23 Best Beach Reads To Devour On Your Summer Escape

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Everyone’s idea of the best beach reads is different. But one thing is sure – if we’re headed off on vacation and have time for some leisurely beach reading, most of us want some escapism delivered along with our book.

And to be honest, it doesn’t really matter whether you’re relaxing poolside at a swanky resort, or whether you’re swinging in a hammock on your back porch. Either way, a little something off my beach reads list might be the perfect way for you to escape your version of reality for a little while.

Riveting, Charming, Or Amusing Beach Reads?

Exactly what form that escapism takes depends on you, the reader. Vacation is about separating ourselves from reality for bit, so it stands to reason that we would want our vacation beach reads to sweep us away in some way.

Some of us want gripping fast-paced thrillers, while others want intriguing mysteries, or romances that sizzle like the hot, sandy beach.

Me? I like all of the above plus some feel-good vibes, relatable characters, a page-turning plot, and maybe even a touch of humor.

It’s hard to get all of that in a single book! That’s why my TBR vacation list is so enormously long. It’s a good thing I read them on a Kindle when I travel or I would need an extra suitcase just for my books.

The bottom line here is that anything can make a great beach read for you if it keeps YOU entertained. There’s no right or wrong here. After all, it’s your beachy read, not someone else’s.

How I Chose My List Of Beach Reads

Honestly, there is no end to how long the best beach reads list could be.

This list is curated by yours truly – me – and the first place I look for the best beach reads to recommend to you is in my own beach bag.

So, some of these suggestions are for books I’ve already read. Others are popular newer releases, and some are celebrity book club picks. Some are brand spanking new releases while others are older favorites of mine. And since I can’t be sure what your favorite genre is, I tried to include a variety of genres so everyone can find something great here.

23 Best Beach Reads

So for now, I’m going to share 23 books that will make perfect beachy reads.

The Bucket List by Rachel Hanna

The Bucket List is a delightful read that will most likely make you laugh and cry, all at the same time! Read this if you enjoy contemporary fiction with a touch of humor, themes of friendship and loss, personal growth, and self-discovery, all wrapped up in a little adventure while Jilly is fulfilling her best friend’s bucket list. What lengths would you go to for your best friend?

A Perfect Vintage by Chelsea Fagan

In A Perfect Vintage, Lea Mortimer, a sought-after consultant specializing in transforming French country estates into boutique hotels, enjoys her single, childfree lifestyle and the challenges of working with aristocratic families.

However, when her closest friend Stephanie Bryce goes through a heated divorce, Lea finds herself accompanying Stephanie and her daughter to the beautiful Loire Valley in France.

Amidst renovations, unexpected romances, and family conflicts, Lea realizes that her meticulously-constructed life is at stake. With a whirlwind of love, betrayal, and self-discovery that will keep you entertained until the very last page, this book will have you reaching for an Aperol spritz and dreaming of living in a French chateau.

Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld

A Reese’s Book Club Pick! Romantic Comedy follows the life of Sally Milz, a sketch writer for the popular late-night comedy show, The Night Owls.

With a wry sense of humor and a string of heartbreaks behind her, Sally has given up on love, focusing instead on her career and her close bond with her stepfather. But when she finds herself drawn to the enigmatic pop music sensation Noah Brewster, a man accustomed to dating models, she begins to question if there’s a chance for them in the real world.

Join Sally on her journey through laughter, neurosis, and the eternal hope that true love might just be within reach.

The Celebrants by Steven Rowley

The Celebrants is a Read With Jenna Book Club pick! Join Jordan Vargas, aka Jordy, alongside his college friends Naomi, Craig, and Marielle as they navigate the complexities of adulthood, reunite after years apart, and confront the daunting prospect of a new decade.

Bound by a pact to celebrate each other’s lives through living “funerals,” they gather once again, this time with Jordan holding a secret that threatens to unravel their cherished tradition. With poignant introspection and a blend of humor and heart, “The Celebrants” pays homage to the challenges of self-discovery and the enduring power of friendship.

Summer Stage by Meg Mitchell Moore

In Summer Stage you’ll meet Amy Trevino, a former aspiring playwright who finds herself thrust into the role of production manager for her famous brother’s play, aiming to heal the fractures within their family.

Meanwhile, Amy’s daughter, Sam, a former Disney child star, returns home with secrets and a reluctance to confide in her mother. Determined to find her own path, Sam joins her uncle on Block Island for an unforgettable summer. With Timothy, the accomplished actor and director, leading the production, the trio must confront their yearnings for fame and wealth, question the true meaning of art and celebrity, and uncover their deepest desires.

Filled with warmth, ambition, and compelling opportunities, “Summer Stage” is a must-read novel that will keep you hooked from start to finish.

The Island Villa by Sarah Morgan

Escape to The Island Villa for a steamy, little read while you daydream about an island in the Mediterranean. How fun to have a “beach read” featuring a romance author!

You’ll meet celebrated romance author Catherine Swift as she navigates the complexities of family dynamics amidst her fourth upcoming wedding. Determined to mend her strained relationships with her daughters, Catherine believes this wedding will be the catalyst for their reunion.

However, Adeline, still grappling with the aftermath of her parents’ split, is less than thrilled about witnessing her mother’s nuptials in the lavish villa in Corfu. Meanwhile, Cassie, filled with admiration for her mother’s resilience, is harboring a secret of her own.

As the sisters arrive on the island, their expectations clash, and long-hidden truths come to light. Prepare for a rollercoaster of emotions as this messy family drama and tantalizing romance unfold under the Mediterranean sun. “The Island Villa” is the perfect blend of sharp wit, heartfelt moments, and pure summer enjoyment that will leave you craving for more.

Summer Island by Kristin Hannah

In Summer Island, Nora Bridge, a renowned radio talk show host, and moral advisor, abandoned her marriage and her daughters years ago. Her youngest daughter, Ruby, now a struggling comedian, channels her bitterness and cynicism into her comedy routine, fueled by her resentment towards her famous mother.

When a scandalous secret from Nora’s past is exposed by tabloids, their estrangement takes a dramatic turn. Nora is injured in an accident, and a glossy magazine offers Ruby a substantial sum to write a tell-all about her mother. Reluctantly, Ruby returns home under false pretenses to care for the woman she has avoided for almost a decade.

Nora suggests retreating to Summer Island in the San Juans, to their old waterfront house filled with cherished memories. There, Ruby reunites with her first love and his brother, her childhood best friend. The trio was inseparable until Nora’s departure shattered their hearts.

As Ruby writes her expose, it transforms into a journey of discovery, delving into her family’s past. She realizes that her mother is not the person she has despised all these years.

With wit, wisdom, and vulnerability, Nora is desperate to reconcile with her daughter. As the magazine deadline looms and Ruby grapples with the weight of her betrayal, she must confront her own growth and see her mother and herself as women. Kristin Hannah brings us a beautiful and triumphant novel that weaves humor, tenderness, sorrow, and more into a captivating tale that will leave readers deeply moved.

The Duchess by Wendy Holden

The Duchess, which tells the tale of the Prince of Wales and Wallis Simpson, was somewhat of a surprise to me.

I wasn’t particularly interested in Wallis Simpson before I read this book. Or at least, I didn’t think I was. But, I was completely fascinated the moment I picked up this book and started to get a glimpse of one of the most notorious scandals from the 20th century.

This book is a perfect choice if you like historical fiction of any kind, and especially if you’re a fan of Downton Abbey or any other similar 20th-century period series.

Found In A Bookshop by Stephanie Butland

There is so much to find in Found In A Bookshop! Loveday Cardew, the passionate owner of Lost for Words bookshop in the charming city of York, finds herself faced with the quiet emptiness that has settled over the town.

Just when people need books the most to transport them beyond their worries or expand their perspectives, the doors remain closed. But then, a letter arrives, igniting a spark of hope. Rosemary and George, a couple married for fifty years, are embarking on their final journey without ever leaving the comfort of their garden bench in Whitby.

They seek someone who shares their deep love for books. Loveday realizes that in times of crisis, she and her team can make a difference by recommending books that address their customers’ fears, loneliness, boredom, and yearning for laughter and escape. A heartwarming tale unfolds as the magic of books brings solace and connection to a community in need.

By A Thread by Lucy Score

By A Thread delivers a rollercoaster of emotions and a witty battle of wills that will keep you hooked from beginning to end.

Dominic and Ally find themselves locked in a battle of wits and attraction when he inadvertently gets her fired and she starts working in his office, thanks to his meddling mother. Despite their undeniable chemistry and Ally’s knack for driving Dominic crazy, he refuses to follow in his father’s footsteps and take advantage of his position. With Ally juggling multiple dead-end jobs and keeping secrets, Dominic sees an opportunity to uncover the truth.

But what starts as a mission to solve the puzzle that is Ally quickly turns into something deeper. As they navigate their sizzling connection, both Dominic and Ally are about to discover that love can be found in the most unexpected places.

The Guest by Emma Cline

In The Guest, a young woman finds herself caught in a web of deception and desire.

After a disastrous dinner party, Alex is abruptly cast aside by the older man she was staying with, leaving her stranded on the East End of Long Island. With limited resources but a keen intuition for navigating others’ desires, she remains in this exclusive world, drifting through its luxurious landscapes like a ghost.

As Labor Day approaches, Alex’s desperation and ambiguous moral compass drive her to move from one place to another, leaving behind a trail of destruction.

Beach Read by Emily Henry

What could possibly be more appropriate for a beach reads list than a book titled Beach Read? And this one brings you another book featuring a romance writer.

In this delightful story, a jaded romance writer and a stagnant literary author find themselves embarking on an unexpected summer challenge that has the power to shatter their beliefs about love and happy endings. Augustus Everett and January Andrews couldn’t be more different: he’s a critically acclaimed writer of serious literature, while she crafts bestselling romance novels.

However, circumstances bring them together as neighbors in beach houses, both struggling with writer’s block and financial woes. In a spur-of-the-moment decision, they strike a deal to break free from their creative slumps: Augustus will attempt to write a happy story, and January will take on the challenge of writing a literary masterpiece.

Along the way, they embark on adventures that range from heartwarming rom-com moments to intriguing encounters with a backwoods cult. With a promise to avoid falling in love, they set out to finish their books. But will they be able to resist the undeniable chemistry between them? Prepare for a summer filled with laughter, inspiration, and unexpected romance in Beach Read.

Wild Scottish Knight by Tricia O’Malley

Wild Scottish Knight is a hilarious and enchanting modern-day fairytale and I couldn’t get my hands on this one fast enough!

When Sophie MacKnight, a practical and skeptical marketing associate from California, inherits a Scottish castle, she expects a quick sale and a return to her comfortable life. However, she soon discovers that she’s meant to become a magickal knight and save the people of Loren Brae from the mischievous Kelpies.

To her dismay, her grumpy and impossibly attractive trainer turns out to be Lachlan Campbell, who is less than thrilled about Sophie’s presence. With Lachlan’s kilted Chihuahua, Sir Buster, adding to the chaos, Sophie must prove herself while battling her growing feelings for her prickly trainer.

Get ready for an adventure filled with humor, romance, and a Highland game of love that will make you wish you could be swept away to a Scottish castle yourself.

Bad Summer People by Emma Rosenblum

Bad Summer People is a deliciously scandalous and darkly comedic summer read set in the exclusive beach community of Salcombe on Fire Island.

This brilliant debut unravels a web of infidelity, backstabbing, and murderous intrigue. Jen Weinstein and Lauren Parker reign over the town, effortlessly manipulating those around them to satisfy their desires. Meanwhile, their husbands, Sam and Jason, harbor deep grudges and hidden secrets. Their single friend, Rachel Woolf, seeks her perfect match, even if he happens to be someone else’s husband.

As gossip swirls, the season takes a chilling turn when a lifeless body is discovered. With sharp wit and a subversive edge, Rosenblum explores the dark underbelly of seemingly flawless lives, exposing the secrets that lurk beneath the surface. A stylish and gripping tale where nobody is as innocent as they seem.

The Other MRS. by Mary Kubica

The Other MRS. is a completely unpredictable twist-filled whodunnit of a book.

Sadie and Will Foust uproot their lives from bustling Chicago to a tranquil coastal island in Maine, seeking a fresh start. However, their newfound serenity shatters when their neighbor, Morgan Baines, is found dead.

As the tight-knit island community grapples with the shocking murder, Sadie becomes increasingly unsettled. But it’s not just Morgan’s death that haunts her—it’s the secrets lurking beneath the surface. As suspicion falls upon the new family in town, Sadie embarks on a perilous journey to uncover the truth.

With each revelation, the stakes grow higher, and Sadie realizes the devastating consequences of unmasking the dark secrets hidden in the shadows.

The Hidden Life Of Aster Kelly by Katherine A. Sherbrooke

The Hidden Life Of Aster Kelly will transport you to the glamorous world of 1940s Hollywood.

When runway model Aster Kelly makes a life-altering decision to protect her loved ones, little does she know that it will set in motion a chain of secrets that will reverberate through the decades. In her pursuit of a fashion design apprenticeship with renowned couturier Fernando Tivoli, Aster finds herself entangled in a web of romance, ambition, and hidden identities.

As the glitz and glamour of Hollywood swirl around them, Aster and Fernando navigate a treacherous landscape where nothing is as it seems. Twenty-five years later, Aster’s daughter Lissy finds herself facing her own challenges as a budding Broadway star. When unexpected revelations come to light, mother, and daughter must confront their past and question everything they thought they knew.

A compelling tale that explores the power of chosen family, the price of fame, and the enduring strength of love.

Summer Reading by Jenn McKinlay

In Summer Reading you’ll meet Samantha Gale, a talented chef who finds herself on Martha’s Vineyard, reluctantly chaperoning her half-brother Tyler.

Things take an unexpected turn when she crosses paths with Bennett Reynolds, the handsome interim director of the local library. Sparks fly as Sam and Ben embark on a journey to find his father while Sam fulfills her culinary dreams. Will their summer fling turn into a lasting love story? Join them as they navigate dyslexia, family secrets, and the undeniable chemistry between them in this delightful rom-com that will leave you swooning.

Mrs. Nash’s Ashes by Sarah Adler

In Mrs. Nash’s Ashes, you’ll embark on a heartfelt and unconventional road trip. Millicent Watts-Cohen is determined to fulfill her elderly friend’s final wish of reuniting her with a lost love from decades ago. Carrying Mrs. Nash’s ashes, Millie finds herself joined by Hollis Hollenbeck, a skeptical companion stranded due to a flight mishap.

With clashing beliefs about love, their journey takes them through quirky towns and unexpected encounters. As they navigate peculiar bed-and-breakfasts and unusual festivals, Millie discovers that perhaps their adventure is about more than just fulfilling a promise – it may be an opportunity for her own love story to unfold. Join Millie and Hollis as they challenge their perspectives on romance and uncover the true meaning of lasting love amidst the unpredictable twists of the road.

All the Pretty People by Barbara Freethy

All The Pretty People will take you on a chilling journey to Hawk Island in this gripping thriller.

“As a seventeen-year-old, I spent summers amidst the wealthy elite, but everything changed one fateful night when I blacked out and my best friend, Melanie, vanished without a trace. Now, a decade later, I return to the island for my sister’s wedding, entering a world of privilege and secrets. Among the enigmatic faces is Melanie’s brother, who harbors a deep hatred for us all. As a storm brews, threatening to isolate the island, the truth begins to unravel, revealing shocking deceptions and hidden motives. With danger looming, I question if I will be the next to vanish.”

This psychological thriller with an unforgettable twist will keep you on the edge of your seat and is a must-read for fans of gripping tales like “Gone Girl” and “The Last Thing He Told Me.”

Desperate Duchesses by Eloisa James

Desperate Duchesses is one that’s pure fun for all of you historical romance fans! Eloisa’s duchesses are simply too good to miss out on.

Step into a world of dazzling opulence and simmering desire! Amidst a backdrop of glittering balls and whispered secrets, Lady Roberta St. Giles, a sheltered marquess’s daughter, finds herself captivated by a man who embodies danger and charm—a duke who refuses to be tied down by marriage until he lays eyes on Roberta. But the Earl of Gryffyn, Damon Reeve, knows the cost of pursuing a title all too well and is determined to shield Roberta from a misguided fate.

As their paths intertwine, Damon must decide if he can lead Roberta into a high-stakes game of his own, even if it means risking his own heart in the process. Prepare to be swept away by this tantalizing tale of love, ambition, and the allure of forbidden passion.

Meet Me At the Lake by Carley Fortune

Meet Me At the Lake takes you on a soul-stirring journey filled with missed connections and second chances.

Fern Brookbanks has spent years fixated on the memory of Will Baxter, an intriguing artist with whom she shared a profound connection during a serendipitous encounter in her twenties. Their daylong adventure promised a future rendezvous, but only Fern showed up, left with unanswered questions and a broken promise.

Now, at thirty-two, Fern’s life has veered far from her dreams, as she reluctantly takes charge of her mother’s struggling lakeside resort. Feeling adrift, she receives an unexpected lifeline when Will reappears, nine years too late, offering his help and support. However, as Fern wrestles with her trust and the secrets Will guards, she must decide if she’s willing to extend the same rescue to him that he once granted her.

With poignant introspection and a tender exploration of human connection, Meet Me At the Lake is a stirring tale of redemption and the enduring power of forgiveness.

Cassandra In Reverse by Holly Smale

Cassandra In Reverse is a Reese’s Book Club pick! Step into this whimsical and enchanting world where the power to rewrite the past sparks a series of unforeseen consequences.

Meet Cassandra Penelope Dankworth, a lover of routines and the comfort of the familiar. But when her perfectly ordered life takes an unexpected turn with a breakup, a job loss, and even a muffin shortage, Cassie stumbles upon a remarkable ability: the ability to travel back in time and alter her past.

Determined to rectify her mistakes, Cassie embarks on a journey to fix what she believes went wrong, only to discover that she may have been focusing on the wrong things all along. Full of wit, heart, and a touch of magic, Cassandra In Reverse is a captivating tale that will make you question the true meaning of rewriting one’s destiny.

The Hotel Nantucket by Elin Hilderbrand

Honestly, nothing says “beach reads” to me more than a book by Elin Hilderbrand who I consider to be one of the queens of beachy reads. And The Hotel Nantucket reinforces her title as such!

In this captivating tale of scandal, second chances, and secrets, Lizbet Keaton, recently heartbroken and in need of a fresh start, seizes the opportunity to become the general manager of the once-glamorous but now neglected Hotel Nantucket. With hopes of impressing their new owner, Xavier Darling, and enlisting the support of influential Instagram influencer Shelly Carpenter, Lizbet strives to revive the hotel’s former glory. However, behind the picture-perfect facade, there is a world of hidden dramas and haunted pasts.

The hotel’s reputation is marred by a tragic fire in 1922 that claimed the life of chambermaid Grace Hadley, whose ghost still lingers within its walls. As secrets unravel and Lizbet’s own love life hangs in the balance, the question remains: Will the Hotel Nantucket rise from its ashes or succumb to its haunting history?

With Hilderbrand’s signature blend of emotional depth, diverse perspectives, and a touch of 1920s nostalgia, The Hotel Nantucket promises an enthralling summer drama that will leave readers eagerly turning the pages.

Beach Reads Conclusion

It would easily be possible to have this list of beach reads go on forever! There are so many great books that offer just what most people are looking for in a beach read – escapism. But, I have to stop somewhere 🙂

Do you have some favorite beach reads that you would add to this list? Leave me a comment and let me know what it is.

Need more summer reading ideas? Think about joining a book club or following a celebrity book club.

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