Ultimate List of Best Beach Reads 2024: Must-Read Books for Summer

Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez

April 2024 GMA Book Club Pick

The premise of this story is rather straightforward and sweet – Justin and Emma discover they both have a “curse” where people immediately find their soul mate AFTER dating them. To find their own happily ever afters, they decide to date each other and then break up.

Sounds fun and light, right? But it’s so much more! Each of them is going through some very serious family drama which adds intimacy and drama immediately to their relationship. Their relationships with the secondary characters also made my heart soar. The representations of friendship, family bonds, and found family really tugged at my heart.

Why I Loved it: The romance!! Omg the butterflies this story gave me. Justin and Emma’s relationship may be my favorite romance ever. The way they supported each other, cared for one another, and loved each other was perfection.

Find this book in Beach Reads 2024 / Lake Books

The Sicilian Inheritance by Jo Piazza

Jo Piazza has written the PERFECT summer novel, striking a delicious balance between being relaxing enough to enjoy on the beach but thought-provoking enough to discuss with your book club.

I was swept into the story of Sara and her quest to learn about her unexpected inheritance and the possible murder of her great-grandmother, Serafina. To solve the mystery and claim her inheritance, she must travel to the Italian countryside – giving her a break from her recently closed restaurant and her failed marriage.

The dual-timeline narrative focuses on Sara’s quest and Serafina’s life as a woman coming into her own in the 1900s. The stakes are high for both women as they balance staying true to their dreams in the face of society’s oppression of women, especially when it turns dangerous.

Why I Loved It: I could go on and on about this one. The vivid imagery that Jo paints with her writing had me picturing the town, tasting the food, and smelling the Sicilian soil. I SWEAR, at one point I touched my chin to see if the oil from the meal she was writing about was dripping down my face.

It’s a multi-genre, multigenerational masterpiece of a beach read. #gifted by Dutton Books

Find this book in Beach Read 2024 / Books Set in Italy / Family Drama / Best Historical Fiction of 2024 / Best Mystery Books 2024

The Husbands by Holly Gramazio

April 2024 Read with Jenna Book Club Pick

Think of this book as Sci-Fi lite. It calls upon sci-fi-based principles – mainly multiverses – but it doesn’t dwell on the scientific for even a moment.

The premise is simple. Lauren, a single woman, comes home one night to a husband she didn’t know she had. Her phone, friends, and photos in her apartment reflect this new life but she can’t remember it. And then something crazy happens.

He goes up to the attic to change a lightbulb and a new husband descends from the attic. Whenever a new husband emerges, the life around her shifts again. So with an endless supply of husbands, she finds herself torn between knowing when to send them back and when to keep one and start living.

Why I Loved It: Easily one of the most unique plots I’ve ever read. Even as a confirmed disliker of Sci-Fi books, I found this story compulsively readable. I had a blast watching Lauren try to figure out her life and the revolving door of husbands had me giggling at times.

Find this book in Best Sci-Fi Books / Summer Reads 2024

How to Age Disgracefully by Clare Pooley

Like Clare Pooley’s previous books, this one has a multi-generational cast of characters that make it utterly delightful and laugh-out-loud funny.

Lydia has a new job running the Senior Citizen’s Social Club and the members are unlike anything she expected. Art is an out-of-work actor, William is a former paparazzi, and Daphne is a 70-year-old who lives alone and talks to her plants. And that is only half of the lively crew. When the City council tries to sell the community center building, the Social Club members enlist the help of the daycare, a teenager, and a dog to save the building.

Why I Love It I read this book in a day. I laughed, I cried, and I applauded. This book made me feel so good. The multi-generational cast of characters makes this book appealing to anyone who loves a great second-chance fiction book. It is about finding yourself and your inner strength (with a side of revenge). And one of our favorite characters from a previous book makes a brief appearance!
Find this Book in Feel Good Books / Ultimate Beach Reads 2024

The Heirloom by Jessie Rosen

When Shea’s boyfriend proposes, she goes against her beloved Nonna’s rule to never accept a marriage proposal with an heirloom ring. She loves her fiance, John, but can’t shake her Nonna’s worries about heirlooms carrying the energy of their former owners.

Now, with the help of her big sister and a journalist, she will travel to New York, Italy, Portugal, and Boston to meet the previous owners and make sure the ring has forever marriage energy.

Why I Loved It: Between the gorgeous settings and the hunt for the ring’s origin, this story was easy to fly through while remaining utterly enchanting. I might not agree with all of Shea’s decisions but the journey to happily ever after was so enjoyable!

Find this book in Summer Reads 2024 / Books set in Italy / Jewelry Novels

Very Bad Company by Emma Rosenblum

Aurora, a startup on the brink of sale, is hosting it’s annual executive retreat – a glorified party dressed up as work. From clubbing to paragliding, yachting to inappropriate relationships, it’s a wonder these execs had a chance to sign the merger papers.

And in the middle of it all, one of the top executives winds up dead – possibly murdered – and they all need to keep it hush hush for the sale to go through. Narrated from the employees’ perspectives, it was a riot to figure out motives and gain access to each one’s innermost thoughts.

Why I Loved It: The crazy cast of characters and their INSANE antics might be too much for some readers, but I loved to hate each and every one of them. The over-the-top work retreat, toxic culture, and every-man-for-himself attitudes had me gobbling this snarky, comedic thriller up like chocolate.

Find this book in Beach Reads 2024 / Best Thrillers 2024

Table for Two by Amor Towles

With Table for Two, famed author Amor Towles re-released his novella, Eve in Hollywood, along with brand new collection of short stories set in New York City.

Each story is an ode to a different part of life in New York, telling the stories of a Russian immigrant, a rare bookseller, an opera bootlegger, and a stranded traveler, among others.

And for Rules of Civility fans, Eve is a character from that novel who was last seen boarding a train to Hollywood. Her adventures out west were an absolute delight!

Why I Loved it: Though I am not typically into short stories, Amor Towles is a favorite of mine so I had to read this collection. Each short story could have been a novel of it’s own, but the novella about Eve was the shining star for me.

Find this book in Old Hollywood Novels / Summer Read 2024 / Books Set in NYC / New Historical Fiction Books

Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade by Janet Skeslien Charles

Here’s an unlikely beach read recommendation – a story that takes place during the Great War. We don’t normally recommend historical fiction set during a war for the beach, but Charles crafted a story that was as hopeful as it was interesting. It touched on the darkness while highlighting the helpers of one of the darkest periods of world history.

Unlike The Women (which we do NOT recommend for a summer beach read) this story never got so bogged down in wartime sadness. Instead, we are treated to a front-row seat of the grit and determination of the women working near the front lines of France to bring normalcy and hope to innocent civilians.

Specifically in the form of books – children’s books.

Based on the true story of pioneering children’s librarian, Jessie Carson, it’s a testament to women being innovators and hope-makers. Jessie works tirelessly to train the first French female librarians, turns ambulances into bookmobiles, and uses all the resources she can muster to bring joy to the victims of war.

It’s a dual timeline narrative that also focuses on Wendy, a librarian in 1980’s New York working for the same library where Jessie got her start. She uses her research on Jessie and the American Committee for Devasted France as inspiration in her writing class, and is surprised at how similar she is to her muse.

Why I Loved It: While there were sad moments within the story, this book ultimately left me with warmth in my heart. The narrators do an excellent job bringing this story to life. #Gifted by Simon & Schuster Books

Find this book in WWI Novels / Librarian Books / Beach Reads 2024 / Best Historical Fiction 2024

The House on Biscayne Bay by Chanel Cleeton

Chanel Cleeton has written a gothic historical fiction and i am here for it! After focusing on the Perez family for several years, Cleeton has finally written another stand-alone novel.

In the era after The Great War, Robert Barnes and his wife Anna built a beautiful estate called Marbisa in Biscayne Bay, Florida. Decades later, Carmen Acosta visits the estate, now owned by her estranged sister and her husband, which looks like a paradise on the outside but is much more.

Told in a dual-timeline narrative, Carmen is out to determine if the murder of her sister is connected to the murders at Marbisa in the 1920s.

Why We Liked it: Marbisa came to life in both narratives – becoming a character in its own right. I loved reading Cleeton’s foray into the mystery/thriller genre, especially because I didn’t see the ending coming! #gifted by Berkley

Find this book in Jazz Age Novels / Spring 2024 New Releases / Beach Reads 2024 / Best Historical Fiction 2024

Summers at the Saint by Mary Kay Andrews

Widowed Traci Eddings is the proprietress of The Saint an exclusive resort owned by her deceased husband’s family. As she struggles to keep his beloved hotel afloat, she deals with her conniving brother-in-law, disgruntled staff, and a series of mysteries that lead to the death of someone she loves.

The story is also narrated by various staffers who live in the on-site staff dormitory and a man in town to solve a crime from the past. There are lots of subplots, including a romance and 2 murder mysteries, but the heart of this novel is about Traci reclaiming her life and her hotel.

Why I Liked it: I’m a sucker for a resort setting, and since I read this one on my recent spring break, the vibes were vibing. While the large cast of characters was a struggle at first, I quickly got them straight and found value in each of their perspectives.

Find this book in Hotel Novels / Summer Reads of 2024 / Books Set at the Beach

The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren

It’s a fake dating romance from the queens of romance themselves, Christina Lauren! Anna thought that she had divorced West after they graduated from UCLA. Now, three years later, West needs to contact his not-so-ex-wife and convince her to pretend they are still happily married. Why? To receive a huge inheritance of course!

Anna, desperate for the money to pay for her dad’s medical bills, agrees to jet off to a tropical paradise to spend a week with West’s toxic family at his sister’s week-long wedding celebration. The over-the-top shenanigans reminded me of Crazy Rich Asians in the best way!

Why I Loved it: I was cheering Anna on as she took on West’s snooty family with her pink hair and bohemian spirit. The chemistry between them was crackling, but it was how they looked after each other that made my heart swoon.

Find this book in Fake Dating Books / Wedding Novels / Beach Reads 2024 / Romance Seaside Books

Wildfire by Hannah Grace

The second book in BookTok sensation, Hannah Grace’s Maple Hills series is a summer camp book! After a one-night stand before summer break, Aurora wasn’t planning to see Russ again. But then, she reports to work at her beloved overnight camp and sees that he’s a fellow counselor.

This steamy romance is not nearly as dirty as the first book of the series, but there is still PLENTY of heat. Do not let the cartoon cover fool you. This one is for the over-18 crowd.

Why I like it: This romance took me right back to the year I was a summer camp counselor, when I met my now husband. While my camp romance wasn’t quite this steamy, I still remember those summer love butterflies.

Find this book in Summer Reads 2024 / Camp Books

First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston

January 2024 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick

Evie Porter knows the rules for survival: the first lie wins. Her mysterious boss, Mr. Smith, will first send her a name and then a location. She gets one piece of information at a time and is never sure what the end game is. She knows that she owes Mr. Smithe everything.

This time, her mark is Ryan Summer. But she is starting to feel like there might be something real with him. But, she cannot make any more mistakes. She is already on thin ice because of how she screwed up her last job. Soon, she is following twisted pathway and is not sure who to trust. Can she even trust herself?

Why I Love It: This is unlike any thriller I have read. It is not a murder mystery thriller, but rather a fast-paced, secret-identity thriller where you will feel like you are one step behind the entire book. I listened to this on a road trip with my husband he loved it as much as I did. #gifted

Kill for Me, Kill for You by Steve

This is such a great thriller that will keep you on your toes. Amanda and Wendy meet for drinks after attending a support group for grieving parents. They devise the perfect plan to get revenge on the men who ruined their lives. They will each kill the person the other wants dead.

Meanwhile, Ruth has suffered a trauma of her own and is trying, unsuccessfully to get her life together. What starts off as a slower-paced story, sets the stage for a fast-paced, unexpected thriller.

Why I loved It: As the stories of the women come together, the brilliant plot development becomes evident and I could not put it down. I listened to this one on a road trip and it made the time fly by #gifted

Find this book in Beach Reads 2024 / Best Thrillers of 2024

Every Time I Go on Vacation, Someone Dies by Catherine Mack

What a fun new mystery series! When a group of authors accompanies mystery writer, Eleanor Dash, on her book tour in Italy, people keep turning up dead around them. While she is trying to figure out a way to kill off her main character, Connor, and end her long-running series, someone is trying to kill the real-life Connor on the tour!

Now Eleanor and her writer frenemies must put their differences aside to try to solve the murders and stay alive. The hysterical scenarios they find themselves in keep the vacation murder plot delightfully lighthearted. Add in the descriptions of Italian food, gorgeous sites, and wild personal hijinks and you’ve got a lovely summer read.

Why I Liked it: It’s not often a mystery series that is both mysterious and fun, but this one delivers! It’s exactly the kind of mystery book I gravitate towards in the middle of summer. I can’t wait to see this series continue! #gifted by Macmillan Audio

Find this book Italy Novels / Best Beach Reads

Old Flames and New Fortunes by Sarah Hogle

Romina Tempest uses the language of flowers to manifest love for buyers of her flora fortunes. To save her family business she needs an investor to expand the shop. Her friend and business partner, Trevor, convinces her that a fake dating scheme will get his father to invest.

But things get complicated when Trevor’s dad announces his engagement to the mother of her high school sweetheart, Alex. Should she keep up the ruse with Trevor OR give Alex a second chance?

Why I Loved it: Alex and Romina had such great chemistry and Trevor’s antics had me laughing out loud on numerous occasions. The magical element is light enough that even non-fantasy readers will enjoy this one. #Gifted by Berkley

Find this book in: Books for Summer / Second Chance Romance

Dolls of Our Lives by Mary Mahoney and Allison Horrocks

If you are a fan of American Girl Dolls, or you were as a child, you MUST read this book. It’s feel-good nonfiction at its finest with these two writers giving us the background on the beloved Pleasant Company dolls.

I love that the writers read this audiobook. It felt like listening to a conversation with friends. It focuses on the 6 original American Girl dolls and their origin stories. It also explains how the authors met and created their podcast.

Why I Loved It: I found myself wrapped up in fond memories of my own childhood. This read will bring back all the nostalgia for your own dolls! #gifted

Find this book in Feel Good Nonfiction / Summer Reads of 2024

The Making of a King by Robert Hardman

There has been LOTS of drama in the royal family so far this year, so it seems like the perfect time to dive into a royal read

My latest favorite is by Royal correspondent, Robert Hardman. It focuses on the transition from QEII’s rule to King Charles III ascension to the throne.

It covers the illness of the Queen, the day she passed, her funeral, the King’s ascension, and the time between her passing and his coronation. There are lots of details about the very brief period – but this royal family book also paints a picture of the King’s ideals and values.

Why I Loved it: It rebuttals quite a few of the claims made by Prince Harry in Spare – making it a must-read in the world of modern monarchy nonfiction. #gifted by Dreamscape Media

Find this book In: Books about the Royal Family, Royal Reads / Beach Reads 2024

The Woman in Me by Britney Spears

Like every Millenial, I rushed to read Britney’s memoir when it came out. Oh boy was it a doozy! It’s filled with explosive information about her life as the princess of pop.

And we finally get to hear about what happened with her and Justin, the conservatorship, the shaved head umbrella incident, and more of her life.

Why I Liked It: Britney boldly reclaims her narrative even if the writing on this one leaves something to be desired. It was almost juvenile in its simplicity but still gossip-filled and bingeable.

Always Choosing You by K. Sinko

While this is technically the second book in a series, it can easily be read as a standalone. Rory is trying to figure out who she is now that soccer season is over, college is looming, and her relationship with her best friend is on the rocks after he confessed his feelings for her and she shut him down.

Now, Tyler has become the star of the football team and the homecoming king. His newfound popularity has left him little time to see Rory. As she tries to fill the hole left by her friend, she grapples with jealousy after seeing him with his new girlfriend, head cheerleader Zoe.

Why I Loved it: The best part about Sinko’s writing is her ability to accurately capture the many layers of young adulthood. With most YA stories, I roll my eyes at the scenarios and the teens’ reactions – chalking my lack of empathy up to my middle age. 

But with her novels, I’m transported back to the messy, emotional, frustrating, and fun moments of being a teenager reckoning with pending adulthood. I recognize the universal moments of finding out your parents aren’t perfect, the whirlwind that is teen romances – love triangles and all, and the missteps we all take in navigating our shift from child to adult. 

Prom Babies by Kekla Magoon

Prom Babies tries – and ultimately succeeds – in tackling the many sides of teen sex and pregnancy. Set 18 years apart, it follows 6 teens in total. 3 teens from 2005 who wind up pregnant following prom and their 3 children preparing for their own prom in 2024.

The story tackles many facets around sexuality and teen sex including abortion, teen pregnancy, gender norms, “no means no,” raising a child when you are a child, and sadly, rape. It’s a lot for one book to cover, but because of the diversity of characters, it accomplishes its goal of giving a full picture of teen sex in a modern, thoughtful world.

Why I Love it: Embedded in the fun prom of it all, are real lessons and thought-provoking scenarios for teens considering having sex themselves. I would 100% recommend this book as an opening for parents and older teens to discuss these matters if they haven’t already.