Looking for some amazing summer books to get lost in while you soak up the rays? There’s nothing like sitting outdoors, by the water, feet tucked in the sand, and losing yourself in a great thriller, historical fiction or a sweep-you-off-your-feet romance. If you’re on the hunt for the best beach and cottage reads for your getaway or staycation, check out the books that we’re looking forward to reading this summer!
1. True Biz by Sara Nović
Released in April of this year, True Biz has been one of the most anticipated books of the year. This novel is not as light as some of the other titles on our list. However, it’s filled with characters that draw you in with their stories and introduce you to their world. It follows a year in the life of a teacher and her students at a boarding school for the deaf. Their experiences and stories are weaved and tangled together during a year of love and loss, and political and personal challenges. Most importantly, the book is about joy and standing up for yourself and what you believe in.
2. This Time Tomorrow by Emma Straub
New York Times bestselling author Emma Straub offers us a unique twist on the traditional time travel story with her latest novel. In This Time Tomorrow, she inspires readers to imagine taking a vacation to their own past as she tells the story of Alice, who on her 40th birthday wakes up and discovers she’s back in 1996, and reliving her 16th birthday instead. Alice isn’t unhappy with her life, but her dad is unwell and she feels as if there is something missing in her life. Time travelling has given Alice’s life and experiences new meaning, but will she change anything in her past? Pick up this heartfelt, insightful and humorous book to find out!
3. Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
Shelby Van Pelt’s debut novel, Remarkably Bright Creatures, is a charming, witty and tenderhearted story of a widow who befriends a giant Pacific octopus. Tova’s loneliness after her husband’s death is transformed by a connection to her eight-armed friend, Marcellus. He lives at Sowell Bay Aquarium where she works the night shift. She confides in Marcellus about her eighteen-year-old son who vanished on a boat over 30 years ago, and discovers that humans don’t have all the answers. Her octopus friend helps her discover what happened that night, and helps her look back at the past in order to uncover a future that could be just as beautiful.
4. Book Lovers by Emily Henry
Book Lovers is the perfect beach read! You’ll easily get lost in both the romantic story line and the sisterly love between Nora and Libby. Nora is a busy literary agent in New York City who always makes time for her clients, but not enough time for herself. So her sister steps in and convinces her to take a trip to Sunshine Falls, North Carolina, to help Nora take a break and become the heroine in her own story. But instead of finding a cute country doctor or rugged bartender in this small town, Nora is continually bumping into Charlie, a book editor she knows from New York. The playful banter and undeniable chemistry between Nora and Charlie make this book the ultimate beach read!
5. Daughter of the Moon Goddess by Sue Lynn Tan
If an epic fantasy is what you want to read this summer, Daughter of the Moon Goddess is the book for you! This debut by Sue Lynn Tan focuses on Xingyin’s quest to free her mother, the moon goddess, from her banishment by the ruthless Celestial Emperor. The novel takes us into an intricate world weaved with rich culture, magic, suspense and mythology. Xingyin disguises herself while mastering archery and magic alongside the emperor’s son, even as the passion heats up between her and the prince. It’s an electrifying story that will stir your emotions and suck you in, in the most wonderful of ways!
6. Every Summer After by Carley Fortune
Every Summer After is a beautifully written story told over moments in the past and present. Persephone Fraser used to spend her summers in cottage country, working at Sam’s family restaurant, until she made the biggest mistake of her life a decade ago in Barry’s Bay. She never thought she’d return to the lake and into the life of Sam Florek. That is until she received the call that had her racing back there. Her visit back to the lake proves to her that their connection and chemistry is still undeniable. If you are looking for a superbly romantic story that reminds you how much people and the choices we make can mark us so profoundly, this is the book for you!
7. Counterfeit by Kirstin Chen
This is a delightfully fun feminist caper that you’ll want to pack for the cottage! Counterfeit follows two Asian American women who have banded together to grow a fake handbag business and turn it into a global enterprise. This provocative story is clever and fast-paced, and will keep you turning the pages to see what the heroines get up to next! You’ll be mesmerized by Ava and Winnie. These two strong women refuse to accept the roles they’ve been assigned in life, and are unapologetic about changing stereotypes. In this captivating story, you can’t help but cheer them on!
8. The Long Weekend by Gilly Macmillan
This one’s for the psychological thriller fans out there! The Long Weekend is a dark and exhilarating story set in the remote Dark Fell Barn in England. A group of women are tricked into believing their weekend escape will be a nice getaway. Instead, when they arrive at the barn, they discover a disturbing note that one of their husbands will be killed before they make it back home. There are three couples, two bodies and one secret. As the panic sets in, the betrayal commences in all its forms. This one’s a page-turner that will have you hooked with all its twisty and dark goodness!
9. The Daughter of Doctor Moreau by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Bestselling author Silvia Moreno-Garcia brings us another highly anticipated book, The Daughter of Doctor Moreau, set in nineteenth-century Mexico. It is filled with romance, thrilling action, and creatures that are part human and part animal. Now who can resist that? In this retelling of The Island of Doctor Moreau, Carlota Moreau, daughter of a reclusive genius/madman, lives with her father in a luxurious estate. One day, she receives a visit from the son of Dr. Moreau’s patrons. His visit reveals family secrets and ignites a passion in her that makes for a highly intriguing story! Release date: July 19
10. Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow is an intricate novel about two childhood best friends who come together as creative partners to create a video game that catapults them into fame and fortune overnight. Sam and Sadie are college juniors who love each other, but have never dated one another. After designing their blockbuster video game, their bond is tested like it never has been before. Their wild success brings happiness, tragedy and betrayal, and their lives are forever changed. The novel spans 30 years of Sam’s and Sadie’s lives, and reminds us of the human need for connection and the need to love and be loved.
Grow Your Summer Books Reading List
Want more books to add to your summer? We have more recommendations for you to check out in this post.
