25 Sun-Kissed Chick Lit Books That’ll Be Your New Favorite Summer Escapes

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Summer is the time of year when I just love reading light-hearted, soul-searching, and super cutesy books and chick lit always, always hits the mark.

Just in case you’re not familiar, chick lit is basically any kind of book where a woman is front and center. 

The tone is usually light and fun, and while it might sound like women’s fiction, I personally like to separate them based on how intense the plot is. 

Think of it the same way we separate cozy mysteries from full-blown thrillers – same family, just a different vibe. But I digress. 

Anyway, I’ve now put together a list of my personal favorite chick lit books that are perfect for summer. 

These are the kinds of stories you want to read while lounging on the beach, relaxing on a sunny afternoon, or just idling the day away. 

And honestly they’re all so beautiful.

Pieces of Us by Eve Ainsworth

Honestly, this is such a tender, moving story about grief, healing, and finding yourself again. 

Sara’s life is falling apart. Her childhood best friend, Lottie, has passed, and nothing feels right anymore. 

But then she discovers a jar of joy Lottie left behind, filled with memories and places they once loved. As Sara follows the trail, she starts piecing herself back together. 

I loved how each memory helped her rediscover who she used to be and who she wants to become. 

There’s also a romantic subplot that really tugs at your heart, especially with Jay reappearing in her life. 

It’s sad, hopeful, and beautifully written. This one made me think a lot about friendship and forgiveness. 

It’s perfect for those warm summer nights when you want to feel everything. 

Better Days by Claire Zorn

This one had me laughing, sighing, and thinking all at once. Grace had it all: love, dreams, and a big future, but life got messy. 

Now, she’s a single mom of two (one maybe slightly wild), returning home to the Blue Mountains with a moody dachshund. 

And then she runs into Trent, the old flame she never forgot. 

It’s a reflective and funny story with lots of heart and a music-filled past that really adds something special. 

I really liked how it explores family, ambition, and second chances in such a real way. 

If you’ve ever wondered about the one who got away or how to start over, this one’s for you. 

I think it’s a perfect summer read because it’s honest and warm, like catching up with an old friend. 

One Night at the Chateau by Veronica Henry

Connie’s life is crumbling, because her job’s gone, her marriage ended, and she’s saying goodbye to her home. 

But then, she’s offered a chance to help run a beautiful (though slightly falling-apart) chateau in France.

I loved how this book made me feel like I was right there with her, surrounded by lavender, fresh bread, and maybe romance? Especially when Remy enters the picture again. 

There’s nostalgia, hard work, and finding joy where you least expect it. 

If you want to escape somewhere dreamy and a little magical this summer, this is it. 

It made me think about how sometimes life falling apart can lead to something even better. And honestly, I didn’t want to leave that chateau by the end. 

An Almost Perfect Summer by Jill Mansell

Nella and Nick have that spark we all root for, but with one big problem – they live miles apart. 

Just as you think it’s over before it begins, she ends up working with him (uh-oh), and suddenly, feelings are all over the place. 

Throw in a grumpy movie star hiding from the world and a mysterious neighbor, and it’s full of surprises.

I really liked how sweet and charming this story felt. It’s about love, timing, and figuring out what really matters. 

There are laughs, a bit of drama, and a lovely sense of community too. It made me smile so much. 

It’s perfect for a cozy weekend by the pool or curled up on the couch. 

Back After This by Linda Holmes

I absolutely adored this one. Cecily is smart and strong but still figuring out how to protect her heart after a bad breakup. 

She gets offered a podcast about dating except she has to actually go on the dates (ouch) and take advice from a super peppy influencer (double ouch). 

But things get interesting when she meets Will, a sweet guy with a camera and a lost dog. 

This book felt like a warm hug mixed with a few eye-roll-worthy but hilarious dating moments. 

I loved Cecily’s voice, because it was so real and funny. You’ll root for her the whole way.

It’s a story about finding love, but also about knowing who you are. 

And honestly, I’d totally listen to her podcast if it were real. 

Remember, I Love You by Claudia Carroll

This book made me tear up in the softest, most comforting way. 

It’s about people who’ve lost someone they love – like Luke, a single dad missing his wife, and Connie, who’s grieving her lovely mum. 

But it’s also about hope and how we keep going. 

The Leesom Street Café becomes a little haven where hearts begin to heal, friendships form, and love starts to feel possible again. 

I really loved how gentle and kind the story was. It reminded me that even when you feel broken, you’re never truly alone. 

The way all their stories connect felt so beautiful. 

If you’re looking for something warm, thoughtful, and full of quiet joy, this is such a special pick for summer. 

The Island Getaway by Lucy Diamond

If you’re dreaming of a sunny escape, this is the book to pack.

The Ionian Escape hotel in Greece welcomes a group of people, all hoping for a break, but they’re bringing more than just their luggage. 

Some have secrets, regrets, and even new hopes. I loved how each character’s story slowly unfolded like little gifts. 

There’s love, friendship, and self-discovery, all under the warm Greek sun. 

It made me crave fresh sea air and late-night chats by the pool. 

It’s one of those books that’s light and breezy but still has a big heart. 

Perfect for when you want to drift away to somewhere beautiful, with characters you grow to really care about. 

Don’t Make Me Laugh by Julia Raeside

Ali is 40, going through a tough time, and drowning in bad decisions and worse men. 

But as she tries to restart her career in comedy radio, she meets Ed, a charming comedian with a darker side. 

This story digs into how women are treated in work and life, and I really appreciated how honest and sharp it was. 

It made me angry at times, but also made me laugh and cheer for Ali. She’s smart, fed up, and so relatable. 

I think it’s a great summer read for when you want something funny, real, and empowering. 

It’s like a quiet revolution in book form and I’m so glad I picked it up. 

One Day and Forever by Shari Low

This was like a perfect summer drama – all the emotions, the chaos, and a little twist of fate. 

Four strangers – Kara, Ollie, Alice, and Zac – are all on very different paths, but a delayed flight throws them together in surprising ways. 

I really enjoyed how each of their lives connected and how one small thing could change everything. 

Kara’s wedding disaster had me gasping, and Alice’s mysterious letter added so much heart. 

It’s about starting over, finding love, and facing the things we run from. I loved how hopeful it felt, even with the bumps along the way.

It’s one of those stories you race through and then think about long after. 

Perfect for a long summer evening when you want to feel everything. 

The One Before the One by Emma Cooper

On the day of her wedding, Liv steps into a doorway and somehow ends up seven years in the past, just before her boyfriend Kit disappears forever. 

Now she gets one more week with him and a chance to change everything. But the big question is: should she? 

I was totally swept up in the magic, the emotions, and the impossible choice she has to make. 

If you’ve ever wondered what if? about a love you lost, this will hit you hard. It’s emotional, romantic, and so well done.

I loved how it made me think about how we heal, move on, and still hold space for the people we’ve lost. 

Beautiful, bittersweet, and unforgettable, this is a must-read for your summer reading list. 

If you think any of these chick lit books are going to make it onto your summer reading list, drop a comment in the section below –I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Let me know what books you’re reading this summer too.

I always feel like summer brings the highest number of new book releases, and it’s honestly the best time to refresh your TBR. 

Be sure to check out this other post to see what’s on my summer reading list – you might just find a new favorite.