Fiction
"Sunset Beach" by Mary Kay Andrews
Drue Campbell’s life is in shambles when she inherits a beach bungalow from her estranged father. She takes a job at his personal injury law firm, hoping for a fresh start. But when she discovers a decades-old murder connected to her family, Drue must unravel the mystery while navigating new relationships and old grievances, all set against the charming and humid backdrop of Sunset Beach, Florida.
"The Summer List" by Amy Mason Doan
Laura and Casey were inseparable best friends until a mysterious falling out during their teenage years. Decades later, a reunion invite brings them back together for one last scavenger hunt in their hometown. As they uncover each clue, they confront buried secrets and unresolved feelings, leading to a poignant exploration of friendship, betrayal, and forgiveness.
"The Last Resort" by Marissa Stapley
Couples attend The Harmony Resort in hopes of mending their relationships, guided by renowned therapists Drs. Miles and Grace Markell. When a storm traps everyone on the island, tensions rise, and dark secrets come to light. The resort turns into a powder keg of emotions and revelations, with every guest—and the therapists themselves—forced to confront the truths they’ve been hiding.
Romance
"Meet Me at the Lake" by Carley Fortune
Fern Brookbanks has wasted too much of her adult life working in a job she doesn't love. When her mother dies, leaving her the family's lakeside resort, Fern decides to honor her mother's dream and run the place. A mysterious letter leads her to Will Baxter, a man with whom she spent a life-changing day a decade ago. As they reconnect, they must navigate their pasts and figure out if they have a future together.
"Beach Read" by Emily Henry
January Andrews, a romance writer with writer's block, and Augustus Everett, a literary fiction author, find themselves living in neighboring beach houses for the summer. Both struggling with their respective genres, they challenge each other to swap and write a book in the other’s style. As they work through their own personal demons and growing attraction, they discover that their genres—and their lives—might not be as different as they thought.
Mystery/Thriller
"The Last House on the Street" by Diane Chamberlain
Set in both 1965 and 2010, this dual-timeline narrative follows Kayla Carter, an architect who moves into a newly built house on a wooded lot in North Carolina, only to be warned by a mysterious woman about the dangers of staying there. In the past, Ellie Hockley becomes involved in the civil rights movement, leading to tragic events that tie the two timelines together. The novel unearths deep secrets and explores the costs of standing up for what’s right.
"The Night She Disappeared" by Lisa Jewell
Teenage mother Tallulah and her boyfriend Zach disappear after a night out. A year later, mystery writer Sophie arrives in the same village and discovers a clue in the form of a note saying “DIG HERE.” As Sophie delves into the disappearance, she uncovers a web of lies and dark secrets involving the residents of the small community.
Fantasy/Sci-Fi
"A Psalm for the Wild-Built" by Becky Chambers
Set in a post-apocalyptic world where humans have abandoned industrialization and live in harmony with nature, this novella follows Sibling Dex, a tea monk seeking purpose. Their journey takes an unexpected turn when they meet a robot named Mosscap, who seeks to understand what humans need. Together, they explore themes of purpose, humanity, and coexistence in a gentle, hopeful narrative.
"Project Hail Mary" by Andy Weir
Ryland Grace awakens alone on a spaceship with no memory of who he is or why he’s there. As his memories slowly return, he realizes he is the sole survivor on a desperate, last-chance mission to save humanity from an extinction-level threat. With the fate of Earth resting on his shoulders, Grace must solve an interstellar mystery involving alien life and scientific puzzles, blending Weir’s signature humor and scientific accuracy.
Non-Fiction
"Crying in H Mart" by Michelle Zauner
Michelle Zauner, lead singer of the band Japanese Breakfast, writes a deeply personal memoir about growing up Korean American, losing her mother to cancer, and finding her identity through food and music. The book explores themes of grief, love, and the cultural connections made through family recipes and memories.
"The Anthropocene Reviewed" by John Green
In this collection of essays, bestselling author John Green reviews different facets of the human-centered planet, known as the Anthropocene, on a five-star scale. Ranging from the mundane (e.g., Diet Dr Pepper) to the profound (e.g., sunsets), Green offers a thoughtful, humorous, and often poignant examination of modern life, highlighting the beauty and absurdity of our existence.
Young Adult
"The Summer of Broken Rules" by K.L. Walther
Meredith Fox is spending the summer at Martha's Vineyard for a family wedding, still grieving the recent loss of her sister. The annual family game of Assassin is the perfect distraction, and soon she finds herself partnered with a cute groomsman. As they play the game, Meredith navigates her feelings of loss and love, ultimately discovering that life, like the game, is full of unexpected moments.
"You Have a Match" by Emma Lord
When Instagram-savvy Abby takes a DNA test, she discovers she has an older sister, Savvy, who she never knew existed. The two decide to meet at summer camp, where they uncover family secrets and learn about each other and themselves. The story blends humor, heart, and the complexities of family relationships, perfect for fans of contemporary YA fiction.
Historical Fiction
"The Paris Library" by Janet Skeslien Charles
Based on the true story of the American Library in Paris during WWII, the novel follows Odile Souchet, a young librarian who joins the Resistance when the Nazis invade Paris. Decades later, in 1983 Montana, teenager Lily uncovers Odile’s past, leading to a powerful story of courage, love, and the enduring impact of books and libraries on our lives.
"The Book of Longings" by Sue Monk Kidd
This imaginative novel explores the life of Ana, a bold and brilliant woman who becomes the wife of Jesus. Set in the first century, it paints a rich, detailed portrait of a time and place rarely explored in fiction, focusing on Ana’s struggles to realize her ambitions and her profound relationship with Jesus, offering a unique perspective on history and spirituality.
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