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One Golden Summer Book Cover

One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune, the #1 New York Times bestselling author, is a luminous story about love, memory, and second chances by the lake.

Alice is a photographer who prefers staying behind the lens, capturing everyone else’s light. But when her beloved Nan breaks her hip, Alice returns to Barry’s Bay—the magical lakeside town where one unforgettable summer changed her life.

That summer still lives in a single photo: three teens in a yellow speedboat, full of hope and joy. And one of those teens, Charlie Florek, is back too—no longer a boy but a charming, flirtatious man who knows how to make Nan laugh and Alice feel young again.

As golden days stretch on and their connection deepens, Alice begins to question everything. Can she open her heart to someone who sees her so clearly? Or will this perfect summer stay just another beautiful memory?

With heart, humor, and sun-drenched nostalgia, One Golden Summer is a must-read for anyone who’s ever wondered what if.

Video from Author

Battle of the Bookstores

If you’ve ever dreamed of living inside a bookstore or better yet, falling in love in one, Battle of the Bookstores by @alibradybooks (out June 3, 2025!) is the feel-good, bookish rom-com your TBR stack needs.

At the heart of this charming tale are two rival booksellers: Josie Klein, the no-nonsense manager of a serious literary fiction shop (think big, brainy novels that quietly break your heart), and Ryan Lawson, who runs the cozy romance bookstore just across the street, complete with themed events, swoony titles, and staff who might as well be cast in a Hallmark movie.

Naturally, sparks fly.

They clash at the shared coffee shop. They compete for customers. And when the landlord drops a bombshell, only one store can stay, things escalate. It’s the perfect enemies-to-lovers setup, with just the right sprinkle of chaos and chemistry.

But here’s the twist: Josie and Ryan have already been falling for each other for years, anonymously, on a cozy online book forum where they vent, laugh, and recommend reads under secret usernames. Yep. It’s giving You’ve Got Mail, and it’s adorable.

With delightful nods to classic book tropes, witty banter, and heartfelt moments, Battle of the Bookstores is a love letter to book lovers, bookstore culture, and the joy of finding your person—on and off the page.

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Highly recommend for fans of rivals-to-lovers, slow-burn romance, and stories that feel like a warm cup of coffee on a rainy afternoon. You’ll be grinning the whole way through.

Are you a sucker for books about books? This one’s for you. 💕📚

Just Beachy by Wendy Wax Book Cover featuring a girl enjoying beach

Just Beachy by Wendy Wax is a delightful and breezy summer read that blends humor, heart, and a bit of mystery. It’s a fast-paced story with plenty going on, yet it never feels overwhelming. With a mix of romance, generational friendships, and a dash of crime-solving, this book feels like a warm, sunlit getaway wrapped in the pages of a novel.

The story follows Sydney Ryan, an actress who finds herself unexpectedly out of a job after her long-running TV show, Murder 101, comes to an end. Craving a break from Hollywood and all its politics, she heads to Treasure Island, Florida, to visit her grandmother. What was meant to be a temporary escape quickly turns into something more complicated. Her grandmother has bought a house in the vibrant community of Casas de Flores and is deeply involved in helping a neighbor open a bookstore. And then the break-ins start.

As Sydney begins to suspect that her grandmother isn’t telling her the full story, she teams up with the beloved Ten Beach Road crew and Luke, a local police officer who just so happens to be her high school crush. With a little help from her TV crime-solving background and some undeniable chemistry with Luke, Sydney finds herself drawn into both a mystery and the possibility of a new life she never expected.

This book is perfect for fans of cozy mysteries with a romantic twist. It’s quick, engaging, and full of heart. The witty dialogue and beach-town charm make it a great choice for reading by the pool, on a rainy afternoon, or during a sunny weekend escape. If you’ve missed Wendy Wax’s storytelling, this one will remind you why her books feel like a conversation with a good friend.

Just Beachy releases on June 3, and it’s definitely worth adding to your summer reading list.

The Passengers on the Hankyu Line by Hiro Arikawa Book Cover

The Passengers on the Hankyu Line by Hiro Arikawa is a gentle, heartwarming novel that captures the quiet beauty of everyday lives in motion. From the author of The Travelling Cat Chronicles, this feel-good story unfolds aboard the Hankyu Line, a burgundy commuter train that winds through the scenic countryside between Kyoto and Osaka.

Across two journeys, one in spring and the other in autumn, we meet five strangers, each carrying private struggles and hopes. A young man keeps missing the chance to borrow a book that’s always checked out just before he arrives, only to discover the same woman behind it each time. A woman in a bridal gown steps onto the train, hiding deep sorrow beneath the lace. A university student leaves his hometown and the only life he’s known. A young woman quietly gathers the strength to leave an abusive relationship. A grandmother and her granddaughter talk about bringing a new dog into their home and hearts.

As the seasons shift and the train rolls forward, so too do the lives of its passengers. Through brief, tender encounters and moments of stillness, Hiro Arikawa paints a portrait of change that feels both intimate and universal. The narrative reminds us that every person on a train is carrying a story, and that even fleeting connections can lead to healing and transformation.

Perfect for readers who love character-driven fiction filled with emotional depth and soft hope, The Passengers on the Hankyu Line is a beautiful reflection on the ways people grow, mend, and move forward.