London Is Calling—and These Books Are the Answer
Take a literary stroll through the city’s iconic streets—romance, mystery, historical fiction, and more await.
Weekend Edition: Start your weekend with curated book lists, reading tips, and lifestyle inspiration delivered every Friday.
Take a Trip to London Without Leaving Your Couch 📚🇬🇧
Hi Bookish Besties,
Armchair traveling is a peak summer activity in my book (pun fully intended), and this week I’m whisking you away to one of my favorite cities: London. While it’s a perfect year-round destination on the page (in person is a different story), there’s something extra cozy about visiting a city you love—or have always dreamed of—through a great story in summer.
London was my stomping ground for many years (North London girlie here!), and I still love revisiting it through the eyes of unforgettable characters. Whether you want to be reminded of places you’ve been, explore somewhere new, or simply escape for a little while—this one’s for you.
I’ve picked five standout titles from my themed lists—one from each category—to give you options. Then, if you want more, just click through to see the full roundups. Let’s go to London!
P.S. If you haven’t already, download your copy of The 2025 Summer Reading Guide:
Your Armchair Travel Reading List: London Edition
Whether you’re longing to revisit your favorite London neighborhoods or dreaming of exploring the city for the very first time, these stories will whisk you straight to its historic streets and hidden corners—no passport required.
Light Perpetual by Francis Spufford
What if five children who perished in a 1944 bombing had lived? Spufford imagines their futures in postwar London, from rebuilding bookstores to personal reckonings under Thatcher. This novel is rich in character and London atmosphere—achingly beautiful and deeply immersive. Get more historical fiction books set in London here.
Weekends with You by Alexandra Paige
Lucy’s flower shop in North London becomes the heart of this sweet, found-family romance told in cozy weekend vignettes. You’ll fall in love with her flatmates, her crush, and the canal side charm of the neighborhood. Get more romance books set in London here.
The Other Mothers by Katherine Faulkner
A new mom joins a posh Chelsea playgroup and uncovers secrets darker than any playdate drama. This twisty suburban thriller had me turning pages into the night—sharp, suspenseful, and perfectly London. Get more mystery and thriller books set in London here.
Paddington by Michael Bond
The iconic bear from Peru arrives at Paddington Station with a suitcase and a sweet tooth. This charming classic is full of London landmarks, warmhearted misadventures, and timeless wit. Get more children’s books set in London here.
Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf
Step into Clarissa Dalloway’s thoughts as she strolls through London preparing for a party. Woolf’s lyrical stream-of-consciousness takes us through Regent’s Park, past Big Ben, and into the very soul of the city. Get more classic books set in London here.
More Summer Bookish Goodness to Explore
The 2025 Summer Reading Guide — From heart-pounding thrillers to eye-opening nonfiction, browse the lists.
The 2025 Minimalist Summer Reading List — Ten best books from the full summer guide.
2025 Summer Books for Your Zodiac Sign — From fiery Aries adventures to dreamy Pisces tales, match your star sign to the perfect new release.
Classic Books to Read in Summer — Timeless reads that feel especially magical in the summer months.
2025 Summer Reading Challenge — Five fun prompts to keep your reading fresh and playful all season long.
Seasonal Living Ideas for Summer — Embrace the season with joyful, mindful lifestyle ideas.
Ultimate Summer Bucket List — 50 fun, budget-friendly activities to try in 2025.
Literary Calendar
June is Pride Month, Audiobook Appreciation Month, National Caribbean American Heritage Month.
June 27th 1880: Helen Keller is born. Popular works include: The Story of My Life, The World I Live In.
June 30th 1936: Margaret Mitchell's novel Gone With the Wind is published. It went on to win the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1937.
July is Disability Pride Month.
July 1st 1804: Amantine-Lucile-Aurore Dudevant, pseudonym George Sand is born. Popular works include: Indiana, La Mare au diable, François le Champi, La Petite Fadette.
July 2nd 1877: Hermann Hesse is born. Popular works include: Siddhartha, Steppenwolf, Peter Camenzind, Demian, Narcissus and Goldmund.
July 3rd 1883: Franz Kafka is born. Popular works include: The Metamorphosis, The Trial, The Castle, In the Penal Colony, Amerika.
July 4th 1804: Nathaniel Hawthorne is born. Popular works include: The Scarlet Letter, The House of Seven Gables, The Blithedale Romance, The Marble Faun, Twice-Told Tales, Mosses from an Old Manse, A Wonder Book for Girls and Boys, Tanglewood Tales.
✨Final Thoughts
Whether you’re reading on a shaded porch, in a breezy park, or tucked into your favorite chair, I hope one of these London reads helps you travel somewhere magical this weekend.
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Happy reading!
Victoria
P.S. Mark your calendar and join us for June’s BYOB Club meeting TOMORROW Saturday, June 28th, 2025 at 7 pm ET. Bring a book you've read during the past month and share it with us.
How to join, details, and more in the post below:
