Best Summer Books 2025

Pick a perfect sunny spot, grab a nice cool beverage and crack open a book from our summer reading list. These books by British authors are perfect, whether you love romance books, or something more along the lines of a thriller, there’s something for everyone. 

Supporting local authors is always a bonus, by treating yourself to one of these summer reads you’re not only sampling the best of these brilliant authors and championing UK voices. 

Check out these summer reads to add to your reading list: 

A Summer in Cornwall by Emma Burstall

For a holiday small-town romance, pick up A Summer in Cornwall (Tremarnock Series) by Emma Burstall. Escape to the Cornish coast and meet Bramble Challoner. She had a very normal upbringing but she comes to realise one thing, she is dying for an adventure. 

When her grandfather, Lord Penrose dies leaving his huge house in Cornwall to her, Bramble gets ready to start her next big adventure. Dragging along her best friend, Katie, the village of Tremarnock is about to get two new residents. 

A Summer in Cornwall: A feelgood romance set in Cornwall (Tremarnock Series) Cover Image

Last Summer in Ireland by Anne Doughty

London journalist Deirdre Weston returns to her family home in Armagh after the death of her mother. In Last Summer in Ireland by Anne Doughty, she dives into the story of Deara, a handmaiden of the Lady Meraine. Follow the stories of these two women through time as they both face turbulent times. 

Last Summer in Ireland: A charming Irish family saga perfect for fans of Katie Flynn Cover Image

An Almost Perfect Summer by Jill Mansell

Nella meets Nick, and he is the most interesting man she has met in a long while. In An Almost Perfect Summer by Jill Mansell Nella faces some challenges when she loses her job. 

At a retreat, Lizzie, a star, has sworn off people, but her decisions waver when she sees Nick. Meanwhile, Matthew is not a fan of Lizzie. Then one secret changes everything. With the scene set, there’s potential for romance, friendship, and surprises. 

An Almost Perfect Summer: The brand new feel-good romantic read from the beloved bestselling author Cover Image

Black Summer by M.W. Craven

In Black Summer (Washington Poe Book 2) by M.W. Craven, Jared Keaton is a chef to the stars who is serving time for the brutal murder of his daughter, Elizabeth. Her body was never found and his conviction was hinged on the testimony of Detective Sergeant Washington Poe. A young woman stumbles into a police station, claiming she is Elizabeth. Now Poe finds himself on the wrong end of an investigation as he tries to find out the truth. 

Black Summer (Washington Poe Book 2) Cover Image

The Summer Queen by Elizabeth Chadwick

The Summer Queen: Eleanor of Aquitaine Trilogy, Book 1 by Elizabeth Chadwick follows Eleanor of Aquitaine, a loving mother, a betrayed wife, and queen. 

When her father dies in 1137 her childhood ends suddenly and she is forced to marry the young prince Louis of France. When his parents die, she and Louis betray the King and Queen of France when she is only 13. Based on the real story of Eleanor of Aquitaine, this shows her based on modern research, touching on politics, sex, scandal, and tragedies. 

The Summer Queen: Eleanor of Aquitaine Trilogy, Book 1 Cover Image

Read More British Authors this Summer 

From Historical Fiction to Crime Thrillers, no matter what genre you love, check out these summer reads by British authors. Check out more blogs and reading guides in our Reading Books category. 

Support British authors and start reading locally with our great collection of books to choose from. Happy summer reading!