Our Favorite Summer Beach Reads

Reading with a beautiful view is a great way to relax on vacation! 

Summer is finally here, and beach vacations are starting to ramp up. One of my favorite beach activities is soaking up the sun and reading a good book! To me, there is no better place to read than in my beach chair, with my toes in the warm sand, listening to the sound of crashing waves. Whether you like to read at the beach, poolside, or curled up on a comfy sofa, my team and I have put together some recommendations from our favorite summer reads.

The Hotel Nantucket by Elin Hilderbrand 

You can practically smell the sea air coming from this book. 

We’re starting this list off strong with a book by New York Magazine’s proclaimed “Queen of Beach Reads,” Elin Hildebrand. Immerse yourself in the world of the Hotel Nantucket, a once flourishing Gilded-Age resort that’s fallen into disrepair. But the unlikely duo composed of British billionaire Xander Darling and New Englander Lizbet Keaton find themselves thrown together, united toward a common goal to save the historic hotel. This story of small-town drama in an idyllic New England setting makes this book a perfect light and entertaining read for summer. 

What I Ate in One Year (And Related Thoughts) by Stanley Tucci 

Try to avoid reading this one on an empty stomach! 

Reading Stanely Tucci’s memoir feels like that perfect long lunch catching up with an old friend. Part food diary, part journal, Tucci enthralls readers as he reflects on life’s joys and heartbreaks, as well as the delicious descriptions of his favorite meals. Each chapter, full of charm and wit, is a reminder of how food connects us, grounds us, and helps us savor the moment. An easy, light read that’s perfect to dip into between dips in the pool. 

The Midnight Feast by Lucy Foley 

Another great story from the author of The Paris Apartment. 

Who doesn’t love a good mystery? This thrilling tale follows two worlds colliding as a sleepy seaside town prepares for the grand opening of a new luxury wellness resort. But small-town secrets and sinister folklore threaten to ruin the weekend, and it seems like every guest has something to hide. Even the resort employees harbor dark secrets of their own, meaning it could be anyone working to sabotage the opening weekend. For readers who like Lisa Jewell and Lianne Moriarty, The Midnight Feast is the perfect spooky accompaniment to your next beach trip. 

The Dirk Pitt Series by Clive Cussler 

There are almost 30 books in this series, but luckily each book acts as a standalone story. 

For some of us, the perfect summer read is all about high-stakes adventures in uncharted territories, led by a charismatic hero who narrowly escapes danger at every turn. If that’s you, pick up a book from Clive Cussler’s Dirk Pitt series. Novels in this series follow Pitt, a marine-engineer-turned-secret-agent, across the globe as he dives into deep-sea mysteries, uncovers lost civilizations, and takes on villains with ambitions that may threaten the planet. This series is sure to add the perfect blend of action and escapism to your summer reading list. 

Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan 

If you liked the movie, you will LOVE the book! 

This book has been around for years, but we loved it so much we had to add to the list! Even if you aren’t setting off on a fabulous international vacation this summer, you can still follow main characters Rachel and Nick as they travel to Singapore to attend a lavish wedding. Drama ensues as Rachel tries to fit in with Nick’s ultra-wealthy extended family, and the couple confronts the possibility that their lives are just too different to be compatible. Halfway across the world, Rachel must grapple with her understanding of wealth, privilege, and heritage in ways she never has before.  

The Mist by Stephen King 

With less than 200 pages, this is the perfect quick read for horror lovers. 

The Mist explores what happens when that late summer thunderstorm rolls through – but never leaves. David and his son Billy find themselves trapped in a grocery store as otherworldly fog envelops the town and brings with it a slew of supernatural dangers. The group trapped in the store panic,  pray, attempt to escape, turn on each other; but will they ever be able to make their way out of the mist? Short enough to finish in one day, but make sure you’re in the mood for something scary before you dive into this novella!  

Lost City of the Monkey God by Douglas Preston 

This book is strong proof that non-fiction doesn’t have to be dull!  

Take on the role of a real-life Indiana Jones in this narrative nonfiction account of the expedition to uncover the ruins of a Mayan city formerly believed to only exist in legend. Archeologists convene in one of the most remote parts of the Honduran jungle, where they must race to perform their excavation before looters find the site – or before anyone succumbs to the Curse of the Monkey God. Experience what it’s really like to be a treasure hunter from the comfort of your beach chair – no machete required!  

A Court of Thorns and Roses Series by Sarah J. Maas 

Fast reader? A Kindle or e-reader is my go-to way to have a variety of reads at my disposal! 

Looking for something that blends fantasy, romance, and just the right amount of danger? Then check out A Court of Thorns and Roses, the start of Sarah J. Maas’s wildly popular fantasy series that’s been likened to “Beauty and the Beast meets Game of Thrones” - with a healthy dose of steamy intrigue of course. Main character Feyre’s journey from mortal huntress to key player in a fairy kingdom is absolutely compelling. It’s the kind of book you’ll want to pack for a long-haul flight or a lazy beach day because once you dive in, you’re not coming up for air until you’ve devoured every book in the series. 

Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan 

A great book for book lovers. 

Have you ever found yourself meandering through the aisles of an old bookstore and felt yourself transported back in time? This is the story of Clay Jannon, a former tech startup employee, whose new job at a bookstore pulls him into the world of an ancient secret society. The society’s members have been working tirelessly to solve a complex puzzle passed down through history, clues hidden within a collection of old books now housed at Mr. Penumbra’s store. But Clay realizes the key to solving this puzzle may lie within Silicon Valley and may just require a high-tech solution. This lighthearted mystery is a quirky, joyful reminder that curiosity can lead you to the most unexpected places. 

If nothing new catches your eye, you can't beat re-reading a classic! 

If you’re looking for the perfect page-turner to toss in your carry on or to spark inspiration for your next getaway, we would be happy to share some recommendations. We are a team of avid readers, and we love to chat books! 

Need a break between books? We are also happy to share a curated list of movies and TV shows about the destination you are traveling to start the journey before you even take off!