Summer beach reads

If you have a vacation coming up, you’re going to want to take a good book with you, right? So look for these great reads coming up this summer.

MAY

Even if your vacation isn’t until summer, there are just some books you have to have now.

Try “The Last Gunfight” by Jeff Guinn, a book about what really happened at the OK Corral. Grab “Thank You Notes” by Jimmy Fallon. Make your inner-scientist happy with “The Believing Brain” by Michael Shermer. Or look for the latest by Steve Martini, John Sanford, or Steve Berry. You’ll find all these books before you even set foot on a plane for Memorial Day.

JUNE

OK, so you’ve got your beach towel and you’ve staked out a spot by the pool. Now you need a good book in your hands.

How about “The Kingdom: A Fargo Adventure” by Clive Cussler with Grant Blackwood? Or maybe you’d prefer the new Ann Patchett novel or the latest Laurell K. Hamilton? How about the latest by the late E. Lynn Harris, “Summer Rental” by Mary Kay Andrews, or “Folly Beach” by Dorothea Benton Frank?

David Baldacci has a new book out, and Ann Brashares comes out with “Sisterhood Everlasting.” You’ll find a new James Rollins novel, a new Joseph Finder novel, a new release from Alexander McCall Smith, and a new Diana Palmer book.

There are diet books, finance books, and more science books due out in June, which will give you plenty to do while you work on that tan.

JULY

Summer is just halfway over, but there are lots of great books left to read.

Imagine the fireworks you’ll find in the new novel by Catherine Coulter! The new Meg Cabot book might be explosive. There’s a new Mary Janice Davidson due out in July, and a new Tess Gerritsen book.

You’ll find “Then Came You” by Jennifer Weiner this month. Alex Kava is releasing a new Maggie O’Dell novel. Iris Johansen comes out with the latest in her popular series. There’s a new Anne Rivers Siddons novel for you this month, a new J.A. Jance novel, and a new Danielle Steel book.

Singer Ricky Skaggs has a new biography out in July, and you’ll find a new Terry Goodkind release, plus one by Eric Van Lustbader.

And if none of those are your cup of (iced) tea, there are dozens of new and varied puzzle books coming out for the summer.

AUGUST

So you used up your vacation already? So what? You’ve got lots of summer yet to enjoy, so why not enjoy it with these books.

Look for “Retribution” by Sherrilyn Kenyon. Find “Cold Vengeance” by Doug Preston and Lincoln Child, or the new C.J. Box release. Don’t miss the new release by money guru Clark Howard. Grab the new Ron Kessler book on the FBI.  Sleuth out the new by the Kardashians.

Julie Garwood has a new book out this month, and so does W.E.B. Griffin (with William E. Butterworth IV). Karrine Steffans has a new book for lovers due out, Penn Jillette and Celia Rivenbark will each make you laugh, and former “Punky Brewster” star Soliel Moon Frye will release a new memoir/parenting book.

There’s a new “Simpsons” book due from Matt Groening, a new Kathy Reichs mystery, more puzzle books, and another William Kent Krueger novel to finish your fabulous summer.

Now remember: nothing is cast in stone and book titles can be changed or cancelled. Release dates are approximate. For final word, check with your bookseller or librarian. They get paid big bucks for knowing these things. And have a great summer’s reading.