We are out of our fall reads and summer is finally here, so it's time to hit the beach with a good book in hand! We've curated the ultimate list of summer reads for 2023 that'll keep you entertained under the sun. So, grab your sunglasses, slather on some sunscreen, and dive into these trendy and captivating books.
1. Happy Place by Emily Henry
Harriet and Wyn are the perfect couple - they go together like bread and butter, gin and tonic, Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds. Every year for the past decade, they have left behind their lives to drink far too much wine and soak up the sea air with their favourite people in the world. Except this year, they are lying through their teeth. Harriet and Wyn broke up six months ago. And they still haven't told anyone.
This is the last time they'll all be together here. The cottage is for sale, and since they can't bear to break their best friends' hearts, they'll fake it for one more week. But how can you pretend to be in love - and get away with it - in front of the people who know you best?
2. Bad Summer People by Emma Rosenblum
Escape into a sun-soaked paradise filled with satire and scandal in this gripping summer read. On Fire Island, privileged New Yorkers trade city lives for gossip, tennis, and adultery. But when a body is found, secrets unravel and perfect lives shatter. Who among them is capable of murder? Discover the dark side of paradise in this page-turning treat.
3. Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
Get ready to meet Eleanor Oliphant, the quirkiest and most socially awkward character you'll ever come across! In Gail Honeyman's "Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine," we embark on an unforgettable journey of self-discovery and human connection. Eleanor's life revolves around her strict routine, avoiding social interactions, and dealing with her eccentric mom. But when unexpected encounters and friendships start to chip away at her carefully constructed walls, everything she thought she knew begins to change.
Through Eleanor's unique voice and perspective, Honeyman explores themes of loneliness, mental health, and the resiliency of the human spirit. As the layers of Eleanor's past are peeled back, readers are offered a glimpse into her poignant and complex inner world.
4. The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd
Prepare to be swept away to 1960s South Carolina in "The Secret Life of Bees" by Sue Monk Kidd. This captivating and heartfelt tale follows fourteen-year-old Lily Owens as she embarks on a transformative journey of self-discovery, love, and the power of female bonds.
Amidst the backdrop of racial tensions and social change, Lily finds solace and sanctuary in the mesmerizing world of beekeeping. Together with the enchanting beekeeping sisters, August, May, and June, Lily learns about life, resilience, and the secrets that connect us all.
5. The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han
Get ready for a summer filled with sun, sand, and swoon-worthy romance in Jenny Han's "The Summer I Turned Pretty." Belly's annual beach trips with her family and their closest friends have always been a highlight of her life. But this year, everything feels different.
As she navigates the complexities of friendship and love, Belly finds herself caught in a whirlwind of emotions. The once annoying and immature boys she grew up with, Conrad and Jeremiah, suddenly become much more than just friends. With the beach as their backdrop, secrets are revealed, hearts are broken, and summer love blossoms.
6. The Beach House by Jane Green
Escape to the idyllic shores of Nantucket in Jane Green's captivating novel, "The Beach House." This enchanting story takes us on a journey of love, family, and the healing power of second chances.
Set against the backdrop of a charming beach house, the story unfolds as Nan Powell, a recently divorced mother of two, embarks on a summer of self-discovery and new beginnings. As she navigates the challenges of starting over, Nan finds solace in the company of her quirky and supportive neighbors, each with their own secrets and stories to share.
With every sunset and crashing wave, Nan's heart begins to heal, and she discovers unexpected friendships and the possibility of love in the most unexpected places. Together, they form a tight-knit community that embraces the joys and sorrows of life.
7. Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter
Step into a world of romance, Hollywood glamour, and the power of love in "Beautiful Ruins" by Jess Walter. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Italian coastline, this enchanting novel weaves together stories of passion, dreams, and the enduring connections that span across decades.
In a small village nestled by the sea, a chance encounter between an aspiring actress and a young innkeeper sets the stage for a tale that spans fifty years. From the golden age of cinema to the present day, the lives of a colorful cast of characters intertwine in unexpected ways, revealing secrets, heartaches, and the beauty of second chances.
So, there you have it – our ultimate list of summer reads for 2023! Whether you're in the mood for romance, mystery, or a good laugh, we've got you covered. Now, all that's left to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy these captivating stories under the warm sun. Happy reading! 📚🌞