Sunny Days with Happy Pages: Summer Self-Care

Written by: Stacy Stoddard, LCMFT

Summer has arrived!  The days are longer and the pace is slower, yet the absence of strict routines often brings its own kind of vibrant, unstructured chaos.  And for many of us, there is also a natural craving for relaxation that sets in.  

Lighthearted fiction and "beach reads" are sometimes dismissed as mere fluff or guilty pleasures. But choosing a warm, uplifting story isn’t just a way to pass the time under an umbrella, it’s actually a powerful, intentional act of mental health self-care.  Reading for pure pleasure does a lot more than just entertain us. It can lower heart rate, ease muscle tension, reduce stress levels, and even increase endorphins.

Our staff put together some recommendations for your summer feel-good reading list.  We hope you pick a book and take it to your favorite summer reading spot, and let the stories carry you away…Your summer stress levels will thank you for it!

1. The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune

This book tells the story of a rigid, by-the-book caseworker who is sent to investigate a peculiar orphanage on a beautiful island. It is a masterpiece of found family, radical kindness, and acceptance. It is whimsical, gently funny, and will leave you feeling genuinely better about humanity.

2. The Road to Tender Hearts by Annie Hartnett

This beautifully chaotic, darkly comic, yet deeply tender road-trip novel is all about second chances. It follows a messy, flawed 63-year-old father who sets off across the country to reunite with his high school crush, bringing along his adult daughter, two newly orphaned children, and a very quirky cat. It navigates real-life grief with absolute grace, brilliant humor, and a reminder that life-changing joy and connection can surprise us when we least expect it.

3. Theo of Golden by Allen Levi

Set in a small Southern town, this elegant and heartwarming novel introduces us to Theo, a mysterious stranger who quietly undertakes a beautiful campaign of anonymous generosity. By purchasing local portraits and returning them to their rightful owners, he sparks deep friendships and transforms a whole community. It’s a gorgeous, slow-paced exploration of wonder, intentional kindness, and the invisible threads that bind us together.

4. The Bookish Life of Nina Hill by Abbi Waxman

Perfect for anyone who loves books about book lovers. Nina Hill is an introvert who loves her quiet life working in a bookstore and playing trivia. When her life suddenly gets a lot bigger and more chaotic, she has to navigate new relationships and stepping out of her comfort zone. It is witty, relatable, and deeply charming.

5. The City Baker's Guide to Country Living by Louise Miller

This delightful novel follows a big-city pastry chef who takes refuge in a small Vermont town after a bit of a disaster. Filled with themes of healing, community baking contests, and cozy rural life, it is a gentle, life-affirming story about starting over and finding where you truly belong.