This month’s picks showcase the power of women’s voices across genres. Whether they’re unraveling long-buried secrets, confronting expectations, or fighting for freedom across fantastical lands, these three new releases are your perfect beach, balcony, or book club reads.
"My Perfect Family" by Khadijah VanBrakle
(Holiday House, July 1)
With a warm, witty tone and a deeply poignant heart, "My Perfect Family" is the kind of YA novel we don’t see nearly enough of: a powerful, intergenerational story that centers Black Muslim women navigating the intersection of faith, gender, and self-determination. VanBrakle, herself a proud New Mexican and Muslim storyteller, gives readers a heroine who must learn that love and tradition don’t always mean staying silent. This is a perfect choice for fans of Elizabeth Acevedo and Huda Fahmy, and it makes a meaningful addition to conversations around identity, generational expectations, and the courage to carve your own path.
"Dead of Summer" by Jessa Maxwell
(Atria, July 22)
Jessa Maxwell is quickly becoming a master of twisty, atmospheric thrillers, and "Dead of Summer" is her most chilling yet. Orla O’Connor returns to Hadley Island, where her best friend Alice vanished ten years ago, only to find the island haunted by another disappearance. Maxwell expertly blends past and present as Orla’s grief and guilt crash against fresh dangers. The result is an eerie, propulsive mystery that’s perfect for fans of Lisa Jewell and Riley Sager. The beach house setting, laced with secrets, makes this a haunting summer must-read.
"Scorched Earth" by Danielle L. Jensen
(Tor Teen, August 5)
Romantasy fans, rejoice: Danielle L. Jensen is back with the explosive conclusion to her Dark Shores series, and Scorched Earth delivers all the high-stakes drama, swoon-worthy romance, and political intrigue readers crave. Lydia and Killian face new enemies and inner demons as they fight to stop the blight from consuming their world. Meanwhile, Teriana and Marcus grapple with betrayal, empire, and what it means to truly lead. Jensen has built a world as immersive as it is morally complex, one where love is tested and sacrifice is inevitable. If you’ve been waiting for your next epic binge, this one’s worth the wait.
Whether you're craving introspective coming-of-age tales, spine-tingling suspense, or fantastical quests with bite, this month’s picks are here to heat up your reading list in all the best ways. Happy reading!
