Charming seaside towns, picturesque coastal villages, remote islands—get whisked away to the dreamiest of summer escapes sans passport with our best new summer-themed books. Read on for page-turners that are sure to get you in summer mode. No packing required.
A Feel-Good Stay in Nantucket
If you’re looking for a seaside escape, Elin Hilderbrand—a Nantucket resident herself—is your go-to. Her latest book has all the elements of the perfect beach read: a cast of lovable characters, a juicy scandal, and descriptions that’ll instantly transport you to the sandy dunes, golden beaches, and cobblestone streets of this preppy East Coast island.
An Escape to the Amalfi Coast
Take off on a sun-soaked European getaway to the south of Italy in this heartfelt read about the unbreakable bond between a mother and daughter. It’s a tale of love and loss set alongside the dreamy and vibrant cliffside town of Positano. Best served with a spritz on a lazy afternoon.
An Excursion Through the Canyonlands
Rock formations, the summer heat, and breathtaking views comprise this desert adventure, a second-chance romance from Christina Lauren. It's complete with inspiring characters, steamy tension, and an Insta-worthy locale that’ll transport you to Utah's Canyonlands. Hiking boots not required.
A Small-Town Visit
Just two hours west of Ottawa lies the sleepy lakeside community of Barry’s Bay, where author Carley Fortune grew up. It also serves as the setting for her breathtaking debut, a story of childhood friends that’s steeped in nostalgia, romance, and heartbreak. If you don’t have a small-town getaway planned, this unputdownable book evokes the glistening lakes and jumping rocks of your teenage dreams.
A Private Island With a Dark Past
In the mood for an escape that'll keep you on your toes? Reach for this highly anticipated read: the prequel to the #BookTok sensation We Were Liars. It’s set on a fictional private island—just off the coast of Martha’s Vineyard—owned by the wealthy Sinclar family. Think lavish mansions, interconnected boardwalks, and dark family secrets.
An Isolated Scottish Isle
Canadian author Karen Swan’s latest read is a must for fans of historical fiction. Set in the 1930s, it tells a beautiful love story of two strangers from vastly different worlds, in the remote village of Glen Bay on the Scottish island of St. Kilda. Expect quaint cottages, lush pastures, and vertiginous cliffs.
A Beloved Beach House in Cape Cod
Dreaming of a coastal summer escape? This beach read will surely take you there, with its picturesque Cape Cod backdrop—salt lingering in the air, reeds rustling in the wind. Follow along as an extended family unites at their beloved beach house before putting it up for sale. It’s a poignant story about family, growth, and letting go.
A Nostalgic Beach Town
Salty air, breezy nights on the boardwalk, the smell of sunscreen: this coming-of-age YA read by Jenny Han takes place on the fictional Cousins Beach, a quintessential beach town getaway inspired by Cape Cod, the Hamptons, and the Outer Banks.