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Woman's World
12 Best Audiobooks To Keep You Company This Summer, from Thrillers to Romance + More!
By Melissa D'Agnese,
2 days ago
Whether you're getting ready for a big road trip, a long flight or even a weekend spent gardening in the yard, audiobooks are the perfect summer companion. With excellent narrators drawing you into the story's world, audiobooks offer fully immersive entertainment while your hands remain free to drive, walk, check off to-do’s and more. To prep for your warm-weather plans — and to celebrate Audiobook Appreciation Month — we gathered up 12 of our recent favorite summer audiobooks. From thrillers to romances, family sagas and more, there's something for everyone. And when you get a book with a great narrator (like Meryl Streep narrating Tom Lake or Claire Danes reading The Handmaid's Tale ), it's an even more enjoyable escape!
If you're looking to transport yourself to Cape Cod for a family vacation filled with lots of laughter and some tears, press play on Catherine Newman's newest novel Sandwich . Or travel back to the idyllic island of Nantucket in Swan Song — the last installment of Elin Hilderbrand's beloved Nantucket series. Keep reading for the rest of our summer audiobook recommendations!
Captivating drama, action and shocking secrets abound in the sequel to The Last Mrs. Parrish by the bestselling author duo known as “Liv Constantine.” Amber is trying to restore her reputation while her husband, Jackson Parrish, remains in jail for tax evasion. Then, Daphne, the former Mrs. Parrish, returns to Bishops Harbor after moving away. But when someone from Amber’s past returns, a twisted game of cat and mouse begins. A great listen — even if you haven't read The Last Mrs. Parrish .
What listeners are saying: "I absolutely loved the first Mrs Parrish and its sequel did not disappoint!!! So many twist and turns you just don’t want to stop listening!"
Described as "joy in book form" by bestselling author Ann Patchett, this novel follows Rocky, a woman who always looks forward to her family's annual summer vacation to Cape Cod. But this year, Rocky finds herself sandwiched between her half-grown kids and aging parents — not to mention her hormonal bouts of rage. (Thank you, menopause!) Then, a chain of events lead her to revisit summers past and suddenly Rocky's changing body becomes the least of her problems. A story about summer, secrets and learning to let go.
What listeners are saying: “This was a beautiful story about family," says Patty Bontekoe , Woman's World Executive Editor. "Nothing much happens, but Newman addresses topics like motherhood, love, aging, grief, regret and more in such a realistic way. I felt like I knew — and loved — the family by the last day of their vacation.”
Beloved author Nancy Thayer is known for her touching, hopeful books — and her latest follows suit. When Eddie Grant goes home to Nantucket, she and her sister, Barrett, have to confront their painful family dynamics since losing their brother. Navigating this loss, the sisters find renewed faith and courage.
What listeners are saying: "I just finished listening to the great book and I am so sad it is over. I was so involved with the characters and feel like I could completely visualize them walking around Nantucket. Highly recommend!"
Bestselling author Tia Williams returns with another epic and enchanting love story. Ricki Wilde is the artistic daughter of an Atlanta dynasty, and she’s nothing like her socialite sisters. So when Ms. Della, a 90-year-old woman, invites Ricki to rent the bottom floor of her Harlem brownstone, she accepts. Then Ricki meets a handsome stranger who upends her world in a magical way. What follows is a passionate tale of two artists whose lives are uniquely linked.
What listeners are saying: "Tia is a new author to me, but after listening to this book, I’ll be reading/listening to all of her others. The characters were so incredible. So fun and witty and the friendships were so fun. Plus, Ricki was just the best character I’ve read in a very long time."
Bestselling author Elin Hilderbrand is the reigning “queen of beach reads” and her upcoming book Swan Song brings her Nantucket novels to a captivating finish. Ed Kapenash is ready to retire after serving 35 years as Chief of Police on Nantucket island. But just before his retirement, he receives a phone call that a $22 million home has burned down. The Richardsons, the flashy family who purchased the home, are throwing a yacht party when news of the fire gets out…and their personal assistant is missing. Ed knows the Richardsons, and his daughter is friendly with their assistant: the now-missing girl. With no choice, Ed puts off his retirement plans and takes on the double case. Meanwhile, drama is brewing for other locals, including town gossip Blond Sharon and local real estate agent Fast Eddie. An expertly woven story set on the beautiful island of Nantucket!
What listeners are saying: "I have loved listening to all of the Nantucket-based novels and I was so sad to learn that this would be the last. The writing, the characters, the narration, the setting…I love it all, and I especially enjoy these books in the summertime. I am looking forward to what is next to come from this dynamic author/narrator duo!"
Bestselling author Ruth Ware is known for her fast-paced thrillers and psychological suspense — and her latest is one of her best. Scientist Lyla is unsure whether to join her aspiring actor boyfriend, Nico, on an island getaway to film a competitive new reality TV show called One Perfect Couple . She finally agrees to go, but she regrets her decision when an overnight storm turns the game into one of real-life survival.
What listeners are saying: "Imogen Church is an all-time favorite narrator. She is so good at character distinction and bringing you into the story. Great listen, a different take on thriller bit very interesting with a lot of twists."
This swoon-worthy love story follows Clara Millen as she jets off to her beloved Pine Lake Camp in a last-ditch attempt to turn her life around. But when she gets there and learns the property is being sold, Clara has no choice but to team up with her old camp nemesis Mack to try and save the day. A beautiful story glittering with hope and happiness.
What listeners are saying: "If you're looking for an excellent summer read, let me recommend One Last Summer . This is Kate Spencer's sophomore novel, and I could not stop listening to it."
This heartfelt, multilayered story, written by Kate Clayborn and narrated by Wyeth Watts and Marnye Young, melds mystery, love and self-discovery. Jess Greene has spent the past 10 years raising her sister, Tegan, after her mother ran off with a con man who was recently the subject of a buzzy true crime podcast. Now, Tegan plans to search for their mother with two podcast producers, and Jess agrees to join. As Jess bonds with the producer Adam, she slowly finds her heart opening to him.
What listeners are saying: "I was initially drawn to this book, because I heard it was an romance book," shares Carissa Mosness, Woman's World Assistant Digital Editor. "But as I kept listening I soon discovered it was so much for than that. Filled with tales of female empowerment and found family, this was one of my all time favorite summer audiobooks."
Undeniable Southern charm and one family’s unforgettable history meld in this story about Keaton Smith, who travels to sun-soaked Beaufort, North Carolina, for a fresh start and to help put her mother’s childhood home on the market. Soon, she uncovers secrets about the grandparents she never had the chance to meet. Rewind to 1976: Rebecca “Becks” Saint James is making a name for herself as the best hostess in North Carolina. Keaton and Becks are connected through time by the house on Sunset Lane. A story of family ties, friendship and love.
What listeners are saying: "This was a true summer book in all the best ways," says Melissa D'Agnese , FIRST Senior Editor. "Romance, history, mystery...the story had a little bit of everything. And the gorgeous, descriptive scenes made me feel like I was right there in Beaufort, North Carolina!"
Journalist Jamie Roman is looking for the story that will make her career, when she gets the chance to interview Anna Bright, CEO of a Silicon Valley startup and the tech world’s ‘It girl.” But when Jamie hears murmurings of fraud, misconduct and safety issues with Anna’s product, she begins working on an exposé. When Anna gets wind of it, she’s willing to do anything in her power to keep Jamie quiet. Perfect for fans of the hit show Inventing Anna .
What listeners are saying: "This is probably one of the most gripping and interesting stories I've listened to in a while! As a woman there were so many emotions that this book wrung out of me, but indignant anger was usually at the top of the list.....and not always at who I thought it would be directed toward. Don't even hesitate to put this at the top of your TBR!"
In the newest book best-selling author Kevin Kwan introduces Rufus Gresham. He and his family have long enjoyed the finer things in life, but now their fortune is dwindling into debt. Soon his mother devises a plan for him to seduce a wealthy woman in order to save the family from financial ruin. And even though he has many potential suitors, Eden Tong (the girl next door) is the one he can't get enough of. But it's not a part of the plan. Will his mother's scheme unravel, and expose the family secret?
What listeners are saying: "The Crazy Rich Asians trilogy by Kevin Kwan was one of my favorite guilty pleasure series of the past decade," says Lauren Stachiw, Woman's World Beauty Director. So when I saw he released this new book, I couldn't wait to listen to it! I loved all the glamour, the globetrotting and of course, the drama—all things I expected and love from this author."
Packed with drama, backstabbing, gossip and more, Emma Rosenblum's debut is a must-listen, told from the point of view of several characters. In the tony beach town of Salcombe, just outside of Manhattan, summer residents Jen Weinstein and Lauren Parker, whose husbands are childhood best friends, seem to have it all. Rachel Woolf, a single woman desperate to meet her own husband, wants into their popular crowd. But when a dead body shows up on the boardwalk, the three women must band together to protect the town...and themselves.
What listeners are saying: "I thoroughly enjoyed this debut. The women characters, especially, are allowed the full range of their flawed humanity. One of my favorite listens of the summer."
For more book recommendations, click through the links below!
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