by Amber Bowie July 29, 2025
August is here, and if you're anything like me, you're craving a good book you can actually finish between drop-offs, snack refills, and soaking up those final summer moments. Whether you're reading during camp pickup, on the beach, or in bed after a long day - these August reads are for you, Mama.
Here are 7 new or recent releases written by women (including Black and POC authors) that feel like summer - some light and fun, some heartfelt, and all worth reading:
A witty, middle-grade novel to read with your kids, about family history, summer surprises, and Jewish folklore.
The ultimate summer escape. A widow invites her best friends from every chapter of her life to Nantucket. Secrets, laughter, and wine - you’ll devour it.
From the bestselling author of The Poet X, this is her first adult novel - rich with Dominican family traditions, women’s stories, and magical realism.
A beachy feel-good novel about sisters running a struggling PR firm - until they get a make-or-break summer assignment that changes everything.
If thrillers are more your style, this gripping mystery centers a Black sheriff navigating justice in a Southern town. Dark, compelling, and unputdownable.
A nostalgic, second-chance summer romance that gives all the The Summer I Turned Pretty vibes but for grown women.
A poetic and powerful memoir about rebuilding life after divorce - deeply honest and beautifully written.
đź“– Pro tip: Borrow from your local library (hello, free reads!) or treat yourself and grab a copy from Amazon! Supporting small Black-owned bookstores is always a win too!
So pour a glass of iced tea, steal a quiet moment, and treat yourself to a book that feels like summer.
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Mackenzie Madison of Philadelphia, LLC
Amber Bowie
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