Summer reading picks for inspiration and relaxation.

Can you feel your toes in the sand, the sun on your legs, the cool ocean breeze, and a book on your lap yet? That’s right, the summer season is upon us! We don’t know about you, but there is just nothing better than getting engulfed in a book you just can’t put down in the summer. Looking for a list of books to bring to the pool or the beach? Here’s our top summer picks!

Bloom: Finding Beauty in the Unexpected—A Memoirby Kelle Hampton

Kelle Hampton instantly knew her newborn baby was different from her other 2-year-old, and she was right. Her doctor confirmed her baby had Down syndrome. Hampton’s moving and inspirational book illustrates how life might not always be perfect, but it’s a beautiful ride.

Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood—by Rebecca Wells

This one isn’t a new release, but it’s one of our all-time favorite summer reads! The novel unveils the story about the oldest daughter of one of the Ya-Ya’s, Siddalee, who writes and directs a hit play about her never dull childhood—including some of her mom’s secrets. The mother, Vivi, disowns her daughter, and it’s up to the Ya-Ya’s to bring them back together.

The Dry Grass of August—by Anna Jean Mayhew

This debut offers an interesting point of view from a 13-year-old venturing to the South, in 1954, for a summer vacation with her father, mother, siblings, and black maid, who was more of a parent then either of her parents could hope to be. With anti-integration all around her, she must decide where her own convictions lie.

Angry Housewives Eating Bon Bons—by Lorna Landvik

A group of women on Freesia Court create an unofficial book group club, called AHEB (short for Angry Housewives Eating Bon Bons). They become a lifeline for one another as each woman goes through her own (sometimes secret) struggles. A fun, great read that shows the power of female friendship.

Heart of the Matter—by Emily Giffin

This is a powerful novel about two mothers who have absolutely nothing in common—except an incredible love for their children. Their lives converge in an unexpected, tragic way, and both are left questioning what they believe and remembering what matters most to them. An excellent read about human nature.

Comment below with your favorite summer reads!