My Top 5 Reads of the Summer

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Can I tell you a secret? I am 8 books behind schedule for my reading goal I set on Goodreads. EIGHT. I blame the summer. My reading was terrible…it was like I couldn’t get into a steady groove, ya know? I am not going to stress about being so behind on my goal (ok, I might stress a little). Instead, I am going to focus on the amazing books I DID manage to read this summer…and all of the awesome books I have on my fall TBR. So, I looked back through the books I finished this summer and realized that I had quite a few 4 and 5 star reads! So today I wanted to share with you my TOP 5 Reads of the Summer. These were all 5 star books for me…and I hope you find one or two you might love as well!

The Other Side of Now by Paige Harbison

Oh how I loved The Other Side of Now by Paige Harbison! This was such a thought provoking, heartwarming, witty, and charming book. This was un-put-downable…from the incredible characters, beautiful small town Irish setting, the creative premise…it was just fabulous. It was the perfect blend of Magical Realism (my favorite), alternate reality, with a splash of Rom-Com. The topic of grief was tackled so beautifully…though I did shed a couple of tears! It really made you think about your life and the choices you have made…and how one change could really alter the entirety of your life. An easy 5 stars!

Goodreads Description

With a leading role on a hit TV show and a relationship with Hollywood’s latest heartthrob, Meg Bryan appears to have everything she ever wanted. But underneath the layers of makeup and hairspray, her happiness is as fake as her stage name, Lana Lord. Following a small breakdown at her thirtieth birthday party, she books an impromptu trip where she knows the grass is greener: Ireland. Specifically, the quaint little village where she and her best friend Aimee always dreamt of moving—a dream that fell apart when an accident claimed Aimee’s life a decade ago.

When Meg arrives, the people in town are so nice, treating her not as a stranger, but a friend. Except for the (extremely hot) bartender giving her the cold shoulder. Meg writes it all off as jetlag until she looks in the mirror. Her hair is no longer bleached within an inch of its life, her skin has a few natural fine lines, and her nose looks like… well, her old nose. Her real nose.

Her phone reveals hundreds of pictures of her life in this little town: with an adorable dog she doesn’t know; with the bartender who might be her (ex?) boyfriend; and at a retail job unrelated to acting. Eventually, she comes to accept that she somehow made a quantum slide into an alternate version of her life. But the most shocking realization of all? In this life, her best friend Aimee is alive and well…but wants nothing to do with Meg.

Despite her bewilderment, Meg is clear-eyed about one thing: this is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to reconnect with her friend and repair what she broke. She finagles an opportunity to act in the play Aimee is writing and directing and as the project unfolds, Meg realizes that events as she remembers them may not be the only truth, and that an impossible choice looms before her.

The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife by Anna Johnston

If there is a book out there that features an elderly character…I am going to need it. I have fallen in love with every book that I have read with a senior character, and Frederick Fife was no different. Absolutely loved every page of this. Frederick was the most lovable character and I adored his story. If you love a story with intergenerational relationships, found family vibes, lots of laughs, and a definite splash of heartache…please read The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife by Anna Johnston.

Goodreads Description

‘Would you mind terribly, old boy, if I borrowed the rest of your life? I promise I’ll take excellent care of it.’

Frederick Fife was born with an extra helping of kindness in his heart. If he borrowed your car, he’d return it washed with a full tank of gas. The problem is there’s nobody left in Fred’s life to borrow from. At eighty-two, he’s desperately lonely, broke, and on the brink of homelessness. But Fred’s luck changes when, in a bizarre case of mistaken identity, he takes the place of grumpy Bernard Greer at the local nursing home. Now he has warm meals in his belly and a roof over his head—as long as his poker face is in better shape than his prostate and that his look-alike never turns up.

Denise Simms is stuck breathing the same disappointing air again and again. A middle-aged mom and caregiver at Bernard’s facility, her crumbling marriage and daughter’s health concerns are suffocating her joy for life. Wounded by her two-faced husband, she vows never to let a man deceive her again.

As Fred walks in Bernard’s shoes, he leaves a trail of kindness behind him, fueling Denise’s suspicions about his true identity. When unexpected truths are revealed, Fred and Denise rediscover their sense of purpose and learn how to return a broken life to mint condition.

Bittersweet and remarkably perceptive, The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife is a hilarious, feel-good, clever novel about grief, forgiveness, redemption, and finding family.

Sunny Side Up by Katie Sturino

If you are looking for another beach read to add to your list… then definitely grab Sunny Side Up by Katie Sturino! This was sent to me by Celadon Books and I absolutely LOVED every page! I fell in love with the main character of Sunny and became so invested in her life. The theme of body positivity and self-acceptance was everything! The swimsuit shopping disaster was so on point and something that I think so many women can relate to! This was such a funny, heartwarming, and witty book that gave me Carrie Bradshaw/Bridget Jones vibes!

Goodreads Description

Sunny Greene is thirty-five, recently divorced, facing the looming prospect of going solo to her little brother’s wedding, and currently trying to find anything plus-sized in the Bergdorf Goodman swimsuit department that doesn’t make her want to cry. It’s not going well. But isn’t rock bottom the perfect place to start a climb?

She decides it’s now or never. Sunny has her PR empire, her gorgeous Chelsea apartment, her two dogs, and her loyal best friends. Maybe it’s time to just love her body and accept herself for who she is. With a new commitment to confidence, her journey begins. Who says a plus-sized divorcee can’t put herself first, feel beautiful, and date up a storm?

Of course things are never straightforward in the dating world. Is fate knocking at her door with Dennis, the charming and down-to-earth mailman, or should she be with Ted, the business tycoon who seems ready to make her size-inclusive swimsuit brand a reality? And what should she do about her ex, who shows up unexpectedly, eager to reconnect?

With the same candor and confidence her followers love, Sturino brings us Sunny Greene, a Carrie Bradshaw for the next generation, and her journey through the trials and triumphs of dating, friendship, and finding yourself.

Beg, Borrow, or Steal by Sarah Adams

My last two books are both by the same author. Sarah Adams is one of my very favorite Rom-Com authors and I devoured both of these books. First up is Beg, Borrow, or Steal. This is the 3rd book in the When in Rome series and I adored it. If you have ever read a book by Sarah Adams…you know why her books are so easy to fall in love with. It is like chatting with your best friend. This was so sweet, charming, funny, and full of SO much chemistry. If you love a frenemies to lovers book then definitely check this one out. I loved returning to Rome to catch up with all of the crew! I am already anxiously awaiting the next in the series!

Goodreads Description

Two feuding second-grade teachers (and neighbors) find themselves teaming up in this rivals-to-lovers romance.

Emily Walker hates having her carefully crafted world disrupted by anyone, most of all her legendary nemesis, Jack Bennett. He’s the opposite of the wonderful heroes she dreams up in her double life as a romance writer, which is why Emily was perfectly happy when Jack left Rome, Kentucky, mid-school year, with his fiancée. The last thing Emily saw coming was Jack’s return at the start of the summer after calling off the wedding and ending his relationship, but he’s here to stay—as her colleague and her neighbor.

Jackson Bennett is glad to be back, eager to renovate his house and work on the next mystery novel under his bestselling pen name. But when he realizes he’s now neighbors with the one woman who has always pushed his buttons, he discovers something he’s even more excited for—thwarting Emily and her petty plans to sabotage his return.

With their chemistry-fueled animosity at an all-time high, Emily accidentally sends an email to their school’s principal that could reveal her secret literary side hustle. She needs to steal back her manuscript, and Jack—she hates to admit—is just the man to help her. Surprisingly, Jack agrees. Will their unlikely alliance put an end to their rivalry? Or could it lead to a steamy plot twist they never saw coming?

The Match by Sarah Adams

Last but certainly not least we have The Match by Sarah Adams! This book had been on my TBR for SO long! I am so glad that I finally got a chance to read it. I actually have book 2 on the way to my house today…and I cant wait! The Match is the first book in the It Happened in Charleston series and it was adorable. This was such a sweet romance with no spice at all…just some kissing. The chemistry between Evie and Jacob was fantastic. I also loved the addition of Jacob as a single dad and Evie having a service dog! Just such a sweet charming read…highly recommend.

Goodreads Description

Sometimes, love finds you when you least expect it…

Having worked for Southern Service Paws for a few years now, I like to think I’m prepared for just about any client meeting under the sun. I am dead wrong.

The day I meet with single dad, Jacob Broaden, about potentially matching his daughter with one of our service dogs, I learn a few valuable lessons.

1) Always set my alarm clock.
2) Single dads are way hotter than I previously thought.
3) It is possible to go from fantasizing about kissing someone to wishing they would be run over by a truck in a matter of two minutes.

Unfortunately, I don’t hold that opinion of him for very long. Not when he shows me a different side of himself—one that’s sweet as maple syrup and hot as apple pie fresh out of the oven. And after a few days of working closely with him and his daughter, he starts looking at me with fire in his eyes, making me dream of something I probably shouldn’t…
A family.

The Match is a feel-good, closed-door romantic comedy! Perfect for readers who enjoy sweet, sizzling chemistry with passionate kissing only.

Exciting NEWS!!

I have a little bit of exciting news to share! I recently received an email from my friends at Feedspot and they let me know that Beaches and Reads was named one of the Top 35 Book Reviewers on Instagram in 2025!!! What?!? I can’t even believe it…I am so honored and thrilled to be on the list with so many awesome book reviewers. Bookstagram is one of my favorite places…and sharing my love of books so this is just such a special honor! Thank you so much Feedspot. You guys can check out the article and see all of the other 34 book reviewers here!