literary gluttony

There’s something magical about books that radiate sunshine, salty air, and the sweet drip of melted popsicles—even when you’re curled up on the couch with the A/C blasting. This week’s Top Ten Tuesday is all about books that scream summer—whether it’s a beachy romance, a dreamy road trip, or a sun-soaked fantasy.

Here are ten reads that made me feel like I had sand between my toes (minus the sunburn):

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☀️ 1. Beach Read by Emily Henry

Let’s get the obvious one out of the way. It’s not just the title—this witty, emotional enemies-to-lovers romance is full of writing retreats, lazy summer days, and just enough angst to make it interesting.

🧳 2. People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry

Yes, I’m doubling up on Emily Henry. This one gives When Harry Met Sally vibes with alternating summer vacation flashbacks. Funny, heartfelt, and perfect for wanderlusters.

🏕 3. The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han

Classic coming-of-age summer nostalgia. If you love complicated family dynamics and quiet yearning, this series has that humid, East Coast summer energy in spades.

🔮 4. The Summer That Melted Everything by Tiffany McDaniel

A dark, literary twist on summer—this one isn’t light, but it’s unforgettable. Think Southern Gothic heatwave meets moral unraveling. Atmospheric and unsettling.

🌊 5. Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Surfboards, scandal, and siblings—TJR brings 1980s Malibu to life in a way that practically smells like saltwater and hairspray.

🚗 6. Amy & Roger’s Epic Detour by Morgan Matson

A cross-country summer road trip full of playlists, pit stops, and self-discovery. A comfort read with surprising emotional depth.

🎢 7. Hot Dog Girl by Jennifer Dugan

Set in a summer amusement park, this queer YA romcom is quirky, awkward, and full of charm—ideal for fans of weird summer jobs and crushes in costume.

🔥 8. A Cuban Girl’s Guide to Tea and Tomorrow by Laura Taylor Namey

When a grieving Miami teen is sent to live in rainy Winchester, England, summer blooms in a totally unexpected place. Add tea, pastries, and slow romance for the coziest summer read.

🧙‍♀️ 9. The Nature of Witches by Rachel Griffin

Witches whose powers are tied to seasons? Say no more. The summer magic in this one is as wild and unpredictable as an August thunderstorm.

📖 10. Open Water by Caleb Azumah Nelson

Not a traditional summer book, but the lyrical prose and heat of London’s summer nights make this feel alive in your hands. A powerful, poetic love story.

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Honorable Mentions:

• Summer of Salt by Katrina Leno (witchy seaside weirdness)
• One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle (grief + time travel + Amalfi Coast = yes please)
• Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson (warning: will make you cry)

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💬 Let’s talk! What are your favorite summer-feeling reads? Are you team “beachy fluff” or “dark and brooding under the sun”? Drop your picks in the comments or link me to your Top Ten Tuesday post—I’d love to see it!