Elated to welcome back one of the queens of summer reads, Annabel Monaghan. These conversations are always among my favorites, and I’m endlessly grateful that Annabel continues to return to celebrate her books with me. She has such a gift for making every story feel deeply personal, like a place you’ve known or people you’ve grown up beside, while remaining so grounded, warm, and relatable.

This year, I am screaming from the rooftops about Dolly All the Time. Newly selected as the June GMA Book Club pick, this is going to be the book of the summer — the ultimate beach accessory, if you ask me. I told Annabel it may be my favorite book she’s written, which is saying a lot, but also one of my all-time favorite reads. Yes, I said it.

Why? Because Annabel captured something so specific and nostalgic for me. The setting felt so close to home, and the characters reminded me of people I grew up with. I was instantly transported back to summers by the ocean, to that unmistakable feeling of home and memory colliding. If you grew up near the water, you’ll understand exactly what I mean.

We talked about the inspiration behind the novel, the pull of the ocean, the beautiful dedication to caregivers, and so much more. Honestly, I didn’t want the conversation to end.

Dolly will stay with me all summer long because it is a reminder of humanity, humor, and love — all the things we need most right now.