Summer is the perfect season to escape—whether through travel, beachside lounging, or simply getting lost in a great book. With long, sun-drenched days and slower schedules, it’s the ideal time to explore new stories and sink into different worlds. This year’s AmpleReads Summer Reading Guide brings you a mix of feel-good fiction, swoony romances, pulse-pounding thrillers, rich historicals, and highly anticipated new releases. No matter your mood, we’ve got a story that fits the moment. Let’s dive in.
Beach Reads & Feel-Good Fiction
Nothing says “summer” like breezy, heartwarming fiction that feels like sunshine in book form. These stories are perfect companions for lazy afternoons by the pool, lounging under an umbrella, or reading late into those golden-hour evenings. Expect charm, laughs, and just the right amount of heartstring-tugging.
The Summer Job by Lizzy Dent is a hilarious and chaotic romp through mistaken identity, set in the Scottish Highlands. It’s full of wine, romance, and fresh starts—ideal for anyone needing a reset.
One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle delivers a wistful, magical take on grief, growth, and mother-daughter bonds—all set against the dreamy Amalfi Coast. Prepare to be moved and inspired.
Say You’ll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez is a heartfelt tale that balances humor and emotion, as two people from different worlds find connection and healing in each other.
Coastal Romance & Vacation Love
For readers who crave sand, sea, and swoon-worthy love stories, these coastal-set romances are dripping with chemistry and charm. They’ll whisk you away to picturesque towns, tropical islands, and bookstore-lined boardwalks where love is always in the air.
The Cinnamon Bun Book Store by Laurie Gilmore is as cozy as it sounds—set in a charming seaside town, it’s the story of a sweet romance that blooms over books and baked goods.
Float Plan by Trish Doller takes us on an emotional sailing journey through the Caribbean as a grieving woman rediscovers herself—and finds unexpected love—on the open sea.
A Love Song for Ricki Wilde by Tia Williams offers glamour, mystery, and passion in equal measure. Set in Harlem, it’s a time-bending romance that blends past and present into something utterly magical.
Thrillers & Mysteries That Belong in a Beach Bag
Looking for something darker to balance the sunshine? These page-turning thrillers and mysteries are sharp, suspenseful, and completely addictive. Perfect for beach days when you want your heart to race for a different reason.
Reckless Girls by Rachel Hawkins strands six strangers on a remote island—and then lets paranoia set in. It’s tropical, twisty, and deliciously unputdownable.
Everyone on This Train is a Suspect by Benjamin Stevenson is a clever whodunit aboard a luxury literary train ride. With suspects, secrets, and a self-aware narrator, it’s a fun and fast-paced mystery.
The Wife Stalker by Liv Constantine is a chilling domestic thriller about obsession, deception, and the dark undercurrents in picture-perfect lives. It’s the ultimate beach read for fans of psychological suspense.
Literary & Reflective Reads for Slow Afternoons
For quiet mornings, shaded porches, or moments when you want to be fully immersed in language and thought, these literary reads offer rich storytelling, beautiful prose, and themes that linger.
The Paris Novel by Ruth Reichl is a love letter to food, fashion, and transformation in post-war Paris. It’s lush and satisfying, like a fine meal.
The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon transports readers to 18th-century Maine, where a midwife becomes entangled in a murder investigation. It’s atmospheric, layered, and based on a real historical figure.
The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali tells the story of Iranian women fighting for change and self-determination. It’s both intimate and sweeping, a testament to courage and sisterhood.
Historical Escapes
Travel through time with these beautifully imagined historical novels. Each one brings the past to life with vivid detail, unforgettable characters, and stories that feel both grand and personal.
Shelterwood by Lisa Wingate takes us into the Ozark Mountains, tracing generations of women who live, hide, and survive within a remote and wild land. It’s haunting, emotional, and gorgeously told.
The Phoenix Crown by Kate Quinn is a gripping tale of ambition, secrets, and survival set during the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. Expect strong heroines, high stakes, and impeccable historical research.
The Curse of Pietro Houdini by Derek B. Miller blends historical intrigue with magical realism as a boy magician’s fate becomes entangled with war, identity, and illusion.
Most Anticipated Summer Reads
These buzzy new releases are lighting up summer reading lists for good reason. From genre-bending stories to highly awaited returns from favorite authors, they’re the kind of books everyone will be talking about.
Atmosphere: A Love Story by Taylor Jenkins Reid is the romantic epic we’ve been waiting for. Set in the golden age of Hollywood, it’s glamorous, emotional, and pure TJR magic.
Katabasis by R. F. Kuang promises to be another mind-blowing ride through genre and ideology. From the author of Babel and Yellowface, this one’s bound to push boundaries and start conversations.
Well, Actually by Mazey Eddings is a smart, snappy rom-com that explores identity, love, and neurodivergence with humor and heart. A standout voice in contemporary fiction, Eddings delivers again.
So, what’s going in your tote bag?
Whether you’re chasing romance, mystery, history, or introspective reads, our AmpleReads Summer Guide has something for every kind of reader. So grab your sunscreen, find your favorite spot, and let these stories take you somewhere unforgettable. Happy reading!
