Gossip, Secrets & Second Chances: 10 Books for Summer Book Clubs
Disclosure: We are part of the Amazon Affiliate/LTK Creator programs. We will receive a small commission at no cost if you purchase a book. This post may contain links to purchase books & you can read our affiliate disclosure here.
A mix of new releases and backlist gems you can borrow from your library
Looking for the perfect book club reads this summer? Whether you’re meeting on a breezy porch, over wine and snacks, or simply texting your thoughts in a group chat, these ten summer-ready titles offer juicy plots, rich themes, and plenty to talk about. Even better—they’re all available through your local library system, either as physical copies or digital loans.
From sharp satire and dark secrets to second chances and seaside drama, this list features a mix of new releases and backlist favorites perfect for readers who want a story with something to say.
All the Summers in Between by Brooke Lea Foster
A dual-timeline historical fiction novel about friendship, secrets, and second chances. In the summer of 1967, Margot and Thea—an unlikely pair from opposite worlds—form a deep bond in the Hamptons. A decade later, buried truths resurface, threatening everything they once shared.
Why it’s perfect for book clubs: A rich exploration of female friendship, personal reinvention, and the power of memory across time.
The Means by Amy Fusselman
Shelly Means, a former PTA president and stay-at-home mom, becomes obsessed with building a dream beach house in the Hamptons. But as her plans spiral into absurdity, the satire hits sharp commentary on ambition, class, and privilege.
Why it’s perfect for book clubs: Provokes conversations about capitalism, suburban expectations, and the fine line between dreaming big and losing perspective.
The Guest by Emma Cline
Alex is a young woman with a slippery past who finds herself drifting through Long Island’s elite enclaves after being cast out by her wealthy older lover. Over the course of one unsettling week, she leaves quiet chaos in her wake.
Why it’s perfect for book clubs: A tense, character-driven novel perfect for dissecting themes of class, identity, and unreliable narration.
Just Beachy by Wendy Wax
After losing her TV role, Sydney retreats to Treasure Island, Florida, only to uncover family secrets, reconnect with old friends, and find love in unexpected places.
Why it’s perfect for book clubs: A cozy read with themes of reinvention, community, and family history—plus a dash of mystery and romance.
Mansion Beach by Meg Mitchell Moore
Set on Block Island, this is a story of ambition, privilege, and simmering tensions that build toward a shocking conclusion. Three women’s lives intersect in a summer of secrets, IPOs, and betrayal.
Why it’s perfect for book clubs: A glossy, twist-filled story ideal for fans of layered characters and morally gray drama.
Beach House Rules by Kristy Woodson Harvey
When Charlotte’s husband is arrested, she and her daughter are forced to start over in a North Carolina beach house shared by single mothers. Together, they find strength and healing amid shared struggles and unexpected connections.
Why it’s perfect for book clubs: A story about resilience, found family, and how to rebuild a life when everything falls apart.
Park Avenue by Renée Ahdieh
Manhattan attorney Jia Song is tasked with protecting the Park family, titans of Korean beauty, from scandal and collapse. But her role becomes complicated by secrets, betrayal, and unexpected romantic entanglements.
Why it’s perfect for book clubs: Stylish and scandalous, this legal drama invites discussion about ambition, loyalty, and navigating privilege from an outsider’s lens.
Check out my honest thoughts of Park Avenue
Bad Summer People by Emma Rosenblum
Set on Fire Island, this darkly funny novel exposes the secrets and social dynamics of privileged vacationers. When a body is found, the cracks beneath their curated lives are impossible to ignore.
Why it’s perfect for book clubs: Think of it as Big Little Lies at the beach—juicy, scandalous, and full of discussion-worthy twists.
Songs of Summer by Jane L. Rosen
When Maggie May Wheeler finds a letter from her teenage self, it sends her to Fire Island in search of her birth mother. Along the way, she uncovers family secrets, a fake-dating scheme, and the possibility of real love.
Why it’s perfect for book clubs: A heartwarming read about identity, chosen family, and the journeys we take to find home.
The Blue Bistro by Elin Hilderbrand
Adrienne lands a job at a famed Nantucket restaurant in its final season, despite knowing nothing about hospitality. As she falls for the owner and uncovers the restaurant’s secrets, she must decide where her future lies.
Why it’s perfect for book clubs: A Hilderbrand classic filled with emotional depth, island atmosphere, and the bittersweet pull of new beginnings.
Want to read more Elin Hilderbrand’s Nantucket books? Check out our top 10 Ranked Best Nantucket Summer Books
Final Thoughts
These ten titles offer something for every type of reader, whether your group leans toward lighthearted escapes, rich historical fiction, or layered social drama. And best of all, most of these can be borrowed from your local library, helping everyone stay on the same page without breaking the budget.
If you’re looking for more book club picks all year long, be sure to check out my newsletter, where I share weekly recommendations, tips on using the library, and behind-the-scenes book world chatter.
Subscribe to
the Newsletter
Subscribe to our newsletter and get handpicked book recommendations, the best deals on reading on a budget and exclusive reading tips right in your inbox.
Related Posts
- The Ultimate Guide to Starting a Book Club
- 50 Summer Romances that You Can Borrow from the Library
- Top 5 Summer Book Club Picks (2024)
- Soapy Literary Fiction that is Perfect for Book Clubs
Share This Post
Know someone planning their next book club read? Send them this list or bookmark it for later. Your next great summer discussion starts here.