Summer is in full swing here at The Sivel Group, and while we’re always passionate about helping clients find their dream homes, we also believe in the power of a good book to inspire and connect us.
Usually, we feature one Book of the Month, but for July, we decided to mix things up. After all, summer is the perfect time to dig your toes in the sand, curl up in a hammock, and dive into a story that moves you.
This month, several of our agents have chosen a book that has captured their imagination. From historical mysteries to empowering biographies, our selections are as diverse and engaging as our team. If you’re looking for something to add to your beach bag or bedside table, here are seven stories to savor all season long:
🌟 The Compound by Aisling Rawle
Selected by Holly Reynolds
Looking for a psychological thriller with bite? The Compound delivers. What begins as a seemingly perfect wellness retreat soon unravels into a tense, claustrophobic maze of secrets and lies. As the characters discover, some sanctuaries are anything but safe.
🔍 Perfect for: Fans of suspense, locked-room mysteries, and twisty plots that demand just one more chapter.
🌲 North Woods by Daniel Mason
Selected by Jean Gadra
Spanning centuries, North Woods traces the haunting, beautiful stories of those who inhabit a single house deep in the New England wilderness. From colonial settlers to present-day dreamers, Daniel Mason weaves a tapestry of love, loss, and the secrets that bind us to place. Part ghost story, part historical epic, this novel is an unforgettable exploration of how the past lives on in the walls around us.
🍂 Perfect for: Fans of rich, atmospheric storytelling that lingers long after the last page.
🌳 Wilding by Isabella Tree
Selected by Anna Woodward
Step into the wild. Wilding is an inspiring true story of ecological rebirth, chronicling the radical rewilding of a 3,500-acre farm in England. Part memoir, part manifesto, Isabella Tree’s account invites us to rethink our relationship with the natural world—and what happens when we let nature take the lead.
🌱 Perfect for: Nature lovers, environmentalists, and anyone who’s ever wondered how to help heal the land.
💖 Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano
Selected by Christie Jones
If you were ever moved by Little Women, you’ll fall headfirst into Hello Beautiful. This luminous novel explores the fierce, complicated bonds of four unforgettable sisters bound by love, ambition, and the scars of the past. It’s a sweeping portrait of devotion, forgiveness, and the families we build and rebuild.
🌿 Perfect for: Readers who want to laugh, cry, and call their own sisters when they turn the final page.
👠 Becoming Madam Secretary by Stephanie Day
Selected by Ronnie Montgomery
An empowering blend of biography and behind-the-scenes political drama, Becoming Madam Secretary follows the remarkable rise of a woman from modest beginnings to one of the most powerful seats in government. It’s a tribute to ambition, sacrifice, and the grit it takes to shatter glass ceilings.
💼 Perfect for: Readers who admire trailblazers and crave stories about women who refuse to sit quietly.
😊 The Happiness Advantage by Shawn Achor
Selected by Mark Malfara
Backed by groundbreaking research, The Happiness Advantage proves that happiness isn’t the result of success—it’s the cause. Shawn Achor shows how positive thinking can improve performance, strengthen relationships, and help you thrive both personally and professionally. Packed with actionable tips and a dash of humor, this book is a must-read for anyone ready to rewire their mindset.
💡 Perfect for: Readers who want to build resilience, find more joy, and unlock their full potential.
📚✨ The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon
Selected by Jennifer Rinella
Bundle up and prepare to be transported to 1789 Maine. The Frozen River is a spellbinding historical mystery following midwife Martha Ballard as she uncovers a chilling murder that could upend her entire community. Part courtroom drama, part survival tale, this story will keep you turning the pages late into the night—and maybe keep you peeking over your shoulder.
🔥 Perfect for: Lovers of strong heroines, rich period detail, and suspense that won’t let go.
📖 Let us know your thoughts!
All month long, we’ll be sharing posts on our social media channels, from each of these inspiring reads. Whether you pick up one book or all seven, we’d love to hear what you're thinking and see what’s on your own summer reading list.
Happy reading! 📚
