During the school year, many students do not like to read for pleasure because they are too overwhelmed with schoolwork. However, during the summer time, we have a lot more free time. For those of us who enjoy reading, that extra free time can be spent reading at the beach, by the pool, or even at home in the air conditioning. Personally, reading by the beach is one of my favorite things to do because it is so relaxing. If you want to start reading more this summer, then check out this list with some fantastic novels that any reader can enjoy!

1. "Unfiltered, No Shame, No Regrets, Just Me" By: Lily Collins

This is a great nonfiction book that is relatable, personal, and inspiring. Reading about Lily's transition into adulthood and how she learned from the struggles in her life will remind you that no one has the perfect life, but everyone can learn from their past.

2. "Maybe Someday" By: Colleen Hoover

This is a great story of love and betrayal. It is a reminder that things can change in an instant. "Maybe Someday" is one of those books you can easily get lost in while lounging on the beach. If you love all of Nicholas Sparks' books, then you will probably enjoy this book and author too!

3. "With This Heart" By: R.S. Grey

"With This Heart" is another great love story that most people can only dream of. The main character's life goes from safe and somewhat uneventful to wild after she meets one guy. Her and her new love interest embark on an epic road trip that serves to remind her to never take life for granted.

4. "The One That Got Away: A Novel" By: Leigh Himes

If you are looking for something a little different to read this Summer, look no further than "The One That Got Away." This book explores the "what could have been" part of the main character's life. We all wonder about how our lives would have been different if we made a different choice and this novel explores just that. Although the alternate reality/life story line is not a new concept, it is done incredibly well in this novel.

5. "Thirteen Reasons Why" By: Jay Asher

You know the saying, "the book is better than the movie?" Well, in this case, the book is better than the popular Netflix series. The series is good but the book is even more raw and emotional. It is one of those things that you just have to experience for yourself (but make sure to prepare yourself beforehand, it is really emotional).

6. "The Island: A Novel" By: Elin Hilderbrand

"The Island" will make you wish that you could completely escape from reality for a while with your family off the gorgeous island of Nantucket, Massachusetts for the summer. A family, including several sisters, all come together for a dramatic summer on Tuckernuck island. Hidden secrets are revealed and the sisters fall in and out of love in a shocking story of family drama. This is the perfect summer novel that you can enjoy while sitting by the beach.

7. "The Guest Cottage: A Novel" By: Nancy Thayer

This novel is another great example of a fun beach read that is heartwarming. A mistake leads two single people and their children to meet on Nantucket one summer unexpectedly. As the families grow closer over the summer, will their relationship last once they get off the ferry at the end of the summer and head back to their respective lives?

8. "All the Bright Places" By: Jennifer Niven

Attention John Green and Jay Asher fans: this is a book you will love. This is another heavy one that grapples with mental illness and death. This is also going to become a film soon, so read the book before you see the movie because it is exceptional. Make sure you have tissues nearby as you read though.

9. "Dreamland" By: Sarah Dessen

If you have not read this book before, read it now even if you think you are "too old" for Sarah Dessen. This is another heavy book that highlights what can happen when love goes wrong. It is one of those books that is well done and highlights an issue that is all too common.

10. "We Were Liars" By: E. Lockhart

"We Were Liars" is a really cool book. It is unlike any other book out there. Do not be fooled by the perfect beach setting, this book has an unbelievable twist that will stick in your head years after you finish reading it. Some people say they saw the ending coming (somewhat) but I was completely taken by surprise. This is a suspense novel masked by friendship, family, and love. You will not believe how it ends. Trust me, read it and find out for yourself.

11. "The Perfect Letter: A Novel" By: Chris Harrison

That's right everyone: your favorite host of The Bachelor/Bachelorette Chris Harrison wrote this awesome book. He is a much more talented writer than I originally thought and this book is outstanding. The plot is dynamic and will keep you turning the pages. It is the story of a woman choosing between her seemingly perfect boyfriend and her first love. However, a shocking event from her past threatens every aspect of her life. This is so much more than just a love story. It is full of suspense, revenge, forgiveness, and even death. Pick this one up before your next vacation, beach trip, or pool day because you will not be disappointed.

12. Any Nicholas Sparks book

Seriously, you cannot go wrong with any of Nicholas Sparks' work. If you love the films, the books they are based on are even better. His novels that have not been made into films are also exceptional (I wrote a completely separate article about that). Some of my favorite books by Sparks include: The Guardian, The Rescue, A Bend In The Road, The Choice, See Me, The Notebook, Message In A Bottle, and The Longest Ride. Sparks is such a talented writer and his novels are about so much more than just romance. Even if you do not consider yourself a fan of love stories, give Sparks a chance because his books are so interesting. Also, the coastal, dreamy North Carolina settings in most of his books are perfect for summer time reading and relaxation by the water.