As the weather warms and the flowers bloom, summer is the perfect time to rediscover the joys of reading. Local Indy Booksellers share their top summertime book recommendations with everything from fresh releases to timeless classics. While there are a lot of popular books set to release this summer, like Taylor Jenkins Reid’s new book “Atmosphere”, Lauren Roberts’ next book in the Powerless trilogy, “Fearless”, and Ali Hazelwood’s highly anticipated “Problematic Summer Romance”, these booksellers wanted to share some of their favorites that they considered to be less popular or underappreciated. Before diving into all of the amazing recommendations of summertime books and upcoming releases, make sure to read a little bit about these booksellers and their bookstores!
About the Booksellers
Jackey Brake opened Rose Romance, Indiana’s first-ever romance-only bookstore, on Aug. 1, 2024. Brake opened the store with the intention of creating a place that would showcase independently published authors. Now, Brake estimates that about 60% of books in the store are independently published.
Jennie Middleton wasn’t always the owner of Fables and Fairytales, which opened in 2018. She had visited a couple of times as a customer, and when she saw that it was for sale in July 2019, she decided to buy it. Middleton decided to put her crafty spin on the bookstore and make it into a hub for books and book merchandise.
Julia Breakey grew up a book lover, and when she moved to Indianapolis in 2018, she was shocked to see how few independent bookstores were in the area. One day, when visiting an independent bookstore in Chicago, she looked at her husband and said, ‘We can do this,’ and so they did.
Taylor Lewandowski is an author, an English teacher at Harrod High School, and the co-owner of Dream Palace Bookstore, a used bookstore and coffee shop. Lewandowski decided to open the bookstore with his dad and grandfather in October 2023.
Summer Reading Recommendations
“All the Missing Pieces”
by Catherine Cowles
Recommended by Jackey Brake
Sometimes, the answers we seek are hidden where we least expect them—buried in secrets, guarded by fate, and delivered in the form of a brooding sheriff with wary eyes and a guarded heart.
Ridley Sawyer has spent years chasing her shadows and the ghosts of her past whilst trying to fill the void her twin sister left behind. Her latest case as a true-crime podcaster leads her to Blackthorn Ridge—and into the arms of Sheriff Colter Brooks, a man as cold and unyielding as the mountains that he guards.
Colt wants nothing more than to send the fiery podcaster on her way, but when Ridley’s investigation stirs up old secrets and new dangers, he’s forced to keep her close in order to protect her and his town.
As darkness closes in, the line between protector and temptation blurs, and Ridley must decide if the truth she seeks is worth risking her heart—and her life.
“I just feel like it’s a book that, on a summer day, when you have nothing to do, you could just get lost in it and read the whole thing in a day,” Brake said. “It’s such a page-turner.”
“Paradise Logic”
by Sophie Kemp
Recommended by Taylor Lewandowski
“Paradise Logic” is a devastating retelling of Reality Kahn’s journey trying to be the greatest girlfriend of all time. This heartbreaking and tragic story is still somehow filled with laugh-out-loud moments as Reality goes on a quest of self-discovery.
“It’s this really kind of wild, fantastical book that is set in New York,” Lewandowski said. “There’s some fantasy tropes, but [it is] very satirical. It’s a really fun comedic read. It is just a fun but thoughtful read, that is just great to read during summer, or any time.”
“Wild Dark Shore”
by Charlotte McConaghy
Recommended by Julia Breakey
Dominic Salt and his three children are the last inhabitants of Shearwater—a once-bustling research outpost now abandoned to the rising seas. Isolated and fractured by grief, the Salts are packing up the world’s last great seed bank, trying to hold together what remains of their home and themselves when a mysterious woman washes ashore during a violent storm.
Rowan carries her own scars—and her own secrets. As she finds a fragile place among the Salts, old wounds begin to heal… but darker truths slowly surface. These secrets could cost them everything because on Shearwater, survival depends on knowing who you can trust… and who you can’t.
“This is currently my favorite release of the year. It is beautifully atmospheric and moving — and it’s climate fiction, so if the heat has you fixating on the climate crisis, let this book be your guide for hope, love, and realism,” Breakey said.
“Small Joys”
by Elvin James Mensah
Recommended by Julia Breakey
“Small Joys” is a tender, emotionally rich novel about the transformative power of friendship, the complexity of identity, and the quiet moments that give life meaning. When Harley, a young man adrift in depression and loneliness, returns to his rural English hometown, he’s on the verge of giving up. But everything changes when he meets Muddy—a vibrant, confident, and unexpectedly kind new roommate who brings light into Harley’s dark world. As their friendship deepens, Harley begins to rediscover hope, connection, and the small joys that make life worth living.
Through heartbreak, self-discovery, and love in all its forms, “Small Joys” beautifully captures the messiness of human existence. It explores how chosen family can offer redemption, how masculinity can be redefined through vulnerability, and how even the smallest acts of kindness can alter a life. With humor, heart, and deep compassion, this debut novel reminds us that healing often begins with being truly seen—and that joy, even in its quietest forms, can be revolutionary.
“’Small Joys’ by Elvin James Mensah is sunshine in a book,” Breakey said. “It is a love letter to unconditional friendship, 90s music, and birdwatching. I adore it.”
“Hell If We Don’t Change Our Ways”
by Brittany Means
Recommended by the Staff at Fables and Fairytales
“Hell If We Don’t Change Our Ways” is Brittany’s memoir about her childhood, which was filled with abuse, neglect, violence, and instability. In addition to the abuse she suffered, particularly because of her mother’s nomadic lifestyle, Brittany also faced poverty, sexual assault, and toxic religious experiences along the way. This is an equally heartbreaking and tragic story about coming of age, self-preservation, and mental healing.
“It was a hard read as far as trigger warnings, but it was so well written,” Middleton said. “It was an Indiana Award winner for debut. So that one sold very well. People have enjoyed picking out those books, they just don’t hear about them as much.”
New and Upcoming Releases
“Bridesmaid by Chance”
by Meghan Quinn
Published On: April 15
Recommended by Jackey Brake
Hudson Hopper thought hiring his best friend’s little sister would be a simple favor. Turns out, Sloane is chaos disguised in designer heels—and now she’s his assistant, his daily headache, and a very unexpected temptation.
Things only get worse when Sloane strikes a deal: she’ll play bridesmaid at a fancy regency wedding if Hudson agrees to marry her. Just temporarily, of course. She just needs the ring to get into an exclusive society club. Hudson knows this is a bad idea, but between Sloane’s persuasive smiles and the promise that no one, including her overprotective brother, will ever find out, he somehow ends up saying “I do,” and the fake part is starting to feel way too real.
“Her books are hilarious,” Brake said. “Megan Quinn is known for her banter, her funniness, and her amazing romcoms. This review says, ‘this book had me screaming, laughing, face-palming my face off, and at one point questioning my own life choices.’”
“Saint Catherine”
by Anna Meyer
Published On: April 29
Recommended by Julia Breakey
Anna Meyer’s debut graphic novel is about a young woman who is sentenced to a lifetime of Catholic guilt after she skips Sunday mass for the first time and becomes possessed by a demon. Anna has always been petrified that something bad will happen if she misses Sunday mass, and this is her punishment. When her fears become a reality, she is forced to face her buried guilt while trying to exorcise the demon inside of her. This cathartic graphic novel gives an engrossing perspective of Anna’s life as she learns how to let go of her guilt and take hold of her life.
“Want to take something to the beach that you can finish in an afternoon?” Breakey said. “Try a graphic novel. This one is a beautiful horror-adjacent story of a Catholic twenty-something who, after skipping mass for the first time in her life, finds herself possessed by a prince of hell.”
“Love Haters”
by Katherine Center
Published On: May 20
Recommended by Jennie Middleton
Katie Vaughn’s career is sinking fast—and naturally, her lifeline involves lying about knowing how to swim. Now, she’s headed to Key West to interview Tom “Hutch” Hutcheson: rescue swimmer, local hero, certified heartthrob…and her coworker’s estranged brother.
One fake swim stroke, one hurricane party, and one very judgmental Great Dane later, Katie’s up to her neck in lies — and maybe love.
Kathrine Center’s newest release promised laughter, drama, and another great love story.
“I love Katherine Center,” Middleton said. “She is one of my favorites. I’ve read it already. It’s cute. Katherine Center is one of those bigger-name authors, but it’s just a really good book.”
“Rewind it Back”
by Liz Tomforde
Published On: May 20
Recommended by Jackey Brake
“Rewind it Back” is the fifth book in the Windy City series; a hockey romance that has all of the romance tropes we know and love — second chance romance, the girl next door, enemies to lovers, childhood friends to lovers, and so much more.
Six years after Hailee breaks up with her high school boyfriend, she finds herself escaping to Chicago, only to realize that he is her next-door neighbor.
“[This series] is just so popular for my sports girls that love sports romance,” Brake said. “It’s a second chance romance. It’s a childhood friends-to-lovers. It’s a sports romance. It’s a highly anticipated read from all the sports girlies.”
“The Mystery of Perception”
by Taylor Lewandowski
Expected On: June 17
Recommended by Taylor Lewandowski
Taylor Lewandowski’s most recent work is a piece of literary criticism. The captivatingly candid piece is a book-length interview with American Writer Lynne Tillman, who has lived most of her life in New York. Not only does this book introduce the mind behind Lynne’s works, but it also acts as a cultural criticism and literary scrapbook of history. Lynne Tillman has spent her life’s work harmonizing the intricate workings of perception, gender, and American history.
“It’s kind of oral history talking about her work because she’s written so many books. So this book is kind of like an introduction into her thinking and her work,” Lewandowski said.
“Run for the Hills”
by Kevin Wilson
Expected On: June 17
Recommended by Julia Breakey
“Run for the Hills” is a hilarious and heartwarming novel about unexpected family and the wild journey to find it. When Madeline Hill’s quiet life is upended by Reuben, her surprise half-brother, she’s pulled into a cross-country road trip to track down their elusive father—and a string of other half-siblings. As they uncover their father’s many past lives, they discover deeper truths about themselves and each other. With wit, chaos, and tenderness, Kevin Wilson’s newest novel crafts a story about connection, identity, found-family, and how love can grow in the most unlikely places.
“Kevin Wilson is an automatic read from me — his works are light, fun, and full of heart,” Breakey said. “His latest comes out May 13, and I am lucky enough to have received an advanced copy of it. It is a delight.”
“Between These Broken Hearts”
by Lexi Ryan
Expected On: July 22
Recommended by Staff at Fables and Fairytales
“Between These Broken Hearts” is the fourth book in the “These Hollow Vows” series that is often compared to “The Cruel Prince” and “A Court of Thorns and Roses”.
Bookstore Manager at Fables and Fairytales said that Lexi Ryan is a regular at their store, and that they love being able to support a local author who is so involved in the book community.
“Now would be the perfect time, if you want to start the series, because then you could read all four books,” Fables and Fairytales Manager, Melissa Schmidt, said. “There’s some romance in it, and of course, there’s always the action. It’s a good summer series to start if you haven’t already, and I think Lexi has to be one of the nicest people I think we’ve ever met.”
Elle Rotter is an intern and contributing writer at Indy Maven who loves to cover all things books. Elle is currently a student at Butler University studying journalism and strategic communications. She is also a freelance writer and photographer. You may also see her frequently covering events happening throughout Indianapolis.
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