Long-awaited warmer days are finally upon us. We might make natural cleaning products, but we appreciate other small luxuries just as much - like heady summer reads to accompany balmy days. There’s something endlessly appealing about a novel set against the backdrop of a new, dream-like place, where anything seems possible. We’ve put together a list of our favourites to see you through the holidays. 

Beach Read, Emily Henry
Emily Henry has established herself as a real master of the holiday read. This one follows a summer romance between two writers, January and Gus, who find themselves in the same beach town for the season. It’s bursting with wit, romance and unexpected turns.  

Fresh Water for Flowers, Valerie Perrin 

As fans of both flowers and finding the joy in the ordinary, this book is very much up our alley. Set in beautiful Bourgogne in France, it tells the story of a cemetery caretaker named Violette Toussaint, whose life is disrupted by the arrival of a man with a secret.

Dandelion Wine, Ray Bradbury 

This nostalgic novel is set in the summer of 1928, in the fictional location of Green Town, Illinois. Centred around 12 year old Douglas Spaulding, it’s the ultimate coming-of-age exploration of youth, discovery, and the bittersweet beauty of growing up. 

Call Me By Your Name, André Aciman

Most people are aware of Aciman’s Italian Riviera romance thanks to its 2017 film adaptation. The novel takes place in the summer of 1983. Elio Perlman is 17 and living with his family when Oliver, a charming American scholar, comes to stay with them. A fleeting, passionate affair unfolds in lush prose that captures the beauty of the Italian landscape. 

Sweet Sorrow, David Nicholls 

This 2019 novel from the author of One Day explores first love and family drama. It’s the summer of 1997, and 16 year old Charlie Lewis is living in a small town in the south of England, dealing with the aftermath of his parents’ separation. His days are aimless until he meets a girl called Fran Fisher while rehearsing for an amateur dramatic production of Romeo and Juliet. The perfect recipe for romance. 

The Talented Mr Ripley, Patricia Highsmith 

Also set in Italy, this psychological thriller is not for the faint hearted. A con artist named Tom Ripley is sent from New York to Italy by a wealthy ship magnate, to bring his spoiled son, Dickie Greenleaf, back home. The whole thing quickly unravels into dark extremes. 

Eat, Pray, Love, Elizabeth Gilbert

A delight for the senses, Gilbert’s novel is based on the events of her own life. After a painful divorce, she travels through Italy, India and Indonesia on a journey of self discovery and transformation. It’ll make you want to pack a bag and buy a one-way ticket somewhere adventurous. 

The Greengage Summer, Rumer Godden 

First published in 1958, Godden’s novel is a classic coming-of-age summer tale. Four teenage siblings find themselves living at a French hotel, run by the enigmatic Madame Zizi. They spend their summer discovering new relationships and uncovering secrets about the adults around them. 

Hot Milk, Deborah Levy
Levy’s novel explores the relationship between mother and daughter, in the sweltering heat of the Spanish desert. Sofia Papastergiadis is 25 years old, and searching for identity, meaning and a cure for her sick mother, Rose. It’s filled with poetic language and oppressive heat. 

Whether you’re going on holiday or staying put, we hope you enjoy kicking back with one of these and a glass of something cold. Don’t forget to let us know what you thought of our picks.