THE HOLIDAY READS YOU NEED THIS SUMMER

The holiday reads you need this summer

Aside from mastering my attempt at being the worlds best human rotisserie, summer holidays are largely spent lost in a fantasy, absorbed in another reality, and getting swept up in a summer love story … Reading books on holiday is one of my favourite past times and it’s really the only chance I truly have to get stuck into a good book without any distraction. In fact I tend to get so stuck in that I average about a book a day … I really am terrible company. My favourite holiday reads are those that leave me feeling warm and fuzzy inside (think Me Before You & Fifty Shades, ahem), or those that I simply can’t put down (think Gone Girl & Room), and year after year I tend to look out for the same authors new releases; Jill Mansell, Jo Jo Moyes, Cecilia Ahern and Jodi Picout are my favourite authors, and I think it’s fair to say I’ve read every book they’ve all released (and that says something).

There’s a million and one books out there to read this summer, but today I thought I’d share some of my top recommendations for your own holiday reading.

THE BOOKS YOU NEED TO READ THIS SUMMER

Me Before You & After You by Jojo Moyes

I’m hoping you’ve already read these books as they’re by no means new out, in fact they’ve  just been made into film they’re that infamous, but if you haven’t, you must. I’ve recommended both these books to everyone I know, they’re beautiful, gripping and heart warmingly funny. Be prepared to sob your heart out (don’t underestimate how much) and laugh out loud …

Whilst these two are must reads, one of my favourite ever reads by Jojo Moyes is The Girl You Left Behind. This book has stuck with me since I read it last year, it’s such a beautiful story, set in Northern France in WW1 and truly comes highly recommended by me.

You & Me Always, Jill Mansell

I adore all Jill Mansels books, they are the epitome of holiday chick lit, and without fail I always pick up her new book before I head on my summer holidays. You and Me Always is her latest release (summer 16) and it’s just as good as the others which I’ve loved so much. I adore the underlying love stories, the Cotswold settings and the way you get to know the characters so intimately in all of Jill’s novels. If you love a chick lit then every single one of Jill Mansells books are for you.

The life Changing magic of not giving a f*** by Sarah Knight

You can’t have missed the hype around Sarah’s book, and if you have, where have you been? Much like the life changing magic of tidying this book has become a cult read, and if you’re a career girl drowning in life’s commitments or simply juggling the world on your shoulders then this book is an absolute must. Liberating and far too relatable to miss.

The Girl On The Train by Paula Hawkins

Following my love for Gone Girl (albeit the stress and tension was a lot), The Girl On The Train is the next thriller to have made it on my holiday list after much critical acclaim. Even Jase who hates to read couldn’t put this book down claiming the way the story is written in short punchy chapters and told by multiple characters means it builds real momentum and tension, so you simply don’t want to put it down.

Love style Life by Garande Dore

Garance has fast become life goals for me, from her perfectly designed blog, to stunning photography and beautiful illustrations, to her book which is so utterly perfect I just can’t help but obsess. Love x Style x Life, like every other ‘it’ book out there, takes pride of place in my living room, which if you will allow me to tease your imagination, is a period Victorian lounge with inbuilt cabinets either side of an open fire … The cabinets are piled high with every foodie, fashion, and photography coffee table book you can imagine. The thing is, I have a think about pretty hard back books, it’s my ultimate weakness and at times I average buying at least one or two a week (you name it, I’ve got it), but after a speedy flick through and a few key pages read they tend to become decor rather than deeply read and remembered books … Love Life Style however seems to have made a real mark for itself in my collection and is one book I can’t help but go back to, whether it’s for inspiration, a little nugget of style advice or simply to browse the beautiful photos and illustrations.

There are so many more books I love and recommend you read, but these are the books that made it into my beach bag this year. Rachel’s holiday by Marian Keyes, One Day by David Nichols, The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, of course Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L James (I did actually enjoy this series, judge as you will) and Room by Emma Donoghue are all great reads if you’ve not yet discovered them.

I’d love to know if you have any book recommendations for me? I’m always looking for new reads and more authors to discover.