This post was originally published at Novelicious.com and is now at WritingTipsOasis.com. WritingTipsOasis.com acquired Novelicious.com in June 2022.
There are so many excellent books out this month, just in time for your summer holiday. Whether you’re looking for a powerful read about the fragility of motherhood (Little Mercies), a historical mystery set in 1686 Amsterdam (The Miniaturist), or entertaining romps from firm favourites such as Lindsey Kelk or Victoria Fox, July has something for you. Here are our top picks for TBR piles this month.
Little Mercies by Heather Gudenkauf – July 3
Little Mercies by bestselling author Heather Gudenkauf looks to be a meaty read full of heart to start your summer of reading. It follows veteran social worker Ellen Moore, a fiercely dedicated children’s advocate and a devoted wife and mother who spends her days exposed to the worst side of humanity. The story really kicks into gear following a singular moment of distraction for Ellen, however, which threatens to trap her in the system she works for. If you’ve never read a Gudenkauf novel, you can try an extract here.
The Miniaturist by Jessie Barton – July 3
It is Amsterdam in 1686 in Jessie Barton’s The Miniaturist, and 18-year-old Nella Oortman has arrived at the grand house of her new husband, the wealthy merchant Johannes Brandt. Amidst Nella’s struggles to settle in, Johannes presents an extraordinary wedding gift: a cabinet-sized replica of their home. It is to be furnished by an elusive miniaturist, whose tiny creations mirror their real-life counterparts in unexpected ways. This sounds like a deliciously mysterious novel with plenty of room for escapism. The cover is beautiful, too.
The Story of You by Katy Regan – July 3
Katy Regan is back with a gem of a read this summer. Growing up in an idyllic, northern village, Robyn's life was pretty damn near perfect. Then, she turned sixteen and everything exploded: her beloved mother died, and she fell in love for the first time with the hottest boy in school – Joe Sawyer. Then that summer something happened that changed everything. She changed. She had to. Seventeen years later, it’s happening all over again: a funeral, an unexpected pregnancy, and Joe back in her life. But although this should be a second chance – a chance to get things right this time, to be happy – Robyn knows, deep down, that she’s going to have confront the terrible events that have shaped her life until now. First chapters are available to download here.
Landline by Rainbow Rowell – July 3
After Attachments, Eleanor & Park and Fangirl, Rainbow Rowell has become a firm favourite here at Novelicious HQ. We were so excited about Landline, we choose the novel for July’s Novelicious Book Club read.
The Beach Hut Next Door by Veronica Henry – July 3It’s not all sunshine and surf in Veronica Henry’s The Beach Hut Next Door. Though the setting and descriptions in the novel are lovely as ever, secrets are about to unfold in Everdene, and lives will be changed forever.
The Best Thing That Never Happened To Me by Laura Tait and Jimmy Rice – July 3
A funny, feel-good story of first love, second chances and everything in between, our Jennifer has been raving about this book for months. Holly certainly remembers Alex. But she decided ten years ago that love wasn't about mix tapes and seizing the moment – though she's not exactly sure it's about secret dates with your boss, either. But what if the feelings never really went away? Alex wants to make every moment of his new job count. It's a fresh start in a big city, and he's almost certain that moving to London has nothing to do with Holly. Almost. How do you know if it was meant to be or never meant to happen at all? Top of the reading pile.
Power Games by Victoria Fox – July 4
The most exclusive invitation of the year has been issued; the supermodel, the thief, the senator, the heiress, the paparazzo, the pop prince and the playboy board a private jet. This and the fact that Power Games is written by Victoria Fox is all you really need to know. Summer satisfaction guaranteed.
What a Girl Wants by Lindsey Kelk – July 17
Lindsey Kelk and her About a Girl heroine, Tess Brookes, are back this summer with What a Girl Wants, a laugh-out-loud comedy, which promises to be everything Lindsey Kelk fans have come to expect. We can’t wait to get our little mitts on this one.
Little Lies by Liane Moriarty – July 29
The Husband’s Secret was one of our favourite reads in 2013, so we’re excited to see what comes next from Liane Moriarty with the release of Little Lies at the end of this month. Jane hasn't lived anywhere longer than six months since her son was born five years ago. She keeps moving in an attempt to escape her past. Now the idyllic seaside town of Pirriwee has pulled her to its shores and Jane finally feels like she belongs. She has friends in the feisty Madeline and the incredibly beautiful Celeste – two women with seemingly perfect lives … and their own secrets behind closed doors. Could a playground incident and resulting rift ruin everything, and ultimately result in murder?
Where Love Lies by Julie Cohen – July 31
If a scent of perfume in the air started evoking memories that have been settled within you for a long time, untouched and undisturbed, would you trust your head or your heart? Another beautiful novel from Julie Cohen.
What Would Mary Berry Do? by Claire Sandy – July 31
Marie Dunwoody doesn't want for much in life. She has a lovely husband, three wonderful children, and a business of her own. Except, her cupcakes are crap. Her meringues are runny and her biscuits rock-hard. She cannot bake for toffee. Or, for that matter, make toffee. We’ve been waiting for What Would Mary Berry Do? for what seems like an eternity – everything about it is right up our street and we can’t wait to get stuck in.
What books are on your TBR pile this month?
This post was sponsored by Harlequin.