CafeMom-The Book Club discussion

Hi everyone!

I am looking for some good summer reads... you know, ones you can sit on the beach and read, or ones that get you thinking about summer days. Have any good suggestions? Thanks! :)

Mona,
I should imagine that a good percentage the Romance authors on GoodReads would be tempted to answer you.

We'd all like to think that our books would be a great addition to any beach bag.

May I ask what, in your view, makes a book a great beach/summer read?

Does it have to have a simple plot, because you might have to go for a swim, or have to stop and build a sandcastle and come back to it?

Does it have to have the sort of cover that you wouldn't be shy to be seen reading? That your children could see, without asking awkward questions?

Or, that you'd like shy strangers (other moms) to be able to use as a conversation starter?

Should a book for the summer/beach be set in summertime?

Best wishes,
Rowena Cherry

Hi Rowena,

I was just thinking about books set in the summertime... books that remind you of summer.
I am not much for romance stories, sorry, just a story set in the summer time. I liked Summer Sisters by Judy Blume and a friend recommended Summerhouse. Can't remember the author right now... Judy Deveraux maybe... but that's what I was talking about. Another one I heard of was Goodbye Summer... have to find the author of that one.

Mona, You might like The Last Summer of You and Me. Or if you like chick-lit (which I do!) try the Shopaholic series or Emily Giffen.

Anything by Dorothea Benton Frank or Luanne Rice is typically set by a beach/ocean and are really good.

I love Barbara Delinsky also as well as Jane Green.

For good laughs read Marian Keyes :)

HTH! Gretchen

Thank you SO much Gretchen for the suggestions. I appreciate that. I will definitely check them all out. Sounds great. I just recently picked up Family Tree by Barbara Delinsky and I am looking forward to reading that. I will check out all the other authors you recommended!

Thanks!!!! :)

Oooh, I really liked Family Tree. Two more from her that are excellent are Coast Road and Three Wishes.

Thank you again Gretchen! I will be sure to check those out. I love hearing about new books and new authors! :)

I looked for Coast Rd and Three Wishes last night at the bookstore, but couldn't find them. I'm going to check out the library this weekend. I did pick up The Last Summer of You and Me at the bookstore though. I know I am going to like it just by reading the back cover... it's exactly what I was looking for. I saw so many books, but I only got that one. I was proud of myself! :) Thanks SO much for the suggestion!! :)

I am on the search for more books by the authors you mentioned. I will let you know what I find!

Depends on your interests, of course. Some authors to try:

Barbara Delinsky - Family Tree, The Secret Between Us.

Maeve Binchy - Tara Road, Scarlett Feather, Quentins

Marian Keyes - Watermelon, Sushi for beginners, Last Chance Saloon, Angels, Rachel's Holiday, Anybody Out There?,

Sophia Kinsella - any Shopaholic book, Remember Me?,

Emily Giffin - Something Borrowed, Something Blue, Baby Proof

Jane Green - Bookends, Jemima J

Lolly Winston - Happiness Sold Separately, Good Grief

Thanks Regan! :) I appreciate that! I have Family Tree by Barbara Delinsky. I am hoping to read that one soon. I also have Second Chance by Jane Green. That's on my summer to-read list as well. The others I will be sure to check out. Thank you again!!!!

I read one called Barefoot by Elin Hilderbrand. Its set during the summer and was a great book. Its not light and fluffy, but its also not depressing. I really enjoyed it.

Added bonus, it comes out in paperback this week!

Great! I will have to look out for that one too. Thank you all for all your suggestions. I love hearing about new books! :)

I picked up Babyville at the library this past week. I started reading it and it's making me laugh! :) Has anyone read it before? It's by Jane Green.