It’s that time of the year again- time for us bookworms to be packing up our books to take on picnics/beaches/park benches. Although I gotta admit that the title is a little misleading- cos I don’t know about you, but I love something with a bit of an emotional edge for summer holidays. Something, like, say…
The Boy Who Steals Houses– I. can’t. even. with this book- such an emotional rollercoaster. Read it. Read this incredible Goldilocks retelling. That’s it. That’s all I have to say- this book steals the words right out of my mouth.
Words in deep blue– if you don’t mind being a blubbering mess in public, then this is the book for you! Seriously though, I absolutely loved this romance about second chances, loss and books!
Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants– it’s not all sad- I invite you to read this and be terrifically happy! (and then sad again when you get to the last book)
Lucky Star– another emotional read, only this time it’s more of a middle grade/younger YA style book. Cassidy is known for her sweet books, but this one always stood out to me as the one that packs the biggest punch. I loved this when I was younger (and, if I’m honest, I still do)
The Kiss Quotient– moving onto a more mature romance- I read this recently and have been looking for any excuse to recommend this more!!
Far from the Madding Crowd– there had to be a classic on the list and of course this is one of the most romantic. Now, be warned, this is Hardy- it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. BUT I did pick one of his few books with a happy ending- you’re welcome 😉
My Lady Jane– it’s not all doom and gloom though- if you’re looking for a laugh, this will certainly do the trick. An alternative Tudor England (with magic!) this hilarious book is guaranteed to put a smile on your face 😀
Wizard Heir– of course I had to squeeze some amazing fantasy onto the list- and who better to promote than Cinda Williams Chima? I absolutely love her books and this happens to be my favourite. This one’s more of an urban setting than her high fantasy series and I don’t believe gets the praise it deserves.
The Lioness Quartet– oh and what a surprise- more fantasy! I did actually take this to the beach once and it was exactly the ticket!
Charmed Life– okay, let’s be honest, you all knew I’d start stuffing as many fantasy books as I could onto this list 😉 And this is just the epitome of cute and fun and inventive that I couldn’t resist!
Alright, now that I’ve overloaded my book bag, I have to ask what kind of books do you like to take on summer holiday? Let me know in the comments!
So many great recommendations! I think Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants was my first ever beach read!
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Thank you! Awesome!! 😀
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Ooh some great choices and also a few I haven’t read but which are on my tbr. I’m very much a romcom reader when it comes to the beach so Kiss Quotient would make my recommendation list too.
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Thank you!! Ah I’m glad to hear it 😀
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I’ve given up taking multiple books on vacation with me because I hardly read. I do think it’s fun to read a cute romance or book that takes place near water for summer reading though.
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Totally understandable! Totally get that!
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We tend to be really active on vacations. Like on the go from morning until bed. I went on a more relaxing vacation with my two bff’s, but I found myself people watching on the beach instead of reading. And there were iguanas and lizards everywhere and I tended to try to find them. So it was a fail for me. One of my bff’s was able to read a ton though. I think it’s just me.
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I love Words in Deep Blue ❤
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So glad to hear it!! 😀 ❤
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Oh wonderful recommendations. I will check out those fantasies.
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Thank you! Brilliant 🙂
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It is raining here, so I need tea and lots of thrillers.
I read the traveling pants long back
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Ah thrillers are perfect for that! 🙂
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Some excellent choices and recommendations here, now I have to go check out a few for myself. 😀
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Thank you!! Great! 😀
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Oooo great choices! I have The Kiss Quotient to read and decided I’m reading it when we go away in 2 weeks….but I hate the sun so I’ll be the one in the shade with my head in a book!!
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Thank you! Brilliant!! hehe totally understand that!
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I may have totally jinxed myself and it will probably rain all week now 😂
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hahahaha I’m sure you’ll be fine!
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I totally sang the song from Grease when I read your title. LOL. You have so many good summer reads on here. I loved TKQ and The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. Words in Deep Blue was also very good.
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hehehehe that’s what I was going for!! Humming it the whole time I wrote this 😉 Thank you! So glad you agree with those!
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Great list. We’re staying at home this year but my Kindle is already packed with lots of stories to whisk me away!
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Thank you! Lovely! 😀
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Thomas Hardy – my senior thesis class. What do you expect from a man whose nurse found him as a baby, napping in his pram in the garden, a snake curled on his tummy?
As for Madding Crowd – if this is one you find happy, please don’t tell me all the sad ones. Well, I guess for Hardy, you could say it had a happy ending – after a whole lot of tragedies and much misery endured.
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hehehe too true!
haha wellll it does have a happy ending- or at least relatively speaking 😉 Yeah that’s pretty much it!
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There is never not a good time of year to read fantasy 😂
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hehe totally agree!!
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My Lady Jane is on my TBR list – I better move it up!
I loved Tamora Pierce’s Circle of Magic books but I haven’t read Song of the Lioness (although I remember reading and enjoying Tricker’s Choice). I should probably read it soon
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Ooh really hope you like it- I had such fun with that one!!
I’ve read a few of her series, but not that one yet (trickster’s choice is really good as well 😀 )
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Ahh I love your recommendations so much! I loved Words in Deep Blue, such a great, underrated read. And I can’t wait to read Cait’s book 😀
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Thank you so much! Completely agree! Hope you love it! 😀
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Okay, I’m off to add some of those to my TBR now! (Especially the Dianna Wynne Jones. That looks charming.)
I usually read the stereotypical cozy mystery style book while on vacation, though a year or two ago I had Connie Willis’ Doomsday Book as my vacation read. Beach + Bahamas + Black Death. Sure, why not? 😉
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Brilliant! It really is!!
oh that totally works for holidays! heheehehe absolutely get what you mean 😉
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I have SO MUCH love for The Boy Who Steals Houses!! Great addition to the list!! 💕
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So glad to hear it!! Thank you! ❤
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EVERYONE keeps telling me about the Kiss Quotient! I own the Bride Test but haven’t read it yet. However I have been in a romance-y mood because summer. Currently I am reading the new one, Fix Her Up by Tessa Bailey (mostly because it takes place on Long Island, where I am from, AND because it seems to include my all time fav trope, fake dating) but I think I will just have to pick up Kiss Quotient after it since everyone seems to enjoy it so much!
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Ah I get that- I had kiss quotient a while too, but had to be in the mood as well. ooh love fake dating!! Sounds great!! 😀
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I just finished The Kiss Quotient and absolutely loved it.
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Really glad to hear it!
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Hooray for heartwarming and sunshiny reads! I can’t wait to check out some of these recommendations, thank you! I know the summer TBR pile can be overwhelming but I wanted to tell you about “Behind the Glass” by Kristen Morgen(https://kristenmorgen.com/). I LOVED this book so much. Not only does it leave you feeling satisfied and hopeful about love but it’s a book you can’t put down and the main character, Rebecca, is someone you really root for along the way. Sometimes the main characters in a romance novel can be a little too “damsel in distress” for me and it drives me crazy. I like a strong, intelligent, down-to-earth woman that I can empathize with and think “yeah, I would be her friend in real life” (haha). The author’s writing style is a little like Nicholas Sparks and it was really easy to connect with the characters. Rebecca meets her soulmate BUT is already in a serious relationship. I love that the author embraces the fact that life isn’t simple annnnd neither is love. Hope you will give it a read! Happy Summer reading!
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Great! Glad to hear it!! Oh awesome- that sounds really good- I’ll definitely check it out. Awesome- I like Sparks’ writing style 🙂 Thanks so much for the recommendation! And thanks! You too!
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These look great, very interesting mix!
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Thank you!
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I’m pretty sure I did read all of the Alanna books on my summer holiday when I was younger, so YES, they are PERFECT ❤
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I know right!?
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I love The Kiss Quotient! Great book. A lot steamier than I anticipated and I made the mistake of listening to it while at work which sometimes felt awkward at best hahaha.
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It really is! hahahaha!! I’ve made similar mistakes before and just hope no one can tell what I’m reading 😉
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Great! Thanks for sharing 👍🏼
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Thanks for reading!
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Sounds like an awesome list of books to pick up. I’m particularly intrigued by Far from the Madding Crowd. 😀
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Glad to hear it!
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I bring along anything by Dick Francis, Jennifer Weiner, or Alexander McCall Smith. I just finished his most recent No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency book, and I’m casting about for another one because more, more, more!
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