10 best summer books in 2025

My Summer Reading List and Why It Matters

Every year, I make a ritual of curating the best summer books to read by the beach, on my balcony, or while traveling. Summer just hits differently with a book in hand—warm breeze, iced coffee, and the kind of story you can’t put down. As I was looking for the best summer books in 2025, I realized this year’s list is a mix of gripping thrillers, swoon-worthy romances, thought-provoking literary fiction, and heartwarming comfort reads.

So here’s my personal selection of the top summer reads 2025—real, buzzworthy books that will make your season unforgettable.

1. The Women by Kristin Hannah

 A Historical Tale That Lingers

If you’re in the mood for something powerful, start with this. Published in early 2024 and still trending into 2025, The Women dives deep into the lives of female nurses during the Vietnam War. It’s emotional, raw, and honestly, one of the books to read in summer if you’re craving depth alongside storytelling.

2. Funny Story by Emily Henry

Beachside Romance at Its Best

This one’s practically made for summer. With her signature humor and slow-burn charm, Emily Henry delivers another gem in Funny Story, where opposites attract in the most unexpected ways. I read this with sand between my toes and finished it with a full heart.

3. The Fury by Alex Michaelides

Mystery + Greek Island = Unputdownable

Set on a remote island with a murder at the center, this book brings the heat (and the twisty tension) of summer thrillers. Released in 2024 but peaking in popularity again this season, The Fury is a must for fans of psychological suspense.

4. Real Americans by Rachel Khong

For the Literary Fiction Lover

If you want a thoughtful, generational story told with grace and nuance, this is it. Real Americans is a multigenerational novel that explores identity, family, and ambition. I found myself highlighting lines and rereading pages. It’s one of the best summer books in 2025 for those who love to reflect while they read.

5. The Reappearance of Rachel Price by Holly Jackson

YA Thriller That Hooks You Fast

This new YA thriller is addictive. A girl whose mother vanished a decade ago—then suddenly reappears—sets the tone for this twisty, fast-paced read. Ideal for fans of A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, and perfect for summer binge-reading.

6. Swift River by Essie Chambers

Quiet, Lush, and So Beautiful

Published in early 2024 but still making waves, Swift River is one of those slow, lyrical reads that stays with you. If you’re in the mood for a tender coming-of-age story, set in the 1980s and full of lush emotion, grab this for your hammock days.

7. Good Half Gone by Tarryn Fisher

Dark Summer Suspense with Bite

Just released in 2025, Good Half Gone explores identity and trauma through a dark psychological lens. Tarryn Fisher is known for her sharp, unsettling writing—and this book brings a darker edge to the usual summer thriller lineup.

8. This Summer Will Be Different by Carley Fortune

Summer Romance That Feels Like a Hug

From the author of Every Summer After, Carley Fortune gives us a romantic escape full of longing, secrets, and unforgettable chemistry. The title says it all—This Summer Will Be Different was made for your travel bag.

9. Margo’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe

Quirky, Emotional, and Fierce

One of my unexpected favorites of the year. It’s about a young mom navigating life, debt, and unexpected fame. Witty and emotional, it’s perfect if you want a summer read that doesn’t follow the usual formula.

10. I Hope This Finds You Well by Natalie Sue

Workplace Satire Meets Heartfelt Storytelling

A fresh 2025 debut that surprised me—in the best way. It’s sharp, hilarious, and oddly inspiring, following an office worker who accidentally discovers the company’s private emails. I couldn’t stop laughing—and thinking. Ideal for fans of Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine.

Wrap-Up: My Summer Stack Is Set—What’s on Yours?

That’s my list of the 10 best summer books in 2025, and every one of them has a place in my bag this season. Whether you want heat, heart, mystery, or meaning—these reads cover it all.

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Over to You

Now I want to hear from you—
👉 Which book from this list will you read first this summer? Or do you have a personal favorite I should add to my list?
Let’s swap stories in the comments!