Hello there, bookworms! It’s been a bit. Summer is flying by and I’ve been running non-stop for what feels like ages. I hope you’re all continuing to stay safe as the pandemic continues – but are also trying to have some semblance of fun at the same time.
At work I’ve been putting together a list of some favorite reads to include in your beach bag for that last minute getaway or an afternoon at the pool so I wanted to share that list here as well because why not? I don’t know about you, but I always enjoy a book suggestion of any kind at any time!
Let’s dive in –
Verity by Colleen Hoover
Verity is a thrilling page-turner from start to finish. Floundering writer Lowen Ashleigh is hired by Jeremy Crawford, husband of famous author Verity Crawford, to finish her book series when the author is left severely injured. Verity’s creepy twists and turns will leave you on the edge of your seat with chills running down your spine. Hoover brilliantly keeps you searching to uncover the truth until the very last sentence.
The Real Deal by Lauren Blakely
The Real Deal is the perfect lounge chair read. In fact, I read most of this story on a particularly laid back Saturday floating around in a tube at my friend’s pool. Romance novel fans will swoon over the quirky boyfriend-for-hire trope that transforms into something so much more. It’ll give you all the feel-good, fuzzy emotions of a cheery Hallmark movie.
A Court of Thorns and Roses (A Court of Thorns and Roses series) by Sarah J. Maas
If you’re looking to lose yourself in a world of fantasy, this is the series for you. Yep – I said series! Enter a massive world of magic, faeries, war, and romance created by Maas that will leave you devouring not just one but all four of her huge books centered around this world without so much as blinking an eye.
The Girl in 6E (The Deanna Madden series) by A. R. Torre
For a healthy dose of thrills and chills, this book reads like Dexter meets Fifty Shades. Torre’s Deanna Madden series is fast paced, twisted, sensual, and dark. It’s the perfect contrast to a perfectly sunny day at the beach and begs the question, Can you sympathize with a killer?
Breaking Night: A Memoir of Forgiveness, Survival, and My Journey from Homeless to Harvard by Liz Murray
Liz is born to drug-addicted parents and must learn to fend for herself at an early age. From living in a girls’ home to scraping by night-after-night on the streets of NYC, Liz’s resilience and determination to finish high school pays off big time with an acceptance to the Ivy League. An inspiring true story, Murray encourages you to prevail in anything you do – no matter the obstacle.
The Great Gatsbyby F. Scott Fitzgerald
I have to include Gatsby in this list. Not only is it a long-standing personal favorite of mine, but it’s a quintessential beach read. Prohibition, the roaring 20s, corrupt characters, and Gatsby’s extravagant, glittering parties have enchanting summer undertones laced all throughout its pages.
Outlander (The Outlander series) by Diana Gabaldon
Transport yourself to another time and place with this addicting monster of a series from Gabaldon. Claire Randall is a former WWII army combat nurse who is enjoying a second honeymoon in the Scottish Highlands with her husband, Frank. When she accidentally touches a standing stone at Craig Na Dun, she’s sent back in time to 1743 where she meets the dashing King of Men, Jamie Fraser. Book nine in the series debuts this winter and even better news – the series is also a hit show streaming on both Starz and Netflix!
Clanlands: Whisky, Warfare, and a Scottish Adventure Like No Otherby Sam Heughan and Graham McTavish
Okay, so I’m keeping a bit on the Outlander theme with this one. If you want to go somewhere without actually having to pack your bags and travel, this peek into the mystical lands and history of Scotland is not only insightful – but pretty funny to boot! Outlander co-stars Sam and Graham pack up a retro camper and take all the roads less traveled in this New York Times bestseller! Tip #1: The audiobook version will give you all the giggles. Tip #2: This is also a hit Starz miniseries that is utterly enjoyable on a lazy summer day!
The Raven (The Florentine series) by Sylvain Reynard
Head to Florence, Italy and the Uffizi gallery with Raven Wood to uncover a mysterious Gothic world of Renaissance art and culture and an underworld of vampires. This series can be read on its own, but also has ties to Reynard’s famous Gabriel’s Inferno series which is also worth a read.
My Name is Memory by Ann Brashares
Imagine a love so strong and pure that it literally transcends time. The concept of reincarnation is told through this wonderful story of the tormented Daniel. He’s spent many lives and countless worlds loving the same girl – always to be kept away from her. From the author of The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, this story will have you wondering if Daniel and his Lucy will ever get their long-awaited happily ever after.
I hope this list serves as a starting point as to what to pack for a relaxing day at the beach while you listen to the waves or if you’re just spending a low key day lounging by the pool.
What are some of your favorite books to enjoy during the warmer months? Who are some of your go-to authors?
Until next time, bookworms – stay safe and happy reading! xx
