Everyone seems to have recommendations for book clubs, including Oprah and Reese Witherspoon. We all want to discover the ideal book to read during our beach vacation. To help you out, I have compiled a beach vacation reading list so that you can cross one item off your to-do list!
One of my all-time favorite pastimes is to unwind on the beach by listening to the soothing sound of waves and indulging in a captivating beach read. It’s a perfect way to let go of the week’s stress. And forget about the tasks on my to-do list for a few hours. I’m grateful to live near the coast and can enjoy this experience whenever I want. The beauty of the beach never ceases to amaze me.
Last summer, we published a blog post titled “The 411 on Beach Etiquette,” which you can find here. If you plan to visit the beach this summer, it’s worth reading!
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What Makes a Book a “Beach Read”
It may surprise you to learn that the phrase “Beach Read” was not commonly used until the 1990s. Of course, people have been enjoying reading on the beach for much longer, but the trend really took off around that time. Publishers capitalized on it and the term became popularized.
“Beach reads” are renowned for their easy-to-read and enjoyable nature. They are frequently sought-after by many, and you can comfortably read them in public without feeling self-conscious. Generally speaking, a good beach read should be entertaining!
My Top Pick
A few years back, I stumbled upon a 3-book series authored by Elin Hilderbrand that has become my favorite. The plot revolves around Irene Steele, who discovers her late husband’s hidden life in the Caribbean following his death in a helicopter accident. Irene travels to the Caribbean to unravel a complex network of lies. This series offers an excellent blend of tropical scenery, drama, romance, and suspense.
The Paradise series has 3 books:
- Book 1: Winter in Paradise
- Book 2: What Happens in Paradise
- Book 3: Troubles in Paradise
Other Popular Beach Reads
I have done some research on a few recommendations that I think we would all enjoy. I am planning to purchase and read them over the summer while spending time at the beach with my husband. Personally, I enjoy finding a good series that progressively builds on the previous books.
1. A Summer Beach Novel by Jan Moran has 3 books in the series.
After the shocking revelation that her husband had spent all their life savings on a beach house, Ivy Marin’s life spirals out of control. As a struggling art teacher with nowhere to turn, she heads to Summer Beach with her heartbroken sister to start anew. However, their renovation project on a historic home uncovers a web of secrets within the community, and to make matters worse, the mayor happens to be her former high school crush.
Looking for an engaging summer beach read filled with captivating mystery and heartwarming self-discovery? Look no further than Seabreeze Inn!
- Book 1: Seabreeze Inn
- Book 2: Seabreeze Summer
- Book 3: Seabreeze Sunset
2. Lobster Bay Series by Meredith Summers has 6 books in the series.
The Lobster Bay Series takes you on a heartwarming journey of friendship, love, and loss in a charming beach town. There is a hint of romance in every story. The first book, Saving Sandcastles, follows the story of Claire Turner. After her husband’s midlife crisis and their subsequent divorce, Claire has built a successful business and enjoys the company of her two closest friends. She is now thriving and independent, achieving a feat she never believed was possible before.
Claire is concerned about the new competitor that just opened a shop across the street. Sandcastles, her bakery, and café, is her pride and joy, and the possibility of losing it all is overwhelming. She’s beginning to take drastic measures to ensure that her business doesn’t. Although her friends believe that Claire may be overreacting, they’re determined to help her before she does something drastic.
- Book 1: Saving Sandcastles
- Book 2: Changing Tides
- Book 3: Making Waves
- Book 4: Shifting Sands
- Book 5: Seaside Bonds
- Book 6: Seaside Bookclub
3. Myrtle Beach Mysteries Series by Caleb Wygal has 5 books in the series.
The Myrtle Beach Mysteries Series is a page-turning series with a hint of humor. Bookstore owner, Clark Thomas, is stuck in a rut after his wife died two years ago of a sudden heart attack at her desk. Then he finds the body of a friend rolled up in a rug behind his bookstore early one morning.
The series was the “Winner of the Pinnacle Award for Best Mystery” in 2021.
- Book 1: Death on the Boardwalk
- Book 2: Death Washes Ashore
- Book 3: Death on the Golden Mile
- Book 4: Death on the Causeway
- Book 5: Death at Tidal Creek
I hope this reading list for beach vacations proves helpful for any upcoming trips you may have planned! It’s always a disappointment to buy a book only to discover it’s not worth reading while sitting on the beach.
Feel free to share any books you’ve enjoyed in the comments section below.
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