With summer just around the corner, there’s no better time to pick up a new book — whether you’re reading in the garden, by the pool, or curled up inside on a rainy day.
At Violet Bookshop, we believe every kind of reading is worth celebrating, and summer is the perfect season to dive into something new. From sun-soaked romances to seasonal recipes and nature writing, here are seven books that capture the spirit of summer in all its forms.
The summer of broken rules
A popular choice from our general fiction collection. This is a romantic novel inspired by a Taylor Swift song, and is now a New York Times bestseller.
This one is a real customer favourite — light, romantic, and perfect for a sunny afternoon.
Summer! A cookbook
One of our Food & Drink books. From Cocktails to bites, more than 100 seasonally inspired recipes.
We love how this cookbook captures the feeling of summer entertaining, from relaxed dinners to impromptu garden drinks.
Seven summers
A general fiction book, set in Cornwall with an “Adult & contemporary romance” theme.
Set in Cornwall, this story has such a strong sense of place — it’s one of those books you want to read slowly and soak up.
The last summer
One of our historical Romance books. Set in 1930 on St Kilda, a wild remote island off the coast of Scotland.
There’s something haunting and beautiful about this setting; We always recommend it to readers who enjoy historical fiction with depth.
Flower Fairies of the Summer
Relive the beauty and magic of Cicely Mary Barker’s Flower Fairies of the Summer. Part of our Poetry for all ages collection.
This one brings a lot of joy — it’s a nostalgic favourite for many of us, and a lovely gift for children or poetry lovers alike.
One Midsummer’s Day
One of our Nature & Environment books. Described as “A jewel of a book” by Caroline Lucas MP, exploring the world of Swifts, which are among the most extraordinary of all birds.
A quiet gem of a book — it made me look at the skies above our own high street with new curiosity and wonder.
Summer in Baden-Baden
A classic Literature book. Join Dostoevsky on his tumultuous honeymoon in this hypnotic cult classic , introduced by Susan Sontag. ‘A wonderful work of art.’ Jon McGregor.
A brilliant, unsettling read — one for fans of classics, or anyone curious about the darker corners of summer travel.