By Jennifer Werner, Student at Radford University

While you’re vacationing this summer, laying out by the pool or tanning on a beach, catch up on your reading with some of this summer's hottest books. Whatever your preference may be, there is something for each of you!

Here's my list of the top five books you have to read this summer.

1."The 12th of Never"

For those of you who love suspenseful detective novels, this is the story for you. Following the birth of her daughter, Detective Lindsay Boxer is forced to return to work to work on two chilling cases. One of the cases involves a rising San Francisco 49ers football player who is the main suspect in a gruesome murder. The other case bewilders Boxer when an English professor approaches her and shares the vivid details of the nightmares that he has been having. The nightmares have haunted him with the images of a violent murder. All though he believes the murder is real, Boxer is doubtful until she receives a call about a shooting that matches the details of the professor’s dream. The story takes a twist, and Boxer is confronted with a devastating loss. This New York Times bestseller will you keep you on the edge of your seat.

2. "Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption"

This dramatic story by Laura Hillenbrand follows the inspiring story of survival of an Army Air Forces lieutenant who must overcome challenging obstacles during World War II. The young man was an aspiring athlete who was bound for the Berlin Olympics when news of the war broke out. The athlete joined the military, and during a perilous journey, survived a devastating ordeal as his bomber crashed into the Pacific Ocean, leaving him a lone survivor amongst debris, sharks and treacherous conditions. This story will inspire and motivate, yet still pull at the heart stings.

3. "The Best of Me"

In true Nicholas Sparks style, this romantic novel tells the tale of long-lost high school sweethearts reunited by the death of a mutual friend. When Amanda Collier, an upper-crust well-to-do girl, falls in love with Dawson Cole, a young man with a troubled background and a family history full of crime, her relationship is scrutinized. Forced to go their separate ways because of their differences and the expectations that society has for them, the two star-crossed lovers are separated but still in each other’s minds. When they are reunited, their romance is reignited. Whether or not they have a happy ending, this novel is a must-read. Just make sure you have a box of tissues handy!

4. "Lean In"

Sheryl Sandberg’s book empowers women and shows many elements of feminism. Sandberg strives to encourage women to make a difference in the world and achieve their dreams. Although the book seems to be written in a more corporate writing style, this is definitely a fascinating book to read.

5. "The Oracle Glass"

This historical novel by Judith Merkle Riley combines elements of historical fiction with the supernatural. It's an engrossing story that tells the tale of a woman who disguises herself as Madame de Morville, a witch and fortune teller who resides in 17th-century Paris. This gripping story is based on the true story of the murder scandal The Affair of the Poisons. Full of suspense and magical intrigue, this story will leave you wanting more!