There is something so luxurious about picking up a novel in the summer months for pure enjoyment. While we love a great classic or a profound business book, summertime calls for indulgent novels whose characters take us to other worlds full of drama and heartbreak while we relax. Whether you have a beach trip planned or are simply looking forward to work-free evenings and weekends, these five novels will transport you to far away places and take your mind off of the your ever growing to-do list.

1. When Life Gives You Lululemons: Talk about the ultimate beach read — this is the sequel to Devil Wears Prada and has been described as “like ‘The Real Housewives of Greenwich,'” (a reality show that doesn’t exist). If you’re looking for some laugh out loud humor and drama at a safe distance, this one’s for you!

2. An American Marriage: This emotionally gripping novel follows two newlyweds who are torn apart by life events they could have never expected. This book is part of Oprah’s 2018 Book Club selection, so you know it has to be good!

3. Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine: This novel follows the character of Eleanor Oliphant whose awkward (and at times laugh-out-loud) social skills are the result of a painful childhood. She doesn’t have an easy time making friends (to say the least) until Raymond, the big-hearted IT guy in her office, makes an effort to befriend Eleanor. Slowly she confronts her past and realizes that relationships with people can be a source of comfort and happiness rather than hurt. This novel is a Reese Witherspoon book club pick and she is apparently producing a motion picture for it!

4. Farm from Home: A Year of Stories, Pictures, and Recipes from a City Girl in the Country: If you haven’t been following Amanda Brooks’ journey over the past few years on Instagram, you should start! From New York City to her husband’s family farm in The Cotswolds, England, Amanda has completely adapted to country life. You’ll love her cozy home decor, quintessential English countryside lifestyle, and lots of farm animal pets! We’ve been dying to get our hands on this beautiful book that is lovely for a coffee table, but is also one you’ll want to read.

5. All These Beautiful Strangers: For those of you who love a good thriller, this story follows a teenage girl named Charlie whose mother went missing when she was only seven. Now in a secret society at the prestigious New England school she attends, Charlie comes face to face with haunting truths about her family.

 

Let us know what is on your 2018 summer reading list in the comments below!