From Emily Henry to Vanessa Walters: Our Top Picks for a Warm Summer’s Day
Sun’s out, books out! Summer is practically made for lazy days spent with a good book in hand. For some, summer screams beach blanket rom-com with a fruity drink as their sidekick. Others crave a good old-fashioned murder mystery to keep things thrilling as the cool evenings creep in. Or why not escape entirely with a new fantasy novel?
This year, we have been blessed with a bunch of fantastic new books — some by familiar favorites and others making their awaited debut. So, forget packing stress because we’ve curated the top five most anticipated summer reads to throw into your case. All you have to do is grab your favorite beach towel, a refreshing drink (bonus points for something colorful with a tiny umbrella poking out), and relax into the best summer reads of 2024.
Funny Story, Emily Henry
Can we really talk about summer romances without mentioning Emily Henry? From bestsellers including Happy Place, Book Lovers, and Beach Read, Henry’s latest book doesn’t disappoint.
Funny Story follows Daphne, a reserved children’s librarian left heartbroken when her fiancé Peter dumps her to marry her childhood best friend Petra. Stuck in a new town with no close connections, Daphne finds unexpected support in Peter’s friend Miles. As Daphne and Miles navigate their unexpected living situation, their contrasting personalities and the circumstances that brought them together promise a funny and heartwarming story.
It was also announced in July 2024 that Funny Story would be made into a film, with Henry writing the script herself. If you’re looking for a classic beach read and want to catch up before the movie drops, definitely add this to your list!
The Night Ends with Fire, K.X. Song
“Romantasy” is a new trend in the publishing industry, and we are loving it. Fusing magic and romance into one novel, what’s not to love? Inspired by the beloved legend of Mulan, this is K.X Song’s debut adult fantasy novel. The story follows a young woman, Meilin, who is determined to choose her own destiny—even if that means going against everyone she loves.
War rages across the Three Kingdoms, and Meilin is stuck in the middle. She is torn between love for her loyal friend Sky, a mysterious sea dragon spirit with hidden motives, and a captivating enemy prince who makes her question who she really is.
Expect “wuxia” action (wuxia is a genre of Chinese historical fantasy fiction concerning the adventures of martial artists in ancient China), a heroine defying expectations, and a timely exploration of female empowerment, all wrapped in a thrilling adventure.
Grown Women, Sarai Johnson
Grown Women, a powerful debut novel by Sarai Johnson, explores the complex bonds between four generations of Black women. Erudite Evelyn, her jaded daughter Charlotte, and Charlotte’s hopeful daughter Corinna grapple with motherhood, generational trauma, and the lingering pain from past hurts.
The arrival of Corinna’s daughter, Camille, offers a flicker of hope for reconciliation. The three women decide to work together to raise Camille with tenderness and empathy that they never had growing up. Yet, despite their best intentions, they can’t agree on how to do so.
When Camille finally leaves rural Tennessee for a more cosmopolitan life, the reader is left wondering if this complex character will thrive or be burdened by the fears and dreams of the three generations she carries.
Beautifully written, this is a tender read for a warm afternoon in the sun.
The Lagos Wife, Vanessa Walters
If you’re looking for more of a page-turning thriller, check out The Lagos Wife. In fact, this may be the perfect summer read as it has been described as “part beach thriller, part Nigerian lit.” Walters weaves a suspenseful tale that blends mystery with domestic noir.
Nicole, a woman who seemingly had it all after marrying into a wealthy Nigerian family, disappears after a boat trip. Her estranged aunt Claudine travels to Lagos to investigate, uncovering a life filled with secrets and a past that threatens to come back to haunt them both. Walters’ gripping story keeps readers guessing as Claudine navigates a world of wealth and deception.
A Novel Love Story, Ashley Poston
As far as romcoms go, this one is golden. A Novel Story tells the tale of Eileen (Elsy) Merriweather, a dreamer who prefers romance in fictional stories over her own love life. On the way to her annual book club retreat, she finds herself lost in Eloration, a town that has an uncanny resemblance to the setting of a well-known romance series. Eileen has literally found herself lost in her favorite book.
Elsy is sure she has been brought to help bring the town to its storybook ending. However, there’s a character she doesn’t recognize and he gets in the way of her predictable ending.
This charming, light read makes the perfect holiday companion. When you read this book, you’ll most definitely wish the plot was happening to you.
Whether you’re whisking off to a tropical island or simply enjoying the long evenings at home, summer just isn’t the same without a selection of new books.
From fuzzy rom-coms like Funny Story and A Novel Story to more tender, serious reads such as Grown Woman or the thrilling The Lagos Wife, there’s a story for every reader this season.
Looking for more book inspiration? Check out our latest recommendations here.