Book Covers That Are Perfect For a Summer Day

By Abbie Wright, Juliette Tulloch and Tessa Thejas Thomas 

Summer is fast approaching and for many, this is the ideal time to start reading a new and exciting book. Whether it’s lounging on the beach or having a picnic in the park, summer gives us time to relax and unwind, and a good book can add to this relaxation. Below are some bright and colourful summer reads that will keep you entertained – and look good on your Instagram story!

Very Bad Company by Emma Rosenblum

Very Bad Company has all the drama, humour, and mystery you could ever want in a summer read as a wealthy group of colleagues go on a retreat to Miami. When one of them disappears, it’s up to the others to unravel the mystery while keeping the fragile group together.

The cover is simple yet extremely effective at emphasising the summer/vacation aesthetic of the novel. The background of the entire cover is the sea, displayed in a gradient darkening at the top. Two characters lounge on lilos toward the bottom of the cover as per the protagonists and the novel’s vacation setting. The two figures may also highlight how, as the story progresses, these characters will slowly float towards the deep ocean while the themes and events darken as the mystery unravels. The title takes up most of the book cover, and its stylish font makes it stand out on a book display. The cover also includes an intriguing tagline that will leave anyone who picks this book up wanting to know more. Overall, the book cover is stylish and simple, while being a perfect companion to the darkly comedic story beyond it.

Talking at Night by Claire Daverley

Daverley’s debut novel Talking at Night, published by Penguin on the 6 June, explores a first love between Will and Rosie. The perfect romance to binge-read on a summer’s day, Daverley’s writing weaves together an emotional story of tragedy, destiny and the classic trope of opposites attract. Likened to the popular One Day by David Nicholls and Sally Rooney’s writing, this is sure to be a hit with readers. 

The cover design incorporates a laid-back typography and minimalist block colours that mirror other contemporary romances, such as Exciting Times and Conversations with Friends. The stripped-back yet striking design hints at the realistic nature of the novel and its focus on genuine and meaningful relationships that aren’t glamorised, but experiences of everyday pain that readers can relate to. The singular quote from JoJo Moyes suggests a profound understanding of the tribulations of first love, without revealing too much of its contents or taking away from the bold design. 

Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez

Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez is the perfect romance to pick up as the warmer weather begins to draw closer. The novel follows Justin and Emma, who plan to date for only a short while and eventually break up. However, when feelings start to get involved, their plan isn’t as easy as they thought.

Just for the Summer’s cover depicts bold reds, blues and white. The illustrations show Justin, Emma, and Justin’s dog as they run through the ocean water. Behind them, the sun sets casting hues of pink, orange and red across the sky and golden reflections in the water. The thick, bold font creates an impactful statement, common with many contemporary romance novels. This is evidenced further by the cover quote from bestselling novelist, Emily Henry. Readers of similar novels will gain a sense that this book will be to their liking as well.

Just for the summer, like its title, is the perfect seasonal read  and an exciting new release to pick up.