11 Books Worth Saving Room for in Your Suitcase This Summer

1. BEST BEACH BAG ROMANCE

Dolly All the Time
by Annabel Monaghan

*Personal Reading Method: Kindle

Annabel Monaghan writes some of my most anticipated summer-centric novels each year, and while I have adored every single one, Dolly takes the cake. Will definitely be one of my top reads of the year and may be my top pick for summer. It’s everything you want in a summer beach read that maintains depth, heart, complexity, and is funny. Shout out to the visceral writing that takes you right to the coastal setting, too. Also, I love that her characters are mature when so much of the viral romcoms that infiltrate our social pages are centered around a younger cast that I can’t relate to as an elder millennial.

2. MOST LIKELY TO BE YOUR FAVORITE FMC OF THE SUMMER

Mad Mabel
by Sally Hepworth

*Personal Reading Method: Audiobook

I loved this one so much, I read it as an ARC and turned around and read it a second time this past month. Adored the audio version of this dual-timeline story about a misunderstood Mabel. Its witty, charming, and will have you feeling all the feels. Will absolutely be a top read of the year — not just for me, but on all the lists.

3. THE ULTIMATE FEEL-GOOD VACAY ESCAPE

The Shippers
by Katherine Center

*Personal Reading Method: Kindle

Pure, fun, reliable vacation read, Katherine Center remains a consistent go-to for a rom-com you’re guaranteed to love. The tropes in this one are 10/10 and will have you rooting for and swooning over our MMC.

4. MOST LIKELY TO KEEP YOU UP PAST MIDNIGHT

Dear Debbie
by Freida McFadden

*Personal Reading Method: Kindle

So easily bingeable, the addictive, quick chapters will make it hard to quit and unlike a lot of thrillers, this is more of a quirky FMC-driven story that almost feels like a more sinister Desperate Housewives.

5. MOST ADDICTING POOLSIDE PAGE-TURNER

The Anniversary
by Alex Finlay

*Personal Reading Method: Kindle

Another addicting read, if you prefer suspense on your vacays, this one will absolutely have you losing track of the time poolside. I love the quickly resolved cliff-hangers between chapters that add to the fast pacing and un-put-down-able-ness quality of this thriller.

6. BEST EARLY MORNING COFFEE/BEACH STROLL COMPANION

Theo of Golden
by Allen Levi

*Personal Reading Method: Audiobook

I bought into the hype and can confirm — it’s 100% worth all the acclaim. When I finished it, I immediately ordered it for both my mom and my aunt, just because I felt like everyone needs to read it. Thoughtful, wise, and even if you don’t *think* it sounds like your cup of tea, I can tell you with 99.9% certainty that it will be.

7. BEST FOR FINDING HOPE AND NEW BEGINNINGS

Brighter Than Before
by Courtney Walsh

*Personal Reading Method: Kindle

One of my regular 5-star queens, I constantly recommend Courtney Walsh books for non-toxic, clean, mature, and uplifting characters and stories (that are still funny, relatable, and have depth.) This mid-life restart gives hope, will leave you feeling happier when you finish than before you started, and is the rom com you need if you’re searching for less silly and more substance.

8. MOST LIKELY TO STICK WITH YOU AFTER THE VACATION

The Bright Years
by Sarah Damoff

*Personal Reading Method: Audiobook

So much emotion, story, and impact was infused into this short but incredibly layered novel. It journeys through multiple generational stories within a family and left such an impression, I’m still thinking about it months later.

9. BEST MOTHER/DAUGHTER ROAD TRIP AUDIOBOOK

The Correspondent
by Virginia Evans

*Personal Reading Method: Audibook

I didn’t think this would be my cup of tea in any way and again, I was wrong. This was such a delight — especially in audio format — and while I didn’t listen with my mom, it was so enjoyable, I wish I had. And, I just may for a second time on our next road trip. Stories are uniquely told through a series of letters and it is so refreshingly warm.

10. MOST FUN MEET-CUTE

Stranger Things Have Happened
by Kasie West

*Personal Reading Method: Audiobook

Sweet, fun, and escapist reading at its best. I love the meeting and the concept and the way this story plays out.

11. MOST LIKELY TO GIVE YOU A BOOK HANGOVER

The Night We Met
by Abby Jimenez

*Personal Reading Method: Kindle

Another 5-star Abby read from me. If you still haven’t gotten on board with Abby Jimenez and her addictive, emotionally charged, depth-filled novels (with all the relatability and humor), jump on now. This trope (boyfriend’s best friend) had the potential to go down a yucky path, but I had faith the story would deliver and our queen didn’t let us down. Yes, Yes, YES!