Summer 2019 Recommended Beach Reads

Anna Maria Island, Florida

1. The Proposal by Jasmine Guillory

This book is quick, funny, and heart-warming. It is perfect for a beach weekend.

"When freelance writer Nikole Paterson goes to a Dodgers game with her actor boyfriend, his man bun, and his bros, the last thing she expects is a scoreboard proposal. Saying no isn't the hard part--they've only been dating for five months, and he can't even spell her name correctly. The hard part is having to face a stadium full of disappointed fans...

At the game with his sister, Carlos Ibarra comes to Nik's rescue and rushes her away from a camera crew. He's even there for her when the video goes viral and Nik's social media blows up--in a bad way. Nik knows that in the wilds of LA, a handsome doctor like Carlos can't be looking for anything serious, so she embarks on an epic rebound with him, filled with food, fun, and fantastic sex. But when their glorified hookups start breaking the rules, one of them has to be smart enough to put on the brakes..." (Summary from GoodReads)

The story sucked me in quickly and I read it in a few days. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. I loved the diversity of the characters. This was Reese Witherspoon's book club pick for February 2019. Jasmine Guillory has several other novels on my to-be-read list that I can't wait to get my hands on!

2. Something in the Water by Catherine Steadman

Fitting name for a beach read, right? This story GOT ME and what I mean is- I was thinking I predicted what was going to happen while I was reading and it absolutely threw me for a loop (a few loops actually). Steadman definitely threw some wrenches in the plot that will have you turning pages after it is well past your bedtime.

"Erin is a documentary filmmaker on the brink of a professional breakthrough, Mark a handsome investment banker with big plans. Passionately in love, they embark on a dream honeymoon to the tropical island of Bora Bora, where they enjoy the sun, the sand, and each other. Then, while scuba diving in the crystal blue sea, they find something in the water. . . Suddenly the newlyweds must make a dangerous choice: to speak out or to protect their secret. After all, if no one else knows, who would be hurt? Their decision will trigger a devastating chain of events. . . ." (Summary from GoodReads)

If you are a fan of psychological thrillers I believe you will enjoy this book. This was Reese Witherspoon's book club pick for June 2018.

3. Next Year in Havana by Chanel Cleeton

"Havana Oo Na Na, half of my heart is in Havana Oo Na Na" (I had to throw that song in there) I am a real sucker for a novel that flips back and forth from the past to the present with the stories intertwining and this novel did exactly that. This book has a history lesson, mystery, and a little taste of romance. I absolutely loved it.

"After the death of her beloved grandmother, a Cuban-American woman travels to Havana, where she discovers the roots of her identity--and unearths a family secret hidden since the revolution...

Havana, 1958. The daughter of a sugar baron, nineteen-year-old Elisa Perez is part of Cuba's high society, where she is largely sheltered from the country's growing political unrest--until she embarks on a clandestine affair with a passionate revolutionary...

Miami, 2017. Freelance writer Marisol Ferrera grew up hearing romantic stories of Cuba from her late grandmother Elisa, who was forced to flee with her family during the revolution. Elisa's last wish was for Marisol to scatter her ashes in the country of her birth.

Arriving in Havana, Marisol comes face-to-face with the contrast of Cuba's tropical, timeless beauty and its perilous political climate. When more family history comes to light and Marisol finds herself attracted to a man with secrets of his own, she'll need the lessons of her grandmother's past to help her understand the true meaning of courage." (Summary from GoodReads)

Cleeton wrote a sequel to this book called "When we Left Cuba" that I just purchased from Barnes and Noble and is next on my TBR list. Can't wait!

Happy reading on the beach or pool side and comment what you think!