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The Perpetual Page-Turner

The Perpetual Page-Turner

Book Recommendations and Book Lists For Adults And Kids

Home | books | 33 New Books To Add To Your Beach Bag For Summer 2022

33 New Books To Add To Your Beach Bag For Summer 2022

July 15, 2022 - Updated July 15, 2022 // 6 Comments

It’s my favorite time of the year — the time where I share the books that I think are THE new best beach reads for 2022. I have a couple summer-time trips in the works (my 10 year anniversary trip to where we honeymooned!) but I know I will be doing ALL the outside reading full of frothy summer reads no matter where I am.

Summer is my favorite season for reading because I LOVE reading outside (we got a hammock for this summer!!) and I love making my summer reading lists & guides every year — definitely feels like a throwback to all the years in school when I’d excitedly dive into the school summer reading list.

If you’ve read my beach reading lists before you know, while I think ANYTHING can be a summer read/beach read and it’s super subjective, there are certain types of books I personally gravitate to during beach reads season — light & easy reads of all genres, romance novels, fast-paced thrillers that I can’t put down and just anything super juicy and unputdownable. And I think I’m not the only one that sees those type of books when they are looking for good books to read on the beach.

Wanna catch up on my past beach reads posts? Check out 2021’s post, 2020’s post, 2019’s post, 2018, 2017’s list, 2016’s list (if you search hard enough you can find some REALLY old ones but the posts are really ugly haha)

Best Beach Reads For 2022

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links which means that if you click on a link and purchase something I’ve talked about or recommended, I’ll receive a very small percentage of the sale. Please see my disclosure policy for more info

Beach Reading Guide: Table of Contents by Genre
  1. My Personal Top 4 Anticipated Beach Reads For 2022
  2. My Favorite Beach Reads From Last Year
  3. Contemporary Fiction Beach Reads
  4. Thrillers & Mystery Beach Reads
  5. Romances & Rom-Com Beach Reads
  6. Lighter Historical Beach Reads
  7. Young Adult Fiction Beach Reads

My Top Beach Reads For 2022

These are the beach reads that will most definitely be going into my beach bag/summer reading plans this year!

book cover for Every Summer After by Carley Fortune

Every Summer After by Carley Fortune – Out May 10

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I can’t enough of books that are set during summer and I always wind up throwing them in my beach bag first every year! Especially books that are told throughout the course of many summers as well as the present day — like this book. And this one was PERFECT.

When Sam and Percy meet the first summer at the lake, they become inseparable for the next six summers as friendship blossoms into something more. But, now, a decade later and Percy hasn’t been back to the lake since the summer she made a mistake that led her to never coming back or ever seeing Sam again.

But now, all these years later, Percy heads back to the lake for the weekend to attend the funeral of Sam’s mother and confront all she ran away from all those years ago.

Perfect for readers who: grew up devouring Sarah Dessen books on the beach (this isn’t YA but so that vibe of SD and or even The Summer I Turned Pretty but grown up!) , love messy & emotional romances, are fans of second chance romances

Book cover for Book Lovers by Emily Henry

Book Lovers by Emily Henry- Out May 3

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Two summers in a row Emily Henry has given me the most perfect summer time reading material and I am not shocked that this was another slam dunk in the beach reading department!

A cutthroat literary agent agrees to go with her sister to a small town in North Carolina (the setting of a romance novel from one of Nora’s clients and that her sister loves) for a month-long sister vacation to get away from the city for a bit and hopefully get out of the ruts they are in.

Her break from the city takes an unexpected turn when she runs into her rival – a brooding editor back in the city whom she can’t stand and who passed on that same romance novel years ago.

Entertaining a list of things to do that her sister came up with while they are there and a string of unexpected situations arising, she finds herself constantly being thrown together with her rival and realizes they have more in common than the books they both love so much.


Perfect for readers who: love romcoms, adore the rivals turned lovers romance trope, like books about book people, love a strong sisterly sub plot

Book cover for The Shore by Katie Runde

The Shore by Katie Runde – Out May 24

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Okay as much as I typically gravitate towards something lighter for beach reads there is always a spot in my beach bag for a more literary/contemporary family drama that will induce tears (along with big ol’ sunglasses to hide my crying eyes). This one, with its Jersey Shore setting and sounds of the summer mixed with a family going through a really hard time, is one that piqued my interest immediately.

It tells the story, from the POV of the mom and her daughters, about a family going through the unthinkable (and sadly something I went through with my mom’s brain tumor/cancer) — the husband and father of the family is diagnosed with a brain tumor. Throughout the summer, they navigate change, grief, impending loss and unearthed secrets.

I honestly get chills thinking about this one and think about my own last summer I had with my mother in her brain cancer fight and the just absolute cognitive dissonance that went on for me when I was navigating, as a 20 year old, the fact my mom was actively dying with pool parties and “summer fun”. WHEW BOY.

Perfect for readers who: won’t find a sadder read a beach read buzzkill, enjoy slice of life family novels, are looking for something a little more on the literary side

Book cover for This Time Tomorrow by Emma Straub

This Time Tomorrow By Emma Straub – Out Now

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A family drama with a dash of time travel and 90’s nostalgia about a woman who, on her 40th birthday, is facing the impending loss of her father and wakes up the next morning in her bedroom on her 16th birthday in the same house with her vibrant, healthy father. With a chance to possibly do it all again, would she make different choices? Could she save her father?

I loved this book so, so much. Reminded me of another one that I loved Faye, Faraway. I cried a bit and found it very thought-provoking.


Perfect for readers who: family dramas, books with time travel elements, father-daughter stories,

My Favorite Beach Reads From Last Year

Before we get to 2022’s best new beach reads, don’t forget to check out these newly released books from last year that were a few of MY favorite beach books from last year.

Book cover for Float Plan -- yellow cover with a sailboat on the waves

Float Plan

A fave of last year! A wonderful self-discovery story with a dash of romance, adventure and a setting that sets the beach reading mood.

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Book Cover for Last Summer At The Golden Hotel - the cover is emerald green with lots of little illustrated scenes with people on it.

Last Summer At The Golden Hotel

A great lighter family drama with a whole interesting cast of characters & a vivid Catskills setting!

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Book Cover for People We Meet On Vacation -- cover is tropical orange-y with a woman in a swimsuit and a guy in a shirt and shorts both lounging in white lounge chairs. Palm leaves are on the edges at random

People We Meet On Vacation

Another perfect beach read from Emily Henry! A smart second chance, friends-to-lover romance!

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book cover for Too Good To Be True - cover is a black and white photo of an engagement ring standing up straight

Too Good To Be True

Can’t-put-down psychological thriller told from 3 perspectives about one man, two marriages & a sinister scheme.

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The Love Hypothesis

This beach read had me laughing at loud & grinning uncontrollably from the banter. Great faux romance story!

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Book cover for the Guncle -- illustrated cover with a yellow wall and a man followed by two children and a dog walking next to a pool

The Guncle

If you are looking for a lighter read that’s not a romance, this book is humorous and full of so much heart.

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Get the hottest books of the year for WAY less!

New books can get so expensive! One of the ways I save, besides my library, is by subscribing to Book of the Month — a monthly book subscription devoted to serving up the must-reads of the year at a cost less than what you’d get elsewhere. I love making my selection each year. Read my review of Book of the Month for more info.

If you like contemporary fiction to be at the top of your summer reading list

Book cover for One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle

One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle – Out Now!

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This book absolutely transported me to Italy and really got me with those food descriptions! It also made me a wee bit emotional on a personal level considering a big chunk of the story is about the main character working through the grief of losing her mother on this trip they were supposed to take together. A trip that there is no way her mom should be there but there her mom is – albeit her younger self. 

Suspend that need to know why or how that could happen and you’ll enjoy this Italian summer escape and one woman’s journey through grief and learning more about her mother’s story and history she wasn’t aware of.

 Perfect for readers who: don’t mind a side of emotions with their beach read, are seeking vivid settings, love mother/daughter stories, enjoyed Faye Faraway like I did,  are in need of an armchair vacation

Book cover for The Love of My Life by Rosie Walsh

The Love of My Life by Rosie Walsh- Out now!

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What would you do if the love of your life wasn’t exactly who you thought they were? 

That is exactly what happens when Leo, an obituary writer, is tasked with writing for the love of his life – a renowned marine biologist who is still alive. As he does research for the obituary, he suddenly finds out that he does not know the woman he loves at all.

Part contemporary family drama, part mystery/thriller and part love story. I don’t want to say too much – go in not knowing too much!

Perfect for readers who: love a book that is a mashup of genres, aren’t dissuaded by a little bit of a slow start that will then have you tearing through the pages, love good twists and turns, love a good domestic family drama with a side of mystery

Book cover for Cover Story by Susan Rigetti

Cover Story by Susan Rigetti – Out Now!

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Definitely inspired by Anna Delvey and all the scammer/grifter stories out there (Elizabeth Holmes & and Caroline Calloway also come to my mind), this read is the perfect escape to get lost into whilst on vacation or at the beach as you read about a young woman who gets entangled in the glitz and glamour of her newfound friend’s life — a life that isn’t entirely as it seems as the cracks start to expose things.


Perfect for readers who: were enthralled by Inventing Anna on Netflix, love a fresh format (told in diary entries, media clippings, etc.),

Book cover for Counterfeit by Kirstin Chen

Counterfeit by Kirstin Chen – Out Now

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This one looks like a fun page-turner to get lost in! I mean — ” a story of two Asian American women, former classmates in college, who band together to grow a counterfeit handbag scheme into a global enterprise–an incisive and glittering blend of fashion, crime, and friendship.”

The storytelling is bound to get you wrapped up in this scheme as most of it is revealed via a confessional of sorts with Ava, a suburban mom who is struggling on many fronts, telling the story to a detective of how she came back into contact with her friend and got caught up in this illegal yet lucrative scheme selling counterfeit handbags.


Perfect for readers who: enjoyed books like Finlay Donovan or Dial A for Aunties, looking for a fast-paced read

You May Also Like: Most Anticipated 2022 Adult Fiction Books

Book cover for The Unsinkable Greta James

The Unsinkable Greta James by Jennifer E. Smith – Out Now!

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One of my favorite books of the year — compulsively readable! A perfect setting to escape into (Alaska), a tender-hearted meet cute and a poignant look at the shared grieving experience of those left behind.

It’s about Greta, a rising indie music star whose career is hanging in the balance after an onstage meltdown that went viral after the death of her mother, who ends up taking an Alaskan cruise with her father — a trip that her mother and father were supposed to take.

Greta and her father don’t get along very well and that relationship has become even more fractured since her mom has died which makes this trip fraught with tension along with the baggage they are both bringing — their grief as well as Greta’s attempt to outrun her heartbreak and humiliation and potential nose-diving career if she can’t get it together. This trip could either destroy what little relationship the two have left or heal it.

As the adventure gets underway, Greta meets a man who is dealing with his own life upheavals. The encounter, along with spending time with her dad, will help lead Greta to what comes next for her.



Perfect for readers who: love stories of self discovery, family and grief with a side of a romantic elements and adventure

Book cover for Nora Goes Off Script by Annabel Monaghan

Nora Goes Off Script by Annabel Monaghan – Out June 7

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Straddling the line between contemporary women’s fiction and rom-com, this one is about a divorced romance channel screenwriter and mom who writes the best script of her life about her absolutely disastrous collapse of her marriage and ends up having this biographical script picked up to be a major motion picture.

This turn of events might just what she needs to help her reclaim her life and find love when the leading man of the movie asks her to stay at her home for a week to escape reality for a bit (and he’ll pay handsomely).

Perfect for readers who: loved Evvie Drake Starts Over or The Overdue Life of Amy Byler, are looking for something feel-good and uplifting

Book cover for Gilt by Jamie Brenner

Gilt by Jamie Brenner- Out June 21

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Set in the 1990’s and the present day, this tells the story of the women in a (fictional) famous family high-end jewelry dynasty and the hidden past that could topple it all.

Three sisters torn apart over a family jewel and, many years later, the orphaned daughter of one of them who is making her own way in the jewelry world but is also on a quest to take back her mother’s diamond (and maybe even come for more!) by reconnecting with her estranged aunts.

With New York’s Fifth Avenue and Provincetown settings, this juicy family drama will be the perfect vacation read to sweep you up in the glitzy world of jewelry and family secrets.

Perfect for readers who: love books by Elin Hilderbrand or Jennifer Weiner, lovers of lighter family dramas, enjoy sister stories

Book cover for What Might Have Been

What Might Have Been by Holly Miller – Out Now!

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This one is about a Sliding Doors-esque novel about a woman at a crossroads in her life and has to choose between finally going for her dream of becoming a writer and exploring a new love or moving to London to revive her career and see if she can rekindle things with The One Who Got Away. In alternating chapters, we see how her life plays out if she stays or goes as both choices will change her life in big ways.

Perfect for readers who: enjoyed Maybe in Another Life by Taylor Jenkins Reid or the concept in The Midnight Library by Matt Haig

Book cover for The Beach Trap by Ali Brady

The Beach Trap by Ali Brady – Out Now!

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Fifteen years ago, Kat and Blake become fast friends at summer camp — until they realize they are actually half-sisters and the secret crumbles the friendship. Now, their dad has died and given them a joint inheritance of a dilapidated beach house in Florida.

The estranged sisters have conflicting views on what to do with the house but reluctantly agree to renovate the house together all summer. The summer brings clashing opinions, summer romances and coming to terms with the secret that broke everything so many years ago.

This is truly one of the best vacation reads ever!

Perfect for readers who: enjoy heartwarming family stories with a side of romance

If you like your beach bag to be filled with sizzling thrillers & mysteries

Check out this year’s must-read new thriller books to read for even more great beach reading!

Book cover for Reckless Girls by Rachel Hawkins

Reckless Girls by Rachel Hawkins – Out Now

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A sun-drenched suspense novel set on an isolated island (with a dark history) and strangers with secrets when a group of random travelers land on this secluded paradise which soon starts to unravel when a mysterious lone sailor shows up on the island also.

Perfect for readers who: love a “locked door” mystery but it’s an island, are in search of a quick escapist/”popcorn” read, want summer vibes with the setting, don’t mind thrillers that are a bit implausible at times

book cover for The Night Shift by Alex Finlay

The Night Shift by Alex Finlay – Out Now

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I could not put this thriller down!! A perfect thrilling book to get lost in while on the beach or vacation as it is compulsively readable and has these perfectly short chapters perfect for binge reading on the beach.

New Years Eve 1999 a massacre, killing the teens working their shift, occurs at a Blockbuster Video leaving only one survivor. 15 years later, another attack happens at an ice cream shop leaving only one teen survivor who heard the same words uttered by the killer.

Three people, with different motives, work together to solve the crime and find out if the murders are connected (the original suspect had fled and never was seen again) or if there is a copycat killer.

(I will say the synopsis lead me a bit astray thinking there would be much more 90’s/Y2K nostalgia to get lost in but not so much — still an enjoyable book nonetheless but I was really excited for the setting)

Perfect for readers who: are looking for a fast-paced mystery thriller, are into thrillers with multi-POVs, like cold case mysteries, enjoyed Final Girls by Riley Sager

Book cover for The Lying Club

The Lying Club by Annie Ward – Out Now!

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Did you love Big Little Lies? If so, pack this one up in your beach bag! This suspenseful read will suck you into a story of revenges, webs of lies, and murder all tied to an elite private school — all unraveled through the POV of three different women involved in the scandal in some way.

I also think this one would make a perfect summer book club pick, honestly! Entertaining, drama-filled and still giving enough to talk about.


Perfect for readers who: blew through Big Little Lies on the beach, are looking for books with lots of twists and turns, like their books with high drama

Book cover for One Of Us Is Dead by Jeneva Rose

One Of Us Is Dead by Jeneva Rose – Out Now!

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Desperate Housewives + all your favorite catty, messy reality shows mixed with the thrills of a domestic housewife thriller book is the vibe here.

Told through multiple points of view of the women of the affluent Buckhead neighborhood, secrets and revenge collide and someone won’t make it out alive. Is it the former queen bee and wife of a politician who has been dumped? Is it the woman who replaced her? The woman who has been waiting to take the queen bee crown? Or is it the one who knows all their juicy secrets?

Perfect for readers who: love shows like Desperate Housewives, looking for a “popcorn thriller” filled with messy drama & juicy secrets, enjoyed The Hunting Wives, enjoy the Rich People Behaving Badly & Possibly Murdery trope

Book cover for My Summer Darlings by Mary Cobb

My Summer Darlings by May Cobb – Out May 17

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I find Mary Cobb’s thrillers so far to be the ultimate fun beach read thriller that I just eat up — just juicy and drama-filled. If you enjoyed her debut, definitely check out this summer blockbuster book!

In this one, we are introduced to three life-long best friends (and suburban housewives in an idyllic Texas town) who find their lives and friendship turning upside down when a mysterious and rich new neighbor snakes his way into their lives.

Perfect for readers who: love soapy and over-the-top thrillers, fans of domestic/”neighborhood” thrillers, watched and loved Desperate Housewives and similar shows, are fine with thrillers with a little bit of steam, enjoy Colleen Hoover’s books,

book cover for You're Invited

You’re Invited by Amanda Jayatissa- Out August 9

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Crazy Rich Asians meets Lucy Foley’s The Guest List in this thriller about a woman gets invited to her estranged best friend’s Sri-Lankan wedding-of-the-year and is shocked to find she is marrying her ex boyfriend. She heads to the wedding with one mission: to stop this wedding! But when the bride goes missing, the jealous ex-girlfriend sure makes a good suspect and the evidence is starting to mount to support her as suspect number 1!

Perfect for readers who: like juicy drama-filled thrillers, enjoy books that explore female friendships

One of my favorite way to get through my never-ending list of books to read:

Audiobooks are HUGE in helping me find time to read all these books and LibroFM is my preferred audiobook service. They are THE best audiobook subscription, hands down. Get 2 audiobooks for the price of 1 here! Check out my review of LibroFM for more info.

If You Need A Good Romance or Rom-Com…

Check out more new & upcoming romance and rom-coms to add to your list!

Book cover for Lease on Love by Falon Ballard

Lease On Love by Falon Ballard – Out Now!

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A down on her luck young woman + an innocent mix-up between a dating app and an app for finding a roommate while a little drunk equals possibly a new chance at love in this new rom-com.


Perfect for readers who: love a slow-burn romance, are looking for lighter read, enjoyed The Flatshare

Book cover for Funny You Should Ask by Elissa Sussman

Funny You Should Ask by Elissa Sussman – Out now!

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Told alternating between the past and the present, this one is about a young journalist who gets to interview an up-and-coming Hollywood heartthrob and the two spend a life-changing weekend together and the interview catapults her career (as well as his) leaving a wake of rumors about the two long after they part ways.

Ten years later, and a whole lot of messy life lived in the meantime, the two are reunited after all those years for a second interview bringing back all the feelings and truth of that whirlwind weekend.

Perfect for readers who: love a good Hollywood celeb falls for “normal” person trope, looking for a more emotional romance tone versus rom-com (a mix of women’s fiction and romance to me honestly), enjoy second chance romances

You May Also Like: Books For Bridgerton Fans

Book cover for The Wedding Season by Katy Birchall

The Wedding Season by Katy Birchall – Out May 3

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This one toes the line between rom-com and women’s fiction and will be a perfect book for the beach as it is equal parts funny and vulnerable as we dive into the main character’s journey.

It is about a recently jilted bride who, this summer, was already booked to attend seven weddings in one summer (her own was to kick off the wedding-filled summer) and, in light of the fact she wants to do anything BUT attend a ton of weddings by herself, her friends try to distract her with a series of outrageous and fun challenges to complete at each event!

As the wedding season actually turns out with her having some fun and finding some healing with the help of her people, she finds reason to keep her heart open and accept the detour her love story has taken.


Perfect for readers who: are looking for classic (British) rom-com vibes but with a bit of emotion at times as it is also about a healing journey, slow-burn romance lovers, fans of Mhairi McFarlane or Bridget Jones’ Diary, are looking for a non-steamy romance

Book cover for Something Wilder by Christina Lauren

Something Wilder by Christina Lauren – Out May 17

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This one is so different than their previous romances and romcoms but if you’ve ever thought I’d really love it there was a little more adventure (a la National Treasure) and shenanigans in my romance novels — look no further for a beach reading escape that will have you turning the pages. You’ll have to suspend your disbelief for sure but it will be a fun ride.

A (fabulous) second chance romance + western adventure where everything goes incredibly wrong.


Perfect for readers who: are down for a romance with an adventure element and a hint of mystery, fans of Christina Lauren who will follow them down whatever writing paths they will go

Book cover for You Made A Fool of Death With Your Beauty

You Made A Fool Out Of Death With Your Beauty – Out May 24

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Akwaeke Emezi is known for their literary fiction and this latest title from them is more of the adult romance vein in a genre-busting sort of way. If you are open to a romance that is going to be a bit messier with a forbidden romance element and a profound exploration of grief, definitely check this one out.

5 years after the death of her husband, Feyi is throwing herself back into the dating world in a non-serious, Hot Girl Summer hooking up type of way.

A steamy encounter changes the course of her summer in a life-changing way and has her whisked off to an island with a potentially new beau, and his famous chef father, and career opportunities dangling in front of her. Things are going well until she finds her eyes wandering towards someone who is definitely off limits.

Perfect for readers who: are fine the forbidden romance and age gap tropes, like unconventional romances, appreciate messy characters figuring this out, looking for some spice, are looking for a book with Black queer characters (the main character is bisexual as well as another character and her best friend is a lesbian)

Book cover for A Caribbean Heiress in Paris

A Caribbean Heiress in Paris – Out May 31

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Is your idea of a perfect beach read a steamy historical romance novel that is witty, bold and perfect for Bridgerton fans? Don’t miss this one – you won’t be able to put it down!

This one is about a Dominican heiress trying to sell her rum and expand her family business at the 1880’s World Fair in Paris, after the passing of her father and running into a snag in getting her inheritance, and the charming Scottish earl who seems eager to help her as the two enter into an advantageous marriage of convenience to further their own businesses.


Perfect for readers who: loved Bridgerton and are looking for diverse historical fiction and a Kate + Anthony dynamic but not set during Regency times (Belle Epoque era)

Book cover for A Proposal They can't refuse

A Proposal They Can’t Refuse by Natalie Cana – Out June 7

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This one is about rom-com about a Puerto Rican chef and an Irish American whiskey distiller, former childhood friends turned enemies, forced into a fake engagement by their scheming octogenarian grandfathers who threaten to sell the building that houses both family businesses unless they marry. When they scheme to outsmart their grandfathers to get what they want, the only con that happens is the one their hearts pull when feelings start feeling real.

Perfect for readers who: love fake dating tropes & second chance romances, enjoy foodie romances

Book cover for How To Fake it in Hollywood

How To Fake It In Hollywood by Ava Wilder – Out June 14

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A talented Hollywood starlet, looking to keep her career afloat after her long-standing teen soap drama ends, agrees to her publicist’s scheme to enter into a fake relationship with a reclusive A-lister who needs the PR stunt for his own reasons after personal hardships had him pull away from the industry.

Perfect for readers who: love fake dating tropes, enjoy your romances & rom-comes to also pack an emotional punch

If a lighter historical fiction is your idea of a good beach read

Book cover for The Liz Taylor Ring

The Liz Taylor Ring by Brenda Janowitz – Out now!

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Three adult siblings struggle about what to do with the much-loved diamond ring, an heirloom thought to be long lost, that belonged to their mother as a gift from their father – a ring reminiscent of the one Richard Burton gave Liz Taylor and has now unraveled some family secrets upon it being unearthed.

The story is told in the past and the present from multiple perspectives as we see the love story (and tumultuous times) of matriarch and patriarch of the family as well as what the ring means to each of the kids. 

Perfect for readers who: love a good family drama/saga that isn’t TOO heavy, enjoyed Malibu Rising or Last Summer at the Golden Hotel, enjoy a multi-perspective family saga that dips in the past and present

Book cover for Lessons in Chemistry

Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus – Out Now!

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Fans of offbeat comedies and quirky characters — check out this book about a woman in STEM in 1960’s who takes a sharp career detour, after tirelessly trying to make it in her male-dominated field, as a cooking show host and uses it as way to challenge the status quo and inspire the women watching.

Perfect for readers who: love shows like The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel or Mad Men, enjoy offbeat humor and a quirky lead a la Where’d You Go Bernadette or Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine, love a good feminist book

Book cover for On Gin Lane by Brooke Lea Foser

On Gin Lane by Brooke Lea Foster – Out May 31

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Set in the 1950’s, it’s about a young socialite who is whisked way to the Hamptons (Southhampton) by her fiance where he bestows a gift upon her — he has opened a glamorous beach-side hotel in her honor for them to also stay in every summer. The generous gift is clouded by her upbringing in the Plaza hotel but she tries to shake it off and embrace her new summer life until tragedy strikes on the opening weekend of the hotel and unravels her view of her future.


Perfect for readers who: love a glitzy beach-side setting, are looking for a page-turning historical as there is a mystery element, love a good story about self-discovery especially in an era like the 1950’s

Book cover for Mustique Island by Sarah McCoy

Mustique Island by Sarah McCoy – Out May 10

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Set in the 1970’s on an exclusive island visited by the likes of Mick Jagger and Princess Margaret, a divorced former beauty queen and her two wayward daughters arrive on the island to start over again on this sun-drenched island full of celebrities and where there is more than meets the eye.

Perfect for readers who: like their historical fiction with an edge of feeling like thought-provoking women’s fiction (lighter historical content), are looking for a sun-drenched Caribbean escape, love a good mother-daughter story, enjoy books from Taylor Jenkins Reid

Check out: New & Upcoming Historical Fiction

If Young Adult Books Are Staples In Your Beach Reads Rotation

If you love young adult books, definitely check out all the must-read YA fiction for this year. YA books are some of the best beach reads in my humble opinion.

PS. Even more YA beach read recommendations here.

Book cover for One True Loves by Elise Bryant

One True Loves by Elise Bryant – Out Now!

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It’s the summer before freshman year of college and, always pretty sure of herself through high school, Lenore Bennett is not feeling as sure of anything — especially as she head to college undeclared.

But before she heads off to school, her family is headed on Mediterranean cruise where she finds herself stuck with the son of her parents new friends on the cruise, a golden boy with a life plan, for the duration. As they get to know each other, she just might start to piece together some of the answers to what she wants her future to look like.

Perfect for readers who: are looking for a sweet summer-set YA romance perfect for fans of Morgan Matson and Stephanie Perkins, love being whisked off on a vacation via your current read

Book cover for This Golden State

This Golden State by Marit Weisenberg – Out Now!

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Poppy has only remembered a life on the run with her parents and never staying in one place. With so little answers about who they are, her curiosity gets the best of her and she sends in a DNA test – a decision that will threaten her family’s very anonymous life.



Perfect for readers who: are looking for something absolutely page-turning that will keep you guessing the whole time, love a thriller/mystery that is equal parts coming of age story, couldn’t get enough of the family drama story of the show Ozarks

When You Get The Chance book cover

When You Get The Chance – Out Now!

Find it on Amazon
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Emma Lord’s books have always been such solid reads for me in the contemporary YA space and this one was no exception! SO FUN!!

It’s a Mamma Mia inspired book about a girl with Broadway aspirations, raised by her single dad, who really needs to get her dad on board with her plan to leave home to attend a theater program that could be a stepping stone to her dreams.

Between butting heads with her dad and battling her annoyingly cute drama club rival, she finds a tab open on her dad’s computer that sends her on a mission to find her birth mom using clues from her dad’s Livejournal from 2003 to find potential candidates.



Perfect for readers who: have loved Emma’s previous books, love fun contemporary YA books that are big-hearted, are theater geeks

You May Also Like: Books For Sarah Dessen Fans

Book cover for The Counselors by Jessica Goodman

The Counselors by Jessica Goodman – Out May 31

Find it on Amazon
Find it on Bookshop.org

A summer camp-set thriller about three long-time best friends — Goldie, Eva and Imogen– who met at an elite sleepaway camp and are set to reunite this summer for their first year as counselors. When a dead body, one whom Goldie knows very well, shows up in the lake Goldie realizes she isn’t the only one coming into this summer with secrets.

Perfect for readers who: love thrillers by authors like Karen McManus and Megan Miranda, fans of murder mysteries with a thoughtful examination on female friendship

You May Also Like: Books For Fans of Pretty Little Liars

Book cover for Zyla & Kai

Zyla & Kai – Out June 7

Find it on Amazon
Find it on Bookshop.org

A YA romance with a hint of mystery, this one had me turning the pages to find out where the heck Zyla and Kai went and why.

Zyla and Kai appear to run away together during a school trip. Everyone is confused because they broke up months ago so why would these two run away? The story chronicles their love story from how they met the previous summer, flipping to the present where they are missing, and eventually culminates to WHY and where they are.


Perfect for readers who: like romances with an air of mystery, are looking for stories of stirring first love, are seeking a romance featuring Black protagonists

Book cover for The Edge of Summer by Erica George

The Edge of Summer by Erica George- Out June 14

Find it on Amazon
Find it on Bookshop.org

This is like the epitome of YA beach read type books I love in the summer — a contemporary YA romance with some self-discovery and a need for some tissues. One of those books that shows side-by-side the beauty and tragedies of life that can co-exist at the same time.

This one is about a young girl who experiences the loss of her best friend and is determined to complete the list of things they wanted to do the summer before college together — including a marine biology internship on Cape Cod.

As she grieves and tries to heal during this summer of new beginnings and saving humpback whales, she finds herself distracted by a local lifeguard who she catches feelings for but proves to mix up her priorities of the summer.


Perfect for readers who: love books from Morgan Matson and Sarah Dessen, love contemporary YA romances about first love and loss

You May Also Like: Books Like To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before

Book cover for All That's Left In The World by Erik J. Brown

All That’s Left In The World by Erik J. Brown – out Now!

Find it on Amazon
Find it on Bookshop.org

Nothing gets me tearing through the pages than a post-apocalyptic novel! This one is a YA post-apocalyptic survival novel, with a queer romance, about two boys who have which features two boys whose lives collide when they make up the small percentage of people who have survived a superbug that has killed 80% of the world and are trying to figure out what comes next to survive. Witty, humorous and romantic in addition to being a story about survival and loss. Really balances it well!

Perfect for readers who: are looking for something more high concept, fans of Adam Silvera

You May Also Like: Books For Fans Of The Hunger Games

What new beach read books would you add to this 2022 summer reading list??

Need some other summer reading ideas?

Catch up on your 2022 book to movie adaptations while on vacation

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Filed Under: Best of Seasonal, book list, books Tagged With: beach reads, book list

About Jamie

Jamie is a 32 year old married lady (with a new baby!!) who is in denial that she's actually that old to be a married lady and a mom. When she's not reading you can find her doing Pilates followed by eating ice cream, belting out Hamilton (loud and offkey) and having adventures with her husband, daughter and rescue dog.

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  1. Bev says

    July 14, 2020 at 1:10 am

    So many wonderful books! thanks for the list – will definitely be reading a few of them!
    When I read your info and the first part of your post, I was struck by the similarity of you and my daughter. Bioth new mothers, both babies named Riley (your daughter)/ Riely (my dau’s son), and you both cooling off/summering in your backyard kid pools!

    Reply
  2. Hena Tayeb says

    July 14, 2020 at 12:06 pm

    These all look great.. going to add some of these to my TBR.

    Reply
  3. Andrea C says

    July 23, 2020 at 9:40 am

    I had no idea Jennifer Weiner had a new book! I am so excited to check it out. I was so happy to come across this list! I think it’s a great idea to have books set aside as “beach reads.” My beach read recommendation is 100% “ENDLESS: A Less Than Zero Rockstar Romance” by Kaylene Winter (https://rockerromance.com). This was such an addictive fun & sexy read and I think you would really enjoy it. I love a contemporary romance novel with a “tortured/damaged” leading male with a heart of gold (lol… I can’t help it!).  Ty comes from a rough childhood and is now the lead singer of a popular band. He meets Zoey, educated bookworm who comes from a totally different world from him and they have a fiery (but QUICK) romance before he goes on the road and she heads to school. She knows that she has to end things because she has to stay focused on her career in law but instead of talking to him about it she ghosts him… this is obviously super damaging for Ty and he goes on a bit of a bender (sex and access) on tour until they reconnect 8 years later. I don’t want to give away the whole plot but I am sure you can guess their reunion is a bit of a rollercoaster and there are a lot of dramatic twists and turns. This is book 1 of the series and I can’t wait to see what happens next. Happy summer reading everyone! Stay safe

    Reply
  4. booker talk says

    July 25, 2020 at 5:23 am

    I’m going no further than my garden either ! I don’t tend to change my reading interests according to the seasons but you’ve persuaded me that Last Train to Key West would be a good choice – I’ve twice booked a holiday in that part of Florida and had to cancel so at least if I read the book I can feel a bit closer to actually getting there

    Reply
  5. Hasini @ Bibliosini says

    April 25, 2021 at 1:35 am

    I love how long this list is! Such good options and an endless selection! Thanks, Jamie! 😀

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      May 2, 2021 at 11:19 am

      You are welcome! I really had to narrow it down too because it was even longer lol

      Reply

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“Why is it so hard to pick my next read?” — “Why is it so hard to pick my next read?” — she says as she is surrounded by piles on piles of books on the floor and desk and packed on her bookshelf and book cart. (Partner @berkleypub - thanks for the review copy).⁣
⁣
I managed to pick my next read, as chronicled in these photos, but it was not easy with so many options! 

Decided to go with a most anticipated book of 2022 for me from an author who has written books I’ve really enjoyed.
⁣
I am about halfway through and cruising along because I NEED to figure out if Joseph is the worst or what really is going on here in this story that starts with 3 women being stood up by the same guy on Valentine’s Day.  I feel like there is something more to this one but I can’t quite put my finger on it yet! ⁣
⁣
Hoping to finish it this weekend! What are you reading this weekend? And do you have trouble picking your next read? How do you choose amongst all the options?
Sunshine on my face and a mass market fitting perf Sunshine on my face and a mass market fitting perfectly in my hands.⁣…
⁣
Truly felt like there were zero things more joyful than the warm sun on my face after colder, dreary days and remembering how much I love the feel of reading a mass market paperback. It’s probably a very specific little joy of mine and I definitely reveled in it today.⁣
⁣
But the real big joy has been rereading this book and experiencing it all over again before @bridgertonnetflix season 2 — especially the Pall Mall scene. And something to do with a 🐝 😅 iykyk⁣
⁣
With all the joy I’m getting out of this reread it makes me wonder why I don’t prioritize rereading like I used to before I started blogging 10 years ago.⁣
⁣
In my head I just want to experience all the new stories and try to make a dent in my TBR but I forget, until I do it, the genuine pleasure in revisiting old companions and how it’s a different side of reading one can experience — the nostalgia, the person I’ve become since reading the book and the way I approach a book already knowing what happens. Well the general sense of what happens because my memory is 💩!⁣
⁣
Anyways that’s what I’m up to currently. Trying to finish this up so I can pack my books for a short trip I’m going on later this week. My first ✈️ since 2019!⁣
⁣
Whatcha reading? Do you reread often? And tell me a little teeny tiny joy from your day.
If I was a person who made Reels I would somehow m If I was a person who made Reels I would somehow mash up the “screaming, crying”  Blank Space clip with the “emotional damage” refrain to the Bastille’s Pompeii to let you know how I feel after the last few chapters of #TheGildedCage !!⁣
⁣
And if you don’t understand what that means, I’m sorry 😅⁣
⁣
But woo boy do I need the third installment of this series!!! But I also think I’m going to be even more emotional damaged after that one soooo.⁣ 
⁣
Seriously, one of the best simple joys of my life is the feeling of being so wholly and totally invested in a series that you have to remind yourself it’s fiction lest you spend all day in bed crying about the devastated look a character had on their face — a face you didn’t even see with your own two eyes but you are so invested that you feel nauseous and gutted like you sure did.⁣
⁣
Just me orrrrrr?⁣
⁣
No but for real. If you love YA fantasy, go start #theprisonhealer so you can be caught up when The Blood Traitor comes out in June (and be my emotional support person for the duration of reading it). I love these characters and I dying to see what happens next. 

Have you read this series yet? Last book series that had you SCREAMING CRYING THROWING UP because of the EMOTIONAL DAMAGE it inflicted?
A real life reading photo because I couldn’t be A real life reading photo because I couldn’t be bothered to make it pretty — mismatching fuzzy sucks, coffee almost gone and Christmas pajama pants that are super old.⁣
⁣
But y’all Black Cake is so good!! I’m almost halfway through and I know it’s A Choice to declare it one of the best books I’ve read all year but I’m feeling bold based on how it’s going.⁣
⁣
I love a good family story (especially one with a family secret!) and this is top notch. The writing is 👌🏻 and I know I’m going to be screaming when the pieces come together!⁣
⁣
In other news, I’m 65% of the way through The Dry by Jane Harper and I’m enjoying it so much that I ended up staying on the treadmill twice this weekend after my allotted time was over just so I could keep listening.⁣
⁣
Will and I FINALLY started Ted Lasso this weekend. It is a damn delight!! For all the hype and praise, it has overdelivered for me which is kind of shocking because normally hype is scary. I told Will that I feel like all the praise hasn’t even come close to how much I could love it. We are only 7 episodes in so no spoilers!⁣
⁣
I’m kinda mad we sat on starting it for so long but at the same time I think the timing is right to help me see my way out of this February funk I have found myself in the past couple weeks.⁣
⁣
Anyways, hope everyone is having a good weekend! Have you read Black Cake or The Dry? Where are my Ted Lasso fans at? I’m happy to join your ranks! Also please tell me your fave character bc I am finding it impossible to pick this far!
No but seriously every year I contemplate organizi No but seriously every year I contemplate organizing a search party for one Katjay Millay who wrote one beautiful and amazing book and then...vanished.

Like for real. She wrote a tweet in 2015 that she was taking a few weeks off and then.... no tweets, no new books. Radio silence.

I hope she’s okay, for real, and that she knows I obsessively stalk Goodreads/Twitter/the internet to make sure I haven’t missed new book news from her at least twice a year. 🥺

Is there any author who you’ve been waiting forever for a new release from??

I’d also like to add YA author Sarah Ockler to this list! Last release was 2015 😭😭
Ahhh some of my absolute OG young adult faves are Ahhh some of my absolute OG young adult faves are becoming movies/tv shows soon! And one of them is out TODAY!⁣
⁣
The Sky is Everywhere — it’s out today on AppleTV+ and I can’t wait to sob my brains out. One of my absolute most favorite books ever by one of my all time favorite authors. It’s gorgeous and heartbreaking in its poignant depiction of grief, first love and healing — all woven together in Jandy’s signature gorgeous, lyrical writing.⁣
⁣
Along For The Ride (out April 22) — one of a handful upcoming @sdessen books being adapted in the near future and I can’t wait! These books are so near and dear to my heart.⁣
⁣
No release dates yet for The Summer I Turned Pretty tv series (the ultimate coming of age summertime story!) or The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight (the cutest meet cute of all meet cutes all set in 24 hours) but I am HYPED and have all my fingers crossed for 2022 🤞🤞

Have you read any of these? Anyone else hyped for these adaptations.

Also, for the past few years, I’ve kept a running list of books becoming movies/tv shows for the year. Head to my bio to check out the list! I try to update it weekly and keep on top of it all but life ya know 😆 but I try!
Is this a book club? I think we just started a boo Is this a book club? I think we just started a book club. Or maybe just a @jenniferesmith appreciation club?? (partner @randomhouse )⁣
⁣
Either way, after loving Jennifer E. Smith's YA books for years, it's been a real treat to also read her debut picture book with Riley (we loved!!) as well as her adult debut out in 3 weeks!⁣
⁣
⁣So let me tell you about that adult debut — The Unsinkable Great James!!

This one just was the perfect warm-hearted read for a cold and gloomy January.

A perfect setting to escape into (Alaska), a tender-hearted meet cute and a poignant look at the shared grieving experience of those left behind.

I was initially drawn, like I always am, to the daughter losing a mother storyline and an exploration of that grief but I was so taken by the father/daughter relationship between two people who were left untethered by losing the person who held their family together.

Greta and her father don't see eye-to-eye on basically anything when they are thrown together on this Alaskan cruise, a trip Greta's father and mother were supposed to take, and you can feel the tension of their long-standing tumultuous and fractured relationship -- a relationship that feels like its hanging in a balance and could not recover.

The two are both hurting so much from this loss  and it took my breath away at times in how true it rang to be in your own grief bubble and feeling like the loss is yours and yours alone while forgetting about the others shouldering their own piece of this loss. I loved watching them very slowly SEE one another.

I can't say enough good things about this one -- great setting, Greta's music, the meet-cute, the messy and imperfect nature of family and love. Definitely recommend!⁣
I was on a hot reading streak and now for the past I was on a hot reading streak and now for the past few days I get all cozy in bed to read at night and am asleep by 4 pages in. Will got a kick out of waking up to me basically spooning my kindle. Ebbs and flows, y’all.⁣
⁣
Let’s do a little reading update with an edition of Last, Current & Next.⁣
⁣
Last - The Girl With the Louding Voice: Adunni is by far one of the most memorable voices I’ve read in a book in a very long time. Her hope and resilience in the face of some awful situations kept me turning the pages and rooting for her. I can’t believe it took me so long to finally read it. Highly recommend!⁣
⁣
Now - Deep in Providence (thank you @fiercereads ): I’m about halfway through after I carved out some time to read early this morning and I’m enjoying this story of grief, love and magic. I’m nervous about these girls trying to resurrect their dead friend though! When I put it down today I was getting a little creeped by some things happening.⁣
⁣
Next - The Kiss of Deception: I’m rereading the first book in this YA fantasy series because it’s been forever and I really wanna finish the trilogy. I’ve been really wanting to go through series I’ve left unfinished for years (not for lack of interest but because I suck at juggling all the series I start) so this is one of them. I remember loving it so I’m excited to dive in and binge. 

Whatcha reading? Have you read any of these? Anyone else on the struggle train with reading at night right now?
Braved the downpour to get my library holds. I hop Braved the downpour to get my library holds. I hope they are worth it! Please tell me they are!⁣
⁣
This is also, before I get to the stack,  an appreciation post for my tiny library and wonderful librarians.⁣
⁣
They normally open at 9am during the week —except Fridays. Did I remember that? Nope. So I was I was SO proud of Riley and I for getting our butts in gear to be for around opening time to drop off a stack and get my new ones.⁣
⁣
And alas, I go to open the door and it’s locked. Now I’m holding Riley’s hand, two tote bags full of books, an umbrella that I’m trying to keep over the both of us, mind you. I’m thoroughly confused until it hits me that it’s Friday.⁣
⁣
So I’m like, welp, guess we are just dropping off in the bin so I try to grab my books out and put them in one-handed while juggling the umbrella and less than enthused Riley.⁣
⁣
Mercifully the door opens and  our children’s librarian takes pity on us and lets us in to drop off and pick up the holds.⁣
⁣
Is this what being a VIP as a celebrity feels like?? Sure feels like it to me 😆 for real though, it pays to be a regular and have a cute kid in tow who is being pelted with rain.⁣
⁣
Anyways excited about this stack but especially Wahala, Daughter of the Moon Goddess and How High We Go In The Dark the most.⁣
⁣
Also have been meaning to snag The World Gives Way after @jordys.book.club recommendation!⁣
⁣
Have you read any of these? Any that you think were definitely worth the rain-soaked journey for??⁣
⁣
Alright now I’m off to curl up and read on this rainy, dreary day which is really what I think a day like this is meant for.
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More about Jamie

Jamie is a 32 year old married lady (with a new baby!!) who is in denial that she's actually that old to be a married lady and a mom. When she's not reading you can find her doing Pilates followed by eating ice cream, belting out Hamilton (loud and offkey) and having adventures with her husband, daughter and rescue dog.

I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

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“Why is it so hard to pick my next read?” — “Why is it so hard to pick my next read?” — she says as she is surrounded by piles on piles of books on the floor and desk and packed on her bookshelf and book cart. (Partner @berkleypub - thanks for the review copy).⁣
⁣
I managed to pick my next read, as chronicled in these photos, but it was not easy with so many options! 

Decided to go with a most anticipated book of 2022 for me from an author who has written books I’ve really enjoyed.
⁣
I am about halfway through and cruising along because I NEED to figure out if Joseph is the worst or what really is going on here in this story that starts with 3 women being stood up by the same guy on Valentine’s Day.  I feel like there is something more to this one but I can’t quite put my finger on it yet! ⁣
⁣
Hoping to finish it this weekend! What are you reading this weekend? And do you have trouble picking your next read? How do you choose amongst all the options?
Sunshine on my face and a mass market fitting perf Sunshine on my face and a mass market fitting perfectly in my hands.⁣…
⁣
Truly felt like there were zero things more joyful than the warm sun on my face after colder, dreary days and remembering how much I love the feel of reading a mass market paperback. It’s probably a very specific little joy of mine and I definitely reveled in it today.⁣
⁣
But the real big joy has been rereading this book and experiencing it all over again before @bridgertonnetflix season 2 — especially the Pall Mall scene. And something to do with a 🐝 😅 iykyk⁣
⁣
With all the joy I’m getting out of this reread it makes me wonder why I don’t prioritize rereading like I used to before I started blogging 10 years ago.⁣
⁣
In my head I just want to experience all the new stories and try to make a dent in my TBR but I forget, until I do it, the genuine pleasure in revisiting old companions and how it’s a different side of reading one can experience — the nostalgia, the person I’ve become since reading the book and the way I approach a book already knowing what happens. Well the general sense of what happens because my memory is 💩!⁣
⁣
Anyways that’s what I’m up to currently. Trying to finish this up so I can pack my books for a short trip I’m going on later this week. My first ✈️ since 2019!⁣
⁣
Whatcha reading? Do you reread often? And tell me a little teeny tiny joy from your day.
If I was a person who made Reels I would somehow m If I was a person who made Reels I would somehow mash up the “screaming, crying”  Blank Space clip with the “emotional damage” refrain to the Bastille’s Pompeii to let you know how I feel after the last few chapters of #TheGildedCage !!⁣
⁣
And if you don’t understand what that means, I’m sorry 😅⁣
⁣
But woo boy do I need the third installment of this series!!! But I also think I’m going to be even more emotional damaged after that one soooo.⁣ 
⁣
Seriously, one of the best simple joys of my life is the feeling of being so wholly and totally invested in a series that you have to remind yourself it’s fiction lest you spend all day in bed crying about the devastated look a character had on their face — a face you didn’t even see with your own two eyes but you are so invested that you feel nauseous and gutted like you sure did.⁣
⁣
Just me orrrrrr?⁣
⁣
No but for real. If you love YA fantasy, go start #theprisonhealer so you can be caught up when The Blood Traitor comes out in June (and be my emotional support person for the duration of reading it). I love these characters and I dying to see what happens next. 

Have you read this series yet? Last book series that had you SCREAMING CRYING THROWING UP because of the EMOTIONAL DAMAGE it inflicted?
A real life reading photo because I couldn’t be A real life reading photo because I couldn’t be bothered to make it pretty — mismatching fuzzy sucks, coffee almost gone and Christmas pajama pants that are super old.⁣
⁣
But y’all Black Cake is so good!! I’m almost halfway through and I know it’s A Choice to declare it one of the best books I’ve read all year but I’m feeling bold based on how it’s going.⁣
⁣
I love a good family story (especially one with a family secret!) and this is top notch. The writing is 👌🏻 and I know I’m going to be screaming when the pieces come together!⁣
⁣
In other news, I’m 65% of the way through The Dry by Jane Harper and I’m enjoying it so much that I ended up staying on the treadmill twice this weekend after my allotted time was over just so I could keep listening.⁣
⁣
Will and I FINALLY started Ted Lasso this weekend. It is a damn delight!! For all the hype and praise, it has overdelivered for me which is kind of shocking because normally hype is scary. I told Will that I feel like all the praise hasn’t even come close to how much I could love it. We are only 7 episodes in so no spoilers!⁣
⁣
I’m kinda mad we sat on starting it for so long but at the same time I think the timing is right to help me see my way out of this February funk I have found myself in the past couple weeks.⁣
⁣
Anyways, hope everyone is having a good weekend! Have you read Black Cake or The Dry? Where are my Ted Lasso fans at? I’m happy to join your ranks! Also please tell me your fave character bc I am finding it impossible to pick this far!
No but seriously every year I contemplate organizi No but seriously every year I contemplate organizing a search party for one Katjay Millay who wrote one beautiful and amazing book and then...vanished.

Like for real. She wrote a tweet in 2015 that she was taking a few weeks off and then.... no tweets, no new books. Radio silence.

I hope she’s okay, for real, and that she knows I obsessively stalk Goodreads/Twitter/the internet to make sure I haven’t missed new book news from her at least twice a year. 🥺

Is there any author who you’ve been waiting forever for a new release from??

I’d also like to add YA author Sarah Ockler to this list! Last release was 2015 😭😭
Ahhh some of my absolute OG young adult faves are Ahhh some of my absolute OG young adult faves are becoming movies/tv shows soon! And one of them is out TODAY!⁣
⁣
The Sky is Everywhere — it’s out today on AppleTV+ and I can’t wait to sob my brains out. One of my absolute most favorite books ever by one of my all time favorite authors. It’s gorgeous and heartbreaking in its poignant depiction of grief, first love and healing — all woven together in Jandy’s signature gorgeous, lyrical writing.⁣
⁣
Along For The Ride (out April 22) — one of a handful upcoming @sdessen books being adapted in the near future and I can’t wait! These books are so near and dear to my heart.⁣
⁣
No release dates yet for The Summer I Turned Pretty tv series (the ultimate coming of age summertime story!) or The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight (the cutest meet cute of all meet cutes all set in 24 hours) but I am HYPED and have all my fingers crossed for 2022 🤞🤞

Have you read any of these? Anyone else hyped for these adaptations.

Also, for the past few years, I’ve kept a running list of books becoming movies/tv shows for the year. Head to my bio to check out the list! I try to update it weekly and keep on top of it all but life ya know 😆 but I try!
Is this a book club? I think we just started a boo Is this a book club? I think we just started a book club. Or maybe just a @jenniferesmith appreciation club?? (partner @randomhouse )⁣
⁣
Either way, after loving Jennifer E. Smith's YA books for years, it's been a real treat to also read her debut picture book with Riley (we loved!!) as well as her adult debut out in 3 weeks!⁣
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⁣So let me tell you about that adult debut — The Unsinkable Great James!!

This one just was the perfect warm-hearted read for a cold and gloomy January.

A perfect setting to escape into (Alaska), a tender-hearted meet cute and a poignant look at the shared grieving experience of those left behind.

I was initially drawn, like I always am, to the daughter losing a mother storyline and an exploration of that grief but I was so taken by the father/daughter relationship between two people who were left untethered by losing the person who held their family together.

Greta and her father don't see eye-to-eye on basically anything when they are thrown together on this Alaskan cruise, a trip Greta's father and mother were supposed to take, and you can feel the tension of their long-standing tumultuous and fractured relationship -- a relationship that feels like its hanging in a balance and could not recover.

The two are both hurting so much from this loss  and it took my breath away at times in how true it rang to be in your own grief bubble and feeling like the loss is yours and yours alone while forgetting about the others shouldering their own piece of this loss. I loved watching them very slowly SEE one another.

I can't say enough good things about this one -- great setting, Greta's music, the meet-cute, the messy and imperfect nature of family and love. Definitely recommend!⁣

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