NEW! 
Best Beach Reads of All Time According to Our Readers
By: Angela & Melissa
Updated:
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, we may earn a referral fee from qualifying purchases.We recently surveyed our readers and asked them to vote on the all-time best beach reads. Knowing how hard it is to pick just one, we let each person provide up to three titles. Two hundred and forty readers submitted more than 560 titles, and we sorted through all of them to find the titles that received numerous votes. The result is a list of 13 books and two series with publication dates spanning from the mid-1990s to present.
Best Beach Read Authors
Many of same author names popped up time and time again in our readers’ survey, with recommendations for their various titles. In compiling the Best Beach Reads list below, we selected the book from each author that received the most votes, but you can’t go wrong with any of the works published by these talented writers!
Based on our readers’ survey results, the following are some of the best beach read authors around: Emily Henry, Elin Hilderbrand, Dorothea Benton Frank, Carley Fortune, Mary Kay Andrews, and Christina Lauren. And we would add to that list, Abby Jimenez!
If you find that you’ve already read some of the titles on the list below, we encourage you to also explore the backlists of these authors.
All-Time Best Beach Reads According to Our Readers
The term “beach read” means different things to different people. In addition to surveying our readers about their very favorite beach read titles, we also asked them to tell us what they look for in a beach read or summer read. You can read their thoughts in our post titled What Makes a Good Beach Read?
Book Summary
Best-selling romance novelist January Andrews is suffering extreme writer’s block after finding out her parents weren’t the perfect couple she thought they were.
After her father’s sudden passing, she retreats to his secret Lake Michigan beach house in a last-ditch effort to meet her next book deadline as a romance writer. Instead, she finds another distraction in the form of her college English department rival.
January is none too pleased to discover that Gus lives next door, but it turns out that he is suffering from his own bout of writer’s block. When they challenge each other to swap genres, we’re left with a romance writer researching a local cult and an often-cranky literary author writing a love story.
If you love this novel as much as we do, then you’ll want to read the bonus epilogue, titled The Layover, on Emily Henry’s website. Or you can pre-order the gorgeous hardcover collector’s edition of Beach Read, which will include the epilogue.
The Book Girls Say…
This book ticks all the boxes for what we look for in a summer read: an idyllic location, laugh-out-loud banter, swoon-worthy moments, and realistic characters with complexities and flaws. It seems our readers agree, as this book received the most votes!
IN OUR READERS’ WORDS:
“The characters are funny, and the writing is fabulous. Grabs you in and speeds you along.” -Anne C.
“I love the mix of humor, real life, romance, and entertaining way the characters communicate through the window!”
“Anything by Emily Henry is always a good choice, but this, in particular, is perfect for reading while on vacation or at the beach. It tackles some serious topics like grief but does so in a way that feels light, if that makes any sense. The romance and relationship between the main characters make it a top-tier beach read for me!” -Victoria A.
“I think I love this one because, while formulaic and a romance novel, the characters feel so real. It’s the type of book that feels easy and fun, but also has a lot of themes about the human condition that leave you feeling more empathy for people around you.” -Emily D.
Also Featured on These Book Lists:
Best Books Like Beach Read by Emily Henry
Guide to Emily Henry Books in Order
Best Books of 2020
28 Summers
Book Girls’ Readers Rate This Book
Book Summary
In 1993, Mallory inherited a beach cottage in Nantucket and decided to embrace the unexpected gift and move to the island full-time. Shortly after, she hosts a bachelor party for her brother and meets his friend from college, Jake.
After things go wrong for other attendees, Mallory and Jake are left alone for the rest of the weekend. They have undeniable chemistry. After watching the classic movie, Same Time Next Year, they decide to continue getting together one weekend every summer, no matter what.
As the title suggests, the book spans 28 years of these secret meetings, one chapter per year from 1993-2020. You’ll keep the pages turning to find out how their lives change individually and together each year as Mallory and Jake go from college through career, love, and loss.
Keep the Kleenex ready for the ending. Then, pick up the novella sequel, The Sixth Wedding. This 76-page follow-up takes place during the Labor Day weekend of 2023, providing answers to lingering questions about some of the main characters and wrapping up storylines for some of the secondary characters.
Be aware that this book does deal with infidelity.
The Book Girls Say…
The chapters start with a fun recap of what happened in the world each year, and you’ll be transported through time as their lives progress.
IN OUR READERS’ WORDS:
“It is the best of the well-written beach reads I’ve enjoyed. Complex and believable characters I could connect with. Satisfying ending.” -Kathy R.
“This is my favorite Hildebrand. It has a love story but goes a little deeper than the typical romantic trope. I loved the brief glimpse into pop culture for each year. Great book!”
“This book drew me in from the beginning, and I couldn’t put it down. A story of forbidden love, yet you love the characters involved!”
-Debbie W.
“Loved the description of summer activities, summer traditions, and summer foods.”
“Great character development and I just didn’t know how it was going to end, so then I couldn’t put it down.”
The Unhoneymooners
Book Girls’ Readers Rate This Book
Book Summary
What should a bride and groom do if they get food poisoning and are too sick to go on their non-refundable honeymoon to Hawaii?
Give it to the Best Man and Maid-of-Honor, of course.
That would have been perfect if the duo didn’t hate each other. Follow along as they try to avoid each other while still taking advantage of all the pre-paid activities on a vacation intended for a newlywed couple.
The Book Girls Say…
This funny rom-com is perfect if you’re looking for a light, escapist read set in an idyllic vacation destination.
IN OUR READERS’ WORDS:
“It has it all! Hawaii, enemies to lovers, the tension to build up the romance is just wonderful. They are both characters I would like to know.” -Leslie C.
“I loved the romance side of it all and the fake dating. I love, love, loved the setting of it all and how [the authors] described everything.”
“Laugh out loud funny with a great enemies-to-lovers couple set in Hawaii. Plus, this novel has the funniest wedding scene in book history.” -Nikki L.
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The Guncle
Book Girls’ Readers Rate This Book
Book Summary
When family tragedy strikes, Uncle Patrick needs to take custody of his niece and nephew for the summer. Forty-three-year-old GUP (Gay Uncle Patrick) loves the kids, but he’s used to them going home after a weekend.
Once a famous sitcom star, Patrick’s career is stalled. His Palm Springs lifestyle of cocktails at brunch isn’t exactly ideal for a 6 and 9-year-old. He quickly realizes that having the kids longer than a few days means he needs to be more of a parent figure. But in order to help the kids, Patrick will also have to figure out how to help himself. This means facing some difficult memories from his past and deciding what he wants for his future.
Don’t miss the newly released sequel, The Guncle Abroad.
The Book Girls Say…
This book has much more depth than the cover might imply. We both rated it 5 stars because it made us laugh, cry, and feel everything in between! Even though the family is recovering from grief and in the midst of another complicated situation, Guncle is full of heartwarming moments and laugh-out-loud humor.
IN OUR READERS’ WORDS:
“This book made me laugh out loud at times but also had plenty of touching moments. The setting in Palm Springs was perfect for warm weather vibes. I’m so excited for the sequel!” -Jessica A.
“It was funny but also had an emotional side to it.” -Jenn K.
“I loved the developing relationship between the gay uncle and the kids entrusted to his care when tragedy strikes. It hit all the right notes for me: interesting, flawed, quirky characters with a lot of heart. I hated for the book to end.” -MaryLou C.
“The book is light-hearted but also has wonderful character development.”
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Books With Characters in Their 40s
Best Beach Reads – Best 2023 Summer Books
Readers’ Favorite Books: 2021 Edition
Beach House
Book Summary
Caretta had no intention of returning home to the South Carolina Lowcountry, but when her mother makes an unusual request, she can’t say no.
Soon, Caretta adjusts to the rhythms of the island, begins repairing the family beach house, and even earns the title “turtle lady.” Through reconnecting with her mother, Caretta learns precious lessons about true love, sacrifice, and forgiveness.
The Book Girls Say…
This is the first of seven books in The Beach House series, published between 2002 and 2021. Another book in the series, Swimming Lessons, also receive multiple votes from our readers. Additionally, The Beach House has been adapted into a Hallmark Original Movie.
IN OUR READERS’ WORDS:
“I love this story of mothers and daughters and sea turtles. I want to work on the turtle team one day. Great story!” -Natalie S.
“This book combined a fantastic story of several generations of people, and tons of nature, including sea turtles!“ -Barbara T.
“I cared about the Rutledge family and awaited each summer to see what happened to them.” -Chris C.
Lowcountry Tales Series
First in Series: Sullivan’s Island
Final in Series: Queen Bee
Publication Dates: 1999-2019
Book Summary
The Lowcountry Tales series is a beloved collection of novels set in the stormy and steamy picturesque Lowcountry of South Carolina. The series highlights the charm and complexities of Southern life, weaving together themes of family, friendship, love, and personal growth.
Each book follows different characters, often women facing life-changing challenges, who find strength and wisdom in their close-knit communities. The storytelling is injected with humor, warmth, and a deep appreciation for Southern traditions, making the Lowcountry Tales a great tribute to this region.
The Book Girls Say…
When we reviewed the survey results, we noticed many different Dorothea Benton Frank titles. Then we realized that all of them were part of the same series. Note, however, that each of the books can also be read as a stand-alone.
IN OUR READERS’ WORDS:
“The landscape is described beautifully, making you feel you are there, and the stories are always awesome.” -Barbara T.
“… I loved the story and the characters, what a fabulous book. I loved how the characters changed from their original description.” -Marci M.
“The characters were relatable, and it made me want to spend time there.”
Every Summer After
Book Summary
For six summers, friends Percy and Sam were inseparable. They spent every moment possible together in Barry’s Bay, often curled up with books. As they get older, their connection leads to more than friendship.
But after Percy makes a big mistake, she spends the following ten summers in the city guarding her heart. However, when she gets the terrible news that Sam’s mother has died, she returns to the lake for one weekend. Her chemistry with Sam is still undeniable, but is the past too much to overcome?
The Book Girls Say…
If you’re looking for an unputdownable, slow-burn summer romance, this one is for you!
IN OUR READERS’ WORDS:
“It’s so relatable! It’s what we all hope for, the best of young love that comes back around. I loved the will they-won’t they. It reminded me of the best of being a teenager.” -Jennifer D.
“I loved the past and present tense alternating timelines. It made me want to fall in love at a lake house.”
“It had some suspense. I liked how it alternated between past summers and the present. The characters were interesting. One of my favorite books in recent years. I have recommended it to all my friends.”
“This book was nostalgic for me. Brings back the days of summer vacations and young friendships.”
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The Newcomer
Book Summary
Letty’s sister Tanya made her promise that if anything happened to her, Letty would take Tanya’s daughter Maya and run.
When Letty finds Tanya dead, she knows the murderer is Tanya’s ex, Evan, so she follows Tanya’s instructions to get out of town. Tanya left behind a go-bag of cash, and massive diamond ring, and a faded magazine article about a small mom-and-pop hotel in a Florida beach town.
She heads south to Florida with four-year-old Maya, trying to comfort the child and unravel her sister’s secrets while keeping a low profile among the locals, including the handsome police chief Joe.
Sisterhood, romance, and mystery intertwine throughout almost 500 pages, which is great if you’re looking for a longer option.
The Book Girls Say…
Our readers recommended Many Mary Kay Andrews books, but this one was the top pick. She has been called the Queen of Beach Reads, and this is a great example of how she has earned that title.
IN OUR READERS’ WORDS:
“The caper, gal on the run aspect melds perfectly with fish out of water. Add all the decorator touches and the heart of gold, feet of clay characters and the humor…winner all around!” -Andrea
“Writing was witty, characters were relatable and overall the story was an easy read. MKA is fantastic as a beach read.”
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Remarkably Bright Creatures
Book Girls’ Readers Rate This Book
Book Summary
In this charming debut novel, Widower Tova works at the Sowell Bay Aquarium to occupy her mind and time. She takes pride in cleaning perfectly every night, even though she doesn’t need the money. She loves all the aquarium life but forms a special bond with the intelligent (and curmudgeonly) octopus named Marcellus.
He’s just as surprised to feel friendly toward this human who visits him nightly. Soon, he connects the sadness he sees in her with something he saw in the ocean long ago. Can he help her solve the mystery of her son’s disappearance 30 years ago?
The Book Girls Say…
We loved each of the characters and their struggles in different phases of life. Young or older, so many people deal with loneliness and loss. Watching characters process and evolve through that was a heartwarming treat.
IN OUR READERS’ WORDS:
“It was just delightful! The character development! I fell in love with both Tova and Marcellus. The ocean theme checked my beach read box. This concept was so unique and it was so well executed. It stayed with me long after the last page.“
“Great story, likable characters. A little bit of a plot twist to keep you guessing. And an octopus that steals your heart!” -Polly B.
“Loved the octopus Marcellus – so witty and droll! It had a nice mix of plot and characters for a summer read.”
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PS: We also have a printable Remarkably Bright Creatures book club guide available on Etsy, including discussion questions, themed games, a Marcellus bookmark, and more!
Stephanie Plum
First in the Series: One for the Money
Most Recent: Now or Never: Thirty One on the Run
Publication Dates: 1994 – 2024
Book Summary
In a twist on the typical detective series, Stephanie Plum is an untrained bounty hunter in New Jersey who only took the job with her creepy cousin, Vinnie, because of a desperate need for some quick cash.
The first book in the series introduces you to several zany and endearing characters from Ranger, the hot and secretive former special forces bounty hunter, and Joe Morelli, a former vice cop charged with murder. However, it’s Grandma Mazur who really steals the show.
The Book Girls Say…
While they have a mystery component, these books are most known for their humor and escapism. You have to be willing to accept and laugh at ridiculous circumstances to enjoy them – think sitcom vs. drama.
Stephanie’s “career” as a bounty hunter and relationships with all the other characters evolve in a way that makes the most sense to read in order.
IN OUR READERS’ WORDS:
“Fast-paced story with a lovable bounty hunter who always catches her man.”
“Stephanie Plum, bounty hunter, is a hot mess we can all relate to. The characters are wonderfully well-defined. It has murder, mystery, drama, comedy, and love. They’re a great “light” entertaining, easy read.” -Penny P.
“Enduring characters, laugh out-loud funny. A bit quirky, but not the same story again and again.” -Jodi S.
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Join the Summer Reading Challenge
Our free self-paced reading challenge will keep you reading engaging books all summer long. To make it easy and fun, we include highly-rated book recommendations for each of the six summer reading prompts.
Lessons in Chemistry
Book Girls’ Readers Rate This Book
Book Summary
Elizabeth Zott is a quirky and brilliant female chemist working with an all-male team at the Hastings Research Institute. But her scientific qualifications don’t stop the “good old boys” from being frustrated that she won’t get coffee or make copies for them. When Elizabeth meets Calvin Evans, another scientist at the Institute, another type of chemistry results.
Fast forward a few years. It’s 1961, and Elizabeth is a 30-year-old single mother and her career has been detoured. Instead of working for Hastings, she’s now (somewhat reluctantly) the star of a much-loved cooking show called Supper at Six. Her cooking methods are unusual (“combine one tablespoon of acetic acid with a pinch of sodium chloride”). As her popularity grows, it turns out she’s not just teaching women to cook, she’s also daring them to change the status quo.
The Book Girls Say…
This novel is funny, but not in a laugh-out-loud sort of way – more in a sometimes you have to laugh so you don’t cry sort of way. The descriptions of the misogyny that Elizabeth faces (and specifically some of the language that is directed at her) offends some readers, but it’s an accurate representation of what she and so many real women faced in the 1950s and 1960s. By no means is our struggle for equality over, but this book gave us so much respect for the women who paved the way.
IN OUR READERS’ WORDS:
“This book tugged at my heartstrings in so many ways. It made me giggle, it had a little steaminess to it, and it kept my attention through the entire book. It is probably a little more intense than a normal beach read, but it was so good and thoroughly enjoyable.” -Cindy L.
“Strong characters, humorous in parts, the dog, six-thirty, strong plot, satisfying ending.” -Lisa
“It’s a heartwarming story. The characters are very likable. And I fell in love with the dog!” -Polly B.
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Lessons in Chemistry Book Club Guide with Discussion Questions
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Books Set in the 1960s
PS: We also have a printable Lessons in Chemistry book club guide available on Etsy, including discussion questions, themed games, a kitchen conversions bookmark, and more!
Don’t Forget to Write
Book Summary
Marilyn wasn’t just caught making out with the rabbi’s son—she was caught by the whole congregation! In hopes of saving their daughter’s reputation, her parents sent her to her great-aunt Ada for the summer. They gave her an ultimatum: spend the summer with Ada, Philadelphia’s strict premier matchmaker, or kiss her college plans goodbye.
Based on her mother’s description, Marilyn expects Ada to be a humorless septuagenarian. Instead, Ada is sharp and straight-talking, with platinum blonde hair, a Hermès scarf, and a Cadillac convertible. As the summer goes on, Ada and Marilyn set off for the Jersey Shore, where Marilyn helps to scope out eligible matches for anyone but herself. She’s learning a lot from Ada—but not exactly what her parents were hoping for. Marilyn realizes that she doesn’t have to settle, even as her father threatens to disinherit her.
The Book Girls Say…
We love summertime historical fiction, so we’re very excited to read this title that comes highly recommended by our readers.
IN OUR READERS’ WORDS:
“Set on the Jersey Shore in the summer, this page-turner tells a great coming-of-age story. I laughed, I cried, I loved it.“
“It’s delightful entertainment. … What starts as a banishment turns into an unexpected adventure, leaving Marilyn with more than she expected. This heartwarming story is a must-read, and I thoroughly enjoyed it!” -Mitzi K.
“Great character development [and an] endearing story with a dual timeline. Generational family story and connections. A wonderful book by one of my favorite authors.” -Valerie C.
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Float Plan
Book Girls’ Readers Rate This Book
Book Summary
Float Plan takes you to the sunny Caribbean with Anna as she sets off on the boat that she inherited after the loss of her fiancé. While Anna initially begins her adventure alone, she quickly realizes that she’s in over her head. She hires Keane, a professional sailor who is dealing with his own struggles as he faces a future that looks much different than what he had planned.
Anna originally intends to follow the exact sailing route that she and her fiancé had planned to take together, but along the way, she discovers that she’ll have to chart her own course – both aboard the boat and in her life. Likewise, Keane is navigating rough waters both aboard Anna’s boat and as he struggles to put his life back on the course he had mapped out for himself.
The Book Girls Say…
This book is both an enjoyable beach read and, ultimately, an uplifting story about grief and second chances. Both main characters are authentic, flawed, and well-developed.
IN OUR READERS’ WORDS:
“This book completely captured the Caribbean. I loved that it was a personal journey, coming of age, and love story. I felt like I was sailing along with her.” -Natalie S.
“Loved the storyline and all of the different islands.” -Laura
“It was a very realistic read with real down-to-earth characters.”
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Summer Sisters
Book Summary
This story follows the lives of Vix and Caitlin over 20 summers. We see the ways in which their lives are woven together and torn apart over the years, from puberty to their 30th birthdays.
Growing up in Santa Fe, Vix had a difficult life at home. But everything begins to change for Vix when Caitlin – the mysterious and wealthy girl at school – chooses her as a friend and invites her to spend the summer with Caitlin’s family on Martha’s Vineyard.
On the Vineyard, Vix is introduced to a life of extreme privilege and becomes part of the Somers family. Returning year after year, the two girls become “summer sisters.” As the summers go on, their friendship also grows more complicated, until the summer when everything falls apart.
Now, years later, Vix is living and working in NYC, and Caitlin is planning her wedding on the Vineyard. When Cailtin begs Vix to not only attend her wedding but also be her maid of honor, Vix agrees to go in hopes of finally understanding what happened back then.
The Book Girls Say…
We read this book more than two decades ago, but after seeing our readers vote it onto this all-time best list, we think it’s time for a summer re-read!
IN OUR READERS’ WORDS:
“This is a go-to read for me during the summer. The character development is amazing.” -Stacy D.
“Great writing. It is a coming-of-age story. Lots of feelings in this story.” -Brenda W.
Book Summary
Hannah may look like a kindergarten teacher who could only wrangle young children, but she’s more dangerous than she seems. Her excellent skills as an Executive Protection Agent (aka bodyguard) just earned her a job protecting a superstar actor, Jack. He has some unlikely enemies – like a middle-aged, corgi-breeding stalker and a brother who seems to hate him.
When Jack has to return to the family ranch in Texas during his mom’s cancer treatment, he doesn’t want her to find out about the stalker. This means she can’t know he needs a bodyguard to be safe. What could go wrong when Hannah has to pretend to be his girlfriend in front of his whole family?
The Book Girls Say…
While Center’s other books are best classified as contemporary fiction with an element of romance, this one is shamelessly romantic and swoon-worthy (but NOT steamy – any romance scenes are closed-door). However, Center doesn’t totally depart from mixing in challenging issues, so the characters still feel real.
IN OUR READERS’ WORDS:
“Filled with laugh-out-loud moments, the Bodyguard is one of Center’s best. It’s a wonderful twist on the actor/bodyguard trope by making our main female protagonist the badass bodyguard, and the love interest a reluctant movie star. Their story is sweet, sincere, and hilarious.” -Tricia
“I laughed and cried and smiled through the whole book!” -Rene M.
“I do love that this book is set in Texas. I love that the high profile actor was just a regular guy who had his own inner turmoil. The characters were spunky, prone to mistakes, and open to new ideas.” -Leslie C.
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Bonus Picks From the Book Girls
We were so excited to see some of our favorite beach reads among those recommended by our readers! Below, you’ll find a few more of our all-time favorite summer books. We’ve read all four of the beach reads below, and we both rated each of them five stars.
Book Summary
Alexis is a thirty-seven-year-old sophisticated city girl. Daniel is the twenty-eight-year-old small-town mayor who saves her when her car gets stuck in a ditch. They have almost nothing in common but a strong commitment to their respective communities. Nonetheless, their chemistry is undeniable!
She comes from an ultra-wealthy family who looks down on her for being a mere ER doctor (rather than carrying on the family legacy as a world-renowned surgeon). She’s also recovering from a toxic relationship.
As she spends time in Daniel’s tight-knit small town, she discovers what’s really important to her. But it seems impossible to reconcile these revelations with her obligations. Is there any chance that their fling could be anything more than that? How can she choose between her world and his?
The Book Girls Say…
We love a good rom-com, but many fall more into the four-star range. Those that rise to the five-star level for us mix humor and romance with deeper topics, and Part of Your World does that so well! It will make you laugh and cry (sometimes even at the same time). It’s a book that you’ll want to hug!
Let’s start with the laughs… this book includes one of the absolute funniest scenes we can remember (the tutorial – IYKYK)! On the flip side, this story deals with some heavier issues, including both emotional and physical abuse. Neither is graphically portrayed on the page, but the impacts on the survivors are felt throughout the book.
Once you’ve read Part of Your World, we highly recommend you pick up Yours Truly and Just for the Summer. While the former is considered book two in the series, the latter is not officially listed as part of the series. However, each has some overlapping characters that make them most enjoyable when read in order.
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The Overdue Life of Amy Byler
Book Girls’ Readers Rate This Book
Book Summary
Three years ago, Amy’s husband left on a business trip and just decided not to come back. Forced into single parenthood and with no child support, she did what she had to do – cutting back expenses and taking a job as a school librarian. Now, her husband has shown back up out of the blue, wanting to reconnect with his teenagers. Amy is reluctant to let him have them over the summer, but she finally gives in.
With her newfound freedom, Amy decides to escape rural Pennsylvania to attend a librarian conference in NYC. Overworked and underappreciated, Amy describes herself simply as “a 40-year-old mom-shaped-librarian.” But her old friend Talia, a fashion magazine editor in the city, wants to help her see herself in a new light. A makeover, a few blind dates, and a trending hashtag later, Amy’s summer in the city gives her a glimpse of what her life could have been if she had chosen different priorities.
Just as Amy is struggling with whether to stay in this exciting new chapter of her life or return to the life she left behind, a crisis brings her two worlds crashing together.
The Book Girls Say…
Amy is totally relatable as a main character, and you’ll want to root her on during her summer escape from everyday responsibilities and her search for romance at 40. This book tops our list of favorite rom coms!
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Book Titles with The Life or Lives of…
Mary Jane
Book Girls’ Readers Rate This Book
Book Summary
Mary Jane tells the story of two very different family lifestyles and a 14-year-old girl trying to decide who she really is. Mary Jane is a quiet, book-loving girl from a traditional, conservative family in 1970s Baltimore. When she is offered a job as a nanny for a local doctor for the summer, her mom assumes their home is equally tidy and respectable.
However, the house is a huge mess and it’s about to get crazier. The doctor has welcomed a rock star and his wife to stay at the house while he tries to get sober. Mary Jane has a lot to teach them about tidiness and schedules, and all the while they are opening her eyes to the world outside her bubble. By the end of the summer, she’ll have a much better understanding of who she wants to be.
The Book Girls Say…
This was one of our favorite books of the last few years, and one that really stuck with both of us! Angela really enjoyed listening to the audiobook because it incorporates music.
Although the main character is a teenager, this is an adult novel, not a YA title. It makes an excellent read because of the perspective that comes from looking back at the years between innocence and maturity.
Crazy Rich Asians
Book Girls’ Readers Rate This Book
Book Summary
Rachel is a New Yorker who agrees to spend the summer in Singapore, her boyfriend Nick’s home country. He just failed to mention one crucial aspect of his life. He is considered Singapore’s most eligible bachelor, and his family is crazy rich. The family is essentially royalty, with younger generations expected to comply with the older generations’ wishes for their life (and spouse) choices.
Crazy Rich Asians is the first book in a trilogy written by Singaporean-born Kevin Kwan, and you can pick up the complete box set here. The second book is set in China, and the third brings us back to Singapore.
The Book Girls Say…
We both laughed through this whole series and loved arm-chair traveling to one of our dream vacation destinations. This book is rich with descriptions of Singapore’s sights, sounds, and tastes. It gives a very entertaining look at the lifestyle of the 1% from both the inside and outside perspectives. According to Angela’s Singaporean friends, these crazy stories are actually not so far-fetched.
This book/series is an excellent pick if you want something entertaining, but be ready to pay attention because there are a lot of characters! Reading the trilogy back to back is a great choice, as you won’t have to relearn all the relationships. We also highly recommend the audiobooks, because the accents add to the stories. We enjoyed the second book a little less, but the final book is just as good as the first, so keep going!
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Printable List of the Best Beach Reads
Looking for a printable version of this best beach reads book list? Our Buy Me a Coffee BFF’s have access to a cute printable tracker featuring the covers of all the novels listed above, as well as an additional list of 30 “honorable mention” titles that received more than one submission by our readers in the survey. Join our membership site today for instant access to your copy, along with some other fun perks!
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- Best Audiobooks for Road Trips
- Book Club Books for Summer 2024
- The Best Books About Road Trips
- Books to Read Before the Summer Olympics
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- Best Beach Reads of All Time According to Our Readers
- What Makes a Good Beach Read?
- 13 Great Books About Swimmers
- Summer Mystery Books & Beach Thrillers
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