Uninterrupted afternoons by the beach under the hot, sticky sun, a dog-eared paperback pulled from a tote bag overflowing with sunscreen, sunglasses, and half-finished plans – that is what my ideal summer day looks like.

A book that can get you to ignore your notifications in this day and age? Sounds like a luxury we don’t indulge in often. The one that convinces you “just one more chapter” is a perfectly reasonable thing to say five chapters in. The ones that follow you from a beach chair to a flight home, and eventually earn a permanent spot on your list of books you’ll recommend to anyone who’ll listen.

So, if you’re lucky enough to be spending your summer near a body of water – or you simply wish you were – these are the books earning a coveted spot in my beach bag this season.

Beach Read by Emily Henry

In my opinion, most books authored by Emily Henry turn out to be perfect beach reads. The title may be on the nose for this one, but Henry’s beloved romance earns its place on every summer reading list. Following two rival writers spending a summer as neighbours, it’s packed with witty banter, undeniable chemistry, and just enough emotional depth to keep you turning pages long after you’ve told yourself you’ll stop.

Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain

If Instagram Reels are anything to go by, we’re all collectively trying to have an Anthony Bourdain summer. Part memoir, part restaurant industry exposé, and entirely impossible to put down, this book offers the perfect glimpse into the life and mind of the chef-turned-storyteller who inspired a generation of travellers and food lovers.  Anthony Bourdain pulls back the curtain on the chaotic world of professional kitchens with his trademark humour, honesty, and irreverence. Read with a snack nearby – you’ve been warned!

The Wedding People by Alison Espach

A wedding, a cast of eccentric characters, and a protagonist trying to figure out what comes next – what’s not to love? Alison Espach delivers a story that’s equal parts funny and heartfelt, proving that sometimes the most unexpected encounters can change the course of your life.

Man Overboard! by Kathleen Rooney

Quirky, clever, and delightfully unconventional, Kathleen Rooney’s novel takes an unusual premise and turns it into a charming exploration of identity, relationships, and what happens when life doesn’t quite go according to plan. Perfect for readers who like their fiction a little offbeat.

Back After This by Linda Holmes

In Back After This, Linda Holmes once again delivers her trademark blend of warmth, humour, and emotional intelligence. The novel explores fresh starts, personal reinvention, and the complicated ways people find their way back to themselves. It’s comforting, clever, and effortlessly readable – the literary equivalent of spending an afternoon with your funniest, most insightful friend.

Margo’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe

If chaotic female protagonists are your thing, meet Margo. Funny, flawed, and endlessly resourceful, she finds herself navigating financial struggles, motherhood, and unexpected internet fame. Sharp, wildly entertaining, and surprisingly moving, this is the kind of book you’ll be recommending before you’ve even finished it.