31 Most Anticipated New July 2024 Book Releases by Genre
The July 2024 book releases are here and they are spectacular! I always love to see what type of books are released for the summer season and I can tell you that this year, there were so many choices. We had a difficult time choosing our most anticipated for this list.
And while we know we cannot possibly read all the books on this list, we can try. There are picks on here from our favorite authors like Kate Quinn and Jamie Brenner as well as picks from debut authors.
Our most anticipated new July 2024 book releases have some great historical fiction, nonfiction, thrillers, and Sci-fi. Whatever your favorite genre, we have the perfect books for your TBR.
*Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. Some books have been gifted. All opinions are our own.
Most Anticipated New July 2024 Books
Fiction/ Historical Fiction / Fantasy & Sci-fi / Thriller & Mystery / Romance / Nonfiction / Young Adult
Most Anticipated July 2024 Fiction Book Releases
The Summer Pact by Emily Giffin
When Hannah, Tyson, Lainey, and Summer met during their freshman year of college, they became fast friends. But shortly before graduating, Summer does the unthinkable. Shocked and despondent over their friend’s death, the remaining friends create The Summer Pact, a promise to be there for one another when they hit rock bottom.
In the present day, Hannah’s life has gone up in flames so Lainey and Tyson drop everything to help her turn it around during a multi-city vacation. But Lainey and Tyson have issues of their own to deal with. Can they all lean on one another to mend their broken pieces?
Why I Liked It: Emily Giffin always manages to write readable and fun books. The location (CAPRI!) of this one made it stand out, even though the ending felt a little rushed.
Find this book in Friendship Novels
Long Island Compromise by Taffy Brodesser-Akner
Genre: Literary Fiction
Plot: This family saga from the July 2024 book releases follows a family through generations as they all come to terms with the trauma they suffered. In 1980, a wealthy businessman named Carl Fletcher is kidnapped, beaten, and held for ransom. When he returns a week later, he thinks everything is fine. Only decades later when Carl’s wife and three children are all suffering from the abduction does Carl question how their money has played a role in their successes and failures.
The Cliffs
Author: J. Courtney Sullivan
Year: 2024
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: July 2024 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Be transported to the coasts of Maine with this thought-provoking story of heritage and family lore. Reese’s most recent book club pick is a thought-provoking look at the cycles often repeated in families. When a disastrous night leads to Jane losing her husband and her job, she retreats to the only home she’s ever known – a small town in Maine.
There, she decides to clean out her recently deceased mother’s home while trying to figure out her next steps. When a new arrival asks her to research the history of a home she recently renovated, Jane goes digging into the lore of the house. Along the way, she finds out things about her family that tilts her world on its axis.
Trigger Warnings
Alcoholism, Colonisation, Racism, Death of a Child
Why Kirsten loves it
Halfway through the story, I switched to the audiobook which was wonderful as well. Between every few Jane chapters, other supporting characters get one chapter to give their perspective – and each is narrated by someone different.
I was fascinated by the history of the made-up town and I appreciated learning more about the original inhabitants, the indigenous people, and how they were treated and subsequently erased from the history of the area. Well researched, the story drew me in and held me until the end despite how much I wanted to throttle Jane at times.
Find this book in: Books Set at the Beach
A Novel Summer by Jamie Brenner
Shelby Archer is an author who wrote her first book about her summers in Provincetown, Rhode Island. But when her friends felt like the story was too close to home, it left a few of them feeling exposed and betrayed.
Desperate to make things right and looking for inspiration for her sophomore novel, she returns to Provincetown to help local bookseller, Colleen, who is now on bedrest. Now Shelby can heal her friendships and have a wonderful summer – if she can avoid her ex-boyfriend and his new girlfriend, who happens to be opening a competing bookstore.
Why I Liked It: Fans of nostalgic Jamie Brenner rejoice! She’s back to her beach reads roots with this return to Provincetown and some of our favorite characters make it into the story! It was fun to reconnect with the locale and its inhabitants.
Find this book in Beach Reads 2024
The Wedding People
Author: Alison Espach
Year: 2024
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
More info: August 2024 Read With Jenna Book Club Pick
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 18+
Plot
When Phoebe Stone arrives at the Cornwall Inn, she is the only person in the hotel who is not there for the wedding. She’s there to commit suicide after her marriage ends and she feels she has nothing else to live for.
Lila, the bride, has thought of every detail but did not account for Phoebe being at the hotel. She figures out what Phoebe is there to do and Lila will NOT let it happen. Soon, Phoebe is joining in on the weeklong festivities and readers get to learn about Lila’s motivations too. This funny, poignant novel about the people we meet along the path of life is sure to be a hit.
Trigger Warnings
Suicide Attempt, Infertility
Why Kirsten loves it
I love it handled anxiety, depression, and the ending of a relationship. It reminded me of Crazy Rich Asians because of the over-the-top wedding vibes. There is so much to discuss in this one that I think it’s perfect for book clubs. #gifted Macmillan Audio and Libro.fm
Find this book in: Books About Weddings / Best Books for Book Clubs to Read / Best New Fiction Books of 2024: Contemporary and Literary Fiction
The Days I Loved You Most by Amy Neff
Genre: Fiction
Plot: Joseph and Evelyn were childhood friends and neighbors who fell in love. Now, they have been married for over 60 years and they gather their children to let them know that Evelyn has received a life-ending diagnosis. Joseph cannot live without his beloved wife and so the two have decided to end their lives together. This is the story that takes them back to the greatest moments of their lives. I am sure this pick from the July 2024 book releases will be a book that will make us cry!
Ultimate List of Contemporary Fiction Novels to Love in 2024
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July 2024 Book Releases: Historical Fiction
The Briar Club by Kate Quinn
Genre: Historical Fiction
Plot: 1950: Briarwood House is an all-female boarding house in Washington, DC. When Grace moves into the attic room, the women start developing friendships with dinner parties and tea parties. When an act of violence threatens their friendship, the Briar Club must decide who the real enemy is. This pick from the July 2024 book releases captures the feeling of the McCarthy era as only Kate Quinn can.
The Windsor Conspiracy by Georgie Blalock
Genre: Historical Fiction
Plot: We cannot wait to read this historical fiction novel from the July 2024 book releases. This is a novel that is centered around Wallis Simpson, the Duchess of Windsor, and her cousin Amelia. Amelia is working as Wallis’s private secretary in France. When Germany invades France and the Windors leave France without Amelia, the FBI and MI5 approach her to spy on her cousin for her alleged sympathizing with the Nazis.
The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish by Paula Brackston
Genre: Historical Fantasy
Plot: It is England in 1881 and HEctate Cavendish can see ghosts. She is starting her new life as an Assistant Librarian at the cathedral that holds a magical collection of books including a medieval world map. we cannot wait for this first book in a new series from the July 2024 book releases.
Maria by Michelle Moran
Genre: Historical Fiction
Plot: This is a biographical fiction that you cannot miss from the July 2024 book releases. We all know the story of the sound of music and the story of Maria Von Trapp. But, how much do we really know and how much is a Hollywood version made to appear on screen? Maria was supposedly not happy about the parts of her life that were fictionalized. There was so much more that Hollywood told.
Ultimate List of Historical Fiction
Love Historical Fiction? The Ultimate List of Historical Fiction is the perfect list for you. It is carefully divided by time.
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July 2024 Book Releases: Most Anticipated Fantasy/ Sci-fi
All This and More by Peng Shepherd
Genre: Sci-Fi
Plot: I loved The Cartographers so I could not wait to read this book. Marsh is unhappy with her family life, work life, and love life. When she is chosen to be the star of a TV show called “All This and More” she jumps at the chance. The show uses brand-new quantum technology to allow Marsh to change the mistakes of her past. The catch? The reader gets to decide what she does next. Is this a choose-your-own-adventure for adults? I cannot wait to read this pick from the July 2024 book releases.
Breaking the Dark (Jessica Jones Marvel Crime Novel) by Lisa Jewell
Genre: Fantasy Thriller
Plot: We love Lisa Jewell and all her books so we were very excited to see this new book in the July 2024 book releases. Lisa Jewell is launching a Marvel crime series featuring Jessica Jones, a retired superhero and current private investigator. Call me curious with this first from the new series!
The Bright Sword by Lev Grossman
Genre: Fantasy
Plot: This is a King Arthur reimagining as only Lev Grossman, the author of The Magicians, could create. Collum is a knight who arrives in Camelot hoping for a spot at the Round Table only to find that the king died two weeks before. Now there will be duels, fights, and the quest to reclaim Excalibur and discover the truth of how the great King Arthur fell. This book from the July 2024 book releases is on my TBR.
The Lost Story
Author: Meg Shaffer
Year: 2024
Genre: Magical Realism/ Fantasy
More info: National bestseller from the author of The Wishing Game
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Fifteen years ago, Jeremy and Raffe went missing from a West Virginia state forest only to return six months later without explaining where they went. Now, Rafe is an artist who has no memories of what happened in those 6 months and is haunted by his unknown past. Jeremy is the only one who knows the truth about their disappearance and works as a private investigator who specializes in finding missing girls and women.
Emilie hires Jeremy to find her sister who went missing from the same forest as the lost boys, years before they went missing. Jermey and Rafe have not spoken in 15 years, but they can only save Emilie’s sister by working together. The three must head to the magical realm where they spent those 6 months to find everything they lost.
Trigger Warnings
Child disappearance
Why Jackie loves it
The narrator breaks the third wall while explaining parts of the story throughout. It reads like a fairy tale for adults and I loved every minute. I could not put this book, inspired by The Chronicles of Narnia, down.
Find this book in: Best Beach Reads 2024 / Best New Fantasy Books and Sci-Fi Books of 2024 / Best Adult Fantasy Novels
The Ornithologist’s Field Guide to Love by India Holton
Genre: Romantasy
Plot: Beth Pickering and Devon Lockley are rival ornithologists who vow to stay away from each other for professional and personal reasons. When a competition to become birder of the year requires them to team up, staying away from each other might prove to be harder than they thought. We cannot wait to read this Fantasy Romance from the July 2024 book releases.
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Most Anticipated Thrillers and Mysteries for July 2024
The God of the Woods
Author: Liz Moore
Year: 2024
Genre: Literary Historical Mystery
More info: New York Times Bestseller
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Early one morning in August 1975, a camp counselor discovers that Barbara Van Laar, the daughter of the camper owners, has gone missing. Fourteen years earlier, her brother also went missing, and he was never found.
As the story flashes between the investigation into Barbara’s disappearance and the events leading up to Bear’s, detectives, family members, campers, and staff members lives are unfolded in a way that makes the mystery one of many threads woven into a masterful tale.
Liz Moore captured my attention from the very beginning and kept me engaged throughout as each secret and discovery unfolded into further mysteries.
Trigger Warnings
Child Death, Domestic Abuse
Why Kirsten loves it
I’ve not read many literary mysteries, but I can say that I like this subgenre of literary fiction. The mystery of what happened to Barbara and Bear was a fascinating central point, but I was so invested in each character’s story that I sometimes forgot what crime was being solved. I can see this not being for everyone though — there are lots of characters and sub-plots buried within. It’s no cozy mystery but that’s exactly why I think it’s one of my favorites of the year.
Find this book in: Giftable Books / Books about Camp
Like Mother, Like Daughter by Kimberly McCreight
Genre: Mystery Thriller
Plot: Cleo comes home for dinner one night and finds food burning on the stove, a bloody shoe under the couch and her mother, Kat, missing. Cleo knows something has happened but cannot imagine how her lawyer mother could be in trouble. Cleo does not know that Kat is not a lawyer, she is a fixer for the law firm. Kat has been receiving messages that she has kept a secret from Cleo. Now, Cleo and Kat try to save each other in this exhilarating pick from the July 2024 book releases.
Ladykiller by Katherine Wood
Genre: Thriller
Plot: Abby and Gia have been friends since childhood and bonded over a tragedy in Greece when they were 18. Now, they are in their 30s and Gia has a husband, wealth, and a glamorous life while Abby works as a lawyer. When Gia invites Abby on a vacation to celebrate her birthday, Abby cannot wait. However, when she arrives, Gia is missing. Back in Greece, Gia’s house is empty and all that is left is a manuscript describing her disappearance. Is anything true? Where is Gia? We cannot wait to read this pick from the July 2024 book releases.
The Astrology House by Carinn Jade
Genre: Mystery Thriller
Plot: Margot and her friends decide to attend the Stars Harbor astrological retreat for much-needed rest and relaxation. The retreat is located at a beautiful Victorian house and promises to be an entertaining getaway. The astrologer host has secrets and knows that not all of the guests will be leaving the retreat alive. We cannot wait to read this pick from the July 2024 book releases.
Look in the Mirror by Catherine Steadman
Genre: Thriller Mystery
Plot: Nina inherited a huge vacation home in the British Virgin Islands when her father died. The issue is that she did not know it existed. Maria is a nanny for the rich. When her wards don’t show up, she takes advantage of the property and all its amenities. But, she cannot help but be curious about the one room she is not allowed to enter. Soon, she will wish she had never taken this last job.
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Romance: July 2024 Book Releases
The Love of My Afterlife
Author: Kirsty Greenwood
Year: 2024
Genre: Fantasy Romance
More info: July 2024 GMA Book Club Pick
Spice Rating:đź’‹đź’‹
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Delphie has just died and is in her pj’s in the afterlife when she meets the man of her dreams. Her hilarious afterlife therapist, Merit, is obsessed with all things romance so she gives her the chance to return to her life with the caveat that she has ten days to find this mysterious man and get him to kiss her.
That would be easy except for the fact that she does not know his last name and cannot seem to find him anywhere. Even worse, her therapist seems to be hindering her progress rather than helping. Delphie reluctantly asks her grumpy downstairs neighbor to help her. Soon, Delphie is making friends, loving life, and regretting shutting everyone out her whole life.
Why Jackie loves it
Delphie reminds me of a more loveable Eleanor Oliphant. Thanks to the love-obsessed afterlife therapist, this book is one part love triangle mixed with a little bit of forced proximity, and a whole lot of laugh-out-loud rom-com!
Find this book in: Books Like Eleanor Oliphant / Romantic Comedy Books / Best Romance Books of 2024 / Adult Fantasy Romance Books / Best Adult Fantasy Novels / Giftable Books
What’s in a Kiss? by Lauren Kate
Genre: Romance
Plot: A kiss that can change everything? This romance is the ultimate “what if” romance from the July 2024 book releases. Liv is a Lyft driver who deferred Julliard to be with her mom. Now, her prom date, Jake, whom she has not seen in ten years, is in her car. To make matters worse, he is the best man and she is the maid of honor at a wedding this weekend. When the bride and groom say I do, everything is suddenly different. She is the bride, Jake is the groom, her best friend hates her and she is not speaking to her mom!
Plot
Jessie and Hillary were best friends for years at camp and were supposed to return to become counselors together. Jessie is shocked when Hilary does not return with almost no explanation. Years later, Jessie is still working at the camp as the director when the owners’ children decide to sell the camp.
Jessie decides to have one last amazing summer at the camp with all the former campers invited back for a reunion. Hilary knows this is her last chance to have the summer she always wanted and rekindle her friendship with Jessie. But just like kids have camp drama and relationships, the adults are no better!
Why Jackie loves it
This book about summer camp reminds me so much of my childhood at camp. I was laughing so hard while reading this book, I had tears streaming down my face. This is a perfect summer read for anyone who went to camp.
Find this book in: Amazing Books About Camp / Best Beach Reads / Best New Romance Books of 2024
The Au Pair Affair by Tessa Bailey
Genre: Romance
Plot: A single-parent romance from Tessa Bailey? Yes, please. A Sports romance as well….we obviously needed to include this novel in our list of July 2024 book releases. Tallulah is a marine biology student who is broke. So when she is given a chance to work as a live-in nanny for a tween girl, she cannot wait to start working. Now, with a push from the tween, Tellulah is taking the hockey veteran dad out and their chemistry is undeniable.
Name Your Price by Holly James
Genre: Romance
Plot: We cannot wait to read this second chance romance from the July 2024 book releases. Olivia Martin and Chuck Walsh have a spectacular breakup that goes viral. A new TV show called Name Your Price invites them to be on the show for a prize worth 1 million dollars each. They must live in a house for a month and keep their hands off each other.
One Year Ago in Spain by Evelyn Skye
Genre: Romance
Plot: Claire is a lawyer at a top Manhattan firm who falls in love with Matias, a Spanish artist. After a year together she begins to question if they can last long-term. When Matias has a horrible accident that leaves him in a coma in Madrid, she rushes to his side. There she finds his soul and can talk to him. But she is the only one. And, to make things even more complicated, he doesn’t remember her. In order to save him, Claire is going to have to make him fall in love with her a second time. This book from the July 2024 book releases is already in our TBR stacks
Ultimate List of Romances
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July 2024: Best Non-Fiction Book Releases
The Talented Mrs. Mandelbaum by Margalit Fox
Genre: Nonfiction
Plot: In the Gilded Age of New York City, Fredericka Mandelbaum was able to transform herself from poverty to high society by becoming the mastermind behind organized crime. She took millions of dollars worth of stolen merchandise and cleaned it by selling it through a business. This looks like a must-read from the July 2024 book releases and anyone looking for Gilded Age Books.
Guilty Creatures by Mikita Brottman
Genre: Nonfiction
Plot: This is a true story of murder and living 18 years with the guilt and not getting caught. Mike and Denise Williams were childhood friends with Brian and Kathy Winchester. When Mike went missing while fishing, everyone assumed he drowned and was eaten by alligators. But, 5 years later, Brian divorced Kathy and married Denise. This true crime book from the July 2024 book releases looks like it is unputdownable.
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Best YA July 2024 Book Releases
Dashed by Amanda Quain
Genre: Young Adult Romance
Plot: We cannot wait for this young adult retelling of Sense and Sensibility from the July 2024 book releases. Margaret Dashwood intends to live her life without any heartbreak after watching her sister Marianne almost die from heartbreak. Now, she is headed on a cruise getaway with her older sister Elinor. When Marianne comes aboard last minute, Margaret’s plans for a carefree vacation are gone.
The Grandest Game
Author: Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Year: 2024
Genre: Young Adult Mystery
More info: From Bestselling author of Inheritance Games
Age Range: 14+
Plot
Avery and the Hawthorne brothers are back with an annual competition worth millions. It is the second annual Grandest Game in which seven people will receive golden tickets. Some of the competitors were chosen. by the Hawthorne brothers or Avery and the rest had to find their ticket. Every person there has a reason to win the game and they will all do whatever it takes.
The competition starts with the competitors participating in the most complex escape room. Who will make it out before dawn to go on to the next stage of the game?
Why Jackie loves it
I listened to the book and could not believe it was done. There are two reasons, one is that the story is far from over but the second is that I was so invested in the story. I cannot believe I have to wait until the next book comes out.
Find this book in: Giftable Books / Best New Children’s Books of 2024 / Books About Puzzles
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