My idea of a relaxing summer read is something light, something a little bit fluffy and something quite definitely romantic. So I've compiled a list of some books I'd love to go back and revisit this summer and a few new books that I'm saving for the long, lazy summer days.
1. Amy & Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson.
What can be more summery than a road trip novel? I absolutely adore Amy & Roger and whilst I have only read the book once the story has really stayed with me. I want a chance to escape on a roadtrip filled with young summer love and incredible places again.
2. Four Nights with The Duke by Eloisa James. This one is already on the shelves but I am saving it for a moment when I need a pick me up and a bit of romance in my life. Eloisa's writing is always superb and her characters brilliantly crafted, and I know that with one of her novels I will always get a happily ever after.
3. Anna & the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins.For some reason I put off reading this book until last summer, and whilst that seems utterly ridiculous how reluctant I was to read it, I'm glad I didn't read it until then because it was a book that happened to me at exactly the right time. My first truly hot summer in France, I was feeling isolated, I didn't speak the language, and I felt like a complete and utter failure. And then Anna happened, and she had just moved to Paris and she spoke even less French than I did, and somehow she made me feel less alone and like everything was all going to be ok. And if you're looking for a romantic contemporary read, you cannot get much better than this one.
4. I Love Capri by Belinda Jones.
My favourite of Belinda's novels, this is a romance that felt more realistic than most. Everything wasn't fluffy and happily ever after, but it was infused with hope and love and I think I love it even more for that. Plus I love being taken somewhere new when I read, and Belinda's novels are fantastic for taking you around the world.
5. My Last Duchess by Daisy Goodwin.
This one would be a re-read, but I first read it in the blinding sunlight on a beach in Swanage, the first time I had ever sat down on a beach to read, so for me this one is a special kind of beach read. I was completely immersed in this world and I haven't had the chance to go back since - I'd love to have that chance this summer.
6. The Invasion of the Tearling by Erika Johansen.
Not released until July 16th, this follow up to 'The Queen of the Tearling' is one that I cannot wait to read. I read the first book a few weeks before my wedding last summer - it was the hottest part of summer in Lyon, we were miserably hot no matter what we did, incredibly stressed about the wedding planning and I couldn't settle to anything. And then along came this book that just caught me up and swept me away. I fell in love with it, and now this series and world are forever tied with summer
7. Paris in Love by Eloisa James.
Another Eloisa book but this time a non-fiction. I love to dabble with non-fiction books from time to time, and this one was one of my favourites. She captures the essence of living in Paris and all the wonderful details that make living in France such an incredible experience, and all in small bite size chunks. A wonderful book to dip in an out of.
8. The Secrets of Sir Richard Kenworthy by Julia Quinn
I adore Julia Quinn. It was her books that introduced me to regency romance, and the idea of romance books in general. Her books are always superbly written, brilliantly funny, romantic and fluffy and I storm through them in a matter of hours - which is why I am waiting to read this one until I have some sunshine and preferably a glass of wine to accompany it.
9. Out of the Blue by Belinda Jones.
This is my second favourite of Belinda's novels, and I adore the escapism, the romance, the travel. If I can't go the places myself then Belinda is one of the best at bringing them to life for me whilst I read and this is another wonderful piece of escapism.
10. The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenager
This book is absolutely heartbreakingly beautiful. It's been so long since I've read it that I am long overdue for a re-read and whilst this is neither light, nor fluffy, I remember reading it in the hot summer sunshine and being utterly captivated by it and I want to return to that feeling.
So those are the books I'm planning on reading this summer - whether I make it to a beach to do the reading remains to be seen, but regardless of where I read them, I shall be sat in the sunshine enjoying being swept up to other places and times.
What are your summer reads? Let me know in the comments below and link me to your top tens!
