From tasty treats in a fictional world to beachside romance and wholesome escapes, readers have a variety of books to choose from.
With temperatures rising almost as high as travel costs, here are eight novels that will take readers on the vacation they might be craving without breaking the bank or venturing out into the Texas heat.
Whimsical fantasy
“Legends and Lattes” by Travis Baldree
First published in February 2022, this novel was nominated for the Goodreads Choice Award for the 2022 Readers’ Favorite Fantasy.
This novel follows a battle-weary orc, Viv, looking for a fresh start in the city of Thune, who opens the first-ever coffee shop in the city, according to Goodreads. Meeting unlikely friends, old and new rivals and facing the struggle that no one knows what coffee is, Viv must trust the path she’s taken. But will this new slow life allow her to hang up her sword, or will she need it now more than ever?
Showcasing magic, fresh coffee, flaky pastries and found family, “Legends and Lattes” is a great way to explore the mundane of fantasy during the summer months.
“Can’t Spell Treason Without Tea” by Rebecca Thorne
First published in September 2022, this novel is the first book in the trilogy “Tomes & Tea.”
After an assassin takes Reyna hostage, she decides to no longer risk her life for a self-serving queen, according to Goodreads. Meanwhile, Kianthe, Reyna’s girlfriend, has been waiting for a chance to flee responsibility. Together, they settle in Tawney, a town where dragons outnumber people, and open a combination book and tea shop.
All the tea one could crave during the summer is wrapped up in this novel’s 388 pages.
“The Spellshop” by Sarah Beth Durst
First published in July 2024, Durst’s debut novel in romantasy is a Goodreads Choice Award nominee for the 2024 Readers’ Favorite Romantasy.
Revolution sends librarian Kiela fleeing with Caz, a sentient plant, to a distant island she never thought she’d see again, her childhood home, according to Goodreads. With many spellbooks in tow, Kiela is forced to get creative as her nosy and handsome neighbor continually pops up to lend a helping hand. With no money or food, she begins making her parents’ old jam recipe, adding a bit of illegal magic to the mix.
With a cup of sugar, a few berries, a magic spell or two and an incredibly handsome stranger, this novel is sure to bring that Hallmark feel during the summer months.
Feel-good romance
“The Cottage on Sunshine Beach” by Holly Martin
First published in June 2018, this novel is the second book of the “Sandcastle Bay” series.
Enjoying her new beachside cottage home, Melody Wood soon meets the handsome sculptor Jaime Jackson, and the sparks are instant, according to Goodreads. With their shops across from each other, the pair decides to try out a deeper relationship. Dating disaster after another makes Melody believe they’re not meant to be anything but good friends. Will Melody ever find her happily-ever-after?
With slapstick accidents and small-town love, this novel will have readers clutching their sides and their hearts.
“People We Meet on Vacation” by Emily Henry
First published in May 2021, this novel has a Goodreads Choice Award for the 2021 Readers’ Favorite Romance and was adapted as a Netflix film in 2026.
Polar opposites Poppy and Alex became best friends after a ride share from college, but that all ended two years ago, according to Goodreads. Poppy, determined to fix things, invites Alex on vacation and he surprisingly agrees. She now has a week to lay everything on the table and make things right. If only there wasn’t that big obstacle standing between the two of them.
This slow-burn friends-to-lovers book is sure to have readers dreaming of beachside romance.
“Say You’ll Remember Me” by Abby Jimenez
First published in April 2025, this novel was a Goodreads Choice Award nominee for the 2025 Readers’ Favorite Romance.
There’s no such thing as a perfect man, but for Samantha, Xavier Rush comes disastrously close, according to Goodreads. Their perfect first date must remain just that, as Samantha’s family troubles dictate her every minute. She begs Xavier to remember their perfect night, but forget her, as the relationship will never work. But a memory is hard to distance itself from when it could be their life.
This struggle between love and responsibility will have readers gripping the pages.
Wholesome escapes
“Little Beach Street Bakery” by Jenny Colgan
First published in March 2014, this novel is the first installment of the “Little Beach Street Bakery” series.
Recovering from a toxic relationship and down on her luck, Polly finds herself moving to a small seaside resort, according to Goodreads. Living above an abandoned bakery, Polly does the one thing she knows is sure to rid her of her frustrations: make bread. She finds herself using skills and creativity she never knew she had, and people are beginning to hear about it.
A story on reclaiming life, this novel will have readers yearning for their own seaside bakery.
“Mornings with Rosemary” by Libby Page
First published in April 2018 under the title “The Lido,” this novel is an international bestseller and debut novel for Page.
Everything in Rosemary’s life has changed, and not for the better, according to Goodreads. As her one escape, the lido – an outdoor pool – is now threatened with closure, she feels things are spiraling. Kate, a young reporter, finds herself covering the closure of the lido and unexpectedly becoming friends with Rosemary. Both women are soon transformed as their friendship blossoms.
This heartwarming tale of love, life, aging and community is sure to bring a few tears to readers’ eyes.
@noahloganlittle
