The best books for summer vacations, recommended by the New York Times (and the Kid & Coe team) and spotted on the global best-seller lists.
Your summer vacation is the one time of year when you *might* get a few moments to read for pleasure – away from work, away from housework, with kids entertained by childcare clubs, the pool or the beach.
Make the most of this precious downtime with an easy, light-hearted novel to enjoy by the pool or on the beach. Nothing too dramatic or edgy – these inspirational reads are set to boost your relaxation and help you enjoy your time with the family.
Whether you’re headed to the Greek Islands or The Hamptons, Here are the books for summer 2025 that we’re packing for our family vacations this year…
- The Mysterious Bakery on Rue de Paris, by Evie Woods
- Wild Card, by Elsie Silver
- There are Rivers in the Sky, by Elif Shafak
- Problematic Summer Romance, by Ali Hazelwood
- Beautiful Venom, by Rina Kent
- One Golden Summer, by Carley Fortune
- Great Big Beautiful Life, by Emily Henry
- My Friends, by Fredrik Backman
Getting ready for the best summer family vacation ever? Check out our favorite new season beach bags, our pick of what to wear for the beach and the best family-friendly beach houses around the world.
Read more summer travel inspiration:
