It’s been a challenging season of life, and books have been one of my companions. Reading has brought escapism, solace, and the reminder that alongside challenges and struggles there is art, creativity, inspiration and hope.

Since I love reading recommendations and bookish podcasts, I was inspired to make my own summer reading guide! You’ll mostly find recent releases, but I’ve also included some backlist gems. I find that reading for self-care usually means not reading parenting and wellness books, so I’ve featured books across a variety of genres such as romance, mystery, and non-fiction.

Raising children has reminded me of the importance of reading for fun, I don’t want my self-care time to feel like homework. And while the definition of a summer read is different for everyone, I stuck to books that are easy to be swept up in because as a parent I need propulsive stories if I’m going to choose a book over a nap or reality television.

Enjoy this mix of engaging, playful, and thoughtful reads across genres.

7 Romance Reads

When the world feels like it’s on fire, knowing there will be a happy ending reduces anxiety and helps us get lost in heartwarming stories.

Summer Romance by Annabel Monaghan - I’ve read all her books, and I love them all! Monaghan is a tried and true romance author, and this title features the love story between an insecure former child actress and a quietly confident cinematographer.
The Love Haters by Katherine Center – If you’re looking for a closed door romance author, Center is for you! Her latest release has all the summer vibes as a video producer travels to Florida to interview a Coast Guard rescue swimmer. Spoiler alert, they fall madly in love.
This Summer Will Be Different by Carley Fortune – Another queen of the summer romance novels, this title tells the love story between a florist and an oyster shucker. Lucy falls for her best friend’s brother, but the real reason to read Fortune’s books is for the lush writing that makes her settings come alive. After reading this book, you’ll definitely want to book a trip to Prince Edward Island.
Seven Days in June by Tia Williams – Williams writes romance novels with serious depth. This second-chance romance is about two authors that reunite as adults, and sparks fly. This book covers mental health issues, healthy adult love, and a peek into the Black literary world.
You, With a View by Jessica Joyce – Nothing says summer like a good road trip romance! There are themes of grief and loss, but it doesn’t feel too heavy. I also cherished the grandfather character in this book. I will definitely be reading more of Joyce’s books.
People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry - This friends-to-lovers romance tells their story through their post-college annual vacations.
Love and Hot Chicken by Mary Liza Hartong – Small-town Southern charm meets laugh-out-loud love in this queer romance. Low stakes and big heart in a story that includes the Chickie Shak (Popeyes vibes) pageant, need I say more?!

9 Relationship Fiction Stories

Big feelings, complex dynamics, and characters you’ll remember.

The Favorites by Layne Fargo – The emotional rollercoaster of friends, lovers, and competitors in the Olympic ice dancing world. I know ice skating might not make you think of summer, but this juicy novel is exactly the kind of page-turner I think of as a beach read. I devoured this book, but I’ve also heard the full-cast narration makes it one of the best audiobooks of the year.
The Guncle by Steven Rowley – I think many books are funny, but not many make me chuckle out loud. Patrick is the gay uncle to two young kids dealing with the untimely death of their mother in addition to a father that has entered rehab. Patrick’s heart is made two times bigger after a summer with his niece and nephew in Palm Springs.
The Wedding People by Alison Espach – This was one of the books of 2024, and if you missed it I think it’s a great summer read. This book features the bizarre and funny relationship between a depressed woman whose husband has left her and a bride she meets at a hotel. There are darker themes of depression than the cover art indicates, but in the end the book is life affirming.
Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall – This book has something for everyone, a love triangle, a murder mystery, and legal drama.
Sandwich by Catherine Newman – Newman’s books are short and full of authentic emotion and relationships. Her books cover meaty topics, but she masterfully weaves in humor and compassion. Sandwich is about midlife when you have older children and aging parents. The commentary on midlife, motherhood, and menopause were a hit for me and my friends.
The Husbands by Holly Gramazio – Such a unique premise that comments on domestic dissatisfaction in a world where you can always swipe right for another potential date. In this novel, the main character wakes up one day married to someone she doesn’t know. By chance she realizes that if she sends a husband to her attic, they will disappear and a new husband will come down the ladder. Enjoy!
Dad Camp by Evan S. Porter – When a dad feels his relationship is changing for the worse with his tween daughter, he forces her to attend a father-daughter camp to bring them closer together. This book is a tender-hearted read set against the summer backdrop of camp.
Blob: A Love Story by Maggie Su – I listened to this unique and oddly moving novel about a disenchanted hotel employee that tries to date a blob. The blob quickly grows into a man, and the book follows their adventures after the main character Vi tells her friends they are dating.
Separation Anxiety by Laura Zigman – Quirky and poignant portrait of a mother in midlife unraveling, and in order to help her manage her anxiety she starts wearing her dog in her teen son’s old baby carrier.

5 Mystery or Literary Thriller Novels

Because sometimes your brain craves plot twists in the safety of a book, and not in real life.

All the Other Mothers Hate Me by Sarah Harmon – Schoolyard politics gone sinister when a young boy goes missing. Get ready for a wild ride with an ex-pop star mother that will do anything to protect her son.
Julie Chan is Dead by Liann Zhang – A murder mystery featuring twins, social media, and a rich family’s creepy island. Fun fact, this debut novel was written by a former skincare influencer.
Finlay Donovan is Killing It by Elle Cosimano – A mom accidentally becomes a hitwoman to make some extra money after her husband leaves her for another woman. It kicks off a charming mystery series that isn’t scary, and I can’t handle books that are too spooky.
Yellowface by R.F. Kuang – A sharp and satirical look at the publishing industry and political correctness. This book explores how far some authors will go to make it in the industry, and you’ll be on the edge of your seat waiting to find out if the main character will be exposed.
God of the Woods by Liz Moore – An atmospheric literary novel about a child that goes missing from a summer camp in 1975. It’s a slow burn mystery, and also one of the big books of 2024.

5 Literary Fiction Books

These books are written beautifully on a sentence level, but many are also witty and fun. All of these books use accessible language, so don’t be afraid to dive into these stories.

Heartwood by Amity Grace – When a woman goes missing on the Appalachian Trail, this book follows the search and also features letters the hiker writes to her mother along the way. This book is lyrical and a fast read.
The Dream Hotel by Laila Lalami – A concise, speculative novel about the unintended consequences of advanced technology. When a young mother is detained at LAX for a crime she might commit based on her dreams, this book follows Sara and her fellow female detainees as they fight to go home.
Margo’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe – This was my favorite book of 2024! Margo is a single mother that starts an Only Fans account to help with her rising costs now that she is a parent. She gets help monetizing her account from her estranged father, who is also a retired professional wrestler. It sounds dark, but it reads as thought-provoking, humorous, and big-hearted.
Audition by Katie Kitamura – A quick and thought-provoking look at the roles we play professionally and personally, especially as parents.
James by Percival Everett – A bold reimagining of Huckleberry Finn from Jim’s perspective. Everett won the Pulitzer Prize in 2025 for this novel.

5 Non-Fiction Picks to Connect, Entertain & Inspire

I love non-fiction that reads like a compelling novel, and all of these books captured my interest from the start.

The Worlds I See: Curiosity, Exploration, and Discovery at the Dawn of AI by by Fei-Fei Li – As a mental health professional with a limited understanding of AI, I was drawn to this book to learn more about the origins and impact of AI from Li’s perspective. But, what makes this book special is the juxtaposition of educational content with her life as an immigrant, and the mentorship her high school math teacher provided throughout her adult life.
What if We Get it Right?: Visions of Climate Futures by Ayana Elizabeth Johnson – I highly recommend you listen to this book, but when you download it and see it’s 21 hours–stay with me! This book features a series of podcast-style interviews from environmental experts in various fields that share their hopeful visions for climate solutions. Trust me, it doesn’t feel like a chore to listen to or read.
The Boys of Riverside: A Deaf Football Team and a Quest for Glory by Thomas Fuller – A moving story about a deaf football team, and their superpower of communication and comradery.
Cultish by Amanda Montell – Montell hosts a podcast by the same name, and her father was in a cult before she was born. This book explores how language shapes belief and control. I did the audio for this book, and it was chef’s kiss.
Sisters in Law: How Sandra Day O’Connor and Ruth Bader Ginsburg Went to the Supreme Court and Changed the World by Linda Hirshman – An oldie, but a hidden gem that’s been on my Goodread’s Favorites Shelf for years. This book explores two very different women, and how they both made an indelible impact on our country.

4 Series to Binge Under the Sun

From fast-paced to sweet and swoony, if you’re looking to get lost in a group of characters for more than one book you might enjoy these selections.

**Fourth Wing series by Rebecca Yarros – Dragons, danger, and sizzling tension. This book reads as YA with adult spice. I do think the first book is the best, but it hooked me enough to keep pre-ordering each successive installment.
**Finlay Donovan series by Elle Cosimano – Equal parts mystery and chaos-mom comedy ensues. I think the highlight of this series is the relationship between the single-mom Finlay and her nanny. In an unhinged way this series emphasizes that parenting is not meant to be a solo sport.
**When in Rome series by Sarah Adams – This charming, closed-door romance series set in Rome, Kentucky is an easy breezy summer delight.
**The Skyland Series by Kennedy Ryan – One of romance’s best pens another memorable series that is equal parts depth and love.

5 Nourishing Self-Care Books

Because you can’t pour from an empty cup (even if it’s holding iced coffee).

The Power of Fun: How to Feel Alive Again by Catherine Price - Price breaks down the research to back up the human need for fun, so just in case you feel guilty making fun a priority she will tell you the scientific reasons why you should still go for it. I did a series about this book on Parent Self-Care’s Instagram because I believe the message is so important. You can download my FREE book summary and interactive worksheet.
The Book of Alchemy by Suleika Jaouad – I went to Jaouad’s book tour with her husband Jon Batiste. Jaouad has been living with cancer for most of her adult life, and this book honors the power of creativity in dark and light times. This book is composed of guest essays from an impressive group of people that also share a creativity prompt. I recommend getting the book so you can jot down inspiration and underline meaningful quotes. I also love that you can pop in and get something of value in just a few pages.
Self-Care for Tough Times: How to Heal in times of Anxiety, Loss and Change by Suzy Reading – My self-care north star is Reading. Although I own almost all of her books, this is the one I recommend for first-time Suzy Reading buyers. Her books feel like a warm hug with practical self-care ideas you will actually add into your routine. Reading is a psychologist and Yoga instructor, and she has helped me add more restorative Yoga into my wellness practice.
Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle by Emily Nagoski and Amelia Nagoski - This book breaks down 7 ways to complete the stress cycle and reduce your risk for burnout. If you want to skim the highlights, you can download my FREE book summary with hand drawn visuals that can improve your wellbeing.
Set Boundaries, Find Peace by Nedra Glover Tawwab – Practical instruction to help you set better boundaries and increase contentment and peace.

If you want more self-care recommendations, head to my Bookshop page for more reads tackling topics such as self-compassion, digital wellness, romantic relationships, and more!

10 Promising Book Picks

This list of books covers a variety of genres. I included books that are available and some that are coming soon; the only common thread is that I can't personally recommend them because they are all in my TBR pile.

Everyone is Lying to You by Jo Piazza – A trad wife murder industry that explores the dark side of mommy Influencers. I’ve read a couple of Piazza’s books, and thoroughly enjoy her podcast Under the Influence.
The Dead Husband Cookbook by Danielle Valentine – An absurd and subversive story about a woman that is suspected of murdering her husband to help build her culinary business. When she decides to write her memoir, secrets will be revealed.
The Academy by Elin Hilderbrand and Shelby Cunningham – The author of the famous Nantucket beach books is starting a new chapter with her daughter and co-author. This book is inspired by her daughter’s elite boarding school experience. Think Gossip Girl vibes, and Hilderbrand says it’s the spiciest book she’s written yet.
Maggie; or, A Man and a Woman Walk into a Bar by Katie Yee – A literary novel about a woman that finds out she has breast cancer the same day her husband tells her that he is having an affair. This Buzzy book is said to tackle grief, marriage, motherhood, and redemption with depth and wit.
Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid – Women in space and a queer love story from a relationship fiction/romance powerhouse. The reviews are solid for this summer blockbuster of a book.
Tilt by Emma Pattee - A climate fiction novel about a pregnant woman that is shopping for a crib in IKEA when an earthquake hits. I can’t wait to see what unfolds as she fights to get home to her husband.
Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins – The Hunger Games prequel about Haymitch’s backstory. The book is consistently getting high praise, and now that my daughter has read the series I’m looking forward to discussing it with her.
A Marriage at Sea: A True Story of Love, Obsession, and Shipwreck by Sophie Elmhirst - A true story of a couple that is shipwrecked, sign me u!
No More Tears: The Dark Secrets of Johnson & Johnson by Gardiner Harris – Think Empire of Pain by Patrick Radden Keefe as Johnson & Johnson is exposed for their knowingly harmful products marketed for babies and children.
Everything is Tuberculosis by John Green – This is a Book Riot recommendation, and the word is even though the title doesn’t grab you–Green is a reliably engaging author. This book addresses how poverty and healthcare inequity results in over a million people a year dying from this preventable disease.

6 Bookish Podcasts

I look forward to new episodes of these podcasts every time they pop up on my phone. Whether you going for a walk or folding laundry, these listens offer community, laughter, and book recs and reviews:

Fated Mates – Romance deep dives with smart, feminist commentary and great author interviews. The co-hosts always have me cracking up, and one of them is a middle school English teacher. As a parent to an incoming 6th grader, I value her observations on middle grade reading.
Bad on Paper – Books, life and friendship with two east coast influencers that have both published their debut titles (The Christmas Orphans Club and Such a Bad Influence). This podcast is ideal for contemporary fiction, rom-com, and literary thriller lovers.
Well-Read – Literary conversation with warmth and heart from two librarians. I enjoy hearing the behind-the-scenes scoop of two librarians.
Book Talk, Etc. – Tackling reading habits and book recs (mostly relationship fiction and literary fiction) from two midwest mood readers.
From the Front Porch – Southern charm meets thoughtful lit chat with author and bookstore owner Annie B. Jones.
Book Riot – Industry news, new releases, and bold book reviews. Book recs focus on literary fiction, mystery, and non-fiction.

Give Yourself a Summer Reading Permission Slip

Let this be your season to read what you want, when you can, without pressure. If this guide feels overwhelming, I like Oliver Burkeman’s idea of viewing the books you are interested in reading as a river that flows by where you can pick up the books that are interesting to you at that moment. This is less pressure than viewing your TBR pile as a bucket of books that you have to read. Oliver Burkeman is the author of Four Thousand Weeks.

I hope books will offer you good company too this summer, happy reading!

Bookish Blog Posts

If you are craving more book content, check out these posts:

10 Reasons Why Reading is a Kick-Ass Self-Care Practice for Parents (August 2023)
15 Self-Care Books for Younger Kids (November 2022)
20 Wellness Books Written by People of the Global Majority (July 2022)
Grow Your Mindfulness and Self-Compassion Skills through Journaling (April 2022)
Self-Care 101 eBook for Busy Parents (December 2020)

50 Summer Book Recs: A Summer Reading Guide for Parents