Whether you’re reading in the garden, packing a novel for a holiday getaway or listening while out on a summer walk, there are plenty of brilliant new books to add to your reading list this July. From thought-provoking literary fiction to gripping thrillers and escapist summer stories, these are the new books that deserve a spot on your bedside table.
Aside from reading the winner of the Women’s Prize for Fiction, July is the perfect time to discover the latest releases from some of today’s most exciting authors. This month’s picks span sweeping historical dramas, emotional family sagas and page-turning mysteries, offering something for every kind of reader.
And if you prefer to enjoy your stories hands-free, we’ve also rounded up some of the best audiobooks to listen to this summer. Whether you’re commuting, travelling or simply relaxing at home, these captivating new releases make it easy to get lost in a great story wherever you are.
Best books to read in July
This was our Books Editor, Zoe's, pick of the month and has been a hit with the woman&home team all-round. The psychological drama follows five people, stood on a train track, knowing that one will die. But who? And why?
Daphne, married and adult, is reunited with her former stepfather Eddie, out of the blue. Their meeting triggers a prolonged reflection of an event that shaped both of their lives and one which could also shape their future. Ann Patchett returns with another beautifully observed novel.
Elizabeth Strout once again proves why she's one of the finest chroniclers of everyday life, capturing love, loneliness, and new beginnings through a history teacher, Artie Dam. The man with a secret that threatens to upend his world is forced to revaluate and to accept that some mysteries can't be solved.
Hailed as a "superior beach read" this touching and profound account of a marriage on the rocks has it all. Over the course of one weekend, we watch a family work out what love means and how to make it last in times of adversity.
If you loved Talking One Night and One Day, this is a reliable read. The tender novel follows Robin and Nora, following an unexpected proposal. A couple falling into comfortable marriage are questioned by best friends and the twists of life.
Anne Boleyn's story is a well-worn narrative. And yet, through the eyes of Holbein, the court painter, Wendy brings a new side to vivid light. It has all the trappings and intrigue of gripping historical fiction.
Celebrated by all the biggest names in fiction, Villa Coco is joyful escapism. A young woman takes a job in the Italian countryside, she is bought into the romance of Tuscany with the intrigue of her employer. It's magical and charming - the perfect dose of escapism.
From the author of The Help, comes another modern classic.Set in Depression-era Mississippi, we follow eleven-year-old orphan Meg Lefleur, whose life changes when she meets Birdie, a young woman determined to uncover the truth behind her wealthy sister's seemingly perfect life.
Andrea Mara returns with another compulsive psychological thriller, following a woman whose seemingly ordinary life begins to unravel after a chance encounter pulls her into a web of lies, secrets and mounting suspicion. As trust fractures and the danger edges ever closer, she is forced to question everyone around her.
Best audiobooks to listen to in July
Whether you’re searching for your next holiday read, a gripping thriller to keep you turning the pages late into the night, or a captivating audiobook to enjoy on the go, there’s no shortage of brilliant stories to discover this July. From powerful new releases to immersive listens, this month’s picks offer the perfect excuse to carve out a little more time for reading.
So, settle into a sunny spot, make a cup of tea or pop on your headphones, and let these unforgettable stories transport you somewhere new. With so many exciting books and audiobooks to choose from, your next favourite read could be just a page, or button, away.
