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From thrillers to romance, here’s our list of the best novels out this summer

All recommendations within this article are informed by expert editorial opinion. If you click on a link in this story we may earn affiliate revenue.

IT is hot, the summer holidays are in full swing and you’re feeling a little burnt out.

So what better way to escape the trials of everyday life than in the pages of a book?

 Lose yourself in an extraordinary novel this summer, from our top-rated list
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Lose yourself in an extraordinary novel this summer, from our top-rated listCredit: Getty - Contributor

Whether you want to dive into the lives of the rich and famous, get stuck into a thriller or relax with a light chick-lit read, there is a book for everyone this summer.

The Sun’s Book Editor Natasha Harding chooses the best.

Feel-good

Cottage By The Sea by Debbie Macomber

  • £6.99 from Penguin Books —
 An idyllic setting for a heartwarming drama
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An idyllic setting for a heartwarming drama

A family tragedy leaves Annie heartbroken.

At the holiday home she went to as a child, she slowly heals and changes the lives of others, too. Warm-hearted fiction at its best.

This Could Change Everything by Jill Mansell

  • £12.99 from WHSmith —
 A witty love story with neat and original twists
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A witty love story with neat and original twists

When a letter she writes gets sent to the wrong person, Essie ends up single, jobless and homeless.

But all things happen for a reason. A big hug of a book.

Psychological

Lying To You by Amanda Reynolds

  • £8.99 from Waterstones —
 An intriguing and intense thriller
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An intriguing and intense thriller

After a decade away, Jess Tidy returns home to face the brother she abandoned and the teacher whose life was entangled with hers.

This dizzying novel keeps you on your toes.

The Date by Louise Jensen

  • £13.99 from WHSmith —
 A toe-curling thriller that will leave you breathless
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A toe-curling thriller that will leave you breathless

When Ali wakes up after a night out, all she knows is someone is out to get her.

With limited memory, she’s very vulnerable – but who should she trust? The ending will chill you to the bone.

Biogs

Mouthy by Megan McKenna

  • £16.99 from WHSmith —
 The best autobiographies are the most honest - and this is
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The best autobiographies are the most honest - and this is

The ex-Towie star reveals what goes on when the cameras stop rolling, and opens up about being bullied at school.

Frank and funny. You may be surprised by the girl behind the image.

Megan McKenna opens up about her bullying hell on Loose Women as she addresses her terrible meltdowns

Madonna: An Intimate Biography Of An Icon At Sixty by J Randy Taraborrelli

  • £18.99 from Pan MacMillan —
 A fascinating insight into one of pop's timeless legends
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A fascinating insight into one of pop's timeless legends

Based on decades of research and exclusive interviews, this insightful biography sheds new light on this amazing woman.

We take a look back at Madonna's most significant hook-ups and hubbies

Self help

Meditation For Fidgety Skeptics by Dan Harris

  • £14.99 from Penguin Random House —
 Want to get fitter and laugh out loud? Read this book
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Want to get fitter and laugh out loud? Read this book

Outlines the many health benefits of meditating, such as lower stress levels and reduc­ed tummy fat.

It’s well researched, insightful, inspiring and funny.

Notes On A Nervous Planet by Matt Haig

  • £9.99 from Waterstones —
 A book written specifically for the inhabitants of Earth
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A book written specifically for the inhabitants of Earth

A series of thought-provoking questions make you think about how it’s possible to stay sane on a planet that makes us mad.

Honest and heartfelt, Haig hits the spot.

Historical fiction

All My Mother’s Secrets by Beezy Marsh

  • £7.99 from Pan MacMillan —
 Beautifully-penned story of the harshness of life and how hope survives
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Beautifully-penned story of the harshness of life and how hope survives

Life wasn’t easy if you were poor in 1918 and for Annie Austin it’s as tough as can be.

She believes that happiness is waiting for her if she runs away. But will she find it?

Six Tudor Queens: Jane Seymour by ­Alison Weir

  • £6.99 from The Book People —
 A totally original take on the life of 'the haunted queen'
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A totally original take on the life of 'the haunted queen'

This astonishing novel paints Henry VIII’s third wife in a new way –  a woman who knew how precarious her position was and did her best against all the odds.

Chick lit

Oh My God, What A Complete Aisling by Emer McLysaght and Sarah Breen

  • £12.99 from Penguin Books —
 Brilliant girl power novel, set in the fair city of Dublin
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Brilliant girl power novel, set in the fair city of Dublin

Country girl Aisling kicks her fella into touch and heads for Dublin’s bright lights, completely transforming her life.

The Plus One by Sophia Money-Coutts

  • £12.99 from Harper Collins —
 A novel that reads like Mills and Boon on steroids
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A novel that reads like Mills and Boon on steroids

When Polly Spencer is asked to write about the infamous Jasper, Marquess of Milton, she’s sure he’ll be another entitled brat.

But there’s much more to him than meets the eye.


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