Light, lovely, and layered with meaning – for your hammock, headphones, or highway drive.
The last time I posted my summer reading recommendations, I was pretty adamant about keeping things light and airy. This year, though, I’ve landed on what feels like a perfect balance of humour and depth, ideal for your cottage, beach chair, backyard patio, or long summer drive.
Ever since I started reading Until Leaves Fall in Paris by Sara Sundin aloud to my mom in the hospital, I’ve been hooked on the Women in WWII genre. I didn’t get to finish reading it to her – but I had to finish it for myself. That book cracked open a new layer of reading fascination for me, and several more in that genre quickly found their way onto my shelf, Audible library (or my Libby app).
Speaking of Libby, yes – I listen to a lot of my books while commuting. And no, I don’t care what anyone says: listening counts as reading. In fact, sometimes I’ll listen after I’ve read the book just to experience it from another angle. And other times? I shut it down immediately if the narrator’s voice doesn’t vibe with me. The beauty of borrowing digital and audio books from the library is that there’s zero risk – you can sample to your heart’s content. You can return Audible content as well but there are restrictions.
So here it is: my current list of summer reads. Some are lighthearted, some are heartfelt, all are worth your time – and none of them are the usual suspects.
1. Falling Down Bride by Cheri Caddick
Reading this book is like a weekend away with a friend you haven’t seen in years; probably because it’s been a while since Falling Down Girl and Falling Down Girlfriend were published – you can find them in my first Summer Reads post. Hilarious, heartwarming, and refreshingly real. Do NOT read this in public unless you’re okay with people staring when you burst out laughing.
2. Until Leaves Fall in Paris by Sara Sundin
The book that started it all for me. Deeply emotional and beautifully written, this historical fiction is everything I didn’t know I needed. It made me realize just how, in the face of terror and uncertainty, we can find little hopes and joys to give us the strength and conviction we need to carry on.
3. The Lost Girls of Paris by Pam Jenoff
Female spies, WWII drama, and a twisty storyline that keeps you hooked. Based on true events, which makes it all the more powerful. It’s fascinating where curiosity can take you (Grace’s and my own).
4. The Boardwalk Bookshop by Susan Mallery
A story that’s set on the California coast, in a shop that’s part bookstore, part gift shop, part bakery and has friends toasting the sunset on the beach – I mean come on how does that not scream Summer Read?!
5. The Gown by Jennifer Robson
This was recommended to me by my Sister. We usually don’t read the same sorts of books but I thought I’d take a chance on this one. It was worth it! Quietly captivating and beautifully told. A story about embroidery, royal weddings, and the women behind the scenes.
6. The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods
OH MY GOODNESS! This is probably one of my most favourite reads in a while. If you’re a fan of Alice Hoffman’s work, you’ll definitely love this one. Part time travel, part magic, part mystery, all wonderful. This one is intriguing, and totally enchanting. ‘The thing about books,’ she said ‘is that they help you to imagine a life bigger and better than you could ever dream of.’
7. The Alice Network by Kate Quinn
Smart, gripping, and emotionally rich. If you like strong female leads, historical detail, and complex plots, this one delivers. I can’t imagine how much time she puts into research and it seems quite important to her to stay true to it. This book is fantastic but I’m pretty sure anything from Kate Quinn would be.
8. Three Sisters by Heather Morris
This one for sure pushed my threshold for sadness and wartime brutality. I almost gave up reading it at least 3 times but I couldn’t just leave the sisters like that. Based on a true story and part of The Tattooist of Auschwitz series. Heartbreaking, powerful, and unforgettable, this book weaves beauty and brutality together in the most emotionally confounding way.
9. Becoming Mrs. Lewis by Patti Callahan
After getting a little heavy with WWII novels, I needed to lighten up. So, I got back on track with Patti Callahan’s works starting with Becoming Mrs. Lewis and Once Upon a Wardrobe, and The Bookshop at Water’s End. Patti is quickly becoming one of my new favourite authors and I’m sure I never would have found her if not for the Libby app. Becoming Mrs. Lewis is a thoughtful and imaginative look at Joy Davidman’s life before and during her relationship with C.S. Lewis.
✍️ Bonus Recommendations (Because 9 Wasn’t Enough)
- The Last Bookshop in London by Madeline Martin
- The Dragon Heart Legacy Trilogy by Nora Roberts – Yup, a couple months ago I took a sharp turn toward fantasy and read Nora Roberts’ trilogy of The Dragon Heart Legacy. Yes, I read all three books because I got completely invested in the main characters and the plot line. I just had to find out what happened – even though I knew in the end what would happen – I needed to read it to believe it!
- The Vintage Caper by Peter Mayle – I’ll often go back to Peter Mayles’ series that starts with The Vintage Caper for light but still interesting/brain tickling reads. Start with this one and I’m sure you’ll become a fan too!)
What’s on your summer reading list?
I’d love to hear your favourites – especially the ones that aren’t on every list. Drop a comment below or send me a message. Happy reading!
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