10 Books You’ll Want to Pack in Your Beach Bag This Summer

10 Books You’ll Want to Pack in Your Beach Bag This Summer

There’s nothing better than sinking your toes into the sand while flipping through a great book. Whether you’re lounging poolside or soaking up rays on a breezy beach, the right story can turn a good summer day into a memorable one. But not just any book will do—the best beach reads are absorbing without being too heavy, fun without being fluff, and emotional without leaving you wrecked.

To help you curate your summer reading list, we’ve rounded up 10 books that fit perfectly in your beach bag. From heartfelt love stories to twisty thrillers and uplifting tales, there’s something here for every kind of reader under the sun.

1. Happy Place by Emily Henry

What happens when exes pretend they’re still together during a getaway with friends? That’s the central tension in this romantic and emotionally resonant novel that delivers equal parts charm and heartbreak. Emily Henry’s signature wit makes even the most awkward moments feel tender and real.

Beneath the sun-drenched setting and romantic premise lies a thoughtful exploration of identity, personal growth, and the complexities of adult relationships. It’s more than a love story—it’s about who we become when we think no one’s watching, and what we hide even from those who know us best.

This book offers plenty of laughs and swoons, but it might just sneak in a few tears too.

2. The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren

Olive and Ethan aren’t exactly friends, but when everyone at a wedding gets food poisoning except the two of them, they’re forced to take the couple’s non-refundable honeymoon to Hawaii. There’s only one catch—they have to pretend they’re newlyweds.

Their banter is sharp, the chemistry is sizzling, and the setting is a sun-soaked dream. The enemies-to-lovers trope is handled with heart and humor, making this the kind of story that’s impossible to put down.

Underneath all the laughs is a subtle message about letting go of bad luck, owning your story, and taking chances—even when they come with a fake wedding ring and a plane ticket.

3. The Guncle by Steven Rowley

After a sudden family tragedy, Patrick, a former sitcom star and self-proclaimed “Guncle” (gay uncle), becomes the guardian of his niece and nephew for the summer. What starts as chaos turns into something deeper and more beautiful.

Patrick’s hilarious one-liners are matched only by his moments of heartfelt vulnerability. The story deftly balances humor and grief, making it feel genuine rather than gimmicky. Readers will fall in love with Patrick’s journey from eccentric loner to loving role model.

The book reminds us that family can come in many forms, and sometimes the least likely people turn out to be the ones who change lives in the biggest ways.

4. Big Summer by Jennifer Weiner

Influencer culture meets lifelong friendship in this surprising beach read that flips the script halfway through. Daphne, a plus-size Instagram star, is invited to be the maid of honor in her former best friend’s extravagant wedding—and what starts as a fun reunion quickly turns into something far more mysterious.

Weiner takes readers behind the filtered world of social media and into a tale of buried secrets, high society, and unexpected second chances. The story is layered with heart, drama, and a touch of mystery.

Just when you think it’s another glossy, fun read, it dives into deeper waters, making it one of the more compelling picks for summer.

5. Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid

The Riva siblings—each a celebrity in their own right—throw a legendary party every summer, but this year’s gathering is destined to be different. Set in 1980s Malibu, this novel unfolds over the course of 24 hours, with flashbacks revealing family trauma and fame’s toll.

Reid’s storytelling shines as she paints vivid scenes of surfing, sunshine, and emotional storms. Each sibling is grappling with their past while trying to forge a future that makes sense outside of their father’s shadow—none other than a famous singer.

By the time the last ember of the party burns out, you’ll feel like you lived through it all, salty air and all.

6. Verity by Colleen Hoover

A struggling writer lands a dream job finishing the manuscript of a bestselling author who can no longer write. But while living in the author’s home, she discovers a hidden, unfinished autobiography—and what’s inside is chilling.

This psychological thriller takes readers on a dark and twisty ride full of moral ambiguity and deeply buried secrets. Hoover expertly builds tension with each chapter, making it almost impossible not to devour in one sitting.

It’s definitely not your average beach read, but if you like stories that mess with your head and leave your jaw on the floor, this one belongs at the top of your summer stack.

7. Evvie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes

Evvie has been stuck in neutral ever since her husband died unexpectedly. But when she rents out a room to a former Major League pitcher dealing with his own crisis, the two slowly start to help each other heal—even if they’re not quite ready for change.

Set in a picturesque seaside town in Maine, this book is as comforting as a soft blanket and a glass of wine. The story mixes grief, recovery, and second chances with a light, relatable tone.

It’s a gentle reminder that new beginnings often show up in unexpected ways—and that healing doesn’t always follow a perfect timeline.

8. The Summer Book by Tove Jansson

On a tiny island in the Gulf of Finland, a grandmother and her six-year-old granddaughter pass the summer exploring, talking, and simply being. This short, quiet novel captures the essence of seasonal simplicity and intergenerational connection.

There’s no grand plot, just small, poetic moments that feel both personal and universal. Jansson, best known for creating the Moomins, brings her gentle insight to themes of aging, nature, and the slow passage of time.

If you’re looking for a meditative, thoughtful read that pairs well with the sound of waves and seagulls, this literary gem offers a calm, reflective escape from the chaos of everyday life.

9. Book Lovers by Emily Henry

Nora is a literary agent who thrives on control and checklists. When she takes a month-long trip to a small town with her sister, she unexpectedly runs into her professional rival—and sparks fly in the most bookish way possible.

This is more than a simple romance; it’s a clever deconstruction of tropes found in traditional rom-coms. Henry writes characters who are witty, flawed, and deeply human, making each interaction feel grounded and real.

For readers who love books about books, sharp humor, and romance with emotional heft, this story delivers all that and a few surprises along the way.

10. One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle

When Katy’s mother dies just before their long-planned trip to Italy, she decides to go anyway. But in the magical town of Positano, she meets a younger version of her mother, and what unfolds feels like a dream—or maybe something more.

This novel beautifully explores grief, identity, and the timeless bond between mother and daughter. Serle’s writing is filled with sensory detail—from lemon groves to shimmering coastlines—and emotion that lingers like a favorite song.

It’s whimsical, heartfelt, and a little surreal, perfect for readers looking to reflect on love, loss, and the possibility of rewriting our own stories—one sun-drenched day at a time.