Best Beach Read Books December 2024

Silver Bay

Liza McCullen never imagined she’d find solace in the sleepy Australian town of Silver Bay. Yet, here she is, running her aunt’s struggling whale-watching business and raising her young daughter. The tranquil waters hide secrets, though—both Liza’s and the bay’s. When a charming London businessman arrives with plans to develop the area, Liza’s carefully constructed world begins to unravel. As whales breach and hearts collide, Silver Bay becomes a battleground of love, loyalty, and the fight to preserve a way of life.

Golden Girl

Vivian Howe, a beloved Nantucket novelist, meets an untimely end one summer morning. As she watches from the Beyond, she’s granted three “nudges” to influence events on earth. Torn between her children’s struggles and the mystery surrounding her death, Vivian grapples with unfinished business. Hilderbrand weaves a poignant tale of family, love, and second chances, set against the backdrop of sun-soaked beaches and small-town charm. A bittersweet exploration of life’s complexities that’ll tug at your heartstrings.

Winter in Paradise

Irene Steele’s idyllic life in Iowa City is shattered when she learns her beloved husband, Russ, has died in a helicopter crash in the Caribbean. Shocked and grief-stricken, she travels to St. John with her sons to unravel the mystery of his death. As they navigate the sun-drenched island, they uncover secrets that challenge everything they thought they knew about Russ. Hilderbrand’s vivid prose brings the lush landscape to life, while her deft storytelling keeps readers guessing until the very end. A perfect escape for those dreaming of tropical beaches and family drama.

Summer of ’69

Elin Hilderbrand’s “Summer of ’69” whisks readers away to the sun-soaked shores of Nantucket during a pivotal moment in American history. Through the eyes of the Levin family, we experience the tumultuous summer that changed everything. As the nation grapples with war and social upheaval, the Levins face their own personal dramas. With her signature warmth and insight, Hilderbrand weaves a tale of love, loss, and self-discovery that will stay with you long after the last page is turned.

28 Summers

Mallory Blessing’s life changes forever when she inherits her aunt’s beachfront cottage in Nantucket. There, she meets Jake McCloud, sparking a passionate connection that endures for decades. Their secret rendezvous, held one weekend each summer, become a cherished tradition. As life unfolds around them, with marriages, careers, and families, Mallory and Jake’s bond remains unbreakable. Hilderbrand’s poignant tale explores the bittersweet nature of love, timing, and the choices that shape our lives. A captivating read that will tug at your heartstrings and leave you pondering the power of enduring romance.

The Perfect Couple

Nantucket’s idyllic charm sets the stage for a wedding that promises perfection, but beneath the surface, secrets simmer. As the Otis family prepares for their daughter’s big day, unexpected twists unravel their carefully woven plans. With each turn of the page, I found myself drawn deeper into a web of lies, love, and loyalty. Hilderbrand’s vivid prose transported me to the island’s sandy shores, where the salty air carries whispers of scandal. A gripping tale that kept me guessing until the very end.

Distant Shores

Emily Emerson’s life seems perfect on the surface, but beneath the facade, she’s drowning in unfulfilled dreams. When her husband’s career uproots them to a small coastal town, Emily finds herself adrift, questioning her choices and the path not taken. As she navigates this new chapter, she stumbles upon an old journal that awakens long-buried desires. Suddenly, Emily is faced with a life-altering decision: stay in her comfortable but stifling existence or risk everything for a chance at true happiness. Hannah’s poignant exploration of love, identity, and second chances will resonate with anyone who’s ever wondered “what if?”

Malibu Rising

Malibu, 1983. Four famous siblings throw an epic party to celebrate the end of summer. By morning, their lives will be forever changed. Nina, the talented surfer and supermodel; Jay, the championship surfer; Hud, the renowned photographer; and their adored baby sister, Kit. The alcohol will flow, the music will play, and the loves and secrets that shaped this family’s generations will all come bubbling to the surface. I was captivated by the Riva siblings’ complex relationships and the way their past intertwines with their present. A perfect beach read that’ll make you laugh, cry, and yearn for the California coast.

Malibu Rising

“Malibu Rising” by Taylor Jenkins Reid is a captivating tale set against the backdrop of the sun-soaked California coast. The story revolves around the Riva siblings, each grappling with their own secrets and desires, as they prepare for their annual end-of-summer party. Reid masterfully weaves together past and present, exploring themes of family, fame, and the inevitable tides of change. It’s a poignant, beautifully written novel that lingers long after the final page.