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There’s something magical about reading in the summer – the way a good book can transport you to another place while you’re relaxing in the sun or snuggling up during a lazy afternoon. We know our readers are never far away from their next favorite read. So, we turned to you – our community of passionate, thoughtful and always well-read book lovers – to find out which stories you read again and again. And as always, you delivered.
From breezy beach books to heartwarming memoirs, thrilling adventures to feel-good summer novels, this list has it all. These are the books you reach for when you want to escape, be inspired, or simply get lost in a beautiful story. So whether you’re packing carry-on or planning a staycation, these 27 favorites will see you through the season.
Summer reading in your own words
historical fiction
By Shell Seekers Rosamund Pilcher
The perfect summer novel! -Helen G.
The self-discovery of these youth during their trip to foreign countries was great. -Elle V.
Female entrepreneurship, wine, adventure, romance and a little mystery – everything you could want in a book! -Melissa L.
There’s something about a book that grabs you right from the start – you know you won’t get bored reading it outside with an iced coffee in hand while your baby is napping. It did that for me. I loved that it wasn’t rigid on any specific genre, followed a young woman’s point of view (which I will always support), and honestly, I couldn’t resist the peach on the cover – it just screamed summer. -Lisbeth C.
Kristin Hannah never misses, and women There is no exception. As a nurse and lover of historical fiction, I was completely captivated by this powerful story of the often overlooked women who served in Vietnam. Hannah’s writing is heart-wrenching and empowering, reminding us that heroism is not limited to the battlefield – it also lives on in the courage and compassion of women. A must read this summer.-Mary Ann R.
beach in summer by Beatriz Williams
Couldn’t put it down. Great characters, and an interesting period of history that isn’t often written about in fiction. The perfect beach read for anyone who likes a bit of history with its romance and scandal. -Emily L.
contemporary story
I A multi-generational family drama filled with secrets, sibling rivalry and Catholic guilt, set in a beach house on the coast of Maine. With four complex narrators – Alice, Kathleen, Ann Marie and Maggie – you’ll love (and hate) them all. -Jamie D.
A retro book, yes, a classic family saga set on the coast of Maine. My friends and I come back to this every summer! -Caroline H.
women in the sun by francis mayes
I first read this book in late summer 2018, and while the ‘buying a retirement villa in Tuscany’ aspect is present, the real charm is its dreamy, sometimes overwhelming inspiration for living, regardless of stage. It showed me how to elevate hosting through what I call ‘life vignettes’, with beautifully detailed descriptions of food, scenery and simple ceremonies. I re-read it every summer as a mid-year reset. -Trisha D.
this summer will be different By Carly Fortune
The perfect combination of romance, female friendship, flowers and personal growth. -Tess P.
five star weekend By Elaine Hilderbrand
It offers everything from romance, mystery, drama and unexpected twists! How nice!! -NS.
Hotel Nantucket By Elaine Hilderbrand
It gives such a fun glimpse of a dreamy summer in Nantucket with a twist! -Charlotte M.
This sweet and wholesome, easy read during the summer season has subtle messages for women of all ages. Ann Patchett skillfully weaves the timeline and characters to keep you engaged, while the content remains light – like twinkling lights on the surface of water. -Drea P.
starling darling By Erica Vipond
I’m a local Austin writer, and while the story explores a complicated mother-daughter relationship, it’s also a wonderful mystery with a travel-filled journey across Europe – reflecting the romanticism of Rome and Amsterdam in the spring. -Erica V.
paper Palace By miranda cowley heller
paper castle With its foggy, salt-soaked Cape Cod setting and emotional honesty it sucked me in from the first page. This is the story of a woman torn between the life she has created and the life she wants to live, a deeply relatable exploration of memory, choice and the beauty of the present. Heartfelt, mournful, and richly written, it is perfect for reading on a summer afternoon. -Melissa S.
a good one life By virginie grimaldi
It’s about family, love, the past and relationships – and I love the French lifestyle portrayed in it, with families gathering in summer destinations like Biarritz. The author, a French best-seller I’ve been reading for over 10 years, has a way of making you feel the story and smile with every book. -Mariam C.
romance
I’m serious—so underestimated. This book has the biggest plot ever. -Deborah C.
The Undomestic Goddess By Sophie Kinsella
I keep returning to this book again and again because it is a beautiful reminder of what really matters. In Sophie Kinsella’s distinctive style, this is the perfect read for anyone feeling tired – witty, charming and heart-filled. -Sharon C.
I re-read it every summer. Beaches, diving, curses, adventure and romance. -Candace B.
Mystery
benevolent society of ill-behaved women by Alison Goodman
Funny, romantic, feminist, and very charming. I could spend my entire holiday reading about the adventures of this brave, intelligent woman who wanders around London helping women in need and constantly bumps into a dashing mystery man. -Diana E.
shadow of Air By carlos ruiz safon
What could be a better summer read than one that transports you to another place and time? Hello, Barcelona! Filled with captivating characters, mystery, intrigue and a library maze, shadow of the wind Is an absolute page-turner. An intense getaway, especially if you’re not going to Spain this summer! -Leela W.
This is a deeply emotional story set in a summer house on an island, which immerses you so completely in the season that you will feel as if you are on the beach with the characters. -Megan N.
Humor Satire
Hey ladies! By Michelle Markowitz and Caroline Moss
If you often find yourself saying “Hey ladies!” Find a message starting with . Then you’ll love this book—no matter your age. It’s a light, fun, laugh-out-loud lesson told entirely via email, text, DM and more – relevant and super creative. -Liz B.
crazy rich Asians Trilogy By Kevin Kwan
Imagination is amazing – it’s easy to lose ourselves in this beautiful, fantastic world most of us can only imagine. The characters are extensively developed, with far more depth than in the film adaptation. I love this trilogy so much, I’ve read it twice already and plan to get into it again this summer. -Natalie K.
miscellaneous
Although this is a new book and not a classic, it strikes the right balance of literary and casual. And it confirms that there is no age when life “ends.” There will always be new adventures to be had if you’re open to them! -Megan J.
This may be a middle-reader book, but don’t let that discourage you from reading thirteen-year-old Sophie’s beautiful, lyrical story of sailing across the ocean to England to meet her grandfather and finding herself along the way. There’s a little adventure, a little mystery, and lots of gorgeous, evocative descriptions of the ocean and the small, dreamy islands Sophie visits. If you can’t go to the beach this summer, reading this book is the next best thing! -Katherine L.
gift from the sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh
This book was written in 1955 and is still relevant for women today. I re-read it every summer. -Brenda L.
