Bella Travel’s Favorite Reads for Summer 2023

by | Jun 13, 2023 | Travel | 0 comments

Here at Bella, we take your adventures seriously, including the kind that whisk your imagination away. Whether it’s a romance-and-rose-all-day or a tuck-me-in thriller, you’ll love this curated Summer Reading list to keep you entertained until your next getaway!

Also, please support fellow woman-owned small business, John’s Creek Books, by visiting or ordering these and other fabulous titles online.

Dear Dolly: On Love, Life and Friendship by Dolly Alderton

Dolly Alderton shares her wisdom, warmth and wit with the countless people who have written in to her Dear Dolly column in The Sunday Times Style. If you’re looking for some encouragement and advice with issues in your life, then this meaningful book may inspire you.

One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle

This powerful novel is about the transformational love between mothers and daughters set on the breathtaking Amalfi Coast and has a little twist that makes it especially interesting. We can’t help but think this would make a great movie.

Pachinko by Min Jin Lee

If you’re a fan of big, sweeping, multigenerational historical fiction, here’s a captivating story from a talented and dedicated author who spent years writing and rewriting to get this Korean family’s dramatic tale perfectly right.

Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins-Reid

A gripping novel about the whirlwind rise of an iconic 1970s rock group a la Fleetwood Mac and their beautiful lead singer, revealing the mystery behind their infamous breakup. Hint: download the show soundtrack from Spotify and you’ll be addicted!

The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi

Escaping from an abusive marriage, seventeen-year-old Lakshmi makes her way alone to the vibrant 1950s pink city of Jaipur. There she becomes the most highly requested henna artist—and confidante—to the wealthy women of the upper class. Beautiful written and imaginative fiction for fans of multicultural stories.

The Only Woman in the Room: A Novel by Marie Benedict

An intense novel based on the incredible true story of Hedy Lamarr, the glamour icon and scientist whose groundbreaking invention revolutionized modern communication.

Madly, Deeply: The Diaries of Alan Rickman by Alan Rickman

Running from 1993 to his death in 2016, the diaries provide singular insight into Alan Rickman’s public and private life. Meet Rickman the consummate professional actor, but also the friend, the traveler, the fan, the director, the enthusiast; in short, the man beyond the icon.

Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

Darkly funny and touching, Lessons in Chemistry serves as an extraordinary portrait of an unusual life in 1960s California for the smart, charming, and resilient heroine.

Turn Right at Machu Picchu by Mark Adams

This travel memoir is a fascinating and funny account of the author’s journey through some of the world’s most majestic, historic, and remote landscapes.

Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell by Robert Dugoni

An emotional boy-meets-world tale, Sam’s unique eyes certainly set him apart and set him up for a life’s journey with acceptance, friendship, and faith to influence him along the way from childhood to adulthood. 

Ditch the Netflix and pick up a book–even better, pour yourself a glass of rosé and head to the pool/park/deck to remember how summer once felt when all you had to do was read books–and read with zero guilt.

Do you have any favorites?  Drop us a line and let us know what’s on your summer reading list.

Next: Ciao Bellas in Burgundy

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