It’s Back to School here, and I’m wondering about your most memorable reads of summer. After a full summer of reading what’s on your bookshelves that stands out from the rest?

3 Memorable Reads of Summer 2026

***This post contains Amazon Affiliate Links

Best Literary Fiction of the Summer and of the Year (so far):

The Burning Side by Sarah Damoff checks all my boxes for a 5-star read!

• Complicated Family Drama (but not dysfunctional)
• Likable Characters
• Thought-provoking Themes
• Beautifully Written
• Multigenerational
• Relatable

My Rating: 5+ Stars

Also, see my FREE Book Club Kit for The Burning Side here.

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Best Historical Fiction Novella

Belle’s Christmas Carol by Michelle Griep is inspired by Charles Dickens and introduces us to Belle, a compassionate young woman with a heart for orphaned children. A side of sweet romance enhances this poignant novella. Not yet reviewed. Pub Date: 9/1/2026.

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Best Nonfiction of the Year (so far)

No One’s Coming by Kevin Hazzard is a compelling and page-turning account of the risky rescue of American medical workers from West Africa after they contracted Ebola. My best and most recommended nonfiction read of the year.

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QOTD:

What is your most memorable read of the summer?

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 I’m linking up with Deb @ Deb’s World and friends for the August installment of #WhatsOnYourBookShelf Challenge.

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Happy Reading Book Pals!

“Ah, how good it is to be among people who are reading.” ~Rainer Maria Rilke

“I love the world of words, where life and literature connect.” ~Denise J Hughes

“Reading good books ruins you for enjoying bad ones.” ~Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

“I read because books are a form of transportation, of teaching, and of connection! Books take us to places we’ve never been, they teach us about our world, and they help us to understand human experience.” ~Madeleine Riley, Top Shelf Text

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***Blog posts may contain affiliate links. This means that I can earn a small percentage of your purchase price at no extra cost to you.

All books I review are bought or borrowed from the library unless explicitly stated that they are free (arcs).

Amazon or an author’s (or publisher’s) website receives all credit for book covers and author photos used in the creation of a blog post.

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