The sun is shining and we’ve definitely all got that Summer feeling. When the brighter weather hits, it’s the perfect time to spend some time outdoors soaking up the vitamin D. What better way to do that than catching some rays with your feet up and your head inside a book.
Whether you’re jetting off on your holibobs or just making the most of the UK sunshine this year, reading outdoors has a huge amount of benefits including reducing stress, improving sleep quality and boosting your mood overall. Thanks to that all important melatonin.
If you’re on the look out for books to add to your reading list, you might want to keep scrolling. We’ve taken the time to round up our top 5 favourites that you just have to read this Summer (we know, we’re the best!).
1. Caller Unknown – Gillian McAllister
A road trip across America with her teenage daughter was meant to be the dream trip and quality time them both before Lucy leaves home for university. But it soon turns into a nightmare when on the first night of their stay, in a cabin in the middle of nowhere, Simone wakes to find Lucy missing and a mobile phone in her place. The phone rings and the voice on the other end issues instructions: Don’t tell the police. Come to this location. Be prepared to do a deal… A summer 2026 must-read for thriller fans!
2. Atmosphere – Taylor Jenkins Reid
This story follows Joan Goodwin, a physics professor who achieves her dream of becoming an astronaut. As she goes through her training, she forms deep friendships and falls unexpectedly in love, forcing her to rethink her future and identity. When a mission takes a devastating turn, the story explores love, ambition, sacrifice, and what it means to reach for something greater than yourself. Pop this title on your summer reading list if you're a lover of emotional rollercoasters.
3. The Summer Party – Kate Gray
Mel can't wait to let her hair down with her colleagues at her company summer party. Sun, sea, and her sights set on her work crush. But as the drinks flow and the sun begins to set, cracks in the team start to appear. Mel soon realises someone is planning a something deadly. And she must uncover the truth if she's going to get out alive. This reading recommendation is made for summer; it's even got this beloved season in its title!
4. The Divorce – Frieda Mcfadden
The queen of unputdownable thrillers is back with a new twisty tale for your summer reading pleasure. What seems like a straightforward divorce, quickly unravels into a web of secrets, lies, and shocking twists. As tensions rise between the Naomi and her ex-husband, hidden motives and past betrayals come to light, making it impossible to know who can be trusted. As always, Frieda does not disappoint with suspense building chapter by chapter.
5. Blood & Steel – Helen Scheuerer
Looking for an epic romantacy to sink your teeth into this summer? This might be just what you need. Blood & Steel is a four-part series, known as The Legends of Thezmarr. If you’re a romantacy reader, then this might be your new obsession. The story follows Althea, a determined young woman who dreams of becoming a legendary warrior despite the obstacles standing in her way. As she enters a demanding world of combat training, political intrigue, and ancient threats, she must prove her strength while uncovering secrets that could change the fate of the kingdom.
summer reads: our conclusion
Whether you have a summer staycation lined up or are jetting off to your dream destination, compiling your summer reading list is a must. So, we hope these titles tickle your fancy!
Before you dash off, here are a few other eve blog posts that might be of interest to our fellow bookworms:
Happy summer! Let’s hope we see a few more sun-shiney days here in the UK.
