Unboxing My Latest Book Haul
Book Mail: A Roundup of the Book Mail I Received Last Week
The last week of June feels like the golden-hour finale to a perfect month, and this week’s book mail arrived with all the excitement of a happy ending and the promise of a sequel. My TBR pile has grown into a delightfully teetering stack, thanks to a sun-soaked book haul filled with new book releases that seem destined for beach bags, porch swings, and lazy afternoons. Each package brought thoughtful book recommendations, like little notes from friends who know exactly which story will make your summer unforgettable. And as I add them to the pile, I can’t help but suspect that a few of these titles will soon earn a place among the best books of 2026—the ones we’ll all be talking about long after the season ends.
Where to Buy These Books:
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.
This Week’s Book Mail Includes:
I've Got a New Complaint by Laurie Notaro — Laurie Notaro hilariously tackles aging, caregiving, office politics, and the absurdities of modern life with her trademark wit.
Pink Crime by Valena Beety — This eye-opening nonfiction work exposes how women and LGBTQ+ people are disproportionately criminalized for who they are rather than what they have done.
The Resilience of Red Thread by Catherine Marshall-Smith — A woman fleeing an abusive marriage discovers that the man who rescued her may be hiding dangerous secrets of his own.
Libertad by Cassandra James — A pirate heroine must navigate betrayal, war, and divided loyalties as she fights for freedom in this epic romantasy finale.
The Lovers, The Liars, And Me by DeAndra Davis — A young woman’s summer in Jamaica leads her on a journey of self-discovery, family secrets, and unexpected romance.
Live from the Afterlife by Sarah Lariviere — A murdered rebel continues the fight against a dictatorship from beyond the grave in this bold, art-fueled dystopian adventure.
The Honesty Crisis by Christian B. Miller — A timely examination of dishonesty in modern life and the steps we can take to rebuild a culture of integrity.
The Story Eaters of Yamm by Kevin Hincker — A struggling novelist who can’t perceive time becomes humanity’s unlikely hero when alien invaders begin consuming stories themselves.
My Twin the Murderer by Lindsay Kent — Twin sisters linked to a murder by identical DNA must uncover the truth before their fractured bond destroys them both.
Sketch by Ros Hill — A teenager’s superhero creation comes to life, launching an action-packed adventure about identity, courage, and imagination.
The Other Side of Perfect by Venus Morris Griffin — A powerful memoir of surviving betrayal, rebuilding after devastation, and creating an extraordinary life from the ruins.
Reign by Bethan Croome — A young witch disguised as a soldier is caught between war, forbidden magic, and two men who could change her destiny.
The Art of Pacing by Elizabeth Svoboda — Drawing on science and elite performance, this guide shows how balancing effort and rest can lead to a more fulfilling life.
White Lights by Lauren Kate — A young filmmaker enters a mysterious elite school and finds herself trapped in a cosmic battle with reality-altering stakes.
Murder at the Spirit Lounge by Jess Kidd — Former nun Nora Breen investigates a deadly séance and a string of supernatural murders in this charming cozy mystery.
Everything to the Sea by Alicia Upano — A devastating tsunami separates two young lovers whose lives remain intertwined across years, oceans, and heartbreak.
Enter the Nightmare by Jayne Castle — A woman haunted by missing memories and deadly enemies must return to the mysterious Hotel of Dreams to uncover the truth.
King of the Unblessed by Michelle M. Pillow — A cursed immortal king and a mortal woman are drawn together by passion, danger, and a kingdom on the brink of ruin.
Simple Stories by Lyonel Trouillot — This lyrical collection captures the beauty, struggles, and contradictions of modern Haiti through unforgettable characters.
You're the One That I Haunt by Katie Jung — A woman caught between her best friend and his ghostly cousin must solve a family curse while navigating an impossible love triangle.
My Wonderful Disgrace by Angourie Rice and Kate Rice — A seemingly perfect senior ball descends into hilarious chaos in this sharp, darkly comic YA novel.
A Bitter Cut by Anna Lee Huber — Lady Kiera Darby investigates a country house murder that threatens both justice and her brother’s future happiness.
Not a Strong Enough Word by Allie Samberts — Former lovers reunite when a bestselling author returns from self-imposed exile to make a long-awaited comeback.
High Five Your Spirit Guides by Katherine Marie — An approachable guide to connecting with spirit guides and using intuition to create a more abundant life.
By the Bootstraps by Alexa Martin — A romance-obsessed woman chasing her cowboy dreams finds unexpected love in small-town Texas.
Dhampira by Amy Pennza — A half-vampire woman becomes a pawn in a dangerous court where two powerful suitors compete for her loyalty and heart.
Meet Me at the Seaside Cottages by Jenny Colgan — A mother and daughter rebuild their lives—and a rundown cottage business—on a charming Scottish island.
Chase Me If You Can by Heather Frances — Rival storm chasers find themselves battling attraction as they race across the plains chasing tornadoes.
The Essential Ingredient by Keri Mangis — A thoughtful exploration of personal transformation and finding purpose in a rapidly changing world.
Bolting to Seed by Christy Wilhelmi — A murder at a community garden forces a newlywed amateur sleuth to dig for answers before her life unravels.
Daughters of Naples by Diana Giovinazzo — Three sisters face impossible choices as World War II and the Italian resistance divide their family and loyalties.
Confessions of the Green River Killer by Maria DiLorenzo — A journalist’s years-long conversations with serial killer Gary Ridgway reveal chilling new insights into his crimes and psyche.
The Girl on the Beach by Carol Snow — A former nanny returns to investigate the mysterious disappearance of a child she never believed drowned.
Vengefully Matched by Audrey Goldberg Ruoff — A runaway witch bride and her political rival fake a romance while hunting a magical criminal—and fall for each other along the way.
Shaken to the Core by Dara Levan — A woman confronting loss, motherhood, and devastating news learns how love can endure life’s greatest challenges.
The Second Chance Trailer Park by Katie Powner — A woman hiding in a retirement community discovers that it’s never too late to start over.
The Very Unremarkable Life of Mrs. Etty Bloom by Talya Jankovitz — A Hasidic woman learns that an ordinary life can hold extraordinary joy, friendship, and meaning.
Young Aleister Crowley and the Magicians' Revolt by Lon Milo DuQuette and Jim Bratkowsky — The infamous occultist is swept into a magical war filled with secret societies, legendary figures, and supernatural intrigue.

