Best New Books to Read Before Summer Ends: From Ann Patchett to Chris Bohjalian
From a swoony beach romance to a shocking murder plot this list has it all!
Key Takeaways
- Ann Patchett's new novel, ‘Whistler’, leads this list of best summer reads.
- The list spans romance, thrillers, and character-driven family dramas.
- Two picks, out August 4, are must-preorders for your fall reading list.
July is almost over and while August might mean back-to-school season for some people, for others it means one last month of summer warmth. But whether or not you’re going back to school or soaking in one last beach day, one thing’s for sure: There is more than enough time to read some more beach reads. As for what to read, we have the 10 best books to read before the summer is up below.
Best books to read before summer ends
From romances to thrillers, here are the best books to read before summer ends.
‘Whistler’ by Ann Patchett
From bestselling author Ann Patchett comes a breathtaking tale filled with love and heart. While browsing the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Daphne Fuller unexpectedly runs into Eddie Triplett, her former stepfather. Eddie was married to her mother for just one year when Daphne was 9 years old. Now 53, Daphne hasn’t seen Eddie since one fateful night decades ago changed the course of both their lives forever. As they reconnect after all these years, they discover that some bonds get even better over time.
What readers are saying: “At its heart, this is a novel about the family we long for, the family we inherit and the family we choose. It explores the quiet spaces between love, regret, forgiveness and the stories we tell ourselves about the people closest to us. There is a revelation at the center of the novel that reshapes everything that came before, and Ann Patchett handles it with extraordinary grace. I won’t spoil a single page.”
‘Single Girls’ by John Searles
This novel by bestselling author and former Cosmopolitan editor John Searles tells the story of the magazine’s former editor-in-chief Helen Gurley Brown’s rough start at the magazine in 1965. Determined to succeed, she assembles a team of women who put their all into their work—while making time for romance and revenge. It’s smart, daring and perfect for people who have always dreamed of working at a magazine.
What readers are saying: “I loved this book so much!! I would sneak Cosmo into my house and secretly read it as a teen in the 80’s. I couldn’t dare let my mother see that I had such scandalous reading in our house! I always loved the magazine and this book perfectly captures all the glam, provocativeness, cutting-edge and views men had of women in that era. Brava!”
‘It Could Have Been Her’ by Lisa Jewell
Danger, mystery and intrigue combine in this novel by Lisa Jewell. One day, Jane Trevally stumbles upon a lost dog only to discover that the teenage girl who was staying nearby with the dog has vanished without a trace. Jane travels to London to return the dog to its registered owner—only to learn that the address leads her to the very house where her darkest memories began. What follows is a twisted tale filled with secrets, loss and a twist readers won’t see coming.
What readers are saying: “This is, without question, one of Lisa Jewell’s best books. From the very first chapter, I was completely hooked and found myself looking for every opportunity to keep reading. The storytelling is absolutely brilliant. Every character feels real, every revelation is perfectly timed, and the twists are both surprising and believable. Just when I thought I had everything figured out, Lisa proved me wrong again. The pacing is excellent, and the ending is incredibly satisfying.”
‘Shampoo Effect’ by Jenny Jackson
This July Read with Jenna pick begins after Caroline Lash arrives in Greenhead, Massachusetts. Shortly after getting there, she falls for a handsome local man named Van Whittaker and is drawn into his close-knit circle of lifelong friends. But when an unexpected pregnancy upends the friend group’s dynamics, old issues and secrets begin to arise.
What readers are saying: “This is the kind of novel that’s easy to sink into and hard to put down. If you’re looking for a character-driven story with heart, humor, and friendships that feel authentic, add this one to your summer TBR. It was the perfect summer read!”
‘Big Little Truths’ by Liane Moriarty
Set more than a decade after the events of Liane Moriarty’s bestselling Big Little Lies, the beloved Monterey Five are back and facing new drama. As their children enter high school, Madeline grapples with a major decision, Celeste worries about her mother-in-law’s odd behavior, Jane’s marriage is falling apart and both Bonnie and Renata are wrestling with deep resentment. But when a mysterious man starts asking questions near the school, the secrets they worked so hard to bury begin to resurface, which threatens to expose the lies that could destroy everything they’ve built. (Out August 25, 2026)
What readers are saying: “Big Little Truths, the book everybody is waiting for, did not disappoint! It welcomes you right back into the messy little lives of this fantastic group of older, wiser, and smarter characters from Big Little Lies.”
‘John of John’ by Douglas Stuart
This instant New York Times bestseller is set in 1990s Scotland and follows John-Calum “Cal” Macleod as he returns home to the Isle of Harris in the Outer Hebrides to care for his dying grandmother. When he arrives, Cal isn’t surprised to find that his small hometown hasn’t changed at all. But he has. His father John is shocked by Cal’s long hair, clothes and complete lack of interest in the local Presbyterian church. While Cal spends his days sweeping streets and trying to keep a low profile, he’s harboring dark secrets. And he’s not the only one. As the weeks pass, long-buried truths begin to surface, threatening to destroy the entire community
What readers are saying: “John of John gutted me. This was my first Douglas Stuart, and I was struck by how much feeling he could pull out of silence. This is such a tender, painful book about fathers and sons, shame, longing, and all the things people bury because they were never given a safe way to say them out loud. Cal and John broke my heart. Their relationship is tense and difficult, but underneath all of that is this deep ache: two people trying to understand each other while also trying to survive the world that shaped them.”
‘In Stormy Weather’ by Chelsea Curto
Sexy, spicy and swoonworthy, this novel by Chelsea Curto has it all. Quincy Monroe has a PhD in atmospheric sciences, hosts a popular online weather show and has over one million followers on Instagram. Her life is perfect—that is until her best friend’s brother and her longtime academic rival Sebastian Dunn show up and ruin everything. Now trapped together during one of Florida’s most intense hurricane seasons, Quincy and Sebastian are forced to work together and soon sparks fly.
What readers are saying: “I am not sure how this was my first Chelsea Curto book, but I do know I am RUNNING to read her other work immediately. I ate this UP. To say the banter and yearning was top tier would be a vast understatement. The way I was giggling and kicking my feet throughout the literal entire book was actually concerning.”
‘Getting Away with Murder’ by Shari Lapena
Thrilling plotlines, unforgettable characters and a shocking twist…this novel has it all! Jill and Ted love their New York brownstone. It’s gorgeous, perfectly decorated and filled with memories and items that seem irreplaceable. But when Ted’s inheritance runs out and he makes a bad investment, they panic. How will they afford their home? The answer is obvious: kill a wealthy family, gain access to their fortune and then get away scot-free. It should be easy, right?
What readers are saying: “This book was fast-paced, full of suspense and made my anxiety levels steadily climb with every chapter. I kept thinking I knew how everything would play out, only for another twist to send me in a different direction. If you’re looking for a binge-worthy psychological thriller that keeps the tension high from beginning to end, I highly recommend this one. Five stars!”
‘The Roman Holiday Rule’ by Andra Loy
Inspired by Audrey Hepburn’s Oscar-winning film Roman Holiday, this book follows Lexi Walker, a young girl who is determined to have the perfect Roman getaway inspired by the letters her late mother left her. Italian-American architect Mark Russo has sworn off American tourists, but when a woman on the plane next to him challenges him to try and find the best photo of Rome in seven days, things change. Now Lexi and Mark are running around town together and soon the Italian city becomes the center of their love story. (Out August 4, 2026)
What readers are saying: “Ahhh I can’t even with this book. If you need a wholesome good time, read this book immediately. I immensely enjoyed myself and could not put the book down.”
‘The Amateur’ by Chris Bohjalian
Set in the summer of 1978, this gripping tale centers on 18-year-old golf prodigy Mira Winston, whose bright future shatters in an instant when she accidentally kills a caddy with a stray ball. As the tragic incident spirals into a legal nightmare, Mira’s carefully hidden web of secrets begins to unravel—revealing that this devastating accident may not be as simple as it seems. (Out August 4, 2026)
What readers are saying: “The Amateur is an outstanding, well-written, thought-provoking novel. One doesn’t need to play golf or even understand the game in order to enjoy this book. I highly recommend it to readers everywhere. It’s a winner.”
Ready for more? Subscribe to our YouTube channel for video podcasts, health tips and uplifting stories designed for women 40, 50, 60 and beyond.
Conversation
All comments are subject to our Community Guidelines. Woman's World does not endorse the opinions and views shared by our readers in our comment sections. Our comments section is a place where readers can engage in healthy, productive, lively, and respectful discussions. Offensive language, hate speech, personal attacks, and/or defamatory statements are not permitted. Advertising or spam is also prohibited.
