Summer Audiobook Recommendations: 10 Captivating Listens
Memorable plots, vivid details, well-drawn character arcs, inspiring lessons…there are many things that make a story really good. But when it comes to audiobooks, there are a few extra boxes to check off. For a book to translate into a great audiobook, it needs to be more than a good story — it also needs to be a really good listen. With talented narrators drawing you into the book's world and setting the tone, audiobooks provide an excellent sensory escape while leaving your hands free. That means you can listen while you walk, travel, cook, fold laundry or even garden. Here, we rounded up a variety of audiobook recommendations that promise a captivating story and an immersive listen — think of it as our summer reading guide that can follow you wherever you go thanks to the audiobook format. From historical fiction to romance, nonfiction, historical mystery and more, we have something for everyone!
For an entertaining listen that's full of heart-tugging hope, press play on Simon Van Booy's Sipsworth — this book, about an 83-year-old woman and a very special mouse, is buzzing everywhere as a summer delight! If you're looking to listen to a book during a long walk that will inspire as much as it uplifts, check out Anne Lamott's Somehow: Thoughts on Love.
Keep scrolling to discover 10 of our favorite audiobook recommendations (both old and new releases!) right now. Happy listening!
For a charming, heartwarming listen...
Try 'Sipsworth' by Simon Van Booy
After losing her husband and son, Helen Cartwright returns to the English village of her childhood after living abroad for decades. Helen is set in her ways and ready to say goodbye to this world. She retreats into her home and relies on her routines to get her through the day — until she comes across an abandoned mouse outside her home. What follows is a unique and life-affirming journey of friendship, hope and second chances.
What listeners are saying: "I have been listening to more audiobooks lately and read a review of this book. It sounded intriguing, and I thought I would give it a go. I absolutely adored this story and the narration! It went by so quickly, and I found myself sitting outside in the evening on July 3, watching fireflies and listening to distant firecrackers, while finishing up the story. I had to know how it ended. It’s a rather simple premise, of an elderly woman waiting for her life to end, but it becomes so much more. In meeting the mouse she eventually names Sipsworth, she not only finds a renewed purpose, but meets a variety of people who become a part of Helen’s life. It’s a gentle story, with very likable characters. A five star story for certain!"
For a sharp and thrilling listen...
Try 'Yellowface' by R. F. Kuang
This New York Times best-selling book by R.F. Kuang grips readers from the start and doesn’t let go. Writers June Hayward and Athena Liu were supposed to rise to fame together. But before long, Athena is a literary darling…and June is not. So when June witnesses Athena’s death in a freak accident, she does something unthinkable: She steals Athena’s just-finished manuscript — a novel about the contributions of Chinese laborers during WWI. She even comes up with a pen name, Juniper Song, complete with an ambiguous author photo — because June is not Asian American. As the success and fame pour in, June can’t seem to escape Athena, and as evidence comes to light in Athena’s death, all her carefully constructed lies might be revealed. A sharp, original and chilling page-turner.
What listeners are saying: "I have been wanting to listen to this book for a while," admits Carissa Mosness, Woman's World Assistant Digital Editor. "And once I started, I don't know I waited for so long! Filled with vivid details, raw emotions and a plot that keeps you guessing, Yellowface is my favorite listen so far this year."
For an atmospheric, unforgettable listen...
Try 'The Henna Artist' by Alka Joshi
Brimming with vibrant imagery and moving moments, this novel by bestselling author Alka Joshi captivates. When 17-year-old Lakshmi escapes from an abusive marriage, she travels by herself to 1950s Jaipur. Here, she becomes a talented henna artist — and confidante — to the wealthy women of Jaipur. She’s entrusted with secrets but vows to never reveal her own as she pursues an independent life. One day, years later, the husband Lakshmi left back home finds her. But when he shows up he brings Lakshmi’s sister — a young girl she's never met. Now, Lakshmi must decide how to proceed with the life she desires. A story about self-discovery, family and love.
What listeners are saying: "The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi is a vivid look at life in India in the '50s and one woman's search for independence — and it has got to be one of the most stunning debuts I've ever read. This book is so rich in culture that I felt like I was there the entire time. The characters also felt entirely realistic, and I was a huge fan of Lakshmi and so many of the women in the novel. I was so sad when the book ended so I was incredibly excited to learn there are two more books after this. I ended up listening to the audio of the whole book and Sneha Mathan did such a stunning job narrating."
For a sweet and swoon-worthy listen...
Try 'The Flatshare' by Beth O’Leary
Fans of heart-fluttering rom-coms will flip for this joyful novel by Beth O'Leary. The story follows Tiffy Moore after she answers an ad for a roommate, posted by Leon, who works night shifts. He has the apartment to himself during the day and Tiffy has it on nights and weekends. Before long, Tiffy and Leon start leaving notes for each other — but they still haven’t yet met. As the simple notes turn sweet, sparks start to fly, but will it actually lead to true love?
What listeners are saying: “It’s always fun when a love story starts out with unusual circumstances,” says Raquel Lekic, Woman's World Assistant Digital Editor. “Listening to this book not only provided hilarious banter that had me rooting for Tiffy and Leon, but it also shed light onto the very real struggles they were going through in their personal lives, making their characters seem realistic and relatable.”
For an entertaining, feel-good listen…
Try 'Joe Nuthin’s Guide to Life' by Helen Fisher
Joe-Nathan likes his schedule, and it rarely changes: He goes to work, comes home to the apartment he’s always shared with his mom, watches old episodes of Friends and repeats, day after day, with little variation. His mom has created guidebooks to help Joe become more independent, with advice on cooking, navigating social situations and more, but as Joe begins to step outside his comfort zone, he realizes his mom hasn’t accounted for every issue that pops up (like the bully at work who calls him Joe Nuthin’) and he learns that sometimes, you have to adapt.
What listeners are saying: “Joe Nuthin’s Guide to Life by Helen Fisher was the right book at the right time for this reader. During these troubling times, the novel serves as a reminder that kindness really does matter in this world, and though we are not all the same, we all have something to offer. This is a novel about found family, friendship, and love, always love. Highly recommended."
For a moving Vietnam-era listen…
Try 'The Women' by Kristin Hannah
Unforgettable characters and deeply captivating moments abound in The Women, the newest saga from beloved bestselling author Kristin Hannah. It’s 1965 when 20-year-old nursing student Frances “Frankie” McGrath hears four words that change her life: Women can be heroes. After her brother Finley ships out to serve in Vietnam, she joins the Army Nurse Corps and follows his path. Even after the overwhelming day-to-day of the war, the biggest challenge Frankie faces is coming home to a changed America. A story about courage, friendship, love, loss and the women who bravely served their country.
What listeners are saying: “I enjoy audiobooks that take me back in time, and this one, narrated by the wonderful Julia Whelan, totally transported me,” says Patty Bontekoe, Woman's World Executive Editor. “This book spans 20 years of Frankie’s life and how she tries to return to ‘normal,’ and I was bowled over by her strength and courage as I listened!”
For an enlightening and uplifting listen…
Try 'Somehow: Thoughts on Love' by Anne Lamott
Bestselling author Anne Lamott is revered for her funny, warm and wise insights — and Somehow: Thoughts on Love, her 20th book, packs all her signature prose. In this audiobook, narrated by Lamott herself, she explores the power of love in all forms. In short chapters, she shares real-life stories, lessons and illuminating advice in her iconic voice.
What listeners are saying: "Throughout the pages of this book, Lamott explores love and the many forms in which it can present itself. She tells us that 'love is how hope takes flight' and that 'life delivers the unbelievable so often that you might as well believe.' Read this book and you will realize: we *all* have an abundance of love in our lives, no matter what we’re going through. A wonderful listen."
For a flirty and fun listen…
Try 'The Fiancé Dilemma' by Elena Armas
Bestselling author Elena Armas is beloved for her spicy, swoon-worthy novels, and her latest delivers all her signature charm. When Josie Moore’s no-longer-absentee father announces his retirement with a splashy magazine piece, she learns her problematic dating history isn’t great PR for her family. To fix her image, she concocts a sham engagement with Matthew Flanagan — and soon the line between fake and real blurs.
What listeners are saying: "This is probably the best book I have listened to so far this year. The chemistry between the two main characters was so off the charts — and smoking hot. It took a while to get to the spice, but the build up was scorching. The story was excellent and hilarious and the narration was stellar."
For an original, laugh-out-loud listen…
Try 'The Husbands' by Holly Gramazio
This funny, mind-bending book follows Lauren after she returns home one night and is greeted by her doting husband, Michael. Except…Lauren is single and has no memory of meeting, let alone marrying, Michael. But there are photos of the couple saved in her phone, and yes, that is a framed wedding photo of them above the mantel. The bigger twist? Each time her husband goes into the attic, he’s replaced by a new man, and a new life for her. Now, Lauren must decide when to stop switching husbands and start living her life.
What listeners are saying: “On a recent girls’ trip, my friend told me I would love this funny debut novel,” says Kate Arcell, Woman's World Associate Editor. "Despite the outlandish plot, Lauren’s struggles — like trying to decide what path is right — were so relatable! This is a must listen to this summer."
For a glamorous, intriguing listen…
Try 'The Briar Club' by Kate Quinn
It’s the 1950s, and blood-splattered walls and a body have been found in the room of widow Grace March, a resident of Briarwood House, a women’s boarding house in Washington, D.C. Set during the backdrop of the McCarthy era, when fear and suspicion ran rampant, the ragtag group of residents have to figure out who they can trust and whether a murderer is in their midst — a task that proves challenging since each of the women have secrets they want to keep buried.
What listeners are saying: “As a fan of Kate Quinn, I couldn’t wait to listen to her newest novel,” says Lauren Stachiw, Woman's World Beauty Director. "And I loved that it wove historical fiction into a mystery! The 1950s were a time of such societal change, but despite the march of time, this book reminded me that the bonds of friendship haven’t changed — and that women will move heaven and earth to protect their friends!”
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