Woman’s World Editors Share Our Best New Book Recommendations 2026: Summer Books Edition
From swoony romances to page-turning mysteries, these 13 picks are perfect for beach season!
Key Takeaways
- Woman's World editors pick the best summer 2026 reads across romance, mystery and family drama.
- Liane Moriarty's 'Big Little Truths' is the long-awaited sequel to the hit 'Big Little Lies.'
- Carley Fortune's 'Our Perfect Storm' is one of the summer's most sizzling reads.
Greetings, book lovers! Summer is almost here and this season is brimming with a sizzling variety of new books from reader-favorite authors like Annabel Monaghan, Carley Fortune, Tia Williams and more! From highly anticipated follow ups to swoon-worthy romances, Woman’s World editors hand-picked 13 new summer books—and every single one is guaranteed to transport you to sunny or sweeping locales! Some of our picks are already on shelves, while others are available to preorder now and arriving soon.
In the mood for a swoony slow-burn romance? Check out The Missed Connection by Tia Williams. Carissa Mosness, associate digital editor at Woman’s World, raves, “this novel might just be Williams’ best novel yet.” For fans of banter-filled fake dating charades, pick up Dolly All The Time by Annabel Monaghan. Woman’s World senior editor Melissa D’Agnese called it a “picture-perfect rom-com.”
To discover all of our must-read new summer books, keep scrolling!
‘Dolly All The Time’ by Annabel Monaghan
“In the sunny world of 5-star beach reads, Annabel Monaghan pens some of the very best,” raves D’Agnese. “Her recent hits include It’s a Love Story and Summer Romance—and her new novel, Dolly All The Time, is another picture-perfect rom-com!” Single mom Dolly Brick is a fixer to her core, juggling work, parenting and keeping her entire family afloat. Now, she’s returning to Whitfield, Rhode Island, for the summer to ensure her father and brother don’t lose the family home. While in town, Dolly bumps into the wealthy, handsome Stewart Whitfield—from the Whitfield family—and fixes his flat tire. Then, he proposes a plan: a faux-mance to help his image after a bad breakup. It starts as a simple scheme but turns into more. Can Dolly finally allow someone to take care of her? (Out May 26)
What early readers are saying: “Another auto-approved author I’ve fallen in love with! Ever since I devoured Nora Goes Off Script, I’ve been hooked on Annabel Monaghan’s stories and her strong, inspirational leading female characters. Can I tell you a secret? I wish all of Annabel’s characters were real people, especially Dolly—she’d absolutely be my all-time best friend.”
‘When You Loved Me’ by Beatriz Williams
When fellow bestselling author Emily Giffin (more on her new novel below!) read Beatriz Williams’ latest historical fiction gem, When You Loved Me, she called it “utterly transporting.” Lucy Cooper returns to her family estate on Winthrop Island after her father’s death only to discover serious financial troubles—and a lingering legend of buried pirate treasure. Meanwhile, Lucy’s former love, Ben Ressler, returns to town—and he’s the last person who saw her father alive. As Lucy investigates her father’s final days, she uncovers his obsession with a centuries-old tale of a wounded pirate and a healer. What begins as a search for answers becomes a trek through grief and unresolved love. And soon, Lucy realizes she’s not the only one chasing these treasures. (Out June 23)
What early readers are saying: “Beatriz Williams always makes me wish I was a Northeastern girl and this was no different. The characters were well developed and the mystery well thought out. I love pirates too—so the pirate history was a fun addition!”
‘Summerland Cove’ by Ellen Baker
“If you’re in the mood for a novel that will whisk you away to coastal Maine for a summer of family celebrations and secrets, Ellen Baker’s book, Summerland Cove, is for you,” says D’Agnese. Lindy plans a great season at her family’s cottage in Summerland Cove, complete with milestone celebrations for her husband, her parents and her daughter’s wedding. But when her husband vanishes before his own birthday party, the family is thrown into panic and uncertainty. As the days pass without answers, buried tensions begin to surface, shaking everything Lindy thought she knew about her marriage and family. Set against the vibrant backdrop of a Maine summer, this story explores love, loss and the ties that hold a family together. (Out June 2)
What early readers are saying: “Ellen Baker writes beautiful multi generational novels. During this whole read, I felt like I was in Maine. The way she tells a story is almost like a smooth song. I now want to go to Maine. The characters have so much depth however I did get irritated with them several times throughout the novel at their lack of communication but it was still a beautiful book, I felt like I was watching it in real time in my head. Thank you Ellen for the ARC. I will cherish it forever.”
‘Down with the Shipmans’ by Meg Mitchell Moore
“I loved Mansion Beach by Meg Mitchell Moore and couldn’t wait to get my hands on her latest novel,” says Mosness. “The family drama felt so relatable and realistic. I saw pieces of my own sibling struggles on every page. Now I’m dreaming of taking a Fourth of July trip to New Hampshire—the book was an instant vacation!” The novel follows the Shipman sisters—Mae, Natalie and Jordan. It’s the week after July Fourth and the sisters return for a summer in New Hampshire. They think it’s for a family reunion—the first one since their mother’s death. But upon their arrival, their father reveals shocking news: He is selling their cherished beach house. As old memories arise, the sisters must navigate packing up the house while handling their own personal crises. (Out June 2)
What early readers are saying: “I want to live next door to the Shipmans! I am in love with this family, these characters, and this story. The Shipman sisters return to their childhood beach house for what they think is a family reunion, only to find out that their father is planning to sell the house. There’s messy family drama, chaos, and secrets, but above all, there’s the strength of family bonds and sisterhood. A heartfelt and very emotionally satisfying summer read.”
‘Love You More’ by Emily Giffin
“Emily Giffin—bestselling author of novels like Something Borrowed and The Summer Pact—specializes in un-put-downable stories featuring messy, no-win romantic dilemmas,” says Patty Bontekoe, Woman’s World executive editor. “And her latest book, Love You More, is another must-read.” Billie is thriving in every aspect of life—newly engaged and working as a doctor in New York City—when her high-school boyfriend, Mick, calls out of the blue with devastating news. Billie races back home to Wisconsin, where she spends the summer remembering her past, figuring out her new normal and making decisions that prove how love, in every form, has the power to change everything. (Out July 7)
What early readers are saying: “I’ve always been a fan of Emily Giffin’s writing and this book was no different! It was paced really well and I read it in less than 24 hours. This is an emotional, second chance at romance story with some heavy themes. I found myself reaching for this book over other books because I needed to know what happened. I audibly gasped at the twists.”
‘The Missed Connection’ by Tia Williams
With acclaimed novels like Seven Days in June and A Love Song for Ricki Wilde, Tia Williams is revered for her beautiful love stories. And her upcoming novel, The Missed Connection, is another deeply romantic tale. “Few authors write about romance as beautifully as Tia Williams,” says Mosness.
Casting agent Sasha Cruz is a pro at matching people to roles—except in her own love life. After a chance encounter with an elusive Italian man on a flight to Paris, Sasha vows to find him. So she hires a charming detective who proves to be an even bigger distraction. (Out June 9)
What early readers are saying: “Williams’ writing is incredibly witty, and I loved the clever name drops and references that had me laughing out loud throughout the story. While the missed connection premise feels lighthearted on the surface, the author adds so much depth to Sasha and Wes. Both are beautifully flawed characters bonded by their past traumas, and their tension filled, instant chemistry, relationship felt very earned.”
‘Nantucket Second Chances’ by Pamela Kelley
“Readers who enjoy the sun-soaked settings and family drama in Elin Hilderbrand’s beachy sagas will love Pamela Kelley’s new book, Nantucket Second Chances,” says D’Agnese. The story centers on Claire Shipman, who never thought she’d suddenly be the single mom of a teenager, divorced—and unexpectedly pregnant! To seek refuge, Claire flees to Nantucket, where she grew up, to see her mother and grandmother. What follows is a hopeful summer saga about hard-won second chances. (Out June 9)
What early readers are saying: “A deeply satisfying story of reinvention, centered on a family of women learning to roll with life’s unexpected turns. Full of heart and hope.”
‘Big Little Truths’ by Liane Moriarty
“If you’re anything like me, you’ve been waiting years for the sequel to Big Little Lies,” says Bontekoe. The story takes place more than a decade after the events of the first book. Madeline, Celeste, Jane, Renata and Bonnie are navigating more drama as their children enter high school: Celeste’s mother-in-law behaves oddly, Madeline faces a major decision, Jane’s marriage is shaky and Bonnie and Renata wrestle with resentment. When a man starts asking questions near the school, old secrets resurface—ones that highlight lies they tried to bury. (Out August 25)
What early readers are saying: “What a gossipy, dazzling pleasure it is to be in Liane Moriarty’s mind! She captures perfectly the tender agony of trying to parent teenagers, of being suddenly locked out of the inner life of the child you loved more than your own self, even as you are tossed like a sock in the dryer by the rest of your life. The rare sequel that is just as good (and juicy) as the original.”
‘Our Perfect Storm’ by Carley Fortune
“Bestselling author Carley Fortune sets a summer scene so well it feels like you’re experiencing every lake breeze, romantic meal and sunset,” says Bontekoe. “And she does it again in Our Perfect Storm.” Frankie and George have been best friends since childhood, but they’ve had a falling out, and she doesn’t know if he’s even coming to her wedding. Still, when Frankie’s fiancé leaves her on her big day, George offers to go on her honeymoon—as friends. In a scenic locale, Frankie and George try to repair their rift, revealing hidden truths that could reroute the course of their lives.
What readers are saying: “Our Perfect Storm is about a delicate love that grows between two childhood friends in a slow yet passionate and emotionally engaging way. In the setting of a lush coastal paradise, a broken heart is mended by the first love, first best-friend, first of everything. This is not simply a story about childhood friends turning lovers, it’s about showing up for those who need it the most.”
‘Fairfield County’ by R.A. Dameron
Set in the sweeping landscape of South Carolina, DeLana R.A. Dameron’s Fairfield County celebrates Southern Black cowboy culture—a legacy rooted in horses, land and tradition.
The Bolton family has spent over a century raising champion horses, but tragedy leaves Dwayne the reluctant inheritor. Still disconnected from the cowboy life his grandfather envisioned, Dwayne struggles to keep the farm alive. Meanwhile, his daughter Nikki is a gifted young rodeo rider—and unaware of her family’s history. Can Dwayne confront his past and future?
What readers are saying: “The trials and tribulations of four generations of Black South Carolina horsemen are recounted in this poignant story. Each generation faces deep troubles, sadness, and grief amid times of joy.The story is told in a true to form prose and dialog of the Black community. The situations, experiences, and lives of the characters will touch you on many levels, evoking deep sentiment and emotion.”
Best new audiobooks for a road trip
‘It Could Have Been Her’ by Lisa Jewell
“Known for her riveting tales, Lisa Jewell’s new novel, It Could Have Been Her, delivers all her signature thrills,” says Mosness. One day, Jane stumbles upon a dog. But the teenage girl who was staying nearby with the dog is nowhere to be found. Jane travels to London to return the dog to its registered owner—only to discover the house she pulls up to is the very one she has a dark history with. (Out June 23)
‘The Romance Revival’ by Christina Lauren
“Beloved co-authors Christina Lauren always deliver three elements in their books: heat, heart and humor,” says D’Agnese. “And their upcoming novel, The Romance Revival, checks all three boxes!” Three years ago, Emery Finch impulsively married Luca, but their marriage is deeply strained. When an accident causes Luca to lose all memory of her, Emery takes extraordinary risks to revive their love. (Out July 14)
‘Last Summer at Maine Chance’ by Jessica Everett
Set against the glittering world of a 1950s lakeside spa, Last Summer at Maine Chance by Jessica Everett follows a woman rewriting the rules. Cynthia Proctor is a statistician in 1954, but her ambitions are dismissed and her stolen scholarship deepens the setback. When she lands a summer position at Elizabeth Arden’s elite Maine Chance spa, she enters a world where appearance and ambition collide.
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