Whether you’re soaking up sun under an umbrella at the beach or nestled under blankets in an air-conditioned home, summer is the perfect time to get lost in a good book. I’ve created a list of recent reads that stayed with me—some made me think, some made me cry, and some were recommended and discussed at book club.
Here are my favorites and why I think you might like them too:
The Women by Kristin Hannah
This historical fiction gem takes you into the heart of the Vietnam War through the eyes of a young female nurse. It’s powerful, raw, and a necessary reminder of the women who served and were forgotten. I didn’t even know women were in Vietnam.
The story begins in San Diego on Coronado where I worked for a few years so that was interesting too. Kristin Hannah’s books are so well written and always bring up strong emotions. The Women is the kind of story that lingers long after the last page.
Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon
Set in 1789 Maine and based on a true story, this novel follows a midwife who becomes a key witness in a murder trial. It’s a chilling and beautifully written tale about justice, survival, and truth. I was shocked how women were treated back in those days, although I guess I shouldn’t be.
I loved how Lawhon brought history alive with suspense—I was Googling the real events before I’d even finished. Our book club loved this book and cheered on the heroine – IYKYK!
- Lawhon, Ariel (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 448 Pages - 11/05/2024 (Publication Date) - Vintage (Publisher)
The Memory of an Elephant by Alex Lasker
A grieving elephant, a grieving man, and an unexpected connection in the wilds of Africa—this one pulled at all my heartstrings. It’s poignant and hopeful, reminding us of the ways we hold onto love and memory.
You know I’m a sucker for anything that links elephants and healing.
Let Them by Mel Robbins
This little book packs a punch. It’s about boundaries, people-pleasing, and learning to stop controlling others so you can find peace. I’ve listened to Mel Robbins’ podcast and she has a great common sense approach.
I listened to this book on audible which was impactful. You can hear Mel’s voice as she coaches you when you get upset with other people – Let them and also let you. Check it out.
- Hardcover Book
- Robbins, Mel (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 336 Pages - 12/24/2024 (Publication Date) - Hay House LLC (Publisher)
The Housemaid by Frieda McFadden
This psychological thriller with a house, a secret, and a twist I didn’t see coming. If you liked The Girl on the Train, this one is similar. You know something isn’t right, but what is it.
It’s a pure guilty pleasure and was a fun one to read with my new neighborhood book club who were unsure they wanted to actually read books. I think they are hooked!
- Amazon Kindle Edition
- McFadden, Freida (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 338 Pages - 04/26/2022 (Publication Date) - Bookouture (Publisher)
Swan Song by Elin Hilderbrand
For what she claims to be her final book that takes place in Nantucket, Elin brings back familiar faces for one last summer. It’s emotional and reflective, with her signature coastal charm.
When a rich couple moves to the island, social mayhem—and a possible murder follow. Can Nantucket’s best locals save the day, and their way of life? Sit back, imagine yourself on the island attending the lavish parties with the locals and enjoy.
- Hilderbrand, Elin (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 416 Pages - 04/22/2025 (Publication Date) - Back Bay Books (Publisher)
The Goddess of Warsaw by Lisa Barr
I love when historical fiction features fierce women, and this one didn’t disappoint. Set in the Warsaw ghettos during World War ll, our main character becomes a spy witnessing all the horrors.
Years later, we meet her again, and now she lives in America as Hollywood’s favorite movie star. But she has a secret and we love watching her execute her hidden agenda.
- Barr, Lisa (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 368 Pages - 05/28/2024 (Publication Date) - Harper Paperbacks (Publisher)
Honor by Thrity Umrigar
Set in India, this story follows a journalist covering a difficult case involving family and culture. It’s heartbreaking, beautifully written, and eye-opening. Sometimes books remind you how different our lives are from other cultures.
This is one of the reasons I love to travel. My recent trip to Bali really illustrated how everyday life is so different depending on culture and affluence. This story sat with me for quite some time.
Cher: The Memoir (Part One)
It’s Cher. What else do you need? I loved listening to this on audible while making shell crafts last fall. She reads parts of the book, and you just know her voice as she recalls the early parts of her life with Sonny and the TV show. I watched that!
I couldn’t help but think how brave and defiant she’s always been. Her story is unapologetic and entertaining. Iconic.
- Hardcover Book
- Cher (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 432 Pages - 11/19/2024 (Publication Date) - Dey Street Books (Publisher)
The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See
This is a sweeping, emotional novel about friendship, betrayal, and the incredible women divers of Jeju Island in Korea. The idea that these women swim underwater for so long looking for sea urchins and food was incredible. I definitely Googled this!
Lisa See always brings history and female resilience to life in vivid detail. I enjoyed learning about the culture of Korea and some history. Definitely nothing I learned about in school.
- See, Lisa (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 400 Pages - 03/10/2020 (Publication Date) - Scribner (Publisher)
The Measure by Nikki Erlick
What if you got a box that told you exactly how long you’d live? This novel tackles big questions about fate, choice, and what it means to live fully. Each human is gifted a box with a string. That tells you how long you will live. Would you want to know?
I just had a conversation about this book last week with a friend who lost her son. We don’t know. And that is one thing all of us grievers have in common. We can’t deny they are gone. Maybe our time here is predetermined. What do you think?
- Erlick, Nikki (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 368 Pages - 05/28/2024 (Publication Date) - William Morrow Paperbacks (Publisher)
The Longest Ride by Nicholas Sparks
A sweet, tear-jerker love story (of course it is, it’s Sparks). Dual timelines, a cowboy, a car wreck, and a twist. It’s a story about the choices we make, and how the most difficult decisions can lead us to where we were meant to be.
We read this in a book club over the holidays for something light, and we all enjoyed the story.
- Sparks, Nicholas (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 416 Pages - 02/01/2022 (Publication Date) - Grand Central Publishing (Publisher)
If you’ve read any of these, I’d love to know what you thought. Got any recommendations? Drop them in the comments—I’m always looking for the next great story to dive into, preferably with a cold drink in hand and my toes in the sand.
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2 Comments
Our bookclub liked Frozen River as well! I also enjoyed The Measure as a ‘make you think’ type of book. A few of these are on my TBR list and will add a couple more now. Thanks for the suggestions!
We’re reading The Coast Road now.
Thanks. Always good to hear what our friends like to read. I just started the Covenant of Water which I’m enjoying already!