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Summer Beach and Vacation Reads

By Lorie Ham

It’s hard to believe that spring is nearly behind us and summer is almost here! Soon it will be time for the kids’ summer vacation from school, and perhaps a family vacation trip. If you live in the Central Valley, or anywhere else that gets really hot in the summer, a trip to the beach this summer may be just what you need! If you prefer a more relaxed vacation, why not take some books to enjoy while the kids play in the sand and ocean. Or perhaps your idea of a vacation is a staycation, where you travel through the books you read. Whatever type of vacation you are planning, here are some book suggestions to take with you to the beach or a comfy chair at home.

Book cover for "The Butcher's Daughter" by David Demchuk and Corinne Leigh Clark. Depicts a historical figure holding a pie with bloody hands against a black background. Text includes: "The Butcher's Daughter," "The hitherto untold story of Mrs. Lovett," and "A Novel."

If your tastes run to mystery, thrillers, and suspense novels, CrimeReads has a list of suggestions that goes from January 2025 through the summer. One of the books on this list is The Butcher’s Daughter  by David Demchuk and Corinne Leigh Clark. This book offers a new take on the character of Mrs. Lovett in the Sweeney Todd Musical,one that shows you her early life. If you are looking for a moody thriller set on a remote Mexican island full of secretive vacationers, check out The Last Ferry Out by Andrea Bartz. Another highly anticipated thriller is the latest from bestselling author Ruth Ware, The Woman in Suite 11,the highly anticipated sequel to The Woman in Cabin 10.

Book cover for "Marble Hall Murders" by Anthony Horowitz. Features a black ink bottle with a quill and red splashes on a red background. Text includes: "New York Times Bestselling Author of Magpie Murders & Close to Death," "Marble Hall Murders," "a novel," and "Anthony Horowitz."

If you prefer your mystery reading a bit tamer, you can take a trip to England in the latest book from Anthony Horowitz, Marble Hall Murders. This is the third book in a trilogy so I recommend checking out the other two first—Magpie Murders and Moonflower Murders (which were also turned into a TV show that aired on PBS). These books have a bit of an Agatha Christie feel to them. Marble Hall Murders will be released on May 13.

Book cover for "The Last Ferry Out" by Andrea Bartz. Shows a dark ocean scene with a boat's wake under a starry sky. Text reads: "By Reese's Book Club Pick Here," "The Last Ferry Out," "A Novel," and "New York Times Bestselling Author."

If you are looking for some new fun cozy mysteries this summer, Goodreads has a list of cozies released/releasing in 2025. These include foodie mystery Icing on the Murder by Valerie Burns, Murder by Cheesecake by Rachel Ekstrom Courage (A Golden Girls Mystery), and Cat Got Your Killer by Sofie Ryan a Second Chance Cat Mystery.

Book cover for "Say You'll Remember Me" by Abby Jimenez. Illustrates a couple kissing on a beach at sunset with a Ferris wheel and a dog in the foreground. Text reads: "#1 New York Times Bestselling Author," "Abby Jimenez," "Jimenez is a true talent! —Emily Henry," and "Say You'll Remember Me." Background is a gradient of pink and blue.

If your tastes run more to romance, best-selling romance author Emily Henry just released her latest book, Great Big Beautiful Life. Her books are a perfect choice to take out to the beach with you, she even has a book titled Beach Read. You can find all of her books on her website. Another popular romance author is Abby Jimenez, who just released her latest novel Say You’ll Remember Me, and it even has a beach on the cover! You can find all of her books on her website.

Book cover for "A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping" by Sangu Mandanna. Features a whimsical illustration of a house on a grassy hill, a woman with a book and a fox, and a man holding a mug. Text includes: "One hundred percent delightful! —Sarah Beth Durst," "a novel," and "National Bestselling Author of The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches." Background is pink with trees and sparkles.

For those who prefer fantasy novels, Becky’s Book Blog has a fun list of some of the fantasy books coming out this year. The list includes the much anticipated A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna, the author of the best selling cozy fantasy novel The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches, and The Grimoire Grammer School Parent Teacher Association by Caitlin Rozakis. LitHub also has a list of fantasy book releasing in 2025. And, if you are looking for something a bit different and enjoy vampire novels, TikTok sensation Jack Townson is releasing his second novel, The Lightslayer, in June. It is the first in a fantasy/horror series.

Whatever your reading tastes, there are books out there for you. And if you aren’t able to purchase them, your local library is filled with both print and ebooks of all types and genres! You are sure to find something perfect for your summer reading vacation! Many libraries also have great summer reading programs and free fun for the kids!

We would love to hear what you are reading this summer. Feel free to share on the Mennonite Insurance Facebook page.

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