5 books to read on your next holiday

As the Aussie summer starts to heat up, it's time to start planning your next break and I've got your entertainment sorted. Here are 5 books that make the perfect addition to any beach bag.

1. Carrie Soto is Back, Taylor Jenkins Reid

Ok, hear me out - is Taylor Jenkins Reid one of the best authors of the past 10 years? If you haven't hear of her other works (The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, Daisy Jones & The Six, Malibu Rising etc it's time to head to a book store) TJR's recent works all live within the glamourous Hollywood world that she has created, immersing returning readers within the cross-over timelines of the various characters lives.

The story follows the great Carrie Soto as she attempts a legendary comeback to tennis in order to protect her title as the most successful female tennis player of her time - all she needs is one more Grand Slam title... An exploration of strength, competitiveness and family - I absolutely adored this book despite Carrie being a bit of an unlikeable heroin - but the more I think about it, most successful females aren't 'unlikeable' in their own way.. Best place to read it? At a resort, your local tennis club, or in Melbourne during the Australian Open next January

2. Exiles, Jane Harper

Master of all things Australian and atmospheric, Jane Harper has done it again with with her 5th book release.

Set in the heart of South Australian wine country, Exiles follows along as a local family continues to grapple with the loss of a Kim Gillsepie, a mother, wife & friend of many, a year after she disappeared.

Federal investigator, Aaron Falk, once again finds himself at the centre of a small country mystery as secrets continue to unravel around him throughout his time in the town.

Exiles is a wonderful example of Australian literature, filled with nail biting suspense and gripping reveals. Perfect for anyone looking to escape and fully immerse themselves in a story for as long as they can make the book last (which I'd guess won't be long as it's a real page turner)

Best place to read it? On a country escape, on the balcony as the sun goes down, anywhere with a glass of wine.

3. All That's Left Unsaid, Tracey Lien

Another Aussie recommendation here, All That's Left Unsaid is an unbelievable debut novel by Tracey Lien. Set in a vietnamese community in Sydney's outer suburbs, this story follows 2nd generation Vietnamese-Australian woman Ky Tran as she returns home in the wake of her younger brother's shocking (and unsolved) murder.

This book is a little heavier than my other recommendations, but it really is worth the investment as it reflects on the inhertited trauma of Vietnamese-Australian's and the impact of a society that make acclimatising hard and fail to understand or learn about those around them.

Despite the heavy focuses within the narrative, this book is still a relatively quick and easy read - and it is for that reason that I have included it in this list. Being able to learn and better ourselves through novels is part of the beauty of literature right?!

Best place to read it? On the couch in those weird days between Christmas and New Years, whilst visiting family, or towards the end of your break when you're trying to transition back into your 'thinking' brain.

4. Love on the Brain, Ali Hazelwood

Alright, and now we're into the traditional, romantic, smutty Summer reading that you were probably all expecting when you clicked on this post... Love on the Brain by Ali Hazelwood is just *swoon* amazing. Hazelwood does nerdy romance perfectly, and manages to balance the cliche romance with wit and insights into the scientific world that don't feel forced or just added in for character "depth".

When Neuro-engineering researcher Bee is given the opportunity of a lifetime to work with NASA she is absolutely crushed to find out that her co-lead is an ex-colleague of hers who absolutely despises everything about Bee... or does he?... You should read to find out...

Light, fluffy, romantic, and full of just the right amount of smut, I can't think of a better book for switching off and escaping reality for a few hours.

Best place to read it? By the pool or beach, or from bed on an early night in

Oh and also, you should consider reading The Love Hypothesis also by Ali Hazelwood if you haven't already.

5. When in Rome, Sarah Adams

Last but not least, another cute and fluffy romance - because we all know that these are indisputably the best type of books for a holiday.

When in Rome by Sarah Adams is not a book I packed for my own holiday, it's one that called my name and begged me to purchase it when I was sitting in a gorgeous book cafe by the beach - and how could I resist such a cute cover?! Thank gosh we no longer get those horrible photograph/half naked man front covers on romance novels...

Anyway, about the book: When Amelia Rose, known as Rae Rose by her fans, decides to follow the lead of her beloved Audrey Hepburn and take a Roman-Holiday she of course drives straight to Rome, Kentucky (a small town full of small town charm that reminded me of Gilmore Girls).

Unfortuantely for Amelia though, her car breaks down just outside of town, leaving her stranded without her regular team of assistants whilst she waits for her car to be towed and repaired. Enter: Noah Walker, the local pie shop owner who does not have the time (or patience) for a celebrity to stay in town. Somehow though, Amelia end up staying at Noah's house while her car is in the shop and I'll let you imagine (or read) what comes next.

Best place to read it? On a road trip, at a cafe (or pie shop), or from a hammock in your backyard at the end of a long day if you're unlucky enough to be working through the holidays