JULY WRAP UP
Disclaimer: I read books based on preferences which take into account my faith and personal convictions. Please check any of my recommendations against your own convictions and read responsibly.
Boy oh boy, reader friends—July was a sloooow reading month. And honestly? I only have myself to blame. I decided to bring back my “Summerween” themed TBR (which I also did last July), meaning I exclusively read thrillers all month long. I thought it would be a fun, satisfying throwback... but sadly, it ended up being mostly disappointing. I think I might officially be in my thriller breakup era. The genre just isn’t hitting the same way it used to, and I found myself dragging through more books than I’d like to admit. Thankfully, one long-awaited fantasy saved the month and gave me a much-needed bright spot. Let’s look at my July stats!
Obviously, my most-read genre in July was Thrillers. Here’s the crazy part though—I only read three. But they dragged so much, it felt more like five. Thankfully, I did manage to squeeze in a few solid nonfiction picks, which definitely helped balance things out. Still, even with a total of eight books read this month, it just didn’t feel like eight… because sadly, not many of the stories truly stuck with me. But let’s jump in and talk about what didn’t quite land for me—and why.
RATING: 3 ⭐️
2025 NEW RELEASE
VIOLENCE: LIGHT 🔪
Liv Constantine is one of my go-to thriller authors, so I had high hopes going into this one. The premise was strong—classic, juicy thriller vibes—but somehow it just left me feeling… meh.
We follow our female main character, Annabelle, a seemingly average woman whose life takes a turn when she starts having vivid dreams that begin coming true. We follow her as her mind unravels—questioning everything and everyone around her.
And while the plot kept me reading, the twists didn’t quite deliver the punch I was hoping for. A few of the reveals were predictable (partly because I accidentally flipped ahead and saw something that ruined it), and instead of shocking me, they left me underwhelmed. I did really enjoy the dream element—especially as someone who has my own share of intense, vivid dreams—but that angle lost steam by the end and felt more like a dropped thread than a driving force.
Overall, this was unfortunately my least favorite Liv Constantine to date. Still, if you're a fan of her writing or love a low-key thriller with a unique premise, it’s worth a read.
AGE RECOMMENTDATION: 18+
RATING: 4 ⭐️
This is such a needed and timely book for women today. Lisa Bevere powerfully unpacks why reclaiming our identity as women and standing in our God-given authority is so important—both spiritually and culturally.
I found the second half of the book most impactful, as Lisa addresses specific aspects of womanhood that are under cultural attack. She pairs historical context with biblical truth, offering clarity on how we got here—and where God calls us to stand. What I appreciated most were the practical action steps she provides, empowering women to push back against cultural lies and walk boldly as daughters of God.
This is a bold, challenging, and truth-filled read—especially in a world saturated with modern feminism and identity confusion. If you’re a Christian woman seeking to live with clarity and biblical conviction, I highly recommend this book.
AGE RECOMMENDATION: 16+
RATING: 3.5 ⭐️
2025 NEW RELEASE
VIOLENCE: LIGHT 🔪
This one follows five college students and their parents during the university’s annual Parents Weekend. Each of the students has something to hide—and so do their parents. But things take a sharp turn when all the kids suddenly... disappear. What follows is a suspenseful unraveling as the parents are forced to confront their own issues in order to uncover the truth.
This was a solid, low-stakes thriller with good pacing and clean storytelling. I really enjoyed the multiple POVs—they were short, punchy, and didn’t overwhelm with too many details. The quick chapter switches kept the momentum going and added to the suspense, constantly making you second-guess what was really going on and who was responsible.
I also appreciated how everything wrapped up neatly. All the storylines were resolved, which felt super satisfying, and the emotional touches at the end added a layer of heart you don’t always get with thrillers. That said, I do wish we got to see more of the mystery unfold on the page, rather than getting a retrospective explanation from the main female character.
Still, these days, I have a real appreciation for a thriller that’s clean, straightforward, and actually makes sense in the end. I’d definitely recommend this one if you’re looking for a quick, weekend read with just enough mystery to keep you turning the pages.
AGE RECOMMENDATION: 18+
RATING: 4 ⭐️
2025 NEW RELEASE
VIOLENCE: MODERATE 🔪🔪
Where were you when you first read The Hunger Games? I was home for Christmas break during my first year of college, and yes—I remember it like it was yesterday. That’s the power of a good book, and this prequel was no different. It took me right back into that world, and it did not disappoint.
This installment dives into the origin story of one of the most beloved characters in the series: Haymitch Abernathy—our male main character. We follow him through the early days of his life, his brutal experience in the first Quarter Quell, and everything that followed. In short? It’s heartbreaking. Sad. Heavy. But deeply satisfying.
One of my favorite things about this book was its clear through-line to Katniss. You get to witness the beginning of the rebellion—of tributes daring to defy the Capitol—and you realize that Haymitch was the one who lit the torch Katniss would later carry. The full-circle moment hit hard, and it made this prequel feel meaningful, not just an afterthought.
Now, let me be honest. You know I love a games element in fantasy. But wow—this version felt so much more brutal and graphic than the original Hunger Games books. Some of the kills were just… a lot. And structurally, a few scenes jumped forward way too quickly, with transitions that felt jarring. It gave me a little reader whiplash at times. But even with that, what Suzanne Collins does best is still present: she makes you fall in love with these characters. You grow attached, even when you know what’s coming. The emotional pull is real—and that’s what makes this series unforgettable.
This book absolutely lived up to the legacy of the original trilogy. If you loved the original series, this is a must-read. And yes… I may or may not be planning a full Hunger Games reread soon.
AGE RECOMMENDATION: 18+
RATING: 4 ⭐️
This book came to me at exactly the right time. I picked it up while wrestling with the internal question: “Is it time to move on from this season of life?” What I found in these pages was so much more than advice—it was clarity, peace, and deep reflection.
The author writes from a place of lived experience, weaving her own transitions and uncertainties into gentle, practical guidance for the reader. The heart of the book centers around learning how to discern when it’s time to leave a room, or when you’re actually being called to stay and see it through.
What really set this book apart for me was the practicality. Emily doesn’t just give encouragement—she gives questions. So many thoughtful, reflective prompts that help you slow down, process, and truly sit with your thoughts and emotions. As a chronic overthinker, these were gold. They helped me go beneath surface-level feelings and uncover deeper truths—sometimes even beauty—in places I had assumed were finished. This isn’t a “one size fits all” kind of book. It doesn’t make the decision for you. Instead, it holds space for your process, hands you tools, and gently points you back toward God’s voice in the middle of it all.
If you’re in an in-between season, wondering whether it’s time to walk away—or if you’re meant to stay—I highly recommend this one. It might not answer every question, but it will help you ask the right ones.
AGE RECOMMENDATION: 16+
RATING: 3.75 ⭐️
2025 NEW RELEASE
VIOLENCE: LIGHT 🔪
One of my favorite things about Book of the Month is getting my hands on a new release before it hits the shelves—and this one was my July pick!
The story follows our female main character Beckett, a woman returning to her small hometown and college campus to drop off her daughter, Delilah, our second female main character. It’s a place Beckett has avoided for decades due to a long-buried mystery that changed her life. But now, as the past resurfaces, both mother and daughter must face what really happened all those years ago.
To be honest, this one started off slow—the suspense didn’t really kick in until about a quarter of the way through. But once it picked up, I was locked in. The twists weren’t predictable (a must for me in thrillers), and I appreciated that it kept me guessing all the way to the end. The academic setting and eerie small-town vibe were perfect. I especially loved how the author wove in snippets from the past to connect the dots and deepen the mystery.
My only hesitation? The ending for Beckett didn’t quite sit right with me. While she wasn’t innocent, she also wasn’t the villain—and the way things wrapped up felt a bit harsh. Maybe that’s a credit to the writing though, because I found myself truly rooting for her.
This is a solid pick if you're in the mood for a slow-burn mystery with strong mother-daughter dynamics, dual timelines, and a college campus backdrop. Definitely a great one to add to your fall TBR as school season approaches!
AGE RECOMMENDATION: 18+
RATING: 3 ⭐️
I love a podcast-inspired TBR addition. I picked this one up after hearing Lisa Sun on an episode of Career Contessa. Lisa—founder and CEO of Gravitas—walks readers through eight core “superpowers” that she believes help women lead with confidence and, ultimately, develop their own gravitas.
The standout moment for me was taking the strengths quiz and diving into the breakdown of each superpower (fellow Achievers, where you at?). It’s always fun to learn a new vocabulary for traits you already recognize in yourself.
But here’s where things fell short: once I got past the quiz section, the book quickly became repetitive. By the 3/4 mark, I found myself speeding up the audiobook just to reach the end. The “superpowers” themselves didn’t feel especially groundbreaking—and while I appreciate what the author was aiming for, it didn’t offer me much new insight or practical application. For me, it was a fun way to reframe familiar strengths… but not an essential read.
That said, I do think this book could be a powerful resource for women struggling with confidence—especially in professional spaces. If you’re in a season where you’re building your voice at work or stepping into leadership for the first time, this might hit differently for you.
AGE RECOMMENDATION: 18+
RATING: 4 ⭐️
SPICE: LIGHT ❤️🔥
Remember when I said I was only reading thrillers for the month of July? Yeah… I caved. I ended the month on a romance—and I definitely don’t regret it.
This book follows our female main character, Ali, a professional organizer whose personal life is anything but organized. In the wake of her mother’s death and a painful divorce, she’s lost her voice, her joy, and her sense of self. Enter Scooter—our charming male main character—who helps Ali find her way back to a life worth living.
Annabel Monaghan has mastered the art of the lighthearted and emotional read. What I especially loved here was the way Scooter built such a genuine relationship with Ali’s kids. There’s something about seeing a man love the kiddos that pulls on the heartstrings— and the emotional growth in this book? It was so raw. Watching Ali come to terms with how she’d slowly disappeared into a toxic marriage, how her mother unknowingly enabled it, and—perhaps most gutting of all—how it impacted her daughter’s self-worth was reflective and beautiful to watch unfold.
Even Scooter had his own emotional journey—working through family dynamics and finally stepping out from under the weight of his parents’ opinions. And we cannot forget Phyllis. Her quote is still pulling at my heart:“Life’s going to do what life’s going to do. You might as well have a dog.” IYKYK. These full-circle arcs really made this more than just a sweet love story—it made it meaningful.
This was yet another heartfelt hit from Monaghan that left me dropping a tear or two. I highly recommend any and all her books as they make the perfect sweet, summer romances. (Pun very much intended.)
AGE RECOMMENDATION: 18+
