Books With Summer in the Title
If you have been following Beyond the Bookends for a while, you know that I love an unexpected book list. It will not be a shock to you that I wanted to make a list of my favorite books with summer in the title.
Every year, Kirsten and I read a ton of books to prepare for beach read season. Summer is usually when people have the most time to read. Last year we noticed a trend of books with summer in the title and knew this would be such a fun list to make. If you want to read Books With Flowers in the Title or Books with Food in the Title, I have those fun lists as well.
Book lists that have something to do with the title of the book are so much fun because they often do not have a lot in common. Sometimes we will make really silly groupings like “books with a fruit in the title”. Books with summer in the title fell into fiction, historical fiction, and romance. If you have read a mystery, thriller, or fantasy with summer in the title, I would love to add it to my list of books to read!
The Best Books With Summer in the Title
Each colorful block below represents the best book in a subgenre. Click on the arrow to reveal my “best” pick in any category. You’ll also be able to use a page jump to see more books in that section.
Best Fiction Book with Summer in the Title
The Summer of Songbirds by Kristy Woodson Harvey – Click to read the review and see more books in the category
Best Fiction Book with Summer in the Title
Last Summer at the Golden by Elyssa Friedland – Click to read the review and see more books in the category
Best Spicy Romance Book with Summer in the Title
Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez – Click to read the review and see more books in the category
Best Romance Book with Summer in the Title
Seven Summer Weekends by Jane L. Rosen – Click to read the review and see more books in the category
*Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. Some books have been gifted. All opinions are our own.
Fiction Books With Summer in the Title
The Summer of Songbirds
Author: Kristy Woodson Harvey
Year: 2023
Genre: Fiction
Spice Rating:💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Daphne, Lanier, and Mary Stuart met at Camp Holly Springs as 6-year-olds and have remained inseparable ever since. They have been through unplanned pregnancies and addiction, and have taken on each other’s hard things.
Now, with the camp that they love so much in danger of closing, the three women come together to help Daphne’s aunt (and owner of the camp) save their beloved home.
Why Jackie loves it
Every so often, you read a book that brings you back to your childhood. Kirsty Woodson Harvey brought me back to my summers at camp. This book touched my heart. I loved every word! This is a real celebration of friendship and chosen family.
Find this book in: Best Books of 2023 / Lake Novels / Summer Camp Novels / Books with Summer in the title
28 Summers
Author: Elin Hilderbrand
Year: 2020
Genre: Fiction
More info: 28 Summers #1
Spice Rating:💋💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
At the end of her life, Mallory asks her son to make a phone call. The person who answers the phone is McCloud, whose wife is the front-runner to become the next POTUS. The story follows a unique love that spans a lifetime – one weekend each summer, for 28 years to be exact. 28 summers redefine what it means to be a soulmate.
Trigger Warnings
Cancer
Why Jackie loves it
This is my favorite Hilderbrand book to date, and it is an emotional story that is a tear-jerker for sure. This is one beach read that you need to purchase this summer.
Find this book in: Books with Summer in the Title
Summer at the Little Beach Street Bakery
Author: Jenny Colgan
Year: 2015
Genre: Fiction
More info: The Little Beach Street Bakery #2
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 14+
Plot
The continuation of Jenny Colgan’s Little Beach Street Bakery series is another hit. I loved the continuation of Polly, Huck, and Neil’s story. Polly gets fired from the bakery and needs to figure out a new business plan.
Why Kirsten loves it
We get to catch up with all the lovable characters in the small Cornish town, see inside Polly’s new lighthouse home, and have delectable bakery items described throughout. This story also uses a climate event as a major plot point and I found it so interesting to see how hurricanes are dealt with in other countries.
Find this book in: Jenny Colgan Books / Books About Weather/ Books with Summer in the Title
Plot
Shelby Archer is an author who wrote her first book about her summers in Provincetown, Rhode Island. But when her friends felt like the story was too close to home, it left a few of them feeling exposed and betrayed.
Desperate to make things right and looking for inspiration for her sophomore novel, she returns to Provincetown to help local bookseller, Colleen, who is now on bedrest. Now Shelby can heal her friendships and have a wonderful summer – if she can avoid her ex-boyfriend and his new girlfriend, who happens to be opening a competing bookstore.
Why Kirsten loves it
Fans of nostalgic Jamie Brenner rejoice! She’s back to her beach reads roots with this return to Provincetown and some of our favorite characters make it into the story! It was fun to reconnect with the locale and its inhabitants.
Find this book in: Beach Reads 2024 / Books with Summer in the Title
Plot
The Summer Place is Jennifer Weiner at her absolute best. This story is about a family with so many moving parts and so many secrets, but they are relatable at the same time.
After living together at her dad and stepmom’s house for a year in NYC, Ruby and her boyfriend are getting married. One-by-one secrets are revealed, which keeps you turning the pages and wondering if the family can stay together.
Why Jackie loves it
Jennifer is the queen of the beach read and this one is non-stop fun. It is the book equivalent of a soap opera. Every character has secrets that will be exposed.
Find this book in: Poolside Reads / Ultimate Beach Reads 2022 / Books with Summer in the Title
Summers at the Saint
Author: Mary Kay Andrews
Year: 2024
Genre: Fiction
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Widowed Traci Eddings is the proprietress of The Saint an exclusive resort owned by her deceased husband’s family. As she struggles to keep his beloved hotel afloat, she deals with her conniving brother-in-law, disgruntled staff, and a series of mysteries that lead to the death of someone she loves.
The story is also narrated by various staffers who live in the on-site staff dormitory and a man in town to solve a crime from the past. There are lots of subplots, including a romance and 2 murder mysteries, but the heart of this novel is about Traci reclaiming her life and her hotel.
Why Kirsten loves it
I’m a sucker for a resort setting, and since I read this one on my recent spring break, the vibes were vibing. While the large cast of characters was a struggle at first, I quickly got them straight and found value in each of their perspectives.
Find this book in: Hotel Novels / Summer Reads of 2024 / Books Set at the Beach/ Books with Summer in the Title
The Summer Skies
Author: Jenny Colgan
Year: 2023
Genre: Fiction
More info: Scottish Island of Mure #6
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 14+
Plot
This brand-new book brings us to northern Scotland, where Morag McGinty is a third-generation pilot. Following an accident in the air, Morag’s boyfriend wants her to move with him to Dubai.
Struggling and now fearful of flying, she returns home to fly her Grandpa’s route when he is sick. When she has to make a quick landing on a small island in a storm, she meets Gregor Cameron who might change everything.
Why Kirsten loves it
Here’s the thing, I am TERRIFIED of flying so a book about planes isn’t going to be a favorite of mine, especially if it involves mechanical failures. It wasn’t my cup of tea, but if the subject matter doesn’t put you off, you might enjoy the newest Jenny Colgan book! #gifted by Avon
Find this book in: Jenny Colgan Books Ranked / Plane Novels / Books with Summer in the Title
Plot
When Hannah, Tyson, Lainey, and Summer met during their freshman year of college, they became fast friends. But shortly before graduating, Summer does the unthinkable. Shocked and despondent over their friend’s death, the remaining friends create The Summer Pact, a promise to be there for one another when they hit rock bottom.
In the present day, Hannah’s life has gone up in flames so Lainey and Tyson drop everything to help her turn it around during a multi-city vacation. But Lainey and Tyson have issues of their own to deal with. Can they all lean on one another to mend their broken pieces?
Trigger Warnings
Suicide
Why Kirsten likes it
Emily Giffin always manages to write readable and fun books. The location (CAPRI!) of this one made it stand out, even though the ending felt a little rushed.
Find this book in: Friendship Novels / Books with Summer in the Title
Historical Fiction Books With Summer in the Title
Last Summer at the Golden Hotel
Author: Elyssa Friedland
Year: 2021
Genre: Fiction
More info: A Good Morning America Buzz Pick, A Best Beach Read of 2021 from Bustle, A Best Summer Read of 2021 from PopSugar
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Last Summer at the Golden Hotel is all about 2 families who own a resort in the Catskills and are thinking of selling or overhauling the Golden. This is the ultimate in family drama books.
Three generations of the Goldmans and Weismann clans have gathered to make the decision and family secrets are unspooling left and right in the midst of goat yoga, comedy shows, and salon catastrophes.
Why Kirsten loves it
It was a pleasure to read it while staying at the Hyatt on the Chesapeake and experiencing some resort life of my own.
Why Jackie loves it
This book had an amazing cast of characters that made me laugh out loud. I loved the dynamics of the family as they navigated to changes that come after the heydays of family resorts
Find this book in: Best Books of 2021 / Best Books for Book Clubs / Summer Camp Books / Books With Colors in the Title / Books with Summer in the Title / Books Set in the 1960s
Plot
The four Jacobson children reunite for a weekend to clean out and sell the Jersey Shore home they’ve loved since they were children. They are preparing to say goodbye to the home, reminisce about their recently deceased mother, and help their father with his move to a Florida retirement village.
They did not expect to win the lottery that same weekend when three of the four siblings entered a Powerball drawing. But win they do, and when money becomes the focus, the family starts to fall apart.
Why Kirsten likes it
As one of 4 siblings, I particularly loved the dynamics in this story. Anyone from a big family knows the constant texting, side arguments, and inside jokes are very real. I like that their love for each other trumped all in the end.
Find this book in: Best Beach Reads 2024 / Books Set at the Beach / Books with Summer in the Title
Summer of ’69
Author: Elin Hilderbrand
Year: 2019
Genre: Historical Fiction
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
This particular story takes place on Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard during the summer of 1969 when members of the Levin family are at a turning point. One daughter is on the verge of adolescence, another is about to become a mother, while the last is exploring the freedom of her college years. Their brother is off fighting in the Vietnam War, and their mother is suffering from alcoholism and depression.
Why Kirsten loves it
Elin is the Queen of Beach Reads (and we know, because we write about beach reads ALOT.) As this family drama unravels, Hilderbrand explores the societal changes and the impact it had on one family. An entertaining read as always.
Find this book in: Books with Summer in the Title / Books Set in the 1960s
One Italian Summer
Author: Rebecca Serle
Year: 2022
Genre: Magical Realism
Spice Rating:💋💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Rebecca Serle has done it again with this book set in Italy. Katy’s mother, Carol, has died and left Katy to take their trip to Positano alone. When Katy leaves, she is uncertain about everything and whether she will return to her marriage.
Then, the impossible happens, and Carol appears at Katy’s hotel. She is in perfect health and thirty years old. She is not the woman Katy thought she knew. As she gets to know her mother, she realizes more about herself.
Why Jackie loves it
This is a beautiful, well-written book with a touch of magic. I loved how Katy and Carol are able to develop a relationship in Italy after Carol died. It is unique and wonderful.
Find this book in: Contemporary Fiction / Book Set in Italy / Book About Grief / Best Magical Realism Books / Books About Mothers/ Books Set on a Beach / Books with Summer in the Title
Spicy Romance Books With Summer in the Title
Just for the Summer
Author: Abby Jimenez
Year: 2024
Genre: Romance
More info: April 2024 GMA Book Club Pick
Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
The premise of this story is rather straightforward and sweet – Justin and Emma discover they both have a “curse” where people immediately find their soul mate AFTER dating them. To find their own happily ever afters, they decide to date each other and then break up.
Sounds fun and light, right? But it’s so much more! Each of them is going through some very serious family drama which adds intimacy and drama immediately to their relationship. Their relationships with the secondary characters also made my heart soar. The representations of friendship, family bonds, and found family really tugged at my heart.
Trigger Warnings
Depression
Why Kirsten loves it
The romance!! Omg the butterflies this story gave me. Justin and Emma’s relationship may be my favorite romance ever. The way they supported each other, cared for one another, and loved each other was perfection.
Find this book in: Beach Reads 2024 / Lake Books / New Romance Books 2024 / Best Books for Book Clubs to Read / The Best Books of 2024 / Books with Summer in the Title
Every Summer After
Author: Carley Fortune
Year: 2022
Genre: Romance
More info: Debut Novel from New York Times Bestselling author
Named One of the Hottest Reads of Summer 2022 by Today, Parade, Popsugar, USA Today, Buzzfeed, and more
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
I adored this charming second-chance romance set at a lake house. It was one of the most popular books on Instagram this summer and for good reason. Sam and Percy spent every summer together. They were best friends which turned into something more.
After Percy makes the biggest mistake of her life, she stops going to her beloved house at the lake until she learns that Sam’s mom died. Now she has to return and confront her past.
Why Kirsten loves it
Sam is the teenage boy we all needed in our lives growing up, and he gets better with age! Meanwhile, I was rooting for Percy to get her happily ever after with Sam the whole time. I was swept away by their summer love story and you will be too! This is a must-read if you are looking for the best summer reads. This is my favorite of Carley Fortune’s books
Why Jackie loves it
I love a second-chance romances and this one has a magical quality to it. Fortune does an amazing job of bringing the reader back in time so that the book feels nostalgic. I was rooting for Sam and Percy to get their HEA.
Find this book in: Carley Fortune Books In Order / Lake Books / Best Summer Reads 2023 / Second Chance Romance Books / Books with Summer in the Title
It Happened One Summer
Author: Tessa Bailey
Year: 2021
Genre: Romance
More info: Bellinger Sisters #1
Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
After getting in trouble one too many times for her party-girl lifestyle, Piper and her sister are banished back to their late father’s hometown in Washington. While she’s learning to be responsible and money-conscious for the first time in her life, she needs to try not to fall for a local fisherman, Brendan.
Why Kirsten loves it
When I learned that Tessa Bailey used Schitt’s Creek’s Alexis as her inspiration for Piper, I knew I had to read this grumpy sunshine romance. It was my first Tessa Bailey, but it won’t be my last! She brings the heat!
Find this book in: Enemies-to-Lovers Books / Books similar to The Love Hypothesis / Books Like People We Meet On Vacation / Books with Summer in the Title
This Summer Will Be Different
Author: Carley Fortune
Year: 2024
Genre: Romance
More info: New York Times Bestselling Author
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
I love Carley Fortune’s wonderful style of writing and her perfect love stories and this book from the new release books may be my favorite book yet.
Lucy heads to Prince Edward Island to stay with her best friend for a week. When her friend’s flight is delayed, Lucy is left as a tourist and feels an immediate connection with the local who shows her around. Only after their amazing night together does she realize he is also her best friend Bridget’s little brother, Felix.
Felix and Lucy agree that this can never happen again because this was her best friend’s first rule: “Do not fall in love with my brother”. When Bridget disappears one week before her wedding, Lucy follows her back to PEI to try and help her friend and determine what made her flee from a man she loves. She might just have to deal with her won feelings as well.
Why Jackie loves it
Not only is this a wonderful romance novel, but the setting of Prince Edward Island has so many nods to Anne of Green Gables that my heart did a little song throughout the book. All the stars to this gem. #gifted
Find this book in: Best New Romance Books of 2024 / Best Beach Reads 2024 / Carley Fortune Books / Books with Summer in the Title
Best Romance with Summer in the Title
Seven Summer Weekends
Author: Jane L. Rosen
Year: 2024
Genre: Romance
More info: Fire Island #2
Spice Rating:💋💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
We are back on Fire Island with this book from the spring 2024 book releases. Addison Irwin had a Zoom disaster and lost her job (hint: do not make fun of your boss in a group chat). When she inherits a property on Fire Island from her aunt, she is surprised because she never had a relationship with her.
She must decide what to do with the house and what to do with her life moving forward. To help her make her decision, her aunt arranged for guests to stay at the house’s guest cottage during the summer weekends. They each teach her a little more about herself and about the aunt she barely knew. She also begins to get to know her moody neighbor with a sweet dog.
Why Jackie loves it
I am so excited to be back on Fire Island with this new romance. Not only is the story great, but I got to see some of my favorite characters from the last book. And no, you do not need to read Fire Island to love this book!
Find this book in: Best Beach Reads 2024 / New Romance Books / Grumpy Sunshine Romance Books / Books with Summer in the Title
Plot
Jessie and Hillary were best friends for years at camp and were supposed to return to become counselors together. Jessie is shocked when Hilary does not return with almost no explanation. Years later, Jessie is still working at the camp as the director when the owners’ children decide to sell the camp.
Jessie decides to have one last amazing summer at the camp with all the former campers invited back for a reunion. Hilary knows this is her last chance to have the summer she always wanted and rekindle her friendship with Jessie. But just like kids have camp drama and relationships, the adults are no better!
Why Jackie loves it
This book about summer camp reminds me so much of my childhood at camp. I was laughing so hard while reading this book, I had tears streaming down my face. This is a perfect summer read for anyone who went to camp.
Find this book in: Amazing Books About Camp / Best Beach Reads / Best New Romance Books of 2024/ Books with Summer in the Title
Same Time Next Summer
Author: Annabel Monaghan
Year: 2023
Genre: Romance
Spice Rating:💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Sam has a great job, is engaged to a great man, and is about to tour wedding venues. She should not be worried when she runs into the man who broke her heart at 17. Yet, being home brings back old memories and feelings. Sam will have to make a choice between her old love and her fiancé.
Why Jackie loves it
I had high hopes for this book from the author of Nora Goes Off Script and I was not disappointed. If you love a good beach read and a second chance romance novel this is a perfect pick.
Find this book in: Romance Tropes / Books with Summer in the Title
Once Upon A Royal Summer
Author: Teri Wilson
Year: 2021
Genre: Romance
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 14+
Plot
Lacey is a princess by trade at a theme park that seems awfully similar to Disneyland. She adores her job and meeting all the guests, especially Henry, who happens to be an actual prince of a small country.
Why Kirsten loves it
Very G-rated hijinks ensue and it was simply adorable. I hope Hallmark ends up making it into a movie. It was a sweet romance with no triggers and a charming, unique love story.
Find this book in: Royal Reads / Books with Summer in the Title
Plot
Ali is a newly single mom and a professional organizer whose life could not be messier. When her mom died, she couldn’t get over it and her already failing marriage could not recover. Now her soon-to-be ex-husband comes and goes as he pleases and Ali is having a hard time picking up the pieces of her life.
When she meets Ethan, she decides that a summer romance would be the perfect thing for her to start the next chapter in her life. She does not realize that Ethan might turn into so much more. She also does not realize that Ethan is her best friend’s brother, whom everyone calls Scooter. She has not seen him in years.
Why Jackie loves it
Same Time Next Summer and Nora Goes Off Script were both books I loved, so I could not wait to read this book. It’s a slow-burn romance that deals with the loss of a parent, the loss of self, and how to move forward one step at a time. Throughout the book, Ali moves through the stages of grief, mourning the loss of her mother. It was poignant and moving with the HEA you expect. #gifted
Find this book in: Best Beach Reads 2024 / Best Books About Motherhood / Books with Summer in the Title
The Summer I Turned Pretty
Author: Jenny Han
Year: 2009
Genre: YA Romance
More info: The Summer I Turned Pretty #1,
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 12+
Plot
The series starts when Belly turns 15, at the beach house she visits every summer with her mom, her brother, and her mother’s best friend’s family, this coming-of-age is geared towards 15-year-olds. Throughout the summer, she learns about her dear friend’s illness and finds herself in a love triangle with the Fisher boys.
Trigger Warnings
Cancer
Why Kirsten loves it
Ok, so I adored To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before, but this YA romance felt like it was geared toward a younger crowd. This is a perfect friends-to-lovers romance for teens. It is filled with a love triangle teenage antics. I read it for the reading challenge, and while I didn’t love it as I read, I really loved the Amazon adaptation!
Adaptation Information
Amazon Prime Video has adapted this book series for TV. They are preparing to release the third season in the summer of 2026. It stars Lola Tung as Belly, Christopher Briney as Conrad, and Gavin Caslegno as Jeremiah.
Find this book in: Books Becoming TV Series / Friends-to-Lovers Romance Books / Book Adaptations on Amazon Prime / Best YA Romance Books / Books with Summer in the Title
Expert Tip
Because this list has only fiction, historical fiction and romance, you may find it hard to choose a book if you love thrillers, mysteries, and/or fantasy books. Here is my advice for picking a book:
- Some of the books are magical realism, choose one of those if you love fantasy
- Read the descriptions of the books, some of the fiction and historical fiction have great elements to keep you engaged in the storytelling
- Are you a “Jackie” or a “Kirsten”? See who loved the book and why- added bonus if we both loved it
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a great book with summer in the title?
Kirsten and I love this list of books and there are so many awesome books with “Summer” in the title. My favorites are:
1. The Summer of Songbirds by Kristy Woodson Harvey
2. Seven Summer Weekends by Jane L. Rosen
3. Every Summer After by Carley Fortune
Related Content
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Epilogue
What is your favorite book with summer in the title? Do you have a thriller or fantasy that fits on this list? I would love to add more books to my TBR stack!
Complete List of Beach Read Books
If you are looking for more beach-read books, check out our beach-read book lists. There is something for everyone on this list!
