Staycation Reads

I want to write so well that a person is 30 or 40 pages in a book of mine... before she realizes she's reading.

Maya Angelou

So, we're well into August already and I've taken my suitcase out if the loft! I'm not going far, nor am I going away for long, just a quick, four-day trip to see my dad who lives on the West Coast of Ireland. I have a feeling some of my usual summer holiday staples won't be required, as an example, my factor 20 suntan lotion won't be required and the little sundress, that's perhaps a little shorter than it should be, I wear to nip down to the pool will remain hanging in my wardrobe!

One essential that absolutely will be coming with me is a couple of books. No summer trip, no matter how short should be devoid of some juicy fiction, romcom movie worthy romance, thrilling tell-all’s, dramatic thrillers, and the kind of escapism stories that can carry you away from wherever you are, even Ireland! So, as I’ve done previously, here’s a list of eight books that I think will be real page turners!

28 Summers – Elin Hilderbrand

To my mind, Elin Hilderbrand is the Goddess of summer beach reads so I was delighted to see she had something new on the shelf! Her books always transport readers away on a mental vacation. This year’s release follows Link as he fulfils his mother Mallory’s dying wish to call the phone numbers he found in her desk drawer. To his surprise, one of them is Jake, a presidential candidate’s husband. He soon finds out that Jake and Mallory had a lasting bond, the kind of easy affair that can only happen at a summer cottage.

All My Mother's Lovers – Ilana Masad

Not a million miles from the plot od 28 summers, After Maggie's mom dies unexpectedly, she returns home to help with arrangements, and discovers five letters her mom left behind, all addressed to strange men. She sets off to find them and along the way, learns more about her parents' love life than she bargained for. Come for the tear-jerking family scenes, stay for the twist all the way at the end – I love a book with a good twist!

A Burning – Mega Majumdar

After Jivan, a girl from the slums of Bengal, comments on an incendiary Facebook post, the police show up at her door. before she can blink, she's arrested for suspected terrorism and finds herself in jail for a crime she didn't commit. As she pieces together how she got there, her story interweaves with her former gym teacher and the outcast Lovely, whose alibi could help Jivan — but will she?

Beach Read – Emily Henry

If the title doesn't give this one away as perfect for an afternoon by the pool, just crack the spine. Augustus is a literary writer trying to pen a masterpiece, and January is a romance novelist stuck in a rut, both renting beach houses next door to each other. They decide to burst through their writers' block by trading manuscripts. And as they do the, *coughs*, research for their books, things take a decidedly steamy, readable turn.

Sex and Vanity: A Novel – Kevin Kwan

From the author of one of my favourite movies, Crazy Rich Asians comes this romp through the world of the richest among us. This time, the story starts on gorgeous Capri when Lucie meets George, who she denies having feelings for. But when he pops back up in the Hamptons years later, the web of lies Lucie weaves between her fiancé, George, and high society, well, tells a very different story.

Happy and You Know It – Laura Hankin

For fans of Sex and the City and The Nanny Diaries comes this juicy story about Claire, a struggling musician who gets swept up in the world of a rich mommy group. As she gets closer to the ladies, she uncovers secrets and betrayals that would make even the most hardened of romance fans hair curl!

The Summer Set – Aimee Agresti

For a fun summer escapist read, look no further than this juicy theatre tale. It all centres around an aging actor who finds herself back at the same Berkshires theatre where she got her start, and where an old flame is the artistic director. But just as she gets back in the groove, her biggest rival hits the scene. That's when the drama really starts heating up.

How the Penguins Saved Veronica - Hazel Prior

I have to read this; the title screams fun and intrigue! This light, fun story follows 85-year-old Veronica who decides to go to Antarctica to visit a team of researchers studying penguins. Her estranged grandson joins her in one last attempt to get closer, and they start to form a strange, charming little family. If you're feeling far away from yours right now, this adorable tale will put a smile on your face.

Just a couple of ideas but there’s loads more out there this year that I’m sure will tickle your reading bone!

What’s on this week?