My July Reading List: Bookish Escapes, Mysteries, and Motivation

There’s something about July that feels both slow and fleeting—the perfect balance of long sunny afternoons and lazy evenings that beg for a good book in hand. As a writer and lifelong reader, summer has always been a time to escape into new stories, explore unfamiliar places, and uncover hidden truths between the pages.

This month, my reading list is a curated blend of genres and formats. From beachy women's fiction and historical adventures to motivational nonfiction and gripping suspense, each book has earned a spot for a different reason. Here’s a peek at what I’m reading in July—and why you might want to add these titles to your own summer stack.

🌞 1. THE HAPPINESS PROJECT by Gretchen Rubin (Paperback)

A nonfiction pick to anchor my month with intentionality. The Happiness Project has long been recommended by fellow readers and writers as both thought-provoking and practical. Rubin’s month-by-month approach to building a more joyful life offers bite-sized ideas that are easy to implement—perfect for this season when life slows down just enough to reflect.

What I’m loving so far: Rubin’s honesty about the small wins and failures of chasing happiness. It’s part memoir, part guide, and it’s reminding me that happiness isn’t one big thing—it’s the accumulation of small choices that add up to a richer life.

✨ 2. WILD AS THE STARS by Kerry Chaput (eBook)

For my historical fiction heart, Kerry Chaput’s Wild as the Stars delivers everything I adore—lush settings, fierce female leads, and deep emotional stakes. Set in 1925 Seattle, is a glittering adventure into the dark world of theater. Perfect for fans of The Greatest Showman, this mother-daughter saga brings the roaring twenties to life with magical twists and vivid details and a heroine you root for from page one.

This is the kind of historical fiction that reminds me why I write it—because history is full of immersive tales that transport you.

🔍 3. THE ART OF MURDER by Maggie Giles (eBook)

Mystery fans, take note. I’m mixing things up this month with a gripping suspense read from Maggie Giles. The Art of Murder dives into the tranquil town of Cedar Plains, where safety and community are sacred but some truths are too perilous to unearth. A deadly dance of secrets and lies is buried within the town’s heart. Their darkest deeds are cloaked in silence, and no one truly knows anything.

I appreciate a good “just-one-more-chapter” book, and this one is sure to have me flying through pages. It’s the kind of read I turn to when I need a break from historical depth, yet still want strong characters and an absorbing plot.

🏖️ 4. THE MARTHA’S VINEYARD BEACH AND BOOK CLUB by Martha Hall Kelly (eBook)

This one had me at “beach and book club.” Martha Hall Kelly, known for her WWII novels, brings her signature emotional resonance to a dual timeline setting in The Martha’s Vineyard Beach and Book Club. It’s a story about sisters, secrets, and second chances set against the idyllic backdrop of New England.

It’s an easy pick for summer. This is my wind-down read, best enjoyed with a chilled drink on the patio.

🎧 5. LAST DANCE BEFORE DAWN by Katharine Schellman (Audiobook)

I’ve been eagerly awaiting this one! The latest in Schellman’s Nightingale series, Last Dance Before Dawn continues the story of Vivian Kelly—speakeasy regular by night, amateur sleuth by necessity. Set in Prohibition-era New York, the novel brings all the glamor, danger, and smoky intrigue I crave in historical mysteries.

I’m listening to the audiobook version, and the narrator truly brings 1920s Manhattan to life. The dialogue sparkles, the danger simmers, and Vivian is as compelling as ever. It’s cinematic storytelling that turns every walk or errand into an escape to another time.

What I Love About This Month’s Reads

This mix of books reflects exactly what I’m craving this season: variety, voice, and meaningful escape. Whether it's unraveling clues in a jazz club or finding happiness in everyday routines, I’m reminded that storytelling in all its forms has the power to transport, heal, and inspire.

If you’re building your own summer reading list, I’d love to know what titles are on your radar. Do you read across genres or stick to your favorite? Have you picked up any of these books already?

Let’s chat books—I’d love to hear from you over on Instagram!

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📚 Happy Reading!

—
Tanya
Historical Fiction Author | Tea Drinker | Avid Daydreamer