I love all sorts of books, but this summer for the beach, I want something that's going to stop me being bothered by my kids having sand fights and my husband ransacking to the bottom of the beach bag

After years of navel-gazing chicklit, I'm after full-on glamour and escapism. I'm steering clear of no-doubt very worthy Richard and Judy picks and I'll be leaving most of the heavy literary novels and biographies by my bed.

Here's the top ten books, I'll be packing...

Platinum - Jo Rees
I have to put myself first! After growing up on a diet of Jilly Cooper, Jackie Collins and Shirley Conran, I wrote this as my ultimate beach read. Sex, glamour, intrigue and a roller-coaster international plot about three women who take revenge on a ruthless Russian oligarch. Guaranteed escapism.
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The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo - Stieg Larson
So many people have recommended this intelligent tense thriller about the shady dealings of a wealthy family and a famous businessman. The author died, leaving a trilogy of these amazing books. This will definitely be my summer thriller fix.
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Guilty Pleasures - Tasmina Perry
I loved Daddy's Girls and Tammy is on fine form again with this almighty family squabble over who will rightfully inherit a glamorous fashion empire. Great characters and locations. Perfect for the beach.
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The Story Sisters - Alice Hoffman
I've read all of her books and this is the latest from my favourite quirky story-teller. Otherworldy and magical - it'll be a total contrast from the other books.
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Betrayal - Sasha Blake
A page-turning family saga about money, sex and power. Big themes of vengeance, greed and obsession. Juicy stuff.
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Gone With The Wind - Margaret Mitchell
I re-read this all-time classic every couple of years. Scarlet O'Hara has to be one of the best fictional heroines ever and I never get tired of the story.
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Married Lovers - Jackie Collins
Another fast dose of Hollywood shenanigans, all wrapped around the secrets and love life of a personal trainer to the stars. Fluffy and forgettable, but damn good fun.
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Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend - Jenny Colgan
Another sparkler from Jen about a girl who loses all her wealth. Well observed and witty, it's guaranteed to beat the recession blues and make you think about your priorities.
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Swimsuit - James Patterson
A beautiful supermodel disappears on a swimsuit photoshoot in Hawaii. Having co-written with my husband, Emlyn Rees (as Josie Lloyd) for the last decade, I'm interested in how Patterson works with Maxine Paetro here.
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The Road - Cormac McCarthy
Simply the most moving book I've ever read. I'm evangelistic about it and will take it on holiday to re-read again and to lend it out to others. It'll certainly make me appreciate whichever beach I'm on.
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