Curated by Laura Folkman
Looking for your next great summer listen? Whether you’re road-tripping through the mountains or rearranging your living room furniture (again), these audiobooks are the perfect companions. Laura—our interior designer, avid audiobook listener, and multitasking aficionado—has rounded up her top 8 favorites of the season. They’re rich with story, beautifully narrated, and ideal for long sunny days with your earbuds in.
1. Midnight at the Blackbird Café by Heather Webber
Genre: Magical Realism, Contemporary Fiction
Set in a sleepy Southern town, this charming novel weaves together mystery, family ties, and a touch of magic. When Anna Kate inherits her grandmother’s café—and its famous blackbird pie—she uncovers secrets and sweet truths about the people of Wicklow. Laura calls it “a warm, cozy listen with just enough magic to make it feel like a summer escape.”
2. The Wedding People by Alison Espach
Genre: Literary Fiction, Dark Comedy
Three strangers arrive at a luxury wedding resort, none of them to get married. What begins as a weekend of awkward encounters unfolds into a story full of wit, heartbreak, and unexpected connection. Laura loves its humor and heart: “It’s smart, funny, and leaves you thinking about the people who show up in your life at just the right time.”
3. Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson
Genre: Family Saga, Historical Fiction
Spanning decades and continents, Black Cake tells the story of two siblings uncovering the hidden history of their late mother—a journey tied to culture, identity, and a mysterious Caribbean dessert. “This one is layered and emotional, like peeling back family secrets,” Laura says. “The narration is beautiful and completely immersive.”
4. We All Live Here by Jojo Moyes
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
A broken marriage, two wayward daughters, a house that is falling apart, and an elderly stepfather who seems to have quietly moved in. Her career is in freefall and her love life is… complicated. So when her real dad—a man she has barely seen since he ran off to Hollywood thirty-five years ago—suddenly appears on her doorstep, it feels like the final straw. “Jojo Moyes always delivers heart and humor,” Laura shares. “You’ll laugh, you’ll root for them, and you’ll want to call your Dad.”
5. The Small and the Mighty by Sharon McMahon
Genre: Nonfiction, Inspirational
Educator and Instagram’s beloved “America’s Government Teacher,” Sharon McMahon shares stories of courage, kindness, and real-world heroes in this inspiring audiobook. “This one’s a dose of hope and goodness,” Laura says. “It’s perfect for when you need a reset and a reminder of the best parts of humanity.”
6. The Love Haters by Katherine Center
Genre: Romantic Comedy
A fresh, flirty rom-com about opposites attracting (and resisting) in a whirlwind of witty banter and big feelings. With Center’s signature blend of heart and humor, it’s a feel-good story that’s impossible to pause. “This is my poolside go-to,” Laura says. “Romantic, funny, and just plain delightful.”
7. All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker
Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Literary Fiction
A suspenseful, emotional tale that blends noir mystery with lyrical storytelling. Following a young boy in a rough town and the dangerous man who becomes his protector, this novel is dark, gripping, and ultimately redemptive. “The writing is stunning,” Laura notes. “This one stays with you.”
8. James by Percival Everett
Genre: Historical Fiction, Literary Satire
A bold and brilliant retelling of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn from the perspective of Jim, the enslaved man at its heart. It’s powerful, poetic, and sometimes searing—but entirely unforgettable. “A masterpiece,” Laura says. “This one challenges and enlightens in the best way.”
🎧 Ready to Listen?
You can find all of these audiobooks on Audible or wherever you get your audiobooks. Let us know what you’re listening to this summer—we’d love to hear your recommendations too!
