As summer winds down, there’s still time to cut down on your screen time and work toward a reading goal.
To help you recharge with reliable page-turners, we’re sharing 12 of our current favorite books. From romance novels and mystery thrillers to gospel insights and scholarly volumes, this list includes both spiritual selections and poolside picks to capture your attention.
All of these titles are available at Deseret Book. But if you want to start reading right away, you can access thousands of audiobooks and eBooks through a Bookshelf+ subscription (and try it free for seven days!).
1. “Three Queens” by Rebecca Connolly
In this compelling historical novel, Abigail Adams crosses the Atlantic to reunite with her husband, only to be drawn into the turbulent worlds of England’s Queen Charlotte and France’s Marie Antoinette. Through private meetings and heartfelt letters, these three remarkable women forge a quiet, enduring sisterhood across borders, finding solace in one another as they navigate love, loss, family tragedy, and world-altering upheaval.
2. “You Had Me at Bigfoot” by Nancy Campbell Allen
With an unexpected romance and engaging plot twists, this mystery novel is sure to keep you guessing. When rookie investigative journalist Daphne Drew is sent to cover a high-society wedding at an opulent Pacific Northwest lodge, she stumbles into rumors of a missing maid and bizarre Bigfoot sightings. Teaming up with war photographer Clark Finklestine-Henry, Daphne uncovers a tangled web of lies, local legends, and a lost fortune.
3. “Staged Evidence” by Traci Hunter Abramson
From the queen of clean romantic suspense comes a gripping thriller: When Tessa Seidel stumbles upon a murder scene, she narrowly escapes the killer and flees to a Hamptons beach house. There, she finds an unexpected protector in Broadway playwright Parker Sawyer. While CIA operatives race against time to unravel a powerful web of manipulation, Parker and Tessa must stay one step ahead of a killer who won’t stop until the final curtain falls.
4. “Every Beat After” by Sara B. Larson
This touching contemporary romance features a cozy Swedish bakery, a guarded new neighbor, and a devastating revelation. Heart transplant survivor Liv Karlsson struggles to keep her family’s business afloat. Enter Hunter—cynical, annoyingly attractive, and unfortunately her roommate’s cousin. When he steps in with a marketing plan to save the bakery, their reluctant partnership sparks a deep connection. But a hidden truth threatens to unravel their growing relationship, forcing Liv to decide whether to risk her carefully protected heart.
5. “Fablehaven (The Illustrated Edition)” by Brandon Mull
Experience the magic of Brandon Mull’s secret wildlife preserve like never before in this oversized, deluxe-format edition of Fablehaven. Featuring 100 full-color illustrations, this stunning volume brings to life a vibrant world of jealous fairies, plotting witches, and spiteful imps. Follow Kendra and Seth as they discover their grandfather cares for a magical sanctuary and face the ultimate challenge to save their family. This beautiful book is the perfect way to introduce a child to the adventure or thrill a dedicated fan.
6. “Seeking Persephone (Movie Tie-in Edition)” by Sarah M. Eden
Now a #1 hit series on Prime Video and Peacock—read the bestselling novel that started it all. When Persephone Lancaster receives a proposal from the Duke of Kielder, she refuses—until she learns his offer could save her family from ruin. She journeys to Northumberland to wed a scarred stranger as forbidding as his remote castle. With caring persistence, Persephone tries to pierce the Duke’s armor, but his rejections take their toll. When grave danger arises, the Duke must risk revealing his true feelings—or lose the woman he cannot live without.
7. “I Want Jesus to Walk with Me” by the Bonner Family
The Bonner family’s story begins when Harry and Debra were newlyweds serving as Baptist missionaries in a Liberian village. From Africa to communities across the United States, they transformed hardship into hope at every turn. Now recognized globally for their inspiring music, the Bonners exemplify the power of faith and family as devoted Latter-day Saints. This captivating book—part memoir, part inspiration—offers a glimpse into their trials and triumphs, with insights that can tie your own life more closely to the Savior.
8. “Discomfort by Design” by Zachary McLeod Hutchins
This gospel book is for anyone who has ever felt overwhelmed by adversity and hardship. In it, author Zachary McLeod Hutchins reminds us of what he terms the doctrine of discomfort: That, in order to become more like our Savior Jesus Christ and our heavenly parents, we must experience hardship and opposition. Because learning is the purpose for which we entered mortality, God will consecrate all adversity to our benefit if we let Him.
9. “With Power and Authority: Teachings of Latter-day Saint Women”
Whether you’re preparing a talk, teaching a lesson, or looking for personal inspiration, this compilation makes it easy to find what Latter-day Saint women have taught on the topics that matter most to you. The book gathers in one place many of the powerful teachings from Latter-day Saint women in the twenty-first century. With insights from over 40 individuals, organized in over 50 doctrinal topics, this book offers encouragement, guidance, and a witness that faithful women have the capacity to influence the world.
10. “How Great Thou Art” by Robert L. Millet
Drawing on ancient and modern scripture, this scholarly exploration focuses on what we knew of God in our premortal life, how God makes Himself known, what His character is like, and how we can become more like Him. As we better know God, we discover that His love is infinite and His power and glory extend through all—leading us closer to both the Father and the Son. Within these pages, readers will find a growing love, reverence, and awe toward Elohim, the Father of our spirits.
11. “Words Matter” by Ronald A. Rasband
In this book, Ronald A. Rasband invites Latter-day Saints to ponder the words and principles we prioritize in our lives. Drawing on personal experiences and gospel teachings, he points readers to the words that matter most—those that will bring us closer to Jesus Christ and a life in harmony with His teachings. Drowning out the noise of the world is the challenge of a lifetime, but by centering on the words of the gospel, we can create lives of true discipleship.
12. “Learning the Great Fundamentals” by Dallin H. Oaks
Few are better suited to explore foundational topics like Jesus Christ, the priesthood, and the plan of salvation than Dallin H. Oaks. This volume gathers insights from decades of his careful study and Church service. The discussions he shares can give us eternal perspective that provides what many Latter-day Saints ultimately desire—hope for the future, courage to face the challenges of mortality, and motivation to walk the gospel path and become true followers of Jesus Christ.
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