We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Culture and Lifestyle Activities and Entertainment Books 20 Books To Read At The Lake This Summer Put diving into these reads on your to-do list. By Kait Hanson Kait Hanson Kait Hanson is a lifestyle reporter with more than ten years of experience writing stories on entertainment, travel, food and more. Her work has been featured by Vanity Fair, CNN, TIME, TODAY and more. Southern Living's editorial guidelines Published on June 8, 2024 Getty Images / Johner Images Nothing says relaxation quite like a day–or week–spent by the lake. Whether you’re lounging in a chair by the shore, swaying in a hammock, or sitting on the dock with your toes in the water, a book is the perfect companion. But with so many books and genres to choose from, you might waste half your vacation trying to decide what to read. What is the hottest new release? What type of book will suck me in from start to finish? Fear not, we’ve done the work for you and compiled a list of the 20 best books to read at the lake, including new releases and older favorites, that will allow you to get lost in their pages this summer. Whether you like to be swept away by lustful romance or scared out of your mind by a thriller, there is a book you can enjoy on this list. 50 New Beach Reads Perfect For Summer 2024 Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez Amazon View On Amazon $12 It’s supposed to be a quick fling for the summer, but complicated family dynamics and unexpected feelings suddenly enter the scene. Saturday Night at the Lakeside Supper Club By J. Ryan Stradal Amazon View On Amazon $13 When a couple from two very different restaurant families in Minnesota come together, they’re forced to navigate love and tragedy–something that unites and divides them. Tom Lake by Ann Patchett Amazon View On Amazon $14 A mother’s story to her daughters about the love she shared with a famous actor before they were born. Funny Story by Emily Henry Amazon View On Amazon $21 Two opposites join forces with one thing in common: they were ditched by their respective partners for each other. A Happier Life by Kristy Woodson Harvey Amazon View On Amazon $22 A young woman discovers the family she has always wanted during summer vacation in North Carolina. This Summer Will Be Different by Carley Fortune Amazon View On Amazon $23 A thrilling summer journey that explores friendship, family, and the fallout of forbidden romance. Mind Games by Nora Roberts Amazon View On Amazon $15 A young girl’s gift of clairvoyance turns to fear when she discovers she can hear the thoughts and plans of her parents’ killer. New Happy by Stephanie Harrison Amazon View On Amazon $24 A well-being expert’s guide on how to live a happy life with actionable tips for success. The House Across The Lake by Riley Sager Amazon View On Amazon $11 A new couple seems to have it all, until the wife suddenly vanishes and proves not everything is as it seems. Last House by Jessica Shattuck Amazon View On Amazon $20 How an American family navigates life in the post World War II era–including the deeply complicated layers of inheritance. The Paris Widow by Kimberly Belle Amazon View On Amazon $13 A dream vacation for a couple in Paris turns deadly when the husband goes missing and secrets from the past begin to surface. Nowhere Like Home by Sarah Shepard Amazon View On Amazon $14 A new mom gets a call from her old best friend who disappeared years ago inviting her to a commune of moms who live off the grid. But when she arrives, questions immediately begin to surface, like, “Why is there a padlock on the gate out?” Wish You Were Here by Jodi Picoult Amazon View On Amazon $23 One woman has it all and sees her life coming together perfectly–until a virus wreaks havoc on the world and forces her to come to terms with her definition of perfect. Everyone Is Watching by Heather Gudenkauf Amazon View On Amazon $21 A reality show turns deadly when contestants realize how isolated they really are from the outside world–and that one of them is out for blood. Listen For The Lie by Amy Tintera Amazon View On Amazon $18 Two best friends have it all, until one of them is found roaming the streets with the other’s blood after a night she cannot remember. All Fours by Miranda July Amazon View On Amazon $19 An intimate portrait of navigating life as a woman, as told from the perspective of a 45-year-old artist who embarks on a journey of self-discovery. Rabbit Heart by Kristine S. Ervin Amazon View On Amazon $20 A daughter’s quest to find her own identity by uncovering the life of her mother, who was violently abducted and murdered when the author was 8. Shelterwood by Lisa Wingate Amazon View On Amazon $27 The heart wrenching story of children abandoned by the law in Oklahoma during the 1900s–and the reality of seeking justice. The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah Amazon View On Amazon $10 How two sisters navigate life in German-occupied France during World War II–and what it means to truly survive. You Like It Darker by Stephen King Amazon View On Amazon $19 Twelve short stories that explore themes of fate, mortality, luck, and the human experience with a twinge of terror. 20 Movies Based On Your Favorite Southern Books Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit