With the way the weather has been this week, it’s a perfect time to get out of the heat and do some summer reading. Along with the heat, July has brought a new LibraryReads list full of book recommendations from library staff across the country! Below you’ll find some of the books from this month’s list along with a review from one of America’s numerous library workers.

Top Pick: The Story Keeper by Kelly Rimmer

In this compelling gothic novel set in Australia, recently divorced 50-something Fiona buys her uncle’s decaying country estate with plans to refurbish it. But the locals fear the place is haunted. When Fiona discovers a novel that appears to be set in the house, it becomes a dual-timeline story, with chapters from the book woven into the narrative. – Robin Beerbower, LibraryReads Ambassador, AZ

NoveList read-alike: The Secret Book of Flora Lea by Patti Callahan Henry

In Stormy Weather by Chelsea Curto

Two rival meteorologists who have been competing since high school end up spending a summer together storm-chasing while they both try to figure out the next steps in their careers. Readers will love this contemporary romance with characters who genuinely respect each other’s intelligence and expertise. – Gabrielle Lucas, Community Library of the Shenango Valley, PA

NoveList read-alike: Chase Me If You Can by Heather Frances

The Exquisite Torment of Loving Your Enemy by Brigitte Knightley

The second book in the Dearly Beloathed Duology finds Assassin Osric and Healer Aurienne struggling with their feelings while fighting a deadly Pox outbreak. This cozy romantasy features humorous banter, interesting characters and fantastic world-building. – Sara Doyle, Hays Public Library, KS

NoveList read-alike: Queens of Villainy series by Stephanie Burgis

Helpless by Jessica Knoll

Screenwriter Faye senses trouble when she runs into her ex, Henry, who she left behind for Hollywood and a hit show based on their relationship. When Faye wakes up drugged in a remote cabin with an angry Henry, motives blur, and the reader is left uncertain, fueling a tense, twisty thriller of kidnapping and revenge. – Kimberly McGee, Lake Travis Community Library, Austin, TX

NoveList read-alike: The Plunge by Lila Raicek

Dominion by Jean Kwok

Rubi Morningtail is a skilled ribbon dancer with no memory and minimal magic. Blake Axefire, the handsome Tyger Warrior leader, sees something in her. Thanks to his machinations, she becomes Bonded to a tygress and must train to fight as demons plot devastation. A steamy romantasy with all the popular tropes yet a distinctive world. – Sarah Walker, Indianapolis Public Library, IN

NoveList read-alike: We Who Will Die by Stacia Stark

Country People by Daniel Mason

Miles Krzelewski has stalled on finishing his PhD in Russian folklore for over a decade. When his wife Kate takes a visiting professorship in Vermont, they move their family across the country. Miles quickly fits into a warm local community rich in its own lore and legends. A joyful novel full of colorful characters. – Jennifer Winberry, Hunterdon County Library, NJ

NoveList read-alike: Alan Opts Out by Courtney Maum

Everything Was Beautiful and Nothing Hurt by Ben Reeves

Death—aka Travis—moves through the world like a normal man. When not providing guidance and comfort to those who are passing, he keeps to himself and lives a quiet life. That changes when he forges a bond with his neighbor and her daughter. This novel explores the nature of grief, the beauty of lives both long and short, and the many ways humans deal with loss. A lovely, weighty, read.
—Jayna McDaniel-Browning, Delaware County District Library, OH

NoveList read-alike: Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

See the full list here: LibraryReads July 2026