From weekend getaways to family vacations, however you decide to enjoy a break this summer, a book is the perfect travel companion. Whether you’re lounging on the beach or curled up in your favorite reading nook, these five page-turners will keep you engrossed during those long lazy summer days.
The Flatshare
Beth O’Leary
Meet Tiffy and Leon, roommates who, despite sharing a flat in London, have never met. Thanks to a unique living arrangement, the young professionals willingly alternate weekends and evenings in the flat, keeping opposite schedules. Eventually, the two begin to leave small notes for each other, short reminders about recycling day or leftovers in the fridge. The scrawled notes turn into much more than they expected and, like your favorite romantic comedy, you will find yourself rooting for this pair and smiling through this sweet, engaging story.
The Bookish Life of Nina Hill
Abbi Waxman
It is easy to see why Nina is perfectly happy with her day-to-day routine. She has a great job, plenty of unread books, an excellent trivia night score, and Phil, her cat. When Nina’s father, who she has never met, passes away, she discovers the existence of several siblings and cousins. The unexpected arrival of some extremely extroverted relatives eager to meet Nina throws off the careful balance to her life. Add a trivia rival-turned-love interest to the mix and Nina learns the importance of making room for a little chaos in her life. This heartwarming and quirky book will remind you to step outside your comfort zone. Release Date: July 9, 2019
The Unhoneymooners
Christina Lauren
Twin sisters Olive and Ami couldn’t be more different when it comes to their luck. As Olive continues her streak of not winning anything, ever, Ami’s luck shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, Ami has won so many contests netting her countless prizes that her upcoming wedding and Hawaiian honeymoon are practically free. As the big day approaches, Olive braces herself to see Ethan, the best man and Olive’s least favorite person. When food poisoning strikes everyone in the wedding party, except Olive and Ethan, the unlikely pair is encouraged to take the newlyweds’ place on the honeymoon. With luck finally on her side, Olive looks past her dislike for Ethan and decides she can’t pass on this opportunity. How difficult can it be to act the part of a newlywed, even if she has to pretend with Ethan? It’s easy to see why this book is at the top of so many summer reading lists — it’s got it all: romantic comedy, engaging characters, romantic escape. What’s not to love?!
My Lovely Wife
Samantha Downing
Fifteen years of marriage, two children, and a quiet suburban life have gotten a bit too predictable for Millicent and her husband. Craving a break from the daily routine, the couple decides to try something new, reignite the spark, and focus on their marriage. From the outside, it would appear that this nice, normal couple might take a risk with ballroom dancing, possibly a cooking class? Appearances are most definitely deceiving in this psychological thriller. As you learn about the, let’s say, murderous tendencies of both Millicent and her husband, you will wish this couple had decided to try kayaking. Through the husband’s unreliable narration, we learn the shocking details and unbelievable truths hidden behind the appearance of a happy, normal family. In this debut novel from author Samantha Downing, the twists and turns are brilliant and will leave readers shocked to the very last page.
Gravity is the Thing
Jaclyn Moriarty
Nearly 20 years ago, Abigail’s brother disappeared and all attempts to find him went cold. Abigail and her family were left to grieve, aching to know the truth. Soon after that, Abigail received the first chapter of a self-help book titled “The Guidebook.” With no explanation as to why, the pages continued to arrive throughout the years offering advice and providing a sense of comfort for Abigail. Now, so many years later, Abigail receives an invitation for a retreat that promises to reveal secrets behind “The Guidebook.” Hoping to discover whether the pages are connected to her brother, she accepts and sets out on an uncertain journey for the truth. Readers will instantly form a bond to the characters, and well-placed humor and atmospheric descriptions add to this hopeful, slightly magical story. Release Date: July 23, 2019
Donate
When you’re done with these books, consider donating your copy to one of these deserving organizations so someone else can enjoy them too.
Meghan Odegard is a librarian living in Wisconsin. She proudly supports Barn Sanctuary, a nonprofit dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and caring for farm animals in need.
