Summer Reading List 2026: 3 Books You Won't Be Able to Put Down

Get your summer reading recommendations for women over 40, curated by someone who reads more in a month than most people read in a year. This episode is your 2026 summer reading list, plus the permission to quit every book that is not worth your precious time.

Today I’m joined by my friend (since preschool!) and repeat guest Alexis Lynch for our annual summer reading conversation. Alexis shares three picks for 2026, including a novel about midlife identity and reflections on aging, a prison book club story that restores your faith in humanity, and a guilty pleasure page-turner she finished in 24 hours. 

We also discuss Heart the Lover by Lily King, including the passionate-love-versus-stable-partnership theme and the concept of how our identity evolves over the decades. Oh, and Alexis admits this book inspired her to secretly sleuth her college boyfriend…

What you'll hear:

• Alexis's three summer reading picks for midlife women, with honest reviews on each
• Updated tips for actually reading more when life is completely full
• A discussion of Heart the Lover: the big themes, what the hidden name means, and why this book grabs hold of your heart
• The one book to start with if you haven't read anything in a long time

Alexis Lynch is a practicing attorney, a lifelong reader, and a self-described quitter of bad books.

Alexis’ summer 2026 reading list for women over 40:

So Old, So Young by Grant Grinder

How to Read a Book by Monica Wood

These Summer Storms by Sarah MacLean

The book Alexis and Jessica discuss that is SO good:

Heart the Lover by Lily King

I want to hear from you. Send me a text or voicemail!

Jessica's freebies and resources:

📅 Join me for a FREE virtual breathwork experience for women 40+ September 24th or October 2nd! (https://link.fgfunnels.com/widget/bookings/live-breathwork-events)

😴 Sleep better tonight with my free 10-minute audio breathwork session. (https://your.belongwellness.com/sleep)

⚡️Join Hello, Next-Level You, my 6-week group breathwork experience for women over 40 who are ready to feel f*cking GREAT. This Beta program launches October 5th. (https://your.belongwellness.com/hnly-beta-sales-page)

✨For more midlife advice on perimenopause, hormone health, nervous system regulation, and living with purpose in your 40s and 50s follow me: @midlifeadvicepodcast | @heyjessicalong