In light of our recent local heatwave which has us thinking about water, water, and more water, I’ve pulled together six beach reads (plus a giveaway!) based on oceans and beaches with all the summery feels! So, if you’re hankering for a fabulous book to slip into your beach bag, take onto your patio, or even read in the cool of an air-conditioned room while you simply dream of being beside the ocean, these are for you…
“An hour spent reading is one stolen from paradise.” Thomas Wharton
What is a beach read, anyway? For some, it’s lighter fare requiring minimal concentration, and will not be affected by regular interruptive dips in the ocean or pool. For others, it’s an engaging thriller that sucks the reader in or a mystery to help pass the hours in the blistering sunshine. More options include reading the classics or deep diving into something hefty and meaty while taking a break from work. Honestly, it’s all good.
Whatever your preference, it’s always a smart idea to have a book or three tucked in with the sunblock and beach towel. I’ve selected some favorites ranging from Christian suspense to classic non-fiction.
There’s a mini-review with each, plus my Amazon affiliate links in case you want to grab a copy (full disclosure here) which means I get a tiny commission while you pay the regular price for any of the books. Here we go:
CAMINO WINDS by John Grisham:
Amazon.com Amazon.ca Amazon.UK
A devastating hurricane is the perfect cover for an island murder in this compelling beach read! Flamboyant bookstore owner, Bruce Cable, prepares for another bestselling author visit when a sudden disaster shakes the entire island to the core—and the resident tight-knit group of quirky writers loses one of their own. When the local police fail to provide answers, Bruce starts his own investigation with a little help from his literary friends. A novel manuscript leads them on a dangerous trail that is far from fictitious…
THE WATER KEEPER by Charles Martin
Amazon.com Amazon.ca Amazon.UK
A love story so deep, so heartbreaking, so vivid, yet action-packed with twists and tension throughout—WOW! Murphy Shepherd has seen much loss personally and continues to experience indescribable atrocities in his vocation as rescuer of women in peril. In an attempt to lay his past to rest, he heads down Florida’s Intracoastal Waterway only to find Summer, a woman in dire need of rescuing. With skillful character development and fast-paced adventure, this story of redemption is page-turning brilliance.
BLACKBERRY BEACH by Irene Hannon
Amazon.com Amazon.ca Amazon.UK
Visit a sleepy coastal town in Oregon for this sweet, slow-burn romance. After a personal tragedy, Zach Garrett left a fast-paced business life behind him and is now content owning and managing a quaint coffee shop tucked away in Hope Harbour. When a mysterious young woman, Katherine Parker, rents the house next door to his at Blackberry Beach, Zach is intrigued—and eventually discovers they have more in common than he imagined. With food descriptions guaranteed to make your mouth water and an idyllic setting, this is a delightful Christian fiction read.
GIFT FROM THE SEA by Anne Morrow Lindbergh
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In this timeless classic, the author covers subjects of simplicity, solitude, and soul care in a way that almost mimics the poetic rhythms of the sea. Originally penned in 1955 whilst on vacation by the ocean, Ann Morrow Lindbergh’s writing is just as relevant today as she reflects on love, marriage, middle age, and balancing busyness. She draws wisdom from creation—shells specifically—and invites the reader to take a breath and appreciate the beauty of an unrushed life. A gorgeous little book!
THE KILLING TIDE by Dani Pettrey
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The suspense and tension run high throughout this book, and the romance between Finn, a Coast Guard Investigative Service special agent, and Gabby, an investigative reporter, keeps the reader invested right to the end. Plenty of plot twists and sparks combine with a strong thread of faith and a peek into the heroic lives of Coast Guards—a wonderfully-written page-turner for lovers of Christian romantic suspense!
THE BEACH HOUSE by Mary Alice Munroe
Amazon.com Amazon.ca Amazon.UK
This was the perfect book to read on vacation! Set in the beautiful Lowcountry, The Beach House touches on some of my favorite things—family, beach, and turtles. A fraught mother-daughter relationship is restored, and Loggerhead turtles bind generations together in a most magical way. Hurricanes, memories, romance, and communication meld into a lovely story of reconciliation and restoration. A wonderful read!
*GIVEAWAY!* And to add some extra excitement to the summer beach-inspired reading list, I’m giving away a signed, personalized copy of my latest Christian romantic suspense novel, THE ORPHAN BEACH!
“Life is spiraling out of control for pediatric nurse, Juliet Farr. Heart-broken, grief-stricken, and experiencing a crisis of faith—now she is the prime target for a crazed killer. When her ex-boyfriend, detective Max Bennett, returns to work the case in the Oregon Coast, he knows sharing the truth behind their break-up will destroy any possibility of a second chance together.
A manuscript, a maniac, and a mother’s love propel Juliet’s flight to a beach in Mexico as she desperately pursues hope and healing. Will she ever find freedom from the ache of abandonment? And when a troubled soul chooses Juliet as his perfect victim, can Max prove his love for her by risking his own life? Or will Orphan Beach be the end of their story?”
All you have to do to enter the giveaway is leave a comment below telling me your favorite beach—or your favorite beach read. Easy! 🙂 I’ll email the winner on July 16.
Happy summer reading,
***UPDATE*** Congratulations to the giveaway winner, Cindy! 🤗
P.S. If you love books and giveaways, make sure you’re subscribed to my monthly newsletter, Laura’s Letters! A book giveaway every single month, soul encouragement, a recipe, and FREEBIES just for subscribing! Check it out HERE!
