Mother nature is hinting that the summer season is nearing, and that means it’s time for another summer reading recommendation list. This year, we have some tried and true, favorite authors releasing new books into the world. Emily Henry, Taylor Jenkins Reid, Abby Jiminez, Lisa Jewell, Freida McFadden, just to name a few. I definitely recommend checking out all of their new releases, but if you want to expand your reading tastes, I’ve got several book recommendations that I’m really excited about, so let’s dive in.
The Favorites by Layne Fargo
This book was released in January, and I am obsessed. So obsessed that I’m doing a re-read this month because it’s the Indianapolis Moms Book Club pick for May. (I rarely do re-reads) This story is full of juicy, drama filled fun as you follow a cast of characters into the glittering world of elite, Olympic figure skating. This book sort of reads like a documentary and I highly recommend experiencing this one on audio as it has a full cast narration.
Summer in the City by Alex Aster
I took a chance on this one since Alex Aster typically writes within the YA space but I am so glad I picked it up. I’m a sucker for books that take place in New York City and this one was fun and flirty with a little bit of spice mixed in. This is an enemies-to-lovers, fake dating trope as we follow Elle and Parker on a “just for the summer” romance. Depending on where you pick up a copy, there are fun special editions out there with beautiful, stenciled edges definitely worthy of your home bookshelf. A perfect book for summer reading.
The Names by Florence Knapp
This is one of my most anticipated reads of the year and I’m saving it for the July Indianapolis Moms Book Club to read it for the first time. I forget when exactly I heard about this book in 2024 but as soon as I read the premise, I knew it would be perfect to read with the book club girlies. It is a story of three names, three versions of a life and the infinite possibilities that a single decision can spark.
Silver Elite by Dani Francis
Wow, this book came out of nowhere at the beginning of May. It got early, positive praise from ARC readers and then it was chosen for Book of the Month and now it’s all over booktok. I would describe this book as Divergent meets 4th Wing, and I loved both! Silver Elite is the first in a new trilogy and follows a young woman that must conceal her psychic powers to survive as she works to take down the brutal government from the inside. Let me also mention that her commanding officer is hot and hard to resist and the spice will melt your popsicle!
My Friends by Fredrik Backman
There’s a reason why we don’t get a new Fredrik Backman every year, and that’s because the magic he puts on the page takes time. My Friends tells the story of four teenagers whose friendship is so powerful that it changes a complete stranger’s life 25 years later. Most people don’t take notice of the three tiny figures in the most famous painting in the world, but aspiring artist Louisa knows better and is determined to find out the story behind these three figures.
Maine Characters by Hannah Orenstein
This book screams summer and is being described as “the Parent Trap for adults”. SOLD! We follow two half-sisters who meet for the first time at their father’s cabin in Maine after his unexpected death. Prior to his death, the sisters spend a month with their father at the cabin, separately. Thrust together at this time of grief, the sisters must decide if it’s too late for them to become family. If you enjoy books by Elin Hilderbrand, pick this one up and add it to your summer reading list.
Sky Daddy by Kate Folk
If you want to read a book that’s out there a bit in bizzarro-land yet highly entertaining, pick-up Sky Daddy. Stay with me on this one. Linda is doing her best to live a life that would appear normal to the casual observer. On the last Friday of the month, she indulges her true passion and unusual obsession. Linda can’t tell anyone she’s sexually obsessed with planes, nor can she reveal her belief that it’s her destiny to “marry” one. Yes, this is an unexpected recommendation but one that will surely spark some conversation with your friend group.
The Missing Half by Ashley Flowers
Bringing the recommendation much closer to home and will appeal to all you true crime podcast junkies. Nicole “Nic” Monroe is in a rut, living at home in her dinky apartment in her hometown of Mishawaka, Indiana. Nic has been working the same dead-end job since high school, and everyone feels sorry for her, especially when her older sister went missing seven years ago. The only clue to her sister’s disappearance was Jules Conner, another young woman who disappeared in the same way. What follows is a tale of two sisters who hope to discover what happened to their siblings.
Finding Grace by Loretta Rothschild
Last but not least on the summer reading list is a new book releasing on July 8th. The synopsis is kind of vague, and it might be better that way. What you’re going to get when you pick up this book is a beautiful, touching, and thought-provoking story of motherhood and grief. This is one of those rare books that I’m going to say, trust me on this one. Go in blind, go in with no expectations, and just read.
Make a stop at your favorite local indie bookstore and don’t forget to check out the newest releases from the must-buy authors I mentioned at the beginning. No matter what, I hope you find a book recommendation from this list that you’ll love and enjoy getting lost in this summer. Happy reading!
