There are books for fall, and there are books for winter. Here are a few books that are great to read in the summer (note to self: make a list of books for… spring).
Rather than list a handful of new books coming out this summer, I’ve made a short list of books that have existed for a while (and some for a very long time) so you can easily get your hands on these at your local library if you’re trying to save that coin.
These are books that either take place in the summer, have some kind of summery theme, or I just find enjoyable to read this time of year! Without further rambling….
One Perfect Couple by Ruth Ware
Are you a fan of mystery novels? A secret (or proud) fan of reality tv? If either of these things are your guilty or not-so-guilty pleasures, you’ll enjoy One Perfect Couple. Set on a tropical island, our protagonist finds herself joining her actor boyfriend on a show that is part Love Island, part Survivor with four other couples.
Of course, where there’s a mystery there’s murder, and islanders start dying. Throw in a storm and no access to the mainland, and we have quite the situation. If you’re a fan of Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None, you’ll love this take on the famous novel.
Read this while travelling or simply with a tropical cocktail this summer for a juicy read!
The Au Pair by Emma Rous
Here our protagonist Seraphine is going through her late father’s belongings when she finds a family photograph that raises some serious questions. The photo was taken on the day Seraphine and her twin brother were born, but in the photo, her mother is sitting with a young son, while holding one baby. Why is there only one twin in the photo? And who is this child?!?!
This story shifts from present day to the past and is quite the whirlwind! I don’t know if it’s because the novel takes place on the family’s estate on the Norfolk coast, or the fact Seraphine and her brother were born in the middle of summer, but I love reading this book during hot weather.
Read this while at the cottage, or simply sitting outside your home with a cozy treat.
World of Pies by Karen Stolz
I borrowed this book from the library in elementary school and then spent about twenty years (literally) trying to remember the title of the book so I could read it again. It’s no longer in my library system I believe (hopefully you’ll have better luck), so I ended up buying it on Amazon for the nostalgia factor. And oh, the nostalgia!
Taking place in the 1960s in a small town Texas, this is a coming of age story for our protagonist Roxanne. This book is filled with love, laughter, and death, and honestly just such a good read to remember what it was like to be a child and teen.
Recipes are included in this book and you must absolutely read it with a piece of pie.
The Color Purple by Alice Walker
Everyone should read this book, point blank. It is so heart wrenching, and such an important book. This is a heavy read but really worth it.
In rural Georgia in the early 1900s, Celie, an African-American girl, is abused by her father and writes letters to God. Her father marries her to a farmer who also mistreats her. Shug, the farmer’s long-time mistress, moves in and this begins the relationship with Celie and Shug. I won’t give away the rest of the plot, but this is definitely a book that will make you think about your life and empathize with the characters.
Read this on your porch or in your backyard with a glass of iced tea!
Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
One of my favourite books of all time, the first book of the Anne series will forever be another classic. An orphaned girl joins Aunt Marilla and her brother Matthew and you’ll follow Anne through her adventures. From getting teased, to daydreaming, to accidentally getting her best friend drunk, Anne is a heroine for the woman’s heart!
This book is a reminder of simpler times, so it would be great to read while at the cottage or on vacation in a small town. If you’re not planning on doing either this summer, read it with a glass or cordial (or wine heh) and enjoy!
I hope you enjoyed this little list – I know I had fun writing it and now want to re-read all these books. Typical. Stay tuned for future lists like this – I now plan to do a list for spring reads, as well as books everyone should read in their lifetime.
I hope this summer treats you well, and even if it doesn’t, you have a great book to escape to.