Hi, {{first_name | friend}}!
Happy Thursday! I’m feeling rather whimsical today, so we’re spotlighting two books with a little extra magic: one cozy fantasy and one sweeping historical novel with fantasy woven throughout. Plus, we’re introducing a brand-new section called The Reviews Are In, where we’ll highlight the books critics and authors can't stop talking about (for better or worse).
And over in Worth the Read, I’m sharing my guide to the best books coming in August, including the new Riley Sager, the rumored August Reese's Book Club pick, and the debut novel I seriously need more people to be talking about.
The Stack
Together with Sourcebooks Landmark
Three Unforgettable Stories of Survival and Defiance
Whether they're questioning their reality, outrunning their past, or rewriting history, the heroines of these three stunning novels have one thing in common: they refuse to accept the life they've been given.
The Mad Wife
by Meagan Church
An instant New York Times bestseller! When Lulu, a seemingly perfect 1950s housewife, becomes convinced her new neighbor is hiding a sinister secret, she must prove she's not losing her mind before it's too late.
Where the Wildflowers Grow
by Terah Shelton Harris
Leigh has survived unimaginable loss throughout her life, but after a crash leaves her stranded at a secluded flower farm, she begins to heal. But no matter how far she runs, the truth of who she is and the ghosts of her family follow.
Sweetbitter Song
by Rosie Hewlett
Perfect for fans of The Odyssey and The Song of Achilles, this sweeping Greek myth retelling reimagines Penelope and her handmaiden Melantho as two women bound by friendship, survival, and a forbidden love.
Bookmarks | Exciting New Releases
FANTASY SPOTLIGHT
Sea of Charms
by Sarah Beth Durst
If you’re looking for a read that feels like being wrapped in a warm blanket, look no further. #1 New York Times bestselling author Sarah Beth Durst has become the queen of cozy fantasy romance, and her latest, Sea of Charms, takes her signature warmth to the high seas, where a merchant sailor, her loyal sea serpent, and her sailor shrub crew rescue an old friend from a revolution, setting sail on a swoony fake-dating adventure.
HISTORICAL FICTION SPOTLIGHT
Fishbone Cinderella
by Elizabeth Lim
Best known for her enchanting fantasy novels, #1 New York Times bestselling author Elizabeth Lim makes her adult debut with this sweeping, magical saga of family secrets and a generations-old curse spanning Hong Kong to San Francisco. In a starred review, Publishers Weekly raves, ”Blending the historically grounded and complex mother-daughter narratives of Amy Tan with the rich fantasy of Yangsze Choo, this stunning tale will delight…. This is a gem.”
Hotel Spotlight
Together with Inside Hotels
Parmer's Resort + Marina
The Vibe: Laid-back island living
The Location: Little Torch Key, Florida
Instaworthy Accommodations:
Tucked away on the open waters of Little Torch Key, this waterfront resort offers a chiller side of the Florida Keys without sacrificing adventure (and it’s just a short drive away from Key West). Spend your days kayaking or paddleboarding from the private beach, heading out on a fishing or snorkeling charter from the on-site marina, or exploring nearby Bahia Honda State Park. Choose from charming cottages, suites, and studios designed for easy island living, then cap off the day with a sunset just steps from the water.
The Reviews Are In
From starred reviews to glowing blurbs, here are three new books critics and authors are championing this week.
“A beautiful, maybe perfect, novel.”
—Tommy Orange, author of Wandering Stars
“Full of pleasures . . . 36 chapters of pure screwball fun.”
—The New York Times
“[A] scintillating closed-circle thriller.”
—Publishers Weekly (starred review)
Sponsored
Prevent the summer slide with IXL’s award-winning platform
25% off IXL
IXL is used by 1 in 4 U.S. students and in 96 of the top 100 school districts. Recommended by over 1 million teachers, IXL supports skill-building in math, language arts, science, social studies, and Spanish. Full access to over 17,000 K–12 skills across core subjects.
Bookworld
🍿 Watch the first trailer for Children of Blood and Bone!
💗 The Prime Video adaptation of Elsie Silver’s Rose Hill series has found its stars.
🧛 Jonathan Bailey is taking on Dracula, and we kind of can’t wait for October now.
Sponsored
Get 15% off global data plans today
Traveling? Download Saily and get 15% off data plans worldwide.
Affordable eSIM connectivity in 200+ destinations. No roaming fees, no hassle.
Use your exclusive code newsletter15 at checkout.
Download SAILY in your app store and use code newsletter15 at checkout to get an exclusive 15% off your first purchase.
Chat support available 24/7. Get a full refund if your device isn’t eSIM compatible.