Is it too early to call these blazing afternoons the "dog days" of summer? The stars may say so, but we're going to go ahead and do it anyway. Fortunately, we know the very best way to beat the heat: Stay inside with a great new book, like one of the recent releases we're featuring below. Only one is actually about a dog. But there's another one about bones, which we think should count for something. And all of them are perfect summer reads. Enjoy!

There's nothing quite like that special bookshop smell. (Just ask Rory Gilmore.) Lately, our shelves have been positively perfumed by the sweet scent of summer reading. There have been so many wonderful new releases hitting our shelves that are just perfect for road trips, the beach, or just a lazy summer afternoon with a glass of iced tea and a comfortable chair. Below, we've rounded up a few of our newest favorites, for readers of all ages. There's romance, friendship, adventure, history, and magic to be found below. Breathe deep, and dig in.