Summer’s rolling in, and there’s no better time to kick back with the best new beach reads in hand—stories that sweep you away on sun-drenched adventures and heart-tugging journeys, even if your feet never leave the sand.

But let’s be real: the perfect beach book isn’t just a pretty cover and a breezy plot. The best new beach reads are the ones that light up your spirit, stretch your imagination, and keep you turning pages long after the sun sets.

So, whether you’re daydreaming on a porch swing or beach-bound with your toes in the surf, here’s your ultimate summer reading list!

1. Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry

Emily Henry is back at it again with her latest page-turner, Great Big Beautiful Life. Picture this: a remote island, a mysterious heiress, and two writers tasked with piecing together her life story. As they dive in, the secrets they uncover aren’t just about the heiress—they’re about themselves, too. With all the juicy drama, sweeping romance, and the magic of storytelling, this one’s got everything you need to get lost in a good book. Let the adventure begin!

2. Atmosphere: A Love Story by Taylor Jenkins Reid

In Atmosphere, Taylor Jenkins Reid whisks us straight to the 1980s Space Shuttle era—think big hair, bold dreams, and even bolder adventures. The story centers around Joan Goodwin, a no-nonsense physics professor who signs up for NASA’s astronaut training program. As she rockets (literally and figuratively!) into this new world, she discovers more than just the ins and outs of space travel—she finds herself, too. Get ready to be swept up in a journey of ambition, heart, and some serious ‘80s vibes.

3. Funny Story by Emily Henry

Emily Henry delivers another delightful read with Funny Story, this time diving deep into the messy world of love and friendship. When Daphne’s fiancé ditches her for his childhood bestie, she ends up rooming with her ex’s new partner’s ex. Confusing? Yep. Entertaining? Absolutely! What follows is a feel-good, laugh-out-loud journey of heartbreak, healing, and all the beautifully awkward bits in between. It’s a fresh, witty take on finding yourself, one cringy roommate moment at a time.

4. The Favorites by Layne Fargo

If you’re into stories with high stakes and even higher drama, The Favorites is right up your alley. Set in the cutthroat world of professional ice dancing, this book is a whirlwind of passion, fierce competition, and Olympic dreams. It’s the perfect mix of ice-cold tension and fiery ambition as two skaters push their limits to take the gold—and maybe even each other’s hearts. Grab your cocoa and your comfiest chair, because you’re not going to want to put this one down.

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5. Tom Lake by Ann Patchett

Ann Patchett’s Tom Lake is a tender and beautifully woven tale about love, memory, and the winding roads that bring us to where we are. Picture this: Lara, our narrator, sharing the story of a long-ago romance with her daughters during a sun-drenched summer harvest. It’s a nostalgic, intimate look at the choices we make and the way those choices shape not just our lives, but the stories we pass on—pure magic in book form.

6. The Rachel Incident by Caroline O’Donoghue

Set against the backdrop of 2009 Cork, The Rachel Incident is a witty and heartwarming dive into the chaos of youth and the tangled webs of relationships. O’Donoghue brings us right into Rachel’s world with humor and relatable characters that make you feel like you’re eavesdropping on real conversations. It’s a pitch-perfect snapshot of figuring yourself out, messing up, and maybe—just maybe—falling in love with the mess along the way.

7. Shark Heart by Emily Habeck

Shark Heart is one of those wildly original stories that sticks with you long after the last page. It’s this perfect mashup of fantasy and romance, following a newlywed couple whose world turns upside down when the husband starts transforming into—wait for it—a great white shark. Yep, you read that right. It’s a beautiful, bittersweet dive into love, loss, and what it means to let go. Get ready to be swept away (pun intended!).

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8. One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune

Carley Fortune’s One Golden Summer is like a sweet sip of nostalgia on a hot day—warm, breezy, and full of second chances. Set in a dreamy lakeside town, it’s the story of two old flames who find themselves pulled back together, tangled up in all the messy beauty of what was and what could be. If you’re into stories that feel like long, sun-soaked afternoons and the thrill of love that just won’t quit, this one’s calling your name.

9. The Compound by Aisling Rawle

If you love the idea of mixing a bit of reality TV flair with some seriously intense dystopian vibes, The Compound has you covered. This book throws dating show contestants into a pressure-cooker environment where trust is rare and betrayal is practically currency. Think alliances, backstabbing, and the kind of mind games that keep you flipping pages way past bedtime. Grab the popcorn—this one’s a total rollercoaster!

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10. Dream Count by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Adichie’s Dream Count brings us right into the hearts and minds of four incredible women, each carving their own path through life in pandemic-era America. Their stories are woven together like a patchwork quilt—vibrant, messy, and deeply human. With themes of identity, resilience, and the immigrant experience, this novel is both an intimate portrait and a wider lens on the world we’re living in. Grab your coziest reading spot—this one’s a gem.

Final Thoughts: Best New Beach Reads

As you wrap up this list of the best new beach reads, remember that summer’s magic isn’t only in the salty breeze or the sun’s golden glow—it’s also in those perfect moments when you’re completely lost in a story.

Whether you’re stretched out on a towel or swaying in a hammock, there’s something special about letting your mind wander and your soul recharge, one page at a time.

These beach reads are more than just a fun way to pass the hours—they’re like tiny passports to new worlds, secret getaways that fit right in your beach bag. They’re your invitation to dream, to escape, and to reconnect with that feeling of wonder that only a good story can bring.

So pick your perfect spot in the sun, dig your toes into the sand, and crack open one of the best new beach reads. Let yourself fall into the twists and turns, the laughter and the heartbreak, the kind of stories that leave you smiling and sighing all at once.

Because at the end of the day, summer’s about savoring every little bit of magic, especially the kind that comes with a great book. Happy reading!

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