Have you read Tonya’s latest post about cultivating hobbies for a happier life? It inspired me to spend more time doing one of my favorite hobbies— reading. Especially since the official start of summer is approaching and there is something so quintessentially summer about getting lost in a great book. Whether you’re reading by the pool, on a family vacation, at the beach, or simply enjoying a quiet moment at the end of the day, summer is the perfect time to tackle that growing TBR pile.
To celebrate the start of summer reading season, I’m excited to announce a brand-new giveaway for our readers!
The Real Chic Life Book Lovers Giveaway
One lucky reader will win a $100 Barnes & Noble gift card to stock up on summer/fall reads.
How to Enter
- Make sure you’re subscribed to The Real Chic Life .
- Leave a comment below telling us:
- One book you’ve read recently that you loved, or
- One book you’d love to read this year.
That’s it! A winner will be chosen randomly and announced in a blog post on August 13th. The winner will receive a $100 Barnes and Noble e-gift card. Terms and conditions are listed below.
I can’t wait to hear what everyone is reading. My own reading list is always growing thanks to your recommendations!
Summer Reading Recommendations
If you’re looking for a few books to add to your summer reading stack, here are some of the buzziest and most talked-about titles right now, along with a few reasons they deserve a spot in your beach bag.
Kin by Tayari Jones
Tayari Jones returns with a sweeping novel about two lifelong friends, Vernice and Annie, whose lives take dramatically different paths as they navigate womanhood, family, friendship, and identity in the American South. The novel explores motherhood, sisterhood, race, ambition, and the complicated bonds that shape our lives. It has quickly become one of the most acclaimed books of 2026 and was recently named Amazon’s top book of the year so far.
Perfect for: Readers who loved An American Marriage, literary fiction fans, and anyone who enjoys richly developed characters and emotionally resonant stories.
Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke
One of the breakout novels of the year, Yesteryear follows a popular lifestyle influencer who romanticizes traditional domestic life online. When she suddenly finds herself transported back to the mid-1800s, she’s forced to confront the reality behind the idealized version of history she’s been selling. The result is a thought-provoking, satirical novel that explores identity, motherhood, gender expectations, and the stories we tell ourselves.
Perfect for: Fans of speculative fiction, social commentary, and book club discussions that continue long after the final page.
The Missed Connection by Tia Williams
Tia Williams combines romance, mystery, and glamour in this highly anticipated novel. After meeting a captivating stranger on a flight to Paris, casting director Sasha Cruz loses touch with him and enlists the help of a private investigator to track him down. What follows is an addictive blend of romance, suspense, and second chances, all wrapped in Williams’ signature wit and heart.
Perfect for: Romance readers who want a little mystery, fans of Seven Days in June, and anyone looking for a fun, escapist summer read.
Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry
No summer reading list feels complete without an Emily Henry novel. This latest release follows two writers competing to tell the story of a reclusive heiress. Packed with chemistry, humor, emotional depth, and plenty of twists, it’s exactly the kind of book you’ll want to devour in a single weekend.
Perfect for: Romance lovers, beach readers, and anyone who enjoys witty banter and unforgettable characters.
Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Set against the backdrop of the 1980s space program, this novel combines ambition, love, friendship, and self-discovery in the way only Taylor Jenkins Reid can. The storytelling is immersive, emotional, and impossible to put down.
Perfect for: Fans of character-driven fiction and readers who loved The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo.
The Emperor of Gladness by Ocean Vuong
Beautifully written and deeply moving, Ocean Vuong’s latest novel explores loneliness, belonging, and human connection through unforgettable characters and lyrical prose.
Perfect for: Literary fiction readers who appreciate gorgeous writing and emotionally layered stories.
The Favorites by Layne Fargo
Think figure skating, ambition, obsession, and complicated relationships. This novel has become a favorite among readers who enjoy stories filled with drama, rivalry, and characters you can’t stop thinking about.
Perfect for: Fans of Daisy Jones & The Six and emotionally intense character studies.
Our Perfect Storm by Carley Fortune
Carley Fortune has become the queen of summer romance. This story follows lifelong best friends Frankie and George. When a canceled wedding sends Frankie on what was supposed to be her honeymoon, she finds herself spending an unforgettable week with George. As old feelings resurface against the stunning backdrop of the Pacific coast, their relationship begins to change in ways neither expected.
Perfect for: Readers who love friends-to-lovers romance, emotionally rich character development, gorgeous vacation settings, and stories that deliver all the summer feels.
What Are You Reading This Summer?
Now I’d love to hear from you.
What’s one book you’ve read recently that you absolutely loved—or what’s one book you’re hoping to read soon?
Don’t forget to leave your answer in the comments below for your chance to win the $100 Barnes & Noble gift card. Happy reading!
Xo, Courtney
Terms and conditions: This giveaway is open to legal residents of the United States who are 18 years of age or older as of the date of entry. This giveaway is sponsored by The Real Chic Life and is not affiliated in any way with Barnes & Noble. By participating, you agree to be fully unconditionally bound by these rules, and you represent and warrant that you meet the eligibility requirements. In addition, you agree to accept the decisions of The Real Chic Life as final and binding as it relates to the content of this giveaway. Entries will be accepted online starting June 16, 2026 and ending August 12, 2026 at 11:59pm. A winner will be chosen at random and announced in a blog post on August 13, 2026. The winner will receive an e-gift card in the amount of $100. The winner will have up to one week after the date of the announcement to claim the prize.
Cover Image- “A Red Beach Chair” by Jennifer Hohlfelder
The Real Chic Life 
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