Nothing says summer like diving into a good book. Whether lounging back at the beach, surrounded by sand and ocean waves, or soaking up the sun, patio side, a book makes the perfect companion. From re-released classics, like Anne of the Island & Anne of Windy Poplars, to new releases like The Illogical Adventures: A Memoir of Love and Fate, these five books are sure to keep you entertained all summer long. And the best part, they’re all written by Atlantic Canadian authors!

The Illogical Adventures: A Memoir of Love and Fate
By: James MacDuff and Mirriam Mweeba
Publisher: Pottersfield Press

Looking for a summer escape? Then look no further. The Illogical Adventures: A Memoir of Love and Fate will transport you across the world to the coast of Cape Town. Experience its awe-inspiring mountains, sea-side views, and stunning natural beauty, all without leaving the comfort of your porch.

Written by debut authors, James MacDuff and Mirriam Mweeba, The Illogical Adventures recounts how a chance meeting between the two sparked a deep connection and long-distance relationship, just as a global pandemic locked them down on opposite sides of the world. Told from each of their two perspectives, James from Halifax, Nova Scotia, and Mirriam from Cape Town, South Africa, The Illogical Adventures tells the true story about meeting someone and gradually realizing over time that you don’t want to live without them.

Anne of the Island & Anne of Windy Poplars
By: Lucy Maud Montgomery
Publisher: Nimbus Publishing

Whether you’re a lifelong Anne of Green Gables fan, or just finding her for the first time, there’s no better time to escape to the countryside of Avonlea than summer. Just in time for the summer season, Nimbus Publishing has teamed up with celebrated illustrator Briana Corr Scott to re-release these beloved classics with a whole new look.

The second volume in Nimbus’s new bind-up collection, this edition features both the third and fourth installments of the Anne of Green Gable series, Anne of the Island, and Anne of Windy Poplars. Follow along as the East coasts favourite red-head leaves for college, deals with an unfortunate marriage proposal, and begins her new career as a teacher.

The Queen Anne House: A Nova Scotia Saga
By: Bruce Graham
Publisher: Pottersfield Press

There is something about summer evenings, and the way old houses seem to come alive. Maybe it’s the salty breezing floating off the water, the cool air breathing life back into the closed shutters. Or maybe it’s the way light softens as it filters through the trees, casting a warm glow on the porch below. Whatever it may be, you can’t help but wonder who lived there as you pass by. What’s the story behind that yellow painted door, who sat on that porch, what family lived here decades ago?

These are the questions Bruce Graham seeks to answer in his latest book, The Queen Anne House. Taking place in the town of Cumberland County, this book spans over two hundred years, taking readers inside one historic home, and recounting the lives of those who lived within its walls.

Here
By: Heidi Wicks
Publisher: Breakwater Books

A hallmark of summer is days that slip away. One moment you’re sipping coffee on the dock, soaking up the morning rays, the next, you’re watching as the sun sets behind you. Where did the day go? With moments so fleeting it’s hard to find the time to properly enjoy a full novel, that’s why Heidi Wicks’ newest book, Here, is the perfect solution.

A collection of short stories, set within the walls of a colonial mansion in St. John’s, Newfoundland, these stories span over a hundred-year-period, and feature a cast of entertaining characters. The interconnected nature of Here makes it perfect for a weekend get-away. Read a story over morning brunch, one on the afternoon beach trip, and another at supper, and by the time you’re packing up to go home, you’ll have finished the entire book!

My Island Garden: Ornamental Gardening In Atlantic Canada
By: Dawn Baker
Publisher: Flanker Press

Summers are best spent outdoors, everyone knows that. But what happens when your backyard isn’t up to par? You have the deck, the barbecue, and the lounge chairs, but something’s missing. Then it hits you, it’s the garden, or in this case, the lack-there-of. You close your eyes and imagine your own little garden oasis, full of flowers, and vegetables alike. But where does one even start? My Island Garden, by Dawn Baker is the perfect place to begin.

A comprehensive guide to starting a thriving garden in Eastern Canada, My Island Garden is Baker’s fifteenth book, and features numerous watercolour illustrations, coloured photos, and an extensive how-to section. And with decades of gardening experience, Baker’s book is perfect for all green thumbs.

As summer nears its end, what better way to spend these last sunny days than outside with a book in hand. Whether it’s the unique, time-bending format of Heidi Wicks’ Here, or Bruce Graham’s historical portrait of a home in The Queen Anne House, we hope this list inspires you to read local this summer. For more Atlantic Canadian authors and books, head to our Instagram @atlanticbooks.ca to learn more!