When it comes to good beach reads, we don’t have to be limited to the usual suspects, also known as the summer romance novels.

Sometimes a romance novel hits the spot, but when I was thinking back to some of my personal favorite books I’ve read in previous summers, I realized there were many other genres represented, such as mysteries, thrillers, historical fiction, literary fiction, and more.

Yes, romance novels are included on this list, but if romance isn’t your go-to genre, there are several other genres to choose from.

Note: If you are looking for audiobooks to listen to at the beach, I’ve added “Great on audio” notes next to those I enjoyed on audio.

Let’s get reading!

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Thrillers to Take to the Beach

First up, thrillers. One of the perks of a good thriller is that it will hold your attention. This might be exactly what you need if your summer vacation is on a rowdy cruise or crowded beach and you are looking for a good beach read. I read maybe two thrillers a year, and I don’t like ones that are going to keep me from sleeping, if you know what I mean. You will probably notice that when I find an author in this genre, I tend to read more of that author because I learn I can trust them not to be too dark.

The books are listed in order from the least dark, nail-biting to the darkest.

The River by Peter Heller

This was one of my favorite books that I read in the summer of 2019. What starts out as a peaceful canoe trip that two college friends decide to take during their summer break quickly turns into a story of survival. Wynn and Jack set out on a canoe trip in northern Canada, only to find themselves battling nature and other threats when they hear a couple arguing from a distance and later discover a raging wildfire. The trip turns into a gripping survival adventure, testing their friendship and resilience against the wild and unforeseen dangers. This one is also great if you’re looking for something on the short side, as it’s only 253 pages.

Amazon audible

The Soulmate by Sally Hepworth

Sally Hepworth is one of those authors I will always read. Hepworth writes novels that are a mix of women’s fiction, mystery, and thriller. This book had me hooked from page one. It starts with an interesting premise about a family living in a beach house on a cliff with a steep drop. It’s a dream house except for one problem — it’s a popular suicide spot. (And that is the most I will give away.) This book is about marriage, parenting, identity, and mental illness. It also explores perception and reality, and how well you think you know someone. It is told in alternating points of view and alternating timelines. While this structure could lose readers, Hepworth presents it in a way that makes it easy to follow.

There is no gore or excessive violence. This book contained lots of twists and turns I definitely did not expect. (It makes me want to read it again.)

Amazon Audible

The Night Swim by Megan Goldin (Rachel Krall, Book 1)

The Night Swim is the first book in the Rachel Krall series. Rachel Krall is a crime podcaster who gets a lot of requests for help from loved ones seeking justice for their family members. Krall starts investigating the death of Jenny Stills, who reportedly drowned 25 years prior. She decides to investigate the case after finding several notes on her windshield asking for help. She also decides to make it the subject of her Season 3 podcast. I love the Rachel Krall books on audio because the parts where Krall is doing her podcast are produced like a real podcast, and I also find that the podcast portions give the reader a break from the tension you typically feel when reading a thriller. Plus, Krall helps you process what’s going on.

Reading Notes: Great on audio! I could not find this book available on audio on any of the usual platforms, even though I initially got it on Audible. But readers say you can still find the audiobook through your library and listen on the Libby app.

Amazon

Dark Corners by Megan Goldin (Rachel Krall, Book 2)

After enjoying The Night Swim so much, I grabbed this one as soon as it came out last summer. In fact, I think the series only gets better. There’s no connection between the case in this book and the previous one. The only connection is Rachel Krall.

In Dark Corners, Rachel is called to help the FBI by meeting with an inmate they believe is somehow involved in the recent disappearance of a popular influencer. The book ends up being a deep dive into the underbelly of the influencer world. There’s also a lesson that sometimes there are other explanations for what may seem obvious at first glance. As one of the main characters says, “The scariest monster is the one that hides in plain sight.” This book had me hooked from the beginning to the end.

(I hope there are more books in the Krall series, especially now that she’s dating an FBI agent.)

Reading Note: Great on audio! (And available on all major platforms.)

Amazon audible

Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

This book technically falls under the gothic horror genre, which, if I had known that going into it, I don’t know if I would have read it, but I’m glad I did because I thought this was such an interesting story. In fact, this is one of those books I still think about even though I read it more than three years ago. Mexican Gothic follows as Noemí heads to a remote mansion after receiving a concerning letter from her cousin, who is living in a mansion in the Mexican countryside, after she married an Englishman. Noemí soon learns that there’s something about this house that makes it hard to leave. I think a lot of the time, fiction is allegory. I don’t know if this was intended by the author, but there’s something that happens in this book, or should I say, a feature of the house that seemed very symbolic of the battle we have with our human nature. If you read this one or have read this one, let me know if you pick up on this.

Reading Note: Great on audio!

Amazon Audible

Historical Fiction to Take to the Beach

I almost always read a couple of historical fiction books each summer. I think historical fiction books work during the summer because they tend to feel like adventures to me. While I never considered myself a historical fiction reader per se, the truth is that some of my favorite books are historical fiction. In fact, I had a really hard time deciding which books I wanted to include in this list because there are so many good beach reads in this genre!

Summer of Love by Kerri Maher

Summer of Love follows two timelines, one that starts in 1967 and one that starts in 2015 in the San Francisco area. The book starts in the present day, where readers are introduced to Dawn, who is a set designer who recently got out of a relationship and is realizing that she has developed an unhealthy relationship with alcohol, and has recently decided to go without. Dawn is the daughter of Miranda, who owns and runs the family winery in Napa. Dawn was recently hired to design a birthday party based on the popular (fictional) book, Phoebe and the Burning Vines. After she reads the book, so she can come up with ideas for the party, she starts to notice there are a lot of elements in the book that remind her of her family and the winery where she grew up. We are then taken back to the 1960s, where we learn about Miranda and her sister Winnie. As the story unwinds, Dawn starts to learn the family secrets that have been kept from her for more than 40 years, all while she figures out how to live and function without drinking. I thought this was a really interesting time period to explore, and was impressed by Maher’s ability to have a book within a book. Given that most of the book takes place in the 1960s, there is a lot of sex, drugs, and rock and roll. (Although most of it happens off-stage.) This book has total summer vibes.

Release date: July 7, 2026

Thank you to Berkley, an imprint of Penguin Random House, for sharing an advanced reader’s copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Amazon Audible

The Fountains of Silence by Ruta Sepetys

I’m embarrassed to say that I literally knew nothing about Franco’s Spain post-WWII until I read this book. This book follows the lives of several characters who live in 1950s Spain and the visiting Americans who only see a curated version. As the name implies, one of the themes of this book is silence, because silence is how you survive living under a totalitarian regime. If you do anything to draw attention to yourself, it’s a recipe for disaster. The book switches between the different characters, slowly revealing the truth about some of the incredulous actions and projects the government is working on. It is interspersed with excerpts from U.S. government documents about life in Spain during this time.

Note: You will find this book in the YA section of your bookstore. Also, I don’t recommend this one on audio unless you know Spanish. It includes a lot of Spanish phrases, but the physical book includes a glossary to help with translation.

Amazon Audible

The Resistance Women by Jennifer Chiaverini

Did you know that there was an American woman who was put to death by the Gestapo during World War II? Neither did I until I read this book. Her name is Mildred Harnack, and she was a Wisconsin native. In fact, in America’s Dairyland, they observe Mildred Fish Harnack Day every September. The Resistance Women follows four women from different walks of life and takes them from pre-World War II until Harnack’s execution. This is another one of those books that has stuck with me even though I read it more than five years ago. If you’ve ever wondered how the Nazis were able to gain the power they did, this book does such a good job of showing how slowly and subtly they increased their power.

Amazon Audible

The Evolution of Annabel Craig by Lisa Grunwald

To say this book is a historical fiction book about the Scopes Monkey Trial doesn’t do it justice. Yes, it is definitely about that, and I loved getting this on-the-ground view of that pivotal trial, but it’s really a story about a young woman named Annabel Craig. Annabel has to navigate living on her own after both her parents died when she was a young teenager, a marriage with an up-and-coming local lawyer, the biggest event to ever happen in Dayton, Tennessee, and her faith in God in the face of it all. I thought it was all beautifully told in this book by Lisa Grunwald. Also, Grunwald can write!

Amazon Audible

Now is Not the Time to Panic by Kevin Wilson

I loved this book and am surprised I haven’t heard more people talk about it. This is a 1990s-era coming-of-age novel that takes place over a summer when two teenagers decide to create a poster as a joke during their summer break. The poster becomes a sensation and causes chaos throughout the town. As someone who grew up during the 90s, this book resonated with me and perfectly captures the nostalgia and essence of a 90s summer. I loved how Kevin Wilson brought that era to life.

Reading Note: Great on audio!

Amazon Audible

Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride

This is a recent read of mine, but I think it’s sooo good. This book could also fall under the mystery and literary fiction genres. This book had been on my TBR list since it came out last summer. I’m only sad that it took me so long to read it. I enjoyed it so much that it gave me a serious book hangover after I finished it. I simply wanted more. The book centers around a Jewish couple, Moshe and Chona. Moshe owns the local theater, and Chona owns the local grocery store. The book explores race issues, anti-semitism, class, and what happens when all of these things intersect.

Reading Note: Great on audio!

Amazon Audible

Mystery Novels to Take to the Beach

Mystery novels also tend to grab your attention like a thriller, but they aren’t typically quite as dark. (At least none of the books on this list are very dark.) Mystery books tend to be more like solving a puzzle than being haunted by a bad guy. One of my favorite parts of mystery novels is if you read one with whose main character is the sleuth, it’s the sleuth that makes the book. This is the case wit The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency and The Mysterious Affair at Styles.

The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith

If you would like to read a mystery novel that doesn’t contain any murder, then this one is for you. If I had known what a delight these books were, I would have started reading this series a long time ago. I remember seeing these books on my mom’s bookshelves for years, and when I saw it on the shelf of one of my favorite bookstores a couple of years ago, I decided to pick it up. Mma Ramotswe (when you see Mma, think “Miss”) just inherited a herd of cattle from her father, which she sells and uses the proceeds to start her own business as a private detective. As the story unfolds, we start to learn that there is much more to Ramotswe (and her family) than meets the eye. And it’s fun to see how she approaches each case with her eccentric but clever way.

Amazon Audible

The Mother-in-Law by Sally Hepworth

If you want to read a Sally Hepworth, I think this makes a great book to start with. This book is definitely more mystery than thriller. The book opens when Lucy’s mother-in-law, Diana, is found dead under suspicious circumstances. The book reveals buried secrets and family tensions, leading to a twisty, suspenseful narrative and a reveal. Hepworth has a way of integrating humor into her books, and I thought this one was fun to read.

Reading Note: Great on audio!

Amazon Audible

Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

This might be the one book on this list that doesn’t need an introduction, given the popularity of this novel. It spent a whopping 150 weeks on the New York Times Bestseller List. But if you haven’t read this book, let this be the summer. It tells the story of Kya Clark, the “Marsh Girl,” who grows up isolated in the North Carolina marshlands. When a local man is found dead, Kya becomes a prime suspect, intertwining a murder mystery with her journey of survival, love, and connection to nature. I personally loved watching Kya grow into a respected naturalist while figuring out how to make it on her own. Although she did have a few guardian angels watching over her. The movie they made of this book is actually well done.

Amazon Audible

The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocumb

The Violin Conspiracy tells the story of Ray McMillian, a Black classical violinist whose family heirloom violin and Stradivarius is stolen just before a major competition. As Ray navigates the challenges of reclaiming his stolen instrument, he uncovers profound truths about his heritage, identity, and the power of music. The story is told by going back and forth between the past and the present, showing Ray’s climb as a world-class violinist and the racial challenges he faced. Slocumb says that some of the story is autobiographical. This is another mystery novel that will have you hooked from the beginning, and it doesn’t contain any murder.

Amazon Audible

The Mysterious Affair at Styles by Agatha Christie

If you’ve never read any Agatha Christie, I think this is a great book to start with because it is the first installment in the Hercule Poirot series. Set in the summer, the season’s heat weaves into the narrative as a compelling element. Poirot, a Belgian refugee turned astute detective, probes the poisoning of the affluent Emily Inglethorp at Styles Court. The investigation is rife with misleading clues, concealed familial skeletons, and a clever manipulation of a will. Poirot captivates, and his absence from the pages is keenly felt.

Amazon Audible

Romance Novels to Take to the Beach

Of course, I had to include some romance novels, but as the title implies, I think good beach reads are more than just romance. All of the books on this list feature a protagonist who is dealing with heavy issues. They are either grieving the loss of a parent, the loss of a spouse, dealing with serious health issues, or trying to make it in life after being raised by a neglectful, narcissistic parent. BUT they are also interlaced with plenty of humor and hope, which is why I loved all of the books on this list. My point is that romance doesn’t have to mean a lack of depth.

Summer State of Mindy by Kristy Woodson Harvey

One of my first thoughts after starting this book was that when people say they are looking for a beach read, this is the kind of book they are talking about. There’s romance, it takes place on the coast, but it also has enough depth to hold your interest. Daisy is a NICU nurse who has just moved to the beach town of Cape Carolina. Mason is the baseball coach at the local high school. When Mason and his star player, Drew, find a newborn baby in a dumpster, they rush the baby to the local hospital, where Daisy is on duty. Mason and Daisy immediately bond over this situation and become fast friends, which slowly starts to turn into more. At the same time, Mason has an aunt named Tilley, who has never been quite right since her high school sweetheart died decades earlier and is going through a transformation of her own. I liked that this book doesn’t just focus on the late 20-somethings’ relationship, but also features an older character who is still haunted by her past. Mason’s whole family is a lot of fun, too, and the whole dynamic is very interesting. Closed door but not chaste.

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Amazon Audible

Just for Summer by Abby Jimenez

Justin and Emma connect after he posts in the AmItheAsshole subreddit about an issue he has with his best friend and a “curse” where his exes find their soulmates after dating him. Emma shares the same fate and messages him, leading to a plan to date and break the curse. They face a challenge: Justin is in Minnesota while Emma, a traveling nurse, is heading to Hawaii. Emma convinces her bestfriend Maddy to work in Minnesota for the summer, allowing her and Justin to explore their connection. This book uses one of my favorite romance tropes: the Fake Romance Trope, which brings fun banter. But it also explores some heavy issues that both Emma and Justin are navigating. A book that can make me laugh out loud and bring me to tears is a win for me.

Read my full Just for Summer review here.

Amazon Audible

Beach Read by Emily Henry

Emily Henry’s Beach Read delves into themes of sorrow, redemption, and the courage to be open-hearted. January Andrews, a romance novelist grappling with financial strain and creative stagnation, inherits a lakeside house from her late father. She retreats there, aspiring to write her next novel while she considers selling the house for financial relief. To her surprise, next door to her new refuge is Augustus “Gus” Everett, a writer of literary fiction and January’s former academic rival. Their initial friction evolves into an unexpected camaraderie and a tender romance.

Note: This book contains open door sex scenes.

Amazon Audible

Expiration Dates by Rebecca Serle

Want a romance mixed with some magical realism? Daphne, a Jewish girl from LA, leads an ordinary life with one extraordinary quirk: whenever she encounters a potential love interest, a slip of paper materializes, bearing the man’s name and the duration of their impending romance. When the book opens, Daphne receives a paper without an end date alongside a new name, suggesting he might be her soulmate. The narrative weaves between the past and the present, blossoming from a fanciful romance into a profound exploration of Daphne’s life and world, hinting at deeper layers hidden beneath the surface.

Note: This book contains open-door sex scenes, but they are minimal and easy to skip.

Amazon Audible

Evvie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes

Evvie, a young widow, has isolated herself following her husband’s tragic death in an accident. Haunted by grief and guilt over her secret desire to leave the marriage before his death, she retreats from the world. She is living in a house in Maine, complete with a rentable apartment, which becomes occupied by Dean Tenney, a baseball pitcher plagued by the “yips,” a mysterious affliction that derails his career, as a tenant. The quaint town in Maine offers Dean a sanctuary for recovery. As Evvie and Dean’s lives intertwine, they forge a bond, each confronting their personal battles. The narrative delves into this evolving connection, a testament to resilience and the unexpected paths of healing.

Amazon Audible

Hope and Other Punchlines by Julie Buxbaum

I thought this was a very sweet (and clean!) book I read a few years ago. Hope and Other Punchlines follows Abbi Hope Goldstein, a 9/11 survivor known for a famous photograph taken on that tragic day when she was a baby being rescued from the Twin Towers. She is now a teenager working at a summer camp. There, she meets Noah Stern, who has his own connection to that day and seeks her help to uncover a long-held mystery. Together, they navigate the complexities of their pasts, forming an unexpected bond filled with humor, heartache, and hope. This is a great book that both you and your teenage daughter (if you have one) will enjoy. I think it’s a way to introduce teens to some of the fallout of 9/11 that we don’t hear talked about anymore.

Amazon Audible

Literary Fiction to Take to the Beach

Summer can also be a great time to finally read that literary fiction novel you’ve had on your TBR list for way to long. Here are some that I personally loved and read during the summer. Sometimes literary fiction book can mean slow burn, but I don’t think that’s the case for any of these books except for maybeTom Lake. Again, there are sooo many other books I could have included on this list, but I think these are good ones to start with.

The Lager Queen of Minnesota by J. Ryan Stradal

This is one of my all-time favorite books! This book explores themes of family, friendship, beer-making (of course), and redemption. This book follows two sisters, Helen and Edith. After their father leaves the family farm solely to Helen, she uses the inheritance to create a successful brewery, while her sister Edith struggles despite her talent for baking. The story follows their fractured relationship and the next generation’s efforts to change their family’s fortunes, highlighting themes of resilience, reconciliation, and transformation in the face of adversity. I fell in love with these

Amazon Audible

This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger

This is another one of my all-time faves! This book is what you would get if Homer’s Odyssey and Huckleberry Finn had a baby, but so much more. This book takes place in 1932 and follows three boys who manage to escape an Indian Training School, plus a sad girl named Emmy, whom they bring with them. The injustice these kids face is heartbreaking, but from there, it’s like an epic novel that will take you on an adventure. This book is historical fiction, literary fiction, coming of age, and more. It’s a book about courage, friendship, faith, hope, and survival. It’s a long one, at 450 pages, but it holds your attention from start to finish.

Amazon Audible

Tom Lake by Ann Patchett

This book made me want to go find a production I could watch, like in the worst way. Tom Lake revolves around Lara, who tells the story of her youthful summer romance with a now-famous actor named Peter Duke to her three adult daughters during the COVID-19 pandemic. When Lara first meets Peter Duke, it’s because she’s in a production of Our Town together for the summer. Through this storytelling, the novel explores themes of love, family, and the passage of time, as Lara and her daughters come to understand more about each other and the choices they’ve made. This book also does a good job of exploring the fleeting nature of fame.

Reading Note: Great on audio! (It’s read by actress Meryl Streep.)

Amazon Audible

Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng

This book has a lot going on. Little Fires Everywhere revolves around the lives of the Richardson family and their enigmatic tenants, Mia Warren and her daughter, Pearl, in the affluent suburb of Shaker Heights, Ohio. There is also a custody battle over a Chinese-American baby that divides the community, leading to clashes between the seemingly perfect Richardson family and the free-spirited Mia, culminating in the mysterious fire that destroys the Richardson home. The novel explores themes of race, privilege, motherhood, and the conflicts between personal desires and societal expectations. I think this would make a great book club pick because there is A LOT going on to discuss. This book was made into a TV series that I personally didn’t like. As we say in the book world, “The book was better.”

Amazon Audible

Rules of Civility by Amor Towles

This is one of those books that makes me wish I could go back and live in the early 1900s because it seemed like such an interesting time to live. (Although, I don’t think I would have liked living through the Depression, so there’s always trade-offs, right?) Rules of Civility follows the journey of Katey Kontent, a young woman navigating the vibrant social scene of 1930s New York City after a chance encounter with the enigmatic and wealthy Tinker Grey on New Year’s Eve. As Katey ascends the social ladder, she grapples with themes of love, ambition, and identity, forming complex relationships that test her morals and aspirations. The story culminates in Katey’s reflection on the choices and sacrifices made along her path, revealing the bittersweet nature of personal and professional success.

Amazon Audible

What books on this list are you most excited to read? I would love to hear. Please share your thoughts in the comments section.

The post 25 Good Beach Reads That Aren’t (Just) Romance Novels appeared first on Passion of Audiobooks.

What makes a book perfect for summer reading?

While no books are off limits for any time of the year, there’s something about reading a book in the summer that is set in the summer that just feels so right for the season. Just like cuddling up with a cozy mystery in the fall feels so right for that season. Or a Christmas novel in December.

While some authors, like Elin Hilderbrand, are known for writing books set in summer, there are others that may not be quite as obvious at first glance.

This post is all about books set in summer that will be perfect for your Summer Reading List.

Let’s dive in!

Books Set in Summer

01

The Great Gatsby

This classic by F. Scott Fitzgerald is set in the summer of 1922. The heat is so intense in parts of this book, it feels like a character. It follows the life of Jay Gatsby, who is known for his extravagant parties and mysterious past, which attracts the attention of his neighbor, Nick Carraway.

Nick becomes friends with Gatsby and learns about his obsession with Daisy Buchanan, a woman he loved before he went to war.

Gatsby believes that he can win Daisy back, despite the fact that she is now married to another man.

This is one of those books that will make you ask a lot of questions: Is wealth really worth it? Can you buy love? How far are you willing to go to get what you want? And more. There’s a reason this book is a classic.

If you’re looking for a shorter book to add to your summer reading list, The Great Gatsby is only 180 pages.

02

The River

The River was one of my favorite books of 2019. As the name implies, it takes place while two college students take a canoe trip down a river in the wilderness of northern Canada during their summer break. This book starts off as a very quiet and peaceful trip down a river. It reminds me of the calming effect you get when you’re in nature.

As they move down the river, events take place that turn this book into an intense thriller as they are faced with various challenges. This book is ultimately about friendship and loyalty. If you love being in nature, this book is for you.

03

Malibu Rising

Malibu Rising is a novel that unfolds over one hot summer night. It tells the story of four siblings who are also the children of a legendary rock star in the 1980s. The book explores family dynamics and relationships between siblings while covering events from the 1950s to the present day. Malibu Rising was the Read with Jenna pick for June 2021.

Although I have not read this book, I am intrigued by a story that takes place over one hot August night and ends with a Malibu mansion burning to the ground. It sounds like a perfect addition to any summer reading list.

04

Now is Not the Time to Panic

Kevin Wilson tends to write quirky books about quirky characters, and I have yet to read one I didn’t like. Now is Not the Time to Panic is no exception. This book is about friendship, coming of age, and how to face the past. If you’ve ever been curious about how teenagers spent their summers in the 90s, this book is a glimpse into that.

As a 90s kid myself, this book felt like a throwback for me. Now is Not the Time to Panic focuses on two teenagers who are looking for something to do. Out of boredom, they decide to create a sign that they post anonymously all over town.

What starts as innocuous fun turns into so much more. Wilson does a great job writing about female heroines. At 256 pages, this book is a quick read, and I thought it was great on audio.

05

Charlotte’s Web

Charlotte’s Web is a children’s classic that is totally worth re-reading as an adult. This book is about friendship, loyalty, and sacrifice. You can’t help but fall in love with all of the characters, especially the animals and the beloved spider, Charlotte. The story starts in spring when the pig, Wilbur, is born. When Wilbur is born, the farmer is about to slaughter him because he is a runt.

That’s until the farmer’s daughter, Fern, intervenes and promises to take care of him. When he starts to get too big to live in the house, Wilbur is then taken to live on Fern’s uncle’s farm where he meets the other animals who inform him that his fate is to become the Christmas ham.

That’s when Charlotte decides to help him by weaving messages into her web that praise Wilbur’s virtues. The whole town sees this as a miracle, which saves his life. There’s something almost magical about this book.

06

Saturday Night at the Lakeside Supper Club

loved The Lager Queen of Minnesota, so when I saw that J. Ryan Stradal was coming out with another book, I knew I wanted to read it. Saturday Night at the Lakeside Supper Club covers four generations of women and dives into the complex mother-and-daughter relationships that go with them. This book just felt like summer in the Midwest.

In fact, I would say Stradal’s books often feel like a love letter to the Upper Midwest states.

Don’t let the bright yellow cover deceive you. This book deals with some very heavy topics. If you love books with a strong sense of place, the Lakeside Supper Club and the town where it’s located definitely become a character.  Content Warning: Death of a child.

07

Surviving Savannah

Have you heard of the Southern Titanic? Well, I hadn’t either until I read Surviving Savannah by Patti Callahan Henry. Surviving Savannah tells the story of the steamship Pulaski that sank off the coast of Georgia in the summer of 1838. Wealthy Georgians boarded the Pulaski to escape the grueling heat of a Southern Summer that was supposed to take them to upstate New York.

Unfortunately, the Pulaski never made it to its destination. The book details the events that led to this disaster and the journey that the survivors went through to get back to shore. It also explores the issue of slavery, domestic violence, and the positives and negatives that can result from intense trauma.

08

Beach Read

Beach Read by Emily Henry is a story about grief, forgiveness, love, and vulnerability. The story begins when January Andrews, a best-selling romance author who is having financial problems and a serious case of writer’s block, inherits a beach house from her recently deceased father. She decides to spend the summer at the beach house, hoping to find inspiration for her next book and possibly sell the property to make ends meet.

To her surprise, January discovers that her next-door neighbor is none other than Augustus “Gus” Everett, a literary fiction writer who also happens to be her college rival. Despite their differences, they strike up an unlikely friendship and unexpected romance. Note: This book includes open-door love scenes.

09

Evvie Drake Starts Over

I don’t read a ton of romance, but this is one I really enjoyed a few summers back. For me, romance novels need depth to keep my interest, and this one definitely has that. Evvie is a young widow whose husband recently died in a car crash. As a result, she’s become a bit of a recluse. While she is struggling with grief, she is also struggling with guilt because before her husband died, she was getting ready to end the marriage.

Evvie lives in a house in Maine that has an apartment in the back that’s for rent. Evvie’s best friend invites Major League Baseball pitcher Dean Tenney to rent the apartment after he starts struggling with something called the “yips” that keeps him from throwing straight.

The small Maine town makes it a great setting where Dean can regroup. The book explores the friendship that develops between the two as they both grapple with their struggles. Content Warning: Grief.

10

The Soulmate

I was immediately hooked by this book from the very first chapter. It starts with an intriguing premise about a family living in a beach house on a cliff with a steep drop – a dream house, except for one problem: it’s a popular suicide spot. But that’s all I’ll reveal about the plot. The Soulmate explores themes of marriage, parenting, and mental illness while also exploring perception and reality and how well we truly know someone.

The story is told through alternating points of view and timelines, which could potentially confuse readers, but Hepworth presents it in a way that makes it easy to follow. With its beach setting, The Soulmate would make for a perfect summer read.

11

The Mysterious Affair at Styles

I have been hooked on Agatha Christie ever since reading this book. I picked up this book as part of the Reading Through the Decades Reading Challenge as a book that is set in the 1920s. If you’ve never read any Agatha Christie, this is the perfect book to start with because this is the first book in the Hercule Poirot series.

This book is also set in summer, and the heat of summer ends up playing an interesting role in the case. Poirot is a Belgian refugee turned detective, who investigates the poisoning of wealthy Emily Inglethorp at Styles Court. The case is filled with red herrings, family secrets, and an ingenious use of a will. Poirot is that sleuth that you miss when he’s not on the page.

Where to Buy:

What are You Going to Read Next?

I know. There are so many books to choose from! That’s why I only gave you 11. Hopefully, that makes it a little easier to choose.

Have you read any of these books? Are you adding any of these books to your TBR? I want to hear all about it!

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The post 11 Books Set in Summer for Your Summer TBR appeared first on Passion of Audiobooks.

Looking for historical fiction books for the summer? I think this is a great genre to explore in the summer as the books make you feel like you have traveled to a different time and place.

While I never thought of myself as a historical fiction reader, some of the best books I’ve read are in that genre.

Some historical fiction books are as action packed as any thriller. Some are so expertly crafted with thoroughly developed characters that they rival the best literary fiction. And some are mystery puzzles that need to be solved.

I find that historical fiction fall into two categories:

• Stories that take you through a specific historical event such as a war.
• Stories that give you a glimpse into what life was like during a certain time in a certain place.

How I chose books for this list? I started with books that I personally read and loved and thought would make great picks for summer reading. I then surveyed readers from real life or from reading groups I’m in for their recommendations for summer. I then looked up each title on GoodReads and picked the books with highest ratings.

You can feel confident with the books on this carefully crafted reading list of historical fiction books for summer.

Let’s dive in!

Historical Fiction Books for Summer

The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon (1780s)

I wouldn’t have personally picked a book about a frozen river for a summer reading book, but sooo many readers said this book needs to go on your summer TBR list! Described as a historical mystery, The Frozen River tells the story of a real midwife who lived in Maine in the late 1700s who is called upon to determine the cause-of-death of a man who is found dead in a local river after it freezes over. The midwife thinks it’s clearly murder; while a local Harvard educated doctor thinks otherwise. This launches the midwife into an investigation to learn more about what happened. Months before he was found dead, a woman confided in Martha that the man found dead was part of a duo who raped her. Fans describe this book as gripping and atmospheric page-turner.

buy the book!

The American Queen by Vanessa Miller (1860s)

The American Queen tells the story about a group of formerly enslaved Americans who were forced out of their homes in Mississippi. They travel northward in search of their own land where they could settle and establish their own community, and they do just that under the leadership of their sweet queen and king in a series of providential events. This is a beautiful and true story about loyalty, survival, trust, power, love, and forgiveness.

Reading note: Great on audio! (My favorite part was when the narrator would sing. She really brought Louella to life.)

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Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurty (1870s)

Two old-timer cowboys, Gus and Call, decide to saddle up for one last adventure: driving a herd of cattle from their Texas ranch all the way to Montana. Along the dusty trail, they face challenges, forge new friendships with a ragtag group of cowboys, and grapple with the fading glory of their Ranger days. The journey is a bittersweet reminder of life, loss, and the enduring power of friendship. Historical fiction fans rave about this book and say it is a must-read.

buy the book!

Crocodile on the Sandbank by Elizabeth Peters (1880s)

This is the first book in the Amelia Peabody series. Peabody is a strong-willed Victorian woman who inherits a fortune and sets off for Egypt to fulfill her passion for Egyptology. On her journey, she befriends Evelyn, a young woman in need of a protector. Together, they travel up the Nile to an excavation site, where they encounter a grumpy archaeologist, a suspicious mummy, and a plot that threatens Evelyn’s life. Amelia, with her sharp wit and resourcefulness, must unravel the mystery and keep her new friend safe. Some people find Amelia annoying, but I love her. In my opinion her overconfidence is part of her charm. She literally had me laughing out loud.

Go here if you want more Ancient Egyptian historical fiction.

Reading Note: Great on audio!

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Lovely War by Julie Berry (1910s)

I loved this book! There is a lot of historical fiction written about World War II; this one is about World War I. It’s written in the context of a love story (hence, the title of the book). It also has a very unique context because in the background you will meet the Greek gods Aphrodite, Hephaestus, and Ares who are all playing a role in the story. Aphrodite is on trial for meddling in people’s lives! To defend herself, she recounts a tale of four characters during World War I. There’s Hazel, a talented pianist yearning for love, and James, a soldier headed for war. Across the battlefield, Colette, a brave singer with a tragic past, finds solace in the music of Aubrey, a talented jazz musician facing prejudice. As war stretches its cruel hand, these four must fight for love, friendship, and hope amidst the chaos.

Reading note: If you’re looking for this one in your local bookstore or library, expect to find it in the young adult section.

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The Evolution of Annabel Craig by Lisa Grunwald (1920s)

To say this book is a historical fiction book about the Scopes Monkey Trial doesn’t do it justice. Yes, it is definitely about that, and I loved getting this on-the-ground view of that pivotal trial, but it’s really a story about a young woman named Annabel Craig. Annabel has to navigate living on her own after both her parents died when she was a young teenager, a marriage with an up-and-coming local lawyer, the biggest event to ever happen in Dayton, Tennessee, and her faith in God in the face of it all. I thought it was all beautifully told in this book by Lisa Grunwald. Also, Grunwald can write!

buy the book!

Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride (1930s)

This is a recent read of mine, but I think it’s sooo good. This book could also fall under the mystery and literary fiction genres. This book had been on my TBR list since it came out last summer. I’m only sad that it took me so long to read it. I enjoyed it so much that it gave me a serious book hangover after I finished it. I simply wanted more. The book centers around a Jewish couple, Moshe and Chona. Moshe owns the local theater, and Chona owns the local grocery store. The book explores race issues, anti-semitism, class, and what happens when all of these things intersect.

Reading Note: Great on audio!

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The Bookwoman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson (1930s)

It’s 1936 in Kentucky where we meet Cussy (Mary) Carter, a clever woman, who is one of the “blue people” of Kentucky. Despite facing prejudice, she takes a job as for the Pack Horse Library Project, delivering books on horseback to families in the Appalachian mountains. Along the way, she befriends lonely and desperate people, challenges their suspicions, and shares the magic of good books in a world full of despair and hardship. This book is a reminder that books can connect communities and offer hope even in tough times. This is a book about friendship, hope, mercy, and compassion.

Content Warnings: Sexual assault, death, starvation

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The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes (1930s)

The Giver of Stars also tells the story of the Packhorse Librarians of Kentucky, but through a different character. Alice escapes a her stuffy life in England by marrying an American man, but small-town Kentucky isn’t much better. When she has a chance to join the library group delivering books part of one of Eleanor Roosevelt’s projects, Alice volunteers. Alongside a group of women, Alice braves the mountains to bring the joy of reading to remote communities. Facing prejudice and danger, these unlikely friends learn the power of books, friendship, resilience, and compassion.

buy the book!

The Resistance Women by Jennifer Chiaverini (1929 to 1946)

Did you know that there was an American woman who was put to death by the Gestapo during World War II? Neither did I until I read this book. Her name is Mildred Harnack, and she was a Wisconsin native. In fact, in America’s Dairyland they observe Mildred Fish Harnack Day every September. The Resistance Women follows four women from different walks of life and takes them from pre-World War II until Harnack’s execution. This is another one of those books that has stuck with me even though I read it more than five years ago. If you’ve ever wondered how the Nazis were able to gain the power they did, this book does such a good job of showing how slowly and subtly they increased their power.

buy the book!

Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly (1939 to 1959)

This book follows three women during World War II. Caroline Ferriday, a socialite from New York, works tirelessly to aid Polish women subjected to medical experiments at Ravensbrück concentration camp. Kasia, a young Polish girl, faces unimaginable horrors in the camp but finds hope in Caroline’s determination to help. Meanwhile, German doctor Herta Oberheuser grapples with moral dilemmas as she becomes involved in the Nazi regime’s atrocities. Through their stories, this book sheds light on historical character. This is a book about resilience, determination, and friendship.

buy the book!

If I Were You by Lynn Austin (1940s)

If I Were You is an epic novel that tells the story of life in England during World War II through the lens of two women who are the same age, but polar opposites in every other way. The book starts in the present, in 1950 in the United States, when widowed war bride Audrey Clarkson and her young son show up at the home of the parents of her deceased husband in Connecticut to find her old longtime friend Eve Dawson pretending to be her. The book then goes back and tells how they got to where they are and why.

I loved this book! It is beautifully written and has such well-developed characters. If you like historical fiction, especially World War 2 historical fiction, definitely check this one out!

Check out my full review of If I Were You.

Reading Note: Great on audio!

buy the book!

Go as a River by Shelley Read (1940s)

This novel is set on a Colorado peach farm during the 1940s. It follows Victoria Nash, a young woman who navigates the challenges of love, loss, and resilience after a tragic accident changes her life. As she seeks a fresh start, Victoria discovers the strength within herself and the beauty of forging her own path. The book beautifully intertwines themes of nature, family, and the enduring human spirit, making it a heartwarming and inspiring read. This would make for a great peach-themed book club pick!

buy the book!

The Stationery Shop by Marjan Kamali (1950s)

This is an love story set against the backdrop of 1950s Tehran. It follows Roya, a young woman who finds solace and romance in a quaint stationery shop, where she meets her first love, Bahman. Their relationship is torn apart by political upheaval, but decades later, Roya gets a chance to reconnect with Bahman and uncover the truth about their past. This beautifully written novel explores themes of love, loss, and the enduring power of memory, making it a heartfelt and memorable read. This book goes back and forth between the past and the present, and it had me hooked from page one. Soooo good!

buy the book!

The Fountains of Silence by Ruta Sepetys (1950s)

I’m embarrassed to say that I literally knew nothing about Franco’s Spain post-WWII until I read this book. This book follows the lives of several characters who live in Franco’s Spain and the visiting Americans who only see a curated version. As the name implies, one of the themes of this book is silence — because silence is how you survive living under a totalitarian regime. If you do anything to draw attention to yourself, it’s a recipe for disaster. The book switches between the different characters, slowly revealing the truth about some of the incredulous actions and projects the government is working on. It is interspersed with excerpts from U.S. government documents about life in Spain during this time.

Note: You will find this book in the YA section of your bookstore. Also, I don’t recommend this one on audio unless you know Spanish. It includes a lot of Spanish phrases, but the physical book includes a glossary to help with translation.

buy the book!

Take My Hand by Dolen Perkins-Valdez (1970s)

I’m going to warn you . . . this is a gut-wrenching story, but I also think that its an important read. This book is set in 1970s Alabama. It follows Civil Townsend, a young nurse who becomes deeply involved in the lives of two young sisters and discovers a shocking injustice within the healthcare system. As Civil fights for the girls’ rights and navigates her own moral dilemmas, the story highlights themes of compassion, courage, and the fight for justice. This book sheds light on a dark chapter in American history, which is the reason why I think it’s worth reading.

buy the book!

Now is Not the Time to Panic by Kevin Wilson (1990s)

I loved this book and am surprised I haven’t heard more people talk about it. This is a 1990s-era coming-of-age novel that takes place over a summer when two teenagers decide to create a poster as a joke during their summer break. The poster becomes a sensation and causes chaos throughout the town. As someone who grew up during the 90s, this book resonated with me and perfectly captures the nostalgia and essence of a 90s summer. I loved how Kevin Wilson brought that era to life.

Reading Note: Great on audio!

buy the book!

What historical fiction books are you most excited to read this summer? I would love to hear about it. Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

The post (Time) Travel With These 17 Historical Fiction Books for Summer appeared first on Passion of Audiobooks.

If you’re looking for a great summer read, Emily Henry’s books always seem to capture that perfect summer vibe. In recent years, her books have become perfect go-to reads that feel just right when you’re looking for something light but not completely mind-numbing to read when you’re heading to the beach or the pool. 

I also think Henry is a great author if you are someone who is looking to get back into reading because her books are very approachable, well-written, easy to follow, and typically have a decent amount of humor mixed in.

While Henry’s recent books all fall in the category of contemporary adult romance, that’s not how she got started.

Her first four books were all young adult novels before she pivoted to adult fiction. Here is a breakdown of Henry’s books by genre: 

Young Adult:

• The Love That Split the World (2016)
• A Million Junes (2017)
• When the Sky Fell on Splendor (2019)
• Hello Girls (2019)

Contemporary Adult Romance: 

• Beach Read (2020)
• People We Meet On Vacation (2021)
• Book Lovers (2022)
• Happy Place (2023)
• Funny Story (2024)
• Great Big Beautiful Life (2025)

One of the things I personally enjoy about her adult fiction is that several of them include characters who are also book lovers or writers, which, as a book lover myself, I can always relate to. 

My personal rankings. Of the Emily Henry books I’ve read, here is how I rank them. (That being said, the first three could almost be a tie. The only book on this list I didn’t enjoy as much is Book Lovers.)

1. People We Meet On Vacation. This is a friends-to-lovers romance, and one of the things that I really enjoyed about this book was the fun banter between the two main characters. I think it made it a fun read.
2. Beach Read. This was my first Emily Henry book. The two main characters are writers, and I loved the realistic glimpse into the writing life while they navigate their personal struggles.
3. Funny Story. This one starts out heavy because it begins with the main characters going through break-ups, but it gets lighter as it progresses. The love interest in this book might be my favorite of Henry’s books. He’s simply the most fun of the group.
4. Book Lovers. This is an enemies-to-lovers romance, and I don’t know if it was the trope or that the main character is the ice-queen type, but it was my least favorite. I think I prefer characters that are still figuring out life because they come across as more realistic. This is also the spiciest of the three.

Note that these are just my personal opinions. I’ve seen people who rank them in the exact opposite order

Here are Emily Henry’s books in order!

Emily Henry Books in Order

01

The Love That Split the World (2016)

Henry’s debut novel is referred to as “Friday Night Lights meets The Time Traveler’s Wife.” In Natalie Cleary’s small Kentucky hometown, strange things start happening, like her town disappearing and seeing glimpses of alternate realities. A mysterious apparition named “Grandmother” tells her she has three months to save someone.

Then, Natalie meets a boy named Beau and they share an intense connection. Natalie must take a leap of faith and risk everything for a chance at a new world with Beau. Fans describe this novel “gut-wrenching” with “unique twists” and “a journey to embrace.” This novel is recommended for grades 9 and up. 

02

A Million Junes (2017)

In this story, Jack “June” O’Donnell has always been told to stay away from the Angert family. But when she meets Saul Angert, everything changes. June begins to question her family’s deep hatred of the Angerts and the century-old rift between their families. As their connection grows, they uncover the truth about a curse that has haunted their bloodlines for generations

Now June must decide if it’s time to let go of her family’s grudge and embrace a new future. Great for fans of fantasy and magical realism.  This novel is recommended for children 12 years of age and up.

03

When the Sky Fell on Splendor (2019)

In the small town of Splendor, Ohio, a devastating explosion at the local steel mill has left many residents affected. Seventeen-year-old Franny, whose brother is in a coma as a result of the accident, finds solace in a group of friends called The Ordinary. They spend their time investigating local ghost stories and filming their adventures for YouTube.

However, everything changes when they encounter a real and dangerous phenomenon from the sky. It is described as The Serpent King meets Stranger Things. Fans say this book is a mix of friendship and grief combined with the supernatural. Henry says this is “probably my favorite book I’ve written.” This novel is recommended for children 12 years of age and up.

04

Hello Girls (2019)

Emily Henry co-wrote this book with Brittany Cavallaro. Hello Girls is a story about teenage girls Winona Olsen and Lucille Pryce, who form a strong bond when they meet outside a police station. Both girls are facing difficult situations in their lives – Winona suffers abuse from her seemingly perfect father, while Lucille feels trapped by her family’s involvement in drugs.

hey decide to escape their circumstances and need money and a stolen car to make their getaway to Las Vegas. Emily Henry describes this book as “a good book full of very bad ideas.” Fans describe this book as a “wild ride” and a book that features “dark comedy, fierce feminism, and a poignant friendship.” While Henry’s first three books were all in the sci-fi/fantasy genre. This one is definitely realistic fiction. Recommended for teenagers from age 14 to 17.

05

Beach Read (2020)

This was the first book I read by Henry when it came out in 2020. Beach Read explores themes of grief, forgiveness, love, and vulnerability. The story follows January Andrews, a renowned romance author facing financial struggles and a severe case of writer’s block. After inheriting a beach house from her recently deceased father, she decides to spend the summer there in hopes of finding inspiration for her next book while she battles some serious writer’s block.

She’s also considering selling the property to alleviate her financial burdens. To her astonishment, January discovers that her next-door neighbor is none other than Augustus Everett, who goes by “Gus,” a literary fiction writer who also happens to be her former college rival.

Despite their contrasting styles and backgrounds, they start to form a friendship that blossoms into more, which is helped by the vicinity of their two beach houses. Given the beach setting of this book, Beach Read would make a great addition to your summer reading list.

• Romance Trope: Enemies-to-lovers
• Note: This book contains open door scenes, but they are brief and I found they were easy to skip. 

06

People We Meet On Vacation (2021)

People We Meet on Vacation is the second Henry book I read after hearing a ton of people rave about it. Poppy and Alex are best friends who are also polar opposites and have a strong bond despite their differences. They used to spend a week together every summer, but a falling out caused them to stop talking, which also meant no more summer trips.

Poppy, a travel writer who lives in New York City, decides to mend their friendship by convincing Alex to go on one last vacation together. Surprisingly, he agrees. Now, with just a week to repair their relationship, Poppy must confront a hidden truth that could jeopardize everything.

This last chance romance is supposed to be a When Harry Met Sally retelling. I literally laughed out loud at parts of this book. It definitely is a lighter read than Beach Read.

• Romance Trope: Friends-to-lovers
• Note: Open Door (but I didn’t think it was too over the top)

07

Book Lovers (2022)

Nora Stephens is a cutthroat literary agent and caring sister. When her beloved little sister Libby suggests a trip to Sunshine Falls, North Carolina, Nora agrees, hoping for a transformative adventure. Instead, she keeps encountering Charlie Lastra, an editor she has met before in less-than-ideal circumstances. As they continue to meet by chance, their preconceived notions about themselves may be challenged.

Great for those who love an enemies-to-lovers romance. This book is described by fans as “heartwarming and steamy” with “excellent subplots” while also being “witty, funny, great banter-depth to the story.”

• Romance Trope: Enemies to Lovers
• Note: Contains open-door sex scenes. (Definitely steamier than the previous two.)

08

Happy Place (2023)

Harriet and Wyn, who were once the perfect couple, broke up six months ago but haven’t told their friends. Now, they find themselves sharing a bedroom at their annual Maine cottage getaway. They must pretend to be fine even though they still harbor feelings for each other, all while trying to enjoy their last week together in this special place. It’s a challenging task, but they’re determined to keep up appearances in front of their closest friends.

I mean, what could go wrong? This book includes themes of friendship and heartbreak with a heroine that one fan described as “a contradictory but yet understandable character.”

09

Funny Story (2024)

Daphne is living alone in a small Michigan town following a devastating breakup with her fiancé after he realized he was in love with his childhood best friend, Petra. Post break-up, Daphne decides to stay in the same town because of a commitment she has to her job as a children’s librarian. But she is having a hard time making ends meet and needs a roommate.

Who else would understand her predicament better than Petra’s ex-boyfriend, Miles, who also needs a place to live? Initially, they live pretty separate lives until a friendship starts to form, and they decide to post fake photos of themselves on social media to taunt their exes. You can only imagine what happens after that. I love the fake romance trope, and I thought this one was a lot of fun. Miles is just a lot of fun. I also loved the friendship Daphne forms with one of her co-workers. I love it when books have layers because it makes the book more interesting and adds depth to the story.

• Romance Trope: Fake romance, friends to lovers, opposites attract
• Note: Open Door

10

Great Big Beautiful Life (2025)

This is Henry’s latest novel, which was released in April 2025.

Alice and Hayden are two writers competing for the chance to write the biography of a tragic heiress on a remote Georgia island, who is meeting with the two separately and testing their abilities to see who will win the honors. Logic would tell you that Hayden would win this

literary competition, given his notoriety and a Pulitzer Prize under his belt. But Alice has a lot going for her — she’s genuinely likable, she’s driven to finally have her big break, and it’s clear that Hayden sees her as a genuine threat. And of course, a romance is starting to brew between these two. Early readers have said that this book has a similar vibe to The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid but with more of a rom-com feel.

• Romance Trope: Enemies to lovers
• Note: Open Door

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Emily Henry FAQs

Who is Emily Henry?

Emily Henry is a New York Times bestselling American author from Cincinnati, Ohio, who says she also spends time in the part of Kentucky that is south Cincinnati. Henry attended Hope College in Holland, Michigan, where she studied creative writing. She spent the years after graduating from college as a technical writer. She published her first novel in 2016, The Love That Split the World, which was a YA magical realism novel. She published three more YA novels before publishing her first adult romance in 2020.

What Kind of Books Does Emily Henry Write?

Henry’s first four novels are in the young adult fantasy/magical realism genre. Her last four novels are in the adult contemporary romance genre. 

What is Emily Henry’s Most Popular Book?

Happy Place is the most popular Henry book on GoodReads, with an average rating of 4.19/5 stars (as of this writing). Book Lovers is a close second, with an average rating of 4.18/5 stars (as of this writing). 

(I find that GoodReads members tend to be pretty tough critics, so having a rating above 4.0 is a good sign.)

If you like audiobooks, her adult romance novels, all have ratings of 4.2/5 stars or higher on Audible. Book Lovers has the highest rating with 4.6/5 stars. Beach Read has 4.5/5 stars.

In terms of most copies sold, People We Meet on Vacation sold a whopping 1.039 million copies as of March 2023. 

Which Emily Henry Book Should I Read First?

My personal recommendation is to start with her adult romance novels. One critic says that Henry has “cracked the modern romance novel.” I don’t always enjoy romance novels, but I like hers. 

I recommend reading the summaries above and pick the one that interests you the most.  

Do You Need to Read Emily Henry Books in order?

No. You do not need to ready any of Emily Henry’s books in order. None of Henry’s books are part of a series. They are all standalone novels, so they do not need to be read in any particular order.  That being said, Henry’s adult romance novels do reportedly contain some “Easter eggs” that reference characters in other books — something fun to look for!

Have Any Movies Been Made Out of Emily Henry Books?

No movies have been made out of Emily Henry’s books as of this writing, but three of her books have been optioned for film and are reportedly in the process of adaptation, according to Deadline.com:

• People We Meet on Vacation: This is the first book that was picked up in October 2022. Temple Hill and 3000 Pictures are producing it. Yulin Kuang is writing the screenplay, and Brett Haley is slated to direct it. 
• Book Lovers: Henry announced in March 2023 that Book Lovers was picked up by the studio Tango, and Sarah Heyward was tapped for the adaptation.
• Beach Read: Henry broke the news on her Instagram account on April 5 that Beach Read was the latest to be picked up for film adaptation. Yulin Kuang will both adapt and direct Beach Read, Deadline.com reported. 

How Many Emily Henry Books Are There in Total?

As of this writing in April, Henry has published a total of nine books. 

Which Emily Henry Book Are You Going to Read Next?

Have you read any Emily Henry books? What do you think about her books? If not, which one are you going to try first. I want to hear all about it!

Happy Reading!

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The post Emily Henry Books In Order: The Complete List appeared first on Passion of Audiobooks.

What am I reading in 2026? Every month, I will update this page with the books I read each month, along with a brief review.

Let me know what you’ve been reading this year!

What I Read in January

January was a great reading month for me. I honestly did not read a bad book, and I did not have any DNFs. There’s also a good mix of genres, including historical fiction, mystery/thriller, literary fiction, and some children’s lit. (My youngest is at the best age for some of the best children’s literature, and since we always do these as readalouds, I’ve decided to include them.)

Christmas Eve at Cranberry Cross by Kate Forster

I read my first Kate Forster book a few years ago called The Christmas Star. It was an Audible original, and I believe it was included in the Audible Plus catalogue that year, which means I it was included in my membership. I enjoyed it so much that I’ve gone onto read a Kate Forster book every Christmas season. Out of all of them, I think Christmas Eve at Cranberry Cross might be my favorite. This book has romance, mystery, found family, and more. I was genuinely surprised by the twists and turns and impressed by the clean and smart writing. I loved all the characters and the portrayal of a healthy mom and family.

My Rating:

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where to buy:

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Amazon Audible

Reminders of Him by Colleen Hoover

This is my first Colleen Hoover. I wanted to read this one because there’s a movie coming out based on it, and I thought it sounded interesting. (Plus, it’s starring Lauren Graham, whom I love.) This is a story about redemption, determination, hope against all odds, and second chances in a situation where no one wants to give them.

Kenna is fresh out of prison, and she wants to finally meet her four-year-old daughter she gave birth to while locked away. The reason Kenna was in prison was because she was held responsible for driving the car when her boyfriend, Scotty, was killed. Scotty’s family now has custody of her daughter, and they don’t want anything to do with her. On top of that, she accidentally develops a relationship with Scotty’s best friend, which only complicates things further.

Hoover is known for writing emotionally intense books you don’t want to put down, and I can say that is definitely true of this book. That being said, it was almost too much. It felt overwhelming. And there were a few times in which I found her writing a bit cringe. Things like describing the way the love interest tasted when they kissed like “limes and bad decisions.”

My Rating:

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where to buy:

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Amazon Audible

The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner

There are a couple book on this list that are read-alouds I did with my 8-year-old daughter, and this is one of them. This is a story about survival and hard work with a bit of found family thrown in. Four siblings are on the run after their mother died. (Their father died years earlier.) They know their grandfather is looking for them, but they’re afraid he’s going to mistreat them. In the process of figuring out where they are going to go, they find an old abandoned boxcar, and they make it their home. The oldest sibling, Henry, finds work with the local doctor, who has a large property and small cherry orchard. I don’t want to give it all away, but it takes a very serendipitous turn for the good.

It’s hard to imagine a story like this taking place in reality, but given that it was written in the 1920s, I’m assuming children were treated differently back then. I loved this book and admired the kids resourcefulness and the generosity shown by the kind doctor.

My Rating:

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where to buy:

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Amazon Audible

Everything We Didn’t Say by Nicole Baart

At the beginning of the month, I was in the mood for a thriller. I had just read a bunch of Christmas novels, which tend to be on the sweeter side, and I was ready for something a bit more intense. I picked this one up several years ago from Book of the Month.

Juniper returns to her hometown of Jericho, Iowa to help out her friend (and the local libarian), while she is being treated with cancer. We find out that there is a unsolved murder that took place about 15 years earlier that June has been obsessed with. The book goes back and forth between the past and the present. Some authors can lose the reader when they do this, but Baart does this in my favorite way because what she reveals from the past always helps to move the story along.

I like that this book takes place in a small farm town in Iowa. (I think it’s the first time I’ve read a book that takes place there.) I love books that take place in idyllic small towns, but this book is a reminder that there can be a dark side to small towns, too. I would definitely say it’s more of a soft-thriller with an interesting family dynamic and other relationships. (It’s not super-scary, which is fine with me.) I really liked Baart’s writing and will definitely be reading more of her books!

My Rating:

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where to buy:

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Amazon Audible

The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon

This is one of those books that I always see recommended whenever I see or hear someone asking for a good historical fiction novel to read.

The Frozen River tells the story of Martha Ballard, who is a real woman who worked as midwife in the late 1780s in New England. The story is based on the journals she kept. When the book opens, it’s 1789 and Martha lives in Maine with her family. When we first meet Martha, she’s assisting with the birth of a local woman, but then she’s called to examine a man who was pulled from the frozen Kennebec River, which runs through the town of Hallowell, where they live. It’s obvious to Martha that this man’s death was no accident, and she concludes that he was murdered. We also learn that the local judge and the most powerful man in the town (and the dead man found in the river) are accused of raping the local minister’s wife, and Martha is the middle of all of it.

There’s so much going on in this book, but I think what makes this book so compelling is that Lawhon pulls back the curtain on a tenuous time in the life of America as a fledgling country when women had very few rights and justice is just as uncertain.

In an author’s note at the end, Lawhon explains that while she typically tries to be faithful to historical facts in her books, she did take some liberties with this one. (Although 75% of it is still historically accurate.) She does raise some interesting questions about the time.

If you are looking for a good historical fiction book for a book club pick, I think this would be a good one because there would be a lot to discuss!

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The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

This was my pick for the Reading Through the Decades Reading Challenge for a book published in the 1910s. I was seriously surprised by just how good this book is. This is a book about belonging, family, grief, magic, and what happens to rich kids when they are spoiled and neglected by their parents (the two seem to go hand in hand). It’s also a story about how you make seemingly dead or dying things come alive. This book might go down as one of my favorites of the year. What’s interesting about this book is that it definitely has some gothic elements. It takes place in an English manor where there are strange sounds coming from a part of the house that the protagonist, Mary, isn’t allowed to go. While this book often shows a girl on the cover; there are actually two boys in this book that also play a prominent roll. While some children’s books are pretty simple, this one has a lot more complex and interesting themes going on than what is typical. I listened to this one on audio, and this version that Audible has is excellent! 

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Winnie the Pooh by A. A. Milne

This is another book I did as a read-a-loud to my daughter. There is just something about these stories that never get old. The Hundred Acre Wood is one of those fictional places you wish really existed. If you’re ever having a bad day, and you need something to cheer you up, read one of the stories in this book. While the stories are all connected with the same characters, most of them are like standalone short stories. We’ll be reading The House at Pooh Corner next!

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The Correspondent by Virginia Evans

It takes a lot for a book to make me cry, but this one had me in tears at the end. I think this book deserves all of the praise it’s receiving. I loved this book! I loved that I could get so sucked into a person’s life 100% through letters and emails. I honestly think it’s genius how this was put together. I have a longer review coming, but I can say that this book was a solid 5 stars for me.

Note: I’m including links to the audio version of this book, but I do not recommend it in that format. That’s how I started reading this book, and I have never returned an audiobook so fast. This is an epistolary novel. It is written entirely in letters and emails. In the audio version, the narrators read the email addresses, etc. While I wouldn’t want them to exclude this information, I found it grating to hear someone read it. This is one of those books I think is best consumed in a physical book, not even as an ebook. (That being said, I know a lot of people enjoyed this one on audio. It just didn’t work for me.)

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What I Read in February

Kindred by Octavia E. Butler

Imagine a modern black woman being transported back to the ante-bellum south? That’s exactly what happens in this book. Part science-fiction and part historical fiction, Kindred tells the story of Dana, a black woman who lives in Southern California in 1976. Dana is married to Kevin, who is a white man. (They are both aspiring authors.) Dana continually gets pulled into 1815 Maryland to rescue a white boy named Rufus. After putting the pieces together, she figures out that she is actually a descendant of Rufus. She only returns to 1976 when her own life is in danger. The problem with going back to the ante-bellum south is that the only way for her to live is as a slave. This book was beyond interesting and had my attention from page one. I read this one for my in-person book club, and I cannot recommend it enough.

Note: I listened to this one on audio, and I thought it was excellent in that format.

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The Fourth Princess by Janie Chang

In the Fourth Princess, Janie Chang takes readers to 1911 Shanghai when an American family moves into a local mansion as part of a group who is there to build a railroad in China. The mistress of the house, Caroline Stanton, hires a local girl named Lisan Liu as her live-in assistant/secretary, but as soon as Lisan moves into the house, she begins to feel that it is haunted (even though she tries to find other explanations). This book is full of mystery: Who is Lisan? Who were the people who lived in the house years before? Who is Caroline? Is her husband’s Uncle Mason really trying to help them or take advantage of them? I loved the East meets West part of the story. I thought it was very well written and engaging. I took off a star because I wanted a bit more out of the ending. Also, sometimes it seems like historical fiction writers over-modernize their historical characters, and it seemed like that happened here (in a handful of instances).

I highly recommend, and I will definitely be reading more Janie Chang!

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The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman

I finally decided to give The Thursday Murder Club a try, and I’m so glad I did. While there is a murder (or two) to solve in this book, it’s really more about a group of people living in a retirement community, which is made up of very endearing and interesting characters. I listened to this one on audio, but I loved it so much, I decided to buy a physical copy to re-read. I also look forward to reading some the sequels.

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The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux

I decided to read this book for The Reading Through the Decades reading challenge as a book published the first decade of the 1900s, and it was so good! (I have to confess that I didn’t even know this was a book until putting together that list.) I remember going to see the broadway musical in the 90s and was pretty obsessed with the music back in the day. After reading this book, I can see why this story captured so much attention. Something that struck me about the storytelling is that even though it is a gothic novel, there is also a comic side to it, which I did not expect. I also didn’t expect how much of the story is told from the perspective of a journalist.

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The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo

I included this book in my list of children’s books adults should read, and I forgot just how good it is. (This is a book I read with my eight-year-old daughter this month.) The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane follows a porcelain rabbit as he bounces from owner to owner, but this is really a book about a very self-focused character who learns how to love. This is also a good book to read if you want a good cry, and at just 240 pages, it’s a quick read (if you’re not reading one chapter a night like we do). This one will stay with you.

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What I Read in March

Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir

Project Hail Mary has been on my TBR for a long time because so many people say it is great on audio. Since I wanted to read it before the movie came out, it was good motivation to finally read it. This book is excellent, but as I’ve come to expect from Andy Weir’s book, expect a lot of science! If you are going to read this book, this is a case where I think this one is better consumed on audio. The audio version helps certain aspects of the book come alive that I can’t imagine being quite the same if reading the physical book. (That being said, I know people who have read the physical book, and enjoyed it.)

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Rainbow Valley by L. M. Montgomery

Rainbow Valley is book 7 in the Anne of Green Gables Series (which is a series I’ve been reading through). Rainbow Valley probably focuses on the Anne and the Blythe Family the least out all of the books, but I loved it. Rainbow Valley primarily focuses on the Meredith children. (The Meredith children are best friends with the Blythe children, so you see a lot of them and their parents.) Their father, John Meredith, is the local Presbyterian minister whom locals love for his preaching. However, Rev. Meredith is a recent widow, and while they have an aunt living with them, the children are pretty feral. That being said they are also all incredibly endearing, and I was rooting for them throughout the book. I did not expect to like this book as much as I did. One of the things I’ve enjoyed about this half of the series is getting to know the whole town of Glen St. Mary (the town where Anne and Gilbert settle after they get married). I am so attached to all of these characters!

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Rilla of Ingleside by L. M. Montgomery

Rilla of Ingleside is the official last book (book 8) of the Anne of Green Gables Series. This book brings readers back to focusing on the Blythe family after the Meredith family took center stage in Rainbow Valley. As the title implies, this book is told from the perspective of Anne’s youngest child Rilla (short for Marilla). When the book first opens, you see Rilla as a spoiled self-centered teenager. Everything changes when World War 1 breaks out, and the Blythe boys start enlisting. Rilla starts to realize that she too needs to contribute to the war effort at home. The whole experience transfroms her from a self-centered children to a mature young-lady full of wisdom. I will warn though that this book is the most emotionally difficult to read of the series.

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What I Read in April

This was a month where most of the books had the wrong titles. As in, that’s not what the book was actually about. The exception was The Likeness, which was excellent.

As I Lay Dying by William Faulkner

Most of the time when I read a classic book, I do a proverbial nod of the head in agreement with the rest of the world that has deemed this book a classic because usually they are excellent. This one was hard to get through. Also, the title does not fit the book because it’s not about someone as they lay dying. It’s about someone who is dead. (She’s alive for the first few chapters, but most of the book she’s dead.) It should have been called: “After I Died” because that’s what it’s about. Before Addie Bundren dies, she makes her family promise to bury her in Jefferson County which is where she from, and most of the book is about her family trying to do that, which is not pretty. I read this book for my in-person book club (and for the Reading Through the Decades Reading Challenge as a book published in the 1930s). In defense of the book, I listened to this one on audio, which may not have been the best medium for this book. My book club got postponed, so I may re-read it when we reschedule. I will let you know if that is a better experience.

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The Likeness by Tara French

The Likeness is book two in the Dublin Murder Squad Series. I read book one, In the Woods, last year, and loved it. A lot of people like The Likeness book even better, so I was excited to read it. I would categorize these books as literary mysteries. Yes, there is a murder that needs to be solved, but, as French says herself, her books really aren’t about the mysteries. They are really about the investigators solving the mysteries. The last book focused on Detective Rob Ryan, and this book focuses on Ryan’s partner, Cassie Maddox. When the book opens, Cassie isn’t on the murder squad anymore. She’s working in the domestic violence department, but she is called to a crime scene when a victim is found dead who looks like her doppleganger and is going by the name Cassie had used when she did undercover work years earlier, Lexie Madison. The investigators convince Cassie to go undercover as Lexie to help them solve the case, which means living with her best friends, who are all grad students, which gives the book a campus novel vibe. I thought it was so good. Typically, I don’t think mysteries would make good book club picks, but I think these books would.

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Summer State of Mind by Kristy Woodson Harvey

One of my first thoughts after starting this book was that when people say they are looking for a beach read, this is the kind of book they are talking about. There’s romance, it takes place on the coast, but it also has enough depth to hold your interest. Daisy is a NICU nurse who has just moved to the beach town of Cape Carolina. Mason is the baseball coach at the local high school. When Mason and his star player, Drew, find a newborn baby in a dumpster, they rush the baby to the local hospital, where Daisy is on duty. Mason and Daisy immediately bond over this situation and become fast friends, which slowly starts to turn into more. At the same time, Mason has an aunt named Tilley, who has never been quite right since her high school sweethart died decades earlier and is going through a transformation of her own. I liked that this book doesn’t just focus on the late 20-somethings’ relationship, but also features an older character who is still haunted by her past. Mason’s whole family is a lot of fun, too, and the whole dynamic is very interesting. Closed door.

One of my gripes with the novel is the title. It actually doesn’t even take place in the summer and does not describe the story AT ALL. (There is a reference to the title toward the end, but I’m still not sure it justifies making it the title of the book.) If you read this one, let me know if you agree.

Great pick for fans of Abby Jimenez. It actually reminded me a lot of Just for the Summer, which is a book I really enjoyed.

Release date: May 5, 2026

Thank you to Simon and Schuster and Gallery Book for sharing an advanced readers copy in exchange for my honest review.

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A Dog Called Homeless by Sarah Lean

This is another book where the title just does not make sense. Very similar to the book above, there’s an explanation given toward the end, but I don’t think it justifies making it the title. This was a book I read to my 8-year-old daughter. Every night we pulled this out to read it, we started to jokingly call it “A Girl Called Cally” because that’s what the book is actually about. I think she was genuinely bummed because she loves dogs, and I think we both were expecting a dog story. That’s what I get for not reading a plot summary before reading it.

Cally is a young girl who is coping with the death of her mother. She’s a very talkative, rambunctious girl who is starting to feel rejected by her friends and others around her. She volunteers for a silence contest at school as part of a fundraiser, but she never stops, which means she essentially goes mute. Cally has visions of her mother, and whenever her mother shows up, a mysterious dog also shows up with her. Through the story, Cally learns to find her voice again, and we also learn the significance of the dog. She also forms some interesting friendships along the way.

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What I Read in May

What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty

Imagine hitting your head and, when you come to, you’ve completely forgotten the last 10 years. That’s exactly what happens to Alice. Alice is at the gym taking a spin class when she falls off her bike and hits her head. The problem is that she now thinks she’s 29, happily married, and pregnant with her first child. The reality is that she’s 39, getting a divorce, has three children, and her best friend recently died in a car accident. On top of that, she begins to realize she is no longer close to her sister, who used to be her best friend. I thought this book was an interesting thought experiment. If you were to go back to your 10-year-younger self, would you be happy with where you ended up? And if you were unhappy with it, would you try to undo it? That’s the reality that Alice must face.

I forgot how much I enjoy a Liane Moriarty book. She has a way of pulling you into a story. For that reason, I think her books make great beach reads.

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A Light in the Window by Jan Karon (Mitford Years, Book 2)

This is the second book in the Mitford series that I am slowly making my way through. In this book, Father Tim returns to from his trip to Ireland. Father Tim and Cynthia are trying to figure out their relationship, but of course, it comes with all sorts of complications, miscommunications, and hurt feelings, which is made more complicated when she has to go spend a few months in New York City to work on her next book. I love how patient he is of her when she’s frazzled, and I love how she’s always trying to get him to be more vulnerable. Father Tim continues as Dooley Barlowe’s guardian, who is slowly growing and maturing. Father Tim’s Cousin Meg travels to Mitford to stay at his house while she works on a book, which turns into a pretty funny episode. And of course, there’s also fun episodes with the rest of the cast of characters in the quirkly small town of Mitford. Always a fun comfort read!

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DNF List

I’m just going to keep one running list of books I DNFd for the year here (instead of by month):

• [February] The Housemaid by Freida McFadden: I totally thought I was going to enjoy this book, but as the story went on, I just wasn’t buying it. Initially, I pushed through, but then I just couldn’t do it anymore. It was red-flag city, and the main character seemed too smart to stay put even if she was in a desperate situation. I think the writing was fine. I think the problem was the plotting and the character development that just didn’t work, or the character just didn’t match with the plot.
• [March] The Uncommon Reader by Alan Bennett. This is supposed to be a cute book about Queen Elizabeth becoming a reader when she happens upon a library van behind Buckingham Palace, and starts borrowing books. While it is cute, I found the Queen’s character to be too much of a caricature of a queen than what I imagine the Queen was actually like. Because of that, the character fell flat for me, and so did my desire to keep reading the book.

The post 2026 Quick Lit: Everything I’m Reading This Year appeared first on Passion of Audiobooks.

Every month, I will share what I read for the Reading Through the Decades Challenge for 2026 here.

I love this challenge so much! I have found so many new favorites, and I expect this year to be no different.

Please share in the comments what you are reading, what decade it was from, and whether or not you liked it. I’d love to know!

A Book Published from 1900 to 1909

The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux

I loved this book so much that I not only gave it five stars, but it might go down as one of my all-time favorite books! If you’ve seen the musical or one of the movies based on this book, you may already have an idea of the plot: There’s unusual activity going on at the Paris Opera House, which has the managers flumouxed, and when Christine Daaé’s childhood friend Raoul shows up hoping to court her, he finds that she’s under the spell of the Phantom of the Opera (Erik), whom she thinks is her Angel of Music sent by her father after he died. There’s two story lines going on: one has to do with how the Phantom’s presence affects the opera house, and the second focuses on the dynamic between Christine and Erik and Raoul.

The main narrator comes across almost like a reporter investigating the story, and I really enjoyed this type of story telling.

Some things that are different from most plays and movies you see based on this book:

• Christine Daaé is often portrayed as having dark hair, which would make sense if she were French, but she’s actually from Sweden and described as having blonde hair.
• The Phantom is usually played by some handsome actor (i.e., Gerard Butler), but his face is described as skeletal and people recoil at the sight of it.
• I was surprised how much humor there is in the book. (Don’t get me wrong, there is definitely a dark side to it too, but I wasn’t prepared to literally laugh out loud at some parts (especially in the first half of the book).

Find more books published from 1900 to 1909 here.

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A Book Published in the 1910s

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodson Burnett

I often say not to hesitate to choose a children’s classic for this challenge, especially if there’s one you’ve never read. There’s something about reading a children’s classic as an adult — I think you get all the nuances that I think are easy to miss as a child. At least, that’s been my experience.

I loved this book! This is a book about belonging, family, grief, magic, and what happens to rich kids when they are spoiled and neglected by their parents (the two seem to go hand in hand). It’s also a story about how you make seemingly dead or dying things come alive. This book might go down as one of my favorites of the year. What’s interesting about this book is that it definitely has some gothic elements. It takes place in an English manor where there are strange sounds coming from a part of the house that the protagonist, Mary, isn’t allowed to go. While this book often shows a girl on the cover; there are actually two boys in this book that also play a prominent roll. While some children’s books are pretty simple, this one has a lot more complex and interesting themes going on than what is typical. I listened to this one on audio, and this version that Audible has is excellent! I highly recommend picking this one up. If you do, let me know what you think.

Find more books to read that were published in the 1910s here!

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The post 2026 Reading Through the Decades Reading Challenge: What I Read appeared first on Passion of Audiobooks.

Picking my favorite books every year often feels like picking my favorite children. I read some really good books this year, even though I read fewer than I normally do. Given that I was dealing with significant grief and started a new job in March, it’s not totally surprising. (It’s not about the numbers anyway, right?)

What’s funny about this list is that after I picked which ones to include, I noticed they didn’t all get five stars when I first finished them. It goes to show that it can take some time to know for sure how we really feel about a book.

This list is as eclectic as my taste in books as it crosses many genres. The only genre I didn’t read much of this year was Sci-fi/Fantasy. I have a few in this genre that I’m eyeing for 2026!

You can see ALL the books I read in 2025 here.

This post is all about my favorite books in 2025!

My Favorite Books of 2025

The Shell Seekers by Rosamunde Pilcher

While the books on this list aren’t ranked, if I had to pick a favorite book of the year, this would probably be the one. This book has been popular since it was first published in 1987. I love the way Pilcher takes you deep into her characters and ties them all together. The book opens with Penelope Keeling, who has just broke herself out of the hospital after having a heart attack, in a taxicab on her way home. The first decision she must make is which of her children she should tell: Nancy, the middle-aged mother of bratty kids who cares too much about social status; Olivia, the single magazine editor, or her son, Noel, the shallow playboy. She chooses Olivia because she knows that’s the one who will both care and give her the least amount of grief. From there, we learn about each of her children, who she is, and what has brought her to this point. One of the driving elements of the story is the fact that Penelope is the daughter of a now-deceased famous artist whose paintings have recently increased in value. One thing that surprised me about this book is that part of it is a World War 2 historical fiction, but I loved it! This one is long but worth it!

listen to the book!

The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt

Donna Tartt is one of those authors who has been on my radar for years. While this is not her most popular book, it is the one that won her the Pulitzer. I went into it pretty blind, but I was instantly intrigued by what was going to happen to 13-year-old Theo Decker after his mother is killed in a terrorist attack on the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City and his father is nowhere to be found. To make matters more complicated, Theo takes a famous painting from the museum called, you guessed it, “The Goldfinch.” The painting is small enough to fit in a backpack, but it becomes like a sword of Damocles for Theo. This book left me in a serious book hangover! It has a compelling storyline, interesting characters, and asks interesting philosophical questions.

Read my full Goldfinch review here.

Reading Note: Great on audio!

listen to the book!

We All Live Here by Jojo Moyes

Lila is in a bit of a crisis. Her husband left her for the local bombshell, her Mom died, her step-dad has moved in, her biological father (who is a bit of a has-been actor) shows up at the door, and she’s a writer who is expected to produce another book that she hasn’t even started yet. On top of that, she still has to parent her two children, one who is in high school and one who is still in elementary school, where she sees her ex-husband’s new (and very pregnant) wife during pick-up almost every day. This is my second JoJo Moyes book, and I loved it! This book has angst, humor, found-family, and a love story (or two) all in one. I thoroughly enjoyed this one!

Listen to the book!

In the Woods by Tana French

A young girl is found dead near an archaeological dig in Ireland. It’s the same area where Detective Rob Ryan’s friends went missing, and he was found unconscious decades earlier as a young boy. Is there a connection? Ryan and his partner take on the case without disclosing his connection. I loved the banter between Rob and his partner, Cassie. This book has a bit of a controversial ending. I didn’t mind it, but if you read it or have already read it, you’ll have to let me know what you think. This was my first Tana French, and I will definitely be reading more.

Listen to the book!

Anne’s House of Dreams by L. M. Montgomery

I decided to start reading through the Anne of Green Gables series this year, and while it’s hard to pick just one from the series (besides the first book, of course), this one especially stood out. When you think about the Anne books, you don’t think twists and turns, but that’s exactly what this book had. This book also feels like the climax of all the other books because it’s the one where Anne and Gilbert finally get married and move into their first home, which they affectionately call their House of Dreams. I love the town of Glen St. Mary, where they live, (they end up there because it’s where Gilbert gets a job as a doctor). I loved the new characters we meet in this book, especially Captain Jim, Miss Cornelia, and Leslie.

Listen to the book!

The People We Keep by Allison Larkin

April is a neglected teenage girl who needs to get out of the small town that doesn’t want her and away from her dad, who has just moved on to his next family. But she can play the guitar, and she can sing, which gives her a way to make some money. The book explores the journey to her new life. It’s wrought with uncertainty, but eventually she finds a new family who will love her. I did not expect to love this book as much as I did, but I found myself rooting for April from the first chapter. Even though this book is about a young girl, I don’t think I would categorize it as YA.

Listen to the book!

At Home in Mitford by Jan Karon

This book is the ultimate comfort read, and I’m so glad I finally picked it up. Father Tim and the whole town of Mitford have my heart, and I will definitely be reading more books in this series! In At Home in Mitford, we get to know Father Tim and the relationships he has with several of his parishioners. One of the things I like about Father Tim is that he’s not the self-righteous/preachy type of pastor. He’s quite humble and gracious. Father Tim is a bachelor who lives alone in the parsonage of the Lord’s Chapel. His life starts to change when a large dog shows up at his door, his doctor warns him that he needs to make some lifestyle changes, he takes in a young boy whose grandfather and parents are unable to take care of him, and a new woman moves in next door.

Listen to the book!

Run for the Hills by Kevin Wilson

Four siblings who never met before embark on a road trip in search of their father. Imagine someone showing up at your house and saying that he’s your brother, and not only that, but you have two more siblings, AND he wants you to come with him so that together you can find them. That’s this story in a nutshell. One thing I found interesting about this story is that their dad didn’t just knock up their mothers and then leave. He was in their lives and involved, and then he one day just took off. This ends up being a great found family story, and I loved seeing how much these kids found what they needed in each other. I love Kevin Wilson’s books. They are always a bit quirky and interesting reads.

Great on audio! (It’s read by one of my favorite narrators, Marin Ireland.)

Listen to the book!

You’d Look Better as a Ghost by Joanna Wallace

Claire is the serial killer you don’t see coming. This was an interesting and humorous read that I didn’t think I would enjoy as much as I did. Claire is Dexter with a hammer. What I found interesting about the way the story is told is that we don’t just learn about what Claire’s life is like now, but learn how she was made. Once you meet her mother, you won’t be so surprised that Claire turned out the way she did.

Read my full You’d Look Better as a Ghost review here!

Listen to the book!

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

What starts as a sort of science experiment by Victor Frankenstein becomes the thing that destroys his life. First time read for me and super interesting. Victor creates Frankenstein, and when he wakes up, he’s gone. Most of the book is spent with Victor chasing the monster he created. On the flip side, you see Frankenstein wanting to be loved by someone, but he’s so hideous that very few people will even come near him. He then starts to blame Victor and seeks to destroy him. I found it to be an interesting exploration of human nature and the unintended consequences of our actions.

Reading Note: Great on audio! (This one is read by Dan Stevens, the actor who plays Matthew Crawley on Downton Abbey.)

Listen to the book!

Christ and Calamity by Harold Senkbeil

2025 was a year of grief for me. Not that grief is ever over, but the sting does lessen with time, at least in my experience. This was my go-to book for comfort. I actually picked this book up a year earlier and found that it’s comforting for both the darkest valleys and even if you’re just having a bad day. Definitely pick this one up if this sounds like something you can use.

Listen to the book!

Favorite Christmas Books of 2025

I read a lot of Christmas books last year. This is partly because I was still reading them well into January. These are the ones that stood out. Yes, there are nine, but it was hard to figure out which ones to exclude, so I decided to include all of these:

A Retail Carol by Lee Vetter

Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley by Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon

A Winter in New York by Josie Silver

The Christmas Bookshop by Jenny Colgan

Snow Kissed by RaeAnne Thayne

A Ferry Merry Christmas by Debbie Macomber

The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year by Ally Carter

Can This Be Christmas? by Debbie Macomber

Twelve Dates of Christmas by Jenny Bayliss

Looking for a fun reading challenge to join in 2026? Check out the Reading Through the Decades reading challenge. Join below!

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The post My Top 10 Favorite Books of 2025: The Books That Stuck With Me appeared first on Passion of Audiobooks.

Is there such a thing as an easy to read classic novel?

Sometimes we shy away from classic literature because we are afraid it’s going to be boring with a capital B or be painful to get through due to archaic language and vocabulary. Some classic books take more effort to get through than others, but some are true page turners that you will not only be glad you read but you will truly enjoy the reading experience.

Now, I can’t say for sure what you will like or what you won’t like. We’re all different, and what worked for me may not work for you. And that’s okay.

On this list, I am only including books I have personal experience with. All of these books met two criteria that I think make them easy-to-read classics:

• The language itself isn’t difficult to navigate. I think this is the part that intimidates us the most when it comes to classic novels. We’re afraid that the language and syntax is going to be so antiquated that we won’t be able to make sense of it. This can definitely be true when you go back as far as Shakespeare or Chaucer, but most books that were written within the last couple of hundred years typically aren’t too bad.
• Compelling plots and characters. I think what makes an old book compelling is the same thing that makes any contemporary novel readable — a powerful plot that drives the story forward and compelling characters that you care deeply about, so you want to know what happens to them.

For me, these were all easy classics to read because, at some point in the reading process, they became unputdownable either because of the plot or because I cared so much about the characters I wasn’t going to stop reading until the book was over.

I think the books on this list are not only some of the easiest classic books to read, but they are also some of the best classic books as well as some of my personal faves.

I really hope you find a book on this great book-reading list that sounds like something you would want to read.

This post is all about easy to read classics you won’t want to put down.

Easy to Read Classics

The Odyssey by Homer (8th or 7th Century B.C.)

I know what you’re thinking . . . . How can a book that is almost 3,000 years old and written in verse be easy to read? Here’s the thing: The Odyssey is like reading a fast-paced adventure novel. When the book opens, Odysseus is being held in captivity by the enchantress Calypso who wants to marry him, and he has been away from home for close to 20 years. But Odysseus has an advocate in the goddess Athena who pleads with Zeus to let Odysseus return home. The Odyssey tells the story of how he makes it back to his home in Ithaca, all while his wife Penelope is back home with their son Telemachus, trying to put off the many suitors who are very impatiently waiting for her hand. You will want to keep turning the pages to find out if he’s able to make it home in time and reclaim his home.

Here is my tip for reading this book: pick a good translation. Here are some translations I recommend:

• Emily Wilson’s Translation (This is a newer translation, which means that it’s going to use more modern language.)
• Richmond Lattimore’s Translation (This is a classic translation that is still popular today.)
• Samuel Butler’s Translation (If you’re intimidated by reading a book in verse, this one is written in prose. This was the first translation I read, and I found it very approachable.)

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where to buy:

Amazon audible

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (1813)

This classic story is one of the few books that I have actually re-read. And I enjoyed it the second time as much as the first, if not more. Pride and Prejudice is one of those books that has enough interesting characters and plot twists that there were things I noticed the second time that I didn’t notice the first. I am also a Jane Austen completist meaning that I’ve read all of her books. In the world of super-fans, I guess you could say I am definitely a Jane Austen super fan. I’m also a huge fan of the BBC TV mini-series production.

If you love audiobooks, I highly recommend this version, which is read by actress Rosamund Pike. It is excellent!

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where to buy:

Amazon Audible

Emma by Jane Austen (1816)

Emma Woodhouse is “handsome, clever, and rich” with a “comfortable home and happy disposition.” And she’s a bit overconfident in her matchmaking skills. The main problem is that her matchmaking endeavors don’t really take into account the desires of her subjects, which leads to a series of misunderstandings and complications. She’s not only oblivious to the thoughts and feelings of others, but also her own feelings she has for the one and only Mr. Knightly. This is such a good book!

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where to buy:

Amazon Audible

Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens (1838)

I loved this book and the main character, Oliver Twist. Similar to Jane Eyre (below), he’s an orphan that you will want to root for. Oliver was raised under harsh conditions in a workhouse. When he dares to ask for more food, he is sent away to be an assistant to an undertaker. After horrible treatment from the undertaker, he joins a gang of pickpockets. He lives this life of crime until he is caught by a wealthy man, who takes pity on him and shows him kindness. There’s more that happens after that, but I don’t want to give the whole story away. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I felt like it flew by! I think Dickens’ gift is his ability to portray the social and economic inequalities of the time.

Something that has stuck with me from this book is the abject poverty in which the characters live. It makes what we call poverty in the United States seem like a much different thing by comparison.

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where to buy:

Amazon Audible

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens (1843)

Ebenezer Scrooge not only hates Christmas, but he thinks it’s a complete waste of a day. He has no love for anything except making money. That all changes when he is visited by the ghost of his former business partner, Jacob Marley, who is now living in the afterlife in heavy chains because of how poorly he treated people. As Scrooge is shown his past, present, and future, he has an unlikely and very moving transformation. I never read the book until last year, and it quickly became one of my all-time favorite books.

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where to buy:

Amazon Audible

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte (1847)

I fell in love with Jane from the first chapter. She is one of those characters that you will be rooting for from beginning to end. Jane was orphaned as a child and raised under hard conditions. She faces cruelty and isolation, shaping her into a strong-willed and principled young woman. When she is sent to a boarding school, she faces further hardship, but she also forms some friendships and gets an education. After school, she gets a job as a governess in the home of Mr. Rochester. Despite their differences in age and class, they form a friendship and fall in love. Unfortunately, on her wedding day she finds out that he is still married to a woman who suffers from severe mental illness that he keeps hidden in the attic. Even though she breaks off the wedding and leaves Rochester’s home, this relationship continues to drive the story.

I recently listened to this interview with Madeleine Kearns about Jane Eyre, in which she makes the case that Jane Eyre is a spiritual autobiography, which I thought was an interesting perspective.

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where to buy:

Amazon Audible

Uncle Tom’s Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe (1852)

Uncle Tom’s Cabin is credited with pulling back the curtain on the harsh realities of slavery in America. Abraham Lincoln famously said when he met Stowe: “So this is the little lady who made this big war.” It follows the life of the main character, Uncle Tom, as he gets bought and sold to different owners and is forced to work and live under a variety of conditions. I think this is one of those books that everyone should read. It had me engaged from start to finish and was a total page-turner for me.

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where to buy:

Amazon Audible

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott (1868)

Little Women makes you feel like you are one of the March sisters as they navigate their journey from childhood to womanhood against the backdrop of the Civil War. This is a story about family, love, loss, friendship, and personal integrity. Which of the four sisters will you identify with the most — sensible Meg, tomboyish Jo, shy and gentle Beth, or Amy and her naive vanity? Expect to have a serious book hangover when this one is over.

where to buy:

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Amazon Audible

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain (1884)

I personally find Tom Sawyer annoying, but I love Huckleberry Finn. Finn is a much more sympathetic character because he has a lot more stacked against him. This American classic begins when Finn fakes his own death to escape his alcoholic and abusive father. Finn travels down the Mississippi River on a raft, seeking freedom, safety, and adventure. Along his journey, Huck meets Jim, a runaway slave seeking his own freedom. The book follows the two as they navigate their way down the river. This might be one of my all-time favorite books.

(This edition contains the original illustrations.)

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where to buy:

Amazon Audible

The Call of the Wild by Jack London (1903)

The Call of the Wild by Jack London follows the life of a dog named Buck, who is a domesticated dog in Northern California. He is stolen from his owner and sold to join a team of dogs that serve those involved in the Klondike Gold Rush in the Yukon Territory in Canada, just East of the Alaska border. The new world he is brought into is completely new to him, and he has to quickly learn how to navigate this world in order to survive. Buck undergoes a complete transformation from a domesticated dog to a dog that not only serves humans but also learns how to survive in the wild. I thought it served as an interesting commentary on human nature as he has to learn how to work with different types of people, some good and some very bad. At just over 100 pages, this book is a short classic book.

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where to buy:

Amazon Audible

Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery (1908)

Anne of Green Gables begins when Matthew Cuthbert goes to pick up an orphan boy, whom he and his sister plan to adopt, to assist with farm chores. But unexpectedly, he finds himself bringing home a lively 12-year-old girl instead. Despite initial misgivings, particularly from his sister Marilla, the girl, Anne, gradually endears herself to them and becomes an integral part of their lives at Green Gables, their farm in Avonlea, Prince Edward Island. The story explores themes of unexpected blessings, the richness of found families, and the beauty in embracing imperfection. Anne’s character, with her blend of flaws and charm, embodies the concept of finding “kindred spirits” in unlikely places, making the book a poignant celebration of life’s serendipitous moments and the enduring value of love and acceptance. This is not only one of the best books, it is also an easy read.

If you are interested in the Anne of Green Gables books, check out my complete guide here.

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where to buy:

Amazon Audible

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald (1925)

F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby” is a classic set in the summer of 1922, capturing the essence of the era through the eyes of Nick Carraway, who becomes fascinated by his enigmatic neighbor Jay Gatsby’s grand parties and mysterious past. The story centers around Gatsby’s undying love for Daisy Buchanan, whom he hopes to win back despite her being married. The novel explores themes of wealth, love, and desire, prompting readers to ponder the true value of these pursuits. At just 180 pages, it’s a compelling, thought-provoking read.

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where to buy:

Amazon Audible

Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell (1936)

Even if you have seen the movie, don’t let that stop you from reading this book. This book is a tome at more than 1,000 pages, but it is also a page-turner. It is vast in its breadth as it tells the story of the Civil War from just before the war began through to the Reconstruction. After reading this book, you will have a good familiarity with the Civil War, but you won’t feel like you just read a history book. The story is told by following Scarlett O’Hara, who is a young Southern Belle from Georgia when the story begins. The book is interspersed with brief chapters that tell you exactly what is going on with the war as the story unfolds.

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where to buy:

Amazon Audible

Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier (1938)

Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier is a gothic thriller about a young woman who marries a wealthy widower, Maxim de Winter, and moves to his large estate, Manderley, only to find herself living in the shadow of his first wife, Rebecca, whose presence lingers throughout the house and estate. The new Mrs. de Winter’s struggle with her identity and the mysterious circumstances surrounding Rebecca’s death lead to a dramatic revelation and the ultimate destruction of Manderley. This book is more than 400 pages, but it kept my attention from start to finish.

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where to buy:

Amazon Audible

Other Easy to Read Great Books to Consider:

I have not personally read all of the books on the list below, but these are books that other reader friends of mine have told me are easy to read.

• Animal Farm by George Orwell
• Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
• Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway
• The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas
• The Invisible Man by H.G. Wells
• The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson
• Any book by Agatha Christie
• Any of books from the Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Children’s Classics

I personally think that Children’s classics are a great way to dip your toe into classic literature without getting overwhelmed. I do not believe that good children’s books are only for children, and if you have never read any of these, then I recommend starting here. These books are like comfort food in a book:

• Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl (seriously, anything by Roald Dahl is fantastic)
• Charlotte’s Web by E. B. White (Stuart Little is fantastic, too!)
• Heidi by Johanna Spyri
• Peter Pan by J. M. Barrie
• The Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder (and the rest of the Little House books — you seriously can’t go wrong with these books)
• The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
• The Story of Doctor Dolittle by Hugh Lofting
• The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum

Are there any other must-read classics you think would belong on this list? What easy classic book on this list are you excited to read? I would love to hear about it in the comments below.

The post 30 Easy to Read Classics You Won’t Want to Put Down appeared first on Passion of Audiobooks.

The 19th century had come to a close, and it was the first decade of the twentieth century.  Slavery was outlawed, but racism was far from over. The Wright Brothers took flight for the first time, the Model T was created by Ford, construction of the Panama Canal began, and San Francisco was decimated by an earthquake. And these are the books they were reading that readers still love today.

I have a confession. I used to be a classics snob. In other words, I used to only ever read books that would fall under the category of classic literature, and I would rarely read a book by an author who was still alive.

Several years ago I started to see the error of my ways and realize all of the great contemporary books I was missing out on.

That being said, now when I do read a book that would be considered a classic, I’m often reminded why. Many of the books that are published today will not be read even 10 years from another let alone 50 or a 100 years from now.

But some books do manage to stand the test of time and leave a lasting impression.

While I now love modern contemporary literature, I also want to make sure that I don’t forget to read the great books of the past, which is why I created the Reading Through the Decades Reading Challenge.

In this challenge, each month (or however often you want) you choose a book from one decade to read.

To help with choosing a good book to read, I am putting together a list of books from each decade that are still popular today.

I chose the books on this list based on a variety of factors including the following:

• It’s a book or author that is still sold in bookstores today.
• It’s a book that is still loved.
• It’s a book that is still talked about (even if it’s controversial).

For this first list, we are diving into some of the best books that were published from 1900 to 1909.

If you haven’t already joined the challenge, simply fill out the form below and the challenge will be sent directly to your email inbox!

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Books From 1900 to 1909 That Have Stood the Test of Time

One of my observations after putting together this list of books from the early 1900s is that it includes a lot of children’s classics. If you never read The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Peter Pan, Anne of Green Gables or another children’s classsic you see on the list, this might be the year to give one of these books a try. I promise you will not be disappointed.

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum (1900)

L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz is about a young girl named Dorothy who, along with her dog Toto and newfound friends, embarks on an adventurous journey to meet the Wizard in Oz and find her way back home. Even if you think you know this book because you’ve seen the classic movie, you will still love this book. (There are some interesting differences.) If you have children, my oldest read this book and several others in the series when he was about nine years old.

• Length: 216 pages
• Genre: Fantasy
• Publication Year: 1900

buy the book

Up From Slavery by Booker T. Washington (1900)

Up From Slavery by Booker T. Washington details his life’s story, highlighting his rise from slavery to becoming a leading African American educator and advocate for racial equality, emphasizing the importance of hard work, education, and economic self-reliance for African Americans.

• Length: 168 pages
• Genre: Autobiography
• Publication Year: 1900

buy the book

The Hound of the Baskervilles by Arthur Conan Doyle (1901)

Consider one of Doyle’s most popular novels, The Hound of the Baskervilles follows Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson as they investigate the case of a mythical hound believed to be haunting the Baskerville family, uncovering a plot grounded in greed and deception.

• Length: 225 pages
• Genre: Mystery, Crime, Detective
• Publication Year: 1901

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The Bears of Blue River by Charles Major (1901)

The Bears of Blue River is a tale of bravery and adventure set in the Indiana frontier, where a young boy named Balser Brent gets lost in the forest and is forced to confront and overcome challenges, including encounters with the bears who live there.

• Length: 288 pages
• Genre: Historical Fiction, Adventure
• Publication Year: 1901

buy the book

The Story of My Life by Helen Keller (1902)

In The Story of My Life, Helen Keller narrates her journey from isolation due to deafness and blindness to becoming an accomplished writer and speaker, emphasizing the transformative power of education and perseverance. The book was written with the help of her teacher Anne Sullivan.

• Length: 80 pages
• Genre: Memoir, Autobiography
• Publication Year: 1902

buy the book

Just So Stories by Rudyard Kipling (1902)

How did the camel get it’s hump? How was the alphabet made? How did the leopard get its spots? These are just a few of the questions that will be answered by these whimsical tales by Rudyard Kipling. Appropriate for all ages.

• Length: 160 pages
• Genre: Folk Tale, Myth
• Publication Year: 1902

buy the book

The Call of the Wild by Jack London (1903)

A domesticated dog named Buck is thrust into the harsh wilderness of the Yukon during the Klondike Gold Rush, where he learns to lean on his wild instincts for survival and leadership.

• Length: 108 pages
• Genre: Historial Fiction
• Publication Year: 1903

buy the book

The Story of King Arthur and His Knights by Howard Pyle (1903)

In The Story of King Arthur and His Knights, Howard Pyle brings to life the classic Arthurian legends, focusing on the heroic deeds, moral dilemmas, and timeless adventures of King Arthur and his loyal knights.

• Length: 456 pages
• Genre: Folktales
• Publication Year: 1903

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The Souls of Black Folk by W. E. B. Du Bois (1903)

The Souls of Black Folk is a seminal work that delves into the African American experience, exploring racial identity, the struggle for equality, and the enduring impact of slavery. Du Bois’s combines history, sociology, and personal narrative to examine the profound challenges and injustices faced by Black Americans post-Civil War.

• Length: 288 pages
• Genre: Social Commentary
• Publication Year: 1903

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Freckles by Gene Stratton Porter (1904)

Gene Stratton Porter writes the kind stories that leave you with a smile on your face. They are like comfort food in the form of a book. Freckles tells the story of an orphaned young man who, in guarding the precious timber of the Limberlost Swamp, finds adventure, courage, and true love, revealing the beauty and hardships of nature and life. It’s set against the backdrop of the Indiana wilderness.

• Length: 166 pages
• Genre: YA Classic Literature
• Publication Year: 1904

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Peter Pan by J.M Barrie (1904)

Peter Pan tells the story of a boy who can fly and his fantastical adventures in Neverland with the Darling children, highlighting themes of youth, freedom, and the bittersweet nature of growing up.

• Length: 256 pages
• Genre: Magical Realism, Coming of Age
• Publication Year: 1904

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The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton (1905)

The House of Mirth is a poignant exploration of the pressures faced by a woman seeking marriage and status in the rigid social hierarchy of turn-of-the-century New York.

• Length: 368 pages
• Genre: Classic American Literature, Literary Fiction
• Publication Year: 1905

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A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett (1905)

A Little Princess is the story of Sara Crewe, who experiences a dramatic fall from riches to rags at a strict boarding school, but her unyielding spirit and imagination lead her to a surprising and joyful reversal of fortune. (The Secret Garden by the same author was published in 1911.)

• Length: 320 pages
• Genre: Children’s Classic
• Publication Year: 1905

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Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy (1905)

The Scarlet Pimpernel is an adventurous tale set during the French Revolution, where a daring English aristocrat secretly rescues French nobles from the guillotine.

• Length: 238 pages
• Genre: Historical Fiction
• Publication Year: 1905

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The Jungle by Upton Sinclair (1906)

The Jungle vividly portrays the struggles of a Lithuanian immigrant family, revealing the grim conditions and exploitation in the American meatpacking industry in early 20th-century Chicago. (This book led to the passing of the federal Meat Inspection Act.)

• Length: 315 pages (also includes Upton Sinclair biography)
• Genre: Classic American Literature; Political Commentary
• Publication Year: 1906

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The Man Who Was Thursday by G.K. Chesterton (1908)

A metaphysical thriller that follows an undercover detective, as he infiltrates a group of anarchists, leading to a surreal and philosophical exploration of chaos and order. The Man Who Was Thursday combines elements of espionage and philosophical debate, where a poet-turned-detective navigates a clandestine world, questioning the nature of good and evil.

• Length: 192 pages
• Genre: Literary Fiction
• Publication Year: 1908

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Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery (1908)

Anne of Green Gables is the sweet story of Anne Shirley, an imaginative and spirited orphan girl who brings joy and chaos to the lives of her adoptive parents and community in the town of Avonlea on Prince Edward Island. (If you love Anne of Green Gables, and you decide you want more Anne Shirley in your life, check out this guide I put together so you know what to read next.)

• Length: 464 pages
• Genre: YA Historical Fiction
• Publication Year: 1908

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The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame (1908)

The Wind in the Willows is the charming tale of anthropomorphic animals, including the reckless Mr. Toad and the wise Badger, experiencing whimsical adventures along the riverbank in the English countryside.

• Length: 272 pages
• Genre: Children’s Classic
• Publication Year: 1908

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A Room with a View by E M Forster (1908)

A Room with a View is a novel about a young English woman’s journey of self-discovery and the clash between societal expectations and personal desires, set against the backdrop of Italy and England.

• Length: 240 pages
• Genre: Literary Fiction
• Publication Year: 1908

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The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux (1909)

Before it was an broadway play, it was a book. The Phantom of the Opera is a haunting tale of a disfigured musical genius, living in the catacombs of the Paris Opera House, who becomes obsessively in love with a young, talented singer.

• Length: 242 pages
• Genre: Gothic Romance
• Publication Year: 1909

buy the book

Here are some honorable mentions from this decade:

• Sister Carrie by Theodore Dreiser (1900)
• Lord Jim by Joseph Conrad (1900)
• The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter (1901)
• My Brilliant Career by Miles Franklin (1901) Note: Miles Franklin is a female author by the name of Stella Maria Sarah Miles Franklin.
• The Cherry Orchard by Anton Chekhov (1903)

Which one of these books do you plan to read for this decade for the Reading Through the Decades Reading Challenge?? Is it something on this list or something else? I would love to hear all about it! Please share in the comments below.

The post 20 Books From 1900 to 1909 That Are Still Worth Reading appeared first on Passion of Audiobooks.

There’s nothing better than reading a book you love by a new-to-you author and finding out that they have six previously published books that all sound just as interesting.

After falling in love with How to Read a Book by Monica Wood last year, I knew I wanted to read more books by Monica Wood. As far as I knew, she had only written one other book because that was all I ever heard other readers talk about.

I was pleasantly surprised to find out that she’s written a total of seven books: six novels and one memoir. She also has three plays that are scheduled to be published this year!

And they all sound so good!

One reader on Goodreads described Wood’s writing as “poetic, succinct, humorous, natural, and filled with heart.”

I think that’s a perfect description.

One thing I loved about How to Read a Book is how authentic and human the characters are. They are endearing and flawed all at the same time (just like us). This seems to be a theme in all of her books.

This post is all about books by author Monica Wood.

Books by Monica Wood (in Publishing Order)

01

Secret Language (1993)

Wood’s debut novel tells the story of two sisters, Faith and Connie, who are the children of self-absorbed actors who were largely neglected as children. While they both learn to cope with their family life in very different ways, they also rely heavily on each other. Later, as adults, they are living very different lives and aren’t quite as close. After several events, which are shocking and eye-opening, the sisters are brought back together again.

Readers say that the book starts out a bit depressing, but it unfolds into a lovely story.

• Book Length: 284 pages
• Genre: Short Stories, Literary Fiction
• Pub Year: 1993

02

My Only Story (2000)

Rita Rosario is a multi-talented hair stylist who owns a salon in an area of town that locals are trying to turn into an outlet mall. Rita is the last holdout. Besides cutting hair, Rita also has a talent for telling fortunes in addition to an ability to see through people (figuratively, not literally). When she’s not doing that, she’s reading classic literature. After a fortuitous dream, Rita begins helping John Reed, a lonely man who was disconnected from his niece, Aileen.

Aileen became an orphan after John’s brother killed his wife and himself. As Rita works to help John, their lives slowly become intertwined. Rita is also facing her own family troubles as she finds herself in a bit of a rut.

This is a book about complicated sibling relationships, forgiveness, and how sometimes, when we are trying to help others, we may find that we need help ourselves.

• Book Length: 293 pages
• Genre: Literary Fiction, Women’s Fiction
• Pub Year: 2001

03

Ernie’s Ark: The Abbott Falls Stories (2002)

Wood’s third book is a collection of entwined stories that all focus on the town of Abbott Falls, Maine, which is a fictional paper-mill town that goes on strike. Ernie is a local pipefitter for the paper mill whose wife is gravely ill. When the paper mill went on strike eight months earlier, he was just weeks away from his retirement. With time on his hands and as a gesture for his wife, Ernie decides to build a gigantic ark, reminiscent of Noah’s ark.

The stories in the book also focus on other characters in the town, such as 13-year-old Francine and Dane Little, the local building inspector. Each chapter focuses on a different character, with Ernie’s as the main story.

Readers describe this book as “comfort food for the mind and heart” with universal themes in a thought-provoking read.

As of this writing, Ernie’s Ark is included with Kindle Unlimited.

• Book Length: 190
• Audiobook Length: 6 hours 29 minutes
• Genre: Short Stories, Literary Fiction
• Pub Year: 2002

04

Any Bitter Thing (2005)

When Lizzy was nine years old, she was separated from her uncle, a Catholic priest, who had raised her from age two. The separation came as a result of false accusations from a bitter parishioner that he had abused Lizzy. Her life up until that point has been rather idyllic. As a result of the accusations, he left the ministry, and she went to boarding school. She is now 30 years old with a marriage that is going downhill, and she was nearly killed in a car accident.

In the hospital post-accident, she thinks she sees her uncle in a vision, whom she was told died years ago. The story is told by working its way back to her childhood, and it is told in alternating points of view. Readers describe this as a story with rich characters and an absorbing plot. This is a book about the impact of trauma, the strength of vulnerability, grace, and redemption.

• Book Length: 356 pages
• Audiobook Length: Not available on audio
• Genre: Literary Fiction, General Fiction
• Pub Year: 2005

05

When We Were the Kennedys: A Memoir from Mexico, Maine (2012)

In this memoir, Wood takes her readers back to her childhood in April 1963, when she was nine years old and her dad died suddenly at the age of 57. It’s a story about the grief she experienced and the isolating effect his death had on the whole family, but especially her mother. This book explores how brutal the death of a breadwinner was on the spouse who was left behind at this time.

Seven months later, President Kennedy was assassinated, which is one of the reasons she ties the death of her father to the Kennedys. There are several scenarios in this book that are reminiscent of plots in her other books, such as the fact that she grew up in a paper-mill town in Maine, where her dad was employed (see Ernie’s Ark), and she had an uncle who was a Catholic priest (see Any Bitter Thing).

As of this writing, We Were the Kennedys is included with Kindle Unlimited.

• Book Length: 256 pages
• Audiobook Length: 7 hours 21 minutes
• Genre: Memoir
• Pub Year: 2012

Here’s an interesting video of her talking about this book:

06

The One-in-a-Million Boy (2016)

Ona, who is 104-years-old has started to develop a friendship with an unnamed 11-year-old boy who comes to her house every Saturday morning to help her with chores such as refilling the bird feeders and keeping the garden clean and tidy. Slowly, she starts sharing details about her life. Some are private details she hasn’t shared for decades. He writes down the stories for one of those school projects where you are supposed to interview someone about their life.

But one Saturday, the boy’s father shows up instead of the boy, which causes Ona to second-guess what she thought about the boy. Fans say this book is a tear-jerker. They describe it as both sad and uplifting at the same time. This is a story about friendship, grief, loneliness, and second chances.

Wood also wrote a short story that is a prequel to this book about Ona titled, A Woman in a Million. However, this story is really hard to find.

As of this writing, The One-in-the-Million Boy is included with Kindle Unlimited.

• Book Length: 416 pages
• Audiobook Length:
• Genre: Literary Fiction, Found-Family
• Pub Year: 2016

07

How to Read a Book (2024)

How to Read a Book was the first book I read by Monica Wood, and the reason I fell in love with this author. There are three main storylines in this book that slowly become very intertwined. First, there’s Harriet, who is a retired English teacher who runs a book club in a local women’s prison near where she lives in Portland, Maine. (These book club scenes were honestly my favorite part of the book.) Next, you have Violet, who is one of the inmates in the prison and who is about to be released.

Last, you have Frank, who is a retired widower, who has a new job as a handyman at the local bookstore. (There are other characters we learn about as well.) Explaining how these three become involved would definitely be a spoiler, so you’re going to have to read the book to find out. I loved this very human story. I would also describe this book as found-family, which is one of my favorite literary tropes.

Read my full How to Read a Book review here.

• Book Length: 416 pages
• Audiobook Length: 10 hours 18 minutes
• Genre: Literary Fiction, Found-Family
• Pub Year: 2016

08

Three Plays by Monica Wood (Coming Sept. 23 2025)

As the title implies, this forthcoming volume includes three plays written by Wood. According to the publisher, all three plays have been performed with “critical acclaim” and have shattered attendance records.

Here are the plays that are included with the descriptions from the publisher:

Papermaker. A labor dispute becomes personal when a mill owner and his daughter confront the human cost of their decisions.

The Half-Light. A rational college professor questions everything she believes about life and death after meeting an unusual psychic.

Saint Dad. Three siblings navigate love, guilt, and family bonds as they try to protect their father from a difficult truth.

None of the plays are available on audio yet, but I would love to see at least one with a full cast.

• Book Length: 238 pages
• Audiobook Length: Not available on audio
• Genre: Dramas & Plays
• Pub Year: 2025

Monica Wood’s Books on Writing

Monica Wood has also written three books about writing.

Description (1995)

Description, as the name suggests, focuses on how to write effective descriptions. Wood says that in this book, you’ll learn how detail, plot, style, and point of view relate to the use of description and how they help move a story along by tapping into the reader’s five senses.

The Pocket Muse: Ideas and Inspirations for Writing (2002)

Let Wood be your writing coach with The Pocket Muse. Her advice includes allowing writers to take pleasure in the craft with advice such as, “Treat yourself! Buy an expensive pen, a box of colorful paperclips, a fine, handmade notebook, or a leather bookmark.” But she will also teach about the importance of discipline and avoiding distractions. These are just a few of the writing tips you can expect. She has many more!

The Pocket Muse 2: Endless Inspiration for Writers (2006)

The Pocket Muse 2 is a variation on a theme. This book focuses on prompts and advice for writing in a variety of genres, from fiction and nonfiction to poetry. Fans say this book is a great reference when you need some inspiration.

Monica Wood FAQs

Where is Monica Wood from?

Monica Wood is from Maine, which is also the setting for many of her books.

Do you have to read Monica Wood’s books in order?

Monica Wood’s books are not part of a series and do not have to be read in order. The only books that are connected are The One-in-a-Million Boy and the short story, A Woman in a Million. A Woman in a Million is a prequel to The One-in-a-Million Boy.

What are the best Monica Wood books?

“Best” is relative, but if you look at Goodreads, Wood has three fiction books with an average rating of 4 stars or more. These include: How to Read a Book, The One-in-a-Million Boy, and Ernie’s Ark. (Goodreads reviewers can be a tough crowd to please, so to have a 4-star average rating over there is very good!)

Are Monica Wood’s books good for book clubs?

When I’m looking for a book that will be good for a book club, there has to be A LOT to talk about. There also needs to be good characters and maybe a bit of controversy. Based on my reading of Wood so far, I think her books would make great book club picks.

If you’re looking to pick How to Read a Book for your next book club, I’ve put together this book club discussion guide that you can use.

Have you read any of Monica Wood’s Books? I would love to hear what you thought of them.

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