I love to read and I love summer, which makes this one of my favorite posts to write every year. Since we have three boys, I have not had a lot of opportunities to lie/sit beside the water and devour my to-be-read pile, though. As all the mamas out there know, a beach vacation is often a working vacation. My husband is gracious and loving (and also an avid reader), so he often takes the boys into the ocean or plays in the pool with them so I can have a few minutes to read. We’ve also spent many an afternoon at the beach, taking a break from the sun and surf by rocking on the porch of our rental house with lots of reading material to choose from. While life with three boys is never dull, there is plenty of time to read in the summer months.

This month seems to be flying right by and there’s a lot of wonderful books releasing, so here’s my list of titles I look forward to devouring.

By Invitation Only by Dorothea Benton Frank

This author is a perennial favorite for me because I love her voice and the way characters come to life on the page. While not all of her books are my cup of tea, this new one sounds intriguing and I’m excited to read it.

The Summer List: A Novel by Amy Mason Doan

That cover, though. Have you seen it? Makes me want to dive right in to the story. All the hooks for an enjoyable summer read.

The Love Letter by Rachel Hauck

Rachel’s books are incredible. Well-written, inspiring, and guaranteed to draw you in from the opening line. I just bought this and I’m trying my best to save it until I can afford to become completely engrossed, because I know that’s what will happen.

Reunited with the Bull Rider by Jill Kemerer

This is my friend Jill’s new release with Love Inspired and I’m so excited to read it. Wyoming, a bull rider and an adorable kiddo…what’s not to love?

Send Down the Rain by Charles Martin

Another favorite author of mine, I can count on Charles Martin to weave an incredible, redemptive story with characters I’ll be thinking about long after the last page is turned.

How Hard Can It Be? by Allison Pearson

I just started reading this. It’s funny and slightly irreverent, with a protagonist you can’t help but root for.

The Ones We Choose by Julie Clark

This novel called to me from the shelves of Barnes & Noble recently. It’s described as Lisa Genova meets 23andme…I’m hooked!

The Cottages On Silver Beach by RaeAnne Thayne

I love, love, love this author’s sweet romance novels. Haven Point is the kind of community where I would love to live. This is such a great series and I know whenever I pick up one of her novels, I can count on a satisfying happily-ever-after.

Kind is the New Classy by Candace Cameron Bure with Ami McConnell

Tossing a non-fiction title into the mix. I’m reading this now and I highly recommend. I don’t know about you, but this world feels harsh sometimes, and I could use more insight and encouragement about living graciously and exuding kindness.

Second Chance at Two Love Lane by Kieran Kramer

I was just asked to read an advance copy of this one, and it’s a later summer release, so it makes the list because it sounds cute and fun and romantic. Besides, they had me at ‘second chance’. I am a huge fan of a second chance romance.

Your turn: what are you reading this summer? Leave some recommendations in the comments. I’d love to hear what you are enjoying.