of York, so I have to read this new historical bookish-releated story set there in the 19th century!
The Art of Vanishing by Morgan Pager (July 1st)
I love this premise of a lonely art museum worker who finds she can step into her favorite paintings from history. What a unique way to blend art and history! Read my review here.
The Women of Arlington Hall by Jane Healey (August 1st)
I read a book last year all about the US government cryptanalysts at Arlington Hall during WWII, so I am really excited for this new book set during the Cold War!
Classics-related
The Great Mann by Kyra Davis Lurie (June 10th)
I am here for any Great Gatsby retelling, especially during the novel’s 100th anniversary year. This one set in Sugar Hill, the exclusive black enclave of 1940s Los Angeles, includes real-life figures like Hattie McDaniel. Looks so interesting!
Six Weeks By the Sea by Paula Byrne (August 5th)
This book looks so lovely! Focused on Jane Austen’s holiday by the sea, it’s perfect to read during her 250th birthday year!
Historical Mysteries
A Most Puzzling Murder by Bianca Marais (June 10th)
What an interesting concept for a historical mystery! This book is full of puzzles and choose your own adventures. It has magical realism/fantasy elements that make it different from most historical mysteries.
The Dark Library by Mary Anna Evans (June 24th)
I liked Evans’ 2024 book (The Traitor Beside Her), and I think her latest about a gothic mystery at an English manor during WWII looks intriguing! Read my review here.
History Nonfiction
Loving Lincoln: A Personal History of the Women Who Shaped Lincoln’s Life and Legacy by Stacy Lynn (June 2nd)
This fascinating collection of essays looks at how over ninety women influenced President Lincoln’s beliefs and politics. What a unique way to look at one of the most written about men in American history!
The Road That Made America: A Modern Pilgrim’s Journey on the Great Wagon Road by James Dodson (July 1st)
So much from history revolves around the pioneers who headed westward thanks to the Great Wagon Road. I am excited to learn more about its origins and how it changed history!
Midnight on the Potomac: The Last Year of the Civil War, the Lincoln Assassination, and the Rebirth of America by Scott Ellsworth (July 15th)
I love any book about the Civil War and am especially looking forward to learning more about the war in Washington, DC.
Contemporary Fiction
The Summer We Ran by Audrey Ingram (June 3rd)
I love this premise and the fact that it’s set in Virginia! Centered around an ex-couple who are now running against each other for Governor of Virginia, this book looks to be filled with nostalgia about first loves and how to move forward in life. Read my review here.
The Other Side of Now by Paige Harbison (June 3rd)
I am a sucker for any time slip books, and this one is about a failed actress arriving on a vacation to Ireland and realizing she’s in an alternate universe where she never became famous but has lost her best friend. Love any kind of “sliding door” concept! I have an ARC and will be reading this weekend! Read my review here.
Far and Away by Amy Poeppel (June 10th)
I love Poeppel’s fun and hilarious writing about family life. Her latest about two families swapping homes in Dallas, Texas and Belin, Germany looks to be both funny and heartwarming. Read my review here.
The Accidental Favorite by Fran Littlewood (June 24th)
I loved Fran’s debut last year (Amazing Grace Adams), and this novel about sibling rivalries, family dynamics, and lost dreams looks just as funny and poignant.
Contemporary Romance
Another Summer by Kara Kentley (already out)
This book by a local Virginia author just came out, and with its summer-themed title, I had to include it in my summer list! I just downloaded it to my Kindle and can’t wait to dive in!
Sing Me Home to Carolina by Joy Callaway (June 10th)
I can’t wait for Joy’s first romance novel! She is one of my very favorite historical fiction writers, and I just know this romance set in a small South Carolina town will be a top read of the year! My ARC is waiting on my Kindle and will be my first summer read! Read my five star review here!
Slow Burn Summer by Josie Silver (June 10th)
I usually love any book set in the book world, and this one about a grumpy talent agent and the former actress he hires to portray a reclusive romance novelist looks delightful! Read my review here.
Gracie Harris is Under Construction by Kate Hash (July 29th)
I love romances featuring older protagonists with kids and midlife craziness. This one about a widow writing an essay about her late husband that goes viral looks sweet and poignant. Read my review here.
YA/Middle Grade
Thus With a Kiss I Die by Christina Dodd (June 24th)
I am excited about this second in a series that ended on the cliffhanger in the first book! This duology is about Romeo and Juliet’s eldest daughter – if they had lived. It’s fun and flirty!
The Union Spymistress: The Story of Elizabeth Van Lew by Libby Carty McNamee (July 17th)
My dear friend’s new book got pushed to a summer release date. The upper middle grade/YA novel is about Elizabeth Van Lew, a Richmond woman who became a Union spy that helped General Grant win the Civil War. Her story is amazing! I’ve read an early copy and kids (and adults!) are going to love it! Read my five star review here!
I Survived the Japanese Tsunami, 2011 (I Survived Graphic Novel #12) by Luren Tarshis (August 5th)
I love Tarshis’ I Survived series, and she’s made it more accessible to all readers by creating the accompanying graphic novels. This one set during Japan’s 2011 tsunami is perfect for younger readers who want to see history!
Nonfiction
Gift Book
I Wish Someone Had Told Me . . .: The Best Advice for Building a Great Career and a Meaningful Life by Dana Perino (already out)
In this season of graduations, this book on career and life advice by a former White House press secretary is so timely and contains wisdom from some of Dana’s friends. I love her line “do not pass up the chance to be loved.” Great advice for those just starting out and those of us who may be reevaluating our lives as we age. I’ve added it to my morning reading!
Writing
Write Through It: An Insider’s Guide to Publishing and the Creative Life by Kate McKean (June 10th)
I am so excited to read Kate’s insider’s guide to publishing as she is one of my favorite agents to follow. She represents one of my all-time favorite authors (Joy Callaway), so I know she will have great advice for aspiring authors like me.
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 700 titles that are coming out through the end of the year!
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!
