It's LibraryReads day and that means four things here on RA for All
- I post the list and tag it “Library Reads” so that you can easily pull up every single list with one click.
- I can remind you that even though the newest list is always fun to see, it is the older lists where you can find AWESOME, sure bet suggestions for patrons that will be on your shelf to actually hand to them right now. The best thing about LibraryReads is the compound interest it is earning. We now have hundreds and hundreds of titles worth suggesting right at our fingertips through this archive OR the sortable master list allowing you to mix and match however you want.
- You have no excuse not to hand sell any LibraryReads titles because there is a book talk right there in the list in the form of the annotation one of your colleagues wrote for you. All you have to say to your patron is, “such and such library worker in blank state thought this was a great read,” and then you read what he or she said.
- Every upcoming book now has at least 1 readalike that is available to hand out RIGHT NOW. Book talk the upcoming book, place a hold for it, and then hand out that readalike title for while they wait. If they need more titles before their hold comes in, use the readalike title to identify more readalike titles. And then keep repeating. Seriously, it is that easy to have happy, satisfied readers.
And finally, here is LibraryReads' extremely helpful Resources page.
Now let's get to the July 2026 list....
Rimmer, Kelly
The Story Keeper
MIRA
In this compelling gothic novel set in Australia, recently divorced 50-something Fiona buys her uncle's decaying country estate with plans to refurbish it. But the locals fear the place is haunted. When Fiona discovers a novel that appears to be set in the house, it becomes a dual-timeline story, with chapters from the book woven into the narrative.
--Robin Beerbower, LibraryReads Ambassador
NoveList read-alike: The Secret Book of Flora Lea by Patti Callahan Henry
Curto, Chelsea
In Stormy Weather
Atria Books
9781668217436
7/14/2026
Two rival meteorologists who have been competing since high school end up spending a summer together storm-chasing while they both try to figure out the next steps in their careers. Readers will love this contemporary romance with characters who genuinely respect each other's intelligence and expertise.
--Gabrielle Lucas, Community Library of the Shenango Valley, PA.
NoveList read-alike: Chase Me If You Can by Heather Frances
Eberle, Kate
If Books Could Kill: A Novel
Penguin Books
Roxie wishes to live out her favorite romance author's next book, but ends up in a crime thriller instead, complete with a knife-wielding date. What follows is pure comedic gold as she kidnaps an anxious English professor to help her survive. This novel is a unique and engaging take on the romance genre.
--Lupe Herrera, Mount Pleasant Public Library, TX
NoveList read-alike: How to Kill a Guy in T en Dates by Shailee Thompson
Knightley, Brigitte
The Exquisite Torment of Loving Your Enemy
Ace
In this second book in the Dearly Beloathed Duology, readers find Assassin Osric and Healer Aurienne struggling with their feelings while fighting a deadly Pox outbreak. This cozy romantasy features humorous banter, interesting characters, and fantastic world-building.
--Sara Doyle, Hays Public Library, KS
NoveList read-alike: Queens of Villainy series by Stephanie Burgis
Knoll, Jessica
Helpless
Scribner
Screenwriter Faye senses trouble when she runs into her ex, Henry, who she left behind for Hollywood and a hit show based on their relationship When Faye wakes up drugged in a remote cabin with an angry Henry, motives blur, and the reader is left uncertain, fueling a tense, twisty thriller of kidnapping and revenge.
--Kimberly McGee, Lake Travis Community Library, Austin, TX
NoveList read-alike: The Plunge by Lila Raicek
Kwok, Jean
Dominion
Putnam
Rubi Morningtail is a skilled ribbon dancer with no memory and minimal magic. Blake Axefire, the handsome Tyger Warrior leader, sees something in her. Thanks to his machinations, she becomes Bonded to a tygress and must train to fight as demons plot devastation. A steamy romantasy with all the popular tropes yet a distinctive world.
--Sarah Walker, Indianapolis Public Library, IN
NoveList read-alike: We Who Will Die by Stacia Stark
Mason, Daniel
Country People: A Novel
Random House
Miles Krzelewski has stalled on finishing his PhD in Russian folklore for over a decade. When his wife Kate takes a visiting professorship in Vermont, they move their family across the country. Miles quickly fits into a warm local community rich in its own lore and legends. A joyful novel full of colorful characters.
--Jennifer Winberry, Hunterdon County Library, Flemington, NJ
NoveList read-alike: Alan Opts Out by Courtney Maum
Obuobi, Shirlene
Die for Me: A Novel
Penguin Books
What starts as a seemingly fun, age-gap romance quickly transforms into a suspenseful and thrilling paranormal ride. Sean, the only Black female cardiologist at her hospital, is consumed by her work and has sworn off love. She finds herself seduced by Julian, a breathtakingly magnetic much younger man. Obuobi expertly builds a slow-burning sense of dread that is both profoundly sensual and genuinely unnerving.
--Chasity Moreno, New York Public Library, NY
NoveList read-alike: Son of Morning by Akwaeke Emezi
Reeves, Ben
Everything Was Beautiful and Nothing Hurt
Avid Reader Press
Death—aka Travis—moves through the world like a normal man. When not providing guidance and comfort to those who are passing, he keeps to himself and lives a quiet life. That changes when he forges a bond with his neighbor and her daughter. This novel explores the nature of grief, the beauty of lives both long and short, and the many ways humans deal with loss. A lovely, weighty, read.
--Jayna McDaniel-Browning, Delaware County District Library, OH
NoveList read-alike: Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
Reilly, Grace
Yes, Chef
Avon
Poppy and Jack are both in need of a second chance, having gone viral for a public breakup (her) and a public meltdown (him). They can’t stand each other but somehow find themselves stuck together trying to revive a Florida restaurant. Entertaining and well-written, hitting all the right tropes (grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity, enemies-to-lovers).
--Erin Gordenier, librarian, OR
NoveList read-alike: Just One Taste by Lizzy Dent
When Mikan Road Was Ours
Atria Books
Suskind, M.D. Dana
Human Raised: Nurturing Connection, Curiosity & Lifelong Learning in the Age of AI
Dutton
See our social media for annotations of the bonus picks
The LibraryReads Hall of Fame designation honors authors who have had multiple titles appear on the monthly LibraryReads list since 2013. When their third title places on the list via library staff votes, the author moves into the Hall of Fame. Click here to see the Hall of Fame authors organized in alpha order. Please note, the current year's Hall of Fame lists are pulled out at the top of the page.
Durst, Sarah Beth
Sea of Charms: A Spellshop Novel
Bramble
Ferguson, Lana
The Final Score
Berkley
Giffin, Emily
Love You More: A Novel
Ballantine Books
Harmel, Kristin
Meet Me in Paris
Gallery Books
Lapena, Shari
Getting Away with Murder: A Novel
Pamela Dorman Books
Lauren, Christina
The Romance Revival
Gallery Books
Moreno-Garcia, Silvia
The Intrigue
Del Rey
Sampson, Freya
Most Ardently Yours
Sourcebooks Landmark
Solomon, Rachel Lynn
Extracurricular
Berkley
Tingle, Chuck
Fabulous Bodies
Tor Nightfire
Whitehead, Colson
Cool Machine: A Novel
Doubleday
Winstead, Ashley
Hot Girl Murder Club
Minotaur Books
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