Guest post written by Until Next Summer author Ali Brady
Ali Brady is the pen name of writing BFFs Alison Hammer & Bradeigh Godfrey. Their debut novel, THE BEACH TRAP, made several ‘best of summer’ lists including The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, Parade Magazine and Katie Couric Media.
About Until Next Summer: Two former best friends each find love at an adults-only summer camp in this romantic and nostalgic novel that proves “once a camp person, always a camp person.”
If you can’t tell by our author photo above, Ali Brady is actually two people! In addition to being co-authors, we’re also BFFs—so it probably isn’t a surprise that we LOVE books that feature strong female friendships.
While our books fall into the beach read and romance category, they all have strong elements of sisterhood and friendship, including our latest novel, UNTIL NEXT SUMMER. It tells the story of Jessie and Hillary, former camp best friends who come together to help save their beloved camp, and their friendship (both finding love along the way).
Here are a few of our favorite books that really capture the power of strong female friendships.
Just For The Summer by Abby Jimenez
While this romance novel focuses on the story of Emma and Justin (Toilet King, forever!) there is a second strong love story in the novel: the friendship between the leading lady and her BFF Maddy. These two women are more like sisters than friends, and the way they support each other through the ups and downs of love and life is so beautiful, it may have made us shed a tear or two!
The Mostly True Story of Tanner and Louise by Colleen Oakley
A twenty-something woman who’s down on her luck and an octagenarian whose nudgy daughter insists she gets live-in help after a fall—you wouldn’t think these two would have much in common. But when the two take off on a cross-country road trip running from the law, a beautiful, unlikely friendship is born. We loved this multi-generational story of how these two women help each other face their pasts and figure out their futures.
Summer of Songbirds by Kristy Woodson Harvey
This story follows three best friends who grew up attending the same summer camp. When they learn that their beloved Camp Holly might have to close, they band together to save it–and come together as friends, too. We love how this story captures the complexity of decades-long friendships and how important they are. And obviously, we’re here for the summer camp vibes!
The Summer List by Amy Mason Doan
While we love second-chance love stories, there’s a special place in our heart for stories about second-chance friendships—including this one! BFFs Laura and Casey had a falling out 17 years ago, and when life brings them back together, they get pulled into a nostalgic scavenger hunt like the ones they did every summer growing up. As the game brings the two back together, the clues unravel a shocking secret that threatens to tear them apart again…
One Last Summer by Kate Spencer
Another summer camp novel, this one follows thirtysomething Clara, who is struggling with career burnout, as she gathers with her friends for what might be the very last camp reunion. Clara has immediate sparks with her old camp nemesis/crush, Mack, but one of the most beautiful relationships in the story is between Clara and her very pregnant friend Sam. It’s a beautiful reminder that our strongest childhood friendships can grow with us during the ups and downs of adulthood.
We hope this can help you find the perfect read featuring strong female friendships to enjoy this summer. Each one would make a great buddy read for you and your BFF. Happy reading!
