There’s something so pleasurable and relaxing about picking up a book set in the heart of the Jersey Shore or the richly detailed Italian Riviera.
Typically clad with aesthetically pleasing, pop-art covers and an interesting premise (beach murder? Second-chance romance?), the best beach books of all time will be memorable to read and filled wi𝔉th all their fun-in-the-sun detail.
So, before Labor Day hits, the Post Wanted team wants you to pick up one of the best beach books we’ve read, reviewed and researched. Whether you opt to or pick up a physical copy, you’ll be well-prepared for whatever the upcoming three-day weekend has in store.
RELATED: Best mysteries and thriller꧙s we read, ranked and reviewed
For more reading, check out our full reading guides to Reese’s Book Club and .
Best Beach Reads
Goodreads rating: 3.99/5 stars
About the book: “Happy Place” by Emily Henry is a romantic comedy about a couple who, despite breaking up, pretend to still be together during a summer vacation with friends, leading to humorous and heartfelt revelations about their relationship.
The Queen of Beach Reads, Emily Henry, whipped up her latest read, “Happy Place.” This escapist novel is the ideal flip-through book with engaging characters and an intriguing plot. We can’t stop glossing over the cover, either.
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Goodreads rating: 4.03/5 stars
About the book: “This Summer Will Be Different” by Carley Fortune follows a young woman who returns to her childhood beach town to confront her past and find herself, leading to unexpected personal growth and romance.
From the author who brought us “” comes “This Summer Will Be Different,” which features a more compelling plot, in our humble opinion. The character dynamics are some of the best we read about, too.
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Goodreads rating: 3.99/5 stars
About the book: “Shark Heart” by Emily Habeck tells the story of a woman whose life changes dramatically when her husband undergoes a mysterious and transformative condition that turns him into a literal shark, challenging their love and resilience in unforeseen ways.
Undeniably unique in every sense of the word, “Shark Heart” by Emily Habeck proves that love knows no bounds. This thought-provoking read will have you feeling all the feels.
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Goodreads rating: 3.75/5 stars
About the book: “Ladykiller” by Katherine Wood is a gripping novel about a charismatic and dangerous man who seduces and manipulates women, unraveling the complexities of power, deceit, and personal transformation as the Greece-set story exposes the dark side of his charm.
As one of the best summer books we read this season, “Ladykiller” by Katherine Wood takes place in the wonderland of all beach reads: Greece. Your jaw will drop and you won’t be able to refrain from turning each page.
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Goodreads rating: 4.25/5 stars
About the book: “The Summer House” by James Patterson is a thriller about a group of friends who reunite at a luxurious summer home, only to find themselves caught in a web of murder and deception as their idyllic escape turns into a deadly nightmare.
As one of the most respected authors of our generation, James Patterson has the quintessential beach read up for grabs: “The Summer House.” We recommend adding this to your reading list for a thrilling novel full of suspense, intrigue and immaculate storytelling.
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Goodreads rating: 3.38/5 stars
About the book: “The Fury” by Alex Michaelides is a psychological thriller set in Greece that centers on a woman with a troubled past, who becomes entangled in a dangerous game of revenge and deceit involving a high-profile case of a missing person.
Meet the book we read in a day: “The Fury” by Alex Michaelides. With dynamic characters and a who-dun-it vibe, the book is told from the narrator’s point of view and they’re not afraid to break the third wall!
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Goodreads rating: 4.38/5 stars
About the book: “Where The Crawdads Sing” by Delia Owens is a compelling blend of mystery and coming-of-age story that follows the life of a solitary young woman who grows up in the marshes of North Carolina and becomes entangled in a murder investigation that reveals deep secrets about her past and the community.
We have a special place in our hearts for “Where The Crawdads Sing” by Delia Owens. Transformed into a motion picture on , this sweet story has award-winning characters and the atmosphere of reading a classic, all wrapped into one beautiful, emotionally pulling novel.
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Goodreads rating: 3.72/5 stars
About the book: “Bad Tourists” by Caro Carver is a darkly humorous novel set in the Maldives about a group of misfit travelers whose disastrous behavior on an exclusive tour leads to unexpected and chaotic consequences, revealing deeper truths about themselves and their relationships.
New on our TBR list (that’s to-be-read, for short), “Bad Tourists” by Caro Carver already has us hooked with its setting at the Maldives. With twists and turns, it’s sure to be a good beach read.
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Goodreads rating: 3.60/5 stars
About the book: “A Summer Affair” by Elin Hilderbrand is a novel about a woman who, while trying to balance her family life and career, finds herself entangled in a passionate summer romance that forces her to confront her desires and the consequences of her choices.
An oldie but a goodie from renowned beach read writer Elin Hilderbrand, “A Summer Affair” was one of the most engaging of her novels we’ve had the pleasure of reading. Not to mention, it’s part of her Nantucket series, with “,” “” and “” succeeding it.
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Goodreads rating: 3.67/5 stars
About the book: “Your Table Is Ready: Tales of a New York City Maître D'” by Michael Cecchi-Azzolina offers a humorous and insightful behind-the-scenes look at the glamorous and often chaotic world of high-end dining in New York City through the eyes of a seasoned maître d’.
For the foodie who’s looking for a nonfiction pick-me-up at the beach, we recommend “Your Table Is Ready: Tales of a New York City Maître D'” by Michael Cecchi-Azzolina. If you’re mesmerized by the food scene like we are, this book will have you wholly entertained. It’s one of our favorite great beach reads.
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Goodreads rating: 4.00/5 stars
About the book: “Beach Read” by Emily Henry follows two rival authors, each facing writer’s block and personal struggles, who swap genres and spend the summer challenging each other’s perspectives on life and love, leading to unexpected romance and self-discovery.
How could we neglect “Beach Read” by Emily Henry in our roundup of the best beach reads of all time? On-the-money name aside, it was a spectacular book and one we still think about to this day. Peaceful and pleasurable.
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Goodreads rating: 3.59/5 stars
About the book: “One Italian Summer” by Rebecca Serle tells the story of a woman who, after the loss of her mother, travels to Italy where she discovers a new sense of self, and experiences a transformative connection with her mother’s past.
“One Italian Summer” by Rebecca Serle is the epitome of well-written literary realism, set in an idyllic Italian hotspot. The relationship dynamic between mother and daughter is emphasized in the most compelling way throughout this recommended beach read. You’re sure to enjoy it.
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Goodreads rating: 4.14/5 stars
About the book: “The Paradise Problem” by Christina Lauren explores the complex dynamics of a vacation romance that blossoms between two individuals with differing views on commitment, leading to both personal growth and unexpected challenges.
New from author duo Christina Lauren, “The Paradise Problem” isn’t your average rom-com. You’ll instantly fall in love with both protagonists like we did and we’ll go on a whim and say you may even finish it in one sitting.
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Goodreads rating: 3.24/5 stars
About the book: “Island Time” by Georgia Clark follows three women on a tropical getaway as they navigate personal dilemmas and unexpected romances, ultimately discovering new perspectives on life and themselves.
Filled with splendid characters and set on a cute little island, Georgia Clark knows how to write a captivating rom-com with this hit, “Island Time.” We also recommend reading her two other novels we loved, “” and “.”
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Goodreads rating: 3.8/5 stars
About the book: “Island Time” by Georgia Clark follows three women on a tropical getaway as they navigate personal dilemmas and unexpected romances, ultimately discovering new perspectives on life and themselves.
TLDR: a summertime murder mystery taking place at a bachelorette party, where a bridesmaid is a suspect? Sign us up. Among all the books on this list, “The Bridesmaids” by Victoria Jenkins holds the most out-of-the-box, suspenseful plot.
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