Today’s post features recommendations from eighteen bloggers (including me) for one Must Read Book of the summer! I’m sure you’ll find something that matches your reading tastes from this international group of readers.

Find Your One Must Read Book of Summer 2026!

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)!

As Gina describes our project: “A worldwide summer reading multi-blogger extravaganza!”

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 2026 Reading Recommendation. I love this list because it draws attention to books that might be flying under the radar.

For various personal reasons, I’m missing a few regular contributors today: Sandy (New Zealand), Jo (Rome), Deb (Australia), and Emma (England). However, I want to give these dear fellow bloggers shoutouts for their loyal and generous support of Reading Ladies!

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). 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 think it’s amazing and worth noting that there was not one duplicate among these many bloggers!

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 the buzzy to the hyped to literary fiction to the under-the-radar gems…

We hope at least one matches YOUR reading taste!

***Titles are Amazon affiliate links and full review links have been included when available.

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Joining us from Canada,
Carla @ Carla Loves to Read recommends an escapist read:

The Hotel by the Sea (Romantic Escapes #13) by Julie Caplin

In Carla’s Words:

I am going to be traveling when you read this post, so I thought a holiday book would be perfect to recommend. The Romantic Escapes series by Julie Caplin is one that I’ve wanted to read for awhile and recently read The Hotel by the Sea and loved it. In this book, Rebecca needs an escape to rethink her life and takes a temporary job at a family run hotel in Portugal. She finds more than just what she wants out of life. Caution: This book might make you want to pack your bags and head to the Algarve Coast for a stay.

Find Carla’s full review of Hotel by the Sea here.

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Joining us from England,
Cat (Kitty) @ The Strawberry Post recommends a cozy mystery:

The Armchair Detectives on Holiday by Matt Dunn

In Cat’s Words:

The Armchair Detectives on Holiday is a brilliant feel-good cosy mystery which will make you laugh often too.  Martin and Albie are two elderly men and friends living in the same retirement home who have decided to jet off for a holiday to the island of Menorca.  They soon come across a group of writers on a retreat, one of them having disappeared.  It’s not long before the missing woman is discovered to be dead having fallen in what appears to be a tragic accident, but with Martin and Albie’s experience in unmasking a killer at their retirement home recently, the two decide to investigate.  Guaranteed to make you smile and enjoy the antics of the men’s sleuthing, despite Martin’s memory problems and Albie’s mobility scooter causing some issues, this is the perfect summer read and a great standalone sequel to The Armchair Detectives.

Find Cat’s full review of The Armchair Detectives on Holiday here.

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Joining us from Israel,
Davida at The Chocolate Lady’s Book Reviews recommends a heartfelt novella:

Doubles by Nora Gold

In Davida’s Words:

“Doubles” by Nora Gold was one of those “out of my comfort zone” books for me, because I don’t often read books about young people. But this one piqued my interest. Although there are some troubling bits in this book, nothing is actually stated outright, which is why this novella is a perfect example of “show, don’t tell.” Our protagonist is 12-years-old, and probably on the Autism spectrum. She is in a group home for children removed from their families for their own safety. Well, you can imagine what a place like that was like in 1968, and this book will, as I say, show you a small part of it. I was very much moved by the story and Gold’s writing, and I warmly recommend this very fast read.

Find Davida’s full review of Doubles here.

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Joining us from Michigan,
Erin @ Still Life, With Cracker Crumbs recommends charming slow-burn romance:

The Jewel of the Isle by Kerry Rea

In Erin’s words:

This book is such a fun little romp, and just feels like summer. Set in Michigan, my home state, it is just silly and light and perfect for a lazy afternoon read, whether you are at a beach or a pool or even camping with family. It felt much like an 80s adventure movie to me, with adventure and wild scenarios. I adored it and need more cinnamon roll male main characters in my reads! 

Find Erin’s blog review of The Jewel of the Isle here.

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Joining us from Illinois,
Gina at Gina Rae Mitchell recommends French biographical historical fiction:

Jane Avril: The Muse of the Moulin Rouge by M.L. Malcolm

In Gina’s words:

Set amid the art, music, and excitement of Belle Époque Paris, it tells the story of the real-life dancer who became one of the Moulin Rouge’s most celebrated stars. I was captivated by the immersive setting, the rich historical detail, and Jane’s determination to build a life on her own terms. This is a wonderful recommendation for readers who enjoy historical fiction featuring remarkable women, artistic circles, and stories that bring overlooked figures from history to life.

Find Gina’s blog review of Jane Avril here.

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Joining us from (“spectacularly cosmopolitan and exotic”) Idaho,
H.C. @ The Irresponsible Reader recommends a story with a lot of heart (with a catchy title!):

Stakeouts and Strollers by Rob Phillips

In H.C.’s Words:

Charlie Shaw, a rookie PI and dad of a precious little baby, is tracking a cheating spouse when he stumbles into a case of a missing father, a drug ring, murder, and more. Charlie’s narration is so smooth and engaging that the pages just sail by–you can’t help but root for a guy who can’t take the photos he needs because he drained his phone battery watching the baby monitor at home. Unless you’re into a kind of professionalism, I guess. It’s a light-hearted PI novel, without drifting into comedy. There’s a bit of violence–but nothing you couldn’t get away with in Prime Time TV in the 80s. Mostly, it’s a fast-paced PI novel with a lot of heart, some good twists and turns, and a satisfying ending–plus some really endearing families at the core.

Find H. C.’s full review of Stakeouts and Strollers here.

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Joining us from Scotland,
Joanne @ Portobello Book Blog recommends a book about books:

This Book Made Me Think of You by Libby Page

In Joanne’s Words:

This Book Made Me Think of You by Libby Page was the first book I read this year and it’s still my favourite so far! The premise is that Tilly has lost her husband Joe very young, but to help her through her grief he has arranged for a local bookshop to give her a book each month for a year. The books were chosen personally by Joe and each comes with a challenge to help Tilly move on without him. I so enjoyed discovering what book Joe had chosen each month and why, and seeing how Tilly responded to each challenge he set her. Some inspired her, some took her out of her comfort zone, some made her laugh and others made her cry. I think it’s Libby Page’s best novel yet, a love letter to books and bookshops.

Find Joanne’s full review of This Book Made Me Think of You here.

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Joining us from North Carolina,
Jonetta at Blue Mood Cafe recommends a mystery/thriller:

The Architect of Deception by Debbie Baldwin

In Jonetta’s words:

Erasmus (Razz) James has it all. At twenty-eight, he’s an Ivy League graduate, from a wealthy and well respected family, has loyal friends and is simply brilliant. But six years ago, his twin brother died and Razz is drowning in grief and excess. When his friend Hatcher receives a cryptic invitation to join an exclusive secret society, the outrageous conditions of the initiation piques Razz’s interest. What begins as an interesting distraction turns into something dangerous and deadly. Hands down, this is one of the best plotted stories I’ve ever read. The misdirections, red herrings and other subterfuge were beyond excellent as they didn’t feel like what they were. It’s masterful in its design and plotting, beyond five stars.

Find Jonetta’s full review of The Architect of Deception here.

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Joining us from Texas,
Kendra @ Kendra Nicole recommends a fairy tale reimagining:

Lady Tremaine by Rachel Hockhauser

In Kendra’s Words:

In this imaginative untelling of the Cinderella story, Lady Etheldreda Verity Isolde Tremaine Bramley carries not only the names of her two deceased husbands, but also their burdens—the crippling debt, the crumbling mansion whose upkeep far exceeds her means, even the stepdaughter who refuses to accept Ethel’s love or abide by her expectations. Ethel DOES care for her stepdaughter, Elin, but not nearly as much as the children of her womb, the two daughters for whom an advantageous marriage is the only viable option for any sort of security or future. When a royal ball is announced in anticipation of the prince’s forthcoming selection of a bride, Ethel will do everything within her power to obtain invitations for the three marriageable maidens in her care. But preparations uncover glaring rifts within Ethel’s own home, and with the prospect of better fortunes on the horizon, it soon becomes apparent that Ethel’s fairy tale may not achieve its promised happily-ever-after.

This stunning debut has everything I could want in a book: immaculate, lyrical prose; unforgettable narrative voice from an enthralling protagonist; mesmerizing storytelling; impressively researched historical elements; fascinating glimpses at castle life and the world of falconry and a bygone era of womanhood so different from what we know today; cleverly subtle connections to my favorite fairy tale; a haunting, vivid atmosphere that I never wanted to leave. . . . This novel completely took my breath away, and I read slowly, savoring each tasty morsel. Though the ending takes a very dark turn that won’t be to everyone’s taste, Lady Tremaine has been my favorite read of 2026, and it is a book that I know will stick with me for years to come.

Find Kendra’s review of Lady Tremaine included in this post.

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Joining us from Northern California,
Lisa @ Bookshelf Fantasies recommends a beach-bag-approved romance:

Dolly All the Time by Annabel Monaghan

In Lisa’s Words:

Summer vibes with a fake dating trope done right! The main character is funny, devoted, and a joy to get to know. The love story feels grounded, with excellent chemistry and complications that make sense. A gorgeous setting, vibrant supporting characters, and a compelling premise make everything click. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a beach read with heart. 

See Lisa’s full review of Dolly All the Time here.

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Joining us from Ohio:
Lisa @ Hopewell’s Public Library of Life recommends literary fiction that she read in one sitting:

The Divorce: A Novel by Moa Herngren (Author), Alice Menzies (Translator)

In Lisa’s Words:

I rarely give a rating about 4.0, but this little book garnered a rare 4.25 from me! Bea and Niklas  have twin daughters and live in Stockholm. Bea longs for a gutted and reborn kitchen, but Niklas job doesn’t pay enough even though he is a doctor. When a new opportunity arises for Niklas to move to a another hospital for more money and more control over his career, Bea likes the idea. But is Niklas on board? What about Bea’s late brother–how does he figure in? We hear their story first from Bea and then from Niklas. I can’t stop recommending this book! Do not let “translated by” put you off. I read all of Bea’s story in one sitting–very rare for me.

Find Lisa’s full review of The Divorce here.

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Joining us from Toronto, Canada,
Lydia @ Lydia Schoch recommends a heartwarming anthology of stories:

Hearth Stories Book Two,
Summer Solstice 2024 by Gwendolyn Maia Hicks, River West, Margaret Treanor Frey, Alicia Adams, A. Emery Watkins, Morgan Welch, A. Katherine Black, Nancy J. Hayden, H. A. Titus & Erin Keating

In Lydia’s Words:

This was such a cozy and comforting read, even given the occasional sad moments. I adored the way it acknowledged the difficult parts of life while also remaining hopeful. 

Content Warning: Brief references to dementia, terminal illness, and death.

Find Lydia’s full review of Hearth Stories here.

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Joining us from Canada,
Lynne at Fictionophile recommends a twisty character-driven fiction favorite:

Mad Mabel by Sally Hepworth

In Lynne’s Words:

Mad Mabel is a character study about an intriguing and fascinating octogenarian, Elsie ‘Mabel’ Waller.  She was a character that had lived a long life ridden with trauma, loneliness, and misunderstanding. Told with empathy and emotional depth, not to mention more than a little humour, Mabel’s story was one I’ll surely remember for a long time. The story came with several plot twists, some I had guessed at, and some that came as a surprise. There are quite a few underlying themes running throughout this novel. Hence, it would be an excellent choice for book clubs. [check content warnings] If, like me, you enjoy reading about inter-generational relationships, misunderstood elderly protagonists, and found family, you will be a fan of “Mad Mabel.“

Find Lynne’s full review of Mad Mabel here.

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Joining us from Ireland,
Mairead at Swirl and Thread recommends an important read with thought-provoking themes:

Good People by Patmeena Sabit

In Mairead’s Words:

Patmeena Sabit strikes a chord with her words exposing the ugliness of our cancel culture and the harm that certain publicly expressed opinions can have. Racism, culture, greed, jealousy and so much more are all themes explored in this demanding debut. Good People is a staggeringly powerful story that expertly highlights the split in modern society and between our different cultures. A very disconcerting read. A very important read.

See Mairead’s full review of Good People here.

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Joining us from Jersey, Channel Islands,
Nicki at The Secret Library Book Blog recommends a humor-filled book with unlikely female friendships :

So, I Met This Guy by Alexandra Potter

In Nicki’s Words:

“I listened to the audiobook in January, and loved every minute. It was laugh out loud funny, but also quite poignant at times as well. There was a fantastic twist about three quarters of the way through that really shocked me, but also delighted me as it opened up the story even more. The epilogue is brilliant as well. Highly recommended if you enjoy contemporary fiction featuring unlikely female friendships.”

See Nicki’s full review of So, I Met This Guy here.

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Joining us from the U.K.,
Rosie @ Rosie Amber recommends armchair travel (nonfiction):

From B to A: Britain to Albania: The True Story of an Overland Van Life Adventure Through Europe to the Balkans – With Dogs

(Amazon UK, AmazonCA)

In Rosie’s Words:

Jackie and Mark, plus four dogs and an ex-army truck, step on to long-awaited European soil after many delays. Now their adventures take them through France, Italy and into Albania. As their truck has a maximum speed of 45mph, there is certainly plenty of opportunity to see the places that are passing by. Jackie’s prose has just the right amount of humour mixed with interesting facts about the people, places and experiences that they have.

See Rosie’s full review of From B to A: Britian to Albania here.

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Joining us from Arizona,
Susan @ Bloggin Bout Books recommends a historical mystery:

The Chambermaid’s Key by Genevieve Graham

In Susan’s Words:

In 1929, a dazzling luxury hotel opens in Toronto, Canada, delighting 17-year-old Rosie Ryan, who sees her new job as a chambermaid as her passageway out of the city’s slums. It does change her fate, but not in the way she imagines. One hundred years later, building inspector Bridget Kelly is overseeing renovations at The Dominion when she stumbles across some puzzling irregularities, the investigation of which will set her on the dangerous path to solving a century-old murder mystery. This rich, enjoyable novel offers an appealing blend of history, mystery, suspense, drama, and romance. A clean read, it’s one I can confidently recommend to anyone.

Find Susan’s full review of The Chambermaid’s Key here.

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Joining from sunny Southern California,
 Carol (yours truly) at Reading Ladies recommends biographical historical fiction:

A Founding Mother by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie

In Carol’s Words:

July 4th is the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States.

Fans of biographical historical fiction will enjoy this well-researched story of Abigail Adams, wife of (President) John Adams. Abigail is independent, strong-minded, and resilient as she maintains the household and supports herself while her husband is away for months and years at a time. She endures the loss of two young children (one a toddler and one stillborn) and the loss of two adult children. Abigail and John Adams share a deep love, but there are times when separation and grief test their commitment. Despite many hardships and obstacles, she persists. Abigail is a forward-thinker who prioritizes the well-being of her family, friends, and neighbors, and she was an early and often outspoken supporter of women’s rights. Abigail cared deeply for her new country, and she sacrificed a great deal in her lifelong service.

This well-researched account of Abigail’s life left me amazed by her accomplishments, inspired by her strength, and sad for the losses she endured. She was a lifelong advocate for women, assumed responsibility for children at risk, championed education, and generously donated money, resources, and time to the community. She lived “outside the box” and wasn’t afraid of nontraditional roles

Find Carol’s full blog review of A Founding Mother here.

In case biographical historical fiction isn’t your jam, I must mention my favorite complicated family drama of the year…

Down with the Shipmans by Meg Mitchell Moore

In Carol’s Words:

Beach bag and pool-side reading approved! Not to light, not too heavy…

Down with the Shipmans is a character-driven story of three adult sisters returning to their family home on the New Hampshire coast for the first time after the passing of their mother. Dad has called them home to clean out the house because he’s putting it up for sale. This emotional experience is made more difficult because their dad has remarried a much younger woman. 

Down with the Shipmans is NOT dysfunctional family drama, but it is complicated in the ways that many of our families are complicated. Jealousy, resentments, misunderstandings, and secrets are exposed. This earnest and heartfelt story also provides opportunities for understanding, compassion, reconciliation, and healing.

I love a story featuring sisters because I’m one of three sisters. I found this story to be relatable in many ways, especially having just lost my mom and settled her estate.

Find Carol’s full review of Down with the Shipmans here.

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Thank you to each blogger who participated in this collaboration project and for your ONE GREAT recommendation!

Do you agree that this is a splendid international group?
Readers, I hope you have enjoyed my annual 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!

Related

Summer’s One “Must Read Book 2025 Edition

Summer’s One “Must Read” Book 2024 Edition

Summer’s One “Must Read” Book 2023 Edition

Summer’s One “Must Read” Book 2022 Edition

Summer’s One “Must Read” Book 2021 Edition

Summer’s One “Must Read” Book 2020 Edition

Summer’s One “Must Read” Book 2019 Edition

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QOTD:

Did you put one of these titles on your TBR?

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ICYMI:

(for more reading ideas! #somanybookssolittletime)

My 2026 Summer Reading Guide
Best 6 Books in 6 Months

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Let’s Get Social!

Thank you for visiting and reading today! The 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 their blogs. Every comment or like warms bloggers’ hearts, and every share helps them thrive.

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All books I review are purchased or borrowed from the library unless explicitly stated that the book is free (arc).

Amazon or an author’s (or publisher’s) website receives all credit for book covers and author photos.

© ReadingLadies.com

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