The Most Soothing Books to Relax with this Summer

As the weather warms, the prospect of immersing yourself in a page-turning summer read with your favourite cup of fine tea becomes ever more enticing. So we have teamed up with Pan Macmillan, the publishers of page-turning, award-winning reads, who have compiled an edit of the best books to read this summer.    

To help you embrace this sun-filled season with ease, we have chosen soothing summer reads, providing virtual travel to Costa Rica, a whirlwind romance, wartime nostalgia and uplifting words from none other than Oprah Winfrey. So put the kettle on and take a little time for yourself with these must-read books.

The Secret Path by Karen Swan

Tara is a trainee doctor with a perfect life, including the perfect fiancé – American biology student Alex. Perfect… until he betrays her. Ten years on and she has rebuilt her life with a thriving career and a good relationship. Her wealthy family draws Tara to Costa Rica for a glamorous party, and she encounters a desperately ill child, the only treatment for whom lies a long trek away in the heart of the jungle. There’s only one person who can help her, and he’s the one who broke her heart.

Yours Cheerfully by AJ Pearce

It’s London in the Blitz, and Emmeline Lake is relishing the challenge of being a wartime advice columnist for Woman’s Friend magazine. Meanwhile she is enjoying a blooming relationship with boyfriend Charles, and propping up her best friend Bunty. A call from the Ministry of Information to help recruit women to the war effort throws Emmy into a dilemma: should she do her duty, or does her loyalty lie with her friends? A touching tale about the power of female friendships.

The Cat Who Saved Books by Sosuke Natsukawa

Translated from Japanese, this is a charming story written by a doctor from Nagano. It’s set in Natsuki Books, a secondhand store crammed with wonderful books, which has long provided a refuge for Rintaro Natsuki. The death of Rintaro’s grandfather, who started the shop, leaves him lost and alone. Rintaro plans to close up, till a talking tabby cat appears asking for help. The two embark on a quest, to rescue books from people who have misused them. But for the ultimate rescue, Rintaro must work alone.

Writers & Lovers by Lily King

A New York Times bestseller, Writers & Lovers was described by Ann Patchett as ‘suffused with hopefulness and kindness.’

When we meet Casey, she is lost. At thirty one, she’s mourning the loss of her beloved mum, recovering from a devastating love affair, and her writing career is at a dead end. Then, she meets two very different men, who offer her two very different relationships... and two very different futures. Suddenly she finds herself at the point of a love triangle. This story of a young woman finding her courage for life is the perfect uplifting holiday read.   

What I Know For Sure by Oprah Winfrey

Encouraging, thought-provoking and tender, this book of essays by Oprah is a route to finding your best self, written by the woman whose legendary empathy has created the world’s most popular talk show.  Recipient of an honorary degree from Harvard University as well the Presidential Medal of Freedom, Oprah has a lifetime of wisdom to share. The essays are grouped into the themes of joy, resilience, connection, gratitude, possibility, awe, clarity, and power.

^{This article was written by, and created in partnership with Pan Macmillan.}