2 Book Lovers Reviews
Please feel free to comment or share.
Summer vacation is here! Of course, I am an avid reader all year long, but there is just something special about picking out the perfect books for your vacation. Whether you’re taking a long flight to an exotic location, hitting the road on a road trip, lounging on the beach or poolside, or even just staying in your own backyard oasis to just enjoy some much-needed rest and relaxation, you are definitely going to need to have plenty to read.
If you are looking for some recommendations for your summer vacation, you’ve come to the right place. I have compiled a list of some of my favorite novels so far this year. I’ve been fortunate to have read quite a few wonderful books already, and these are the ones that have stayed with me long after reading the final page. Perhaps one of them will be a new favorite for you, too!
Wishing you a happy, safe, and fun-filled summer vacation. Let’s read!
I’ve also included my own vacation reading list at the bottom. If you have any book recommendations, please let me know!
Summer Reading Recommendations!
"Click" on the book title to read my review.
Not in order of preference...I loved them all!
1 - Into the Blue– By Emma Brodie
This book was filled with yearning, angst, and that push and pull that I adore in a story. I don’t shy away from books that have the potential to break hearts, the characters’ or my own. Bring it on. Give me the pain, the longing, the heart palpitations, that nervous feeling in the pit of my stomach. Emma Brodie delivered a love story that was original, layered, emotional, and in my opinion, perfection!
2 - The Caretaker– By Marcus Kliewer
If you enjoy a creepy story, I highly recommend The Caretaker. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Taking care of a house in an upscale, secluded area for three days for a pretty big paycheck seems like an easy enough task, so, what’s the catch? I read this novel like I would watch a horror movie, telling the main character in my outdoor voice to run, don’t look back, who needs money?! Do not take this job!!! As with the horror movies, this character didn’t listen to me either, but honestly, what would the fun have been if she had. The Caretaker was everything that I love about a horror novel and so much more.
3 - The Burning Side– By Sarah Damoff
This was a recent read of mine. I kept seeing this novel everywhere, so what was I supposed to do? I had to read it. Best decision ever! I can’t recommend this book enough. It was filled with so much emotion, family drama, secrets, romance, and so much love. Don’t plan on picking this up and reading a couple of chapters at a time. You will need to have plenty of time to read this one, it is impossible to put down!
4 - Everything Was Beautiful and Nothing Hurt– By Ben Reeves
I know this is a list for vacation reading. We usually look for feel-good reads, thrilling page-turners, perhaps, a grand love story or adventure. This book is about death. Death’s name is Travis Smith, and he lives amongst regular people in society. Throughout the novel, the reader gets little glimpses into the lives of other characters as they are getting ready to die with Travis by their sides. This is a beautifully written novel filled with so much emotion. Yes, it’s sad. Yes, it will make you cry. Don’t overlook it based on its subject matter, though. It is unique, heartbreaking, and hopeful.
5 - Daddy Issues – By Kate Goldbeck
If you are a fan of slow-burning romances, this might be just the book you’re looking for. The author took her time and built up the anticipation in this novel. It had depth, great characters, plenty of humor, and the chemistry between the two main characters was pretty intense. It’s also an age-gap romance, and while the title of the book is perfect for the story, don’t worry, it is not a creepy erotic story. Read the book and find out for yourself. It was fantastic!
6 - Mad Mabel – By Sally Hepworth
You can’t go wrong with a novel by Sally Hepworth. If you’re looking for a fast-paced read, Mad Mabel is the book for you. Elsie Mabel Fitzpatrick may be eighty-one, but she is definitely not the grandmotherly type. She is a no-nonsense lady who has a reputation as the youngest convicted murderer in Australia’s history. In this dual-timeline novel, you get to know Elsie as she is now, but you also get to see her as a young girl, and you find out how she earned the moniker of Mad Mabel. With plenty of emotion, humor, heart, and mystery, Mad Mabel was an all-around entertaining read. It even brought me to tears!
My Summer Vacation Reading List!
*I'm a mood reader, so my list could change at any time.*
1 – The Women in White– By Sarah Pekkanen
An edge-of-your-seat thriller is always a good choice for a vacation read. This dual-timeline story with a touch of the paranormal looks like it might be the page-turner that I am looking for.
2 - The Infinite Sadness of Small Appliances– By Glenn Dixon
This book came highly recommended to me by a trusted source. It sounds quirky and sad and so original.
3 - The Phone Swap– By Lia Louis
I have been a fan of this author since I read Dear Emmie Blue, so of course, I have this on my list. It sounds like it will be light, fun, and romantic. Perfect for a vacation read by the pool!
Happy Reading!