Summer’s One Must Read Book 2024 [Book Reviews] #Collaboration #MustReadBook #SummerReading #BookX #BookBlogger #BookSky #booklist
Today’s post features recommendations from TWENTY bloggers for one Must Read Book of the summer! I’m sure you’ll find something that matches your reading tastes.
Are you pondering what book to choose for your vacation or staycation?
Are you in limbo trying to decide what ONE great book to read this summer?
Do you ever wish someone would just TELL you what book to read?
Are you looking for a list of trusted book review bloggers?
Do you spend more time thinking about which book to pack for your vacation than packing the clothes? (oh…just me?)
If you only have time to read ONE more book before summer’s end, what would you choose?
This is the time of year when readers in my hemisphere are looking for “Beach Reads.” (If you’re in the Southern Hemisphere, happy “winter reading!”) The term “Beach Read” is puzzling to me because I think any book you read at the beach or the pool is a beach or pool read (similar to a body at the beach is a beach body!). Furthermore, “beach read” means different things to different readers: some want easy reading/light/fluffy, some want escapist, some want romcom, some want thrillers/suspense/mystery, while others are looking for heavier or longer reads that they might have more time for in the summer. During the summer, I look for the same types of reads I look for all year long: something substantial, engaging, memorable, unputdownable, and thought-provoking. Although something light and fluffy is nice for a change of pace. What is your ideal beach or pool read?
***I have not read most of the following recommendations (except my own of course!), so I encourage you to read additional reviews (and check content warnings) to decide which book is to your exact taste.
Reviewers Recommend:
Some things bring joy to a blogger’s heart and this collaborative post is definitely at the top of the list! These are a few of the bookish folks I “hang out with” throughout the year. Make their day and visit their blogs (comment, like, follow)!
I am thrilled to publish this post today! I asked several experienced and trustworthy reviewers from a variety of geographical locations what they would recommend as their ONE “Not-to-be-Missed” Summer 2024 Reading Recommendation. I love this list because it draws attention to books that might be flying under the radar.
Today, I’m exceptionally excited to introduce you to a few of my blogging friends who chose ONE recommendation for YOU (listed in alphabetical order by blogger’s first name). I want you to notice that these bloggers are an international group! One of the greatest joys of blogging is making book friends around the world and country (better than pen pals!). Please take a look at their recommendations, check out their blogs, and give them a follow! (One of the most tangible ways you can thank book review bloggers is by giving them a follow and commenting on their posts!)
I hope you’ll appreciate the following (mostly) “recent releases” recommendations that include some diversity and a mix of genres that will appeal to a variety of tastes (from neurodiverse characters to contemporary literary fiction to mystery/thriller to biographical historical fiction to road trip fiction to rom-com to a mystery series to multi-generational friendship fiction to mystery/suspense to women’s fiction to historical fiction to magical realism to judicial to uplit to friendship fiction to Y/A fantasy to whimsical retelling……).
We hope at least one matches YOUR reading taste!
***Titles are Amazon affiliate links and full review links have been included when available.
From the time I read the first review of this book, I wanted to read it. It was published in the UK in November of 2023, so I had to wait patiently until the end of May for it to hit the Canadian/US market. Wow, I fell in love with Joe-Nathan, a neurodivergent young man. Joe’s mom gave him structure and advice that he used to his benefit. Joe isn’t the only one to learn new things in this book, he taught others many valuable lessons. It is not a quickly moving story, but it is wonderful and pulled me right in from the start. I can’t recommend it highly enough. *content warnings for abuse*
This year I’ve had SO many 5/5 star books, I’m going to go with one I don’t think anyone else will suggest. It is the translated book, A Good Life by Virginie Grimaldi (Trans-Hildegarde Serle) about two sisters and how they spend a week together after their grandmother passed away.
Lola in the Mirror was an absolutely brilliant story – I loved it! One of the best books I’ve ever read and yes that’s a big call. It had everything – darkness, sadness, trauma, addiction, violence – but above all it had hope, love and light. Set in Brisbane, it was a fabulous contemporary read and my favourite of Trent Dalton’s so far!
In Katharine’s Remarkable Road Trip, every aspect of the narrative is captivating, from Katharine’s unapologetic approach to life and her defiance of societal norms to the compelling mystery surrounding her health. The result is a page-turner that refuses to be set aside.
Katharine emerges as a multifaceted character, simultaneously down-to-earth, relatable, sassy, profound, and engaging. She not only defied the conventions of her era but also defined her own path.
Narrated in the first person, Katharine’s unfiltered honesty about her strengths and weaknesses adds a layer of authenticity and depth that elevates the story to new heights. It’s this raw honesty that truly sets the narrative apart.
If you are a fan of narrative nonfiction, historical fiction, biographical fiction, or strong, independent women, this is a book you simply must read.
Matthew Norman’s latest is a solid rom-com that’s heavy on both the com and the rom. A devoted son tricks a 90s rock star into meeting her biggest fan–his father–in an edible-fueled attempt for a love connection. Neither the characters or the novel dwell on this shaky foundation, but shift into a variety of sweet stories. There’s a couple of people in their forties falling for each other, there’s a mother and father dealing with their son heading off for school, a former rock star getting a second chance at success, there’s a great deal of love for music, and a celebration of a beloved city. This is a perfect read for a lazy summer day–funny, sweet, uncomplicated, and full of joy. I found myself smiling while reading this book more than I’m used to–I expect you will, too.
I’m obsessed by this series now. I was lucky enough to get this first book via Net Galley and immediately after reading it bought the second book in the series. I’m well and truly hooked! A Regency historical fiction with mysteries to be solved, romance, paranormal powers… this book has a bit of everything. I loved the characters and the dynamic between them. Definitely a 5 star read for me.
Frank and Red is just wonderful. It’s one of these books I’ve been recommending to all my friends and everyone who has read it has loved it too. It’s the story of an unlikely friendship between young, exuberant Red and elderly, curmudgeonly Frank. I do enjoy a multi-generational story where the characters’ lives are improved simply by getting to know each other. This book is sweet, funny, emotional, and uplifting and, if you really made me choose, I’d say it’s my favourite book of the year so far. I should mention that I listened to this one and the narrator James Killeen is superb. I unreservedly loved this book from beginning to end.
Jonetta @ Blue Mood Cafe initially chose the same book and wrote a blurb, so I’m also including it here:
Frank Hayes lives a very lonely and solitary life, never leaving his home since the death of his beloved wife Marcie who “visits” him regularly and he’s estranged from his only son. Then his new neighbors move in. How does he know? Because the six-year old boy everyone calls Red begins jumping on his new (and noisy) trampoline. When Red discovers Frank sitting outside his back yard, he’s determined to become friends. Frank is equally committed to not going there but is no match for this bright and engaging child who, despite struggling with his parents’ divorce, a new school and a new home, doesn’t give up. There’s so much depth to this story, full of humor, heartache, hope and despair. Red is a precocious child without being overly so, his naivety combined with his smarts producing the most charming mix. But it’s his relationship with Frank that’s the most captivating. It’s honest, authentic and cathartic for both. This is truly a diamond in the proverbial rough and if you can treat yourself to the audio version, be prepared to get lost in this magical story.
John and Cora Fox take their two children, twelve-year old Thea and ten-year old Rem, to visit their maternal grandmother Lucy in the Appalachian hills of Kentucky every June. This year is extra special as the kids will spend two weeks this time in the place they love with the woman they adore. John and Cora return to Virginia, taking advantage of some precious alone time. But soon after they get home, Thea and Lucy wake from a horrific nightmare where they witness John and Cora’s murder. Thea has inherited the “gift” passed through the maternal bloodline but it’s much stronger than Lucy’s. You see, not only did Thea witness everything that happened to her parents in real time, she could see it through the mind and eyes of the killer. This is a moving saga covering more than a decade. Its conflation of several genres made it even more fascinating, especially Thea’s extraordinary gift of sight. I loved Lucy’s way of life that she passed down to her grandchildren who embraced it willingly. Thea’s romance was lovely, even when it hit a bumpy path. There’s so much breadth and grace here to offset the evil of Thea’s mental nemesis who is dangerous and scary. I didn’t want it to end, even after 15 hours!
This book is inevitably going to draw comparisons with The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo insofar as it tells the life story of a fascinating woman through the lens of her important relationships but, although I think the novel will appeal to people who loved Taylor Jenkins Reid’s book, this title is very different in tone and themes, whilst being equally good. Ruby Devereaux is a ninety-year-old author who has led an extraordinary life. She has experienced some of the most important world events of the last century at first hand, whilst at the same time discovering herself as a person and, more specifically, a woman with all that entails. A book about how our experiences and our relationships form and inform us as people, it is clever, beautiful, tender and delightful. My favourite book of 2024 so far and ideal for summer entertainment with just the perfect amount of heft.
Haven is a short but intense novel inspired by a tiny, rocky island rising steeply from the Atlantic Ocean, that was once occupied by an order of monks. Donaghue’s narrative involves a trio of religious men in the seventh century who land at Skellig Michael in the seventh century. They came there because their leader — a holy man renowned for his learning — believes it to be his destiny to follow a pure life on a solitary island. But the two monks who are his companions, discover that this man is a harsh leader, one who is so focused on glorifying his God that he ignores human needs. The two monks face a dilemma: they have sworn an oath of obedience to this man and if they break it, they face damnation. But if they honour this sacred oath, they will likely die.
“In this uplifting story about friendship, love, and growth, one woman must untangle herself from a past that’s holding her back in order to move forward into the life that will set her free.
Penelope Auberge is at her breaking point. With an overbearing mother, a married boyfriend, and a boss who gives Pen’s high-profile finance clients to male colleagues, it feels like nothing she’s accomplished in her thirty-two years belongs to her.
Determined to build a life entirely her own, Pen moves from Minnesota to Tennessee to open a solo financial business. There, she meets siblings Deanna and Grant, who attempt to coax Pen out of her socially anxious shell. Hesitant to open up so she doesn’t get hurt (again), Pen is slow to develop a friendship with Deanna, and she’s determined to ignore her feelings for Grant, which is difficult given she’s joined his cycling group and a clear something begins blossoming between them.
Pen’s path in Nashville appears to be smoothing out, but she soon learns that packing up her past isn’t quite that easy. If she wants to start fresh, she’ll have to decide what she really wants—even if that means riding away from her old life for good.”
Joining us from Texas, Kendra @ Kendra Nicolerecommends women’s fiction with a touch of magical realism:
Growing up working her family flower farm in the small town of Jasper, North Carolina, June Farrow always realized she was different. As one of a long line of Farrow women who gradually went mad, June knows the curse is coming for her too, and when June begins experiencing strange visions at the age of thirty-four, she’s disturbed but not surprised. The next time a mysterious door appears—the door that June had previously passed off as a hallucination—June crosses the threshold into a past she could never have imagined, with some familiar faces but a new life that is destined to haunt her dreams.
This incredible time travel story is a tale of mystery, suspense, romance, and the search for identity. We follow June as she comes to terms with her own fate and the role she may play in her destiny, and along the way we are treated to a heartwarming story of family, loyalty, and courage. This magical tale that reads like historical fiction is my favorite read of the summer and is perfect for fans of The Ten Thousand Doors of January or The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue.
This under-the radar gem sets one sheltered young woman’s personal growth against the tumultuous events of the 1925 “Scopes Monkey Trial”. Maybe a trial in the 1920s doesn’t sound like the most exciting plot for a summer read, but trust me, there’s more to it than meets the eye. Through Annabel’s eyes, we see a small town embroiled in controversy over the teaching of evolution in schools, with national attention and big-name celebrities descending on this small Tennessee town and causing huge waves in everyone’s lives. Against the political backdrop, we see Annabel come to terms with her own life, her expected role as a young wife, and her own potential ambitions. With well-defined characters and fascinating legal and political battles, this book is engaging and absorbing from start to finish.
The Rom-Commers has the chemistry (without the graphic you-know-what), it has the poignancy of a close family, and it has the Hollywood behind-the-film magic! Emma Wheeler and Charlie Yates are “the” couple of the summer! How they go from Emma’s 6-week ghostwriting gig shoring up Charlie’s first-ever rom-com script to Oh My WOW is a super fun story. Plus, Cuthbert!
(This short stoy is FREE to download from the author’s website…linked in title)
I loved Strange New World because it updated a classic story for a modern audience while also expanding the Alice in Wonderland lore in all sorts of creative ways. The dreamlike quality of the writing fit this universe perfectly. Things that wouldn’t make any sense in our world were surprisingly easy to understand here. Keeping the balance between making enough sense that the audience understands what is happening and allowing the characters to be themselves can be complicated at times , but it makes for such a whimsical and lighthearted reading experience.
Yes, The Night in Question is indeed a mystery novel – but it is also a poignant and empathetic portrayal of aging – as we examine Florrie’s life via her reminiscences. It is these very reflections on her own life that aids Florrie in solving the mystery surrounding Renata’s fall. Her life was richly portrayed and had many highs and lows – as life always does.
The story shows how many people are patronizing of the elderly – deeming them ‘lesser than’. It speaks to love and friendship in all their myriad permutations. How one love does not diminish another. How secrets can wound. Sometimes they wound the secret holder most of all.
A mystery story that is more ‘Uplit’ than mysterious, it nevertheless kept me engrossed. I admired Florrie and Stanhope and immensely enjoyed my time spent in their company.
If you’re looking for a wonderful story about supportive female friendships I definitely recommend this one, and I look forward to reading more by this writing duo.
The Briar Club by Kate Quinn is an entrancing novel that chronicles the lives of a diverse group of women living in a Washington DC boarding house in the early 1950s. The Briar Club is an intriguing story of friendship and rivalries set against a backdrop of political and social change encompassing the atom bomb, McCarthyism, the Korean war, racial discrimination and the cold War. Don’t expect a fast-paced intense story. The Briar Club is very much a slow burn, character driven read. And one I loved. The storyline is intricate and richly layered with historical detail that I reveled in. I loved the characters’ dramas, their relationships, and their stories which Grace seamlessly extracted from them. I really didn’t want this book to end, as satisfying as that ending is. The Briar Club elicited all the emotions from me – it is sad, funny, touching, appalling and entertaining. A perfect mix.
As you might expect from a magical pirate adventure tale, Tress of the Emerald Seaby Brandon Sanderson is a rollicking yarn full of humor, suspense, excitement, and all kinds of fun. Although there’s some heartbreak within its pages, it’s an upbeat, satisfying story that’s just as entertaining for adults as it is for its intended YA audience. Believe the hype on this one—it’s just as delightful as it sounds!
Do you know who designed Jacqueline Kennedy’s wedding dress?
By Her Own Design is the fictionalized biography of fashion designer, Anne Lowe, an incredible woman forgotten by history. Until now.
I found the story of Anne Lowe fascinating and compelling for many reasons. Despite racism and prejudice, her circumstances, and life’s obstacles, she persevered. At times through creativity and following Plan B and other times through sheer determination. Also, she was devoted to her young son while pursuing her goals. Many of her decisions were made with him in mind. She moved, in part, to New York so that he could attend better schools, and she saved money relentlessly for his college education. Anne Lowe had many reasons to be bitter, but she continually rose above that temptation. Overall, the author characterized Anne as a competent, gifted, and thoughtful woman of faith whom we can admire. She was forward-thinking despite hardships and disappointment. I found all these aspects of the story compelling. *Content warnings for child/adult marriage*
I have the highest praise for authors who find the untold stories and write fictionalized biographies about real-life inspirational women. If you enjoy themes of beating the odds, self-determination, and pursuing your dreams, you will love this heartfelt and riveting story. *content warnings apply*
Thank you to each blogger who participated in this post and for your ONE GREAT recommendation!
Do you agree that this is a splendid international group? Readers, I hope you have enjoyed this collaborative post! The choices represent a variety of tastes and reading experiences and are as unique as the bloggers themselves. We know that no two persons read the same book, and we hope you find one recommendation to match your reading taste!
Please share or pin this post so that others looking for ONE wonderful summer read can hear about these recommendations! Let us know in the comments if you choose ONE of these books for your summer read! Our greatest joy is hearing that you read one of our recommended books!
In The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto, Mitch Albom says that “Everyone joins a band in this life.” In the noise of the World Wide Web, I have found my people (band)! Each of these bloggers has shown personal support, inspiration, and encouragement to me, and I urge you to click through to their blogs and kindly give them a follow!
Thank you for visiting and reading today! All twenty bloggers who contributed to this collaborative post would be honored and thrilled if you choose to enjoy and follow along (see subscribe or follow option), promote, and/or share our blogs. Every comment or like warms our hearts and every share helps us grow.
What a great list of bloggers and interesting mix of books. I have read 3 of them plus my own, but if they are already not on my TBR shelf, I am adding all of them today. Thanks for putting together this great post, Carol.
Thanks so much for including me again this year! I can’t wait to add all these recommendations to my TBR. Making my way through the list, visiting the websites, commenting, and sharing. Such a wonderful project that I am honored to be part of.
Hi Carol, what a great list of books, none of which I’ve read (apart from the one I mentioned) so I am now adding a whole heaps of books to my never-ending list! Many thanks for the invite again this year and I will share this in my ‘What’s On Your Bookshelf’ post and linkup next week (#WOYBS is a linkup by four bloggers on the 3rd Friday of the month – everyone is welcome to join us with a link to a book post).
Hi, Carol – I have been waiting FOREVER for ‘Lola in the Mirror’ to become available to me. I recently joined the Queens NY Library (50USD/year for non-residents, one heck of a deal for me) and double hooray they have Lola in the Mirror (with a small waiting line). I can’t wait to read this!
I love your collaboration idea. There are many books on this list that I’d love to read so adding them to my TBR. Of all the books that I’ve read here Lola in the Mirror would be my favourite. It’s a wonderful book.
Jen – https://bestbookishblog.com/
[…] Sinadjan kicked off a thread of books with original songs/soundtracks Are you reading right? Summer’s One Must Read Book 2024—Carol, from Reading Ladies, has come up with a great list of Summer Reading recommendations from […]
Carol, you really outdid yourself this year. What an interesting list of books. I was intrigued by The Scandalous Life of Ruby M Devereaux and was thrilled to discover the audiobook on Hoopla! Hope you are enjoying your summer.
[…] If you had told me that one of the greatest joys of blogging is the supportive and friendly blogging community, I don’t know if I would have believed you. I was intimidated to push “publish” on those first few posts. I was terrified to comment on a stranger’s blog and to interact with strangers on my own site. It didn’t take long for me to set aside those apprehensions and fully embrace the connections! If I interact with you regularly, you know who you are Dear Friends! Some of the lovely bloggers I interact with most frequently participated in my recent summer collaboration: “Summer’s One Must Read Book.” […]
[…] ReviewThe Boys in the Boat ReviewDaughters of Tuscany Review10 Reasons to Love A Place For Us***Summer’s One Must Read Book 2024***The Thread Collectors ReviewThe Lady Glass ReviewBooks With a Character Name in the TitleThe […]
[…] especially proud of the 20-blogger collaboration I’ve compiled for the last five summers! Find my 2024 collab post here. Bookish blogging friends are the […]
Wonderful list Carol. Thanks for inviting me again this year! 😀
Thanks for your contribution Nicki! 🙌📚
What a great list of bloggers and interesting mix of books. I have read 3 of them plus my own, but if they are already not on my TBR shelf, I am adding all of them today. Thanks for putting together this great post, Carol.
Thanks for your contribution Carla! 🙌📚
[…] Summer’s One Must Read Book 2024 [Book Reviews] […]
Fabulous – thanks Carol! Many other books on here which are among my top reads this year too!
Thanks Joanne! Happy reading!🙌📚
I love the wide range of books chosen. Thanks for sharing this list!
Quite a variety! Thanks for commenting!
This is a great list! Thanks for including me again this year, Carol!
Thanks for your contribution Kendra! 💖🙌
Wonderful list and project — thank you, Carol! I love seeing everyone’s recommendations, and will definitely be exploring many of these titles!
I love the variety! Happy reading!
Another great list this year, I’ve added quite a few to my wishlist. Thank you for inviting me again, I so enjoy doing this collaboration.
Thanks for participating! 📚🙌
Thanks for including me again this year Carol. So many of these sound good. My TBR just got longer!
Thanks for contributing Jo! Happy reading!
Thanks so much for including me again this year! I can’t wait to add all these recommendations to my TBR. Making my way through the list, visiting the websites, commenting, and sharing. Such a wonderful project that I am honored to be part of.
Thank you for your kind words and participation Gina! I read the Katherine book right after you sent me the title! My mom read it as well!
Yay…did you both enjoy it?
Yes! We did! Fun change of pace and character! 🙌💖
Hi Carol, what a great list of books, none of which I’ve read (apart from the one I mentioned) so I am now adding a whole heaps of books to my never-ending list! Many thanks for the invite again this year and I will share this in my ‘What’s On Your Bookshelf’ post and linkup next week (#WOYBS is a linkup by four bloggers on the 3rd Friday of the month – everyone is welcome to join us with a link to a book post).
Thanks for your contribution, Debbie! I love the variety of our list!
Thanks, again for including me!! I also loved Charm City Rocks!
Thanks for participating! That one is high on my tbr!
Hi, Carol – I have been waiting FOREVER for ‘Lola in the Mirror’ to become available to me. I recently joined the Queens NY Library (50USD/year for non-residents, one heck of a deal for me) and double hooray they have Lola in the Mirror (with a small waiting line). I can’t wait to read this!
I hope it comes to you soon! Happy reading!
[…] Summer’s One Must Read Book 2024 [Book Reviews] #Collaboration #MustReadBook #SummerReading #B… […]
Thanks!🙌
I love your collaboration idea. There are many books on this list that I’d love to read so adding them to my TBR. Of all the books that I’ve read here Lola in the Mirror would be my favourite. It’s a wonderful book.
Jen – https://bestbookishblog.com/
Thanks for mentioning Lola! That’s great to hear!
[…] Sinadjan kicked off a thread of books with original songs/soundtracks Are you reading right? Summer’s One Must Read Book 2024—Carol, from Reading Ladies, has come up with a great list of Summer Reading recommendations from […]
What a fun post. I don’t think I’ve read any of these but have picked up a few I’ve listed on my tbr. 🙂
Thanks! 🙌 Happy reading!
Carol, you really outdid yourself this year. What an interesting list of books. I was intrigued by The Scandalous Life of Ruby M Devereaux and was thrilled to discover the audiobook on Hoopla! Hope you are enjoying your summer.
Thanks for your kind words! Happy reading and happy summer!
[…] Reading Ladies 2024 Summer Collaboration is HERE! I was thrilled to be once again invited to participate. Please visit Carol’s post to […]
[…] If you had told me that one of the greatest joys of blogging is the supportive and friendly blogging community, I don’t know if I would have believed you. I was intimidated to push “publish” on those first few posts. I was terrified to comment on a stranger’s blog and to interact with strangers on my own site. It didn’t take long for me to set aside those apprehensions and fully embrace the connections! If I interact with you regularly, you know who you are Dear Friends! Some of the lovely bloggers I interact with most frequently participated in my recent summer collaboration: “Summer’s One Must Read Book.” […]
[…] ReviewThe Boys in the Boat ReviewDaughters of Tuscany Review10 Reasons to Love A Place For Us***Summer’s One Must Read Book 2024***The Thread Collectors ReviewThe Lady Glass ReviewBooks With a Character Name in the TitleThe […]
[…] summer Carol@The Reading Ladies puts together a collaboration of Best Books to Read this Summer. I have participated for 5 years […]
Thanks for shouting out our collab!
[…] especially proud of the 20-blogger collaboration I’ve compiled for the last five summers! Find my 2024 collab post here. Bookish blogging friends are the […]
[…] Summer’s One Must Read Book 2024 (Reading Ladies Book Club) […]