Beach Reads

At the pool last weekend my friend said something that got me thinking.  I warned her that water was creeping up on the paperback she was reading, and she said, "That's okay, I actually love when my books get wet ... seriously."  I realized right then that she was right.  There's nothing better than a good pool or beach read novel with crinkled edges and water spots.  Others love the old library book smell.  They're the signals of a good book -- people have read it.  A lot!

I have a couple of favorite vacation reads that have been through hell and back, and still manage to survive the re-reading, borrowing and torture they've been through. If you're looking for a couple of no-nonsense romantic novels that don't claim to be anything more than the read-for-fun books they are, try out these two:

The Fling by Elda Minger is my all-time favorite book of this genre.  Based in Hawaii, it's a book that will wisk you away to a tropical place filled with emotion, romance, exotic destinations and plot twists.  It keeps you on your toes, but doesn't make you think too much.  I've read this one a few times -- it's kinda like rewatching your favorite movie.  It's a fantasy that never gets old.  Buy it for a penny used on Amazon.  It's worth the $0.01 + shipping! :)

Heartbreak Hotel by Jill Marie Landis is another book to read in a bikini and flip flops on the beach.  Actually, I might prefer reading this one on a balcony under the stars with a glass of wine.  It's a romance, but not really.  There's murder, a widow's walk, mystery, strangers-turned-lovers-turned-strangers again and a character map that's just detailed enough to keep you guessing.  Get it used on Amazon for under a dollar.  Apparently it's part of a trilogy of which I was not aware.  I'll check em out!

Telling the world (or even just your friends) your favorite books is risky business.  Reading a book, especially multiple times, takes true committment.  It's like peering into one's soul!  I hope you like these if you give them a chance.  Like I said, they're nothing groundbreakingly new that we haven't seen before.  They are fun.  Let me know what you think, and do share your favorite beachworthy novels.  I love me a good pageturner!