Curated for every season & every chapter
5 Books I Totally Judged by the Cover (and Loved Anyway)
We’ve all been told not to judge a book by its cover but let’s be honest, sometimes a fun cover is impossible to resist. I’m sharing 5 books I picked up solely because of their beautiful or intriguing covers…and lucky for me, they turned out to be just as good on the inside. Whether you're a fellow cover-judger or just looking for your next great read, these titles might surprise you in the best way.
BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS
Season & Story
2 min read
1. Story of My Life by Lucy Score
Cover Vibe: Soft, romantic, and modern—this one practically glows with charm.
Why I Picked It Up: I thought the cover was cute, but what really sold me? The printed page edges! That extra detailing made the whole book feel special, like something I needed to own before I even read the blurb.
Why I Loved It: Lucy Score does heart and humor so well. This book brought real emotional depth with moments that made me laugh and swoon in equal measure.
👉 Grab it here (affiliate link)
2. Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez
Cover Vibe: Clean, simple, and beachy with a romantic spark.
Why I Picked It Up: The cover promised easy-breezy summer vibes—and honestly, I’m a sucker for a seasonal read.
Why I Loved It: Abby Jimenez delivers again with witty banter, emotional honesty, and just enough drama to keep the pages turning. This one felt like a warm hug.
👉 Find it here (affiliate link)
3. First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston
Cover Vibe: Mysterious and minimalist—a sleek design that hints at secrets.
Why I Picked It Up: I couldn’t resist the mysterious, understated cover. It looked like a thriller with brains.
Why I Loved It: This twisty, addictive read had me hooked from the first chapter. I loved the layered storytelling and smart pacing. Total binge-read.
👉 Get it here (affiliate link)
4. People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry
Cover Vibe: Warm neutrals with pops of color—playful but grounded.
Why I Picked It Up: The laid-back, muted design totally sold me on a fun, travel-themed rom-com.
Why I Loved It: Emily Henry nails emotional tension and friendship-turned-love. It’s romantic, reflective, and one of those books you want to reread every summer.
👉 Shop it here (affiliate link)
5. The House Across the Lake by Riley Sager
Cover Vibe: Subtle creep factor with a moody, dusky tone.
Why I Picked It Up: The eerie lake house scene drew me in—it looked like a slow-burn mystery with atmosphere for days.
Why I Loved It: Riley Sager brought the suspense, the twists, and a narrator I didn’t quite trust (in the best way). Perfect for fans of thrillers with a supernatural edge.
👉 Buy it here (affiliate link)
