What’s the Project? Sitting by the pool, in the backyard, on the beach with a great book is one of the best parts of summer! If you need some great book suggestions, here is a list of the best summer reads for women. These books are easy and fun to read and perfect for summertime!
Summer is hands down my favorite season and I could give you a long list of the reasons why, but instead let me just tell you one reason. I love to read!
And summer is when I read more than any other time.
Somehow the lazy days of summer make for good reading conditions for me. And it’s not just me. On any given afternoon if you came to my house, amidst the beach towels and Legos and crackers all over the floor (man it’s hard to keep things clean with the kids home!), you would likely find someone reading. My boys all LOVE to read too and most afternoons that’s what they are doing.
CRAZY LITTLE PROJECTS TVToday I’m going to share some of my favorite summer reads for women (and others) to get you started on your summer reading. I’d love to hear your suggestions too!
Now, before I get started with the reading recommendations, let me say a few things.
First, if you want to see a list of my all time favorite books, I’ve got it here, along with some favorite kids books and picture books.
Now let’s have a look at great summer reads!
Favorite Books to Read for Women:
Here are some of my favorite recent reads:
Let’s start with how I spent the month of July. I started and finished this entire trilogy. It starts with The Selection, then The Elite and The One. Think The Hunger Games but without the violence. They are perfectly cheesy and perfectly dreamy. Just the kind of book that you can grab and get lost in because it’s so easy to read and just plain fun. (And they are like $5 on Amazon!)
And as soon as you finish those three, you will want to grab The Heir. It’s not quite the same series, but it’s related. Takes place 20 years later. It’s not quite as good as the first three, but still, once you are hooked on those three, you will want to read this one too! (And you should know, once you are hooked, there are Novellas that go along with the series too. All kinds of reading options!)
Another great one that I read recently was Orphan Train. I love historical fiction and I love stories that tie something from the past with something with the present. This one tells the story of a girl who was orphaned and sent West to be adopted in the 1920s and that story coincides with the story of a foster girl today. It’s a beautifully written story. (Just one word of warning-quite a bit of bad language in this one.)
And a story with a similar feel to Orphan Train, The Language of Flowers is one that flashes back and forth from past to present but in this one it is all one girl’s story. It’s also beautifully written and one of my favorites.
This one’s kind of crazy (and fun!). Think Jack the Ripper, but in ghost form. This is another of those kind of books that are easy and fast paced to read and just for fun. There’s a trilogy on this one too and they are all about ghosts in London and the people who can see them. The first book is called The Name of the Star:
And how about one more series? Have you read the Matched series? It’s another dystopian society series-kind of reminded me of The Giver. There are three books in this one and I will tell you that in this series (I don’t feel like this is always true), they get better as they go! Starts with Matched:
I could keep going but let me just do one more good one that I read recently. Hattie Big Sky is a Newberry book that is classic Newberry. Teen coming of age, but it takes place in 1918 out in Montana as a girl struggles to be a grown-up. I loved the characters and friendships in this one!
If you need more summer reading ideas, I’ve got more for you here.
Happy reading!
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10 Great Mystery Books for Kids:
We’re a big reading family too….my recent favorite, Unbroken! My kids recent favorite, Elvis and the Underdogs!
I don’t know how to enter the giveway?!?
It ended. Sorry!
I just read: “The Good, the Bad, and the Furry” by Tom Cox.
Love reading too
My most recent read is The Three Musketeers, interesting but slow to get through. I read it for a reading challenge I’m doing online with friends :-).
Recent read favorite, well I just finished The Lord of the Rings Trilogy again, it is one of my all time favorite reads.
Anything in the Outlander series — RAWR Jamie Fraser!
I just finished The Secret of Midwives by Sally Hepworth. It was a wonderful book!
About 3/4 of the way through Gone with the Wind right now. It’s been on my list for a while and glad I’ve finally gotten around to it
Loved these series: The Selection, Matched, Life As We Knew It, The Faerie Path, Divergent, The Mortal Instruments (and the prequels – The Infernal Devices), … i could go on!! ;) I’d love to win!!! ;)
my favorite recent reads have been brown bear brown bear and the bery hungry caterpillar lol. on repeay with the little haha
Reading is fun when I have time, but I always get sucked into the book and spend all of my time reading it. I have a hard time putting books down when I need to get work done!
Remake by Ilima Todd
I agree with you on the Selection series. I really enjoyed it. I just finished The secret keeper which I thought was quite good. I’ve been reading the Harry Potter series to my daughters for their first time this summer. They are 5 and 9 and love it. We only have one left!
My 5 year old dauughter is reading spirit animals and really likes it as well.
My 9 year old loves the Rainbow Fairies series. She reads them over and over.
Another favorite this summer has been Paddington.
I read Kristin Hannah’s “The Nightingale” this spring and loved it!!!
That’s on my to read list!
I LOVE Marcia Lynn McClure books!!!!
I recently read Red Queen. It was really good. I’m sooo glad there are more books coming in the series. :)
I’ve heard a lot of great things about the selection series and I read Orphan Train. It was good! Thanks for the other recommendations!!!
Can’t wait to read Orphan Train. I highly recommend Nancy Turners book series. Start with “These Is My Words”.
Yep-I have read that. Great one!
I am currently in love with Tom Perrotta. So far I have read Joe College, and The Abstinence Teacher, and have a few others on my to-read pile!
I am in the middle of DAvid Baldacci’s the finisher. I love YA! the divergent series (minus that last one…) was good too.
I’m a huge fan of reading! You should read Cinder. It’s in a series, it’s a retelling of fairytale stores. Fast reads, nothing to heavy.
You are the 4th person to suggest that so it is for sure on my list now!
I LOVE to read! I am especially loving Barnes and Nobles summer clearance sale where I’m able to pick up books weekly at great prices. In the last few weeks I’ve read Astronaut Wives Club, Cinderella Murder, The Black Box, This is Where I Leave You, The Recipe Box, Go Set A Watchman (the only book not part of the summer clearance, but I really wanted to read it), Daddy’s Gone A Hunting, Deadline, The Reversal, JoyLand, and Low Pressure. I have 2 more coming this week. I don’t have a favorite book, but is apparent I pretty much stick to one genre. As long as it can keep me entertained and I can vividly imagine what’s happening, I’ll love it.
I’m reading Paper Towns, The Miniaturist, and To Kill a Mockingbird (again). I almost grabbed Selection and think that will have to come next. Thanks for the great list!
I just read The Royal Wedding: the latest Princess Diary book…it was so fun to remember Mia and Michael :)
Love that movie!
I loved the Language of Flowers. Growing up in the SF area it was fun to know where she was. I’ve also been to the flower market and it’s a magical place.
Love reading! Most recently I read Go set a watchman , I’d been waiting for that one since it was announced
My favourite recent reads are Warriors by Erin Hunter. It’s really cool what kind of a life cats could have…
I recently completed the Steampunk Chronicles by Kady Cross and they were great!
I just got done reading Kate morton’s The Secret Keeper, while i found it slow and hard to get into at first, I didn’t give up on it and ended up loving it!
That’s in my top three all time favorites!
My most recent favorite read is The Wood’s Edge by Lori Benton
I recently read The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd and loved it! Thanks for all of the lovely suggestions, I’m excited to start on those I haven’t read yet.
I love to read, but it’s been a while since I’ve had a favorite…which is why I’m excited for your list! I really loved the “Fabelhaven” series!
I just re read Goose Girl. It will always be classic. I also read a three book series by Heather Frost, Seers, Demons, and Guardians.
I will try some thanks
I’m a little behind on reading, but I just read “Love the One Your With” by Emily Giffin! I LOVED it! :)
Orphan Train – great book – thanks for the giveaway.
I am currently on book 7 of the Outlander series. It has been one of those books that kept me coming back for more.
I also just read the Einstein Prophecy which was a little sci-fi/mystery type book set during the 40’s. It was an easy read but definitely kept me on the edge of my seat.
LOVE the Outlander series!!! I want to keep reading it over & over again. Have you been watching the TV series? It’s not very often that a TV series rivals the book, but this one is pretty darn good!
Chelsea Handler – Uganda Be Kidding Me – I laughed so hard.
i seriously love reading in the summer because of all the free time!
I LOVED the Selection series! I had no idea there was a fourth book! I’m also a huge fan of anything by Brandon Sanderson. I just finished reading Elantris for the second time. So good! Brandon has a series of books for kids that I bet your older boy would LOVE (hey – I even love them). The first one is called Alcatraz vs The Evil Librarians. It’s hilarious!
I’m reading a quilting book!
I love to read Musso’s books.
I just read the Women of the Otherworld series by Kelley Armstrong. They are fantastic and provide strong female characters. The best thing about this series is it has a variety of types of characters: werewolves, witches, vampires, etc.
I enjoyed reading The Wright Brothers Book by David McCullough
I have both my 2yr old and 2 mo. old great grandchildren with me so we are reading the Dr. Seuss series. They are a big hit.
My 5 year old daughter and I are reading The Wizard of Oz and loving it (I never read it as a kid!). For myself I’ve recently read Burial Rites by Hannah Kent– a bit in depth, but once I got into it I loved it!
I just gone done reading the Pioneer Girl: The Annotated Autobiograph…by Laura Ingalls Wilder. It is such a good book about Laura Ingalls Wilder for the inspiration for Little House on the Prairie!
favorite current read.. Carved in Bone by Jefferson Bass
I have read The Language of Flowers and Orphan Train and absolutely loved them both. I’ve read The Kitchen House and I think you’d like that one too. It’s a historical novel and will keep you up all night reading! Thanks for the book suggestions!
Historical fiction is my favorite!
Fun list! You featured a few of my favorites, too, and some on my list to read. One of my favorite books I read this year is All the Light We Cannot See. You would love it if you haven’t read it already!
The Girl on the Train but it takes awhile to get into it.
My last read was Gray Mountain by John Grisham.
I loved it!
thank you
Loved “As You Wish” by Cary Elwes, yes, *that* Cary Elwes – Wesley from “The Princess Bride”! It’s a loving look back to how the movie was made.
That’s what my mom is reading right now!
I’m currently reading Bamboo and Lace. It’s an older book, but it’s pretty good. My sister gave it to me to read because it takes place in Hawaii and my husband and I went there this summer.
I recently read The Fault In Our Stars…and it was so good!
The J. D. Robb In Death series books. I’m reading book 29 “Kindred In Death” right now.
My favorite read this summer has been the book Unbroken. It is a great story!
My most favorite read was Alert by James Patterson
I enjoyed recently reading Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed.
I love to read always have – The Arrow by Monica McCarthy – they are a series of HIghland Guard books – just love them
My son has read 57 books this summer….he’s beating me. I just try to read the same books so we can talk about them. He lost me with the Game of Thrones series!!
I LOVED Name of the Star!
“Shoemaker’s Wife” by Adriana Trigiani
My fave!
The new book from Catherine coulter nemisis
I’m currently reading the Walt Longmire series. I fell in love with the TV series and the books do not disappoint. Fair warning: there is quite a bit of cursing in them, but if you can overlook that then you’ll love the mysteries and Craig Johnson paints a pretty picture of Wyoming
I recently read the orphan train and loved it! Another favorite is the invention of wings by sue monk Kidd.
I’m reading The Partner by John Grisham.
All Our Yesterdays By Cristin Terrill was a fantastic read!
I know you’ll laugh but ….. I’m re-reading Heidi for the umpteen time. It brings me great peace, don’t know why but it does. And I’m practicing to be a Grand’ma
My most recent favorite read is actually Matched. I love young adult books–they seem to have a better story than adult fiction. IDK-it might just be me! Thanks for a chance to win. I love books!
Two books I read this summer really resonated with me – The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd and Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier. I love rich prose, historical fiction, and stories that are anchored in a well-describe place. These books both filled – and exceeded – my expectations.
Thank you for the book suggestions! I am in a book club/playgroup and we’re always looking for new things to read. I just finished “The Witness” by Nora Roberts; it was the first book of hers that I read. I liked it because it was fun and quick – perfect for summer! I just started to read “The Shining” by Stephen King. I’m a big baby when it comes to scary books and movies so I hope I can sleep at night!
Recently finished reading “A Cutting Season” by Attica Locke. It is a novel that takes place in present day and set on a Louisiana plantation with mystery and history combined.
I recently completed a re-read of my favorite contemporary romance; the Driven Trilogy by K. Bromberg.
I just love love love that series.
My favorite recent book is Persona, by Genevieve Valentine. Politics has become (literal) pageantry, and then someone tries to kill the main character and a photographer becomes a cyborg and all kinds of interesting things.
My latest summer reads are the Rex Graves mysteries by C. S. Challoner.
I really enjoy the gift ideas on your site. Thanks for all of your hard work on sharing your creative talents and idea.
I love reading all types of books, mostly series since 1 is never enough. I recenly finished the Evanovich series (all of them), and am looking for my next project/series.
Hello, I am from Hungary, so I read in hungarian (most of the time), and lately the best book I read: The Girl on the Train- by Paula Hawkins.
I am not that good in English, but I would like to read in English.
Can You suggest easy, but enjoyable book for me?
I love books, and reading too!
I just finished reading “Big Girl Panties”, a Novel: Stephanie Evanovich. I like to read “fluffy” books through the summer & this one was a perfect summer read!
Most recent read — “Between You and Me: Confessions of a Comma Queen”
Currently reading The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up.
Favourite book are The time travlers wife and the English patient.
I recently started the Divergent series and really liked it.
Last book read “Go Set A Watchman” Loved it.
Love reading. these look good.
Man, I want to read all of your favorites!
We love the Wingfeather saga (on everyone’s top ten), the WilderKing trilogy, and the Allon sieries by Shawn Lamb for teenish ages.
I love to read and would love to win the $50 giftcard!
I just recently read The Terrorist next door by Sheldon Siegel. I get book bubs emails daily about books to read. Many are free!
I just read The Expatriates by Corinne O’Flynn after reading her novella based off of The Lei Crime series. Love the way she writes!
My granddaughter and I reading Wind in the Willows for the third time. We both love it, and reread it a couple times a year. Thanks for the great book recommendations!
My favorite read lately is Dark Places by Gillian Flynn
My favorite read is Omega Dragon by Bryan Davis
I simply love to read…my most recent( still reading) is The Red Queen..I would love to win a gift certificate to but books! Thanks for posting all the books you enjoyed.
Hi I love mystery and crime novels and really loving books by a new find (for mr) David Baldacci and just finished “the target”.
Jane
I love “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn!” The best book ever! I read or listen to it on audio books about every couple of years. It is one of those beautifully written books that you can savor more than once. I also love to read and sew. I would have to say that I also love to knit. I have four sons, however, mine are ages 17 to 27. Thanks for your tutorials!
I’m into reading paleo coobooks lately.
Dark Places is good.
I love books but my most recent favorite read is “The Art of Crash Landing” by Melissa Decarlo. It’s due out in September
I just finished The Girl on the Train and enjoyed it.
I am on the last few chapters of To Set a Watchman. I have hated this book on many pages. I have pulled my copy of To Kill a Mockingbird to compare exact wording. I have put this book down and picked it up again. I have felt the growth pains of Jean Louise in both eras. This book did need to be published. It is the confusion of the times that make this a coming of age book.
just started my 3rd liane moriarty book. love this author!
Love all these great recommendations – thanks!!
Oh – and my favorite recent read (well…re-read) is Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier. So, so good!
I love reading. I just finished Malice in the Palace, a witty mystery series that takes place pre World War II in London and stars a young woman who is 34th in line to the throne. They’re great fun. My daughter has all of The Selection books but I haven’t read them yet.
“Orphan Train” and “The Language of Flowers” were two favorites of mine. This summer I learned so much from Ken Follett’s “Century Trilogy”, cannot remember all 3 titles. He also has another great series with 2 starting with “Pillars of the Earth”
Just finished reading Counting by 7’s with my son!!! Great Book!
Oh that one is on my nightstand to read right now!
I used to read all the time. . . .these books look like they could return my love. I think the Orphan Train will have to be first. I had an aunt by marriage whose mom was put on an orphan train many many years ago. . . . .Thanks for the list!
Wow! That sounds like a book that could be super interesting for you then!
I read the autobiography of Derek Coleman.
Snowmaggeden by Dave Jackson
Haven’t read anything in a while. Would love to win. Thanks.
I read the time traveler’s wife which I really liked.
Love reading last thing at night. Favourite book so far this summer is “Secrets of the lighthouse” by Santa Montefiore
I’m currently enjoying Sworn to Silence by Linda Castillo
I am currently reading The Mage Wars trilogy by Mercedes Lackey. Your boys might like A Swiftly Tiltlng Planet by Urslea Le Gun. Thanks for the great giveaway and book hints. Don’t forget to check out the library! vickise at gmail dot com
I’m not currently reading a book. The book you have listed Hattie Big Sky looks interesting!
I also like young adult books. I just finished Gathering Blue by Lois Lowry who also wrote the Giver. I am going to look for your suggestion, The collection series. I enjoy your blog. Thank you.
Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover
My favorite recent read was the screwtape letters by c.s. lewis
Summertime is my favorite time to read series. So this summer I started rereading the Harry Potter series.
Just finished a kings ransom
My favorite was The Longest Ride
im reading the girl on the train. i really don’t love it, yet! i am going to stick with it because of the reviews are so good. i loved the orphan train!
Any books by Terry Brooks. He writes the Sword of Shannara series amongst others. He has created a fantasy world second only to Middle Earth. He is right in line with Tolkien and C.S. Lewis as great fantasy writers. Also, who can forget Winnie the Pooh by A.A. Milne and any book by Roald Dahl.
I’m currently reading the Divergent series. They are pretty great.
You’ve definitely just enabled my reading addiction ;-). All of these books look awesome! I’ve just finished The Church of Marvels which was beautiful. Thanks for sharing your reads :-)
I am currently reading the Heir right now. The Selection is such a great series of books.
My daughter and I read all the time. The last book I read that I really enjoyed was Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia. I’m on the third book in the series, but I liked the first one best.
I’m finishing up the Mazerunner series!
The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly is my favorite book right now, I ABSOLUTELY ADORE IT!!!!!
The last book I read was Orphan Train. It was a great book!
I JUST STARTED READING NORA ROBERTS DARK WITCH I JUST FOUND IT SO I’LL LET YOU KNOW HOW IT TURNS OUT!!!
I love book lists! Thanks for the reading ideas and for the giveaway.
I have been reading the Mitford series. It is also an easy read and is enjoyable.
i just finishing reading “dark hope” and the sequel “dark rising” by monica mcgurk and i can’t wait for the third one to be released!!!
I also love to read and have read Hattie Big Sky & Matched. They were both very good books.
My heart in his hands by Sharon James! :)
Amber! I totally love all your giveaways! You are such a generous light in the dark! I just finished reading Plum Spooky by Janet Evanovich. I have been a big fan of her books for several years now. Getting ready to start on Sizzling Sixteen. Check out the Dollar Tree for great savings on books. I have found many of my Evanovich books there — and for a dollar each!
Currently reading Blueprints by Barbara Delinsky and loving it!
I enjoyed reading A Lady of Esteem.
I Liked The Longest Ride By Nickolas Sparks!
I love that you are encouraging reading; I love to read. I last read, “Privy to the Dead” by Sheila Connolly. I am grateful that my grand kids also love to read.
I recently read the trilogy of “Isabelle” by Laurence Yip. All about the life of a young girl involved with ballet and fashion design,two of my favorite things.
Marilyn
I recently read “The Good Girl” by Mary Kubica. Suspenseful and a great read. Thanks for sharing the book ideas with us!
Love Comes Softly by Janette Oke!
Currently reading ‘The Girl in the Steel Corset,’ and I’m quite intrigued by it.
My husband and I take turns reading to our 2 girls each night. So the last book I read we Dancing duck. We also read moo and a book on colors. They both really enjoy story time and so do I.
The last book I read was “When In Doubt, Add Butter” by Beth Harbison
I enjoyed Poison Study!
In Search of Ohm Sety re-read for the umpteenth time, True story of a child in London who suffers a near fatal fall & awakens believing herself to be from ancient Egypt, then moves to Egypt as an adult. Wonderful read even if you don’t believe it, hopefully your library has it because it’s no longer in print & used copies can be expensive. For boys–(and girls for that matter) Magic Treehouse is wonderful, the fiction draws them in and then there are factual volumes tied to many of the stories; for more advanced readers Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson series are fantastic–it may take my just turned 9 y/o grandson a while to get through the thick books, but he loves them!
My most recent enjoyable read was Silent Love by Casey Clipper.
I just finished The Outlander by Diana Gabaldon.
I haven’t read anything recently other than sewing books. I have been meaning to do so, but I have been busy. Have a great day.
I love the book Sparrow Road! It’s amazing!
Hi Amber, absolutely love all your book recommendations and I love all your Crazy Little Projects. I do a few of them from time to time, one of them even inspired me on doing something for my GCSE in Art and Design; Textiles. I have read Orphan Train and loved it. I plan to read the Selection Series but currently I’m reading a lot of Nicholas Sparks and John Green, maybe even a bit of Stephen King from time to time. I am reading the Longest ride but i finished reading Safe Haven and the Best of me, I recommend them. I’m also reading Jodi Picoult books, I like books that can make me cry. You should read the Bay at midnight by Diane Chamberlain. This book also has the past and present and also its about a Child’s mistake. You should also read Cinder and the nightingale. Would love to win your giveaway, would love to buy my own books. I get my books from my local library… oops just noticed I’ve said to much, good thing you like reading haha sorry for writing so much.
A Memory of Violets was a great read!
Reading is my escape.
Fools Assassin by Robin Hobb I am a Sci-Fi reader from way back. I have read everything she has written. I think reading is good for the soul! I love B&N. Great giveaway, thank you for the chance!
Made to Crave by Lysa TerKeurst
No kiddo’s in the house anymore, but I love stories about Shangri-La, and my favorite recent read is
“lost Horizon ” by James Hilton.
thank you!
I’m in the middle of the Witch’s Daughter by Paula Brackston and a novel by Pat McManus. I also love 39 Clues and can’t wait til my kids are old enough to read the series.
My last favorite book read was Flowers In The Attic by V.C. Andrews
I just finished Island of the Lost, by Melissa De La Cruz. It was a great one day read, and I’m going to start reading it with my seven year-old because I think he’ll love it too.
The Husband’s Secret by Liane Moriarty
Oh, I’ve read a lot from your list and totally loved them too, so I’m sure I’ll love the others you recommend. I’ve recently read Lady Maybe, The Bookseller and Calling Me Home. Those were good ones!
Most recent fabulous read has been The Woods by Harlan Coben.
Just read Unlucky 13 by one of my favs James Patterson.
I just read Heart Failure by Richard L. Mabry MD.
Reading Paper Towns right now.
I love just about all of Debbie Macomber’s books. I really love that their are mostly series. My favorite is her blossom street series. She also has a wonderful group of Christmas books that I could read year round.
Not deep reading, but Sick in the Head by Jud Apatow was funny.
The Thirteenth Tale!!
Would Spirit Animals be too grown up for Cal? He has been lusting after them at B&N for quite some time. He can’t read them, but would they be good for us to read together?
Just added these to my Goodreads list!
I’m currently reading “The Forgotten Garden” by Kate Morton, and “Oliver Twist.”
LOVE The Forgotten Garden!
Love Kate Morton so much!
I loved Matched and Spirit Animals. I love books so much! I am always on the lookout for a good book!
My most recent read was the paleo approach.
I love these recomendations! Especially for boys!!! Thanks!