This post is all about the best beach reads this summer.
The most wonderful time of the year is summertime. Time to kick back, soak up the sun, and get lost in a good book. There’s just something magical about the way the warm breeze rustles the pages, and the smell of salty air mixes with the printed words.
Whether you’re lounging on the beach, nestled in a hammock, or simply stretched out on your couch with the AC blasting, summertime is the perfect opportunity to dive into a story that transports you away from the daily grind.
Whether you’re in search of light beach reads or more thought-provoking narratives, here are 12 excellent titles to tuck into your bag before heading out. They’ll provide hours of entertainment and mental escape. Get ready to travel through worlds unknown with these incredible stories – pull up a beach chair and start reading!
People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry
Emily Henry’s People We Meet on Vacation explores the complex relationships we form with those who are closest to us.
The story follows Poppy and her best friend, Alex, who have taken a summer vacation together every year for the past decade. Each year brought new adventures and challenges, but nothing could shake the strong bond between these two unique characters.
As they embark on their latest journey, they are forced to confront the cracks that have formed in their friendship over the years, leading to a beautiful and heartwarming story of love and forgiveness.
The dialog is laugh-out-loud funny and well-written, and their budding romance is expertly woven throughout the storyline.
Emily Henry deftly captures the highs and lows of any personal relationship, demonstrating that our closest connections are never easy but always worth fighting for.
The Dearly Beloved – by Cara Wall
The Dearly Beloved, a debut novel written by Cara Wall, is a captivating novel that tells the story of two couples, their friendship, and their journey through faith and love.
Set in New York City in the 1960s, the novel explores themes of religion, family, and relationships.
The characters are well-developed, and the storytelling is both tender and insightful. As readers, we are drawn into the lives of these individuals and their experiences as they navigate their complex emotions and beliefs.
Wall’s writing is beautiful and poignant, making The Dearly Beloved a must-read for anyone who enjoys a thought-provoking and heartfelt story.
East Coast Girls by Kerry Kletter
East Coast Girls by Kerry Kletter is a novel that gives readers a glimpse into the lives of four young women, who used to be best friends, living on the East Coast of the United States. Through the eyes of each woman, we see their individual challenges and triumphs as they navigate their way through life.
Kletter expertly weaves together themes of family, love, loss, and self-discovery, creating a deeply moving and emotionally resonant story.
With its complex characters and vividly detailed settings, East Coast Girls is a novel that will not only captivate readers but also leave them with a newfound appreciation for the journey of self-discovery that we all must take.
Apples Never Fall by Liane Moriarty
Liane Moriarty has once again captured readers’ attention with her latest novel, “Apples Never Fall.” With her signature storytelling ability, Moriarty takes us on a twisted and thrilling journey through the lives of the Delaney family.
The story follows the four Delaney siblings as they try to uncover the truth behind their mothers’ strange disappearance.
Filled with unexpected twists and turns, Apples Never Fall is a page-turner that will keep you guessing until the very end.
Moriarty’s talent for crafting complex and relatable characters shines through in this novel, making it a must-read for fans of her work.
The Honey Bus: A Memoir of Loss, Courage and a Girl Saved by Bees by Meredith May
The Honey Bus: A Memoir of Loss, Courage and a Girl Saved by Bees is an engrossing read that offers insight into the power of nature and the strength of the human spirit.
Written by Meredith May, the book chronicles her upbringing as a young girl in California following her mother’s separation from her abusive husband. Struggling to cope with the emotional trauma of her past, May finds solace in spending time with her grandfather, a beekeeper who teaches her the art of beekeeping.
Through the process of caring for bees, May learns important lessons about resilience, community, and the beauty of the natural world.
With vivid imagery and poignant storytelling, The Honey Bus is a must-read for anyone looking for a touching and illuminating memoir about the transformative power of healing.
The Kindness of Strangers: Penniless Across America by Mike McIntyre
The Kindness of Strangers is an inspiring book by Mike McIntyre. In it, he recounts his journey as a penniless traveler across America, relying on the kindness of strangers for food, shelter, and transportation.
The book tells of his encounters with generous individuals, from a man who offered to pay for his bus ticket to a family who took him in for the night when he had nowhere to go.
Through his experiences, McIntyre shows us the power of human kindness and reminds us that even in tough times, there are still good people in the world. His book is a testament to the generosity and compassion that can exist between strangers.
I Owe You One by Sophie Kinsella
If you’re in the mood for a charming and humorous contemporary novel, then Sophie Kinsella’s I Owe You One might just be the perfect read.
The story follows Fixie Farr, a young woman who has always put others before herself – a trait that often lands her in trouble. Yet when she saves a stranger’s laptop from certain destruction in a cafe, she finds herself indebted to him. This act of kindness sets off a chain of events that forces Fixie to confront her past, her present, and her future, all while navigating a complicated love triangle and a family business in crisis.
With Kinsella’s characteristic wit and relatable characters, I Owe You One is a delightful and heartwarming novel that will have you laughing and cheering for Fixie until the very end.
The Mother-in-Law by Sally Hepworth
Sally Hepworth has struck a nerve with her novel The Mother-in-Law, a suspenseful work that has received rave reviews since its release.
Told from alternating perspectives, the novel centers on the complexities of the relationship between mother-in-law Diana and her daughter-in-law, Lucy.
As the story progresses and the layers of the characters are peeled back, readers are left to question who to believe, who to trust, and who to fear. Hepworth’s vivid and descriptive writing style brings each character to life, creating a captivating and engrossing read.
Whether readers have experienced a fraught relationship with a mother-in-law or not, The Mother-in-Law is a poignant and relatable work that will have them hooked from start to finish.
Evvie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes
Linda Holmes’ Evvie Drake Starts Over is a heartwarming novel that tells the story of Evvie Drake, a woman who is navigating through the challenges of starting over after a major loss in her life.
With richly-drawn characters and a skillfully crafted plot, the story explores themes of love, loss, and the courage needed to take a second chance. The novel is a must-read for anyone who enjoys stories that tug at the heartstrings and leave readers feeling inspired. Holmes’ masterful storytelling and relatable characters make Evvie Drake Starts Over a captivating read that is not to be missed.
Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng
Little Fires Everywhere is a gripping novel written by Celeste Ng that tells the story of two families living in the idyllic town of Shaker Heights, Ohio. Ng explores themes of family drama, motherhood, class, race, and identity while keeping the reader on the edge of their seat.
The novel opens with the Richardsons, a picture-perfect family whose lives are disrupted by the arrival of Mia, an artist and single mother, and her daughter Pearl.
The two families become intertwined in unexpected ways, and secrets are revealed, leading to a devastating tragedy that will leave readers questioning what they thought they knew about the characters and their motivations. With well-crafted characters and a plot full of surprises, Little Fires Everywhere is a must-read for any fan of contemporary fiction.
Rock Paper Scissors by Alice Feeney
Alice Feeney’s latest book, Rock Paper Scissors, is a thrilling read that’s impossible to put down. Filled with unexpected twists and turns, this psychological thriller keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.
The story is told through the alternating perspectives of husband and wife, who both have dark secrets and motivations that drive them to play deadly mind games with each other. As the tension builds and the stakes get higher, readers will question everything they thought they knew about the characters and the situation they find themselves in.
Overall, Rock Paper Scissors is a gripping and thought-provoking read that’s sure to leave a lasting impact.
Pretty Things by Janelle Brown
Pretty Things is a thrilling novel by Janelle Brown that explores the complicated web of secrets, lies, and betrayals that exist between two women from vastly different backgrounds. One is a wealthy influencer living a curated life on Instagram, while the other is a small-time grifter who relies on her street smarts to manipulate those around her.
As their lives become intertwined, the story takes unexpected twists and turns that keep the reader guessing until the very end. Brown’s writing is sharp, witty, and evocative, painting a vivid picture of the glamorous world of social media influencers and the gritty realities of life on the margins. If you’re looking for a page-turner that will keep you on the edge of your seat, Pretty Things is definitely worth a read.
Want some more reading inspiration? Here are two of my favorite reading blogs:
The Literary Lifestyle
The Peanut Blossom Book Club
More Things You Might Enjoy From Get Up and Live Life
15 Reasons Why Public Libraries are Awesome
12 Must-Reads that Need to Make Every Book List
How to Start a Book Club That Everyone Will Admire and Want to Join Immediately in 2023
Final Thoughts
Summertime! With warm days, warmer nights, and more time to relax with a good book. Whether you’re looking for a romantic comedy, a coming-of-age story, or something full of suspense to keep you on your toes, my list of the 12 best beach reads for your summer reading list has got you covered.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your beach bag, beach chair, and drink, and get ready to immerse yourself in one of these amazing stories.
Why not post your review of the book after finishing it? That way, everyone can benefit from your opinion! Or let me know what books would make it onto your list.
Until then, delight in the summer air, bask in the warm sun, get out and appreciate your family and friends, have fun with late nights and no bedtime routine – and whether it is a new novel, pop culture, or a love story – enjoy a good book!
xooxoo
