The warm and sunny season is the perfect time to unwind with a good book.
Whether you’re lounging on a beach or relaxing by the pool, a captivating novel can offer a much-needed escape from the stresses of life.
We’ve compiled a list of the most riveting beach reads for summer 2023!
So if you’re jetting off to an exotic location or enjoying a staycation, these books are guaranteed to captivate and entertain. Happy reading!
The Guilty Couple by CL Taylor
The Guilty Couple is an exciting story about Olivia, who’s trying to prove her innocence after being set up by her husband for a murder conspiracy.
The character development is fantastic, you’ll be cheering Olivia on as she navigates through a web of lies and deceit to uncover the truth.
You’ll be on the edge of your seat with the thrilling and believable twists and turns that make for a fast-paced and gripping plot.
Nevertheless, some parts of the book may be a little far-fetched, and the complicated storyline may be challenging to follow at times.
Overall, if you’re searching for a juicy beach read with incredible character development and action-packed drama, then The Guilty Couple is a must-read!
The Blackbird by Tim Weaver
We absolutely loved The Blackbird – it’s a fantastic read!
Private investigator David Raker is on the case of a missing girl, making for a complex and multi-layered plot that’ll leave you guessing until the very end.
The book is told from multiple perspectives, which adds depth and complexity to the narrative – and the characters are well-developed and interesting.
The Blackbird is definitely worth picking up if you’re after a gripping and well-written thriller!
STEPPING UP by Sarah Turner
If you’re looking for a heartwarming, emotional, and uplifting beach read, we highly recommend STEPPING UP this summer!
The story follows Beth, a young woman navigating through grief, making new friends, and learning to live again.
What’s great about STEPPING UP is that the characters are so well-developed – we especially loved Beth’s new friend Arthur, who kept us laughing throughout the book.
But fair warning, the story is heavy and can be pretty sad at times, which may not be for everyone. Also, the pacing can be a bit slow in the beginning.
STEPPING UP is a beautifully written book that deals with heavy themes in a sensitive and nuanced way.
The Fall by Louise Jensen
As soon as we started reading The Fall, we were hooked on its family drama, secrets, and love. Louise Jensen’s writing is extraordinary; she can create suspense and emotions at the same time.
The plot is full of unexpected twists and turns that will keep you engaged until the end. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to read, ideal for a beach getaway.
Each character in the book is well-developed, relatable, and has a story to tell. We found ourselves getting invested in their tales and supporting them throughout the book.
The multiple points of view may leave you confused initially, but it adds to the intrigue and suspense. The end doesn’t wrap up everything, but it felt fitting to us and kept us satisfied.
The Wedding Party
If you’re looking for a feel-good book to read on a lazy day at the beach, “The Wedding Party” is a perfect choice.
Follow the Robichaeux sisters as they prepare for their parents’ remarriage, and get invested in their relatable stories.
While some parts might be predictable and slow at times, the book’s enjoyable plot has a lot to offer and, is not afraid to tackle important topics like domestic violence, adding an extra layer of depth.
The Couple at the Table by Sophie Hannah
So, this story follows Jane and William as they head off on their honeymoon to an exclusive resort. But, things take a creepy turn when Jane gets a note warning her to “Beware of the couple at the table nearest to yours.”
Does it give you goosebumps yet? You’re in for a suspenseful ride with plenty of twists and turns!
The characters are really well-defined and distinct, so you’ll find yourself really invested in the story.
However, just a fair warning, some readers might get a bit confused with the changing point of view/narration.
And, while it’s definitely suspenseful, some people might find it a bit slow-paced with some trivial information that might not be super relevant to the plot.
This is great if you’re into good mysteries with great characters!
Things We Never Got Over by Lucy Score
We absolutely loved how Jessop brought the characters and their trendy Northern Virginia town to life using vivid detail and spectacular dialogue.
The story follows a grumpy man who can’t stop thinking about a woman, whose life turns upside down after her twin sister steals her money and car, and then finds out she has an eleven-year-old niece—talk about drama!
The author’s storytelling talent transports you to a different world, and the characters come alive on the page.
You’ll be rooting for them to find happiness and overcome their past mistakes. The romance is sweet, funny, and hot, which makes it a perfect read for a day spent at the beach.
