Memorial Day arrives on May 25, which is also, somehow, National Wine Day. The universe has gifted us a long weekend and a wine holiday in the same 72 hours. I consider this a personal message. (Who am I to argue with the universe?)

Before I get to the wine, I want to pause on Memorial Day itself. It’s a solemn holiday at its heart, a day of remembering people who gave something we’ll never be able to give back. That matters. If you know a Gold Star family, call them. If you know a veteran, thank them. Then go forward into your long weekend and live well. That’s the point.

Okay. Wine.

National Wine Day has been around since 2009 and has absolutely no pedigree, which I respect. Somebody decided wine deserved a day, and here we are. The national drink of basically everyone who has ever been handed a glass at a wedding, a book club, or a Tuesday. Wine Day lands on the unofficial kickoff to summer, which feels wildly appropriate. There’s something about a long weekend that demands a good bottle, a good book, and at least one nap between them.

Here’s what I’ve learned about the perfect long weekend reading experience. You don’t want anything too heavy. (Save the 800-page literary epic for winter when you’re already locked inside.) You want something with momentum. A town you can step into, a couple you can root for, and an ending that won’t ruin your Sunday.

If you’re in the mood for a little glamour with your weekend, my Wilde Love series is set in Las Vegas and delivers on high-stakes, fast-paced, couldn’t-put-it-down energy. Start with Betting On Him here. Mafia. Casinos. Forbidden love. A book that pairs nicely with a bold red and a porch.

Whatever you choose, carve out the hours. Long weekends don’t come around often.

Happy reading.