03/24/2026
HOT SUMMER READS

By Andrea Peskind Katz | Contributor

As the scorching heat of summer settles in with Texas temperatures soaring into the triple digits, it’s the perfect time to either relax on a pool float or pack your bags for an exhilarating getaway. Regardless of your choice, these literary selections are ideal companions for those languid summer days.

Exciting Novels
The Floating Feldmans by Elyssa Friedland invites readers aboard a captivating family cruise that spans generations. Meanwhile, The Friend Zone by Abby Jimenez delivers a delightful romantic comedy intertwined with poignant themes of infertility and family dynamics. Christian Kiefer’s Phantoms is an exquisite family saga that traverses the eras of World War II and Vietnam. For a gripping narrative, Emily Liebert’s Pretty Revenge offers an adrenaline-fueled tale of vengeance.

In The Unbreakables, Lisa Barr crafts a storytelling experience reminiscent of How Stella Got Her Groove Back, transporting readers from suburban Chicago to the picturesque landscapes of the South of France. Lastly, Casey McQuinton’s Red, White & Royal Blue stands out as the quintessential romance of the season, chronicling the love story between the U.S. First Son and the Prince of Wales, and it’s exciting to note that the film rights have already been secured!

Thriller Enthusiasts Rejoice
Cristina Alger’s Girls Like Us presents a thrilling narrative where an FBI agent delves into a series of murders on Long Island, facing a harrowing dilemma when the prime suspect turns out to be her own father. Conversely, The Two Lila Bennetts by Liz Fenton and Lisa Steinke explores the repercussions of Lila Bennett’s poor choices, resulting in a fascinating scenario where her life is literally split in two.

For Historical Fiction Aficionados
Beatriz Williams’ The Golden Hour unfolds a mesmerizing account set in World War II-era Nassau, a nexus for spies and treachery, centered around the notorious Duke and Duchess of Windsor. Likewise, Fiona Davis’s Chelsea Girls transports readers to the vibrant theater scene of 1950s New York and the lively atmosphere of the legendary Chelsea Hotel.

Editor’s Note: Andrea Peskind Katz maintains a book review website at Greatthoughts.com and hosts a Book Salon that connects over 4,000 readers and authors at www.facebook.com/groups/greatthoughtsgreatreaders.

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