5 Beach Reads for the Start of Summer

Article by Sydney
Published Tue Jun 18

Funny Story by Emily Henry

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Daphne, recently heartbroken because her fiance called the wedding off, finds herself stranded in Waning Bay, Michigan. To cope, she becomes roommates with Petra’s ex, Miles—a scruffy, heartbreak-loving contrast to plain and practical Daphne. Their tenuous friendship leads to a plan involving misleading photos of their summer adventures. But will Daphne truly start a new chapter by falling for her ex-fiancé’s new fiancée’s ex?

Funny Story by Emily Henry is the perfect romance novel for the people who feel stuck in their current situation. It will teach you that it’s okay to lose things because when you do, you will find a whole other side to yourself. This book is full of little town adventures and frequent beach visits and it is sure to capture any reader's heart.

That Summer by Jennifer Weiner

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Daisy Shoemaker, despite her thriving cooking business and picturesque life in the Philadelphia suburbs, has her own struggles. Her teenage daughter, distant husband, and lack of true friends keep her wondering what the meaning of life really is. Meanwhile, misdirected emails meant for a woman named Diana Starling introduce Daisy to a glamorous, sophisticated world that’s far different from her own. When an apology leads to an unexpected friendship, Daisy and Diana’s connection reveals hidden depths.

That Summer by Jennifer Weiner explores the struggles and excitements of female friendships. It shows how important it is to face your past and to reconnect with the world around you. Set in Philadelphia and Cape Cod, Jennifer Weiner beautifully expresses the different lifestyles between two women.

Cover Story by Susan Rigetti

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After landing an exciting summer internship at the famous ELLE magazine, Lora Ricci is ready to restart after a tough year at NYU. There, she meets a contributing editor and fashionable woman by the name of Cat Wolf. As a friendship blooms between the two of them, Lora begins to open up about her struggles and Cat suggests that Lora becomes her ghostwriter. Agreeing, Lora moves into Cat’s suite at the Plaza Hotel where she navigates the extravagant parties of a socialite. However, something else lies beneath Cat’s world and Lora is determined to figure out what it is.

Set in dazzling New York City, Susan Rigetti creates a captivating story that includes many forms of media including FBI files, emails, texts, and diary entries to convey the mysterious story. This book is one that you could finish in one sitting because it’s so hooking and there’s always more to figure out

Every Summer After by Carley Fortune

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Persephone Fraser, haunted by a past mistake, avoids her lakeside childhood home. But a call draws her back to Barry’s Bay and reconnects her with Sam Florek—the man she thought she’d lost forever. Their six summers together, filled with water adventures and cozy nights, evolved from friendship to something more before unraveling. Returning for Sam’s mother’s funeral, Percy feels their undeniable connection. Yet, she must confront her past decisions and self-imposed punishment to discover if their love can transcend their biggest mistakes. ‘Every Summer After’ spans six years and one pivotal weekend, exploring love, choices, and lasting bonds.

Every Summer After is a beautifully crafted book that includes romance, heartbreak, and adventures. It takes place in Barry’s Bay, a magical waterfront community and is the perfect beach read if you’re looking for something easy and meaningful.