My Favorite Books of the Summer (So far!)

With Labor Day approaching and the start of a new school year on the horizon, it is only natural to start thinking about all those fall and upcoming winter reads. I try to read all the beach reads straight though to the official end of the summer season in late September.  There are still so many more that I want to read!

I'm sharing with you guys my favorite reads of the summer and I may add to this list by the end of the season, but here it is so far. Also, to find my full reviews on these titles (and so much more!), check out my review archive.  

Adult Contemporary Fiction:

Surfside Sisters by Nancy Thayer - If you want something light for the beach, this is it. Plus, it takes place on Nantucket. 

The Islanders by Meg Mitchell Moore - This is also a light beach read, but it has a bit more substance to it in that the characters are dealing with real issues and some of the issues are rather dark. The setting is Block Island, which is great for a beach read.  

You, Me, and the Sea by Meg Donohue - This book was fantastic. I cried, I laughed, and I cried again. I adored this modern day retelling of Wuthering Heights set on the coast of California. I am a sucker for a good coming-of-age tale.

The Girl He Used to Know by Tracey Garvis Graves - Oh, man. This book also was a surprise to me in that I didn't think I could relate to a character on the autism spectrum, but I did and this story truly tugged on my heartstrings. I loved that it followed the couple from college to adulthood.  

Southern Fiction:

The Southern Side of Paradise by Kristy Woodson Harvey - I enjoyed all of the Peachtree Bluff books and this is the final book in the series. It's a quintessential Southern read filled with a lot of heart and feel good moments. Plus, the coastal beach town setting makes it perfect for vacation reading.  

Young Adult:

The Rest of the Story by Sarah Dessen - Sarah Dessen can do no wrong and this book is a classic Dessen summertime story that is sure to please. I loved it; plus, the lake setting was very memorable and Dessen captured a summertime at the lake like no other.

Historical Fiction:

Summer of '69 by Elin Hilderbrand - This is one of my favorite of Hilderbrand's novels and I hope she continues writing historical fiction as she really captured it all so brilliantly. I loved the family dynamics, the secrets, the coastal setting, and the heart wrenching historical details.

Tidelands by Philippa Gregory - Tidelands had a slow to start, but once it got going, I was glued to the pages. This is a good summertime read for fans of historical fiction that maybe want a break from Gregory's usual novels about royalty.

The Golden Hour by Beatriz Williams - Williams captured WWII era Bahamas so very well; I felt like I was watching a classic film.  The cocktails, the beach, the parties, the cigarettes, more cocktails, and the British Royalty; plus, espionage make it for an enchanting beach read.

When We Left Cuba by Chanel Cleeton - I have not read Clayton's first novel that everyone seemed to like, but I will say I was impressed by her follow up which featured a strong female lead, historical details, a Florida setting, and lots of espionage. 

Romance:

The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren - This novel had me laughing out loud at the dialogue. It was so well done.  The setting of Hawaii makes this the perfect vacation read, especially if you like your beach reads steamy and you like the love/hate relationship trope.   

So, what have been some of your favorite beach reads this season? Have you read any of my favorites? Let me know what you think!