Have you started a summer read yet? Although technically it’s still spring, summer weather is here for sure. Is there anything better than lying under an umbrella by the pool and reading a great book? Or sitting on your patio while sipping your coffee enthralled in a who dunnit? Or a heart-stopping will they won’t they?

I’m so busy I’m dizzy. You’ve heard me say it before, and it’s no less true in the summer as it is any other time of year. The wonderful thing is that I still manage to get lots of reading in, no matter how little time I spend poolside. My secret is audiobooks.

Everyone’s different, but for me I like to listen to audiobooks when I’m doing mundane tasks or tasks that don’t require a lot of active thinking. Such as when I’m washing up after dinner or folding laundry. Or driving a peaceful drive (not white-knuckling it in LA traffic). It’s simply wonderful and makes the time go by so enjoyably.

I’ll admit, not all books work as audiobooks for me personally. If they are overly complex, I prefer to read a handheld version, whether on my Kindle or a good old fashioned book. Or do double duty, going back and forth between the two mediums.

However, what we’ve come to think of as “beach reads” are just right for the audio format. And bonus, you can get more books in!

And great news! If you’re not already an Audible subscriber, follow this link and you’ll get 3 free books!

Here’s a list of summer reads that have wonderful audiobook versions!

7 SUMMER READS THAT YOU SHOULD LISTEN TO

The Grand Design: A Novel of Dorothy Draper by Joy Callaway

This novel is based on the true story of famed designer Dorothy Draper. The Grand Design is a moving tale of one woman’s quest to transform the walls that hold her captive.

This beautifully heartfelt novel is perfect for summer listening.

Get it here on Audible.

The Summer Place by Jennifer Weiner

“From “the undisputed boss of the beach read” (The New York Times), The Summer Place is a testament to the modern family in all its messy glory; a story about what we sacrifice and how we forgive.”

Get it here on Audible.

Vacationland by Meg Mitchell Moore

Louisa has come to her parents’ house in Maine this summer with all three of her kids, a barely-written book, and a trunkful of resentment. Left behind in Brooklyn is her husband, who has promised that after this final round of fundraising at his startup he will once again pick up his share of the household responsibilities.

Louisa is hoping that the crisp breeze off Penobscot Bay will blow away the irritation she is feeling with her life choices and replace it with enthusiasm for both her family and her work.

“A delicious summer listen and an exploration of family, responsibility, ambition and loss.”

Get it here on Audible.

Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt

This book has so much heart.

“Shelby Van Pelt’s debut novel is a gentle reminder that sometimes taking a hard look at the past can help uncover a future that once felt impossible.”

Get it here on Audible.

Patron Saint of Second Chances by Christine Simon

This charming tale and the perfect vacation read. It’s just plain funny.

Vacuum repairman and self-appointed mayor of Prometto, Italy, (population 212) Signor Speranza has a problem: Unless he can come up with 70,000 euros to fix the town’s pipes, the water commission will shut off the water to the village and all its residents will be forced to disperse. So in a bid to boost tourism—and revenue—he spreads a harmless rumor that movie star Dante Rinaldi will be filming his next project nearby.

Unfortunately, the plan works a little too well, and soon everyone in town wants to be a part of the fictional film—the village butcher will throw in some money if Speranza can find roles for his 15 enormous sons, Speranza’s wistfully adrift daughter reveals an unexpected interest in stage makeup, and his hapless assistant Smilzo volunteers a screenplay that’s not so secretly based on his undying love for the film’s leading lady. To his surprise—and considerable consternation, Speranza realizes that the only way to keep up the ruse is to make the movie for real.

As the entire town becomes involved (even the village priest invests!), Signor Speranza starts to think he might be able to pull this off. But what happens when Dante Rinaldi doesn’t show up? Or worse, what if he does?

Listen to this if you’re looking for a charming, funny read.

Get it here on Audible.

One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle

“Rebecca Serle’s next great love story is here, and this time it’s between a mother and a daughter. With her signature “heartbreaking, redemptive, and authentic” (Jamie Ford, New York Times bestselling author) prose, Serle has crafted a transcendent novel about how we move on after loss, and how the people we love never truly leave us.”

Get it here on Audible.

The Magnolia Palace by Fiona Davis

This story pulls off the complicated weaving of two stories in two eras.

“A tantalizing novel about the secrets, betrayal, and murder within one of New York City’s most impressive Gilded Age mansions.”

Get it here on Audible.

I hope you have enjoyed this roundup of 7 fun summer reads to listen to!

Be sure to get your 3 FREE books on Audible here!

What are your favorite summer reads? Do you enjoy audiobooks? Join the conversation in the comments below or on Facebook and Instagram.

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