9 Best Holiday Reads!
My Weekly’s Fiction Ed, Kirstyn Smith, has picked out 9 brilliant reads – new books and old favourites – to enjoy on your sun lounger. Pack them in your suitcase now or download to your e-reader before you go – you’ll not be disappointed!
Holidays in the sun are nothing without a dependable beach read (and maybe a refreshing drink or two). Whether it’s an emotional classic, a thrilling page-turner, or a sizzling romance, there’s a book for every summer situation. Here are a few hot-weather faves…
9 best holiday reads
1. Bad Summer People by Emma Rosenblum
Set in a wealthy holiday community on Fire Island, Bad Summer People explores the cattiness and back-stabbing of a group of so-called friends.
When a body is discovered face down by the boardwalk, the notion of “rich people behaving badly” takes on an entirely different meaning. Scandalous, darkly funny and delicious.
Penguin, HB, £16.99.
2. The Donut Trap by Julie Tieu
Jasmine is stuck working at her parents’ donut shop when an old college crush comes back into her life, as does a high-school flame.
With her parents’ business – and her personal life – at stake, she has to figure out how to stand on her own two feet, while maintaining all her new and old relationships.
HarperCollins, PB, £9.99.
3. Lucy Sullivan is Getting Married by Marian Keyes
A psychic tells Lucy she’ll be married within the year, but she doesn’t even have a boyfriend yet. Her roommates panic, Lucy meets a host of eligible (or not-so) men, and hilarity ensues.
This is contemporary women’s fiction at its finest from a maven of the genre, ideal for consuming under the sun.
Penguin, PB, £8.99.
4. Maame by Jessica George
Maddie is stuck in a rut looking after her ill father while her mother and brother live mostly in Ghana. When the opportunity to lead a more typical twenty-five-year-old life arises, Maddie grabs her independence with both hands.
Themes of grief, mental health and finding yourself make this an unputdownable novel.
Hodder & Stoughton, HB, £14.99.
5. Chocolat by Joanne Harris
Vivian Rocher and her daughter try to fit into a small French community with their chocolate shop. However, they arrive during Lent and face opposition from the local church, despite growing friendly with the locals.
Chocolat is a whirlwind of decadence, temptation, and beautiful writing.
Transworld, PB, £9.99.
6. Honey & Spice by Bolu Babalola
Kiki hosts a popular student radio show helping women steer clear of players, situationships and heartbreak in general. But when she kisses the uni’s notorious bad boy, they embark on a fake relationship so they both can save face.
Babalola’s debut is sharp, funny and perfectly paired with a sun lounger and cool drink.
Headline, PB, £9.99.
7. The Escape Room by L.D. Smithson
An Agatha Christie for the modern age, The Escape Room follows eight strangers taking part in a mysterious escape room reality TV show.
As the players progress, they realise the game is deadly – and the only way out is to win.
A page-turner with twists and turns in every chapter.
Transworld, HB, £14.99.
8. The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan
During their monthly mahjong games, four immigrant mothers express their concerns about family, life, and loss. Their grown-up daughters are more interested in following their own paths in America.
This is an emotional book exploring mother-daughter bonds and the importance of cultural heritage.
Vintage, PB, £9.99.
9. Summer Sisters by Judy Blume
The dazzling Caitlin chose Vix to be her friend one summer, opening her up to a life she could never have dreamed of.
Years later, the two reunite when Caitlin’s due to get married, despite everything that happened all those years ago.
One to dip back into when you’re nostalgic for childhood summers.
Little, Brown, PB, £9.99.
For more great reading check out the best new releases, fully reviewed for you, including I Died On A Tuesday, Redemption and Our Holiday.
