There’s something magical about the blend of sun, sand, and a captivating book while on a beach vacation. Whether you’re seeking heartwarming romance, thrilling mysteries, or tales of self-discovery, the perfect beach read can make your holiday even more memorable. Here are twelve books to pack for your next seaside escape:
The Best Beach Reads for Your Beach Vacation
The Happy Place
Holly Wainwright
Join three friends as they embark on a journey of self-discovery and friendship in this delightful novel set against the backdrop of a charming beach town. With its relatable characters and feel-good vibes, “The Happy Place” is sure to put a smile on your face.
There was so much I loved about this book – Second chance romance, fake dating troup, forced proximity. It’s so much more than your typical Rom-Com. It also deals with changing friendships as well as relationships.
This was a 5-star read for me and is the perfect book for your beachside or poolside read this summer.
See Also: 50+ Beach Essentials for the Best Day at the Beach
Beach Read
Emily Henry
What could be more fitting for a beach vacation than a book titled “Beach Read”? Dive into this delightful rom-com about two rival authors who find unexpected inspiration—and maybe even love—during a summer of literary challenges.
The Summer of Broken Rules
K.L. Walther
Escape to the shores of Martha’s Vineyard with this captivating tale of family secrets, forbidden love, and the power of forgiveness. With its lush setting and compelling storyline, “The Summer of Broken Rules” is a perfect beach read.
See Also: The Best Beach Bag Essentials
28 Summers
Elin Hilderbrand
Follow the decades-long love affair between Mallory Blessing and Jake McCloud as they reunite every summer on Nantucket. With its evocative setting and poignant exploration of love and loss, “28 Summers” is a must-read for any beach vacation.
See Also: The Best Gifts for Book Lovers
The Summer I Turned Pretty
Jenny Han
Transport yourself to the idyllic beach town of Cousins Beach and join protagonist Belly as she navigates friendship, family, and first love in this charming coming-of-age novel. Perfect for fans of romance and nostalgia.
See Also: 50+ Beach Essentials for the Best Day at the Beach
People We Meet on Vacation
Emily Henry
Join travel writer Poppy and her best friend Alex as they embark on a nostalgic road trip to revisit their favorite vacation spots. With its witty banter and swoon-worthy romance, “People We Meet on Vacation” is the ultimate summer read.
Every Summer After
Jamie Brenner:
Escape to the picturesque shores of Long Island’s North Fork in this engrossing novel about family, secrets, and second chances. With its lush descriptions and compelling characters, “Every Summer After” is sure to captivate readers.
I absolutely loved this book and read the entire book in one day. I couldn’t put it down, it was such a page-turner.
It made me laugh out loud, and cry. It’s a beautifully written second chance romance, best friends to lovers to strangers to lovers, dual timeline, soulmates,….. I could go on and on.
This was a 5 Star for me and I can’t recommend it enough.
See Also: The Best Beach Bag Essentials
5 Star Weekend
Elin Hilderbrand
Indulge in the luxurious world of the Nantucket Hotel in this gripping novel about a group of friends whose weekend getaway takes unexpected turns. Packed with drama, romance, and intrigue, “Five-Star Weekend” is a beach read you won’t be able to put down.
Malibu Rising
Taylor Jenkins Reid
Set against the backdrop of a legendary end-of-summer party in 1983 Malibu, this sweeping novel follows the lives of the famous Riva siblings as their secrets and scandals come to a head. With its glamorous setting and compelling drama, “Malibu Rising” is a perfect beach read.
Endless Summer
Elin Hilderbrand
Escape to the world of competitive surfing in this exhilarating novel about love, rivalry, and chasing your dreams. With its thrilling plot and sizzling romance, “Endless Summer” is a must-read for beach lovers and adrenaline junkies alike.
One Italian Summer
Rebecca Serle
Join protagonist Katy as she embarks on a journey to Italy to scatter her mother’s ashes and discovers unexpected love and healing along the way. With its evocative setting and heartfelt storytelling, “One Italian Summer” is a perfect beach read for lovers of romance and self-discovery.
It Happened One Summer
Tessa Bailey
Follow the escapades of Piper Bellinger as she finds herself stranded in the sleepy coastal town of Westport, Washington, and discovers unexpected love and adventure. With its charming small-town setting and sizzling romance, “It Happened One Summer” is the perfect beach read to sweep you off your feet.
What Makes a Good Beach Read?
A good beach read typically has a few key characteristics:
Engaging Plot:
Beach reads often have compelling storylines that draw readers in quickly and keep them hooked. They’re usually easy to follow and don’t require too much mental effort, perfect for relaxing by the ocean.
Light Tone:
While not a strict rule, many beach reads have a lighter tone. They might include humor, romance, or adventure elements that make them enjoyable and easy to digest.
Page-Turning Quality:
A good beach read should be hard to put down. Whether it’s a mystery with twists and turns or a romance with lots of romantic tension, it should keep you flipping pages until the very end.
Relatable Characters:
Characters that readers can relate to or empathize with are often a key ingredient in a successful beach read. Whether they’re going on adventures, falling in love, or solving mysteries, readers should feel invested in their journey.
Setting:
Beach reads often have settings that transport readers to new and exciting places, whether it’s a tropical island, a quaint seaside town, or a bustling city. The setting can add to the escapism and relaxation of reading on the beach.
Accessible Writing Style:
A good beach read typically has a writing style that is accessible and easy to follow. Complex language or intricate plotlines might require too much mental energy for a relaxing day at the beach.
Overall, a good beach read is something that you can lose yourself in while enjoying the sun, sand, and surf. It should entertain you and provide a pleasant escape from the everyday hustle and bustle.
This Post was All About the Best Books for Your Beach Vacation
Whether you’re lounging on the shore or soaking up the sun by the pool, these twelve books are sure to make your beach vacation an unforgettable literary adventure. So grab your sunscreen, a comfy beach chair, and dive into these captivating reads as you bask in the beauty of the beach.
