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Ahhh…I can almost feel it! Summer vacation is just around the corner, which hopefully means a relaxing getaway (or at least a poolside dip) is in store for all of us! But no trip would be complete without a juicy page turner to truly help us escape, and that’s why I’m sharing these Beach Reads with you today. Whether you prefer historical fiction, a thriller, a memoir, or a humorous romantic novel, it’s all right here in the ultimate list of 20 of the Best Books to Take on Vacation!
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Me Before You by JoJo Moyes: In this love story, Louisa Clark is an ordinary girl living an exceedingly ordinary life—steady boyfriend, close family—until she reluctantly takes on a new job and surprises herself by falling in love with her boss.
Can You Keep a Secret? by Sophie Kinsella: funny, light, and SO perfect for vacation!
The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follet: hands-down one of the BEST books that I have EVER read. Don’t be intimidated by a lot of pages…you will fly through this book…and it’s perfect for a vacation when you have some extra time to relax and enjoy!
The Husband’s Secret by Liane Moriarty: so many of my friends and blog readers have recommended Liane Moriarty’s books…I can’t wait to read this one!
Divine Secrets of the Ya Ya Sisterhood by Rebecca Wells: a funny, well-written novel about the friendship of four Southern women. So entertaining!
Reconstructing Amelia by Kimberly McKreight: the story of secret first loves, old friendships, and an all-girls club steeped in tradition. But, most of all, it’s the story of how far a mother will go to vindicate the memory of a daughter whose life she couldn’t save.
The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin: a book that has been praised by so many different women! In this lively and compelling account, Rubin chronicles her adventures during the twelve months she spent test-driving the wisdom of the ages, current scientific research, and lessons from popular culture about how to be happier. Among other things, she found that novelty and challenge are powerful sources of happiness; that money can help buy happiness, when spent wisely; that outer order contributes to inner calm; and that the very smallest of changes can make the biggest difference.
Defending Jacob by William Landay: a legal thriller that I can’t wait to get my hands on!
The Summer Before the War by Helen Simonson: The bestselling author of Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand returns with a breathtaking novel of love on the eve of World War I that reaches far beyond the small English town in which it is set.
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot: She was a poor black tobacco farmer whose cells—taken without her knowledge in 1951—became one of the most important tools in medicine, vital for developing the polio vaccine, cloning, gene mapping, and more. It’s a riveting story of the collision between ethics, race, and medicine; of scientific discovery and faith healing; and of a daughter consumed with questions about the mother she never knew.
The Red Tent by Anita Diamant: historical fiction that you will DEVOUR!
Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins: a young love in Paris – what more could you ask for?!
Waiting on You by Kristian Higgins: a funny and heartwarming story about a second chance at love.
Bet Me by Jennifer Cruise: a dinner date that starts as a chance to win a bet turns into so much more!
The Rumor by Elin Hildebrand: love, friendship and drama on the island of Nantucket!
The Secret to Hummingbird Cake by Celeste Fletcher McHale: a witty and fun Southern novel.
Eligible by Curtis Sittenfeld: a modern retelling of Pride and Prejudice
If Only by Richard Paul Evans: another author that has come highly recommended by my lovely blog readers! Originally titled Grace, this is a novel filled with hope and redemption about two teens who turn to each other to find trust and love.
It Was Me All Along by Andie Mitchell: a beautiful memoir by a fellow blogger who shares about her incredible weight loss journey and learning to love herself
The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend by Katrina Bivald: A heartwarming reminder of why we are booklovers, this is a sweet, smart story about how books find us, change us, and connect us.
So there you have it! I have big summer plans that include working my way through the books on this list that I haven’t already enjoyed. I hope you’ll do the same!
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I’m so excited that summer is just around the corner! I love to read and try to do so every night. Such a great list, Blair! I’ve read a few of thee here…The Husband’s Secret is a favorite of mine. Liane Moriarty is such a great author, I’m making my way through all of her books!
Thanks, Gayle! Yep, I included The Husband’s Secret after you recommended it last month. Thank you!!! 🙂
Sophie and Jennifer = CLASSIC chick novels!
Hah! Definitely, GiGi!
Pillars Of the Earth! The best book ever! So captivating and sucks you right into the story. Like you said, don’t let the length of the book be intimidating.
YES! Exactly, Alison! I could NOT put that book down!
A also agree on The Pillars of the Earth. My husband fought over who got to read it each night that we got another copy.
Wasn’t it AWESOME?! One of the best books ever written, in my opinion! There’s nothing wrong with owning two copies. 🙂
Lovely, helpful list! Thank you!