With the arrival of fireworks and popsicles, barbecues and bikinis, summer is officially in full swing. And as the temperatures skyrocket, a vacation mindset tends to take over, lulling us with the promise of simply feeling good. It's the season to escape the daily grind, so whether you're planning a leisurely staycation or heading off to swim, cruise, or explore a new city, go prepared with an e-reader filled with books that will perfectly complement your summery mood. Here are some interesting picks we think you'll find refreshing -- enjoy!

The Sandcastle Girls, by Chris Bohjalian
In his most personal novel to date, Bohjalian has created a historical love story steeped in Armenian heritage about a woman's journey through her family's past that reveals passion, loss -- and a wrenching secret that has been buried for generations.

The Hypnotist's Love Story, by Liane Moriarty
A hypnotherapist with daddy issues starts dating a seemingly great guy, until he tells her his ex-girlfriend is stalking him. Rather than running for the hills, our heroine is strangely intrigued and even eager to meet the stalker. Little does she know that she already has.

The Unfinished Work of Elizabeth D., by Nichole Bernier
After Elizabeth dies suddenly, her close friend Kate inherits her journals, which contain shocking revelations that force Kate to question all she thought she knew. Set shortly after 9/11, this is a story about what we show others, the secrets we keep, and the repercussions of our choices.

Arcadia, by Lauren Groff
It's the 1970s and a group of idealists decide to live off the land in western New York State, creating a commune on the grounds of a crumbling mansion called Arcadia House. Follow their wild, romantic ups and downs and the flourishing and decline of their utopian dream.

Bring Up the Bodies, by Hilary Mantel
This is the irresistible sequel to Mantel's Man Booker Prize winner, Wolf Hall. Now, enter the dark, delicious world of Tudor history and the dramatic lives of King Henry VIII, Thomas Cromwell, and Anne Boleyn, on trial for adultery and treason. The extremes taken to ensure her downfall are captivating.

Imperfect Bliss, by Susan Fales-Hill
A mom names her daughters after royals in the hopes that one day each will find her prince. But when a reality TV show called "The Virgin" comes to town and takes one sister as its star, the drama begins. A witty take on courtship and love and the way things have changed even as they've stayed the same.

The Yard, by Alex Grecian
Set in crime-ridden Victorian London, Scotland Yard has twelve second-rate detectives known as "The Murder Squad" -- until one is murdered. Together, the newest detective and forensic pathologist must track the killer. In fascinating historical detail, this novel showcases the depravity of the time period and the advent of criminology.

The Shoemaker's Wife, by Adriana Trigiani
This historic epic of love, family, and destiny begins in the gorgeous Italian Alps with two teens who fall hard for each other. Fate intervenes and separately they wind up in America. War and circumstance tries to keep them apart until the strength of their love changes their lives forever.

Did you miss Part One of our summer reading suggestions? Check it out here.