It’s summer and time for a Summer Book Tag!

The Quintessential Summer Book Tag 2026

I’m linking up today with That Artsy Reader Girl for Top Ten Tuesday, but I’m going rogue with a book tag! Link back to me if you try it!

The Quintessential Summer Book Tag was created by TheBookishKat, listed on Jo Linsdell’s Book Tags To Try This Summer post, and spotted on The Irresponsible Reader. Thanks for the inspiration H.C.! (I have tweaked a couple of categories.) This year I’m challenging myself in this tag to use books I’ve read in 2026. Last year, I chose from my reading history.

*Book titles are Amazon Affiliate Links or lead to reviews which contain Amazon Affiliate Links
**Images in this post are AI Generated

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Iced Drink–a Refreshing Book

Annabel Monaghan is an auto-buy author for me because I can depend on solid storytelling, compelling characters, and substantial/thoughtful content. When I want women’s fiction, I look to this author. I’m highly recommending Dolly All the Time by Annabel Monahan for a refreshing summer read.

Cotton Candy–a Book That Was Fluffy

The Christmas Ring by Karen Kingsbury is a novella-length Christmas romance, perfect for #ChristmasinJuly. Fans who appreciate stories of love, compassion, hope, faith, and uplit endings will enjoy this heartwarming, read-in-one-sitting book.

Sunglasses–a Dark Book

Although well-written, Daughters of the Sun and Moon is an intense read with difficult content (violence toward women). My least favorite content.

Picnic on a Rainy Day–a Sad Book

Kin by Tayari Jones is the story of two motherless young women.

Sand–a Book That Irritated You

Most irritating book I’ve attempted to read this year is Wreck by Catherine Newman. I didn’t enjoy Sandwich as much as others have, but I did finish it. Because of FOMO, I decided to attempt Wreck. I DNFed this pointless book at 31%. In my #outlier opinion, Down with the Shipmans is a much better family drama!

Summer Blockbuster–a Favorite Book to Screen Adaptation

So many favorite adaptations, but this year’s favorite has to be Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir! #AmIRite?! I hope you’ve seen this magnificent adaptation! I’m tempted to do a reread of the book this year.

Dropped Ice Cream–a Book That Didn’t Meet Expectations

Quite a few books on my DNF shelf fit this description. One in particular is The Irish Inheritance by Daisy O’Shea. I’ve read and enjoyed other books by the author, but I had to DNF this one at 45% because of the child abuse content. Disappointing because I had chosen it for #ReadIreland2026.

Palm Tree–a Book That Stands Taller Then the Rest

I read Where the Wildflowers Grow by Terah Shelton Harris soon after I read Kin, and I enjoyed the content, themes, and writing so much more! Yes, it’s a difficult story (childhood trauma and neglect), but I loved the thoughtful themes of redemption, healing, found family, survival, and hope. I’ll be looking for more from this author.

Bonfire–a Heartwarming Book

The original intent for this section is a book you want to burn. I’m tweaking it to highlight something more positive. The most heartwarming book and one of my best reads of the year (so far) is This Book Made Me Think of You by Libby Page. In this poignant story, a young woman is navigating the first year of grief after the unexpected loss of her husband. Books and the kind-hearted bookstore owner offer the comfort and healing she needs. I loved the realistic exploration of the grief process.

Fireworks–a Book That Exploded Into My Life

Humm….this is a difficult category! I looked through my 2026 reading list several times, and nothing jumped out at me…no standout read so far this year. So, I decided to go with a book that I was initially unsure about. In fact, I started the first book in the series three times and finally switched to audio before I finished it. Because of raving reviews and FOMO, I decided to go on to book 2. The audio format made the reading experience so much better that I continued on to book 3. Well….I was hooked and completed the entire 8 volume series! And now it lives rent free in my head! Along with everyone else who has read the series, I’m eagerly anticipating volume 9! Inquiring minds want to know? #TeamPierce #TeamHawke #TeamIslington ?????

The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion is a refreshing 8-volume series exploded into my life because I am a series completist and compulsively read all eight available volumes in four months (would have been faster but I waited for library holds). This light-hearted series is deceptively addictive, reflective, bookish, charming, and gently told. Contains no profanity, no steamy romance, and no dysfunctional drama. The audio narration is delightful! Lazy summer afternoon approved!

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You’re IT!

I’m tagging YOU!

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