For me summer is a great excuse to unplug, kick bag and devour a great book. Carefree weekends spent lounging on your deck or patio, by the pool, or on the beach were made for reading. At one time, I could put away two books per week, easily. These days that's no longer an option. Since I can't devote as much time to reading as I once could, I tend to be very selective about the books I choose to read. My choices are based on recommendations from friends, authors I love, and the New York Times best sellers list.

I've carefully selected the following five books for my 2017 summer reading list.

1. The Breakdown by B.A. Paris
Last summer I read Behind Closed Doors by B.A. Paris. I couldn't put it down. Seriously. It was a page turner. When I heard that she had written a second book, I jumped at the chance to get my hands on an advanced copy of it. If you haven't yet read Behind Closed Doors, you can read my review and then race out to buy the book. The Breakdown is another gripping thriller filled with suspense, the unknown, and the unforgivable. Stay tuned. I'll be posting a full review in the blog within two weeks.

Note: The Breakdown is available for pre-order and will be released on July 18, 2017.

2. Into The Water by Paula Hawkins
Another psychological thriller that will have you biting your nails. I've heard mixed reviews about Hawkins' second novel, but after reading The Girl on the Train, I feel this book is a must-read. I am overwhelmed by the fact that there are close to 70 characters in the book though. Not sure how I feel about remember all those people on top of following the plot line.

3. The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty
After getting hooked on Big Little Lies after watching one episode of the mini-series, I downloaded the book and read the entire thing before I watched episode two. Yes, it was that good! I loved Moriarty's style of writing and her flair for suburban drama. This book promises no shortage of it, and I can't wait to be introduced to a new set of drama mamas.

4. Isadora by Amelia Gray
When I did my undergraduate studies, I was required to take two physical education classes. In addition to gymnastics, I took a modern dance class. For the modern dance class I had to do a research paper on a modern dancer. I chose Isadora Duncan. I had no idea who she was. I merely chose her randomly from a list. However, through my research I became mesmerized by her...primarily by her tragic death. This biography delves into how the horrific accidental death of Duncan's two young children shaped the course of her tragic life.

5. All The Missing Girls by Megan Miranda
Another spell-binding psychological thriller about the disappearance of two women a decade apart but told in reverse. After moving away, one woman who was best friends with one of the women who disappeared returns to get answers and uncover the truth.

What's on your summer reading list?