Hello friends! Today’s post is all about summer books that have all the summer vibes. Whether you’re stretched out by the pool, relaxing on the beach, sipping iced coffee on the porch, or winding down after a long day in the sunshine, the perfect book can make summer feel even more memorable.
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I always look for stories that transport me to charming beach towns, cozy coastal cottages, bustling farmers markets, and unforgettable summer adventures. If you’re looking to add a little sunshine to your reading list, these books are full of warm-weather charm, romance, friendship, and feel-good moments.
Here are some of my favorite summer reads that perfectly capture the season.
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The Summer of Us by Taylor Crooks
If you’re dreaming of a YA summer book filled with friendship, romance, and beautiful beach setting this first book is perfect for you. It follows Quinn Kessler the summer before college as she returns to her aunt’s beach house on Piper Island. For the last eight years, Quinn’s summers have been spent at the beach with her friends and Everett Bishop, the boy who’s always had her heart. But as her childhood draws to a close and an unknown future looms ahead, Quinn has some difficult choices to make.
Rebel Summer by Cindy Steel
If enemies-to-lovers is your favorite trope, you’ll definitely want to pick this book up. Rebel Summer by Cindy Steel is a fun, clean romantic comedy that’s packed with road-trip adventures, witty banter, and plenty of summer charm. When an unexpected journey throws two unlikely travel companions together, sparks begin to fly as they navigate mishaps, heartfelt moments, and the possibility of finding love where they least expect it.
Red, White, & Rodeo by Cassandra Joelle
A western-filled, patriotic, clean romance is perfect to dive into this summer and Cassandra Joelle’s newest novella doesn’t disappoint. Set against the backdrop of rodeos, community festivities, and warm summer nights, the story follows two characters who discover that love often appears when it’s least expected. Filled with heartfelt moments, playful banter, and all the cozy Western vibes, this feel-good romance is the perfect addition to your summer reading list.
Sparks Over Glenwood by C.P. Cabaniss
I just had to include another smalltown, summer romance, and this next book offers that and so much more. Set in the close-knit community of Glenwood, the story follows Debbie and John whose lives unexpectedly intertwine, leading to plenty of tension, tender moments, and the kind of slow-burn connection that can’t be ignored. With cozy settings, heartfelt storytelling, and sparks flying in every direction, this feel-good read is perfect for readers who love uplifting romance with a touch of hometown magic.
Our Perfect Storm by Carley Fortune
This next book is the newest release from summer-romance queen, Carley Fortune, and has quickly become one of my favorites. Set against a moody coastal backdrop where storms roll in as quickly as feelings do, the story explores what happens when past connections resurface and force long-buried emotions back into the light. Tender, atmospheric, and full of aching chemistry, this story is about second chances at love, life, and happiness.
If All Else Sails by Emma St. Clair
If All Else Sails is one of those books that you pick up and you can’t put down. This sweet, clean romance follows two people who unexpectedly find themselves spending time together on a sailing adventure, where witty banter, forced proximity, and plenty of heartfelt moments slowly turn into something more. Trust me, this book is one you’ll want to dive into this summer.
Brighter than Before by Courtney Walsh
Nobody does clean romance quite like Courtney Walsh and her newest release is no different. This heartwarming story is about healing, hope, and discovering that it’s never too late for a fresh start. As the characters navigate unexpected changes and learn to let go of the past, they’re reminded that sometimes the most beautiful chapters begin when life doesn’t go according to plan.
The Night We Met by Abby Jimenez
Although this book was released earlier this year, I actually waited for July to jump into it because nobody does summer romance like Abby Jimenez. The story follows Larissa, who begins dating the outgoing Mike after a chance meeting at a concert. But as life continues to bring her together with Mike’s loyal best friend, Chris, she starts to wonder if first impressions always lead us where we’re meant to be.
Until Next Summer by Allison Ashley
This young adult book is about a sweet, summer romance of second chances. The story follows teenage Amelia as she tries to navigate summer without her best friend, Kat. In order to distract herself, Amelia gets a waitressing job at a local seafood restaurant called Pearl’s. While working there, she must decide between a new summer guy or starting something with her long-time crush, Myles. The only problem: Amelia and Kat always agreed that Myles was off limits . . . then again, what Kat doesn’t know won’t hurt her. This is a really good pick for fans of The Summer I Turned Pretty series.
The Breakup Tour by Emily Wibberley & Austin Seigemund-Broka
This next book is a heartfelt romance set against the exciting backdrop of a nationwide concert tour. The story follows a rising singer-songwriter whose latest album, inspired by a painful breakup, becomes a huge success. When her ex unexpectedly joins the tour, she’s forced to confront old feelings, lingering questions, and the possibility that the past isn’t as settled as she thought. Honestly, this book and the cover totally gave me Taylor Swift vibes, which I love.
Stars, Stripes, & Summer Nights by Celeste Dador
If a charming summer romance filled with small-town charm, family traditions, and plenty of heart is what you’re looking for, this next book is for you. Set during a season of backyard barbecues, community celebrations, and warm summer nights, the story follows two people whose paths unexpectedly cross, leading them to discover that love can show up when they least expect it.
The Summer of Second Chances by K. L. Walther
This next book is a heartfelt young adult contemporary romance set against the picturesque setting of Martha’s Vineyard. After postponing college to stay close to her beloved grandmother, who is living with dementia, Olivia Lupo reluctantly joins her family for a summer getaway. While there, she uncovers treasured memories from her grandmother’s past and reconnects with Connor, a boy from her childhood. As Olivia navigates love, family, grief, and new beginnings, she discovers that sometimes the hardest moments can lead to the most beautiful second chances.
Every Summer After by Carley Fortune
This next book is one of the most talked-about summer romances for good reason. Set around a peaceful lakeside community of Barry’s Bay, this emotional story blends first love, nostalgia, and second chances. It follows the childhood friendship of Percy and Sam and captures everything that makes summer unforgettable. There is spice in this book, so be warned, it’s not for kids.
This Summer Will Be Different by Carley Fortune
This Summer Will Be Different is everything I want in a summer romance—warm, emotional, and impossible to put down. Carley Fortune has a gift for creating settings that feel like a vacation, and Prince Edward Island completely stole the show. The romance is full of longing and undeniable chemistry, but it’s also balanced with heartfelt friendships, personal growth, and emotional depth.
Famous for a Living by Melissa Ferguson
My last recommendation is a delightful romantic comedy about finding yourself when life doesn’t go according to plan. After a social media influencer’s career comes to an abrupt halt, she leaves behind the fast-paced world of online fame and heads to a small town, where she’s forced to slow down, reconnect with what truly matters, and unexpectedly finds herself drawn to someone who sees her for who she really is.
Bonus Recommendation: The Summer I Turned Pretty Series by Jenny Han
I just couldn’t do a summer books post without mentioning my absolute favorite summer book series – the undeniable The Summer I Turned Pretty series by Jenny Han. Not only did these books become a successful TV show on Prime, the characters and world Jenny created captured readers hearts long before Belly, Conrad, and Jeremiah graced our screens. But just in case you’ve never seen the show or read these books, they all follow Belly Conklin as she spends her summers at her mom’s best friend’s beach house each year. Her mom’s best friend, Susannah, has two sons – Conrad and Jeremiah – who’ve always looked at Belly like a little sister . . . until her sixteenth summer. Let’s just say, this series has everything you want in a summer book series: a love triangle, coming-of-age, romanticizing of summer. And while the books are a little different than the show, they’re just as good or even better.
I’d love to know what books you’re reading this summer. Share your favorite beach reads or tell me which book you’re most excited to pick up next.
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Verse of the Day: Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. – Colossians 3:12-14
