This instalment of Piglet Picks selected by Amy from @inkwells_bookshelf
There’s something a bit magical about reading in the summer. Whether it’s in a sunny spot, during a sudden downpour, or curled up in bed with a coffee and a sleepy dog, books just land differently this time of year.
So when Piglet in Bed asked me to share a few reads from my summer TBR for the lovely Books in Bed community, I jumped at the chance. From moving stories to go to authors and everything in between, here’s what’s topping my summer reading pile...
Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry
Emily Henry is the reigning queen of summer fiction for a reason (and with all her books being snapped up for TV and film, I’m clearly not the only one who think so!).
Set on a sunny island, Great BBL follows two very different writers—ever-hopeful Alice and grumpy Pulitzer-winner Hayden—both trying to tell the life story of a glamorous, long-lost socialite. But with secrets swirling, sparks flying, and only fragments of the truth being shared, will they just be falling for each other? We’re to expect sharp banter, slow-burn tension, and characters we’ll love!
Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall
I just finished this and can’t stop thinking about it. It’s tender, gripping, and quietly devastating in the best way. A sweeping love story with the pace and twists of a thriller, Broken Country is a novel of simmering passion, impossible choices, and explosive consequences that toggles between the past and present to explore the far-reaching legacy of first love.
Long Bright River by Liz Moore
Dark, gripping, and emotionally layered, this novel is set in a Philadelphia neighbourhood deeply affected by the opioid crisis. It follows two estranged sisters: Mickey, a police officer, and Kacey, an addict who has gone missing. When Kacey disappears amid a series of local murders, Mickey’s search becomes urgent—and dangerously personal.
Part thriller, part family drama, it’s high on my TBR for when I want something immersive and thought-provoking. With a new TV adaptation starring Amanda Seyfried, now feels like the perfect time to pick it up. I have heard it has a slow start, I thought the same of ‘The God of the Woods’ but that was worth it!
Deep Cuts by Holly Brickley
A buzzy new release full of sharp writing and emotional gut-punches. It’s one of those books that’s all over my feed and I can’t wait to see if it lives up to the hype. Early 2000’s music scene moving from Brooklyn bars to San Francisco dance floors, Deep Cuts examines the nature of talent, obsession, belonging, and above all, our need to be heard.
Say You’ll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez
If you love a summer romance that’ll give you all the feels, Abby Jimenez never misses. Samantha is smart, sharp, and not here for a swoony vet with a jawline like a Greek god... but one perfect date later, it’s clear there’s more to Xavier than meets the eye. The only problem? Samantha’s family is in crisis—and love isn’t exactly convenient. This one promises swoon-worthy love, emotional twists, and characters you’ll wish were real.
Want by Gillian Anderson
Yes, that Gillian Anderson collects and introduces the anonymous letters of hundreds of women from around the world (along with her own anonymous letter). Want reveals how women feel about sex when they have the freedom to be totally anonymous. I really Want to read this, it’s meant to feel like you’re sat with your friends having a gossip, it’s supposed to be moving and cheeky and everything in between.
One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune
Sun, second chances, and seaside nostalgia. Carley Fortune writes with such warmth and longing—I just know this one’s going to sweep me away. Apparently, the title was inspired by Harry Styles song ‘Golden’! Carley recently commented on a photo of mine to recommend reading ‘Every Summer After’ so I’ll be doing that first!
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
Yes, it’s partly narrated by an octopus. Yes, I’m still entirely sold. I’ve heard this is one of those quietly beautiful books that sneaks up on you—quirky, tender, and full of heart. Set in a sleepy coastal town, a grieving widow working nights at the local aquarium, and Marcellus, the resident octopus with a knack for escaping tanks and noticing things humans don’t. As an unlikely friendship forms, long-buried truths begin to surface.
Time to snuggle up with my Jelly Cat Octopus!
James by Percival Everett
This inventive retelling of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, told from Jim’s perspective. Already being hailed as a modern masterpiece, James blends biting satire with devastating honesty in a powerful reclamation of a classic.
It follows Jim as he escapes enslavement, navigating the deep South alongside Huck with wit, grit, and quiet rage. A serious contender for my most anticipated summer read.
Sandwich by Catherine Newman
A summer novel about summer—what more could you want?
Rocky is sandwiched between grown-up kids, aging parents, and a body that’s changing in real time (hello, menopause). What starts as a classic family getaway becomes a week of reckoning—full of old secrets, new truths, and love.
After recently loving ‘We all want Impossible Things’ by Catherine Newman I am anticipating a moving, messy, and full of heart read.
My Friends by Fredrik Backman
My Friends weaves together art, memory, and the messy beauty of human connection. It follows Louisa, a young artist who stumbles on a mysterious painting and sets off to uncover the story behind the three tiny figures at the edge of the canvas.
Backman always delivers when it comes to heart and humour. I’ve loved his past books and have high hopes for this one, which I’m saving for a slow Sunday with lots of snacks and no plans.
Written by
A thirty-something, bookish, gingham-and-gaudy-mug-obsessed girly – and a firm believer that the best stories are read under a cosy duvet, with a strong coffee and a sleepy dog at your feet.
