15 summer reads for under the sunshine

It’s mid summer despite what all the stores are saying, and I’ve definitely done my share of getting lost in some great reads! And since I adore it when people share ideas and book lists, I thought I’d also share some of my very favorites lately. Emerson even included five of her faves below! ‘Tis the summer for great reads: 15 Summer Reads for Under the Sunshine! {And more on our site!} 

So let’s dive in, shall we? Drum roll please… in no particular order… {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… I did provide a few snippets below, if you’re interested. But kind of like watching a movie trailer before the movie, I like to go in blind as long as I know the genre… See more of our round-ups here!} 

1. A Very Bad Thing 

Celebrated author Columbia Jones is at the top of her game when her unexpected death brings some secrets of a hidden past. If you love thrillers, this one’s the perfect fit for a great summer read. The more I read, the more I realized there were a ton of Nashville references that were close to home… This was my first read of this author, so I was thrilled to see she frequently references such a fun city.  

See more about A Very Bad Thing, here!

2. The Summer I Found You

This author’s debut album features the quintessential summer read with beautiful nods to the North Fork of New York and a quaint beach town. It has second chances, an unexpected age-gap romance, a family secret, some good spicy moments, and an old house that needs a little love. Her debut novel doesn’t disappoint, and Jennifer hit it out of the park! 

See The Summer I Found You, here!

3. Remarkably Bright Creatures

Tova starts working at the local aquarium when an unexpected friendship occurs with an octopus. A great read with layered, nuanced characters. Easily one of my top reads of the year and an all-time fave book. They recently released the movie on Netflix, and while I always prefer the book, Sally Field was the perfect casting choice. 

See more of Remarkably Bright Creatures here.

4. Theo Of Golden

Theo arrives in the small town of Golden, Georgia, and no one quite knows why he’s there. He’s inspired by some portraits hanging in the back of a coffee shop, and from there, these characters are intertwined in the most interesting ways. It’s a slow burn, but the sweetest of reads. PS. I loved the audio version of this one, read by David Morse. 

See more of Theo of Golden here.

5. Yesteryear

If there were ever two opposite characters, they would be Theo of Golden + Natalie Heller Mills. She’s insufferable, and I’m here for it. Sometimes, I love to hate {and also root for} the anti-hero, and Natalie is one of them. This book tackles some tough topics, and the main character is everything we loathe about influencers + online culture. With a twist you won’t see coming, to boot. 

See more of Yesteryear here.

6. The God of the Woods

A book layered in decades of generations, a wealthy family shadowing the local blue-collar workers, and a summer camp with a missing girl is something any mystery lover will adore. This was one of the best thrillers I read this year. Now filming a mini-series for Netflix and I CANNOT WAIT. 

See more of The God of the Woods here.

7. Wild, Dark Shore

Dominic Salt and his three children are caretakers on a remote island when a mysterious woman washes ashore. She barely survives, and when they start nursing her back to health, secrets begin to unfold. This one is a Reese’s Book Club pick, and rightfully so! Another one to read before it’s adapted into a screenplay… 

See more of Wild Dark Shore here.

8. The Correspondent

Someone described this book as “a complete and utter joy” and I couldn’t agree more. It’s a novel about the beauty of slowing down to connect with those that you love, forgiveness, second chances…. and it’s hard to describe beyond that. The main character is nuanced and inspiring in her growth. Check that one out. 

See more of The Correspondent here.

9. The Midnight Library

Somewhere in the ether, there is a library filled with endless books. And with each book, it’s a new chance to start over and find the perfect life. If you were filled with regrets, would you give it a chance? What do you think you’d find there? Nora Seed finds herself facing a big decision… and we’re all on the edge of our seats. 

See more of The Midnight Library here. 

10. My Husband’s Wife

All I can say is that you think you know where this book is going. You don’t. Top-tier thriller. 

See more of My Husband’s Wife here. 

Emerson’s Picks: Because I tend to lean more in a thriller or classic feel-good vibe, and she adores a good romance + what we have titled girly pop good times. Here are even more for our top fifteen! 

11. Beg, Borrow or Steal

Emily and Jack are lifelong rivals whose competitive relationship takes an unexpected turn when circumstances force them into each other’s orbit. There’s a fine line between love and hate. A laugh-out-loud romance with lovable characters. 

See more of Beg, Borrow or Steal here. 

12. Fake Skating

Childhood friends and former crushes agree to fake-date to solve their own problems, but pretending quickly becomes more complicated than either expected. As usual, Lynn Painter perfectly balances sweetness and emotional depth, making it a great feel-good read.

See more of Fake Skating here. 

13. In Your Dreams

A romance with plenty of heartfelt moments, humor, and the signature warmth of a small-town setting. It’s an uplifting story about taking chances, believing in yourself, and finding love where you least expect it.

See more of In Your Dreams here. 

14. The Enemy

Two neighbors in forced proximity, in a situation that reveals much more beneath the surface. This is a delightful enemies-to-lovers romance full of clever banter, genuine emotion, and satisfying character growth.

See more of The Enemy here. 

15. Picking Daisies on Sundays * Emerson’s Fave!

A fake dating arrangement between longtime friends begins as a simple plan but soon stirs up feelings neither of them expected. A wholesome, comforting romance with lovable characters, sweet chemistry, and all the cozy, feel-good vibes perfect for romance lovers.

See more of Picking Daisies on Sundays here. 

Pssst… Want even more reads? Be sure to check out more of our fave lists, 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!