5 Fiction Books Set On Or Around The 4th Of July To Add To Your Summer TBR

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There's something so exciting and even magical about reading a story that takes place in the exact same season you're living through. You know that feeling when it's snowing outside, and your home smells like the holidays, you just want to curl up and read a story that's unfolding in a wintery wonderland. If you're one of those mood readers or simply love matching the vibe of your read to your calendar, then you know how much it elevates the overall reading experience. 

With summer in full swing, there's a holiday that brings all of us Americans together and it's Independence Day. Fireworks, BBQs, a cool drink in hand, and a great book to dive into while you're getting sun-kissed is all you really need. And sure, there are thousands of books about summer you can choose from, but why not try diving into something that takes place on the exact holiday being celebrated? 

That's why we did what we do best and put together a list of fictional books for our readers that are set on or around the Fourth of July. And we can make one promise to you, and it's that there's a read for every kind of reader on this list. From a cinematic historical fiction to an edge-of-your-seat thriller, these books will keep you busy and entertained during the Fourth of July holiday.

If your favorite genre is mystery and thrillers, this first book is a must-add to your TBR. "We Are Guilty Here" was the one of the top Karin Slaughter thrillers that reviewers agree you need to read. It's a mind-bending thriller that begins on the night of a Fourth of July fireworks celebration in a small town where everyone is trying their best to hide something. It's the first book of Slaughter's North Falls series, and it's one of those chilling thrillers that'll stay with you long after you've finished the story. 

This read is perfect for your holiday weekend because Slaughter does an excellent job integrating the eerie disappearance of two girls with the booming, chaotic, typical Independence Day celebration. Instead of the holiday just serving as background detail for the unfolding plot, the festive and distracting atmosphere is what gives the entire story its tension. 

Overall, readers say it's just the perfect thriller for summer. It's one of those works that'll keep you in the dark until the very last page. An Amazon reviewer gave the book five stars, saying, "A gripping summer whodunit packed with jaw-dropping twists and turns. Just when you think you've figured it out—WHAM—another revelation changes everything." 

Now, if you're feeling the thriller & mystery genre for your Fourth of July weekend read, but you don't want something as emotionally taxing as "We Are All Guilty Here," then you'll want to opt for "Knee High By The Fourth of July" by Jess Lourey. A part of the author's Murder by Month series, this book is as cozy as a cozy mystery can get. It's a murder mystery, but we promise you'll be laughing a lot more than getting anxious about what might happen next in the plot. 

The story takes place during a small town's July 4th weekend celebration and kicks off with a crime that might have you thinking, "What in the world?" A massive and iconic town monument vanishes into thin air. The local reporter jumps to investigate, but one thing will lead to another, and before she knows it, she's dealing with a kidnapping and murder. 

"Knee High By Fourth of July" may not be a dark and gritty thriller or a literary masterpiece, but readers love it for what it is: a cozy, no-frills mystery. It's an easy read that delivers a fun puzzle without taking itself too seriously. A Goodreads reviewer gave the book five stars, noting, "Even the title had me smiling...cute plot..easy read..."

Alright, we're well aware not everyone wants to be reading a classic whodunnit, even if it's a cozy one. So, if you'd much rather be reading about a young summer romance, then K.L. Walther's "The Summer of Broken Rules" is a YA book that even adults can enjoy during the Fourth of July weekend. Set in the ultimate American summer backdrop, Martha's Vineyard, the story takes place over a week leading up to the Fourth of July. 

Just like any other summer, Meredith Fox and her family head to Martha's Vineyard, but it's the first one without her sister. While there's supposed to be excitement around her cousin's picture-perfect summer wedding, Meredith can't help but feel empty and alone amidst the celebration. Perhaps her family's tradition of a week-long game of Assassin will be the ultimate distraction she needs or the perfect excuse for a summer fling, and maybe even more. 

Readers who loved Jenny Han's "The Summer I Turned Pretty" will adore this book. An Amazon reviewer rated the book four stars and concluded her review by saying, "Overall, this book was a great summer read, and I definitely recommend if you're a Swiftie and/or you're looking for a summer [vibe] read (especially post 'The Summer I Turned Pretty' show binge like me)." It's a cute summer love story that's perfect for those who just want to relax and escape from reality during their Fourth of July weekend. 

Next on our list is a book by Jennifer Weiner, and this shouldn't be a surprise. How could we have a summer book list without including any works from one of the iconic queens of beach reads? Now, be forewarned that the book we're introducing isn't a light read like her books, "Big Summer" and "Goodnight Nobody." It leans towards a more thought-provoking narrative that deals with heavy themes like trauma, sexual assault, and the power of female friendship. 

Weiner's "That Summer" is one of those books that proves beach reads can still cut deep, and it's the perfect holiday weekend pick as the core event of the story unfolds over a fateful Fourth of July weekend. If you're up for something more impactful than your typical summer romance stories and you're prepared to be emotionally invested, then this is the book you need to add to your TBR.

An Amazon reviewer gave the book five stars, and praised the author: "Weiner always tackles an issue head-on, explores it, explains it, and deals with it without being 'preachy,' or superior...I hope you will read this book; it is certainly worth your time." While the subjects discussed in the book are a bit heavy, many readers felt the story never loses its heart, and the usual Weiner warmth shines through on every page. 

We can't have a list of fiction books set on or around the most patriotic holiday without a historical fiction, so we bring you "Rise to Rebellion" by Jeff Shaara. This book takes readers back to the birth of our very nation ,and you'll be living the years leading straight to the summer of 1776. The first of a two-book series on the American Revolution, Shaara tells the story of the events that led up to our independence through the eyes of those who lived it. 

From John Adams to George Washington, get ready for a front-row experience of the birth of the land of the free and the home of the brave. If you slept through your U.S. history class or just want a refresher of our country's past in a non-dry textbook way, this is the book you'll want to immerse yourself into for the Fourth of July weekend. 

A five-star Goodreads reviewer wrote, "History comes alive in this novel that takes us from March 1770 through the signing of the Declaration of Independence...I did learn a few new things and had my memory refreshed on assorted others." The book is more than 500 pages, but many readers say the cinematic storytelling makes it easy to follow. So it won't be one of those books you're constantly having to read a line over and over again to understand.

For this list, we opted to diversify our selections when it came to genre. The reason? Well, while we're all celebrating the same iconic American holiday, our individual reading tastes are beautifully unique. Not everyone is going to want to read about the events that led up to the birth of our country or dive into a breezy beach love story that takes place in a location that's pure Americana. 

This list had to honor the American ways, so of course, we wanted everyone to have the freedom to choose their own kind of escape. Whether it's a cozy whodunnit or a historical fiction told from the perspective of our Founding Fathers, this list leaves the ultimate choice up to you. 

Of course, we didn't just include any book that is set on or around our Independence Day. Once we had a strong shortlist of picks that were perfect for this list, we jumped into vetting reviews for each book. As usual, we relied on Amazon and Goodreads reviews and preferred to only include picks that had an overwhelmingly positive reader reaction. With that, we're happy to present our readers with the five books you might want to consider adding to your TBR ahead of the Fourth of July holiday.