Summer reading means a lot of beach reads, romance, and anything that has travel involved in the story. Bonus if summer camp is part of the book! Take a look at my book reviews and ratings below to find your next great read.
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Published Date: November 2024
Genre: Memoir
How I Read: Audio
I highly recommend the audio version of this book. Cher reads part of the book and her friend reads the rest but the transitions between the two are seamless and not distracting at all. After reading this book I have so much admiration for Cher and I’m dying for part two!
Her memoir starts with the history of her family including all of her mother’s marriages. The book tells of how Cher ended up in Hollywood and shares some of her chance encounters with celebrities. Honestly, her life was absolutely bonkers even before she became famous.
Then as Sonny comes into Cher’s life and completely ruins her financially, the reader feels angry at how taken advantage Cher was over and over again. She discusses her children and a lot about her career. It is shocking how she really stayed away from drugs and drinking.
Part two will get into her acting career which is something she gave up at a young age to pursue music. This book was amazing. The only problem with audio is you miss seeing the pictures.
Published Date: March 2019
Genre: Historical Fiction
How I Read: Paper
The SUFFERING! Wow, this book is depressing. But it is an incredibly insightful and fascinating history of women on the Korean island of Jeju. I’m glad I read the book but it is not for the faint of heart.
This island was unique in the fact that the females were the main providers for their households. They dove into frigid sea waters to bring up urchins, octopuses, etc to sell. The fathers took care of the babies and young children while often drinking away much of the family’s money.
A lot of injustice and horrible treatment was endured by the island’s citizens over many years from ruling nations such as Japan. The 4.3 incident is horrific to learn about and I felt shame as an American while reading.
The story is told from the pov of one of the divers from the time she is a teen to when she is an elder. Most of the story is about a friendship that both sustained her and shattered her heart. The book is about the strength of women, forgiveness, and the cruelty of man.
Published Date: December 2024
Genre: Romance
How I Read: Paper
LOVED IT!!! This story felt real and raw. It had a little spice and more realistic timelines which so many romance books are missing (in my opinion). I love the concept and I always have (I sob through the movie every time).
Maddie grew up with an awful mom and grandma but her older brother was amazing. His two best friends were pretty great too, one she had an enormous crush on and the other was a “perfect” girl.
When the two best friends broke up, Maddie and Dom (the guy best friend) had an amazing night together at the age of 19. But the next day he destroyed her.
It’s many years later and now her brother has died. Her brother left Dom and Maddie letters to be opened at eight destinations in eight different states where they are to spread some of his ashes. In the letters are also instructions to follow.
Enemies to lovers. Brother’s best friend. Grief, trust issues, workaholic. Friendships. I love the relationship Maddie has with Dom’s younger twin brothers. The different adventures are fun to read about. I like the banter. She’s into puzzling and has bad asthma. This will be one of my top reads of the year.
Published Date: April 2025
Genre: Romance
How I Read: Paper
Here’s a great vacation read. It has a nice pace to it. Another story with a more realistic romance timeline.
This book is part romance. Two writers are in competition to get the job to write the memoir of a famous woman who is the last surviving member of a multigenerational, extremely wealthy family. The woman has been in seclusion and out of the public eye for decades.
Hayden and Alice (the writers) fall for each other over time on Little Crescent Island (love the setting) but they don’t want the job to come between them.
The other part of the book is the old woman telling her family’s history to Alice, the female writer. There is what the tabloids printed about her and her family and then there is the truth. Family secrets, love, egos.
Published Date: November 2024
Genre: Middle Grade Fiction
How I Read: Paper
Two 13-year-old girls are attending their sixth summer of musical theater camp. Instead of looking forward to it like always, things are different this year. The best friends (Eowyn and Jules) are barely speaking to one another and Eowyn has no idea why.
The story goes through the history of their friendship and the struggles each girl has endured throughout (deceased mom, stage fright, absent father, financial problems, famous brother, jealousy).
At camp, the girls are working towards the musical they will put on at the end of camp (this year it’s Wicked).
It’s still a lighter book, not too heavy. If you or your kid loves musical theater and camp this is a book you might enjoy. There is nothing inappropriate in the book. I liked it. Plus, it’s by a Wisconsin author. The camp is set in Wisconsin which is fun; there are a few references. I would have LOVED going to a camp like this (I did go to show choir camp – pretty close).
Published Date: May 2025
Genre: Fantasy
How I Read: Audio
For a fantasy, this book felt a little slow but I liked it. I will probably read the next book in the series but I’m in no rush.
A princess of one kingdom marries into another kingdom after a last-minute switch. Her sister was always supposed to be the sparrow and trained for it her whole life, but the prince demanded the other sister. After a quick wedding ceremony, they travel over a monster-filled sea to his kingdom.
Her father has asked the new sparrow to spy for him and to kill the Guardian. She feels very unprepared for her tasks. In her new kingdom, there are many secrets being kept from her and strangely, there are no maps.
Monsters with a disease are terrorizing towns. The king has assembled an army for unknown reasons. Plus, her husband seems to have very little interest in her. The man she despises (the Guardian) captures her attention constantly. It’s all very confusing to her.
Published Date: May 2025
Genre: Romance
How I Read: Kindle
I usually like this author but this book was not my favorite. The enemies-to-lovers transition was too quick for me. In addition, the immaturity of the female main character didn’t sit well with me. I did enjoy the extended family and the East Coast summer aspects. But there are numerous eye-rolling references to The Notebook.
Jane is a former child actress who was the funny sidekick on a popular show. Now she is still trying to make it in Hollywood but as a producer. She has finally found a script she loves. In order to get it made, she claims that a famous singer will write a song for the movie because she knows him really well. In actuality, they haven’t spoken since they were teens. The plan is to stalk him at his next concert to ask the favor.
Her hot co-worker/enemy’s parents are having an anniversary party in the town where the singer is performing and they both stay with his large, fun family during the stalking.
Published Date: April 2025
Genre: Romance
How I Read: Kindle
The book acknowledges (which I appreciate) that it’s a total knockoff of You’ve Got Mail except with Instagram DMs. It’s cute, a very predictable, quick read.
Carly can’t stand her co-worker Nate; she finds him childish and lazy. He’s handsome and charming but after a bad breakup at her last job, she is not having another office romance.
They work for a travel company and must go on a work trip together. On the trip they agree to fake date, each has their own reason.
The two start to realize that maybe there is more to the other person than they initially judged them for.
Published Date: March 2025
Genre: Romance
How I Read: Kindle
An entire book about grief is depressing. The story tries to be lighter and fun through a slow-burn romance but it’s ALL about grief.
A woman loses her best friend to cancer and can’t cope. She takes on a short-term babysitting gig when she meets the uncle of the child she is sitting for and he offers a partnership. He will help guide her through her grief process (he knows it well) if she will help him get closer to his niece.
There are a lot of family dynamics and some cute friendship scenes. The babysitter aspect works. But the female main character is too quirky for me and the grief/crying is never-ending.
Published Date: April 2025
Genre: Fiction
How I Read: Paper
Two sisters, one is a music prodigy, the other is beautiful and seeking fame. When the older, beautiful sister enters a talent show and drags her talented sister into her act last minute they get discovered. Quickly, their label forms a band around them.
Their guitarist and Cassie (the talented one) write the band’s amazing songs. Slowly Zoe is getting pushed aside as fans clamor for Cassie’s stunning voice. Zoe wants to ensure her place in the band and makes calculated moves that could have lasting effects.
The story is told in dual timelines between the past and present. In the present, Zoe’s daughter is trying out for a music competition reality show behind her mother’s back. Her aunt Cassie has been in hiding for 20 years – she’s never met her. It all comes together in the end.
This was a slow book for me. I didn’t love the characters. Two sisters fighting over a guy is really cringy.
Published Date: May 2025
Genre: Romance
How I Read: Audio
A woman who works for her dad gets sent to hike Kilimanjaro. When she arrives her sister’s ex is there to also complete the hike. What are the chances?
Kit is almost engaged to an okay guy. Everything in her life is just okay. But after this hike that will no longer be enough. One tent. Second chances. Enemies to lovers. Family drama.
The book tried for depth but failed. I read this right after PS: I Hate You and it paled in comparison. There is some spice and I liked the hiking parts but overall it’s a pass from me.
Want to check out more of my favorite books? Take a look at my May Book Reviews and Ratings!
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