I almost threw the towel in on this list. Not because there weren’t enough books that I felt worthy of recommendation, but because there is possibly even too many books out there that would make for perfect summer reads! But somehow I muddled through and narrowed it to eight. This list is comprised of my ideal kind of lazy summer day book, yours may of course differ – so feel free to drop your book recommendations in the comments below. Also, join me here on goodreads for more book reviews and to keep track of your favorite reads!
Remnant Chronicles: The Beauty of Darkness
The Beauty of Darkness is the third and final book of The Remnant Chronicles series by Mary E. Pearson and it is not to be missed! Full of intrigue, romance, suspense, and action – this YA series featuring the ultimate heroine and a thoroughly engaging story-line will keep you glued to the page. This last installment releases on August 2nd, so you’re sure to have a great book to finish summer vacation with. Preorder here.
Shining Sea
Looking for a quick fantasy read with some Twilight undertones? Shining Sea by Mimi Cross definitely deserves its spot among beach reads with its mix of mystery, fantasy, and family drama. Here’s the goodreads synopsis:
“Seventeen-year-old Arion Rush has always played the obedient sidekick to her older sister’s flashy femme fatale—until a mysterious boating accident leaves Lilah a silent, traumatized stranger. As her sister awaits medical treatment with their mother, Arion and her father head to his hometown in Maine to prepare a new life for them all. Surrounded by the vast Atlantic, she finds solace in songwriting, her only solid ground.
Unexpectedly, Arion blossoms in the tiny coastal town. Friends flock to her, and Logan Delaine, a volatile heartthrob, seems downright smitten. But it’s Bo Summers—a solitary surfer, as alluring as he is aloof—that Arion can’t shake. Meanwhile, Lilah’s worsening condition, a string of local fatalities, and Arion’s own recent brushes with death seem ominously linked…to Bo’s otherworldly family. As Arion’s feelings for Bo intensify and his affections turn possessive, she must make a choice. How will Arion learn to listen to her own voice when Bo’s siren song won’t stop ringing in her ears?” Read The NYC Talon full review here.
A Court of Mist and Fury
The second book to Sarah J. Maas’s A Court of Thorns and Roses, A Court of Mist and Fury resumes with Feyre after her harrowing experience freeing the Fae from Amarantha’s evil clutches under the mountain. You definitely need to have read ACOTAR prior to this, but you won’t regret it, you’ll find yourself zooming through all 640 pages of this book in no time. This story is amazing. Read more here.
Food Whore: A Novel of Dining and Deceit
Sort of like The Devil Wears Prada, but for the food scene, Food Whore by Jessica Tom is one of my favorite summer reads. “Full of wit and mouth-watering cuisines, Jessica Tom’s debut novel offers a clever insider take on the rarefied world of New York City’s dining scene in the tradition of The Devil Wears Prada meets Kitchen Confidential.” Pick it up here.
One Paris Summer
For teens, One Paris Summer by Denise Grover Swank, is a recipe for a great summer read. Sophie Brooks and her brother are sent to spend a summer in Paris with their father who had suddenly abandoned them a year earlier. Now he’s about to remarry and we watch Sophie as she struggles with feelings of betrayal, loyalty, love, her dreams of becoming a pianist, and of course an evil stepsister. The summer she dreaded soon promises to become the best summer of her life. Pick up this classic YA contemporary on amazon here.
Forever Doon
The final book to Carey Corp and Lorie Langdon’s Doon series has us feeling bittersweet – we don’t want to say goodbye! Forever Doon picks up where we left off – with the Brig o’ Doon destroyed and the portal fragmented, Doon’s forces are divided and isolated in different dimensions. Can Vee, Jamie, Kenna, Duncan, and Doonians (both old and new) pull together and save their kingdom or will the witch of Doon destroy them forever? I loved this fun YA series and have to say this final book gave me chills! Pre-order for the August 2nd release date here.
The Books That Changed My Life: Reflections by 100 Authors, Actors, Musicians, and Other Remarkable People
A book for book lovers and writers, this collection by Bethanne Patrick features one hundred of today’s most prominent literary and cultural icons talking about the books that hold a special place in their hearts, that changed their life, why they love them, and their passion with readers everywhere. Regan Arts has teamed up with literary charity 826National, which will receive a portion of the books proceeds to provide students ages 6-18 with opportunities to explore their creativity and improve their writing skills, find out more here.
Strangers on a Bridge: The Case of Colonel Abel and Francis Gary Powers
Contrary to popular belief (a.k.a. my sister), I do not exclusively read YA. I’m also an ardent fan of historical non-fiction. If you’ve seen Bridge of Spies starring Tom Hanks, you’ll know a little bit about the 1962 exchange that occurred on Glienicke Bridge. Take a more in-depth and riveting look with an insider account from James B. Donovan himself, who was appointed to defend Abel. I’ve saved the best for last, although it’s at the bottom of this write-up it’s actually at the top of my to-read list. Pick it up here.
For more great content about summer, please be sure to check out these awesome posts written by my fellow Chosen Chix bloggers:
- Car Essentials for Summer Adventures by November Sunflower
- 10 Things To Do With Kids During The Summer by The Mommy-Files
- How to Preserve Garlic Scapes from the Garden by Confessions of an Overworked Mom
- How to Make the Most of the Rest of Your Summer by MomsGoodEats
- Surviving Summer Vacation by Another Day… Another Diaper…
- 8 Books to Read This Summer by The NYC Talon
- 10 Simple Ways to Keep Kids Active This Summer by philZENdia
- Creative Uses of a Pool Noodle In Summer by Family Review Guide
Thanks! I need a few more good books to read.
What a great list — thanks so much for including Food Whore!