July 2026 Book Releases
I am so excited about the July 2026 book releases. July is an interesting month for books. It is the heart of beach read season, so you will see some of the biggest books being published this month (like the book equivalent of a blockbuster movie). But you will also see the very beginnings of the fall reading season, with plenty of mysteries, thrillers, and fantasy.
I include information about where you can order/pre-order, along with a brief synopsis of each book. Once Kirsten and/or I have read the book, we will add our thoughts on the book as well.
Why do I make these lists of most anticipated books? When Kirsten and I highlight books we want to read, we hope if gives you some books to add to your TBR. When you request them early at your local library or preorder them from your local bookstore, you help generate buzz. The result? You are helping authors and sending the message that you support the book community!
Kirsten and I make lists by month as well as by season. You can check out the Spring 2026 book releases, where we have all the books for March, April, and May in one place.
If you want some in-depth reviews before the books are published, you can check out our Beyond the Bookends Book Club. We host a monthly Zoom meeting where we share our favorite upcoming books with you. We give you the scoop on what to read and what to skip!
Most Anticipated July 2026 Book Releases
Most Anticipated Fiction
The Paris Heist by Jo Piazza- Jump to Section
Most Anticipated Historical Fiction
An Infinite Love Story by Chanel Cleeton –Jump to Section
Most Anticipated Fantasy/ Sci-Fi
Sea of Charms by Sara Beth Durst- Click here to read more
Most Anticipated Thriller
Helpless by Jessica Knoll – Click here to read more
Most Anticipated Mystery
The Masala Chai Mystery Club by MJ Soni- Click here to read more
Most Anticipated Romance
The Romance Revival by Christina Lauren – Click here to read more
Most Anticipated Nonfiction
Dad, Love, Me by Matthew Quick – Click for more
Most Anticipated YA
Every Reason to Stay by Lane Clarke- Click here to read the synopsis
*July 2026 Book Releases Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you.
July 2026 Fiction Book Releases
The Parisian Heist
Author: Jo Piazza
Year: 2026
Genre: Fiction
More info: Bestselling Author
Spice Rating:💋💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Emma is a scrappy young artist making her way in Paris, working as a maid to help pay for art school. She lives with two other female artists, each talented in their own right and each working to support their artistic pursuits. When Emma’s client, Stella Swanson, the recent widow of a famed art dealer, asks her for help in taking control of the art empire she helped to build, Emma is torn between helping Stella and falling for her charming step-grandson, whose father is working to cut Stella out of her inheritance.
Stella will do whatever it takes to unveil some of her deceased husband’s family secrets, and she’s trying to bring Emma and her friends along on her not-so-legal path to taking them down. While Emma is working out what to do in the present day, her story is cut between that of Jo van Gogh as she works to fulfill her late husband, Theo’s, dream of making his brother Vincent a famed artist.
Jo was a real-life unsung hero in the creation of Vincent as a god-like figure in the world of art, and her struggles, narrated by her fictitious nanny/assistant, intertwine with Emma’s present-day story in the most rewarding way.
Why Kirsten loves it
This propulsive novel had me flipping through the pages. I adore biographical fiction and art heist novels, and this was the perfect combination of both, with a major dose of feminism thrown in. I was enthralled by Jo’s tenacity as she became the driving force behind making Vincent van Gogh a household name, but even more, I was ensnared by the modern plotline of Emma and Stella reclaiming their power.
If you are looking for an escapist read that will also inspire you to fight the patriarchy, this should be an immediate purchase! You learn a lot, you’ll have fun while reading, and you’ll come away with renewed energy as you realize the power of women working together.
Find this book in: Books Set in Paris / Books Set in Museums
Man overboard
Author: Kathleen Rooney
Release Date: July 7, 2026
Genre: Fiction
More info: Bestselling Author of Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk
Plot
I loved Lillian Boxfish, so I cannot wait to get my hands on this book. Patrick Kilpatrick, Kick for short, is alone in the sea after falling off, or jumping off, a Thanksgiving cruise with his family. Thank goodness he was a college swimmer. As he treads water to stay alive, he has only his memories and regrets to keep him company. This pick from the July 2026 book releases will make us think about what it means to stay alive and keep going.
Crash Into Me
Author: Robinne Lee
Release Date: July 7, 2026
Genre: Fiction
More info: Bestselling Author of “The Idea of You“
Plot
When Cecilia is in a car accident shortly after moving to Los Angeles, she is shocked when she recognizes the person in the other car as a model. She met 20 years ago on a photo shoot. She is now married to a French film director and living in Los Angeles, which is so far from her Jamaican immigrant upbringing and early life in Connecticut. She develops an intense, physical, and emotional entanglement with the model, Anouk. Will this give her the answers about herself that she has been looking for?
Destination Funeral
Author: Paige Harbison
Release Date: July 21, 2026
Genre: Fiction
More info: Perfect for Best Time Loop Books
Plot
When Babe dies, four friends come back together for the reading of her will. They never thought that they would see each other again after a fallout years ago. But what should have been one weekend turns into a lot more when they wake up to discover it is Saturday, again.
The Good Parts
Author: Evann Normandin
Release Date: July 28
Genre: Fiction
More info: Dual Timeline, Sual POV
Plot
I cannot wait to read this pick from the July 2026 book releases. Landon is shocked when he receives a letter from Rose informing him that she has undergone a procedure to erase him from her memory. He is determined to win her back, even if he is starting from scratch.
Landon and Rose quickly become friends, but it seems that Rose is starting to have strange side effects the closer they become. The story is told in two timelines: his from the present, and hers from the past.
Meet Me in Paris
Author: Kristin Harmel
Release Date: July 28, 2026
Genre: Fiction
More info: New York Times bestselling author
Plot
I love Kristin Harmel and cannot wait to read this book from the July 2026 book releases. The book takes place over one week in Paris with several intertwined stories. These are stories of love, loss, heartbreak, and courage. It has been described as Love Actually meets The Notebook, and I cannot think of anything better.
July 2026 Historical Fiction Book Releases
An Infinite Love Story
Author: Chanel Cleeton
Release Date: July 7, 2026
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: New York Times Bestselling Author
Plot
Another book about space!!! In 1968, the entire country is watching as Joe Mitchell goes into space. When his spacecraft loses contact, everyone I’m bored is presumed dead. Joe’s wife, Vivian, cannot accept that he is gone. When she starts receiving messages that only Joe could send, she is determined to do everything she can to bring him back alive.
The Half Life
Author: Rachel Beanland
Release Date: July 14, 2026
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: Bestselling Author of Florence Adler Swims Forever
Plot
When Eileen O’Malley meets Paul Archer, a naval officer, it is not long before they are married and moving to Italy so Paul can be aboard a submarine. Eileen is determined to make the small island of La Maddalena feel like home. When Italian scientists become concerned about possible nuclear contamination in the water, Eileen has to choose between her loyalty to her husband and country, and the Italian locals who have made her feel like she’s home.
July 2026 Fantasy/ Sci-fi Books
Sea of Charms
Author: Sarah Beth Durst
Release Date: July 28, 2026
Genre: Fantasy
More info: Deluxe Edition, bestselling author, Book 3 of Spellshop series
Plot
I love the first two books in this series, as well as Durst’s first YA book, so it is no surprise that this cozy fantasy romance is at the top of my TBR. Marin is a supply runner who sails to the islands delivering goods. When she goes to the Capital, she finds a revolution underway, and her friend Dax in trouble. She agrees to take him on as a member of her crew if he pretends to be her boyfriend at the end of the harvest festival back home. If this book is anything like her other books, it has crossover characters but can be read as a standalone!
The Memory Bookshop
Author: Song Yu-jeong, Translated by Shanna Tan
Release Date: July 7, 2026
Genre: Healing Fiction
More info: Korean Bestseller
Plot
I cannot wait to read this book that explores the power of books and the magic of living. Jiwon has been grieving since her mother died. When she finds herself in a mysterious bookshop, she is given the opportunity to travel back to three chapters of her life. In exchange, she must give up time in the future.
Dominion
Author: Jean Kwok
Release Date: July 14, 2026
Genre: Fantasy
More info: Silk and Iron Trilogy #1
Plot
This book is being described as Fourth Wing meets Chinese Mythology crossed with The Hunger Games. Rubi has no memory after her homeland was destroyed. Now she is a refugee in the Dominion of the Silver Tyger. When she draws the attention of the supreme metal mage, she finds herself in a brutal trial with tygers choose their riders and the rest are killed.
Plot
This is a multigenerational family saga with a touch of magic. When Japanese soldiers invade her hometown in 1940, Ha Yut Ying escapes by turning invisible. When the war is over, she is sent to live with her father and stepmother, who turned her into the family servant.
In San Francisco, 20 years later, Marigold sees her mother disappear before her eyes. As her mother’s condition deteriorates, Marigold must uncover her other secrets to save her.
Thrillers for July 2026
Helpless
Author: Jessica Knoll
Release Date: July 7, 2026
Genre: Thriller
More info: New York Times Bestselling author of Luckiest Girl Alive
Plot
This looks like a creepy psychological thriller from the bestselling author of Luckiest Girl Alive. Faye and Henry are living the lives they had planned. But when they come back to their university campus for a professor’s funeral, they find themselves back together- after Henry drugs and abducts Faye. Their relationship is toxic and quickly spirals as truths are revealed.
This Changes Everything
Author: Lisa Scottoline
Release Date: July 14, 2026
Genre: Thriller
More info: #1 bestselling author
Plot
Julia and Courtney are best friends. Julia lives in Tuscany, and Courtney is back in the United States. When Courtney arrives at her grandmother’s house in PA, she finds her grandmother dead and her killer escaping. Julia rushes home to be with her friend. Despite the fact that the police think it was just a burglary gone wrong. The two women think there is something else going on. Soon, Julia becomes the Target of a conspiracy, and she is fighting for her life. This is a thriller that is also about female friendship.
Hot Girl Murder Club
Author: Ashley Winstead
Release Date: July 14, 2026
Genre: Thriller
More info: National Bestselling Author
Plot
Scout is an aspiring singer and actress who is catapulted to fame for all the wrong reasons. Ever since her sister died at a Hollywood party 10 years ago, she has been trying to find her killer. Now, after a string of murders in LA, point to Scout. She could be going down as the world’s most famous murderer unless she can prove she is not guilty.
July 2026 Mysteries
The Masala Chai Mystery Club
Author: MJ Soni
Release Date: July 21, 2026
Genre: Mystery
More info: Perfect for fans of The Thursday Murder Club
Plot
Neeti is a retired librarian, looking forward to her book club with her chai-loving friends. When a childhood friend turns up dead, it is eerily similar to her most recent Book Club book. Even though he was unliked, he was a childhood friend, and she is determined to find his killer. She enlists her Book Club friends to find the murderer before they get themselves in more trouble than they can handle.
Plot
Fiona Winslow has returned to her family estate, Wurimbirra, after a difficult year. She plans on restoring it when she discovers a curious book called The Midnight Estate. The story in the book is very similar to her own. This is a dual timeline narrative with a mystery and secrets. It is also a book within a book which is a sub genre that I love to read.
Plot
Annie Morrissey was a best-selling author of murder mysteries. When she dies tragically, her daughter Naimh moves into her house to help deal with the estate. When her mother’s final book lands on the doorstep and Leah Rebeccah Overton appears in the kitchen, Naimh is a little bit concerned. After all, Leah is the fictional heroine of her mother’s books, and Naimh is the only one who can see her. She realizes she cannot ignore the sleuth, especially when her mother’s death may not have been an accident after all.
Romance: July 2026 Book Releases
The Romance Revival
Author: Christina Lauren
Release Date: July 14, 2026
Genre: Romance
More info: Instant New York Times Bestselling Author
Plot
Emery and Luca have been married for three years, but Emery has become obsessed with her top-secret job and is neglecting Luca. In a tragic accident, Luca dies, and Emery is determined to bring him back. She uses science to bring him back and breaks every rule in doing so. The only problem? He can’t remember who she is. Now, Emery has one shot at a second chance at love.
Plot
Blair is a rom-com star trying to get into producing, but no one will take her seriously. She has become friends with Jack Branksone, a bestselling author who refused to participate in her celebrity book club. He admits that he has a case of writer’s block. Blair invites him to stay at her pool house, where the two Bond over movie nights and dinners. This is another book about books from the July 2026 book releases. I cannot wait to get my hands on this one.
Extracurricular
Author: Rachel Lynn Solomon
Release Date: July 14, 2026
Genre: Romance
More info: New York Times Bestselling Author
Plot
Ramona Wilder has been a star since she was a kid, but is ready for a normal life. She has decided to start college at 26. Nick is a professor who is recently divorced. When he has a department meeting about a new celebrity enrolling, he plans to treat her like any other student until she walks into the class and causes an uproar. When a crisis brings them together, they realize there is attraction. But they will each have to confront their old life before they can move forward together.
Just a Highland Fling
Author: Naina Kumar
Release Date:
Genre: July 21, 2026
More info: Books About Road Trips
Plot
Neelu is in Scotland for her estranged father’s wedding and accidentally says some things during a drunken tirade that get him left at the altar. Together, they decide to track down his bride. But Jacob, the gorgeous bagpiper with whom she recently had a one-night stand, is the third member of this road trip. This pick from the July 2026 book releases has the Scottish Highlands, a forced proximity romance, and a road trip. I cannot think of anything better.
July 2026: Best Nonfiction Book Releases
Dad, Love, Me
Author: Matthew Quick
Release Date: July 21, 2026
Genre: Memoir
More info: From the author of Silver Linings Playbook
Plot
This is a memoir written in the form of a letter to his ailing father. Quick takes us on a journey through his anxiety, depression, and substance abuse as he tries to make peace with his abusive father, recently diagnosed with dementia. This looks like a powerful and moving memoir from the July 2026 book releases.
Best YA July 2026 Book Releases
Plot
It has always been just Sylar and her rockstar dad, but when her dad dies in an accident, she learns that her mother is still alive. Now, Slylar is uprooted and sent to live with a virtual stranger. To overcome her feelings of anger and grief, she decides to enter a baking competition. Soon, she will find friendship and answers to questions she did not know she had. This pick from the July 2026 book releases is perfect for our list of Novels about Grief
The Lure of Wolves and Whispers
Author: Amanda Connolly
Release Date: July 7, 2026
Genre: YA Romantasy
More info: Martyred Isle Book 1
Plot
This debut novel is a romantasy perfect for fans of Throne of Glass. Maeve’s sister has been gravely injured, and she will do everything she can to buy the forbidden magic that will save her. In exchange, she trades her life to a rebel leader and is thrown into a competition to become the next queen.
More July 2026 Book Releases
Expert Tip
Looking through books can be daunting if you are trying to add some books to your TBR. Remember that this list of the most anticipated June 2026 book releases is for fun. You may add books to your TBR stack and never read them. That is OK! I have two tips to help narrow down the choices for you.
- If you do not want to look through all the descriptions, I selected a top pick from each genre. I narrowed it down for you!
- If you have a favorite genre that you like to read, head over to that section and pick from those books.
Frequently Asked Questions
Epilogue
Which June 2026 book releases are you most looking forward to reading?
