Must-Reads for 4th of July Weekend

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Must-Reads for 4th of July Weekend

Book it to the beach this 4th of July with one — or all — of these riveting reads

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Hello, Sunshine

Culinary star Sunshine Mackenzie has whipped together the perfect life. She has a devoted husband, bestselling cookbooks and adoring fans (2.7 million, to be exact.) And then she gets hacked. Revealed as a fraud, she must retreat back to her childhood home and estranged sister — both of which she’d much rather forget. Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon are fans of Laura Dave‘s addictive reads. 

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The Light We Lost

On September 11, 2001, Columbia University undergrads Lucy and Gabe meet for the first time — and share a magical first kiss. Over the next 13 years, Lucy pursues a career as a producer in NYC, while Gabe becomes a photojournalist, traveling the world on assignment. And yet, fate continually brings them together, only to once again tear them apart. Jill Santoplo’s heart-wrenching yet beautiful debut is on Chelsea Clinton’s must-read list.

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The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

In her mesmerizing novel, Taylor Jenkins Reid explores Hollywood’s heyday with a heroine akin to Elizabeth Taylor. Movie icon Evelyn Hugo, now a recluse at 79, is finally ready to unfurl the story of her glamorous life and her scandalous seven marriages. Sitting down with unknown magazine writer Monique, Evelyn candidly opens up about her ruthless ambition, forbidden love and heartbreaking sacrifices. 

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The Idea of You

After meeting backstage at a concert, divorcèe Solène, 39, and British boy bander Hayes, 20, unexpectedly strike up a passionate affair. Soon their international trysts evolve into genuine relationship — and a social media land mine. Robinne Lee’s passionate debut — Elizabeth Banks calls it a “fun, juicy love story” — brings fangirl dreams to life. (Read: This is the Harry Styles fan fiction you’ve always wanted.)

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Every Last Lie

Clara’s husband Nick dies in a car crash that, miraculously, left daughter Maisie, 4, unharmed. But when the tot starts having nightmares about that fateful night, Clara becomes convinced it wasn’t an accident. Now delving deeper into Nick’s life for clues, she uncovers years of secrets he hid from her. Emmy Rossum devours Mary Kubica's psychological thrillers.

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I’ll Eat When I’m Dead

Barbara Bourland deftly marries body image issues with wit in her mystery. Fashion magazine editor Hillary Whitney’s death is blamed on starvation. But after a cryptic note is found two months later, her best friend and fellow RAGE Fashion book editor Cat launches an investigation into their cutthroat world. Soon, her amateur detective work lands her in a dangerous web of drugs, sex … and eye cream.

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Mad

Alvie is hardly a fan of her perfect identical twin Beth, who has always overshadowed the self-described train wreck. Still, she jumps at the chance to swap lives. But within hours of the switch, Beth is dead at the bottom of a pool — and Alvie realizes she’s wrapped up in serious trouble. Chloe Esposito introduces a compelling and uncensored antiheroine in her trilogy’s first novel.

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Mr. Right Swipe

Rae is skeptical about love. Actually, she’s downright opposed to it. After all, she’s got bigger things to worry about, you know, such as that novel she isn’t writing. But when her best friends stage a intervention, she’s coerced into giving online dating a shot. That is, until a familiar face pops up on her phone screen and, well, she swipes her way into a whole new predicament. Ricki Schultz’s relatable novel will have readers LOLing. 

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Dating You, Hating You

Well, all is fair in love and war. High-powered talent agents Carter and Evie immediately hit it off at a mutual friend’s Halloween party. The problem: Their competing Hollywood firms merge and the pair are now pitted against each other for the same job. Declaring war, they will do anything — seriously, anything — to sabotage one another. Christina Lauren hilariously depicts modern dating. 

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It’s Always the Husband

Though an unlikely trio, college roommates Kate, Aubrey and Jenny are inseparable. Twenty-two years later, one of them is standing on the edge of a bridge while another is encouraging her to jump. Alternating between the past and present, Michele Campbell tells a riveting, suspenseful tale of love, hate and murder. 

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The Stars in Our Eyes

Let’s be honest, we’re all obsessed with celebrities. (Hi, you’re currently reading this on usmagazine.com!) In her eye-opening and humorous collection of essays, Julie Klam explores the fascination with the rich and powerful, while also breaking down the challenges tied to fame and why all this actually matters. 

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The Best of Adam Sharp

Nearing 50, Adam is nostalgic for his youth — and Angelina, the actress he romanced decades ago. Until, out of nowhere, she reenters his life with a simple email: “Hi.” In his humorous yet emotional tome, Graeme Simsion —Ryan Reynolds is a fan of his work — debates whether it’s worth pursuing a second chance. 

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The People We Hate at a Wedding

Grant Ginder hilariously explores the complexities of family. Siblings Alice and Paul are very, very reluctant to attend the London vows of their privileged half-sister Eloise. (The product of their mom’s first marriage to a wealthy Frenchman, the infuriatingly sweet Eloise grew up in a far more elite world.) Annoyed at every turn, the duo drunkenly fumble their way through weekend’s events.