SALT LAKE CITY — By this time every year most of us are ready to trade the snow of winter for the sun of summer. So if you're tired of the cold gray and craving a bit of warmth, the easiest (and cheapest) way to escape winter is into the pages of a fantastic book.

These six novels will transport you to exotic places where the weather is hot and the characters amazing.

1. "The Case of the Fickle Mermaid" by P.J. Brackston

How about a luxurious cruise off the coast of Germany, with Gretel and her brother Hansel? Yes, that Hansel and Gretel. Gretel is all grown up now and working as a private investigator in 18th century Bavaria. In this adventure, she's off to investigate some mysterious disappearances and rumors of mystical sea creatures. Gretel is tart and sarcastic, and these books are so much fun to read.

Content note: A few sexual references and occasional mild foul language

2. "Uprooted" by Naomi Novick

Take a journey into a fantastical land replete with earth magic, romance, action, beautiful descriptions and great characters. The pace never slows, and you'll be so eager to see what happens next between newly discovered witch Agnieszka and her mentor, The Dragon. The magic is perfection, and the book offers so many great moments and interesting scenes.

Content note: One slightly descriptive almost-sex scene, one moderately descriptive sex scene, and some violence.

3. "Dune" by Frank Herbert

If you're really craving some heat, this is the book to read. The desert sun will come right off the page and hit you in the face. "Dune," one of the great masterpieces of science-fiction, is set on a desert planet: hot, dry winds, massive sand dunes, merciless sun and very little water. From page one you're pulled into a world of power and betrayal, mystic prophesies and harsh survival, love and hate.

Content note: Occasional violence and a few homosexual references.

4. "Saving CeeCee Honeycut" by Beth Hoffman

What better place to escape the cold of winter than Savannah, Georgia? "Saving CeeCee Honeycut" is one of those fabulous Southern novels full of eccentricity, wacky women and humor. Twelve-year-old CeeCee goes to live with her long-lost great aunt after the tragic death of her mother. What follows is a hilarious, heartbreaking and unforgettable journey.

Content note: Mention of racism (it's 1960s Georgia).

5. "Dandelion Wine" by Ray Bradbury

It's impossible to talk about books that evoke summer without mentioning "Dandelion Wine." Master storyteller Ray Bradbury perfectly captures the magic and growth of being a child in summer. Douglas Spalding is 12 in the summer of 1928, climbing trees, inhaling the scent of freshly mowed lawns, burning firecrackers, watching the bees and learning about the potential of life.

Content note: Clean

6. "The Moon-Spinners" by Mary Stewart

For our last escape, how about a vacation on a quaint, picturesque Greek island? Throw in some romance, mystery and suspense and you have the perfect get-away read. Young Nicola Ferris takes time off from her job as a secretary to explore the lush landscape of Crete. But she finds much more than she bargained for when she stumbles on a man who's been shot and is hiding from those who pulled the trigger.

Content note: Mild violence

VIDEO:

Studio 5: Cheat the Heat — Summer Book Escapes

Teri Harman recently appeared on "Studio 5 with Brooke Walker" to share her picks for best summery escape books. Watch her discussion with Brooke Walker by clicking the link above.

Teri Harman, author and book enthusiast, writes a monthly column for KSL.com and contributes book-related segments to "Studio 5." Her novels, "Blood Moon," "Black Moon" and "Storm Moon" are now available. Visit her at teriharman.com.

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