10 Books to Read this Summer
A dozen things I saw and liked, the lemon almond cake you must make, and the drink to sip on while reading!
I’m of the camp that there is no reason to feel ashamed about what you read. I love books with happy endings and good storytelling and quick dialogue. I tear up over fictional characters. I think sitting down with a good book is one of the best things in the world. And there’s nothing I love more than a good, sappy, engaging summer read. Here are 10 to add to your list:
Emily Henry Books. For a dishy, well-written romance that isn’t too far-fetched or cringy, one author comes to mind - Emily Henry. My very favorite by her is Book Lovers, closely followed by Beach Read. And I just finished her newest, Happy Place the other day. I enjoyed it immensely!
Remarkably Bright Creatures. This is for the ones of us who want something sweet but different than a rom-com. It’s one of my favorite books of all time and perfect for reading in between poolside naps.
Romantic Comedy. This is exactly what it sounds like, and it is such a fun read. It’s light but not silly, romantic but not smutty, well written but not overly cerebral. Imagine a rom-com based in the writer’s room of SNL - toss in a little early pandemic setting and voila - the story is born!
The Measure. If you’re like me, you need something to balance the lightness of most summer reads, but don’t want something too cerebral. That’s where The Measure comes in. I cannot stop thinking and talking about this book. You can read more about my thoughts on it here.
The Guncle. This was my favorite read from last summer, and you must pick it up if you haven’t read it yet! And luckily for us Steven Rowley has a new book that just came out!
Something (anything!) by Ellen Hilderbrand. No summer reading list would be complete without a Hilderbrand book in my humble opinion. They are the ultimate beach read. My picks are 28 Summers or Hotel Nantucket.
A twisty story by Liane Moriarty. If a page-turning mystery is more your speed, read Nine Perfect Strangers or Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty!
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. You may know Taylor Jenkins Reid from her most well-known book Daisy Jones & The Six after it was turned into a TV series this spring, but I maintain The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is her very best work. It’s the glamour of Hollywood, a main character you love and hate and feel fiercely protective of, and a story that is impossible to put down. Though you really can’t go wrong with anything by Taylor Jenkins Reid.
The House in the Cerulean Sea. This took me right back to the joy of reading Harry Potter or Percy Jackson. It’s whimsical, exciting, and so dear. I wish I could read this again for the first time!
The Hating Game. There is something so satisfying about a haters-to-lovers storyline. And this one does not disappoint. Sally Thorne's books are always a little steamy and fall into classic romance tropes, but in a way that is familiar and relaxing to read.
12 things I saw & likedÂ
Maybe it’s the smoke coming down from Canada, maybe it’s the humidity, but either way the hazy days of summer have arrived. It’s time for loose pants, jewelry you don’t have to take off before jumping in the pool, and linen everything - pants, bedding, dresses, the whole kit and caboodle.
When it comes to your closet this summer, and always, choose a color palette and run with it. It makes it simple to play with layering, mix and match, and wear pieces in every season. I’ve been leaning into blues (denim, navy, and cobalt), deep pink and bright red, and a happy shade of kelly green.
The Rundown:
Reading this
Watching this (I had forgotten how good it is)
Baking this
On the blog:
This week’s high: This feels so silly to share, but I’m in my fifth week of weight training 4-5 times a week. And this week I have been feeling so strong.
I also got to catch up with a childhood friend I haven’t seen in a couple of years this week. It was so good to see her.
This week’s low: I’m heading into my third long weekend away from Seth. And while this isn’t abnormal in my busy photography season, I do miss him.
Here’s What Delighted Me This Week:
Fun books are more better with a frozen margarita.
I’m a few weeks late, but I think this may be the best Bridgerton yet.
14 TV shows coming this summer. I’m especially interested in Platonic and the second season of The Bear (the first season was my favorite series of 2022).
Is the toll of being on socials worth it? (While this is written about content creators, I think this is something many of us are thinking about.)
Ok my darlings, I’m off to Virginia in the morning for another wedding weekend. Have a wonderful and restful few days. And let me know if there are any books I should be sure to read this summer!
-Adelyn