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:
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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
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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
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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
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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!
I love Mary Alice Monroe’s books of The Beach House. All her books about the Isle of Palms is fabulous. I just read her new middle grade book The Islanders with Angela May. It is fabulous. I really enjoyed it. Thank you for the opportunity. God bless you.
Hi Debbie— thanks so much for the recommendations, I’d love to read more of Mary Alice’s books! 🤗 You are entered in the giveaway… happy reading!
Waikiki Beach in Honolulu, Hawaii, island of Oahu is my favorite beach. I love everything and anything beach related! My favorite past time is reading – bonus would be reading while on the beach!
Hi Stella, you sound like a girl after my own heart! 🤗 Beach and books. Thanks for sharing… you are entered in the giveaway— happy reading!
I love the beach. My favorite beaches are in Cancun México and the Dominican Republic. I miss traveling and I cant wait to travel again.
Hi Jessica, thanks so much for stopping by! Oh yes, I adore Cancun beaches, too… that was our last destination before COVID hit actually. 🤗 You are now entered into the giveaway— happy reading!
The Getaway Girls by Dee Macdonald is my favorite beach book hehe!Its such a vibe ..the characters are unique and the blending of story through time is done just perfectly 💖😄
Hi Sneha, thanks so much for this fun recommendation— it looks like such a great beach read! 🤗 You are entered in the giveaway— happy reading!
I love the Beach. My favorite Beach Place is the South Carolina and Georgia Coasts. I love to read mysteries set around the ocean and Ghost stories of the South. I used to live in Georgia near Savannah(my favorite city)
Hi Claudia, thanks for stopping by! That sounds dreamy… I’d love to visit Georgia one day. 🤗 You are entered in the giveaway— happy reading!
Omg they all seem like great reads. I’m a bookaholic.I love to read, to feel the pages. The smell of the pages, the weight of the hard cover books. I can’t go to book stores because I’ll buy books even though I have three or four waiting to be read. My garage is my library!
Hi Sandra, I agree— there’s nothing quite like turning the pages of a wonderful book! And bookstores can be SUCH a delightful problem… 🤗 You are entered in the giveaway— happy reading!
I love that you are so available to your readers
Aww thanks, Sandra… of course! I am incredibly grateful for each and every reader. Connecting is THE BEST! 💝
Thanks for all of the recommendations! I actually have Gift From The Sea by Linbergh, and it is an excellent read! My favorite beach destination is the Gulf Coast, Alabama, and Mississippi.
Hi Beth, you are so welcome— I hope you find something enjoyable from my list. And yes, Gift from the Sea is AMAZING! 🤗 You are entered in the giveaway— happy reading!
I live in Texas My favorite beaches are in Panama City, Florida where the water was always bluer than the beaches closer to me – Galveston, and Surfside in Freeport which I do enjoy going to. I also like Padre Island in Corpus and the Valley. Thanks for the giveaway. Enjoy your summer.
Hi Elsie, thanks for stopping by. These all sound like fabulous beaches— the last time I was in Florida was 1989… I may be due another visit! 🤗 You are entered in the giveaway— happy reading!
I have always relied on Sally John or Julie Carobini for beachy reads but I’m always open!
Hi Jeannie— I love that you have “go-to” beach read authors! 🤗 Thanks for sharing. You are entered in the giveaway— happy reading!
Thanks, Laura! These all sound like great reads and I would love a copy of your book. My favorite beach would have to be any one of the many in the Virgin Islands- they’re all so beautiful!
Hi Carlie, thank you so much! And the Virgin Island beaches sound perfect. 🤗 You are entered in the giveaway— happy reading!
I’ve never been to the beach. I would love to go some day. My favorite beach read right now Bookstore by the Sea by Denise Hunter. Absolutely adored this book! Thank you for the chance!
Hi Sarah, thanks for stopping by. I think the next best to being at the beach is to read about it… so thank you for this great recommendation. I’ve seen it everywhere and have just added Bookshop by the Sea to my list! 🤗 You are entered in the giveaway— happy reading!
I am adding your suggestions to my ‘want to read’ list. So far, CAMINO WINDS by John Grisham is the only one I have read.
Hi Jueall, I’m so glad you liked my suggestions! Camino Winds was such a great read— and of course, Camino Island, the first in the series. Hope he writes another one soon! 🤗 You are entered in the giveaway— happy reading!
I am not really a beach person but sitting by a pool in Hawaii reading a book is so enjoyable. A favourite book to read would be The Shell Seekers by Rosamunde Pilcher or Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier both have a Cornwall setting.
Hi Hilary, thanks for stopping by with your great suggestions— as an English girl, I also enjoy a book with a British setting! 🤗 Also, reading by a pool in Hawaii? Yes, please! You are entered in the giveaway— happy reading!
These are wonderful suggestions! I love Gift from the Sea – soul-care is a perfect theme for the summer! So many wonderful beaches out there – the rocky coast of Maine is a favorite for me!
Thanks so much, Sharon, I’m glad you like my book suggestions. 🤗 I’ve never been to that coast… I’m sure it’s lovely! You are entered in the giveaway— happy reading!
Loooove The Rosie Project! I love reading at the beach, even when my arms get tired from holding the book!! 🤍
Hi there— I agree, reading at the beach is the best! 🤗 I still haven’t read The Rosie Project… it’s on my (very long) list though. Thanks for the suggestion… I’ll enter you in the giveaway but we’ll need a name or email to notify you if you win. Thanks!
This is such a great list! I love it.
I can’t figure out my all time favorite beach read but Glass Bottom Boat was pretty fun! I’m writing one does that count Lol
I can say that I am SO excited for Melissa Tagg’s new series and the first is Autumn by the Sea releasing in the fall.
Hi Sara Beth, I’m so glad you like my list! And thank you for mentioning The Glass Bottom Boat. 🤗 I just looked up Autumn by the Sea… looks great. You are entered in the giveaway— happy reading!
I love Gifts from the Sea so much! It’s one of my favorites — thank you so much for the fun list to check out some new books — great choices!
Hi Cara, thanks for stopping by! Gifts from the Sea seems to be a favorite of many. 🤗 You are entered in the giveaway— happy reading!
Didn’t see anywhere to add comments, hope this is ok. Thanks so much for the list and the opportunity to win your book. Love Christian fiction. It has been many many years but I loved going to Dauphin Island. It was beautiful and such fun playing in the water.
Hi Nancy, yes—this is the perfect place! I’m so glad you enjoy Christian fiction and like my beach read list. 🤗 You are entered in the giveaway— happy reading!
I love the beach! It’s a great place to reset. We love Topsail Beach in NC the best, it is not as commercialized as other beaches. I loved Blackberry Beach, such a great read 🙂
Hi Cindy, I agree, the beach is definitely my favorite place to relax and reset! I’m so glad you also enjoyed Blackberry Beach… the setting is dreamy. 🤗 You are entered in the giveaway— happy reading!
My favourite beach is Kings Beach, Caloundra where my parents-in-law had a holiday unit, until they sold it recently. We were fortunate enough to have many holidays up there.
Hi Jillian, how wonderful to have so many great beach memories there! 🤗 You are entered in the giveaway— happy reading!
Wow! So many new to me authors and you are included. Lol. Thanks for sharing all these books. Now I won’t have to scramble to find something to read.
Hi Michelle— I’m so glad I could give you some new authors to check out… including me! 😜 You are entered in the giveaway— happy reading!