What a crazy summer it is! Normally that would mean wild parties and big vacations but that is (hopefully?) not the case this year. This summer doesn’t HAVE to be defined as the summer of the pandemic, although I’m sure it will be. But we can define it as the summer of the pause. We can make it the summer of reading. There are a lot of hot new books out that feature our hottest season.
“28 Summers” by Elin Hilderbrand — Mallory and Jake have a relationship that has withstood the test of time, or at least it has for one weekend every year for the past 28 years. But now Jake’s wife has become the Presidential candidate and Mallory is dying. This book is based off of one of my favorite movies with Alan Alda and Ellen Burstyn called “Same Time Next Year” from 1978. In fact, Mallory and Jake watch the movie every summer. The book, like the movie, explores how a once a year affair complicates but also enriches everyone’s lives.
“The Summer House” by Lauren K. Denton — This story is built on southern charm. Lily wakes up to find a “Dear Jane” letter and divorce papers from her husband. As devastating as that is, she follows a flyer she finds at the grocery store for a position as a hairstylist at Safe Harbor, a retirement community. The owner of the community, Rose, keeps everything running smoothly and everyone at a distance, at least until Lily shows up. As the two build a supportive relationship, they both begin to think that life might have more to offer each of them.
“Hello Summer” by Mary Kay Andrews — Conley Hawkins has big plans to work as a journalist in Washington D.C. but, as we all know, plans have a way of changing. She finds herself back in her small beach-side hometown working for her sister who is trying to save the local newspaper. Conley is given the task of writing for the gossip column, “Hello, Summer,” but her summer really heats up when she witnesses an accident that kills a local congressman who is a war hero with a shady past. When she starts digging into the story, Conley couldn’t be in a better place for intrigue (and even a bit of romance.)
“Girls of Summer” by Nancy Thayer — Spend the summer on Nantucket. As a single mother of two decades, Lisa Hawley has built a nice life. Her kids are grown and she has a thriving boutique on Nantucket Island where she grew up. Now it’s time to focus on some much needed repairs on her house. That’s how she meets the local contractor, Mack. She and Mack begin to develop a relationship even though he is ten years younger than she is and in spite of the fact that her kids are less than thrilled with the idea. Heads up – if you are working the Book Riot’s Read Harder Challenge this one would satisfy task # 14, a romance featuring a single parent.
For even more summer ready lists, you can check out this list. Now go enjoy those hot summer nights!
