I’ve been an avid reader ever since childhood. My family could find me tucked away on a chair or in my room, lost in a good story. Now, as I work full time and raise a family, {just like everyone else} I squeeze them in wherever and however I can. I think you all can probably relate to that. If it’s an Audible version while I work or a little bit of me time by the pool with a good solid book {nothing beats the original}, a good story never fails me. And since I adore it when people share ideas and book lists, I thought I’d also share some of my very favorites as of late. ‘Tis the summer for great reads: 23 Summer Reads for Under the Sunshine!

I shared this post nearly a year ago, and then stumbled upon it again. So I’ve now updated it from ten, to twenty-three reads… because it’s just that time of year, and if you missed it the first time, I’m adding more. {We even included three from Emerson, who is now my little bookworm–collecting books is her full-time hobby, and it’s honestly one I will always support.} Happy reading!

So let’s dive in, shall we? {The latest thirteen are below these initial first ten! Also, these contain affiliate links so that I can fund my reading habit… thanks besties.} See my complete list here, because I’m always adding to it…

If you love historical fiction, and if you love art like me… this one is for you. A friend recommended this one, and I couldn’t put it down. An undercover journalist in the modern day has been hired to track down a painting stolen by the Nazis more than 75 years earlier. It’s probably one of my favorite, complicated tales of sacrifice, danger, mystery and love. Check it out if you love the mystery genre.

See more about Woman On Fire, here!

You may have already heard of this one; I feel like I saw it everywhere in 2024 spring. It took me a minute to pick it up, and when I did, it became one of my all-time favorites. The author’s brilliant writing style, combined with the story and all the characters cleverly woven in between, gives me a greater appreciation for what my grandmother’s generation in their prime, circa the 1960s, really put up with and how far we’ve tried to come, as well. Clearly, I adore historical fiction. 

See Lessons in Chemistry here. 

This is the fictional account of a real 16th-century Italian noblewoman. The story of a young girl’s survival in Renaissance Italy will have you on pins and needles until the very end, wondering what will happen next. You also can’t help but root for the protagonist all the way to the very end. You have no idea what’s coming. 

See more of the Marriage Portrait, here. 

The Women, by Kristin Hannah, is not one to be missed. I can honestly say I didn’t know much about the Vietnam War, and the author’s tireless research into this fictionalized, heart-wrenching account is evident. This is a coming-of-age story of bravery and resilience in ways that are astounding to me.

Check out The Women here.  

I’m totally switching gears from all the historical fiction love. I have my other favorite genre, and it’s definitely all things Thriller. This one has a touch of “Ready or Not” for all the horror movie fans out there and is perfect for a poolside read. Break out the popcorn… you’re gonna need it. 

See more of The Family Game here. 

This is the story of a rock band’s rise to fame in the 1960s, portrayed interview-style as only Taylor Jenkins Reid can. I would actually say that this one deserves a go on Audible just for the satisfactory voice acting with all the different characters. It’s perfect for a summer read. 

Grab Daisy Jones & The Six here. 

Okay true crime besties. This one’s a little heavier, and I think you either get it or you don’t, since it’s not for the faint of heart. If you’re familiar with Michelle McNamara’s I’ll Be Gone in the Dark, {If you’re not, her book was published post-humously – she was married to Patton Oswalt} Paul’s account is fascinating. This dives deeper into his particular life’s work and the sacrifices he made in his personal life to get there. He’s put away some of the most notorious killers in history and brought closure to their grieving families. In short, this is the real-life account of a hero. If you’re interested in the entire case of the Golden State Killer, start with Michelle’s book, first. I have to admit, this is the single book that sucked me into the world of podcasts and true crime – and the Golden State Killer may give you nightmares, so proceed with caution. Sorry, not sorry if my nerd is showing. People who work hard to solve crimes are the exact opposite of what I do, so I have a lot of admiration for that since it’s impressive, to say the least.

See Unmasked, if you want to dive in here. 

What happens when you meet your own real-life birthday twin, an unassuming woman in a pub bar, also celebrating her birthday on the same day? I haven’t read a Lisa Jewell book that I don’t like, and this one is in the top rankings for sure. I’d say that this one is likened to Daisy Jones & the Six in the same vein that I highly recommend this one via Audible form. If you like true crime podcasts, this is the fictional story you don’t want to miss. And it’s produced in podcast form with various voices that really just enrich the story. 

Don’t miss None of This is True, here. 

Glitz. Glamour. Scandal. Old Hollywood. The story of a famous actress and a touch of mystery, too. TJR does it again. I won’t say anything more, but it’s actually the BEST summertime read. So good, I’ll definitely be reading it again. 

See The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, here. 

The perfect weekend away. A bachelorette weekend on a secluded, sun-soaked Greek Island with six friends celebrating the upcoming nuptials. What could go wrong? The joys of female friendship, fitting in… and the dangers of it all, as well. An awesome poolside mystery read. 

See One of The Girls here. 

When Meredith goes to Martha’s Vineyard for a wedding on their family farm, she’s still sad about losing her sister. But while playing a fun game of assassins with her family, she meets a boy named Wit. This is a story about love and healing.

See The Summer of Broken Rules here!

Another love of historical fiction: Set in 90s Soho, Betty is out for a fresh start, but she’s also on a mission. Determined to locate a woman who is the beneficiary of her grandmother’s will, Clara Pickle… a mystery awaits, and she uncovers much more than she ever imagined. 

See Before I Met You here!

13. Malibu Rising

Another win for Taylor Jenkins Reid. It’s 1983, and four siblings are throwing an end-of-summer party… the likes of which will absolutely change their trajectory forever. A GREAT summer read!

See Malibu Rising Here!

14. Happy Place {Emerson’s Pick!} 

When two exes, Harriet and Wyn, pretend to still be together during a vacation with close friends to spare everyone’s feelings, old feelings start to resurface. The story explores themes of love, friendship, change, and emotional growth. It’s both touching and realistic, showing how relationships can be messy but meaningful. This book reminds readers that sometimes, letting go or holding on takes real courage.

See Happy Place here!

A poignant story about gaining new perspective, when a woman gets a chance to revisit her life + her father. 

See This Time Tomorrow here!

If you find a chestnut man, there’s a good chance you’re already in trouble. A killer is terrorizing Copenhagen, and two detectives have to team up, putting their differences aside so that they can figure out how a past murder is linked to these recent killings. If you love thrillers, you won’t be able to put this one down. 

See The Chestnut Man here!

A fictional thriller, this is a profound look at the crimes of one man and the women who are interwoven in his life, 12 hours before his execution. It really makes you question our system, and you’ll find yourself experiencing empathy in unpredictable places. You won’t be able to put this one down. 

See Notes on an Execution here!

If you love twisty novels, this author is for you. Two newlyweds are stuck in a blizzard after they were supposed to be viewing a house with their agent. The house belonged to a psychiatrist who vanished without a trace years ago. If you’re new to Freida McFadden, you won’t see this one coming. 

See Never Lie here!

Living on a yacht sounds perfect, right? The Blue is a coming-of-age tale of summer adventure that soon turns sinister with a mystery when one friend goes overboard. Read this one on the beach. It’s required. 

See The Blue here!

When a new black sheriff takes over a small town with prejudice, he suddenly discovers there’s probably a serial killer on the move. A moving look at race, religion, and politics in the a small southern town. I listened to this one on Audible, and I highly recommend that version, since the narrator’s voice is like honey. A very mystery-noir book and I’m here for it. So many nuances. Just read this one. Again, it’s intense. 

See All the Sinners Bleed here!

Clearly this list is out of order, because if I had to rank them, I couldn’t. But if I did, this one would be at the top. This is probably on everyone’s list, if you haven’t read it… because it should be. Kristin Hannah is known for her exploration of strength, resilience, and hope with women protagonists in historical settings. This one is the one that drew me in to how fabulous she is, so I’m not really sure why I haven’t shared it yet. This is a tale of two sisters in WW2. You’ll feel like you’re right there with them, as the Nazis invade France.

See The Nightingale here! 

Mallory is fresh out of rehab when she scores a nanny job in an upscale neighborhood. She loves that it gives her the independence and stability that she needs in her new life, and she immediately bonds with Teddy and the sweet pictures he draws. Until they’re not. This one leans in the horror genre with mystery and suspense. Buckle up, buttercup. 

See Hidden Pictures here!

Liz dreams of a perfect movie-style romance, and she’s determined to win over her longtime crush. With humor and sweet surprises, this book shows how love can show up when you least expect it.

See Better Than the Movies here!

“Sometimes, the perfect marriage is the perfect lie” — if you loved Girl on the Train, this one’s for you. I adore everything B.A. Paris writes, and this one has been out for a while, but it’s the perfect little suspense novel. I linked to this bundle here, because they’re all good. Treat yo self. 

See Behind Closed Doors here!

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He’s a national treasure. Okay, guys, this definitely wraps up my little list, and I’ll be adding more here as I find some of my favorites. Be sure to check out our entire storefront here, where we curate all our favorite things! What are some of your recommendations? I always have a list going, and I would love to hear some of your favorites. Tell me what to read!

Have an inspired day!