Chatelaine Beach Books

The Host by Stephenie Meyers. It's science fiction, but it's also a romance with a twist. And it's about not one, but two strong female characters, contained in one body! If you don't mind sci fi, this is definitely a book that you could lose yourself in for a week. It's the best book I've read so far this year.

Our annual summer reading series launches is back, bringing you the best books for the beach that won't bore your brain (say that five times fast!). This year, we focus on four racy thrillers, just the thing for vacation relaxation.

Successful newspaper columnist and single mother Charley Webb has spent years building an emotional wall against scathing critics, snooty neighbours and her disapproving family. But when she receives a letter from Jill Rohmer, a young woman serving time on death row for the murders of three small children, her wall slowly begins to crumble.

Jill wants Charley to write her biography so that she can share the many hidden truths about the case that failed to surface during her trial. Seeing this as an opportunity to gain journalistic credibility, Charley begins her journey into the mind of this deeply troubled woman. Filled with complex characters and a plot rich with intrigue, Charley's Web is Joy Fielding at her heart–skipping, mesmerizing best.

Visit the book club forum to talk more about your favourite summer reads.