There’s nothing like a great book in the summertime. Whether you’re heading to the beach, lounging by the pool, or staying cool indoors, our staff has selected a range of standout reads to keep you turning pages all season long.
Contemporary Fiction
The Most Fun We Ever Had, by Claire Lombardo
“THE MOST FUN WE EVER HAD is simply marvelous! I am awed by this author’s ability to create characters who have soaked into my pores. Lombardo’s impressive debut is poignant, tender and wise. I was wholly engrossed in the lives of the David Sorenson and Marilyn Connolly and their four daughters, a tight tribe who compete, resent and love each other fiercely. Lombardo’s ability to capture the day to day anxieties, revelations and joys we face as parents is spot on. A must read!” – Anderson
The Compound, by Aisling Rawle
“If you’re looking for a book to absolutely devour by the pool, The Compound is the kind of addictive, sun-soaked read that keeps you flipping pages long after you’ve reapplied sunscreen.
Set against a glossy, high-stakes backdrop, the novel blends sharp social dynamics with just enough tension, and a sprinkle of romance, to make it impossible to put down. The characters are messy, compelling, and just unpredictable enough to keep you guessing. Think Love Island meets Lord of the Flies.” – Tyler
The Paris Novel, by Ruth Reichl
Need a vacation? The Paris Novel takes you on a journey thru the enchanting city of lights! Wonderful – Cindy
Ask Again, Yes, by Mary Beth Keene
“ASK AGAIN, YES is a compelling, heartbreaking yet hopeful novel. Mary Beth Keane is incredibly talented; she does not sugar coat, instead giving readers a compulsively readable family drama. I did not expect to become so completely engrossed in these characters - two families whose lives become inextricably linked by young love and personal tragedy. Their myriad of mistakes and attempts to atone beautifully demonstrates the power and grace found in forgiveness.” — Anderson
The Creek, the Crone and the Crow by Leah Weiss
“Weiss will take you so deeply into Appalachian lore you will feel you are living it. Richly developed characters and an ancient secret history made this book one of my favorites of the year!” – Carolyn
Fellowship Point, by Alice Elliot Dark
“Oh how I loved FELLOWSHIP POINT! Alice Elliott Dark has penned a lyrically written, epic family saga set spanning the decades long friendship of Polly and Agnes, two women whose lives are inextricably linked, but whose families and careers take them along different paths. When a myriad of buried memories and secrets emerge, their loyalties to one another, to their beloved Fellowship Point, and to themselves are tested beyond measure. I absolutely fell in love with both Polly and Agnes and miss them already.” – Anderson
The Life Impossible by Matt Haig – Cindy
“If you’re looking for a beach read that’s equal parts uplifting and thought-provoking, The Life Impossible offers a heartfelt escape to Ibiza with a touch of magic.” – Tyler & Cindy
Summers at the Saint, by Mary Kay Andrews
“With The Grand Resort such a part of Fairhope’s and The Gulf’s landscape, this one’s fun. Set in Georgia, Mary Kay Andrews delivers what she does best: a sun‑drenched coastal mystery. Centered around The Saint hotel, it is family, class tension, and a decades‑old secret that refuses to stay buried.” – Stacy
“Engaging mystery and a dash of romance at a beach hotel is what makes Mary Kay the QUEEN of beach reads. She never disappoints!” – Carolyn & Cindy
The MASH Up, by Laura Marie Meyers
“I hate that this book doesn’t come out until July, but I couldn’t keep it off my list! The MASH Up is such a fun, nostalgic read inspired by the MASH game we all played back in middle school in the ’90s. This one had me squealing—I felt like a 13-year-old again, fully invested in the enemies-to-lovers romance. I absolutely LOVED it!” – Tyler
Mystery/Thrillers
Anthony Horowitz’s Magpie Murder series.
“The first book, The Word is Murder, is now being made into a TV show, A Deadly Episode. The latest book in the series is Marble Hall Murders, which is excellent. These very clever stories have a story within the story with Horowitz himself and his agent playing major roles.” –Laura
Murder at Gull’s Nest, by Jess Kidd
“A former nun arrives in a 1950s seaside hotel in Kent to investigate why her pen pal’s letters suddenly stopped. Secrets, eccentric guests, a coastal setting, and a BBC-mystery vibe with Irish writer, Jess Kidd’s signature lyrical weirdness.” – Stacy
Ours is a Tale of Murder by Nora Murphy
“You will be surprised many times by this ‘white knuckle’ suspense novel. Well done!” – Carolyn
Inspector Gamache mysteries by Louise Penny
“I came to the series late in the game, but plowed right through because they are so good. Inspector Gamache lives in Three Pines, a fictional town set in Canada near the U.S. border. The local residents frequently play roles in the mysteries. The latest installment, number 20, is The Black Wolf, a sequel to The Grey Wolf in which Inspector Gamache and his trusted colleagues unearth a diabolical plan that threatens both Canada and the U.S. The twenty-first book, Miss Wolcott’s Ghost will be published on October 20, 2026. In the meantime, Penny has co-authored a book with journalist Melissa Fung, The Last Mandarin that arrives on May 12, 2026. (There’s a limited edition just for independent bookstores!). Penny says the book is ‘a study of absolute power and voracious greed, political terror and personal conviction.’ It’ll be perfect for my beach read.” --Laura
These Silent Woods, by Kimi Cunningham Grant
“An absolutely fabulous novel that I could not put down. Lyrical, atmospheric and engrossing, THESE SILENT WOODS Is the riveting story of a dedicated father raising his daughter in a remote cabin in the woods, protecting her from mistakes he made in his past. I dare readers not to fall in love with Cooper and Finch, Marie and Scotland. This incredible story is both heartbreaking and hopeful, and a must read!” – Anderson
Richard Osman
“Osman gained my attention with The Thursday Murder Club series, in which a group of senior citizens try to solve old cases. This eclectic group of pensioners bring a variety of talents and backgrounds to the club which results in an effective crime-fighting team. This is a wonderful series full of interesting people. His new series begins with We Solve Murders about a father and daughter-in-law racing around the world to solve a mystery. The second book, We Chase Shadows comes out on September 15, 2026.” --Laura
The Lies I Tell, by Julie Clark
“This was such a fun, twisty psychological thriller! Lord help any of us if we encounter anyone as clever and conniving as Meg Williams, and absolutely ruthless con-artist with a score to settle. I could not put it down!” – Anderson
Carl Hiassen
“Hiassen, a long-time columnist for The Miami Herald, has books for both adults and young readers. His adult titles that skewer politicians and highlight the ridiculous things that happen in his native Florida are a combination of hilarious and spot on political satire. His latest is Fever Beach which lampoons greed and ignorance set in where else, Florida. While these books don’t have to be read in order, if you are new to his books, start with Tourist Season and you’ll be anxiously looking for the next title. Hiaasen also has published non-fiction, collections of his columns, and middle grade/young adult books like Hoot, which was made into a movie. Several of his books have been made into movies or TV series. They are all perfect for a day of reading.” ---Laura
The Boomerang, by Robert Bailey
“Fast paced political thriller. This book has it all, deceit, hatred, loyalty, drama y suspense. Full of twists, turns, action and moves fast!” – Cindy
All the Colors of the Dark, by Christ Whitaker
“Both a sweeping family epic and a haunting crime novel, ALL THE COLORS OF THE DARK is a masterfully told story that starts with an abduction, weaving an extraordinary tale of found family and lifelong friendship. Through the voices of a brave, determined Patch and the fiercely loyal Saint, readers are taken on an unforgettable quest for justice and redemption. Truly remarkable!” – Anderson
Historical Fiction
Champagne Letters, by Kate MacIntosh
“The Champagne Letters is the perfect historical fiction to enjoy poolside with something bubbly in hand. Told across dual timelines, the novel follows two women—one in the 1800s helping build one of the world’s most iconic champagne houses, and a present-day divorcée who discovers her journal and begins to follow her advice. Filled with adventure, self-discovery, and second chances, it’s an engaging, feel-good read that pairs perfectly with a sunny afternoon. Perfect for fans of Kristin Harmel!” – Tyler & Cindy
The Star Society, by Gabriella Saab
“Inspired by the spirit of Audrey Hepburn in old Hollywood. It’s a dual timeline, two sisters, after WWII, with secrets to keep. Historical fiction with mystery and drama. A little bit of everything.” – Cindy
Non-Fiction/Memoir
The Salt Path, by Raynor Winn
“A couple loses everything and decides to walk the 630‑mile South West Coast Path in England. It’s an inspiring memoir about resilience, reinvention, and the healing power of the sea.” –Stacy