Between Two Covers: A Season of Summer Reading

July 1st, 2026

Happy July, everyone!

Summer is officially in full swing, bringing sunny days, vacations, gardening projects, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy a good book outdoors. At The Next Chapter Bookstore, our book clubs are staying busy with an exciting lineup of reads across a variety of genres.

Our romance book clubs continue to be a favorite among readers, exploring everything from sweet and swoony stories to delightfully spicy romances—all guaranteed to deliver happy endings and an enjoyable escape. Next up, both groups will be diving into books by New York Times bestselling author and Omaha favorite, Rainbow Rowell.

Our recently launched Jane Austen Book Club just finished reading The Austen Affair by Madeline Bell and will turn to one of Austen’s classics, Sense and Sensibility, next month. There are still openings in both the Jane Austen and second romance book clubs for anyone interested in joining.

The Book and Wine Club recently enjoyed Butter, a novel of food and murder by Yuzuki Asako, and will next read London Falling by Patrick Radden Keefe.

Meanwhile, the LGBTQ Book Club recently finished The Sea Elephants by Shastri Akella and will soon discuss Cosmic Love at the Multiverse Hair Salon by Annie Mare, a funny and romantic adventure through time and space that celebrates community and the enduring power of love.

Our Fantasy and Sci-Fi Book Club has been especially ambitious this month, reading both For Whom the Bell Tolls by Jayci Lee and The River Has Roots by Amal El-Mohtar. Next, they’ll begin The Tapestry of Time, the eagerly anticipated sequel by Shannon Chakraborty following The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi.

The Young Adult/New Adult Book Club recently completed The Faraway Inn by Sarah Beth Durst and will next read The Ocean Would Paint Me Blue by Zoulfa Katouh, whose previous novel, As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow, was a club favorite.

Finally, my public Novel Chats Book Club will read The Cure for Drowning by Loghan Paylor, winner of Canada Reads 2026. Described as both a page-turner and a profound exploration of enduring love, the novel promises a memorable discussion when the group gathers on Sunday, July 19, at 4:30 p.m.

However you’re spending your summer, I hope you’ll find time to discover a great book and perhaps join one of our reading communities. Happy reading, and have a fun and safe Fourth of July!