It has come the time once again to browse online to find the upcoming releases of the next three months. And either you like or not, the summer calls for two genres, contemporary and mystery. You can enjoy a lovey-dovey story next to the poll or unravel a murder while making sand castles. At least I know that my mood is calling out for them. I’m getting so excited to go to the beach or stay outdoors enjoying the sun and getting temporarily blind because of the extremely white pages.

July

The Last Time I Lied, Riley Sager – publication date: 3rd July

Emma is a rising artist in New York and uses her past to inspire her paintings. Although her past isn’t the best of times, and it still hunts her mind what happened to her friends at the summer camp 15 years ago. Now, she is back at the camp as a teacher and decided to discover what truly happened in that night and what secrets the camp hides. Who knew a summer camp could be so dangerous? No matter what I do, I can’t avoid being dragged to plots filled with secrets and shocking revelations, and this book seems perfect for a sunny afternoon.

The Intermissions, Elyssa Friedland – publication date: 3rd July

After 6 years of marriage, Cass and Jonathan no longer have the same dynamic they had in the beginning, so Cass requests to do a marital intermission for them to figure out if they are happy with what they have built together. Although all that time apart and the long silences have created a web of secrets that they might not be ready to share with each other. Secrets aside, the dynamic between a married couple isn’t always as it’s portrait in the movies. People are more complicated then happy endings, and even if you promise to love and care until you die, it doesn’t mean they both pour their hearts out to each other. I think is fascinating to see why someone keeps a secret or why they choose to lie, and from it, we can learn how to better understand others.

Baby Teeth, Zoje Stage – publication date: 17th July

Hanna is a sweet angel in the eyes of her father. He is the only one that understands her and she wants to live happily ever after with him. Although her mom is in the way, and she will pull off some sophisticated tricks to get rid of her. Her father still remains blind to Hanna’s actions, but her mother can see it all and is starting to think that something is seriously wrong. How can anyone resist a story of a child wanting to get rid off a mother? I’m so curious to know the tricks she can pull out.

I Am Still Alive, Kate Alice Marshall – publication date: 24th July

The next thing I like to read about more than secrets is about the past. Any story that can take me back and forward in time will get my attention. And I Am Still Alive seems to do it. Before Jess hasn’t seen her father in over a decade and when her mother dies, she has to go live in a cabin in the wilderness with her father. Although soon her father dies, leaving Jess alone without a home. After she has to fight for her life, hunt for food, build shelter, keep herself warm, and revenge her father’s death. I’ve never read a survival book before, so it should be an interesting reading.

Honourable Mentions:

Note From My Captivity, Kathy Parks – publication date: 10th July
I’m Not Missing, Carrie Fountain – publication date: 10th July
Saving Beck, Courtney Cole – publication date: 17th July
Contagion, Erin Bowman – publication date: 24th July
Forget You, Ethan, Whitney G. – publication date: 31st July

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August

Heretics Anonymous, Katie Henry – publication date: 7th August

Michael is an atheist in a strict Catholic school and as he tries to find a friend, he meets a group of outcasts called the Heretics Anonymous. But then an incident in a class encourage the group to go from a secret society to rebels to expose the school’s hypocrisy. Although Michael takes one mission to far putting the group at risk and at that moment he will have to question his faith or the lake of it. I find religious talk very interest especially when it presents a different reality from what I know. And is refreshing to even see how faith can shape and motivate a person. Also, I’m expecting a few laughs out of this book.

How to Breathe Underwater, Vicky Skinner – publication date: 14th August

Kate’s father has been pressuring her whole life for her to be the best swimmer she can. Now that she discovers her dad is cheating on her mom, her whole world crashes down. Kate’s life is changing completely and she’s not even sure that swimming is what she wants anymore. Then she meets a cute boy next door and she thinks to start her life all over again might not be so bad. What I’m more interested in this book is for sure the relationship between Kate and her dad. She only knows the reality where her father “controls” her life, but when that string disappears is easy to feel lost. Also, I love swimming and since this book is realising in August, comes in time to read in the poll.

Pieces of Her, Karin Slaughter – publication date: 21st August

I’ve already said I adore secrets and the deadlier they get, the better, but lying about your whole life is another level. More than that, this story is about how we can’t run away from the past. Laura has been hiding from her previous identity for almost 30 years. Now, her past was exposed and she refuses to talk about it even if her innocence is on the line. Laura’s daughter, Andrea is also caught by surprise, and as she faces her mother secrecy, she’s determined to discover her hidden secrets to save their relationship.

Hidden Pieces, Paula Stokes – publication date: 28th August

Embry has a secret. Everyone in town thinks she is a hero, but that’s not true. While she thinks this is a secret she will take to her grave, someone else doesn’t agree and she starts to receive anonymous notes threatening her to expose the truth. And now everyone in Embry’s life that she cares about is at risk. This book reminds me of the movie I Know What You Did Last Summer, hopefully, it’s not as deadly. And I’m curious to know how far can Embry go until she reveals her secret.

Honourable Mentions:

The Simple Wild, K. A. Tucker – publication date: 7th August
The Other Side of Lost, Jessi Kirby – publication date: 7th August
The Looking Glass, Janet McNally – publication date: 14th August
Brave Enough, Kati Gardner – publication date: 21st August

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September

Leave No Trace, Mindy Mejia – publication date: 4th September

The less information I get from a synopsis, more interested I get in the book. And for sure Leaving No Trace sound too mysterious for me to pass by. Ten years ago a man and his son disappear in the wilderness without leaving a trace. Then the little boy appears but refuses to tell anything that happened during the time he was missing or answer questions about his father. Maya is a language therapist and is in charge of establishing a connection with the boy. Slowly they will create a bond with each other and Maya is determined to reunite him with his father.

Dare You to Lie, Amber Natusch – publication date: 4th September

When the bullied gets enough, you better keep your secrets even closer. Ky returns to her hometown after her FBI agent father is arrested. Two years ago they were forced to move out of town because of a photo scandal, and today the townies aren’t ready to let that go. As she tries to clear her father’s name, Ky will also expose the town’s hidden skeletons. For me, Ky sound mad and I love her. She doesn’t feel threatened by the people and it even motivates her to search even further. September can’t come early so I can get my hands on this one.

Tell Me You’re Mine, Elizabeth Norebäck – publication date: 4th September

Tell Me You’re Mine is a Finnish book published last year. The story is about a woman that encounters who she thinks is her long-lost daughter. Between figuring out if is actually her daughter, she will jeopardize her life and endanger herself and her loved ones. I can see this book easily going from a happy reunion to an obsessive quest.

The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein, Kiersten White – publication date: 25th September

Elizabeth is saved from her abusive caregiver by Victor Frankenstein, who has everything except a friend. Although as the years pass, the helping hand turns out to be too much. And Elizabeth is determined to stay alive no matter the cost, as her world turns into darkness. The character of Victor Frankenstein is not just a coincidence, this book is a retelling of Frankenstein. I actually never read the original book from Mary Shelley, but I know what the story is about. And when I discover this was a retailing, I wasn’t very excited, but when I read the synopsis it gave me the vibes of a sad and moving story that probably doesn’t have a happy ending but it’s amazing anyway.

Honourable Mentions:

People Kill People, Ellen Hopkins – publication date: 4th September
Sadie, Courtney Summers – publication date: 4th September
In Her Bones, Katy Moretti – publication date: 4th September
The Caregiver, Samuel Park – publication date: 25th September