Wondering what to read now? If you’re looking for book suggestions, look no further! Here are all the hot new July 2020 book releases for you. I’ll let you know what I’ve read, what I can’t wait to read, and what’s getting all the attention this month.
Summer’s heating up and so are the July 2020 book releases.
Looking through the new release lists, I had no problem finding interesting new titles to highlight.
A novel you can read in two different ways. Yes, please. A love story about a librarian. Of course. A his-versus-her perspective psychological thriller. Count me in.
Just look at these highlights for the month:
- A gorgeous debut historical fiction novel
- Three darling love stories perfect for summer
- Five exciting summer thrillers
- A memoir from a pop culture icon
Have I got you interested? Then keep scrolling to see my picks for the best of the July 2020 book releases.
July 2020 Book Releases – Advance Review Copies
Florence Adler Swims Forever
Rachel Beanland
Reminiscent of Anita Diamant’s The Boston Girl, Beanland’s debut novel is perfect for fans of literary historical fiction. While training to swim across the English Channel in 1934, Florence Adler drowns off the coast of Atlantic City. After the tragedy, her mother makes a fateful decision – to keep Florence’s death a secret from her other daughter Fannie, on bed rest for an extremely high-risk pregnancy. Rachel Beanland knocks it out of the park with this debut novel based on a true story from her family’s history. With an insightful look at the intricacies of family life, Florence Adler Swims Forever has won itself a spot among the best books of 2020.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Simon & Schuster through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
What You Wish For
Katherine Center
Samantha Casey loves everything about her job as an elementary teacher in Galveston, Texas. When her friend and mentor dies, the school needs a new principal. When her former crush is chosen, Samantha is nervous and excited. Until she finds out he is now a stiff humorless man determined to change everything in the name of safety. Although the characters were rather one-dimensional and predictable, I still adored this darling love story. As long as you aren’t expecting award-winning literature, it’s the perfect beach read to curl up with on your next vacation.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from St. Martin’s Press through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Dear Emmie Blue
Lia Louis
When she was sixteen, Emmie Blue released a balloon with a note which is discovered over 100 miles away in France. Thus leads to a lifelong friendship between Emmie and Lucas. To Emmie, it feels like she was destined to be with Lucas. When Lucas gets engaged to be married, Emmie realizes that you can’t leave your life up to fate.
A heartwarming love story about friendship and loyalty, Dear Emmie Blue is one of my surprise favorites of recent months. I devoured the story in a day (thanks to self-isolation) and I couldn’t get enough of Emmie Blue. I loved the complicated relationship between Emmie and Lucas, and Emmie’s journey of self-discovery during the novel. Honestly, it’s the perfect summer read to pick up right now. (Trigger warning: Sexual Assault.)
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Atria through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
His & Hers
Alice Feeney
There are two sides to every story, and the truth lies somewhere in-between. BBC correspondent Anna Andrews returns to her hometown to report on the murder of one of her high school best friends. Complicating matters, her ex-husband, DCI Jack Harper, is investigating the case. As the investigation continues, past secrets come to light and both Jack and Anna find themselves suspects in the case. A solid psychological thriller, Feeny keeps you guessing until the end – letting you believe you know the truth, then twisting it until you suspect you finally understand, before twisting it again.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Flatiron Books through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The Safe Place
Anna Downes
Broke and recently fired, Emily has hit rock bottom. Until she lands the perfect job as a housekeeper for a wealthy couple on a remote French estate. But is this offer too good to be true? Luckily, the rather flighty protagonist comes into her own as the novel progresses or this novel would have been really hard to read. Right away, you know something is off about this family, but Downes does a good job keeping you guessing what the big reveal will be. Unfortunately, the climax wasn’t nearly as thrilling as I expected. A good book for a summer vacation, but not something you’ll be raving about to all your friends.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from St. Martin’s Press through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Book of the Month – July 2020 Book Releases
Receiving my blue box from Book of the Month Club is a highlight of every month.
Here’s how it works – each month, they pick 5 books and you get to choose one book or skip until the next month. If you want to add any extra books, then you get them at a discounted price.
Each month is usually a mix of new releases and advance copies of unreleased books. If you are interested in joining, you can use my Book of the Month Club affiliate link to get a discount on your first book!
Here’s a look at the July Book of the Month selections.
The Most Anticipated July 2020 Book Releases
The Golden Cage
Camilla Läckberg
Among the best new thriller books out this summer is the US debut of the Swedish bestseller, The Golden Cage. After falling in love with Jack, Faye sacrificed everything to help him succeed. Now they are billionaires, wealthier than they ever could have imagined. Wealth may have its privileges but for Faye, it feels much more like a golden cage. As their marriage deteriorates, Faye decides its time to stop taking her husband’s abuse and get her revenge.
Girl, Serpent, Thorn
Melissa Bashardoust
Cursed with a poisonous touch, Princess Soraya has been hidden away for her entire life. With her brother’s wedding approaching, she is tempted to seek out the answers to her freedom. She must decide whether to come out of hiding and whether she wants to be a monster or a princess. The cover art alone would earn this young adult fantasy a spot on my to-read list.
Crossings
Alex Landragin
In the preface, a Parisian bookbinder explains that Crossings is a manuscript of three stories bound together: a letter from a poet, a World War II romance, and the autobiography of a deathless enchantress. In a choose your own adventure style, you can read the book straight through and enjoy three interconnected stories. Or you can use the alternative method, skipping around in a predetermined sequence to get one cohesive novel.
A Beautifully Foolish Endeavor
Hank Green
In Hank Green’s debut novel, An Absolutely Remarkable Thing, April May became an instant celebrity for being the first to discover a mysterious series of statues that appeared around the world. But now the Carls are gone, and April May is dead. As Andy and Miranda try to press forward in a post-Carl world, mysterious boxes begin arriving that seem to predict the future, and hint that April may still be alive.
One to Watch
Kate Stayman-London
Successful plus-sized fashion blogger Bea Schumacher has everything in life but love. When her favorite Bachelorette-inspired reality show wants her to be the star, she says yes on one condition. She absolutely will not fall in love. Described as both brainy and steamy, if a beach read is calling your name this month you might want to choose this book.
The Wife Who Knew Too Much
Michele Campbell
Years ago, pool girl Tabitha Girard had an affair with Connor Ford, a patron at the local country club. She was heartbroken when he married his wife Nina for money. After Nina’s suicide, Tabitha and Connor’s love story has finally come full circle. Until Tabitha finds Nina’s diary, accusing Connor of her murder. Is Connor responsible? Is he in love with Tabitha, or is he just using her as a scapegoat?
Utopia Avenue
David Mitchell
Literary giant David Mitchell tells the story of a fictional British band in the 1960s whose quick success just as quickly burns out. Jumping narratives between the three main performers – female lead singer Elf, down on his luck bassist Dean, and manic guitarist Jasper – the story covers love, death, drugs, sex, and the consequences of fame. Longtime fans of David Mitchell will be pleased to find plenty of references to his other works.
The Only Good Indians
Stephen Graham Jones
A disturbing event during an elk hunt in their youth now comes back to haunt four Native American men. Pursued by a dark entity intent on revenge, they must come back to the traditions and culture of their childhood. Just be aware that Stephen Graham Jones’s horror story is described as a literary slow-burn.
The Perfect Father
John Glatt
In 2018, Shanann Watts returned home after a business trip and then disappeared. A media firestorm erupted the next day when Christ Watts reported his wife and two young daughters missing and pleaded for their return. Quickly things took an unexpected turn when picture-perfect Chris admitted to police that he had killed his pregnant wife and daughters and dumped their bodies. Investigative journalist and renowned true crime author John Glatt takes you deep into this shocking tale.
The Shadows
Alex North
Paul Adams left home long ago, driven out by an infamous murder. His best friend Charlie Crabtree committed a shocking murder of a mutual friend and then disappeared. Now Paul’s back to care for his ailing mother when a copycat strikes. From the author of The Whisper Man comes this creepy thriller sure to give you nightmares.
The Answer Is …
Alex Trebek
I don’t usually mention celebrity memoirs, but for Alex Trebek, I will always make an exception. For over three decades, Trebek has hosted the trivia game show Jeopardy. Grateful for the outflowing of support after his diagnosis with pancreatic cancer last year, Trebek has finally decided to write a memoir. Full of personal anecdotes and Jeopardy trivia, you’ll get an insightful look at a man who has become an icon in American pop culture.
What July 2020 Book Releases are You Most Excited to Read?
What books can you not wait to get your hands on this month? Did I miss any July 2020 book releases that you are anticipating? As always, let me know in the comments!
More New Book Releases:
Christa says
Thanks for the trigger alert!