There’s something magical about summer reading—whether you’re lounging on the beach, sitting by the pool, or enjoying a lazy afternoon with a good book. Some stories capture the sun-soaked freedom of summer, while others simply bring lighthearted joy, romance, or adventure.
Whether you love heartwarming friendships, summer romances, thrilling mysteries, or breezy contemporary fiction, this list has the perfect book to add to your summer reading pile.
So grab a cold drink, find a cozy spot, and dive into these 20 must-read summer books!
1. The Summer I Turned Pretty – Jenny Han
This beloved YA novel follows Belly, who spends every summer at the beach with her family and childhood friends, Conrad and Jeremiah. But this summer feels different—she’s growing up, emotions are running high, and she finds herself caught between the two brothers. A perfect mix of first love, nostalgia, and summer magic, this book is the ultimate beach read.
2. Malibu Rising – Taylor Jenkins Reid
Set in the summer of 1983, this novel tells the story of the Riva siblings, children of a famous rock star, as they throw their legendary annual party in Malibu. As the night unfolds, secrets are revealed, tensions rise, and by morning, the mansion is in flames. With family drama, glamour, and sun-soaked nostalgia, this book is unputdownable.
3. Beach Read – Emily Henry
Two writers—one a romance novelist, the other a serious literary author—end up as neighbors in beach houses for the summer. They challenge each other to swap genres, leading to unexpected revelations, emotional depth, and a slow-burn romance perfect for summer escapism.
4. People We Meet on Vacation – Emily Henry
Poppy and Alex have been best friends for years, taking an annual summer vacation together—until a falling-out left them estranged. Two years later, they take one last trip to see if they can rekindle their friendship (or something more). With witty banter, travel adventures, and heartfelt romance, this book is an uplifting summer must-read.
5. The Unhoneymooners – Christina Lauren
Olive and Ethan—who can’t stand each other—end up on a honeymoon trip to Hawaii together after the bride and groom (their siblings) get food poisoning. Forced to fake being a couple, their vacation turns into an unexpected romance filled with humor, enemies-to-lovers tension, and tropical bliss.
6. Summer of ‘69 – Elin Hilderbrand
This historical fiction novel takes readers back to the summer of 1969, where the Levin family experiences personal and societal upheaval. Set in Nantucket, this novel is full of nostalgia, family drama, and historical depth, making it a perfect summer read for those who love multi-generational stories.
7. The Last Summer (of You and Me) – Ann Brashares
From the author of The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, this book follows two sisters and their childhood friend as they reunite on Fire Island for a summer filled with love, change, and heartbreak. A deeply emotional and reflective novel about growing up and facing the past.
8. One Italian Summer – Rebecca Serle
After the death of her mother, Katy takes the trip to Positano, Italy, that they had planned together. But when she arrives, she encounters her mother—somehow, in the past, young and alive. A magical, emotional journey through grief, love, and self-discovery with a gorgeous Italian setting.
9. It Happened One Summer – Tessa Bailey
A Schitt’s Creek-inspired rom-com, this book follows Piper, a Hollywood socialite forced to spend the summer in a small fishing town to prove she can be responsible. There, she meets Brendan, a grumpy fisherman, who has no patience for her spoiled ways—but sparks fly. A funny, steamy, and heartwarming summer romance.
10. The Vacationers – Emma Straub
A wealthy New York family heads to Mallorca, Spain, for what’s supposed to be an idyllic vacation—but long-buried secrets, marital troubles, and family drama threaten to ruin it. A smart, witty, and beautifully written summer read about love, relationships, and reinvention.
11. The Summer House – Jenny Hale
A sweet, feel-good summer romance about Callie, who returns to her grandmother’s beach house to renovate it—only to discover long-lost family secrets and a new love interest. Perfect for fans of Hallmark-style romance and cozy beachside stories.
12. The Secret Keeper of Jaipur – Alka Joshi
Set in 1950s India, this novel follows Malik, who works on the grand opening of a new cinema in Jaipur—until tragedy strikes, revealing corruption and hidden truths. A lush, atmospheric mystery full of secrets, ambition, and rich historical detail.
13. Summer Sisters – Judy Blume
This coming-of-age novel follows Vix and Caitlin, best friends who spend their summers together in Martha’s Vineyard. But as they grow up, their friendship is tested by love, betrayal, and life’s unexpected changes. A deeply nostalgic and emotional read.
14. Something Wilder – Christina Lauren
A romantic adventure novel set in the wilds of Utah, where a treasure hunt, second-chance romance, and unexpected dangers make for an exciting and steamy summer read.
15. The House in the Cerulean Sea – TJ Klune
Not set in summer but full of warmth and whimsy, this book follows Linus, a lonely caseworker, who’s sent to a magical orphanage where he finds love, belonging, and purpose. A cozy, uplifting read with light fantasy elements.
16. Local Woman Missing – Mary Kubica
For mystery lovers, this gripping thriller follows multiple missing persons cases that span over a decade, leading to shocking twists. Perfect for those who enjoy dark, suspenseful summer reads.
17. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo – Taylor Jenkins Reid
A glamorous historical fiction novel about an iconic Hollywood actress revealing the secrets of her scandalous life. With themes of fame, love, and hidden identities, this is a page-turner for summer.
18. Big Summer – Jennifer Weiner
A mix of friendship, Instagram fame, and murder mystery, this book follows Daphne, an influencer, as she attends a lavish Cape Cod wedding that takes a shocking turn. A perfect mix of beach read fun and unexpected suspense.
19. Meet Me at the Lake – Carley Fortune
A heartfelt second-chance romance, set at a lake resort where two former lovers reconnect after years apart. With themes of nostalgia, fate, and self-discovery, this novel is full of summer magic.
20. The Shell Seekers – Rosamunde Pilcher
A timeless family saga about an elderly woman reflecting on her life, her family, and her cherished painting. Spanning generations and set in Cornwall, this book is a beautifully written summer escape.