Notes from the Shelf

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It’s finally starting to feel like summer here in Chicago! I recently visited Minneapolis where it hit 85 degrees, and now that warmer days are finally reaching us, I’m officially in beach mode. Whether you’re headed to the lakefront, planning a vacation, or just soaking up sun wherever you are, these 10 reads are packed with vacation vibes, romance, drama, and page-turning fun. Let’s dive into the ultimate summer reading list!

1. Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid

If your ideal beach read comes with rock ‘n’ roll vibes, sun-drenched drama, and emotionally charged storytelling, this one’s for you. Told in a documentary-style format, Daisy Jones & The Six follows the meteoric rise and mysterious fall of a fictional 1970s rock band. With sex, drugs, fame, and complicated love at its core, it’s the kind of book you’ll devour in a day—and wish you could listen to afterward. Perfect for readers who love character-driven stories with a punch of nostalgia and grit.

2. Beach Read by Emily Henry

A perfect mix of romance and emotional depth, Beach Read is a must-read for your summer escape. It’s the story of two authors—Augustus, a literary fiction writer, and January, a romance novelist—who spend the summer in neighboring beach houses, both struggling with writer’s block and personal turmoil. As they challenge each other to swap genres, their witty banter gives way to something deeper. Full of charm, chemistry, and heartfelt moments, it’s the kind of book that will make you laugh, cry, and fall in love with reading all over again.

3. Sunstruck by William Rayfet Hunter

A gripping mix of romance, adventure, and mystery, Sunstruck takes readers on a sun-soaked journey that’s perfect for beach reading. Set against the backdrop of a secluded coastal town, the story follows a young woman caught between a past she’s trying to forget and a future she can’t predict. As long-buried secrets rise to the surface, she finds herself entangled in a love story that could change everything. With beautiful writing and a heart-pounding plot, Sunstruck is ideal for those who love high-stakes drama with a hint of summer heat.

4. Summer of ’69 by Ellen Hildebrand

Set against the backdrop of Nantucket in the summer of 1969, Summer of ’69 is a nostalgic, heartwarming tale of family, love, and personal transformation. The novel follows four siblings as they navigate the turbulence of their teenage years, complicated family dynamics, and the societal changes of the late 60s. With Hildebrand’s signature blend of romance, drama, and historical depth, this book immerses readers in a time of shifting cultural tides and unforgettable summer memories. It’s a perfect pick for anyone looking for a beach read that balances lighthearted moments with emotional depth.

5. The Amalfi Curse by Sarah Penner

Set against the enchanting backdrop of Positano, The Amalfi Curse intertwines dual timelines of mystery, magic, and romance. In the present day, Haven Ambrose, a nautical archaeologist, arrives in the sun-soaked village to investigate mysterious shipwrecks along the Amalfi Coast. Secretly, she’s also searching for a trove of priceless gemstones her late father spotted on his final dive. Upon her arrival, strange maelstroms and misfortunes start plaguing the town. Is it nature or something more sinister at work? As Haven delves deeper, she uncovers a centuries-old tale of ancient sorcery and one woman’s quest to save her lover and her village by using the legendary art of stregheria, a magical ability to harness the ocean. With its blend of old-world magic and modern-day mystery, this novel is perfect for readers seeking a captivating and atmospheric beach read.

6. The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren

Olive Torres is used to being unlucky, especially when it comes to her sister’s picture-perfect wedding. But when the entire wedding party—except for Olive and her sworn enemy, Ethan Thomas—gets food poisoning, the two of them are forced to take a free honeymoon to Hawaii. Despite their animosity, they must pretend to be a happily married couple in order to take advantage of the all-expenses-paid vacation. What starts as an awkward and begrudging arrangement soon blossoms into something neither of them expected. Filled with witty banter, romantic tension, and the perfect beach setting, The Unhoneymooners is an enemies-to-lovers rom-com that will leave you smiling all the way through.

7. Other Birds by Sarah Addison Allen

A gentle breeze of magical realism, Other Birds sweeps you away to a quirky southern island where found family, healing, and a touch of the supernatural blend effortlessly. With a cast of lovable misfits, whispered secrets, and ghostly charm, this heartwarming story is as comforting and transportive as the ocean waves—perfect for reading with your toes in the sand and a cold drink in hand.

8. Just Haven’t Met You Yet by Sophie Cousens

Whisk yourself away to the scenic Jersey island with this charming, heart-filled rom-com about mistaken identity, family secrets, and finding love where you least expect it. Just Haven’t Met You Yet delivers breezy humor, romantic serendipity, and feel-good warmth—the perfect companion for a lazy afternoon under the sun.

9. All the Summers in Between by Brooke Lea Foster

A sweeping tale of friendship, secrets, and second chances set in the glittering Hamptons. Spanning a decade, the novel follows Margot and Thea—once inseparable best friends—whose unexpected reunion forces them to confront the summer that tore them apart. With elegant prose and emotional depth, Foster delivers a nostalgic and heartfelt story perfect for beachside reading.

10. My Friends by Fredrik Backman

A warm, wise, and quietly humorous exploration of friendship, aging, and finding connection in unlikely places. Set in a small town filled with quirky characters, Backman’s signature storytelling blends heart and humanity, making this a perfect companion for a reflective afternoon by the water. It’s tender, uplifting, and reminds us that even the quietest lives are full of meaning.

Conclusion

No matter your favorite genre, there’s something magical about books that capture the essence of summer. These ten reads offer everything from heart-fluttering romance to sun-soaked self-discovery, making them the perfect companions for warm days and starry nights. So as the season stretches on, let these stories carry you away because nothing says summer quite like getting lost in a great book.

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