Book Mail: A Roundup of the Book Mail I Received Last Week

There’s something especially joyful about receiving a week’s worth of book mail in late August, when summer is slipping into memory and routines begin to shift. This book haul of new book releases offers a last burst of seasonal magic, adding fresh titles to your TBR pile just in time for cozy late-summer reading sessions. Whether you're squeezing in a few more beach reads or curating your fall book recommendations, each story holds the potential to become a favorite—and maybe even one of the best books of 2025. It’s the perfect literary sendoff to a season well read.

Where to Buy These Books:

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I want to note that I do not get paid to do these posts, I just love authors and the book industry. However, they do take time and energy to create. If you want to donate a few dollars to my coffee fund, which keeps this blog going, you can do so here: https://venmo.com/AshleyHasty or here: http://paypal.me/hastybooklist.

What I Wore:

Tank | Skirt | Jewelry | Makeup

In late August, when the air feels like golden hour and summer clings to every breeze, wearing a matching athleisure tank and skirt set feels like the ultimate main character outfit—chic, comfortable, and undeniably confident. Paired with your everyday gold hoop earrings and a new graduated rope necklace, this look is the definition of main character fashion—a blend of personal style inspiration and fashion for self-expression that makes you feel like the best version of yourself. As you settle in with a fresh stack of book mail, flipping through character-driven novels and books for self-discovery, you’re not just curating your TBR—you’re curating your story. This is the magic of main character energy books and fashion: choosing aesthetic clothing that supports your main character mindset while getting lost in pages that remind you of your strength, ambition, and the beauty of becoming. In this moment, you’re not reading someone else’s story—you’re living your main character life, with just the right outfit and just the right book in hand.

This Week’s Book Mail Includes:

The Dramatic Life of Jonah Penrose by Robyn Green - In this sparkling debut romance, a fake dating stunt between two rival West End co-stars ignites unexpected sparks as they navigate the blurred lines between performance and real love, proving that sometimes the best stories are the ones you improvise.
It Happened on a Sunday by Tracy Wolff - In this gripping romance, a pop star haunted by her past and a rising football star with everything to lose are drawn together by an undeniable connection, but with the world watching, their love may be the one thing they can’t survive.
Haggard House by Elisabeth Rhoads - In 1859, a young boy raised in isolation by a strict mother finds his world changed when he meets a spirited classmate, but as he grows and follows his heart, the weight of promises and the shadows of his past threaten to destroy everything he holds dear.
Mess by Michael Chessler - In this witty debut, a professional organizer to Hollywood's elite must confront her own messy heart and mind while navigating the chaos of her clients' lives, discovering that true order comes not from tidying up—but from embracing the mess.
Red Card by Maren Moore - In this New Adult sports romance, a rebellious British rugby star and the coach’s determined daughter strike a deal that could change everything, but as their chemistry intensifies, they must navigate trust, loyalty, and the fear of love in a game where the stakes are higher than they ever imagined.
Don't Draw in this Book by Bill Cotter - In this interactive, touch-and-trace adventure, Larry’s magic sketchbook brings hilarious surprises with every shape you trace, making for a wildly fun journey filled with unpredictable twists and Cotter’s signature silliness!
A Special Interest Murder by Mette Ivie Harrison - In this gripping murder mystery, a brilliant neurodivergent sleuth with a past and an FBI agent with secrets must navigate a web of deception and red herrings to uncover the truth behind a staged murder, all while confronting their own complicated history.
Everything is Probably Fine by Julia London - In this heartfelt tale of second chances, a driven but lonely woman must confront her past and embrace forgiveness during a transformative wellness program, all while discovering that the key to her future lies in healing her heart and letting go of regret.
Good Grief by Sara Goodman Confino - In this witty and heartwarming novel, a widow and her overbearing mother-in-law clash under one roof, each trying to move on from their grief in their own way, leading to a hilarious yet tender journey of unexpected friendship and second chances.
The Road to Yesterday by Maryellen Donovan - In this poignant memoir, a 9/11 widow shares her journey of rediscovering joy and finding love again after the devastating loss of her husband, offering a hopeful testament to resilience and the enduring power of faith.
As Long As You're Mine by Nekesa Afia - In this atmospheric dual-timeline mystery, a ballerina’s quest to uncover the truth behind her father’s shocking confession about a decades-old murder plunges her into the dangerous, secret-filled world of 1930s Hollywood, where the past and present collide in a story of identity, sacrifice, and survival.
Words Make a Way Through Fire by Cyra Sweet Dumitru - In this deeply moving memoir, a woman heals from the trauma of her brother’s suicide through the transformative power of poetry, spiritual guidance from a presence named Voice, and the courage to reclaim her life, offering hope for those seeking emotional and spiritual recovery.
The Rise of Mad March by Robert Espenscheid Jr. - In this tribute to offbeat ambition and unfulfilled musical dreams, four misfit musicians—a Vietnam vet, a Grosse Pointe debutante, and two felons—form a rock band, battling internal conflict, self-destruction, and stereotypes, only to find themselves united on a chaotic, soul-searching cross-country tour.
Phantom Academy by Christine Virnig - In this spooky middle-grade adventure, a recently deceased boy navigates his new life at Phantom Academy, a ghostly boarding school where an unearthly mystery and the desire to escape the Spirit Realm lead him and his friends on a thrilling, ghostly quest.
Island Intern by Paul Remmers - In the aftermath of the catastrophic 1900 Galveston hurricane, a young doctor battles to save lives while desperately searching for the woman he loves, all amid the chaos, heartbreak, and survival of one of America’s deadliest disasters.
Runners by Phil Oakley - In this epic continuation of the saga, Walter and Ada Oakley fight to protect their family from the ravages of Prohibition, the Great Depression, and World War II, all while facing the heartbreaking consequences of ambition, loss, and the relentless pursuit of survival.
The Room of Lost Steps by Simon Tolkien - In this gripping sequel to The Palace at the End of the Sea, Theo’s quest to fight for justice during the Spanish Civil War tests his ideals, love, and survival, as he faces heartbreak, betrayal, and the brutal reality of war, ultimately forcing him to confront a life-changing decision.
Familiaris by David Wroblewski - In this highly anticipated follow-up to The Story of Edgar Sawtelle, Familiaris embarks on a captivating journey through history, philosophy, and mysticism, as the Sawtelle family and their extraordinary dogs search for purpose, love, and adventure in the wilds of Wisconsin.
Accomplice to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer - In this hilarious and heartwarming novel, Evie Sage accidentally becomes the assistant to the kingdom’s most notorious villain, navigating magical mayhem, assassination attempts, and a not-so-appropriate crush on her grumpy, sharp-jawed boss—all while trying to keep her job and her dignity intact.
Just Keep Going by Lynn Smith, illustrated by Lauren Gallegos - In this heartwarming children's book, Mouse embarks on a journey that teaches young readers that bravery isn't about being fearless—it's about taking one step at a time, even when the world feels overwhelming.
The Art of a Lie by Laura Shepherd-Robinson - In 18th-century England, a widowed confectioner battles betrayal, gossip, and a corrupt magistrate while uncovering the mystery of her husband's murder, and navigating a dangerous game of wits with a new ally who may be more than he seems.
World Pacific by Peter Mann - In this darkly comic adventure, three lives intertwine as a missing boys' adventure writer, a troubled émigré painter, and a British intelligence officer uncover secrets and navigate the perilous tides of self-invention, betrayal, and the onset of war in 1939 San Francisco and the Pacific.
House of Monstrous Women by Daphne Fama - In this atmospheric gothic horror, a young woman is lured into a deadly game at the labyrinthine home of her childhood friend, a rumored witch, where survival becomes the ultimate prize and blood is the price of victory.
Where Are You Really From by Elaine Hsieh Chou - In this daring and provocative story collection, Elaine Hsieh Chou explores the blurred lines between truth and fiction, unraveling dark, surreal, and poignant tales that expose the treacherous desires, self-deceptions, and cruelties lurking beneath the stories we tell ourselves.
The Stronger Sex by Starre Vartan - In The Stronger Sex, Starre Vartan shatters decades of myths about women’s physical weaknesses, revealing through cutting-edge science and real-world examples how women’s bodies surpass men’s in endurance, flexibility, pain tolerance, and longevity, celebrating the incredible strength of the female form.
Fix the Fire Damage (The Everyday Pain Guide #2) by Ya-Ling Liou - In Fix the Fire Damage, the second volume of The Everyday Pain Guide, Dr. Ya-Ling J. Liou offers quick, evidence-based solutions with gentle, easy-to-follow Action Plans to alleviate pain during the crucial early moments of discomfort, providing immediate relief and guiding you through the healing process when you can’t get professional help.
Learn to Read 125 More Activities by Rae Pritchett - Learn to Read Activity Book: Level 2 offers 125 engaging, hands-on activities for kids ages 5 to 7, building on essential reading skills with fun games and exercises that cover everything from syllables to spelling, while boosting confidence and laying the foundation for lifelong reading independence.
Self-Esteem Workbook for Kids by Taira Burns - The Self-Esteem Workbook for Kids is a fun and engaging guide for children ages 6 to 9, offering 40 activities designed to help them build confidence, embrace their uniqueness, and develop a positive self-image through creative exercises and everyday lessons.
How to Teach a Monster by Sue Fliess and Simona Sanfilippo - In this heartwarming and humorous tale from the Magical Creatures and Crafts series, a furry monster eager to leave the scaring business discovers a new talent—baking a cake—with the help of a group of kind kids, leading to fun-filled trials, errors, and a sweet success.
Wait 'Til You're Older by Maria Marianayagam and Irina Avgustinovich - In this heartwarming picture book, Reha learns the value of patience and living in the moment as she tries—and fails—to build a time machine, only to discover that sometimes the best moments are the ones happening right now, with a little help from her brother.
Brownie by David Katzenstein - Brownie is a captivating collection of photographs by David Katzenstein, shot with the Kodak Duaflex camera, offering a vibrant and personal exploration of the world from 1979 to 1989, where the limitations of the camera inspire creative, colorful compositions across diverse global landscapes.
Oh No! Dinosaurs in my School by Timothy Knapman - In this lively and humorous picture book, a young boy embarks on a school day full of surprises as he tries to convince everyone that dinosaurs have taken over the school—only to discover a surprising twist in the principal’s office.
Piles of Inspiration Everywhere by Barkley L. Hendricks - Barkley L. Hendricks: Piles of Inspiration Everywhere offers an intimate, visually rich exploration of the renowned artist’s home and studio, revealing the creative environment that fueled his groundbreaking work, alongside personal writings from Hendricks’s journals.