Books Set on an Island
Every year, Kirsten and I love to find new ways to celebrate books and summer. This year, we knew books set on an island would be such a fun list of books to read. There were so many to choose from, but Kirsten and I gathered our favorites!
I love that there are not only fiction and romance books set on an island, but there are also some fantastic thriller, historical fiction and nonfiction books. There is a little bit of something for everyone.
While Kirsten and I technically have a list of Books Set in Japan, Novels Set in Ireland, and Hawaii Novels (all of which are islands), we wanted to make a list of books not on any of those lists. After all, some of these islands are very unique locations!
We have also chosen this as a prompt in the 2027 reading challenge. We will be discussing one of our favorites with the author in June.
The Best Books Set on an Island
Each colorful block below represents the best book in a subgenre. 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 Novel Set on an Island
Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy- Jump to Section
Best Historical Fiction Novel Set on an Island
The House of Hidden Letters by Izzy Broom- Jump to Section
Best Thriller Set on an Island
Safari Murder Party by Rachel Moore- Jump to Section
Best Romance Book Set on an Island
On Fire Island by Jane L. Rosen- Jump to Section
Best Fantasy Book Set on an Island
Woman of Wild Hill by Kirsten Miller- Jump to Section
Best Nonfiction Book Set on an Island
Chancellor’s Mansion by Janie Arty- Jump to Section
The Best Classic Book Set on an Island
The Odyssey by Homer- Jump to section
*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.
Fiction Books Set on an Island
Wild Dark Shore
Author: Charlotte McConaghy
Year: 2025
Genre: Literary Fiction
More info: November 2025 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick
Spice Rating:💋💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
This novel is unique, compelling, and unputdownable. It’s the story of a tiny island near Antarctica that holds one of the world’s seed vaults, a place that holds the last parts of life should the world be destroyed. Due to climate change, the island is being swallowed by the sea, and the caretakers and scientists need to pack up the seeds to prepare to move them to a new location.
But the isolated island holds lots of secrets – including that none of the scientists remain, the communications lines to the outside world no longer work, and now a mysterious woman has washed ashore with secrets of her own.
Trigger Warnings
Destruction by fire, death
Why Kirsten loves it
I can’t stop thinking of this INCREDIBLE story. The premise, the set-up, and the writing combined to create a narrative that held me captive and had me gasping and crying in equal measure. I felt the ending in my bones as I reluctantly turned the last page. I’ll be recommending this book for years to come. #gifted
Why Jackie Loves it
This is a unique story that is scary in how relevant this story is with its references to fires and climate change. The story immediately captivated me, but I was even more invested with every chapter. This is a dystopian mystery thriller with family drama all rolled into one powerful book. The end had me gasping. #gifted
Find this book in: Winter Books / Best Books for Book Clubs to Read / Dystopian Novels / Best Fiction Books of 2025 / Best Reese Witherspoon Book Club Books / Reese Witherspoon Book Club 2025 / Best Books of 2025/ Best Winter Books / Books Set on an Island
Plot
Alice Storm has not returned to her family’s private island vacation home since she wanted a life outside of the Storm family’s billions and her father’s control. When her father dies unexpectedly, she returns home to for his funeral and discovers he has plans from beyond the grave. He had created an inheritance game where Alice, her siblings (Greta, Sam, and Emily), and her mother must complete tasks to earn their inheritance, and they ALL have to complete their tasks or no one receives anything.
Alice’s task is to remain on the island for a full week – a challenging task given that her family hasn’t spoken with her since her father cut her off. Secrets will be revealed, and the family will either come together or split for good. And when her father’s second-in-command shows up to enforce the rules, the chemistry he has with Alice might become a problem.
Why Kirsten loves it
Every member of this uber-rich family is INSUFFERABLE in the absolute most delicious way possible. If you like shows like White Lotus or The Sirens, I think you will be able to picture exactly the kinds of people I’m talking about. I loved Alice’s struggle to do what her moral compass was telling her to do (run for the hills) and wanted to stay to give her family what they so desperately wanted – the money, when really she just wants to feel important and valued.
The romantic element of the story was steamy and quite a great sidequest, but it was the family struggles that had me squirming in my seat with anxiety, flipping through the pages at warp speed. This is a DELICIOUS summer read.
Find this book in: Beach Reads 2025 / Family Dramas / Best Fiction Books of 2025 / Books Inspired by The Life of A Showgirl / Family Inheritance Novels / Best Books of 2025 / Multigenerational Novels / Books Set on an Island
How the One-Armed Sister Sweeps Her House
Author: Cherie Jones
Year: 2021
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
More info: February 2021 GMA Book Club Pick
Age Range: 15+
Plot
Set in Barbados, this searing fiction story peels back the facade of paradise, where Lala’s grandmother tells the story of the one-armed sister. The fable is one meant to instill the moral of listening to your elders. When Lala is older, her husband Adan, is caught trying to steal from a wealthy home which sets off a series of events that Lala gets swept into.
Trigger Warnings
Rape
Why Kirsten loves it
Lala, the main protagonist in this story, felt alive to me as I read this powerful story. A robbery gone wrong, a dead baby, a murder, drug smuggling, and more captivated me as I was consumed by the story within the pages of this book.
Find this book in: GMA Book Club List 2021 / Beach Reads 2022
Dava Shastri’s Last Day
Author: Kirthana Ramisetti
Year: 2021
Genre: Fiction
More info: December 2021 Good Morning America Book Club Pick
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
I DEVOURED this contemporary fiction story of a billionaire music mogul who releases her death announcement 2 days early so she can read her own end-of-life articles. The best part was that during the snowstorm that trapped her family with her at the ski chalet, she neglected to tell them about her terminal illness and her hare-brained scheme.
Trigger Warnings
Cancer, Death
Why Kirsten loves it
We get to see the impact the decision has on her family as well as get a look at her colorful life before her cancer diagnosis. This family drama was so compelling; I totally understand why it was a book club pick.
Find this book in: Books About Mothers / Family Drama Books / Family Sagas / Contemporary Fiction Novels / Best Celebrity Book Club Picks / GMA Book Club List 2021 / Books Set on an Island
Historical Fiction Set on an Island
The House of Hidden Letters
Author: Izzy Broom
Year: 2026
Genre: Historical Fiction
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
In this dual timeline narrative, Skye is running from a difficult marriage. She buys a dilapidated home on a Greek island for $1 and, with the help of her new neighbors, begins to renovate the property. During the renovation, she uncovers a cache of letters from WWII. While she tries to figure out what happened on the island in the past, she’s also trying to get her own life in order.
Meanwhile, in the WWII timeline, letters show what life was like on Folegandros during the war when the island’s men were fighting the very people occupying their shores.
Trigger Warnings
Domestic Abuse
Why Kirsten loves it
This story reminded me of a mash-up between Under the Tuscan Sun and The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society. It was heartwarming and thought-provoking without being too heavy, unlike many other WWII stories. I fell for all the characters in this story! #gifted by Berkley.
Find this book in: WWII Books / Best Beach Reads 2026 / Best Historical Fiction Books of 2026 / Books Set on an Island
The Martha’s Vineyard Beach and Book Club
Author: Martha Hall Kelly
Year: 2025
Genre: Historical Fiction
Spice Rating:💋💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
This is a dual-timeline narrative that takes place in 2016 and 1942. Mari Starwood has gone to Martha’s vineyard from Califonia after the death of her mother. She is looking for answers with only the name of a famous painter as a clue.
The Smith girls are trying to hold their family together during WWII. Cadence and her best friend Bess start a book club which grows in members and popularity, while Cadence’s sister, Briar, is off snooping and spying. When a man washes ashore, he says there is a spy among them and the girls don’t know who to trust.
Trigger Warnings
War
Why Kirsten loves it
I loved learning about the impact of WWII on Martha’s Vineyard. I had no idea about the D-day drills or what life was like for the women on the island with the men off at war. Each character’s storyline was intriguing, though the 2016 narrative didn’t add much to the story, it DID help resolve a few wartime secrets in the present day. #gifted by PRH Audio
Find this book in: Best Beach Reads 2025 / WWII Books / Books Like The Alice Network / Books Set at the Beach / Books About Book Clubs / Books Set on an Island
The 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 / Books Set in Tropical Locations / Books Set on an Island
The Island of Missing Trees
Author: Elif Shafak
Year: 2021
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: November 2021 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
After the recent death of her mother, Ada’s aunt shows up for the winter holiday and Ada begins to learn the story of how her parents fell in love in Cyprus in the 70s. Since one was a Turk and one a Greek, their love had a forbidden element that reminded me of Romeo and Juliet….and the Fig tree, now growing in Ada’s backyard, witnessed it all.
Trigger Warnings
War
Why Kirsten loves it
I was so excited to read Reese Witherspoon’s latest book pick because it sounded so different – a fig tree as a narrator? I wasn’t sure it would work, but Elif Shafak pulled it off with aplomb.
Find this book in: Books Set in the 70s / Reese Witherspoon Book Club List 2021 / Books Set on an Island
Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society
Author: Mary Ann Shaffner and Annie Barrows
Year: 2008
Genre: Historical Fiction
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
This story about the island of Guernsey’s occupation during WWII features a book club that started to deceive the German soldiers. The members of the book club quickly become friends. Can you think of a better book for book clubs than one about a book club?
When a young novelist finds out about their society, she begins a correspondence and eventually visits them to learn more. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society must remain secret for their safety rather than by choice.
Trigger Warnings
War, Death
Why Jackie loves it
The story is told entirely in letters and was recently turned into a Netflix movie! I love this heartwarming novel. If you have not read this cozy book, I highly recommend it to anyone who loved The Jane Austen Society by Natalie Jenner.
Find this book in: Secret Society Books / Books About WWII / Friendship Books / Books About Books / British Books / Epistolary Novels / Books with Food in the Title / Books About Book Clubs / Books Set on an Island
Thriller Books Set on an Island
Safari Murder Party
Author: Rachel Moore
Year: May 22, 2026
Genre: Thriller
Spice Rating:💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Fletcher has been working for the CEO of Cartwright Media for three years. She finally gains the courage to ask for a spot at the annual company retreat, where promotions and bonuses are handed out like candy on Halloween. But when her boss is found dead, his will states that whoever can survive the week will inherit the company.
Now, she is stuck on a remote private island with power-hungry colleagues who will do anything to be the last person standing and wild animals with no barriers (think Jurassic Park, but safari style). Can Fletcher survive, and can she trust anyone on the Island?
Trigger Warnings
Gore
Why Jackie loves it
Despite the fact that there is some gore in this book, I found myself laughing out loud. Think a funny and grown-up version of Lord of the Flies. There is romance in this book which should not work, in theory, and yet, it 100% does. I loved this book from beginning to end. It is the perfect beach thriller.
Find this book in: Best Beach Reads 2026 / Thrillers and Mysteries Set in Hotels / Best Thriller Books of 2026 / Novels About Africa / Books Set on an Island
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 Mystery Books / Best Beach Reads / British Books /Best Psychological Thriller Books / Popular Thriller Books / Best Reese Witherspoon Books / Books Set on an Island
Plot
Mila del Angél is hosting a writing retreat for J.R. Alastor, an anonymous writer. The retreat will take place on Alastor’s private island off the coast of Maine for six thriller authors who are all masters of the craft.
Mila is excited to organize a week of games, puzzles, and riddles, as well as the murder of one of the authors for whom she has an ax to grind. But when one of the authors turns up dead and it is not the author Mila planned to kill, she is trapped in a different weekend than the one that she planned!
Why Kirsten loves it
This twisty novel had me guessing from the very beginning. It reminded me of And Then There Were None in the best possible way. I loved the premise of all the writers having dark secrets worth killing over and I tried desperately to figure out who was really J. R. Alastor. If you are a fan of Clue, you’d probably love this story too.
Find this book in: Puzzle Mysteries / Locked Room Mysteries / Books Set in Maine / Mystery Novels About Writers / Books Set on an Island
The House on Fripp Island
Author: Rebecca Kauffman
Year: 2020
Genre: Thriller
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
It was a dynamic family drama with secrets, lies, and tension…and the whole time I was trying to figure out who had committed the murder and why. I loved it!
Why Kirsten loves it
Well, that wasn’t what I was expecting. I thought I was going into a family drama like The Vacationers by Emma Straub, but it opened with a murder. I literally sat up at that point and thought “well, well, what have we here?” Truly a perfect summer read and a perfect pick for poolside reads or for anyone who lives Emily Henry books.
Find this book in: Books Like People We Meet on Vacation / Poolside Reads / Books Set on an Island
Daisy Darker: A Novel
Author: Alice Feeney
Year: 2022
Genre: Thriller
More info: Instant New York Times Bestseller
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Daisy’s family is gathering for Nan’s birthday on a tiny, private, tidal island after not seeing each other for years. When the tide comes in, they will be cut off from everybody for 8 hours.
When Nana’s body is found dead with a creepy poem written on the wall beside her, they each begin to suspect each other- after all, one of them is a murderer. Soon, everybody’s secrets start to come out as the members of the family die one at a time.
Why Jackie loves it
This book had me guessing until the very end and definitely has the feeling of “And Then There Were None”. In the true Alice Feeney style, I had no idea what was going to happen next so, I stopped trying to guess so I could just enjoy the thrill of the ride.
Find this book in: Isolation Books / Locked Room Mystery / Books With Flowers in the Title / Alice Feeney Books in Order / Books Set on an Island / Books Set in Cornwall
Romance Books Set on an Island
On Fire Island
Author: Jane L. Rosen
Year: 2023
Genre: Romance
More info: Part of the Fire Island series
Spice Rating:💋💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
The book is narrated by Julia Moore, a book editor who died at thirty-seven. She follows her husband to Fire Island, her happy place, to spend one last summer with him and their friends on the Island.
Trigger Warnings
Cancer, Grief
Why Jackie loves it
I absolutely adored this magical realism book. Do not let the fact that it is a paranormal book throw you off if this is not your usual genre. This is a powerful story about love, friendship, and happiness.
Find this book in: Ghost Books / Best Beach Reads 2023 / Books Set on an Island
This Summer Will Be Different
Author: Carley Fortune
Year: 2024
Genre: Romance
More info: New York Times Bestselling Author
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
I love Carley Fortune’s wonderful style of writing and her perfect love stories and this book from the new release books may be my favorite book yet.
Lucy heads to Prince Edward Island to stay with her best friend for a week. When her friend’s flight is delayed, Lucy is left as a tourist and feels an immediate connection with the local who shows her around. Only after their amazing night together does she realize he is also her best friend Bridget’s little brother, Felix.
Felix and Lucy agree that this can never happen again because this was her best friend’s first rule: “Do not fall in love with my brother”. When Bridget disappears one week before her wedding, Lucy follows her back to PEI to try and help her friend and determine what made her flee from a man she loves. She might just have to deal with her won feelings as well.
Why Jackie loves it
Not only is this a wonderful romance novel, but the setting of Prince Edward Island has so many nods to Anne of Green Gables that my heart did a little song throughout the book. All the stars to this gem. #gifted
Find this book in: Best New Romance Books of 2024 / Best Beach Reads 2024 / Carley Fortune Books / Books with Summer in the Title / Books Set on an Island
28 Summers
Author: Elin Hilderbrand
Year: 2020
Genre: Fiction
More info: 28 Summers #1
Spice Rating:💋💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
At the end of her life, Mallory asks her son to make a phone call. The person who answers the phone is McCloud, whose wife is the front-runner to become the next POTUS. The story follows a unique love that spans a lifetime – one weekend each summer, for 28 years to be exact. Twenty-eight summers redefine what it means to be a soulmate.
Trigger Warnings
Cancer
Why Jackie loves it
This is my favorite Hilderbrand book to date, and it is an emotional story that is a tear-jerker for sure. This is one beach read that you need to purchase this summer.
Find this book in: Books with Summer in the Title / The Best Beach Reads of All Time / Books Set on an Island
The Cafe by the Sea
Author: Jenny Colgan
Year: 2017
Genre: Fiction
More info: Mure Island #1
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Jenny Colgan churns out another light beach read with heart. Cafe by the Sea is set on the gorgeous island of Mure in Scotland. Scotland shines in this story about life in a town set in its ways and trying to resist the pull of modern life. Flora has returned home because her boss, Joel – who she is secretly in love with – asks her to. She thought she needed to leave Mure to be who she was destined to be, but being back and reconnecting with her family has her questioning who she really wants to be.
Why Kirsten loves it
There is a romance in this story, but the pull was also on the heroine reconnecting with her old life and family.
Find this book in: Bakery Romance Novels / Office Romances / Best Jenny Colgan Books / Books About Food / Books Set on an Island
Problematic Summer Romance
Author: Ali Hazelwood
Year: 2025
Genre: Romance
Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Maya is trying to figure out what to do with her life. She is 23, brilliant, and torn between doing what she loves and what she thinks is expected of her as a grad student. Conor is 38 and her brother’s best friend.
Over the past three years, Maya and Conor have developed a close friendship that feels like more, but they have not spoken in 10 months.
When the two of them wind up in Italy together for Maya’s brother’s wedding, they will have to work things out and see if there is any hope for a relationship between them.
Trigger Warnings
Parental Loss
Why Jackie loves it
I loved that, even though this is an age-gap romance, there was no power dynamic at play either. The characters complemented each other so that they were each supporting the other in the way they needed it most. It was refreshing to see a healthy relationship despite both characters having flaws
Find this book in: Ali Hazelwood Books Ranked / Books Set in Italy / Books With Summer in the Title / Best Beach Reads 2025
Fantasy Books set on an Island
The Women of Wild Hill
Author: Kirsten Miller
Year: 2025
Genre: Fantasy
More info: Best-selling author of The Change
Spice Rating:💋💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
I love that authors this year are writing badass women who are fighting the patriarchy. Kirsten Miller tackles that theme with this tale of modern witches on Wild Hill, Long Island, where the ghost of a witch burned at the stake barred everyone from her land until Sadie from Scotland arrived.
For generations, Sadie’s descendants thrived on Wild Hill as each generation’s power grew. Now, Brigid, Phoebe, and Sibyl have been called back to Wild Hill to deliver a reckoning to mankind – and specifically the billionaires who treat the earth like their playground with little consequence for the disastrous impact on people and planet.
Brigid can see death, Phoebe can heal with her plants and the sisters have always been close until their mother’s untimely death when they were ripped apart. Decades have passed without the sisters speaking and without them stepping foot on Wild Hill. Phoebe’s daughter, Sibyl, knows nothing of her heritage, her mother’s powers, or even that she has an aunt.
But when they are all called back by their descendants, they must work through their differences and learn to trust one another to change the trajectory of the world.
Why Kirsten loves it
I could not put this story down. If you liked The Change, this is set in the same world – with small callbacks to that plot – but on a much larger scale. I was blown away by Kirsten’s ability to weave such an intricate story that was both intimate and global in scheme. A favorite of the year for me without a doubt. #gifted by William Morrow.
Find this book in: Best Fantasy Books of 2025 / Novels About Weather / Best Witch Books / Giftable Books / Best Books of 2025 / Multigenerational Novels / Books Set on an Island
The Enchanted Greenhouse
Author: Sarah Beth Durst
Year: 2025
Genre: Cozy Fantasy Romance
More info: The Spellshop #2
Spice Rating:💋💋
Age Range: 14+
Plot
This is a standalone fantasy set in The Spellshop world. Terlu cast an illegal spell and created a sentient plant earning her a punishment of being turned into a wooden statue. But Terlu wakes up on an island of hundreds of magical greenhouses, having been awoken by the lone human inhabitant – a gardener, Yarrow. He’s brought her here to help her stop the enchanted greenhouses from failing. As she works to save the various plants, she begins to fall in love with Yarrow despite his grumpy exterior.
Why Kirsten loves it
Like her previous novel, this story is like a warm hug of a book. I read it in spring when my own garden began to bloom and it brought the magic of the season to life in a fun way. I adored the talking plants and the slow, sweet romance between the main characters. You don’t have to have read the previous book by any stretch, but there is a sweet check in on those characters at the end of this story.
Why Jackie loves it
I listened to this book and was capticated from the first moment. The characters are endearing and the descriptions of the food, the flowers, the magic, and the greenhouses felt like I was there. Kirsten’s description of the book being like a warm hug is perfect. It is such a feel good story that is perfect for all ages. My daughter was in the car listening with me and insisted we listen to the entire book together. Gifted by #Macmillanaudio
Find this book in: Isolation Novels / Beach Reads 2025 / Fiction Books About Gardens and Gardening / Books Set on an Island
The Wishing Game
Author: Meg Shaffer
Year: 2023
Genre: Fiction
More info: National Bestseller
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Jack Masterson is the author behind the Clock Island series, a series of beloved children’s books. Now, years after he was thought to be retired, he has written a new book. There is only one copy of the book that will go to the winner of a contest held on Clock Island.
For Lucy Hart, winning the contest will mean everything to her. It will mean she can finally have the means to adopt Christopher, the little boy that she has grown to love.
Why Jackie loves it
This book felt like an adult fairy tale. If you are looking for books about puzzles, this uplifting, feel-good book is the perfect book.
Find this book in: Books About Puzzles / Feel-Good Books / Books Set in Maine / Books Set on an Island
Habits of the Sea
Author: Shea Ernshaw
Year: 2026
Genre: Literary Magical Realism
More info: New York Times Bestselling Author
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
After the loss of his wife, Clay’s land splits from the shore and becomes a mystical floating island – the stuff of fishermen’s legends. But young Ellie gets stuck in a rainstorm and ends up on the island, only to be warmed up, looked after, and sent back a few hours later.
But time works differently on the island, and what felt like a few hours to her was actually a week. The town didn’t believe her story of the island, and soon her brief disappearance was forgotten by all but her and her grandmother. Until the island came back.
Now in her 30s, Ellie feels a tug to the land – and the man – that saved her all those years ago. She wants answers, and she’s not afraid to go look for them.
Why Kirsten loves it
I was swept into this story in a way I wasn’t expecting. The writing was impeccable, the love story was emotional, and Ellie’s narrative style was dreamlike, making me feel as if this could actually happen. The story was slow-burning, which took a shocking turn as time wore on, giving a look at our future if climate change isn’t acted upon.
It was harrowing and dark and light and lovely all at once, and it’s a testament to Ernshaw’s writing that I’m at a loss for words on how to describe such a treasure of a book. Gifted by Atria Books and Simon Audio.
Find this book in: Best Fantasy Books of 2026 / Best Beach Reads 2026 / Magical Realism Books / Books Set on an Island
A River Enchanted
Author: Rebecca Ross
Year: 2022
Genre: Fantasy
More info: Elements of Cadence, book 1 of 2
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Rebecca Ross’s historical fantasy books are sweeping magical stories. This particular one is about the Island of Cadence and its warring inhabitants. It’s also a love story between Jack, a bard who can sing to the elements, and Adaira, the heiress of the East.
The story slowly builds but ends on a cliffhanger, which concludes in the second book of the duology. The story is perfect for fans of books like Outlander because it’s inspired by Scotland. This is one of my favorite books on the list of adult fantasy novels and books set in Scotland.
Trigger Warnings
Kidnapping
Why Kirsten loves it
I love fantasy romance novels and the fact that it is inspired by Scotland makes this high on my list of favorite adult fantasy novels as well. Ross weaves a brilliant and beautiful story
Find this book in: Best Adult Fantasy Novels / Books like Outlander / Historical Fantasy Books /Best Books About Scotland / Fantasy Duology Books / Books Set on an Island
Nonfiction Books set on an Island
The Chancellor’s Mansion: A Renovation of Family, Home, History, and Mystery
Author: Jamie Arty, Susannah Charleson
Year: 2025
Genre: Nonfiction
Age Range: 14+
Plot
This is the fantastic true story of William Townsend McCoun’s mansion built in Oyster Bay, Long Island. When Jamie and Frantz Arty bought the empty property, they decided to restore it to its former glory at the height of the pandemic. They made some amazing discoveries about the house’s history along the way.
Trigger Warnings
Slavery
Why Kirsten loves it
Inside this book, you’ll get to see photos inside of the home and Arty family’s life during the restoration process, but I loved how Arty also shares sketches and information about the former owners. I’ve never read a renovation story quite like this one that marries the newly learned house history with the renovation struggles along the way. I was immersed in the story and quickly started hunting down even more information about Jamie Arty and her gorgeous home.
Find this book in: Best Beach Reads 2025 / Giftable Books / Books Set on an Island
Plot
This moving memoir was written by Geraldine Brooks to help her process the unexpected death of her husband, Tony Horwitz a few years prior. She had not grieved properly because of the release of her Pulitzer prize-winning book, Horse, so she takes herself to a remote island to be in isolation and process her feelings.
Trigger Warnings
Death of a Spouse
Why Kirsten loves it
I was moved by Brooks’ candor about her grieving process. She lets us into her deepest, most private thoughts as she oscillates between telling the story of what happened to her husband and the immediate aftermath of his death and why, years later, she finally decides to grieve properly. It was hard to read at times, but I believe it will be very helpful for others in similar circumstances and for friends and family wishing to support loved ones suffering a loss. #gifted by PRH Audio
Find this book in: Celebrity Memoirs / Best Nonfiction Books of 2025 / Memoirs and Nonfiction Books About Mental Health / Books Set on an Island
Plot
Did you know the town of Gander, Newfoundland, took in 6,500 people on planes that had to have emergency landings after 9/11? I didn’t until I read this story, which also inspired the show Come From Away.
The townspeople were so welcoming and kind. It’s like Mr. Rodgers says – always look for the helpers.
Trigger Warnings
Grief
Why Kirsten loves it
I sobbed through this entire story. This non-fiction book was poignant and hopeful at the same time. It will keep you in the grip of its pages.
Find this book in: Plane Books / Feel Good Nonfiction / Best Nonfiction Books / Books Set on an Island
Classic Books Set on an Island
Plot
This is the classic tale of Odysseus’s struggle to leave the Trojan War and return to his beloved wife, Penelope, and his homeland of Ithaca. Homer’s original tale has spawned countless retellings, movie adaptations, and literary scholars. From epic monsters to vengeful gods this book is filled with iconic legends and stories within stories.
Why Kirsten loves it
There is a reason this boat book is one of my favorite books of all time. I find this classic tale to be so entertaining. It’s a classic for a reason. Odysseus’s struggle to get home to his family is truly epic. Those Greeks sure knew what they were doing.
Find this book in: Literary Classics / Long Books / Boat Books / Greek Mythology / Kirsten’s Favorite Books / Best Books in Translation / Books Set on an Island
Plot
In this classic story, Jim Hawkins is on his way to adventure – and treasure. When he gets to the locale of his quest, he encounters Long John Silver – one of the most famous villains in literature.
Why Kirsten loves it
This swashbuckling tale of piracy and treasure is perfect for children and adults alike. Long John Silver is quite a scary villain, whose legacy lives on in Halloween costumes everywhere.
One-legged, parrot-wearing, map-loving pirates everywhere can thank Robert Louis Stevenson for the inspiration. Why not read this book set in Cornwall to your little buccaneer at bedtime?
Find this book in: Pirate Books for Kids / Best Classic Books / Books Set in Cornwall / Best Books for 10-year-olds / Books Set on an Island
Plot
When a plane carrying a group of schoolboys crashes on a deserted island, they revel in their newfound freedom. With no adult to tell them what to do, they can do whatever they want. Soon, all semblance of order is gone, and the boys begin to terrorize each other as all hope for rescue is lost.
Trigger Warnings
Violence
Why Jackie loves it
I may have read this one 20 years ago, but it is not a book that you can ever forget. This book is dystopian fiction at its finest.
Find this book in: Books Like the Hunger Games / Young Adult Dystopian Novels / Books Set on an Island
Anne of Green Gables
Author: L. M. Montgomery
Year: 1908
Genre: Classic
Age: 10+
More info: Anne of Green Gables #1
Plot
I was immediately drawn to Anne upon first reading this story. She is smart, precocious, and has a way of making everyone love her while simultaneously finding new ways to get into trouble.
Anne is an orphan sent to live with siblings Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert, who wanted a male orphan to help them on the farm. Anne was sent to them instead. She is bright, loquacious, and wins their hearts.
Why Kirsten loves it
I cherish this entire book series and the TV miniseries inspired by it. I vividly remember watching Megan Follows as Anne, completely transfixed. I was so enamored that I remember asking my grandmother to get me the books to read!
Why Jackie loves it
This is one of my all-time favorite books. Something is comforting about this cozy book that makes me read it repeatedly. It is a beautiful book about friendship and found family. Because of this book, I hope to visit Prince Edward Island one day.
Find this book in: Coming-of-Age Books / Friendship Books / Realistic Fiction / Books with Green in the Title / Fun Books for Teens / Classic Novels / Best Middle Grade Fiction / Books about Orphans and Foster Care / Books Set on an Island
Expert Tip
Reading challenges are more fun (and easier to finish) with company. In the Beyond the Bookends Book Club, we read one book together each month, share our thoughts, and then hear the story behind the story straight from the author. Plus, the book is already picked for you, so there is one less decision to make. If you would love a few reading friends for your 2027 reading challenge, we’d be happy to have you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best novels set on an island?
There are so many fantastic books set on an island. Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy is a must-read. Safari Murder Party by Rachel Moore is a fun romantic thriller, and The House of Hidden Letters by Izzy Broom is a fantastic dual-timeline historical fiction book.
What are the best thrillers and mysteries set on an island?
The Guest List by Lucy Foley was the Reese Witherspoon book club pick for June 2020. It is a fast-paced isolation thriller set on an island during a wedding. Beautiful Ugly by Alice Feeney is a twisty thriller that will keep you guessing until the end.
What are the best beach reads set on an Island
If you are looking for a beach read set on an island, The Martha’s Vineyard Beach and Book Club by Martha Hall Kelley is a fun read- with the perfect setting for reading at the beach.
What classic books are set on an island
Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson is one of the most famous books set on an island.
What historical fiction is set on an island
The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See is a historical fiction book that is set on the Island of Jeju. It is a fascinating book about incredible women
Why are islands popular settings for novels
Islands are popular settings for novels because they provide a unique setting. A thriller on an island provides the element of isolation. A book that takes place on a Greek Island will have a completely unique feel to a book set on Fire Island. The island setting becomes a critical part of the story!
What counts as a book set on an Island for a reading challenge? Do Island countries like Ireland or Japan count?
Any book that is set on an island counts for the reading challenge. Books set in Ireland and novels set in Japan will absolutely count in a reading challenge. You can also read a book set in Hawaii or any tropical island. This list is comprised of some of my favorite books, but it is not a comprehensive list of every book. I wanted to make this list filled with a list of books that Kirsten and I loved, not just books we read.
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Epilogue
What is your favorite novel set on an island?
