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I don’t know about you, but I have been needing more time to read, and – since my days are currently split between working on my business and taking care of my family – I’m hoping to do some light reading this summer.

Summer vacations always seem to be the best time to immerse myself in a good book, especially if I haven’t been able to do it in a long time. So, to prepare for those long car rides and trips to the beach, I’ve gathered together a list of the top ten books I’m looking forward to reading this summer. Whether involving a bit of romance, drama, family feud, self discovery, or travel, these reads seem like perfect additions to your carry ons and beach bags.

1) People We Meet On Vacation by Emily Henry

This book seems like the perfect romance to read on a summer’s day! The story focuses on Alex and Poppy, two very different people who became unlikely friends while in college; however, during one of their annual vacations their friendship takes a rocky turn and you have to wonder – will they make-up or will this vacation officially be their last?

2) The Jetsetters by Amanda Eyre Ward

This novel just might take us on a vacation of our own with the Perkins family as they set sail on a cruise from Athens to Rome to Barcelona and on. But, it’s during this family cruise trip that Charlotte and her four adult children will have to decide whether or not they want to open up and work through the baggage they’ve all been carrying.

3) Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid

“Such a Fun Age” seems like a breezy read with a big heart. Touching on issues of race and privilege, the main characters Alix and Emira are taken on a path where they both must work through the difficulties of adulthood and learn a fuller meaning of the word “family.”

4) Tokyo Ever After by Emiko Jean

This contemporary fairy tale is the story of Izzy Tanaka, a Japanese American girl who finds out that her father is the Crown Prince of Japan. Unsure of which path to take, Izzy is stuck wondering if she’s good enough to be the princess of Japan or if she’s better off going back to California. This book reminds me of “The Princess Diaries,” so it’s bound to be a fun read!

5) The Chicken Sisters by KJ Dell’Antonia

Perfect for the beach or a summer book club, “The Chicken Sisters” is about two different families, their restaurants, and which family deserves to have their chicken named “The Best in Kansas.” A book that focuses on the importance of family and heritage by adding a little bit of fun and competition is sure to keep the reader hooked.

6) The Vacationers by Emma Straub

When The Post family goes on a two-week trip with their extended family and friends, nothing goes according to plan as secrets start to come to the surface, old wounds are opened, and forgotten rivalries pick up where they left off. I’m not sure I’d want to be on that trip, but who doesn’t love a good-hearted story with a bit of drama?

7) Evvie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes

Another great romance to grab before heading to the beach, “Evvie Drake Starts Over” focuses on love, loss, forgiveness, and starting over – even when it’s hard.

8) Summer of ‘69 by Elin Hildebrand

I love a good book that brings with it all of the nostalgia of the past, and this one sounds especially fun! Filled with so many pop culture and historical references from 1969, this coming-of-age story seems like the perfect summer read.

9) Beach Read by Emily Henry

Of course when talking about beach reads, this book had to be added to the list! In this story, two authors – Augustus and January – are both suffering from writer’s block. So, to try and help encourage their creativity, they challenge each other to write a book like they’ve never written before…while doing their best to not fall in love.

10) Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier

“Rebecca” is one of those classic books that seems perfect to take on any trip. More of a mystery than a love story, it begins in Monte Carlo where the main character (whose name is never mentioned), is quickly swept off her feet by widower Maxim de Winter. When she moves in with her new husband, she feels the weight of his late wife’s legacy and she wonders if she’ll be able to find a release from Rebecca’s hold.

I’m looking forward to grabbing a good book or two and relaxing by the water with my family this summer. And I hope you’re able to grab one of these books and make more time to read, too!