The Best Beach Reads of 2025
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Hi from the beach!
Now that we’re in the middle of summer and our days are less planned out and more lax, I’m always looking for an excuse to slow down, grab a good book, and sneak in a few pages every time we go to the beach. I love nothing more than relaxing under our beach shade next to PJ while the kids play in the ocean, and reading a few pages from my book. Right now I’m reading The Lost Bookshop, which has over 286k ratings on Goodreads, and is already such a charming little novel.
We just got down to our little beach shack for a few days, and, inspired by the simple joy of reading at the beach, we rounded up a few great books to pack for your next getaway. I haven’t read (all of) these yet, but they’re all trending this year, and a lot of them are on major sale for Prime Day, so if you’re hunting for your next beach or pool read, here are ten that everyone’s talking about.
One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune
A dreamy, nostalgic summer romance that’ll make you wish you were spending the season by a lake — sweet, easy, and full of second chances.
Problematic Summer Romance by Ali Hazelwood
A spicy, witty romance set under the Italian sun — think banter, big feelings, and a summer fling with complications.
Atmosphere: A Love Story by Taylor Jenkins Reid
A romance set against the excitement of the space race — vintage vibes, big dreams, and a love story that spans the stars. I loved Reid’s The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo so much. It was my favorite book of the year!
Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry
From the queen of feel-good fiction — this one’s about figuring out love, life, and all the messy bits in between, wrapped in the warmth of summer.
Funny Story by Emily Henry
Another Emily Henry hit — enemies-to-lovers, plenty of laughs, and the perfect pick if you want something light, clever, and sweet for your beach bag.
The Bachelorette Party by Camilla Sten
If you like your beach reads with a side of suspense — this thriller is all about secrets that unravel during one wild bachelorette weekend.
Never Flinch by Stephen King
A page-turning thriller for the brave — perfect if you like a good scare under the sun (or maybe when you’re safely back inside).
With A Vengeance by Riley Sager
A twisty summer thriller — full of suspense and secrets, great for reading in one sitting if you love guessing what happens next.
Piglet by Lottie Hazell
A moving, character-driven novel — a little heavier but beautifully written, for when you want something to linger on after the last page.
Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger
A bit of the uncanny — ghosts, family secrets, and London’s Highgate Cemetery, from the author of The Time Traveler’s Wife.
The Wedding People by Alison Espach
A smart, layered novel set at a seaside hotel — witty, romantic, and full of emotional depth, perfect for reading poolside with a glass of wine.
Every Summer After by Carley Fortune
Bittersweet and romantic — childhood friends, missed chances, and one unforgettable summer that’ll tug at your heartstrings.
BONUS:
🌙 The Midnight Library by Matt Haig (have read and loved)
One of my favorites — this one’s all about second chances, parallel lives, and asking “What if?” — deep, uplifting, and perfect for a reflective beach day.
🍽️ The Dinner List by Rebecca Serle (have read and loved)
Ever dreamed of having dinner with anyone, living or dead? This novel brings that idea to life in a sweet, thought-provoking story about love, regrets, and what might have been.
What are you reading these days? And do you love reading at the beach as much as I do? It’s my idea of a perfect afternoon!
