Summer Fiction for the Soul
Stories of Quiet Heroism, Connection & Second Chances
There’s something sacred about a good novel, the kind that makes you forget what time it is, that lingers long after you’ve turned the last page. Fiction has a quiet magic. It doesn’t just entertain but helps us feel, reflect, and reimagine who we are.
This summer, alongside the dreaming and doing of The Quiet Reset, I’m turning to stories that celebrate the quiet heroes — the ones who live between the lines of history, the ones who quietly choose courage, and the ones who change lives in unexpected ways.
If you're looking for fiction that nourishes and thrills, here are my top picks for the season.
The Frequency of Us by Keith Stuart
A love story blurred by time, memory, and war.
Part historical fiction, part love story, and part mystery, this is a beautifully told tale about a WWII-era radio engineer who insists the love of his life simply vanished… and no one remembers she ever existed. Enter a modern-day carer, trying to untangle the truth. It’s atmospheric, layered, and quietly moving. I was sobbing through the last few pages!
Why I recommend it: For those who love stories about lost time, forgotten lives, and the resilience of love.
Find it here: WOB (World of Books)
The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods
Three women. One mysterious bookshop. A hidden history waiting to be revealed.
A split-timeline novel that weaves together the stories of three women across different eras, all connected by a magical, hidden bookshop. It’s whimsical, romantic, and brimming with literary magic.
Why I loved it: A love letter to stories themselves, and to the quiet power of women’s voices rediscovered.
Find it here: WOB (World of Books)
Orphan X by Gregg Hurwitz
A high-octane thriller with a surprisingly tender core.
Evan Smoak is a former government assassin who now helps those in desperate need. A modern-day Robin Hood with military precision. While fast-paced and filled with action, underneath it all is a story of redemption and purpose.
Why I adore this book: A reminder that even the most unassuming people can choose to do good, and that real heroism often happens in the shadows.
Find it here: WOB (World of Books)
The Authenticity Project by Clare Pooley
Six strangers. One green notebook. A shared journey toward truth.
What happens when a lonely man writes his deepest truth in a notebook and leaves it in a café? A chain reaction of honesty, vulnerability, and connection. Uplifting, warm, and gently humorous.
Why it’s a must-read: A heartening reminder that being real — even messily so — can lead to the most unexpected and beautiful connections.g.
Find it here: WOB (World of Books)
The Great Zoo of China by Matthew Reilly
A Jurassic Park-style thriller set in a secret dragon sanctuary.
This one’s a wild ride. When the Chinese government unveils a spectacular new zoo — filled with real, living dragons — an invited group of journalists and experts quickly realise things aren’t what they seem. Chaos, ethics, and adrenaline follow.
Why I recommend it to everyone: For pure page-turning energy. Matthew Reilly is one of my favourite authors for pure escapism. It’s big, bold, and breathless, the perfect palate cleanser between deeper reads.
Find it here: WOB (World of Books)
The Wartime Book Club by Kate Thompson
Books, resistance, and the courage of women under occupation.
Set during the German occupation of Jersey, this novel follows a group of women who secretly defy the rules through their love of literature. Quiet resistance through reading, and deep friendships forged through story.
Why I loved this book: It’s a powerful tribute to the courage found in community, and the way stories sustain us during hard times. I was gripped right until the very end!
Find it here: WOB (World of Books)
Each of these novels brings something unique, from sweeping war-time drama to pulse-racing dragons, but they all tap into one core theme: quiet heroism. Whether through love, truth, resistance, or simple everyday bravery, these stories remind us that transformation doesn’t always begin with a bang. Sometimes, it starts with a whisper.
Pour a drink, find a quiet corner, and let yourself get lost in a story that moves you.
Happy Reading!
- Becky
