Transportive Reads to Take You on Vacation

As the weather gets hotter and the sky becomes sunnier, school becomes harder to focus on, and vacation comes to the forefront of our minds. There are truly few things that can boost your mood like a reprieve from finals and a day dedicated to doing absolutely nothing. Not all of us can travel everywhere we would like to or experience the exciting summer that we desire. An easy way to remedy this is by reading some summer books! So, in the spirit of only traveling between my bed and my kitchen this summer, I have compiled a list of books that take place in four different states/countries that make it feel like you are actually on a fulfilling vacation. 

Location One: Italy

For anyone who desires a relaxing summer right by the Italian coast filled with blue seas and goodness, these two reads offer the perfect feeling. 

1) The Enchanted April by Elizabeth Von Arnim

This classical story follows the bright, loving, and budding friendship between four English women traveling to the Italian Rivera to vacation in a medieval castle. The four women leave the gray and rainy England for some new scenery, and they foster and rediscover their inner strengths and passions throughout the stay. Inspired by a real castle that the author visited in Portofino, Italy, the book is a valuable addition to a summer TBR.

2) The Temptation of Gracie by Santa Montefiore

This book delves into the comforts and beauty of Tuscany in Italy where a secretive Gracie Burton signs up for a cookery course in the luscious countryside and another beautiful castle setting. Unbeknownst to her daughter/granddaughter and their doubts, Gracie has a past and a reason for why she is so drawn to this Italian life. It is full of secrets, love, and the confrontation of a fragmented past. I think you should definitely pick up this book this summer.

Location Two: Massachusetts

Because of aesthetic videos and my Pinterest boards, I have always wanted to visit this area of the Eastern U.S. It looks beautiful and relaxing, and books centered in this coastal region are filled with such rich imagery and detail. 

1) The Hotel Nantucket by Elin Hildebrand 

This story follows a tragic fire and loss that transformed the once lovely Hotel Nantucket into a devastated and abandoned plot. That is until British Billionaire Xavier Darling purchases and renovates the former lodge to restore it to its previous glory. He hires his general manager Lizbet, and the two face challenges training a staff (and maybe dealing with a ghost problem) in their journey to rebuild this hotel. All this is taking place on the picturesque island of Nantucket. The book has drama, humor, and the perfect location. Elin´s books genuinely embody beachiness and summer, it is a perfect read for this time of year.

2) We Were Liars by E. Lockhart 

Taking place just a few miles away from the famous Martha´s Vineyard, this tale is of the wealthy and esteemed Sinclair family and their summers. The details in this book are so vivid, and I loved the description of dinners at the beachfront house and the fancy tennis courts and late-night swims. Paired with the stunning setting of the ocean and all the summer activities that come with a personal island for your family, it feels like you´re actually there. Not to mention the suspense, drama, and tears that this book will bring you. A perfect setting and a perfect amount of mystique and intrigue. 

Location Three: California

Honestly, California has it all: this western state has the perfect environment for stories of glamor and luxury, but also familiarity and a peaceful beachy vibe. The activities and energy of this sunny state are a great one to read about while on vacation this year. 

1) Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid 

Ms. Reid can truly do no wrong when it comes to her writing and this book is no exception. Staying in the Taylor Jenkins universe (but also read as a standalone), the tale follows the individual lives of the four very famous Riva siblings. They are surfers and supermodels, envied by the public (and me). We cover their backstories, the dynamics of their family, and of course their ultra-famous end-of-summer party. However, the night ends a lot differently than expected. The book follows love and fame, all taking place in the heart of the summer season. 

2) Alex, Approximately by Jenn Bennet 

This little love story was genuinely so heartwarming and so enjoyable to read. It follows our main character Bailey, a film nerd with a fixation on a sweet guy (who also adores movies) that she met online. Unknown to her, when she makes her big summer move to California to move in with her dad, she is right in the hometown of her online crush. Through her summer job and getting to know the town, she starts falling for another guy. Faced with the two situations, Bailey is confused. It's such a fun story and just a summery book!

Location four: France

Another place that I romanticize a little too much. But maybe not because these two beautiful reads will only make you want to visit this picturesque country more.

1) “Paris by the Book” by Liam Callahan 

This story follows a woman named Leah and her two daughters, as their family grieves but also remains in denial about the disappearance of their beloved husband and father. They move to Paris, believing that they will be able to find him there, and go on various adventures to follow clues and trails that may lead them to their missing family member. While becoming Parisians, they take up the responsibility of owning and managing an English bookstore specializing in dead authors. It follows tragedy and love, both for people and this romantic city.

2)” Meet Me in Monaco” by Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb

This unique read takes a spin on historical fiction that is easy to understand and also captivating. The underlying background of the wedding is the real wedding of Grace Kelly (Hollywood Actress) and Prince Rainer of Monaco who met at the Cannes Film Festival. However, this is just the background, our real love story is between James and Sophie, two individuals who are involved in the wedding preparations. It is based in the South of France, which houses a gorgeous landscape. If you’re looking for something a little different but also filled with romance and slow-burn, I would pick this one up.