If you’re looking for your next hot summer read, look no further than the new release section of your favorite book store. The hottest new books for summer 2021 are fire and you aren’t going to want to miss these must-read books. Whether you’re in to romance, thrillers, or just plain old complicated characters, these books are sure to be one of your top reads of the year.
The Maidens by Alex Michaelides
Mariana Andros is thrown back into life at Cambridge University when one of the female students is found murdered. Once a student at Cambridge herself, she is both mystefied and confused by the grounds she used to walk as she tries to piece together the reason for the girls’ demise. When her niece, Zoe, tells her about a professor named Edward Fosca and a group of students he mentors he calls The Maidens, Mariana is immediately alarmed about his actions and intentions.
Why I Loved It: I love a good murder mystery and this one combines the suspense of finding the killer with Greek mythology. This is the same author of The Silent Patient, where his writing style is fast-paced and unpredictable.
That Summer by Jennifer Weiner
Daisy Shoemaker lives a life she feels restless in. Although she has a successful business, a loving husband, and lives in a glamorous home, things don’t feel right to her. When some misaddressed emails one punctuation mark away from her own land in her inbox, she begins longing for something more. While Daisy is dealing with her mundane life, Diana is heading meetings and attending lavish parties. As Daisy writes to apologize for the misdirected emails, Diana invites her to go out for lunch and they quickly become friends. But, as they grow closer, there are things from their pasts that make this friendship not-quite accidental.
Why I Loved It: I love Jennifer Weiner’s writing style because she’s so descriptive. This is much more than just your average summer beach read. With multiple viewpoints and various stories, it’s impossible to put down. Add this to your must-read books list this summer!
Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Every year, Nina Riva throws a blowout end-of-the-summer party at her home in Malibu. The year is 1983 and the buzz is growing by the minute about how epic this year’s bash will be. Her siblings are all helping to prepare for the party since Nina’s husband recently, and publicly, left her for another woman, and things just haven’t been the same.
Why I Loved It: This book is split in several different time periods as well as chunks of time throughout the day and night of the party. I adored the personalities of each family member and how they deal with the anticipation of the party. The 80’s setting was full of nostalgia and was the perfect era to set the book.
The Siren by Katherine St. John
On a glamorous Caribbean island, Hollywood’s brightest stars have gathered to film The Siren, the next blockbuster hit movie. Cole Power is producing the film as well as starring with his ex-wife, Stella Rivers. His fame and money are enough to leave anyone in a trance, but Stella sees right through his motives. As Stella is trying to pick up the pieces of her public breakdowns, her new assistant tries her best to keep her level-headed for the performance of a lifetime. Production assistant, Taylor, has the difficult job of keeping everyone’s egos in check while ensuring a smooth shoot. But as a hurricane brews off the coast, everyone’s plans fall to pieces, and their true colors start to come out.
Why I Loved It: I truly didn’t know what was going to happen in this book until the last 25 pages or so. Katherine St. John really keeps you guessing with every turn of the page. I liked how the story bounces between past and present, and eventually ties all of the characters together.
The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave
The day her husband, Owen Michaels, disappears, Hannah Hall gets a note from him that reads, “Protect Her.” Hannah now has to ensure the safety of her step-daughter, Bailey, while also looking for her missing husband. When an FBI agent and a US Marshal get involved in the case, Hannah isn’t sure who to trust or why there would be such a fuss over her husband’s disappearance. As Hannah and Bailey search for Owen, they quickly realize they’re building a new future for themselves, but they aren’t sure why.
Why I Loved It: This is one of those books without any fat on the pages. Every word is useful and necessary to the story. I liked the simplicity of it and how the story continuously moved forward.
Which of these must-read books will you be picking up this summer? Do you love Katie’s book selections? Consider joining our book club on Facebook and Instagram!
