I don’t know about you but to me it finally feels like summer is here! As we head into June I want to share what’s on my summer reading list. This is the perfect time of the year to grab a book and enjoy the sunshine, whether that’s on holiday, in the park or just at home. I could read for hours a day if I’m in the sun (and even better with a supply of cocktails to go with it)!

Summer Reading

1. Jog on: How running saved my life by Bella Mackie

I’ve just finished reading this book for a book club I’m a member of at work and it was so honest and absolutely brilliant! Bella reveals how she used running to battle crippling anxiety and depression, without having to sacrifice her three loves: booze, cigarettes and ice cream. It’s a tale of overcoming whatever life throws at you and is sure to give you a motivational boost! I also think it’s such an important topic and message which helps to remove the stigma surrounding mental health.

A compassionate and important book which presents running as a simple but effective antidote to an anxious world.

Joe Lycett

2. Sorry Not Sorry by Sophie Ranald

I love a comedy so when I found this book which is deemed ‘the perfect laugh out loud romantic comedy’, I knew I had to add this to my list! Charlotte has always been a good girl, but being good is getting boring. So when she stumbles across a popular podcast, ‘Sorry Not Sorry’, which challenges women to embrace their inner bad girl, she jumps at the chance to shake things up.

When life gives you limes, make margaritas!

3. An Unwanted Guest by Shari Lapena

A Sunday Times bestseller, this is the latest novel from Shari Lapena, author of The Couple Next Door. Be prepared for a dark and dramatic thriller!

We can’t choose the strangers we meet.
Usually we can avoid the people who make us nervous, make us afraid.
Until we find ourselves in a situation we can’t escape. Trapped.

4. The Flat Share by Beth O’Leary

I came across this book in Waterstones and it sounds like the perfect rom-com for the summer, plus everyone’s raving about it! So what’s the story? Tiffy needs a cheap flat, and fast. Leon works nights and needs cash. Their friends think they’re crazy, but it’s the perfect solution: Leon occupies the one-bed flat while Tiffy’s at work in the day, and she has the run of the place the rest of the time. Given they still haven’t met, what could possibly go wrong?

5. The Death of Mrs Westaway by Ruth Ware

I absolutely love Ruth Ware’s writing so I was excited to pick this up on offer in Waitrose! Harriet Westaway receives an unexpected letter telling her she’s inherited a substantial amount from her grandmother, however her real grandparents died years ago. Will she con her way into getting the money and more importantly, will she get away with it?

An incredible story filled with utterly believable characters and brilliantly told. I absolutely adored it.

Lisa Jewell

6. If You Could Go Anywhere by Paige Toon

This book sounds like my type of story! Angie is 27 and has never really left her hometown. When her grandmother passes away, leaving her with no family, she decides to embark on her own journey of adventures and self discovery. She finds a letter from her father who she’s never met and immediately knows where her first stop is: Italy!

7. Battle Scars: A Story of War and All That Follows by Jason Fox

Last month my book club pick was First Man In by Ant Middleton which I absolutely loved and have since been recommended Battle Scars by Jason Fox! Battle Scars tells the story of his career as an elite operator, from the gunfights, hostage rescues, daring escapes and heroic endeavours, to a battle of a very different kind: the psychological devastation of combat that forced him to leave the military. Excited to read this!

There we have it, 7 books to keep you entertained whilst relaxing in the sun! Enjoy reading and let me know what you think. x

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