11 Great Summer Books -- My Summer Reading List

A collection of 10 great summer books…perfect for reading on the beach or by the pool, curling up on the couch on a rainy day, or staying up too late reading on a summer night!

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I’m an avid reader, and when I hear the word “summer”, I automatically think of books. I grew up going to the library every few days, checking out the maximum 10 books allowed on my junior library card. I still read as much as I can, whenever I can, but summertime gives me more opportunities, and I take full advantage of them!

I’ve made a list of the ten books I want to read this summer, and I literally can’t wait to dive in!

11 GREAT SUMMER BOOKS

To Die But Once, Jacqueline Winspear (Maisie Dobbs)

Maisie Dobbs is one of my most favorite book characters–and I’ve eagerly awaited this most recent novel in the series. If you haven’t read it yet, I’d suggest starting from the beginning…you’ll be hooked! Maisie is an ace investigator in 1920’s England, and she is quite unique.

10 Best Summer Books -- Summer Reading List

Twenty One Days, Anne Perry

I got hooked on Anne Perry’s mystery novels years ago, and I adore both of her series set in historical London, England–Thomas and Charlotte Pitt, and William Monk. Twenty One Days is her debut novel in a new series featuring the Pitts’ son Daniel, and I can’t wait to read it!

Blackmoore, Julianne Donaldson

I don’t read a lot of romance novels, but when I do, I love them to be actually romantic…and an innocent romantic at that. I’m kind of an old-fashioned girl, and I really love Julianne Donaldson as an author. Blackmoore is one I’ve read before, but I love it so much, I’m re-reading it this summer!

The Count of Monte Cristo, Alexander Dumas

This book holds a place in my top three favorite books that I’ve ever read. Ever. I started reading the classics at a young age, and I fell in love with this story right away. I re-read it often–it’s full of mystery, intrigue, injustice, revenge, romance, and SO much more.

When Breath Becomes Air, Paul Kalanithi

“This exquisite memoir by an idealistic young neurosurgeon asks What makes a life worth living? and makes a profound graduation gift—especially for aspiring doctors and nurses.”

NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY
The New York Times Book Review • People • NPR • The Washington Post • Slate • Harper’s Bazaar • Esquire • Time Out New York • Publishers Weekly • BookPage

A Fall of Marigolds, Susan Meissner

A beautiful scarf connects two women touched by tragedy in two New York tragedies–the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire and 9/11– 100 years apart…I’ve heard such good things about this book!

Lilac Girls, Martha Hall Kelly

“Lilac Girls. Inspired by the life of a real World War II heroine, this debut novel reveals a story of love, redemption, and secrets that were hidden for decades. New York socialite Caroline Ferriday has her hands full with her post at the French consulate and a new love on the horizon.” – Goodreads

This has been on my list forever…this is the summer to read it!

The Nightingale, Kristin Hannah

It’s 1939 in Nazi-occupied France, in the quiet village Carriveau, and it’s the story of two courageous sisters take different paths to resistance, but who come together to join forces against the Nazis.

I’ve always been obsessed with stories–both fiction and non-fiction–about WWII, and this at the top of my list!

The Women in the Castle, Jessica Shattuck

“Amid the ashes of Nazi Germany’s defeat, Marianne von Lingenfels returns to the once-grand castle of her husband’s ancestors. The widow of a resister murdered in the failed July 20, 1944, plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler, Marianne plans to uphold the promise she made to her husband’s brave conspirators: to find and protect their wives, her fellow resistance widows. As Marianne assembles this makeshift family from the ruins of her husband’s resistance movement, she quickly discovers that the black-and-white, highly principled world of her privileged past has become infinitely more complicated, and filled with dark secrets that threaten to tear them apart.” (from the back cover)

We Were the Lucky Ones, Georgia Hunter

Inspired by the true story of a Jewish family separated at the beginning of World War II, it’s the story of how they were determined to not only survive, but reunite.

With You Always, Jody Hedlund

This is the first in a three book series chronicling stories about the orphan trains, and I hope not to read just this one, but the second and third as well!

Happy summer! Happy reading!

I’d love to hear what’s on your summer reading list!

11 Great Summer Books: My Summer Reading List