Summer is just around the corner, and it’s time to start thinking about your next beach vacation. Whether you’re looking for something light and fluffy or a page-turner that will keep you on the edge of your beach chair, there’s something for everyone on this year’s list of the best beach reads.
- “People We Meet on Vacation” by Emily Henry – This romantic comedy follows Alex and Poppy, two best friends who go on annual vacations together but have been estranged for two years. When they plan one last trip together to salvage their friendship, they realize their feelings for each other might be more than just platonic.
- “The Last Thing He Told Me” by Laura Dave – When Hannah Hall’s husband disappears, leaving her with a note to protect their daughter, she’s forced to confront the secrets of his past. This thriller is a fast-paced and gripping read that will keep you guessing until the very end.
- “The Soulmate Equation” by Christina Lauren – This romantic comedy is perfect for anyone who believes in the power of true love. When single mother Jess Davis signs up for a DNA-based matchmaking service, she’s paired with the company’s founder, who happens to be her scientific soulmate.
- “The Maidens” by Alex Michaelides – This psychological thriller follows a group of elite Cambridge University students who are targeted by a serial killer. As the main character Mariana uncovers the killer’s identity, she begins to question her own sanity and the loyalty of those around her.
- “The Paper Palace” by Miranda Cowley Heller – This literary fiction novel is perfect for readers who enjoy character-driven stories. Set over the course of a single day, the novel follows the complicated relationships of a group of friends and family members gathered at a Cape Cod summer house.
- “The Husbands” by Chandler Baker – When lawyer Nora Spangler joins a new tech company, she’s shocked to discover that the female employees are all married to the CEO. As she becomes more enmeshed in the company culture, Nora starts to uncover dark secrets about the company and her own marriage.
- “The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue” by V.E. Schwab – This fantasy novel is perfect for readers who love time travel and magic. Addie LaRue makes a deal with the devil to live forever, but with the catch that she’ll never be remembered by anyone she meets. When she meets a man who remembers her, her world is turned upside down.
- “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” by Taylor Jenkins Reid – This novel follows the life of Hollywood icon Evelyn Hugo as she recounts her rise to fame, her seven marriages, and the secrets she’s kept hidden for decades. With a mix of glamour, romance, and scandal, this novel is the perfect escape for a day at the beach.
- “The Heart Principle” by Helen Hoang – This contemporary romance is perfect for readers who love diverse love stories. The novel follows Anna Sun, a successful violinist who’s struggling with anxiety and a failing relationship. When she meets a man who challenges her preconceived notions about love, she’s forced to confront her own fears and insecurities.
- “Survive the Night” by Riley Sager – This thriller is perfect for readers who love a good mystery. When college student Charlie is offered a ride home for Thanksgiving by a stranger, she quickly realizes that something is off. As she navigates the long drive home, she must figure out whether she can trust her companion or if she’s in danger.
- “The Vanishing Half” by Brit Bennett. This critically acclaimed novel tells the story of twin sisters who grow up in a small, southern black community and eventually go their separate ways. One sister marries a black man and stays in their hometown, while the other sister passes as white and marries a white man. The novel explores themes of race, identity, and family secrets.
- “Malibu Rising” by Taylor Jenkins Reid. Set in 1983, this novel follows the lives of the four famous Riva siblings over the course of one day. Each sibling is dealing with their own personal demons, but they must come together to celebrate their annual end-of-summer party. The novel is a page-turner filled with drama, romance, and family dysfunction.
- “Project Hail Mary” by Andy Weir. From the author of “The Martian,” this science fiction novel follows a lone astronaut on a mission to save humanity. The astronaut wakes up with no memory of who he is or why he’s on the spaceship, but he soon discovers that he’s on a mission to save the world from a deadly threat.
- “The Maidens” by Alex Michaelides. In this psychological thriller, a group of elite students at Cambridge University are being targeted by a serial killer. The main character, Mariana, is a therapist who becomes obsessed with solving the case and protecting her students. The novel is full of twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
- “One Last Stop” by Casey McQuiston. This romantic comedy follows a young woman named August who falls in love with a mysterious stranger on the subway. As she gets to know the woman, Jane, she discovers that Jane is trapped in time and can only exist in the present day. The novel is a heartwarming love story with a touch of magical realism.
- “The Guncle” by Steven Rowley. In this heartwarming novel, a former TV star becomes the temporary guardian of his niece and nephew after their mother dies. The novel explores themes of family, grief, and the joys and challenges of parenthood. It’s a feel-good read that will make you laugh and cry.
- “While Justice Sleeps” by Stacey Abrams. Written by the former Georgia gubernatorial candidate and voting rights activist, this political thriller follows a young law clerk who becomes embroiled in a conspiracy involving the Supreme Court. The novel is a page-turner that will keep you guessing until the very end.
I hope this list of best beach books for 2023 has given you some inspiration for your next summer vacation. Whether you’re in the mood for a thriller, a romance, or a light-hearted comedy, there’s a book on this summer list that’s sure to keep you entertained as you soak up the sun. Don’t forget to pack your sunscreen, a beach towel, and of course, a great book! Happy reading!
