Five Highly Anticipated Beach Reads for Summer

With summer vacation just around the corner, now is the time to starting planning your reading list. There's nothing better than spending the afternoon lounging on the beach with a good book, but it can sometimes be difficult to find the a book with the right summer vibe. With so many new novels being released this time of year, how are you to know which ones to read and which to skip?

Not to worry because here are five of the most highly anticipated beach reads for summer. You'll find exotic getaways, steamy romance, murder mystery, or just a bit of light-hearted summer fun in the picks below. Now that winter is over, there's no need for any dark or depressing literature. It's time to lighten up! So whether you'll be lounging poolside or digging your toes into the sand, be sure to pack one of these lovely paperbacks into your bag along side your towel and sunscreen.

1. People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry

Emily Henry wrote Beach Read, one of last summer's hottest romances, so it's no surprise her next book, People We Meet on Vacation, is on the top of this list. This time around, she tells an irresistible tale of opposites attract when two friends, who have always met up each summer for an adventurous vacation, have one last chance to move from just friends to something more.

2. Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid

This one is going to fly off the shelves and is sure to be the talk of literary circles after it's June 1st release. Taylor Jenkins Reid is the author of the wildly popular novel, Daisy Jones and the Six, which is now being made into a series for Amazon. She also wrote the hit novel The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. Her latest book, set in 1983, revolves around a wealthy Malibu family and one crazy, unforgettable night. Filled with family secrets and 1980s party vibes, this is sure to be another bestseller.

3. That Summer by Jennifer Weiner

After her mega hit Big Summer last year, Jennifer Weiner is back again with another perfect summer novel. Her latest release once again proves to be yet another novel filled with twists and turns set in beautiful Cape Cod. Perfect if you love cases of mistaken identity, plot twists, and strong female friendships.

4. The Soulmate Equation by Christina Lauren

The duo of writers that make up the pen name Christina Lauren are quite prolific in turning out popular page-turning romances that are just right for lazy days at the beach. Their latest novel, The Soulmate Equation, explores whether or not you can find your soulmate through DNA matching. As always, this latest release is similar to their previous novels and is filled with a ton of heart and humor. The Soulmate Equation is sure to please any romance reader.

5. Arsenic and Adobo by Mia P. Manansala

Looking for more than a summer rom-com? Here is your answer! From the outset, Arsenic and Adobo appears to being following all of the romantic tropes, but things take a swift turn off course deep into the murder mystery genre. Set against a culinary backdrop, this novel promises to bring some killer humor to a beach read perfect for those who love Agatha Christie-style plots just as much as a a flirty summer fling.

And there you have it! Five excellent new novels to keep you reading all summer long. Find a copy of one or all of them at your local bookstore or library. Now all you need is a beach and some sun. Happy reading!