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New Summer Books For 2024

The God and the Gumiho by Sophie Kim (June 4)

It took me three days to read this book and the ending completely wrecked me before slowly stitching me back together. This is the first time I’ve gotten a chance to read Korean folklore, but I was intrigued the entire time I read The God and the Gumiho.

In the mortal world of New Sinsi resides mythological creatures that live undetected by the mortals around them. Two in particular — Kim Hani and Seokga — come into contact with each other frequently though they’d give anything not to. Seokga is perpetually grumpy — like due to his exile for a failed coup — and feels as if the world he’s in is beneath him. But, Kim Hani feels like she’s able to blend in perfectly. No one would ever suspect she’s the sought after Scarlet Fox who’s binge once covered headlines. No, no. She’s quite full and spends her time working at the café Seokga frequently visits.

However, things change when a powerful demon associated with Seokga’s past starts making its way through New Sinsi. It’s only after Okwang’s emperor — someone Seokga knows very well — dangles the trickster god’s fate in front of him that clues begin to unravel. However, Kim Hani seemingly outwits both of them by tagging along for the deadly adventures that lay in front of Seokga.

He’s irritated at first, but slowly finds himself drawn to Kim Hani the more he spends time around her. As they begin piecing together the whereabouts of the demon, Seokga begins to wonder if his fate is worth more than loving and protecting Kim Hani.

The Wren in the Holly Library by K.A. Linde (June 4)

The Wren in the Holly Library is another fun read that I couldn’t put down! I can definitely see BookTok devouring this one.

Kierse lives in a world that’s been forever flipped upside down once monsters revealed themselves and a devastating war ravaged NYC. Things were so horrific that a Monster Treaty was created to maintain the balance between humans and monsters in hopes that no more bloodshed or destruction would occur.

Though she knows the delicate balance that exists, Kierse decides to use her gifted thievery skills to take something from the Holly Library. But unbeknownst to her, it is the very residence of one of the monsters that now lives in NYC.

But tonight, Kierse ― a gifted and fearless thief ― will break that treaty. She’ll enter the Holly Library…not knowing it’s the home of a monster. Instead of harming her, he decides she could be very useful to him and offers a bargain in exchange for her actions.

However, Kierse doesn’t realize he’s hiding a secret that could cost her more than the loss of her freedom.

Now, Conjurers by Freddie Kölsch (June 4)

New summer books wouldn’t be fun if they didn’t include something for young adults.

A teen’s worst nightmare can be a romantic breakup sometimes, but that’s not true for Nesbit Nuñez. His is unexpectedly finding his secret boyfriend’s mutilated body. As popular as Bastion Attia was, there were some odd things about the way he chose to live his life. Funny enough, Nesbit was well aware what Bastion was — a witch.

Along with the rest of the North Coven — including Dove, Drea, and Brandy — Nesbit is determined to figure out what happened to Bastion. They soon discover there’s something deadly living underneath their local cemetery that was all too content with taking its precious time destroying Bastion’s body. What it doesn’t anticipate is that Bastion’s death wasn’t in vain because he knew exactly how to destroy it too.

Summer Romance by Annabel Monaghan (June 4)

If you’re looking for something lighthearted, this is one of the new summer books that’ll put a smile on your face. It’s endearing and will easily become your favorite beach read.

Ali Morris can keep everyone else’s life organized except her own. She’s still dealing with the grief of her mother passing and the reality that she’s no longer with her husband. Truthfully, she hasn’t been willing to let go of the past because it feels familiar.

But, one day she decides to change her daily routine. It’s around this time that her little changes start yielding results even if it’s because her dog decided to pee on a man…

Serendipity by Becky Chalsen (June 4)

Serendipity reads like what would happen if some of my high school friends and I decided to reconnect years later.

Though Maggie decided to pursue her dreams of being a successful screenwriter in L.A., life had different plans for her. She reluctantly moves to New York and reconnects with former friends who invite her on a summer trip that’s meant to give everyone a mini break from their everyday lives.The issue is that Maggie’s absence affected not only her former best friend Liz, but also her ex-boyfriend Mac…and they’re coming on the trip too.

Though Liz believes she’s celebrating her engagement to Cam, Maggie’s presence makes her internally question if she’s truly happy and she doesn’t need another ruined moment. However, it’s hard to ignore unspoken things and soon everyone’s perfect plans for the summer are left in limbo. They’ll soon come to realize that some things have absolutely nothing to do with Maggie though.

This Thread of Gold: A Celebration of Black Woman by Catherine Joy White (June 11)

This Thread of Gold takes a break from fiction to explore the very real stories and legacies of various Black women across centuries. It was a welcome read for me and tugged at some of the stories I’ve learned about Black women in my own family.

Catherine Joy White masterfully weaves tales of historical stories and her own experiences together to show a different side of Black women; resilience. Instead of approaching hardship from a victim’s lens, she shows how the world’s demand for Black women’s silence has been met with resistance in different ways.

From Nina Simone to women who didn’t have a traditional public platform, This Thread of Gold takes into account the many ways Black women have used what they have to move forward in life.

One Last Summer by Kate Spencer (June 11)

Need another beach read? You have to get your hands on One Last Summer when it hits shelves June 11!

What happens when you look up and realize that your life isn’t going the way you thought it would? Ask Clara Millen because she knows all about it. Her dream job hasn’t exactly dreamy plus she’s still single after all this time. She’s literally wondering, “What gives???”

Her only piece of solace is the annual trip she and her friends take to their childhood sleepover camp during the summer. It’s the perfect getaway until they arrive and get the most unwanted news anyone could ask for — this is the last time they’ll be able to visit because the owners have finally decided to retire.

This leads Clara to begin opening up to Mack, a former ‘enemy’ she frequently competed with as a child. Before long, their passion spills over and they find themselves tangled in more ways than one. Just as she’s getting used to idea of building a life with Mack, she finally gets the call she’s been waiting for…only her heart isn’t sure what it truly wants.

The Midnight Feast by Lucy Foley (June 18)

The Guardian refers to Lucy Foley as, “Agatha Christie for the Instagram age,” and I can’t say I disagree!

After meticulous planning, The Manor finally opens its door to the public and it’s a grand sight to see. There’s luxurious vibes as far as the eye can see, leaving guests awed by the opulence that surrounds them. They even get to sip on The Manor’s speciality cocktail — “Manor Mule” which is made of grapefruit, ginger, vodka, and CBD oil). So very trendy and modern.

But all the glitz and gold can’t mask what lies in wait in the dark. There’s something wrong and could be in the forest. However, it could also be The Manor itself.

The Memo by Rachel Dodes and Lauren Mechling (June 18)

Jenny Green is dealing with the unsettling fact her life has gotten off track at the worst possible time. Her dream career and love life have gone caput which leaves her feeling like she has nothing to brag about at her upcoming college reunion. Things feel even worse when she realizes her friends seem to be doing so much better than her which prompts her to wonder if there’s something she’s been missing. Uh, yes Jenny!

Upon stepping onto her school’s old stomping grounds, she quite literally receives a memo that gives her a chance at the success she’s always wanted. But, time will tell if this is something she’s merely being given or if she’ll have to trade something meaningful.

Children of Anguish and Anarchy by Tomi Adeyemi (June 25)

If you haven’t read the first two books in the Legacy of Orïsha series, you’re truly missing out. But if you’re already hip to the powerful tale of Zélie, you’ll be happy to know that her story continues in Children of Anguish and Anarchy.

This time she’s faced with her most formidable foe yet — King Baldyr. Prior to coming face to face with him, she’s grappling with the being held captive alongside her those she knows and trusts. It’s a far cry from the future she envisioned in Children of Blood and Bone.

King Baldyr ruthless pursuit of her leads to the final showdown that’ll not only test Zélie’s strength, but it’ll also push Amari and Tzain to their limits.

You’re Safe Hereby Leslie Stephens (June 25)

A novel that combines wellness, technology, and motherhood? Please count me in!

The year is 2060 where the combined industries of wellness and technology have created what’s known as the WellPod. It’s designed to essentially be a slice of heaven for those who are looking for reprieve from whatever’s weighing them down in life. It’s precisely the thing Maggie is looking for. She’s recently discovered she’s pregnant, but is terrified to know the baby doesn’t belong to the person she’s in a relationship with.

At the same time, Noa Behar knows she should be more attentive to Maggie if only she could stop focusing on ensuring the durability of the WellPod. Her tune quickly changes when she realizes something is terribly wrong with it and the person she loves could fall victim to hidden dangers.

Tangled Up In You by Christina Lauren (June 25)

Are you looking for a good cry that’s caused by romance, heartbreak, and found family? Christina Lauren has just the thing for you with Tangled Up In You. It features two timelines that are so thoughtful, I may just have to ask what inspired this book!

Ren has lived a life of solitude on a rural farm with her parents. She’s never questioned why they only go into town on certain days and why she doesn’t have access to the internet. All that she knows is that her parents know what’s best for her. This still doesn’t stop her from applying to Corona College so she can put her wits to good use though. It’s something she’s surprised her parents even agreed to, but her excitement about being in a new environment quickly takes precedence.

On the other hand, Fitz is someone who’s always known what he’s wanted to do. Being accepted to Corona has always been his dream too, but he’s also concerned with leaving his criminality behind. All of this changes when he meets Ren and finds himself becoming curious about who she is.

Their lives take a drastic change when a school assignment thrusts them onto a path there’s no turning back from.

A Happier Life by Kristy Woodson Harvey (June 25)

This novel is broken into two timelines that eventually converge.

In the present, Keaton Smith finds herself back in Beaufort, North Carolina to help her mom sell the home the latter grew up in. Though Keaton wasn’t familiar with it before, she’s still down for a fun adventure and challenge. What she doesn’t expect is how many secrets revolve around her late grandparents and the meeting of the cute single father next door.

Back in 1976, Rebecca “Becks” Saint James is happily married to Townsend and spends two decades becoming the hostess everyone loves to know. She’s famous for hosting elaborate dinners during the summer filled with warmth that feels good for the soul. But, people can’t even begin to imagine how much she’s breaking under the pressure of the lie she’s crafted. And it’s one that eventually catches up with Rebecca, leaving her to make a pivotal decision.

Woman of Interest by Tracy O’Niell (June 25)

There are some new summer books that have nothing to do with fiction, but read like a mystery novel. This is one of them

Armed with hunch that her mother may still be alive in South Korea, Tracy O’Neill decides to search for her after reaching out to a private investigator. However, she takes matters in her own hands when he suddenly vanishes and decides to continue searching for her mom. The more she searches, the more she realizes that there’s a reason why her mom possibly went into hiding.

The God of the Woods by Liz Moore (July 2)

When camp attendee Barbara Van Laar disappears in 1975, a frantic search ensues. Although the camp counselors would be concerned if anyone were to go missing, Barbara is the daughter of the camp’s owners whose son also disappeared.

The more that people search for Barbara, the more clues point to something else going on with the Van Laars and the community around them.

Long Island Compromise by Taffy Brodesser-Akner (July 9)

Esteemed journalist and author of hit book (and hit show) Fleishman is in Trouble, Taffy Brodesser-Akner is at it again!

Lo Fi by Liz Riggs (July 9)

Al (Alex) Hunter spends many nights helping to check in guests at The Venue with Julien and realizes she’s not exactly living a life that’s filled with thrills. She still hasn’t even voiced her desire to be on the same stage she watches bands play on over and over again. But, her desire isn’t enough to propel her to act on her dreams.

What does change is a drastic storm hits and lands her ex-boyfriend back at The Venue. Before she knows it, Al finds herself dealing with late nights at her job and with former lovers. Suddenly, her life gets completely off track and she’ll be the only to change the direction of her life.

Tell it to Me Singing by Tita Ramírez (July 9)

Expecting her first child, Monica Campo is by her mother’s bedside when the matriarch drops a huge bombshell on her — her father is someone else. This leaves Monica confused about what’s the truth especially since it seems like her mother is dealing with effects of surgery.For some reason, Monica reaches out to the one person she feels will understand her — her ex-boyfriend Manny. The thing is he’s not the father of her baby.

What Monica discovers is that her parents have a rich past that began shortly after Castro’s takeover and she’ll have to decide which parts of her mother’s confessions are true or not.

Where Are You, Echo Blue by Hayley Krischer (July 16)

Echo Blue’s disappearance catches the ideas of many, especially Goldie Klein. She’s a young journalist who’s followed Echo Blue’s career for a while and feels there’s more going on than what the tabloids believe. It’s the reason why she believes it’s her personal duty to cover Echo’s story.

Goldie’s discoveries include learning how Echo’s tumultuous relationships and battle with addiction, but it doesn’t deter her from being Echo’s fan. Simultaneously, Echo shares her own perspective in Where Are You, Echo Blue.

It flips celebrity worship culture on its head and asks us how far is too far when admiring someone.

The Faculty Lounge by Jennifer Mathieu (July 23)

This summer book is giving me Abbott Elementary vibes and I’m 100% here for it!

When an substitute teacher dies in the faculty lounge, things are shaken up very briefly before returning to normal. However, some parents being asserting themselves when his ashes are spread as they believe this isn’t appropriate.

It’s a hilarious read that asks people to consider the fact the people at the schools kids attend actually are human beings with emotions and lives that don’t revolve around their job. There’s the principal who used to spend his time rocking it out with his band, a school nurse who does whatever she can to help those who truly need it, and the English teacher’s whose bullheadedness catches up with him.

All of this will reveal if Baldwin High will continue standing when it’s all said and done.

Elizabeth of East Hampton by Audrey Bellezza and Emily Harding (August 6)

Elizabeth Bennet has grown tired of being in the Hamptons because she already knows what to expect. The rich will flock to the area for their annual vacations and they’ll only leave once the season changes. For the first time ever, she literally wants nothing to do with being there. Though she wanted to pursue her dreams, she’s stayed behind to help put her family’s bakery back on the map.

The only hint of excitement that comes is in the form of bachelor Charlie Pierce’s friend. The problem is that Will Darcy doesn’t believe he has anything in common with Elizabeth Bennet. He thinks she focuses on money way too much and has the audacity to not cut any corners with him.

But, they form a truce that eventually leads way to something more during the summer.