Does the chaos of the summer have you dreaming of leisurely exploring charming cobblestone villages, sun soaked beaches, cozy mountain inns or European cafes? While it may not be realistic to spontaneously pack up and head to a luxurious getaway, it is possible to visit exotic locales via the pages of a great book. These 25 reads will sweep you away to the kinds of places that live on vision boards and bucket lists. Best of all? No plane ticket (or babysitter) required, just your Johnson County Library card!
Each of these novels is set in an unforgettable destination. They’re full of love, second chances, female friendships and just enough drama to keep you turning pages late into the night.
25 Books Set in Dreamy Locations Moms Will Love
The Beach Trap by Ali Brady
Destination: Destin, Florida
The two main characters used to be friends, but it turns out they are actually half sisters! This book has drama, sibling rivalry, romance, sunny weather and salty air all in one story.
Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter
Destination: Italian Riviera
This sweeping novel moves from a quaint Italian coastal town to modern day Hollywood, delivering heartache, humor and unforgettable imagery of the Italian Riviera.
Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson
Destination: Jamaica
Two siblings must dig into their mother’s secretive upbringing and its connection to black cake, a Caribbean tradition. There will soon be an original series to watch once you finish!
Cape May by Chip Cheek
Destination: Cape May, New Jersey
Set in the 1950s, this sultry novel captures the complexities of early marriage and desire in a dreamy seaside town.
Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan
Destination: Singapore
When a New Yorker travels to Singapore with her boyfriend, she is surprised when she is met by friends and family who live the most lavish of lifestyles.
Every Summer After by Carley Fortune
Destination: Lakeside, Ontario
This nostalgic second chance romance brims with summer love, emotional depth and the magic of lazy lake days.
From Scratch by Tembi Locke
Destination: Sicily, Italy
A memoir of love, grief and healing set against the rich backdrop of Sicilian culture, food and family.
The Guest List by Lucy Foley
Destination: Ireland
It might be a thriller, but the drama of an opulent wedding and a guest that turns up dead will make it hard to stop turning the pages.
The Guncle by Steven Rowley
Destination: Palm Springs, California
A hilarious, heartwarming novel about grief, love and an uncle stepping into a parenting role. It is all set in a desert oasis of retro glamour.
Hello, Sunshine by Laura Dave
Destination: Montauk, New York
A disgraced celebrity chef finds herself reinventing life in a sleepy beach town. It is equal parts redemption and foodie fantasy.
Island of Sweet Pies and Soldiers by Sara Ackerman
Destination: Hawaii
Set during WWII, this books talks of strong women. It has a touch of history and tropical beauty in this heartfelt story of friendship and resilience.
Island Time by Georgia Clark
Destination: Queensland, Australia
A trip with inlaws to the enchanting Australia turns into a six week tortuous stay after a volcano unexpectedly erupts and leaves them stranded on the island.
The Layover by Lacie Waldon
Destination: Belize
Things get interesting when a flight attendant and pilot start falling for each other while stuck on a weekend layover in Belize.
The Little French Bistro by Nina George
Destination: Brittany, France
A late in life reinvention story that will make you want to book a ticket to the French coast and savor mussels with white wine. It feels eerily relevant for those moms who feel stuck in a rut.
Love & Gelato by Jenna Evans Welch
Destination: Florence, Italy
Though technically it is considered young adult, this feel good travel romance charms with its Italian setting, diary-style secrets and sweet heartaches.
Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Destination: Malibu, California
Sun, surf, scandal, and sibling drama all unfold in a glamorous coastal setting with nostalgic 80’s vibes.
Next Year in Havana by Chanel Cleeton
Destination: Havana, Cuba
The book focuses on the food, music, and culture of Havana while telling the story of family history, with a little drama mixed in.
One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle
Destination: Amalfi Coast, Italy
A moving exploration of grief, love and maternal connection. It has underlying themes of magical realism and Mediterranean wonder.
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
Destination: Scottish Highlands
Epic romance, time travel and wild Scottish landscapes. This book is for anyone craving adventure (and a Scottish hero or two).
Paris Is Always a Good Idea by Jenn McKinlay
Destinations: Ireland, France, Italy
A charming romantic comedy filled with travel hijinks, self-discovery and enviable European moments. You’ll be booking airline tickets as soon as you put this book down.
Reminders of Him by Colleen Hoover
Destination: Small town USA with coastal vibes
Of course a book by Colleen Hoover had to be on this list! This book has deep emotional themes, second chances and a hint of the beach. It will tug at ALL the heartstrings.
Shipped by Angie Hockman
Destination: Galapagos Islands
It’s a story of enemies turned lovers, and given the setting it is hard to believe anything else would transpire!
Under the Tuscan Sun by Frances Mayes
Destination: Tuscany, Italy
This memoir of restoring a villa in Italy is like a vacation in print. You might have seen the movie ages ago with Diane Lane, but there’s nothing like reading the book!
The Villa by Rachel Hawkins
Destination: Italian countryside
This suspenseful, dual timeline novel is a gothic thriller set in a lush, haunting Italian villa. Perfect for fans of mystery and mood.
A Week in Paris by Rachel Hore
Destination: Paris, France
This dual timeline novel set in the 1930’s and 1960’s Paris weaves romance, family secrets and history in one of the most captivating cities in the world.
With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo
Destination: Oahu, Hawaii
Follow the main character as she navigates teen motherhood and the trails and tribulations of chasing her dreams of becoming a chef.
Hopefully these wonderful books remind you that adventure, beauty and renewal can be found all over the world. And even if for now you are merely experiencing it via the pages of a really good book, I hope you will give yourself permission to escape this summer.
