The long lazy days of summer have arrived and nothing says summer better than lounging by the pool or on the beach with a good book (and a cold cocktail) in hand. With so many books and authors out there, sometimes it can feel like a never-ending maze when you’re looking for your next good read. This summer, why not dive into the incredible world of local Tennessee authors? Tennessee is home to many popular writers across all genres and some you may be surprised you didn’t know had ties to your home state!
Below are some of Tennessee’s most celebrated authors with some seriously good reads behind their names to get your summer reading off to a great start.
10 Tennessee Authors To Add To Your Summer Reading List
JT Ellison – If you enjoy twisty, psychological thrillers any of JT Ellison’s books will surely deliver. A proud Nashville resident, JT is a New York Times best-selling author and her books will stay with you long after you turn the final page.
Summer Reading Rec: A Very Bad Thing
Lauren Thoman – Lauren is the author of one of the most popular debut novels in recent years. I’ll Stop The World was and still is on everyone’s GoodReads list and was named a finalist for the Tennessee Book Award in 2023. Her latest book You Shouldn’t Be Here is a touching read with a twist you won’t see coming. She lives just outside of Nashville with her husband and two kiddos (and lots of foster dogs).
Summer Reading Rec: I’ll Stop the World
Ann Patchett – Ann Patchett has become synonymous with Nashville thanks to her beloved bookstore Parnassus. Full-time bookstore owner, full-time writer and full-time Nashville resident, Ann has written several books all of which have received critical acclaim. Her books are thought-provoking and insightful with a touch of family drama.
Summer Reading Rec: Tom Lake
Karen Kingsbury – Karen Kingsbury has been hailed as one of today’s leading Christian fiction authors. Her love of the Nashville area shines through the pages of her books as several of her stories are set in Nashville and Franklin. Her books are equal parts heart-wrenching and redemptive so keep the Kleenex handy.
Summer Reading Rec: Someone Like You
Robert Hicks – An early resident of the sleepy town of Leiper’s Fork, TN that sits about 30 minutes south of Nashville, Robert Hicks’ name became known throughout the literary world thanks to his brilliant debut novel The Widow of the South. His love of history and passion for historic preservation are what propelled the birth of Hicks’ writing career. The Widow of the South and his equally enthralling novels A Separate Country and The Orphan Mother are sure to deepen your love of historical fiction.
Summer Reading Rec: The Widow of the South
Elizabeth Bass Parman – A native Nashvillian, Elizabeth began her writing career in middle school and received her Master’s in education from Belmont University. Her debut novel The Empress of Cooke County is equal parts cringey and hilarious highlighting the charm, wit and subtle snootiness of the South.
Summer Reading Rec: The Empress of Cooke County
Sarah Young – Born and raised in Nashville, Sarah Young is known as one of the most successful contemporary Christian authors in history and led many to deepen their walk of faith. Sarah brought hope to millions of people around the world with her original devotional Jesus Calling, which debuted in 2004.
Summer Reading Rec: Jesus Calling
Jenny Hale – Are you a sucker for Hallmark movies and meet-cutes? Then Jenny Hale is the author for you! She’s got two books-turned-Hallmark-Original-Movies in addition to her 10+ “dreamy summer romance” novels. Jenny resides in Nashville and you’ll find her hometown and iconic southern beach destinations (hello Outerbanks and 30A) as the perfect co-stars in her novels.
Summer Reading Rec: The Golden Hour
Alice Randall – While not a native Nashvillian, Alice has certainly made her mark on the city and its people. She now calls Nashville home and has an honorary doctorate from Fisk University and serves as a Vanderbilt University faculty member. While her novels may not be easy breezy beach reads, they will take you on a journey into another world.
Summer Reading Rec: The Wind Done Gone
Hannah Whitten – Romantasy has taken center stage in the literary world which is Hannah Whitten’s bread and butter. A resident of Tennessee, Hannah has been writing since she could hold a pen and her debut novel For The Wolf (a magical take on Little Red Riding Hood) was an instant best-seller. Her novels are equal parts fun, mystical and thrilling.
Summer Reading Rec: The Foxglove King
