Wednesday, May 30, 2012

2012 Picks For Beach Reads and My Summer Reading List


Every year I scope out books that would be perfect for reading at the beach or by the pool.  I even blogged about my 2011 picks last year and my ultimate beach reads in 2010. This year it was tough to decide.  I hope you enjoy my list!

If You Are Looking For Some.......

YA Mind Candy or Fantasy.....

Dreamless by Josephine Angelini- Fans of mythology will love this series!


Rapture by Lauren Kate- I am dying to continue with this series.


Don't You Wish by Roxanne St. Clair- The setting is Miami (Star Island!) and there's some time travel. Need I say more?


The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin- This is one of my favorite books that I've read this year.  If you enjoy fantasy and haven't read Mara, you MUST!


Until I Die by Amy Plum- Another fantasy series that is a must read for summer!


Underworld by Meg Cabot- This is high up on my summer reading list.  Another book with some mythological twists makes for some great mind candy.




If You Want To Get Lost In the Past.......


Wentworth Hall by Abby Grahame - This book fixed my need for some Downton Abbey!  


Gilt by Katherine Longshore- The Tudor Court always promises to captivate.


Changeling by Philippa Gregory- This is her first YA book and Gregory is a must-read-author for me. 



If You Want Some YA Love......


Jersey Angel by Beth Ann Bauman is an edgy read that had even me blushing!


Raw Blue by Kirsty Eagar- Surfing, boys, and beaches = a perfect summertime read. The only problem is it's out of Australia, so we may have to wait awhile for it to come to the U.S.


Unbreak My Heart by Melissa C. Walker- I have also had my eye on this read- summer on a sailboat? Yes, please!


Such a Rush by Jennifer Echols- This one doesn't come out till July, but another by Jennifer Echols is a fantastic summer read.


Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson- I can't wait to get my hands on a copy of this book.  It seems like a good mix of real life issues (cancer) mixed with summertime at the Pocono Mountains.


The Summer My Life Began by Shannon Greenland- This is a sweet and delightful read if you want to get caught up in a fun summer at the Outer Banks.


My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzgerald- A summertime read about the cute boy next door = brilliant!


If You Want To Be Swept Away.......

Wanderlove by Kirsten Hubbard - This book has the most perfect settings and had me dreaming of an exotic trip somewhere. If you love to travel, you'll love this book, but if it inspires you to plan a last minute trip, don't blame me! 


Flirting in Italian by Lauren Henderson- Boys, Italy, gelato, a family mystery, and the summertime.  Need I say more?


For The "Adult" Readers.......


Summer in the South by Cathy Holton- Who hasn't ever dreamed of spending your summer at a mansion down south to write your first novel? There's secrets, family drama, and of course, happy hour.


Shanghai Girls by Lisa See- This series is a fantastic read for summer, especially if you want something with a little more substance that involves history.


The Bungalow by Sara Jio- I have had my eye on this read for awhile now.  Anything that takes place in Bora Bora is begging to be read at the beach. Isn't the cover gorgeous? I'd like to be transported there immediately.


The Next Best Thing by Jennifer Weiner- Although her last few books have disappointed me, I hear this one is living up to its reputation.  I am very curious since it's based on her Weiner's own experiences in Hollywood.


Where We Belong by Emily Giffin- I love Giffin and her books always seem to accompany me on my yearly vacations.  This one focuses on a surprise visitor that changes the main charter's life forever.


Wallflower in Bloom by Claire Cook- This is on my summer reading list and I love the premise. Let's just say it involves Dancing with the Stars!


Spring Fever by Mary Kay Andrews- Even the cover of this book sucks me in....Andrews always writes such great books to read while on vacation!


The Kingmaker's Daughter by Philippa Gregory- For fans of historical fiction, look no further.  Gregory is the queen of historical fiction and in this book, she focuses on Edward IV's court.  We'll have to wait till August for this one! 


Deadlocked by Charlaine Harris- If you are looking for an adult fantasy read this summer, I highly recommend the Sookie Stackhouse series, especially if you are a fan of True Blood. But make sure you start at the beginning of the series....this book is #12!




My 2012 Summer Reading List:

I like to read whatever I want during my summer and I think I have the perfect mix of some newer books, some oldie-but-goodies and some adult reads.  There are SO many books to pick from, but I've narrowed it down to fifteen MUST reads. (Some have been gathering dust on my bookshelf for awhile now!)


1.  Underworld by Meg Cabot
Picture from redbookmag.com
2.  My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzgerald
3.  Deadlocked by Charlaine Harris
4.  My Jane Austen Summer by Cindy Jones
5.  Beach Trip by Cathy Holton
6.  Star Shack by Lila Castle
7.  Shine by Jeri Smith-Ready
8.  Dearly Departed by Lia Habel
9.  Silence by Becca Fitzpatrick
10. Wallflower in Bloom by Claire Cook
11.  Forgotten by Cat Patrick
12.  Firelight by Sophie Jordan
13.  Juliet Immortal by Stacy Jay
14.  Summer Rental by Mary Kay Andrews
15.  Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins




Let me know what you think of my 2012 picks and my summer reading list.  Any suggestions as to where to start? All I know, is I can't wait!



5 comments:

  1. Amazing list!! Second Chance Summer is my next read. I can't wait to read that one! I need to order a copy of Flirting in Italian too!

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  2. Fantastic list. I am going to bookmark it so I can come back and add some of these to my TBR list. I am most excited about Wallflower in Bloom and Flirting in Italian. I loved Spring Fever. It is probably my favorite of Mary Kay Andrews's books so far.

    Looks like you've got a great summer of reading planned :)

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  3. Oh my gosh SWEET EVIL Christina! I LOVED THAT BOOK SO MUCH! As evidenced by my use of all caps:) I can't wait to see what you think of it:) I adored My Life Next Door as well, that's definitely one I could read again and again. Thanks for compiling such a brilliant list Christina, I'm printing it out:)

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  4. i think i need to just copy and paste this whole list!!

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