Book recommendations for your summer TBR

Summer has arrived, and as an avid reader, here are some book recommendations for you to add to your summer TBR.

The UK is currently in a bit of a heatwave with a heat dome over the country, much like the rest of Europe. In this weather, it's difficult to focus on work and get the job done, especially if you've got a 'To be read' list of books a mile long.

I'm forever adding to my TBR, but especially in summer. I absolutely love to just sit with a good book, either in the garden, on holiday, or in front of a fan, trying to cool off.

There are so many good summer books for readers to add to their TBR lists this year. I've recently added quite a few to my TBR and thought that I'd share some book recommendations with you all too.

Below is a list of summer book recs, ranging in genre, so whatever your tastes, hopefully there's something for you to indulge in.

A Cornish Love Story by Cressida McLaughlin

Genre: Summer romance

A Cornish Love Story is Cressida McLaughlin's latest book, and it is set in idyllic Cornwall, the perfect location for a summer read.

It follows Georgie, a journalist who's invited to report on an event at the most romantic house in Cornwall. But, whilst there, she comes face-to-face with the architect, who happens to be her ex, and they end up being trapped inside together.

I've loved all of Cressida's books, so I can't wait to dive into her new release.

Better Than The Movies by Lynn Painter

Genre: YA Romance

Better Than The Movies by Lynn Painter is the perfect young adult read for summer because it exudes rom-com vibes.

Following Liz, a young girl who loves romantic comedies, like Nora Ephron classics, as she tackles her senior year of high school whilst juggling her feelings for her childhood crush, and also her annoying neighbour.

I read this book in June and rated it four stars, so I'd definitely recommend it.

Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Just for the Summer is book three in the Part of Your World trilogy. It is perfect for summer because of the title, the beautiful cover, and the fact that it's set on a private island on Lake Minnetonka in summer.

I haven't read this book, but I've read the previous two in the series. Just for the Summer, though, is high up on my summer TBR this year.

One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune

Genre: Contemporary Romance

One Golden Summer seems to be the book of the summer this year, as I've seen it on BookTok and Bookstagram quite a bit. It is a standalone, but is interconnected with Every Summer After by Carley Fortune as they're set in the same world.

This book follows Alice and Charlie Florek, together again after several years apart, during the height of summer. Two people connected over a photograph that may change the course of their lives.

I recently got gifted One Golden Summer, and I'm so excited to read it, but I have heard that it's better to read Every Summer After beforehand.

Happy Place

Genre: Romance

Happy Place is one of my favourite Emily Henry books because whilst it is a fake dating romance, there's so much more to it than Harriet and Wyn putting on a front for their friends, during their last summer holiday together.

This book is a great summer read because it is set in a lovely holiday location, involves summer activities and makes you think about where your happy place truly is.

We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

Genre: YA Mystery/Thriller

We Were Liars has recently come out on Amazon Prime as a TV show, which just shows how good a story this mystery thriller is. It's perfect for the summer as it is set on a private island and tells the story of a group of four friends involved in a mystery.

I really want to read this book before watching the TV show, so I might add it to my TBR this year because I do love a good mystery.

Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Genre: Historical Fiction

Malibu Rising is a well-loved novel by Taylor Jenkins Reid, and is a great read for summer, and not just because the cover is an idyllic sea blue. The novel follows the famous Riva family and their iconic annual end-of-summer party that reveals the loves and secrets the family have tried to keep hidden.

I absolutely love TJR's writing, but have yet to read this book. However, I've heard some great things, so I'm looking forward to reading it.

Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

Genre: Historical Fiction

Where the Crawdads Sing is a mystery novel set in 1969 that follows the story of Kya Clark, the 'Marsh Girl', as she becomes a suspect in a local murder. This book has also been turned into a movie.

It's not necessarily set in summer or in a lovely summery location, but Where the Crawdads Sing gives me some summer vibes.

Nine Perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarty

Genre: Thriller

Nine Perfect Strangers is the perfect summer thriller. It follows nine strangers as they arrive on an island at a remote health resort, but whilst there, they realise not everything is as it seems.

Again, this is another book that has been adapted for the screen, and with a remote island setting, could be a great read for thriller readers this summer.

The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune

Genre: Fantasy

The House in the Cerulean Sea is a fantasy book that kicks off the Cerulean Chronicles series. It's a good read to add to your summer TBR as it features a magical island and found family.

I only recently heard of this book, but was intrigued by it from the blurb and the wonderful cover. If you're a fantasy lover, this could be a great book to pick up this summer.

If you do fancy reading any of these book recommendations, I hope you enjoy them. If you have other recommendations you'd like to share, feel free to put them in the comments below.

Until next time...