10 Summer Fiction Books to Brighten Your Days
Summer fiction books are your ticket to adventure, no plane ticket required. They’re the stories that transport you to sun-drenched beaches, mysterious small towns, or thrilling escapades — all from the comfort of your favorite reading spot.
We’ve rounded up 10 must-read fiction books that promise to brighten your days and keep you hooked from the first page to the last.
1. The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
(4.40/5 ⭐️)
In this heartwarming tale, a by-the-book caseworker discovers the transformative power of found family and acceptance when he’s sent to evaluate a mysterious orphanage by the sea, filled with magical children and their enigmatic caretaker.
“We should always make time for the things we like. If we don’t, we might forget how to be happy.” ― T.J. Klune
2. Driving Miss Norma by Tim Bauerschmidt and Ramie Liddle
(4.21/5 ⭐️)
Faced with a cancer diagnosis at 90, Norma eschews treatment and embarks on an extraordinary road trip across America with her son and daughter-in-law, reminding us it’s never too late to embrace life’s adventures and find joy in the unexpected.
“Worry, fear, doom, and gloom are all an absolute waste of energy ‘ ~ Ramie” ― Tim Bauerschmidt
3. 28 Summers by Elin Hilderbrand
(4.19/5 ⭐️)
Spanning nearly three decades of stolen summer weekends, this poignant love story follows Mallory and Jake’s annual Nantucket rendezvous, exploring the enduring power of first love against the backdrop of life’s inevitable changes and choices.
“Just be aware that what you achieve doesn’t matter as much as what kind of person you are.” ― Elin Hilderbrand
4. The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren
(4.17/5 ⭐️)
Amidst the sun-soaked backdrop of a tropical paradise, a struggling artist and a wealthy heir’s fake relationship blossoms into something real, challenging their perceptions of love, wealth, and what truly matters in life.
“Right now is the time in life that teaches you you’ll get through it even if you hate it.” ― Christina Lauren
5. This Summer Will Be Different by Carley Fortune
(4.08/5 ⭐️)
On the picturesque shores of Prince Edward Island, Lucy’s annual summer fling with local Felix takes an unexpected turn, forcing her to confront her feelings and decide if she’s ready to transform their casual romance into something more meaningful.
“It’s how I learned that the families we make are as significant as the ones we’re born into. It’s how I learned that the greatest loves are not always romances.” ― Carley Fortune
6. The Summer Book by Tove Jansson
(4.03/5 ⭐️)
In this gentle, luminous novel set on a tiny Finnish island, a young girl and her grandmother share a season of discovery, finding profound joy and wisdom in life’s simplest pleasures and the timeless beauty of nature.
“The thing about God, she thought, is that He usually does help, but not until you’ve made an effort on your own.” ― Tove Jansson
7. The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary
(4.01/5 ⭐️)
Two cash-strapped Londoners embark on an unconventional living arrangement, sharing a flat and a bed on opposite schedules, their blossoming friendship through post-it notes evolving into a heartwarming journey of self-discovery and unexpected love.
“Being nice is a good thing. You can be strong and nice. You don’t have to be one or the other.” ― Beth O’Leary
8. The Summer of Broken Rules by K.L. Walther
(3.92/5 ⭐️)
On sun-drenched Martha’s Vineyard, a grieving teenager finds healing and hope through a family tradition of playing “Assassin,” rediscovering the joys of friendship, first love, and the resilience of the human spirit.
“Claire never went anywhere without a book, and she’d taught me to do the same.” ― K.L. Walther
9. The Summer of Lost and Found by Mary Alice Monroe
(3.89/5 ⭐️)
Amidst the backdrop of the Isle of Palms, a woman navigating personal and professional upheaval discovers unexpected strength, new connections, and the rejuvenating power of coastal living during an unforgettable summer of self-reflection and growth.
“Mary Alice Monroe takes you on a trip to the idyllic sun, sand, and gracious lifestyle of a Southern summer. This season’s must-read!” —Nancy Thayer
10. People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry
(3.87/5 ⭐️)
In this witty and tender exploration of friendship and love, two best friends with a history of annual vacations reconnect for one last trip, unraveling years of unspoken feelings and missed opportunities against a canvas of sun-soaked destinations.
“I’m on vacation. Vacations always end. It’s the very fact that it’s finite that makes traveling special. You could move to any one of those destinations you loved in small doses, and it wouldn’t be the spellbinding, life-altering seven days you spend there as a guest, letting a place into your heart fully, letting it change you.” ― Emily Henry
Happy reading!
