There’s just something about summer that makes reading feel extra special. Maybe it’s longer days, slower evenings, vacation travel, or simply having a little more time to sit outside {or inside in the AC!} with a good book and relax. Every summer, I look forward to putting together a list of books that are perfect for this season — the kinds of stories you can’t wait to pick back up at the end of the day.
This year’s Summer Reading List is filled with a mix of page-turning thrillers, heartfelt romance novels, addictive contemporary fiction, and a few books that have been everywhere for good reason. Whether you love a fast-paced beach read, an emotional story that stays with you long after the final chapter, or a book you can finish in a single weekend, there’s something on this list for every type of reader.
Once again, picking books for my Summer Reads list was no easy task. I’ve read over 100 books in the past year, so cutting it down to just a few favorites was definitely a challenge!
I always have multiple books going at once – an audiobook, a kindle read, and a hardcover,—so that’s my secret to getting through so many titles each year! Whether I’m soaking up the sun, driving from one kid camp to another or relaxing inside, you’ll always find me with a book in hand.
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Books You Should Read in Summer of 2026
Keep reading for my must-read books that you should ‘definitely add to your TBR list this summer!
Theo of Golden
Theo of Golden is a heartfelt small-town novel about a quiet man whose simple acts of kindness leave a lasting impact on the people around him. This book is so beautiful and a rare 5-Star book for me!
This Book Made Me Think of You
I don’t even know how to reduce this book down to a couple of lines. It’s a book about grief + books and how healing they can be. Since my dad passed away last Fall, books have been a huge source of comfort for me {well, they always have been, but especially these past months}. Just read it – it’s beautiful!
Heart the Lover
I kept seeing this book pop up on people’s Instagram, but I was reluctant. The hype is honestly worth it!
I found Heart the Lover to be emotional, beautifully written, and rich in character development. I especially loved the way it explored love, loss, and human connection in such a heartfelt and thought-provoking way. Lots of complicated relationships!
Lucky Rivers Ranch Series
I love it when I find a book that is part of a series. Because once it ends, there’s always another one right behind it! The Lucky Rivers Ranch Series, starting with Cash, is so fun! It’s fun to imagine being on a ranch with these handsome young men 🙂
I just finished the final book in the series and I am thrilled to say she’s expanding the series with some other cowboys!
The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion
This is another series and another book I wasn’t sure I wanted to pick up. However, I finally gave in and started listening on Hoopla {but they are also part of a Kindle Unlimited subscription, too!} If you enjoy Bridgerton, you’ll definitely want to jump in on these {though they are much more PG than Bridgerton!}
Each book follows Emma through 2 months in London on her adventures. I’ve heard there will be 20+ books so get a jump start on the first 8!
The Calamity Club
The Help is a book that I have thought about for years after reading. So I was quite excited to start The Calamity Club when it came out in May. I listened to it on Libro.fm. It is well worth the hours! It’s narrated by two different voices, and it’s amazing!
It is so well written. The story is beautifully tragic.
Count My Lies
As I read Count My Lies I kept thinking, “This would make such a good show.!” So I was pumped read after I read this book that it is in fact becoming a show on Hulu soon!
It’s filled with lots of plot twists and is a perfect summer read!
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Dolly All the Time
Annabel Monaghan books will always be on my Summer Reading list. All of her characters are perfectly imperfect, and I believe I could be any or all of them 😆
Books I Want to Read in Summer of 2026
Our Secret Summer
R.S. Grey is always a must-read! Her books are funny, quick, and swoony. Bonus that this book is almost available for free in Kindle Unlimited!
The Someday Garden
Quirky is the best compliment I can give Ashley Poston’s books! They’re always a little different, but deeply enjoyable! Can’t wait to dig into The Someday Garden.
Road Trip
Mary Kay Andrews’ books are always enjoyable summer reads. They are fun, but have a little bit more meat to them than fluffier books I usually read. I can’t wait to dig into her latest, Road Trip.
Bad Boy Era
I am SO excited for this fourth book from Amy Daws’ series, Mountain Men Matchmaker. These are just fun books with some rough-around-the-edges men who live on a mountain. As I mentioned above, I love a series where we get to catch up with old friends and meet new ones along the way.
Hot Girl Murder Club
It can’t be all romance all summer! Time to throw in a little thriller for nights sitting out on my deck. Hot Girl Murder Club has some buzz over on my book Instagram page, so I’m excited to check it out.
All the Little Houses
I can’t wait to read the latest from the author of The Hunting Wives {did you watch that show – oh my!} And there’s a sequel to this book in the Fall, so something to look forward to {though I’m not trying to rush through summer already!}
American Fantasy
American Fantasy is another book that keeps coming through my book feed {and the cover is just too pretty to ignore, right?} It’s been dubbed as a “coming of age…in midlife.” I can kinda relate so I’m excited to check it out.
The First Time I Saw Him
The first book in this series was SO good {and took place locally, so that was fun!}, so I’m very excited to read the sequel to it. I have not watched the mini series but maybe I’ll have a little extra time this summer to check it out.
What’s on Your Summer Reading List?
I always love hearing what other people are reading during the summer, and many of these books came highly recommended by friends, online book communities, and fellow readers.
Hopefully, this list helps you discover a few new favorites to throw in your beach bag, pack for vacation, or keep on your nightstand this summer.
Are there any books that I absolutely must read this summer? Drop a comment and let me know what’s on your must-read list for the summer! I love getting book recommendations!
Happy reading, friends! 🌞📚
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