Books Set at the Beach
If you are looking for books set at the beach, you’ve come to the right place! I made you a list of Jackie and my favorite books and it has something for everyone – romance, historical fiction, thrillers, fantasy, mystery, and more.
Whether you are looking for a beach book to read in the middle of winter or the heat of summer, something on the list below will surely pique your interest. Jackie and I spend a lot of time reading all the books so you know that the ones we recommend are worth reading.
This is a list of books set on the beach- as in, the beach setting is important for the story! If you are looking for the perfect book, this is a list of books that you will not want to miss.
The Best Books Set at the Beach
Each colorful block below represents the best book in a subgenre of books set on the beach. Click on the arrow to reveal my “best” pick in any category. You’ll also be able to use a page jump to see more books in that section.
Best Fiction Book Set at the Beach
Castle of Water by Dean Hucklebridge- Click here to read the review and see more books in the category
Best Historical Fiction Book Set at the Beach
Hula by Jasmin Iolani Hakes – Click here to read the review and see more books in the category
Best Thriller Book Set at the Beach
The Guest List by Lucy Foley- Click here to read the review and see more books in the category
Best Romance Book Set at the Beach
The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren – Click here to read the review and see more books in the category
Best Fantasy Book Set at the Beach
House on the Cerulean Sea by T.J Klune – Click here to read the review and see more books in the category
*Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. Some books have been gifted. All opinions are our own.
Contemporary Fiction Books Set at the Beach
Plot
When Sophie and Barry find themselves on an Island as the sole survivors of a plane crash, they learn to depend on each other. The book moves seamlessly from the past to the present, weaving an intricate tale.
Trigger Warnings
Plane Crash
Why Kirsten loves it
This is a wonderful contemporary fiction book about love and survival. It is so much more than it appears on the surface. I cried during the ending and have been singing it’s praises ever since. Everyone I’ve ever recommended this one too has had the same response.
Why Jackie loves it
I loved how the characters developed in this book. It was surprising and moving.
Find this book in: Kirsten’s Favorite Books / Feel-Good Books / Plane Crash Novels / Books Like People We Meet on Vacation / Books Set at the Beach
Beach House Rules
Author: Kristy Woodson Harvey
Year: 2025
Genre: Fiction
More info: New York Times Bestselling author
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 14+
Plot
Charlotte Sitterly has reached a low point when she enters the bank begging for a job after she and her daughter, Iris, have been locked out of their house by the FBI. She is surprised when Alice, a local “black widow,” invites her and Iris to come stay at her house. Charlotte accepts and finds herself living at the “mommune”.
They are surprised at how much they enjoy their time together as they figure out their next steps. The mommune decides to convince Juniper Shore that Charlotte’s husband is innocent. Iris decides to do some sleuthing of her own to prove her father’s innocence. Meanwhile, they are all in the spotlight thanks to @JuniperShoreSocialite, an account that seems to have eyes everywhere.
Why Jackie loves it
I am being honest when I say there is nothing Kristy can write that I will not read! Every one of her books captures family relationships and dynamics like nobody else. This book captured friendship, family, and mother/ daughter relationships perfectly. It was sweet, funny, emotional, and a total page-turner. Gifted by Simon & Schuster Audio
Find this book in: Books About Mothers and Motherhood / Friendship Books / Books Set at the Beach
Summers at the Saint
Author: Mary Kay Andrews
Year: 2024
Genre: Fiction
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
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 Kirsten loves 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/ Books with Summer in the Title
Winter in Paradise
Author: Elin Hilderbrand
Year: 2018
Genre: Fiction
More info: Paradise #1
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Irene Steele gets the shock of her life when she gets a phone call saying her husband has died in a plane accident while on a business trip. Traveling down to St. John to collect his things, she finds out that he actually has an entire second family.
With her two adult sons along for the journey, she realizes that not only is her world unraveling, but her sons have hidden secrets as well.
Why Kirsten loves it
Told across multiple points of view, this is Elin at her finest. I loved the unique setting and am looking forward to the other books in the series.
Find this book in: Books Set at the Beach
Haven Point
Author: Virginia Hume
Year: 2021
Genre: Historical Fiction
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
This book is about four generations of the Demarest family. It focuses on the great-grandmother, grandmother (Maren, 1944), mother (Annie, 1970, and daughter (Skye, 2008) as they spend their summers in the waspy coastal town. Secrets unfold, loves bloom and fade, and the ties that bond are explored.
Why Kirsten loves it
This is a wonderful beach read with heart, I hope you take a chance and get swept away too. It’s one of the best family saga books I’ve ever read.
Why Jackie loves it
What a wonderful read. I truly can’t explain how much this book swept me away to Haven Point. This is a family saga with a heart that you will not want to miss.
Find this book in: Family Saga Books / Best Beach Reads
Plot
Set in Sag Harbor, a young girl is gifted with the entire estate of a famous artist. Her mother and the artist’s former partner are left bewildered and a battle for the estate ensues. Bea is the crotchety older art dealer and form partner who is fighting like hell for what she thinks is hers. She was a joy to hate!
Why Jackie loves it
I had the pleasure of reading Jamie Brenner’s newest book a bit early, and it didn’t disappoint. With a cover like that, it’s clearly the perfect summer read!
Find this book in: Novels about Art / Books Set at the Beach
The Little Beach Street Bakery
Author: Jenny Colgan
Year: 2014
Genre: Fiction
More info: The Little Beach Street Bakery #1
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 14+
Plot
Jenny Colgan is known for her heartwarming tales of self-discovery, and this book is no different. Our main protagonist loses her job and boyfriend, so she heads to Cornwall to lick her wounds.
Soon, with the help of a charming seaside community and a cute little bakery, she’s back on her feet. Throughout her time in Cornwall, she finds love, a new job, and
Why Kirsten loves it
Like all of Colgan’s books, the community takes the book to another level. These characters come to life, creating a town I wish was real!
Find this book in: Bakery Romance Books / Jenny Colgan Books in Order / Books set at the Beach
Plot
Liz and Maggie are former best friends who are looking to reconnect during their summer share on Fire Island. Maggie is home from Hollywood, where she tried and failed to chase her dream. Liz is newly engaged and trying to figure out where Maggie fits into her life. Their friends Cam and Mac are also in on the rental, and as they all try to reconnect, drama ensues!
Why Kirsten loves it
This was such a fun beach read – my second set on Fire Island this summer! I loved this look at how friendship changes and evolves as we grow up. I was reminiscing about my life and the drama from my 20s while reading.
Find this book in: Books Set at the Beach
Historical Fiction Books Set at the Beach
Plot
I picked up this book based on the cover and the thoughts of the hula dance competition, but instead of the fun read I was expecting, I got a coming-of-age story about a light-skinned Hawaiian trying to prove she belongs by learning to Hula.
But this Hula isn’t just a dance, it keeps the legends and legacies of the Hawaiian culture alive. Sprinkled throughout this story, while Hi’i is fighting to prove her worth, we see glimpses of her mother and grandmother’s lives and vignettes that explain Hawaii’s history, colonization, and the struggle of native Hawaiians today.
Why Kirsten loves it
There is so much to uncover in this book, so many layers to absorb. I was entertained while reading it, but more importantly, I learned so much. I’ll be raving about this for years to come!
Find this book in: Thought-provoking Books / Beach Reads 2023 / Best Books 2023 / Best Female BIPOC Author / Family Saga / Best Beach Reads of All Time / Coming-of-age Books for Adults
Plot
I anticipated a lighthearted read, but this book had more soul than I was expecting! Set in 1938 in Montauk among the glamorous world of Manhattan’s summering elite, it was full of secrets and romance.
It’s like a historical fiction version of an Elin Hildebrand book with romance and personal growth as our heroine discovers true love in a sleepy beach town.
Trigger Warnings
Domestic Abuse
Why Kirsten loves it
I shed a few tears at the ending, which surprised me! There is a short, not-so-graphic rape scene – so if that’s a trigger for you, steer clear. Otherwise, I applaud this debut and recommend it for your beach bag!
Find this book in: Seaside Books / Hurricane Novels / Books Like People We Meet on Vacation / Books Set in New York
Hotel Portofino
Author: J.P. O’Connell
Year: 2021
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: Hotel Portofino #1
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
I was thrilled to have read this charming story of a Hotel in Portofino, Italy, during the years just after WW1.
In it, the new British owners of the Hotel Portofino settle into running a hotel with their adult children. The guests are eccentric, there is a mystery around a piece of stolen art, and some romantic relationships come together and fall apart.
Trigger Warnings
Rape
Why Kirsten loves it
It reminded me of the second Downton Abbey movie in which the Crawleys headed to the south of France for a vacation! It’s got all the family drama I look for in books like these.
Find this book in: Books set in Italy / Hotel Novels / Seaside Books / Books Like Downton Abbey
The Golden Hour
Author: Beatriz Williams
Year: 2019
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: New York Times Bestselling author of The Summer Wives
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
This historical fiction story takes place in the Bahamas during WWII. The Duke and Duchess of Windsor are prominently featured, though the main story revolves around the murder of a man named Harry Oaks, life in Nassau, and the romance between the female lead and her beau.
There is also a bit of a flashback-type story that plays out in parts too. It’s set in a tropical location whose location sets it apart from most historical fiction stories.
Why Kirsten loves it
It’s a lovely little royal novel that had me flipping pages quickly and kept me entertained by the pool.
Find this book in: Books Like the Crown / Royal Reads Books with Colors in the Title
Florence Adler Swims Forever
Author: Rachel Beanland
Year: 2020
Genre: Historical Fiction
Age Range: 16+
Plot
This book takes place in the United States just before WWII. Every summer the Adlers rent out their house in Atlantic City and move to a small apartment. Florence returns from college so she can spend the summer practicing to swim the English Channel.
When Florence dies in a tragic accident, the family decides that they cannot tell Florence’s sister who is in the hospital on bed rest after losing a child a year before.
Why Jackie loves it
I loved the writing, the story, and the desire to keep the family together at all costs. As the best full-cast audiobooks do, the multiple narrators brought this wonderful story to life.
Find this book in: Sisterhood Books / Full Cast Audiobooks / Books Set at the Beach
Island of Sea Women
Author: Lisa See
Year: 2019
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: New York Times Bestselling Author
Age Range: 16+
Plot
This historical fiction tells the story of a friendship between two women on the Korean Island of Jeju. There, women work as a diving collective to provide for their families while men look after the children. It was interesting to read a story where some gender norms are reversed and others, like feeding women and children last, were still perpetuated.
Beyond the incredible history of this small island is the story of a remarkable friendship between Mi-ja and Young-sook over the decades.
Why Jackie loves it
Lisa See has done it again with this remarkable story. I was captivated from the first page, as I am with anything See writes.
Find this book in: Best Books 2019 / Family Saga Books / Friendship Books / Best Beach Reads of all Time
Beyond that, the Sea
Author: Laura Spence-Ash
Year: 2023
Genre: Historical Fiction
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
I’ve read a lot of books about WWII but not as many books about what it was like after the war. This particular story is about Bea, an 11-year-old sent to America during the bombings in London. She assimilates into an American family with two sons during the war years, only to be wrenched away at the end of the war.
Her time in America forever changes Bea, and she struggles to reconnect to her home country and her family. As she grows up, her American family is never far from her heart.
Why Kirsten loves it
I loved how she merged her two families throughout her life. While often sad at times, it was truly a lovely tale.
Find this book in: Beach Reads 2023 / Family Sagas / Seaside Books
Beautiful Ruins
Author: Jess Walter
Year: 2012
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: New York Times Bestseller
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
I adored this second-chance love story that wasn’t too girly. There was intrigue and insight into Hollywood today versus 60 years ago. It’s about a secret love affair revolving around the movie Cleopatra and the small, seaside hotel at the center of the story.
It features family secrets, Richard Burton, modern and old Hollywood, and so many other plot lines in a novel that isn’t very long for all it contains within it’s pages.
Why Kirsten loves it
I guessed the big reveal pretty early on, but it was still a wonderful book set in Italy about how love found, lost, and then found again can impact our lives.
Find this book in: Books Set in Italy / Seaside Books / Hotel Novels / Old Hollywood Books / Books Set in the 1960s
Mystery/Thrillers Books Set at the Beach
The Guest List
Author: Lucy Foley
Year: 2020
Genre: Mystery
More info: New York Times Bestseller, June 2020 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
I’ve just read THE thriller
Why Kirsten loves it
I’ve become very picky about thrillers recently and this one is hands down my favorite of the year so far. It also made our Best of 2020 list!
Adaptation Information
This story is soon to be a TV series on Hulu. Liz Tigelaar is set to write and produce the show.
Find this book in: Locked Room Mysteries / Books Like People We Meet on Vacation / Best British Mysteries / Books Becoming Movies in 2024 / Best Beach Reads / British Books /Best Psychological Thriller Books / Popular Thriller Books / Best Reese Witherspoon Books
Plot
Three longtime childhood friends reconnected via text and are finally getting together for a girl’s weekend in the Hamptons. But when someone they pulled a prank on during their weekend getaway is found murdered, May, Kelsey, and Lauren all begin to suspect each other of keeping secrets.
Why Kirsten likes it
The first thriller I read in 2025 is a definite contender for our yearly beach reads post. Between the setting and the quick pace, it’s a perfect one to throw in a beach bag. #gifted by PRH Audio
Find this book in: Books Set at the Beach / Best Beach Reads 2025
The Cliffs
Author: J. Courtney Sullivan
Year: 2024
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: July 2024 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Be transported to the coasts of Maine with this thought-provoking story of heritage and family lore. Reese’s most recent book club pick is a thought-provoking look at the cycles often repeated in families. When a disastrous night leads to Jane losing her husband and her job, she retreats to the only home she’s ever known – a small town in Maine.
There, she decides to clean out her recently deceased mother’s home while trying to figure out her next steps. When a new arrival asks her to research the history of a home she recently renovated, Jane goes digging into the lore of the house. Along the way, she finds out things about her family that tilts her world on its axis.
Trigger Warnings
Alcoholism, Colonisation, Racism, Death of a Child
Why Kirsten loves it
Halfway through the story, I switched to the audiobook which was wonderful as well. Between every few Jane chapters, other supporting characters get one chapter to give their perspective – and each is narrated by someone different.
I was fascinated by the history of the made-up town and I appreciated learning more about the original inhabitants, the indigenous people, and how they were treated and subsequently erased from the history of the area. Well researched, the story drew me in and held me until the end despite how much I wanted to throttle Jane at times. #gifted by Knopf
Find this book in: Books Set at the Beach / Reese Witherspoon 2024
Plot
This is the Ultimate Beach Read Thriller! It’s all about 2 girls who hire a couple to charter them a boat to a deserted island. But the island isn’t so deserted after all. As their relaxing trip turns deadly, we learn about the backstory that brought each person to their destination.
Why Kirsten loves it
It’s a wonderfully addicting novel that is great in audiobook format as well. I found the setting to be so unique and integral to the party.
Find this book in: Books like People We Meet on Vacation / Books set at the Beach / Isolation Novels / Ultimate Beach Reads 2023 / Boat Books
The Last Guest House
Author: Megan Miranda
Year: 2019
Genre: Thriller
More info: August 2019 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick
Age Range: 16+
Plot
A year after her best friend died at an end-of-summer house party, Avery is back and ready to figure out what happened to Sadie. The police ruled her death a suicide, but Avery isn’t buying it. She’s also not buying that quite a few townspeople think Avery is to blame.
I liked the way the story was told in a dual timeline, I liked the many red herrings thrown in, and I was committed to making sure the main character came out unharmed. As with any thriller, the trick to success is not being able to predict the twists.
Why Kirsten likes it
I was, unfortunately, able to come up with most of the plot points before the main character. The very, very ending took me a bit by surprise in how the climax played out, but overall, I saw the premise coming from a mile away. That doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy the book, I just never got to the point of heightened anxiety that I expect in an unpredictable thriller.
Find this book in: Books set at the Beach / Reese Witherspoon 2019
Something in the Water
Author: Catherine Steadman
Year: 2018
Genre: Thriller
More info: June 2018 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range:
Plot
This thriller was a slow build with an explosive finish. When two newlyweds find something in the water on their honeymoon, it alters the course of their lives and marriage.
Why Kirsten loves it
I loved how the heroine changes throughout the book. It felt very realistic based on the circumstances. The story itself was fast-paced from beginning to end and I couldn’t put it down.
Find this book in: Popular Thriller Books / Books set at the Beach / Reese Witherspoon 2018
Romance Books Set on the Beach
The Paradise Problem
Author: Christina Lauren
Year: 2024
Genre: Romance
More info: New York Times Bestseller
Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
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!
Trigger Warnings
Emotional Abuse
Why Kirsten loves 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 / Billionaire Romance Books
Safe Harbor
Author: K. Sinko
Year: 2023
Genre: YA Romance
More info: Scoops #1
Spice Rating:💋💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
I picked up this book because of an Instagram reel. It was filled with ice cream, beach scenes, fireworks, and romance…so I knew I needed to read it on my recent vacation.
I fell head over heels. It was a wonderful first love story between Melanie and Calvin, her co-worker at the ice cream store. Melanie has just moved to Haverport after her twin made a disaster mistake and this crew of ice cream-scooping co-workers made her feel right at home.
Trigger Warnings
Addiction, Alcoholism, Death
Why Kirsten loves it
It’s a seaside book filled with heart that struck the perfect balance between sweetness and depth. I can’t wait to read more from this debut author.
Find this book in: Books Set at the Beach / Coming-of-Age Books for Teens / Fun Books for Teens
Good Girl Complex
Author: Elle Kennedy
Year: 2022
Genre: Romance
More info: Avalon Bay #1
Spice Rating:💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
This is the first in a new series set in the beachside town of Avalon Bay. In this story, Cooper decided to go after the girlfriend of a man who got him fired. What starts as revenge, quickly turns into a real relationship with college student, Mac.
Why Kirsten loves it
I have long been a fan of Elle Kennedy. Her books appear on our list of college romance books and they are AMAZING. This love story was sweet and satisfying, and I can’t wait to read Cooper’s twin’s story next month.
Find this book in: Books Set at the Beach
Beach Read
Author: Emily Henry
Year: 2020
Genre: Romance
More info: New York Times Bestselling Author
Spice Rating:💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
January is a romance writer who no longer believes in love. Until she was 28, she led an idyllic life filled with the ideas of perfect love.
Augustus Everett is a literary fiction writer who has never believed in love. They could not be more different. When they find themselves living next door to each other they decide to help each other overcome their writer’s block by challenging each other to a writer’s duel.
Trigger Warning
Death of a parent, sexual content
Why Jackie loves it
This is one of the best romance books I have read in a long time. What could be better than a romance about writers? I love Emily Henry’s writing and loved this book.
Find this book in: Enemies-to-Lovers Romance Books / Grumpy Sunshine Romance / Emily Henry Books / Books About Books / Best Beach Reads / Romance Books About Books
Plot
Estranged half-sisters inherit a dilapidated beach house when their father dies. One is desperate to sell, the other wants to hold onto the memories. Either way, they needed to get over their differences and fix up the home!
Why Kirsten loves it
I loved the romances that bloomed for each woman with town locals. They were mature relationships where each party communicated like adults! I love a good home renovation book, which made me happy too.
Find this book in: Books Set at the Beach / Ultimate Beach Reads 2023 / Renovation Romances
The Unhoneymooners
Author: Christina Lauren
Year: 2019
Genre: Romance
More info: Instant New York Times Bestseller
Spice Rating:💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Olive and Ami are twins. While Ami seems to be lucky in everything, Olive knows that if it can happen, it will happen to her. So when everyone gets food poisoning at Ami’s wedding except Olive and her nemesis Ethan, she can’t decide if her luck has changed. This is the fake dating trope to the extreme- fake marriage.
As the two head out on the free, all-inclusive honeymoon that was supposed to be Ami and her new husband, Olive hopes they can call a truce long enough to enjoy the trip.
Trigger Warnings
Sexual content, infidelity, vomit
Why Jackie loves it
I loved this hilarious romance as soon as I read it. It is the perfect romantic comedy book.
Find this book in: Romance Tropes / Rom-Com Books / Fake Dating Books / Grumpy Sunshine Books / Books Like People We Meet on Vacation / Seaside Books
Fantasy Books Set at the Beach
House in the Cerulean Sea
Author: T.J Klune
Year: 2020
Genre: Fantasy
More info: Cerulean Chronicles #1
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 14+
Plot
Linus Baker is a caseworker in the Department in Charge of Magical Youth. He is sent on a mission to a secret orphanage isolated on an island where 6 of the world’s most dangerous youth live.
Linus is sent to determine if the children are being cared for properly. Linus, who lives his life by the book, will have to look deeper to try and find the real answers to his questions.
Trigger Warnings
Child abuse
Why Jackie loves it
This story was so much more than the sum of its parts. I felt like I had met each of the children in the story. Even though the story has magic, it somehow seems completely relevant to our society now. The magic and the orphan aspect are all reminiscent of Harry Potter.
Find this book in: Magical Realism Books / Feel-Good Books / Book for Book Club / Books About Friendship / Books With Color in the Title / Best Beach Reads / Adult Books Similar to Harry Potter
The Light Pirate
Author: Lily Brooks-Dalton
Year: 2022
Genre: Sci-fi
More info: December 2022 GMA Book Club Pick
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Set in the not-so-distant future, this dystopian novel describes a world where climate change is wreaking havoc on our planet.
Wanda is born during her namesake hurricane, to a mother who dies on the same night. As Wanda grows, she has to deal with the worsening landscape of a world dying around her. As she tries to survive, she also navigates relationships with loved ones and the surrounding community.
Trigger Warnings
Death, Climate Change
Why Kirsten loves it
I’ve never read a dystopian novel that hit so close to home. With the climate crisis at a breaking point, this felt like reading about an inevitable future.
Find this book in: Thought-Provoking Books / Best Books for Book Clubs / Dystopian Novels / Books Set at the Beach
Circe
Author: Madeline Miller
Year: 2018
Genre: Mythology
More info: #1 New York Times Bestseller
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Circe, the nymph, is a footnote in mythology and gets overshadowed in The Odyssey. She does not possess power like the other goddesses but she does have witchcraft. Zeus has banished her to a deserted island where she meets many characters from mythology, and in particular, the book The Odyssey”. It was fascinating to see this goddess get her moment in the sun. I can’t believe I knew so little about her before this story.
Trigger Warnings
Rape
Why Kirsten loves it
The Odyssey is one of my all-time favorite books and I think I read Du’Laires Book of Greek Myths more than any other book when I was in middle school. I ADORED Circe because it has all my favorite things about Greek mythology but for adults!
Why Jackie loves it
I am not a huge mythology buff like Kirsten is so I loved this book without ever reading the Odyssey. I will pause so you can gasp. It is true, I have never read the Odyssey and loved this book for Miller’s fantastic storytelling ability.
Find this book in: Greek Mythology / Books Set at the Beach / Classic Book Retellings / Best Books 2018 / Adult Fantasy Novels / Mythology Books
Expert Tip
There is more than one genre of book on this list and not all of these are beach reads.
- Have a look at the descriptions of the books as well as trigger warnings. Some of the books on the list have heavier content.
- If you are looking for something lighter from this list, I suggest you start with one of the romances set on the beach
Related Content
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a beach read and a book set on the beach?
A book set at the beach has the beach as a setting. A beach read is something completely different. Jackie and I define a beach read as something fun and light that you can put down and pick up as needed. A beach read will not have heavier topics but a book set at the beach may!
Epilogue:
Did you find a book set at the beach for your next vacation?
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