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There’s something magical about summer reading. While you’re relaxing in the sun or curling up for a lazy afternoon, reading a good book can transport you to another place. We know our readers can get their next favorite book right away. So we asked our community of passionate, thoughtful, and well-read readers to find out which stories they keep coming back to. And as always, you delivered.
From refreshing beach reads to moving memoirs, thrillers, and summery novels, this list has it all. These books are what I reach for when I want to escape, find inspiration, or just immerse myself in a beautiful story. Whether you’re packing your carry-on or planning a staycation, these 27 favorites will be with you all season long.
Summer reading in your own words
historical novel
the shell seekers Rosamund Pilcher
The perfect long summer novel! —Helen G.
The Drifters Written by James Michener
I loved the soul-searching of young people traveling to foreign lands. —Elle V.
winemakers Written by Jean Morin
Female entrepreneurship, wine, adventure, romance, and a little mystery all in one book! —Melissa L.
go like a river Written by Sherry Reed
There’s something about books that draws you in early on. You won’t get bored reading a book outside with an iced coffee while your toddler naps. This did it for me. I liked that it wasn’t strictly set in a specific genre and followed a young woman’s perspective (which I always support). And to be honest, I couldn’t resist the peach on the cover. It really screamed summer. —Lisbeth C.
women Written by Kristin Hanna
Kristin Hannah never misses women is no exception. As a nurse and a lover of historical fiction, I was completely captivated by the powerful stories of the often overlooked women who served in Vietnam. Hannah’s writing is both heartbreaking and empowering, reminding us that heroism is not limited to the battlefield, but also lives in the courage and compassion of women. A must-read book this summer.—Mary Ann R.
Summerlee beach Written by Beatrice Williams
Couldn’t put it down. Great characters and an interesting period in history that isn’t often written about in fiction. A perfect beach read for anyone looking for a little history of romance and scandal. —Emily L.
modern novel
maine Written by J. Courtney Sullivan
maine is a multigenerational family drama filled with secrets, sibling rivalry, and Catholic guilt set in a beach house on the coast of Maine. With four complex narrators in Alice, Kathleen, Anne-Marie, and Maggie, everyone is going to love (and hate) them. —Jamie D.
colony Written by Ann Rivers Siddon
A retro book, yes, a classic family story set on the coast of Maine. My friends and I come back to this every summer. —Carolyn H.
women basking in the sun Written by Frances Mays
I first read this book in late summer 2018, and while it does have a “buying a retirement home in Tuscany” aspect to it, the real appeal lies in its dreamy, sometimes over-the-top inspiration for people of all life stages. It taught me how to improve my hosting through what I call “life episodes,” which include beautifully detailed descriptions of food, scenery, and simple gatherings. I reread it every summer as a mid-year reset. —Trisha D.
This summer will be different Written by Carly Fortune
The perfect combination of romance, female friendship, flowers, and personal growth. —Tess P.
five star weekend Written by Elin Hilderbrand
It offers everything from romance, mystery, drama, and unexpected twists. Very good! ! —Anne S.
The Hotel Nantucket Written by Elin Hilderbrand
It’s a super fun glimpse into Nantucket’s dreamy summer with a twist. —Charlotte M.
tom lake Written by Ann Patchett
Easy to read during the summer season, this sweet and wholesome story has a subtle message for women of all ages. Ann Patchett expertly weaves timelines and characters to keep you hooked, while the content remains as light as a flickering light on water. —Drea P.
sterling darling Written by Erica Vipond
I’m a local Austin writer, and this story is about a complicated mother-daughter relationship, but it’s also an enigmatic mystery about a trip across Europe that captures the romanticism of Rome and Amsterdam in the spring. —Erica V.
paper palace by miranda cowley heller
paper palace It drew me in from the first page with its hazy, salt-soaked Cape Cod landscapes and emotional honesty. The film follows a woman caught between the life she created and the life she could have been, and is a deeply relatable exploration of memory, choice, and the beauty of the present. Warm, poignant, and richly written, this book is perfect for a summer afternoon read. —Melissa S.
good life by Virginie Grimaldi
This movie is a story about family, love, the past, relationships, and I love the way the French way of life is portrayed in this movie, with families gathering in summer destinations like Biarritz. The author is a French bestseller that I’ve been reading for over 10 years, and he has a way of making you feel the story and smile in every book you read. —Miriam C.
romance
I’m serious — underrated. This book has the biggest plot twist of all time. —Deborah C.
unhomely goddess by sophie kinsella
I keep coming back to this book because it’s a beautiful reminder of what’s really important. Funny, engaging, and full of heart in Sophie Kinsella’s signature style, this book is the perfect read for anyone feeling burnt out. —Sharon C.
The Leaf Written by Nora Roberts
I reread it every summer. Beaches, diving, curses, adventure, and romance. —Candace B.
mystery
Charitable Society for Women with Bad Manners Written by Alison Goodman
It’s funny, romantic, feminist, and totally charming. I could spend an entire holiday just reading about the adventures of this brave and intelligent woman as she travels around London, helping women in need and meeting a mysterious, resourceful man. —Diana E.
shadow of wind by carlos luis zafon
What better summer read than a book that transports you to another place and time? Hello Barcelona! Filled with fascinating characters, mysteries, intrigue, and a library labyrinth, shadow of the wind This is truly a page-turner. It’s an immersive escape, especially if you’re not planning on going to Spain this summer. —Leila W.
we were liars Written by E. Lockhart
A highly emotional story set in an island villa, it immerses you in the season to the point where you feel like you’re on the beach with the characters. —Megan N.
humor/satire
Hey ladies! Written by Michelle Markowitz and Caroline Moss
If you often start your messages with “Hey Ladies!”, then no matter your age, you’ll love this book. This is a light, fun, laugh-out-loud read, relatable, and highly creative, told entirely through email, text, DM, etc. —Liz B.
crazy rich asian trilogy Written by Kevin Kwan
The images are amazing and it’s easy to get immersed in this beautiful and luxurious world that most of us can only imagine. The characters are richly developed and have much more depth than in the film adaptation. I love this trilogy so much that I’ve already read it twice and plan to read it again this summer. —Natalie K.
others
This is a new book, not a classic, but it strikes the perfect balance between literary and refreshing. And it affirms that there is no age at which life “ends.” There are always new adventures waiting for you if you keep an open mind. —Megan J.
This may be a book for intermediate readers, but don’t be discouraged from reading this beautiful, lyrical story of 13-year-old Sophie, who crosses the ocean to England to meet her grandpa, and discovers herself along the way. There’s a bit of adventure, a bit of mystery, and plenty of gorgeous and evocative descriptions of the sea and dreamy islands that Sophie visits. If you can’t go to the beach this summer, reading this book is the next best thing. —Kathryn L.
gift from the sea Written by Anne Morrow Lindbergh
This book was written in 1955 and is still relevant to women today. I reread it every summer. —Brenda L.
Source: Camille Styles – camillestyles.com
