Good Books for Beach Reading: Stories to Soak Up the Sun in 2025

There is nothing like the sound of the waves, sand between the toes (warm), and a story to take you away from this moment. Whether you're looking for love, mystery, or nostalgia, this list of good books to read on the beach brings about the perfect balance between heart and escape. Beach books are the books you spend on your sun skin lounging activities, books that slow down the clock and make life feel good.

Top-Rated Good Books for Beach Reading

The Beach House, Elizabeth Reekles

The Beach House would certainly have to go on everyone's beach read list. Beth Reekles, author of The Kissing Booth, takes us on a sweet and youthful journey of friendship, freedom, and girl-power, under the summer sun. It's the perfect read for all of the light-hearted, romantic fiction aficionados.

It’s Not Summer Without You by Jenny Han

Jenny Han's popular series is still a summer beach read. With its sweet skein of love triangles, longing, and seaside nostalgia, the novel's emotions appeal to all of the sentiments of first love and endless summers. If you loved The Summer I Turned Pretty, then this is a must-pack series.

The Midnight Feast by Lucy Foley

For the reader who wants a little bit of mystery with their margaritas, The Midnight Feast is a standout. Lucy Foley's knack for suspense is in full force in this twisted tale set in a high-end seaside retreat. It's one of the better beach books for those who prefer the tension, the secrets, the beautifully crafted drama to the sugariness of romance.

This Time Tomorrow by Emma Straub

A reflective and quietly affecting novel of family and second chances, This Time Tomorrow is an emotional and serene story. Straub's writing is like watching waves, constant, relaxing, and full of meaning. A heartfelt selection for readers who like their books for fun on the beach, with a bit of introspection along with it.

Family of Liars by E. Lockhart

If you're a fan of something atmospheric and addictive, Family of Liars does the trick. Tucked off on its own island, it's full of secrets, privilege, and betrayal. E. This prequel to We Were Liars is one of Lockhart's most compelling beach reads so far this year.

The Memory of Us by Dani Atkins

Told in first person, it is written beautifully, emotionally, and with a romantic heart, and, as such, The Memory of Us is the perfect read for those who love stories of love and heart. Dani Atkins writes a story of loss and re-connection that is tender and timeless, an ideal read for quiet seaside moments.

It's a Love Story by Annabel Monaghan

It's a Love Story by Monaghan is a light-hearted and witty tale about love, timing, and fate, filled to the brim with the summer. It's one of the good beach books that makes you remember why falling in love - with a person or place - never gets old.

The Days I Loved You Most by Amy Neff

For those who like their romance served with a dose of reflection, The Days I Loved You Most is an intimate, emotional journey. It's warm, so human, so perfect for readers who like slow, significant storytelling for their beach reading list.

Dreaming by Starlight by Siobhan Curham

If you're searching for something soft and motivational, Dreaming by Starlight packs a punch of hope and heart. Siobhan Curham's inspiring YA novel for those who don't mind that it features girls. Uplifting novel extolling the virtues of ambition, friendship, and believing in yourself, light, feel-good reading under the sun.

Saltwater Cure by Ali Gripper

Ending on a poetic note, Saltwater Cure is about healing, renewal, and the quiet power of the sea to heal broken hearts. It's introspective but pacifying, pretty much what good books for beach reading should be.

From romance to revelation, these beach reads promise a blend of joy, mystery, and self-discovery. Whether you're watching the tide roll in or dreaming of the ocean from afar, these best beach books will transport you, page by page, to where the sun always shines and stories never end.