It’s time to share what I read in July! I am actually a little late in posting this because summer has been busy!
I thought life would slow down a little bit in July. It did not. That means I didn’t have as much time for reading as I hoped.
I did still manage to read seven books, so I am calling that a win.
However, none of my July reads were five star reads.
So far this year I have read some great nonfiction, but I have been struggling with fiction. I have read some good fiction books, but not a lot that I would consider five star. I really need to try to fix that. I am thinking I need to find some backlist historical fiction by some of my favorite authors.
Do you have a great fiction book to recommend?
July Reading 2026
I am sharing a few thoughts on each book. You can click on the title for a more detailed book review.
Fiction
In Royal Service to the Queen by Tessa Arlen is a historical fiction book about Queen Elizabeth’s governess. I have read a few books about the royal family, but I knew nothing about Queen Elizabeth’s governess, so I enjoyed this for a lighter historical fiction read.
Blackberry Summer by RaeAnne Thayne is a fiction book set in a small town in Colorado. This book is considered women’s fiction, but it is definitely more of a romance book. I liked that this book felt like it could be a real story. The characters and setting read a lot like real life in a small mountain town would.
A Founding Mother by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie is a historical fiction book about Abigail Adams. I really enjoyed this book and what I learned about Abigail Adams from reading it. In fact, this book made me want to learn more about John and Abigail Adams and their son, John Quincy Adams.
A historical fiction book that makes you want to know more about the real story is always a sign for me of a great historical fiction book.
Nonfiction
The Man No One Believed by Joshua Sharpe is the untold story of the Georgia church murders. It is a true crime book written by a journalist who helped free a man who was imprisoned for a crime he did not commit.
Audiobooks
A Beautiful Blue Death by Charles Finch is book one in the Charles Lenox mystery series. I first found this series over ten years ago. I instantly fell in love with it. I thought it would be fun to reread the series on audio. I started with book one because this series really is better if read in order.
The September Society by Charles Finch is book two in the Charles Lenox mystery series. After I finished listening to book one, I moved right on to listening to book two. I love this series and look forward to continuing to slowly listen to them on audio.
Christian nonfiction
After Church Hurt by Timothy St. John shares how to heal from church hurt. Too many Christians are hurt by the church, which should be a place of comfort and help. Pastor and counselor Timothy St. John shares stories and tips for healing after being hurt by those in the church.
I would love to hear what you have been reading in the comments.