Set the mood, Romanticizing Summer featuring songs like “Tiny Moves” by The Bleachers, and “Dreams” by The Cranberries
There’s nothing more indulgent than slipping away into a good book, toes buried in the warm sand or dangling lazily from the edge of a sun-drenched pool. Nestled beneath a wide-striped umbrella, you stretch out on a soft, delicate Turkish towel, the kind that’s somehow perfectly breezy yet luxuriously cozy. Book in hand, iced coffee by your side, the rhythmic crash of waves or the glint of rippling pool water creates the perfect soundtrack to your afternoon escape.
You’re dressed the part, of course, in a dreamy, flowing beach cover-up that flutters in the warm breeze and a pair of bold sunglasses that shield, and a floppy straw hat casts a flattering shade over your face. A little dramatic? Yes. Utterly fabulous? Most definitely? Can you tell I’m itching for summer???
Haven’t found the perfect summer look yet?? Rails and Morley in Bethesda Row are filled with bright summer dresses and gorgeous rattan bags, ideal for carrying your book to the sand. I immediately wanted to hop on a plane to end up seaside. I mean, look at this cute shell clutch from Morley! Are you kidding me?!
I found my ideal cover-up at Morley when I tried on this timeless, satin, shirt dress. It buttons up in the front, so I can wear it as a dress or opt to open it like a cover-up over a bathing suit. I’m a sucker for something that can be worn in more than one way, so this Stevie dress really hit the mark for me. This woven tote is screaming, “take me to the beach!” I’m obsessed!
Once you look and feel the part, you’re ready to romanticize your summer– all you’re missing is the perfect stack of beach reads that allow the world to fall away with each page turn. Barnes & Noble in Congressional Plaza has a great selection of beach reads, and if you’re looking for something more specific, these are my recommendations to add to your TBR pile. Let the summer reading begin!
If You’re Craving a Love Story Read… Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez
This book is an emotional rollercoaster. The two main characters, Justin and Emma, each have a dating curse where their exes meet their soulmates after breaking up with them. They hatch a plan to date each other so their curses will cancel each other out, so they can both go on to find the love of their lives. That’s all I’ll say without giving too much away, but this is a great read if you’re looking for a book that feels like real people dealing with real issues. There is a beautiful mix of heartfelt and gut-wrenching moments. Plus, I love that Abby Jimenez loves to leave easter eggs from her other books in each book. (And her newest book, Say You’ll Remember Me, just came out this summer, so you can add that to your reading list too!)
If You’re Missing Bridgerton Read… Don’t Want You Like a Best Friend Emma R. Alban
Listen– we’re all sad it takes Bridgerton two years to film each season, but this book will make you feel like you’re in the world while you wait for the next season (hopefully just til next summer). This is a queer love story set during Victorian times. Beth only has one season to find a wealthy husband to save her and her mother from living on the street, while Gwen is on her fourth season and has no intention of finding a husband. Then they meet…
If You’re Craving Real Life Adventure Read… What I Was Doing While You Were Breeding by Kristin Newman
This is not a new book, by any means, but it has a very special place in my heart. As a single woman in her 30s with strong Sagittarius placements, I’m always dreaming about running away on an adventure, and this is exactly what Kristin does. I was introduced to her memoir at the perfect time for me; everyone I knew was getting married and having children, and I wasn’t in the same place. I felt left behind. Kristin, in a similar boat, uses this as a catalyst to travel the world. It’s a more raunchy Eat Pray Love, if you will. If you’re a single girl craving adventure, this is a great read for you.
If You’re Looking for a Page Turner Read… Finlay Donovan is Killing It series by Elle Cosimano
I absolutely love this series! There is something really interesting to me about an ordinary mom/mystery author and her best friend/babysitter accidentally ending up as a contract killer and getting tied up in some crazy things. No spoilers! It’s equal parts nerve-wrecking and wholesome. This is the first book in the series, but the latest book, Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave, came out just in time for the summer. If you’re looking to binge-read a series, this is my top recommendation. It’s a dark comedy with a little bit a romance and the reality of having children’s toys all over the house… and a dead body in the trunk of a minivan????
If You Loved Saltburn Read… The Other Half by Charlotte Vassell
This is a great read if you like reading about twenty-somethings who did nothing to earn their wealth. The Other Half opens with Rupert’s 30th birthday party– a black-tie dinner at a rented-out McDonald’s. The menu?? McDonald’s, of course, but with a side of cocaine and expensive champagne. The morning after, his girlfriend Clemmie is found murdered on Hampstead Heath. Detective Caius Beauchamp discovers her body on a run and ends up tangled in the world of the wealthy London socialites and maybe something even more sinister. It’s a great commentary on class and race. This book is also the first in a series following the detective, Caius Beauchamp. The third book in the series, A Deadly Inheritance, comes out this July.
If You’re Looking for a Psychological Thriller Read… Darling Girls by Sally Hepworth
Three girls from separate homes end up in the foster care of Miss Fairchild, who seems idyllic and loving. In reality, it was a house of horrors, both mentally and physically. Flash-forward 25 years, a body is discovered under their childhood home, and the found-sisters become key witnesses. This is a medium-paced book, but the ending is crazy! That’s all I’ll say because I don’t want to give anything away.
