Who has summer on their mind? Happy Friday Friends! We’ll be at the pool this weekend and I can’t help but get excited for our beach vacation next month. There’s just something about being away and on the ocean that gives me a whole new sense of calm. I love it. One of my favorite things to do on vacation is read! If you have a vacation coming up and are in need of some page turners, I’ve got you covered.
I find it interesting that with how often I read, this is only my fourth reading list! (You can see previous ones here, here, and here). But I realized I read quite a few books last summer that I didn’t deem worthy of your time. You’re welcome! Instead, I share only books (unless with a specific note) that I find totally worth it!
Here are some recent favorites:
If you love historical fiction novels with a bit of mystery, this one is for you. Or for anyone interested in visiting Charleston or understanding a bit of its history. I love reading beach reads that take place on beaches ;)
The Secret Keeper by Kate Morton
Have I raved enough about Kate Morton? Another historical fiction spellbinding novel. This one takes place during World War II in the heart of London.
The Time Between by Karen White
I’m really enjoying this author! Here’s another book that takes place on the beach ;) It’s all about sisters and secrets.
I could not put this book down. Every book I’ve found through Reese Witherspoon’s book club has been fabulous. I love the mystery, unraveling secrets, and characters. This one is being made into a movie!
This is a story about 4 friends caught in a very deep lie. I love thrillers and anything that involves sisterhood. I could not put this one down either.
World War II. Strong female characters. Adventure. Secrets. Spies. This checked so many boxes for me. As Goodreads put it, this is a story about courage and redemption.
Did you like The Girl on the Train? This is another chilling tale from the same author. Just as eerie and mysterious. Highly recommend!
I had no idea what to expect with this book. I just knew Reese Witherspoon recommended it and therefore, I’d check it out. This is another mystery (surprise!) that involves sisters and a family tragedy unraveling… It also involves a podcast which is such a new-age thing that I found this extremely interesting! I have yet to try a podcast- but so many friends are totally about them! This story made me realize how powerful they can be.
This story is about a cult and it was chilling. I found myself actually kind of scared while reading it. I haven’t felt that way since my Jo Nesbo days! Page turner for sure.
YES, I’m reading it AGAIN! If you’re looking forward to the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle as much as I am, or if the royals intrigue you in any way, this book is FOR YOU. I love the wit and charm of all the characters. And it makes me want to travel back to London.
Next on my list are all recommendations from my friend Betsy (copied with her notes)! She is my go-to when I’m in need of a new book to read. She’ll even give me recs on what not to read (I hate wasting time!). Basically, she is the best.
best books for summer my favorite beach reads my favorite books summer 2018 beach reading list
This is too funny – I was at the book store just the other day, and recognized “Little Fires Everywhere” so I consulted your past reading lists, sure that that’s where I saw it, and couldn’t find it! And then you write about it two days later…maybe I saw it in person when you were reading it? Now I need to go back and buy it!
I am going to reread The Royal We too – even though I just read it. I have royal wedding fever!
Let me know what you think of my recommendations. I think I am going to check out that Kate Morton – how have I missed her?
Her books make me so happy! The only one I was not a huge fan of was Distant Hours. Personal favorites are The Forgotten Garden and The Lake House