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Dive into Summer: 30 New Book Releases You Can’t Miss

Hey Babes,

Summer’s the perfect time to relax, recharge, and dive into a stack of fresh new books. Whether you’re heading to the beach, hanging out by the pool, or just enjoying some quiet time in the AC, there’s nothing like getting lost in a great story. This season has some seriously exciting new releases, and I’ve picked 30 of the best ones to keep on your radar. So grab your sunglasses, find a comfy spot, and get ready to add a few more titles to your TBR pile!


June Releases:

Flashlight by Susan Choi– One night, Louisa and her father walk on the beach with a flashlight. Louisa is later found barely alive after being washed up by the tide. Her father is presumed drowned and she is ten years old. Susan Choi’s Flashlight explores the aftermath of this family catastrophe through shifting chapters. Louisa is an only child of parents who have cut ties with their past. Her father, Serk, lost contact with his family after they moved to the DPRK. Her mother, Anne, is estranged from her family due to past mistakes. Tobias, Anne’s illegitimate son, reappears with unexpected consequences.

A Family Matter by Claire Lynch– In 1982, Dawn, a new mother, is introduced to Hazel who brings happiness and complexity to her life. Despite her obligations, Dawn finds herself drawn to Hazel’s irresistible connection. In 2022, Heron learns of a life-changing diagnosis from his doctor. As a reserved older man, he struggles to share this news with his daughter Maggie, whom his life revolves around. Heron is unable to disclose not only his diagnosis but also the other secrets he has kept from her over the years.

What Kind of Paradise by Janelle Brown– Growing up in a secluded cabin in Montana, Jane’s world revolves around her father, the woodstove, the garden, and books of philosophy. Her father moved them off the grid to protect her after a tragic past in the Bay Area. As she grows older, Jane yearns for more and discovers a dark secret. She escapes to San Francisco seeking answers, during a time of technological advancement, questioning her beliefs.

The Ghostwriter by Julie Clark– Olivia Dumont, a ghostwriter, has always kept secret the fact that she is the lone offspring of Vincent Taylor, a renowned horror writer known for both his literary works and the suspicion of murdering his own siblings. Facing financial troubles, Olivia reluctantly accepts the task of ghostwriting her father’s final book, unaware that she will confront the haunting secrets buried within her family’s history.

Welcome to Murder Week by Karen Dukess– When Cath’s mother passes away, Cath discovers tickets to a murder mystery event in England among her mother’s belongings. Intrigued, she decides to go on the trip with two new friends she meets at the event. Together, they uncover surprising revelations about Cath’s mother and find themselves facing pivotal moments in their own lives.

Don’t Let Him In by Lisa Jewell– Nick Radcliffe is a charming man who brings joy to Nina Swann after her husband’s death. However, Nina’s daughter, Ash, is suspicious of him and decides to investigate his past secretly. Meanwhile, Martha is concerned about her husband, Alistair, who has been traveling frequently for work. As the story unfolds, Nina, Martha, and Ash are drawn together by a shocking revelation. They all come to regret not listening to the warning: “Don’t let him in.” The past secrets are about to come to light.

The Poppy Fields by Nikki Erlick– Welcome to the Poppy Fields, a treatment center where hearts can heal from loss by sleeping through their pain. In a remote California desert, patients wait to awaken healed, despite potential side effects. Four strangers and a dog journey to find the center’s founder, Ellis, facing their own secrets and motivations along the way.

The River’s Daughter by Bridget Crocker– After Bridget Crocker’s parents divorced, she moved to Wyoming with her mother. Her childhood was happy until her mother changed and left her stepfather. Bridget moved back and forth between California and Wyoming due to her father’s violence. The river was her constant companion and helped her through tough times. Bridget became a successful whitewater rafting guide. Her experiences on the rivers led her to reconnect with her family and work to break cycles of poverty and abuse.

Murderland by Caroline Fraser– Murderland delves into the lives of notorious killers like Bundy, Green River Killer, I-5 Killer, Night Stalker, Hillside Strangler, and Charles Manson. In Bundy’s Tacoma, a toxic smelter was a key factor in environmental destruction. Fraser’s research reveals a connection between the pollution from smelters and the rise of serial killers.

This Dog Will Change Your Life by Elias Weiss Friedman– Through his years of studying dogs and their impact on people, Elias has found a simple truth: Dogs make people’s lives better by improving them. Dogs teach us to be the best versions of ourselves, imparting lessons about identity, patience, and meaningful relationships. This book shares stories of the dogs in Elias’s life, showing how dogs bring love and balance to our lives.

July Releases:

The Woman in Suite 11 by Ruth Ware– An invitation to the opening of a luxury hotel owned by billionaire Marcus Leidmann is a great opportunity for journalist Lo Blacklock to restart her career. Post-pandemic travel journalism is different now. Lo dreams of interviewing Marcus at his chateau on Lake Geneva, but he is elusive. She reluctantly goes to Marcus’s hotel room in response to a late-night call, only to find a woman claiming to be his mistress in danger. A thrilling pursuit across Europe ensues, testing Lo’s willingness to sacrifice and trust.

A Resistance of Witches by Morgan Ryan– Stubborn, plain-spoken and from an unimpressive family, Lydia Polk never expected to be accepted into the Royal Academy of Witches. Eight years later, with Hitler’s army rampaging across Europe, the witches of Britain have joined the war effort, and Lydia is key to the she must use her magic to track down magical relics before Hitler—known to be obsessively seeking the artifacts himself—and his sycophants can. Then a Nazi witch infiltrates the Academy with heart-breaking consequences, leaving the coven shaken, exposed and the elder British witches have no interest in further loss of coven life in service of a government that has forced them into hiding for decades, no matter the consequences to the world. But with the discovery of the Grimorium Bellum, an ancient book that leaves a trail of death and destruction wherever it goes—one the Nazi coven is desperate to get their hands on—Lydia’s mission has never been more urgent.

Totally and Completely Fine by Elissa Sussman– Lauren Parker grew up in a small Montana town, known for being wild and as the sister of famous Gabe Parker. Recently, she became a widow and single mother, feeling lost in her life. While on set for her brother’s movie, she meets actor Ben Walsh and they instantly connect, making Lauren feel seen. They are drawn to each other and Lauren dives into a relationship with Ben, balancing her past and new opportunities. However, complications arise with small-town gossip, Ben’s fame, and her daughter’s behavior. What started as a simple fling becomes complicated, leaving Lauren questioning when things changed.

Offside by Avery Keelan– After being dumped on my twenty-first birthday, my friends take me to a nightclub. I see Chase Carter, my ex’s enemy, and we hit it off. Despite throwing up on his shoes, he takes care of me. We share a fake kiss in front of my ex and sparks fly. We start going out on dates to replace bad memories. Though he is protective and sweet, we face rivalry from my brother and friends. I am torn between loyalty and love.

She Didn’t See It Coming by Shari Lapena– When a wife and mother goes missing, a luxury condo becomes a potential crime scene and the investigation to find her begins. Bryden and Sam have successful careers, a nice apartment, supportive friends, and a daughter. Their life seems perfect until Bryden goes missing after Sam receives a call about her not picking up their daughter from daycare. Bryden’s car is found in the garage, her laptop and phone are in the apartment, but she is nowhere to be found. It’s as if she vanished.

A Forbidden Alchemy by Stacey McEwan– Nina Harrow and Patrick Colson, both twelve years old, are taken from their mining towns to Belavere City to discover their magical talents. Those who pass the test will become Artisans with elemental magic powers. Nina sees the Artisan School as an escape, while Patrick misses his Craftsman family. They learn that Artisans are chosen, not born, and go their separate ways. A Craftsman revolution starts, putting Nina and Patrick on opposing sides. Nina, now a talented Artisan, is captured by Patrick’s rebel group. He asks for her help in a mission against Belavere City. Despite their past, Nina agrees, but faces conflicting emotions. When her first love returns and asks her to betray Patrick, Nina faces a tough decision that could change the world.

This Book Might Be About Zinnia by Brittney Morris– In 2024, Zinnia Davis strives to improve her personal essay after being told her adoption story lacks emotion. She learns more about her birth parents after reading a novel with similarities to her own life. In 2006, teenager Tuesday Walker struggles in school after a traumatic experience and copes by writing in a journal. When the journal goes missing, Tuesday searches for it, uncovering secrets about her past and her mother’s story. If Tuesday is not careful in her search, Zinnia may face consequences in the present.

Mean Moms by Emma Rosenblum– Frost, Morgan, and Nell are wealthy moms in New York City. Their kids go to Atherton Seminary and they enjoy themed parties. A new mom from Miami named Sofia joins their group and strange things start happening to them. Frost gets hit by an electric scooter, Nell’s fashion line fails, and Morgan’s spa is robbed. They wonder if someone at the school is targeting them. They also have a crush on Dr. Broker, the headmaster.

Last Stop Union Station by Sarah James– In 1942 Hollywood, actress Jacqueline Love is struggling to find roles as she gets older. Feeling desperate to stay in the spotlight, she joins the Hollywood Victory Caravan, a train carrying movie stars to raise money for the war. When a fellow star dies on the train, Jackie suspects foul play and asks for help from Grace, a female police officer. Jackie faces danger as they uncover a Nazi plot, forcing her to choose between her career and her country.

Monopoly X: How Top-Secret World War II Operations Used the Game of Monopoly to Help Allied POWs Escape, Conceal Spies, and Send Secret Codes by Philip E. Orbanes– Monopoly X tells the true story of a secret operation during World War II where game boards were used to hide tools, maps, and money for captured soldiers. The operation, known as “Monopoly X,” was a success and remained a secret for many years. Phillip E. Orbanes reveals the full story of this covert program, detailing its creation, implementation, and impact on Allied breakouts.

August Releases:

The Locked Ward by Sarah Pekkanen– Georgia is in a psychiatric institution for violent offenders until her trial. When her twin sister Amanda visits, Georgia claims innocence and asks to be rescued. Amanda is unsure of Georgia but hesitates to leave her in the unsettling environment. Is Georgia a victim of a corrupt family or is Amanda being manipulated into madness?

The Society of Unknowable Objects by Gareth Brown– Three members of a secret society in London meet every six months to protect magical items. When one member learns of a new artifact in Hong Kong, the newest member is sent to investigate. She faces danger from a killer who wants back a stolen object. Returning to London, she discovers more secrets within the society. Her journey takes her to the United States to find the killer. She realizes that many others are after the magical items, and her family’s legacy is connected to these secrets.

These Memories Do Not Belong to Us by Yiming Ma– In the future, an authoritarian state called Qin controls the world. Every citizen has a Mindbank that can record and transfer memories. This leads to Memory Capitalism, where memories can be bought and sold. However, there is also the risk of manipulation through editing and corruption of memories. A man inherits his mother’s Mindbank, unsure if her memories have been altered by the Party. Despite this, he is determined to share them.

What Hunger by Catherine Dang– Before starting high school, Ronny Nguyen feels too old for cartoons and too young for work. She spends her days in the backyard reading magazines on a plastic chair while her brother Tommy excels in school. The idea of Tommy going to college worries Ronny as she imagines being alone with their parents. Their parents rarely talk about their past in Vietnam, focusing instead on food. Meals at home are a blend of cultural dishes that carry memories from their homeland. Despite being taught that meat was a luxury after the war, a tragic event shatters Ronny’s world. At her first high school party, she experiences a traumatic encounter that triggers a newfound hunger for raw meat.

We Are All Guilty Here by Karin Slaughter– Welcome to North Falls, a small town where everyone knows each other. The town is shocked when two teenage girls disappear during the fireworks. Officer Emmy Clifton is determined to find her best friend’s daughter and bring her home. As she investigates, she discovers that the girls had secrets no one knew about. The town is hiding something, and someone may have killed for those secrets.

Joy Moody Is Out of Time by Kerryn Mayne– Strange occurrences are happening at Bayside’s popular laundromat, Joyful Suds, where Joy Moody and her twin daughters live. Joy has been deceiving her daughters with a fabricated story about their past, intending to eventually tell them the truth. However, she runs out of time and struggles to separate truth from lies. The girls believe they must remain hidden for their safety and that their 21st birthday will mark a significant turning point in their lives. On their birthday, Joy is found deceased, leaving the girls to navigate a world without her guidance. Joy Moody’s time has run out in more ways than one.

All the Tomorrows After by Joanne Yi– Winter Moon dreams of escaping her current situation by saving enough money, but her mother steals it all. She turns to her estranged father for help, agreeing to spend time with him in exchange for payment. As she struggles with grief and anger, a new classmate named Joon offers support. Winter uncovers a secret her father has been keeping, leading her to question her future and relationships. She learns about love, forgiveness, and the meaning of family. Winter wonders if broken things can ever be repaired.

I Know How This Ends: A Novel by Holly Smale– Margot is struggling professionally, romantically, and socially. One day, she begins having visions of her future self. These visions reveal her soulmate, friends’ happiness, tragedies, and loves that shape her life. Margot is powerless to alter these visions. Now, she must decide how to proceed with her life, knowing what lies ahead. How does one live in the present when unable to change fate?

The Sunflower Boys by Sam Wachman– Twelve-year-old Artem lives in Chernihiv, Ukraine. He helps on his grandfather’s farm, draws in his sketchbook, and swims in the river with his little brother. Artem has romantic feelings for his best friend, Viktor. He worries about his future because their love is not accepted in their country. One night in February, explosions wake Artem and Yuri as war breaks out. Russians invade, destroy their home, and kill their mother and grandfather. The brothers flee to find their father, carrying only their backpacks. Surrounded by death and destruction, Artem is determined to keep himself and his brother alive.

Katabasis by R.F. Kuang– Alice Law’s sole goal is to excel in the field of Magick. She has made sacrifices to achieve this, including her pride, health, love life, and sanity. She worked with Professor Jacob Grimes at Cambridge until his death in a magical accident, possibly caused by her. Now she is determined to go to Hell to find him, as his recommendation could determine her future. Despite obstacles like her rival Peter Murdoch also pursuing the same goal.


I hope this list helps you find a few books that really speak to you and make your summer a little brighter. There’s something so comforting about settling in with a great story, and I can’t wait for you to experience that magic. So go ahead, pick a book (or two), get comfy, and let yourself get lost in a good read. Here’s to a summer filled with stories that stay with you long after the last page!

Until next time,
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