Beach Reads For Your 2024 Summer Cruise
With summer cruise season fast approaching, we’re looking forward to long days of reading. Beach reads are the perfect way to relax, either while on vacation or lounging at home. You’ll be entirely pulled into these books, which range from thrilling adventures to romantic comedies to emotional dramas. Throw one in your tote bag today, and get ready to be swept into an entirely new world.
Swan Song
As Nantucket Chief of Police Ed Kapenash nears retirement, he finds himself drawn into one more case that has rocked the community. When the mysterious Richardsons purchase a summer home on the island, they stir excitement and curiosity with their extravagant parties and flaunted wealth. But then tragedy — involving a house fire and a missing person — strikes… This must-read from a #1 New York Times bestselling author will keep you turning pages!
Real Americans
The Washington Post advises, “If you liked Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin, read Real Americans.” Spanning three generations in one family, this sweeping novel begins with Y2K in New York City — where broke intern Lily Chen falls in love with pharmaceutical heir Matthew. In 2021, 15-year-old Nick Chen struggles living on an isolated island in Washington with only his mother. And she’s hiding something about who his father is…
One Perfect Couple
Ruth Ware returns with this thrilling tale perfect for fans of Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None. Five couples are stranded on an island when a storm strikes. Lyla’s there with her boyfriend — though their relationship is shaky — after they auditioned to join a reality show called One Perfect Couple. It was supposed to just be a game, but this show is turning deadly…..
Funny Story
The #1 New York Times bestselling author of Happy Place returns with a new rom-com! Stranded in Waning Bay, Michigan, after her fiancé falls for his childhood friend Petra, Daphne starts anew as a children’s librarian living with Petra’s ex, Miles. Polar opposites, Daphne’s pragmatic ways clash with Miles’s penchant for listening to heartbreaking ballads. As a friendship forms, the pair decide to take part in a little ruse, posting misleading photos of their summer adventures. But could this mischievous plot be the beginning of a funny love story?
The Summer We Started Over
As a personal assistant to a famed romance author, Eddie Grant hasn’t been finding fulfillment in her job lately. With her sister preparing to open a gift shop, Eddie finds the perfect excuse to get away and return to Nantucket for a vacation. However, going back home means confronting their family’s troubled past. Amid their father’s eccentric hoarding, simmering resentments, and a rekindled old flame, Eddie and her sister, Barrett, unearth a family secret that reshapes their lives and bonds forever.
The New Couple in 5B
It seems like an answer to all of their financial problems when Rosie and Chad Lowan inherit a luxury apartment in New York City’s historic Windermere building. But the Windermere has a dark history — and when one of their neighbors turns up dead, Rosie sets out to uncover the truth about their new home… In a starred review, Kirkus Reviews calls this “tense, twisty thriller one of [Unger’s] best books yet.”
Just for the Summer
The author of Yours Truly “delivers an emotional tour de force in this intense tale of love, loss, and childhood trauma,” according to Publishers Weekly. Justin seems to be cursed in such a way that every woman he dates finds their soulmate immediately after dumping him. When Emma, who suffers from the same misfortune, offers to date him in order to help them both find their own soulmates next, it leads them to a cottage on a private island on Lake Minnetonka — and a connection that will last longer than a weekend.
Summer Nights and Meteorites
Booklist says this summery read from one of BookBub’s own employees has “an enchanting setting, sharp banter, and an emotionally grounded story.” Forced to spend the summer on Nantucket, Jordan swears off dating and focuses on her astronomy internship. Too bad the cocky guy she met on the ferry turns out to be her father’s research assistant, and she’ll be seeing him every day. Can they work together to solve a century-old mystery about a comet without entangling their own hearts?
One of Us Knows
The New York Times bestselling author of When No One Is Watching returns with an unputdownable story about historical preservationist Kenetria Nash. Years after a breakdown ends her career and she’s diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder, Ken takes a job as the caretaker of a historic home on Kavanaugh Island, sparking the return of her alters. When a storm traps her on the island with a group of strangers — and the man who destroyed her life turns up dead — Ken and her alters must uncover the truth before it’s too late…
Think Twice
#1 New York Times bestselling author Harlan Coben returns with a new book in his thrilling Myron Bolitar series! Sports agent Myron Bolitar believes his client, basketball coach Greg Downing, died three years ago. But then two federal agents show up in Myron’s office,claiming Greg is still alive and they’ve linked him to a double homicide. As Myron and his friend and colleague Win search for answers, they uncover a shocking conspiracy.
The Excitements
In their 90s, sisters Josephine and Penny Williamson are celebrated World War II veterans on their way to Paris to receive honors for their role in the liberation of France. Their great-nephew, Archie, accompanies them — and as they set out on the last great excitement of their lives, he soon discovers that there is more to these two women than meets the eye. In a starred review, Publishers Weekly says, “Filled with surprise, poignancy, and excitement, this is a surefire winner.”
Camino Ghosts
Bookseller Bruce and novelist Mercer are thrown together to help save a deserted island from developers — an island that’s rumored to be cursed. Penned by a wildly popular #1 New York Times bestselling author, this suspense novel’s coastal setting is perfect fare.
Summers at the Saint
Once an outsider in her community, Traci Eddings is now the widowed owner of a landmark hotel, battling to save the struggling business. Amid staff shortages, financial woes, and her brother-in-law’s schemes, Traci gathers a motley crew — including her estranged friend’s daughter — to help turn things around. As dark secrets surface, Traci fights to restore the hotel as she discovers new love in this uplifting read.
The Paris Novel
After the death of her estranged mother, Stella receives a note telling her to head to the City of Love, along with a one-way ticket. Soon, Stella is living at the famous bookstore Shakespeare and Company, discovering an old mystery about a lost Manet, and learning — for the first time in her life — to be impulsive and embrace her true self.
The Summer Pact
A #1 New York Times bestselling author is set to release the ultimate summer read! Four college freshmen forge an unbreakable bond in their dorm. But when a desperate act leads to tragedy during their final year, Lainey, Tyson, Summer, and Hannah make a pact to be there for each other in times of need. A decade later, facing life’s crossroads, they reunite to fulfill their pact of support, embarking on a journey of self-discovery, forgiveness, and acceptance.
What Fire Brings: A Thriller
When Bailey Meadows takes the position of writer-in-residence at the home of bestselling thriller author Jack Beckham, she has an ulterior motive: She wants to find out what happened to Sam Morris, who disappeared in the wilderness surrounding Beckham’s land. It turns out many women have disappeared in the dangerous nearby canyons, and Bailey had better make sure she won’t be next…
This Summer Will Be Different
Lucy’s romantic affair on Prince Edward Island is marred by the discovery that her fling, Felix, is the younger brother of her best friend, Bridget. She makes it through every subsequent summer visit to the island by promising herself not to get involved with Felix again. But when Bridget needs her a week before her wedding, Lucy is drawn back to Prince Edward Island — and she can’t help falling for Felix’s charms…
Lies and Weddings
With his future in jeopardy, Rufus Leung Gresham is cajoled by his mother into attending his sister’s wedding with the aim of seducing a wealthy woman to become his wife. But should he follow through with the scheme, or risk it all and profess his love to Eden, the girl next door? The bestselling author of Crazy Rich Asians once more transports readers to the lap of luxury, where there is no shortage of scandal and drama.
In a Not So Perfect World
After accepting a dream job at a video game company, Sloane somehow promises her employer she’ll stay single to focus on the job. Unfortunately, that’s easier said than done — especially after her gorgeous neighbor, Charlie, asks her to pose as his girlfriend for a trip to an island resort. A sun-soaked romance for fans of Christina Lauren, from an author that Emily Giffin calls a “writer to watch!”
The Familiar
Leigh Bardugo returns with a stunning historical fantasy set during Spain’s Golden Age. Madrid is the new capital of Spain, and Luzia Cotado is a young woman toiling in the kitchens of a wealthy family. A Jew in the time of the Inquisition, she tries to be invisible, but uses small spells and little magicks to ease her day. When her employers discover her magical abilities, Luzia is thrust into a world of power and politics. Determined to survive, she allies herself with a magical entity whose secret knowledge could save her — or destroy her.
The Last Word
Edwin is an 84-year-old British man and Natalka is a Ukrainian-born math genius in her 30s, but the two of them work in perfect sync as partners at their detective agency. When a local writer passes away, the family suspects foul play — but then another murder occurs as Edwin and Natalka go undercover to investigate at an author’s retreat. Fans of Richard Osman and Anthony Horowitz will love this captivating new book from the author of the Ruth Galloway mystery series.
How to End a Love Story
The screenwriter currently adapting Emily Henry’s Beach Read and People We Meet on Vacation delivers a heartwarming romance novel! Bestselling author Helen Zhang hopes writing for the TV series based on her novel will be a much-needed fresh start. Unbeknownst to her, Grant Shepard, with whom she shares a tragic past, has joined her show as another screenwriter. As they work together, old memories and unresolved feelings resurface as hidden secrets come to light… New York Times bestselling author Carley Fortune says, “The chemistry between Helen and Grant is pure magic, as is Yulin’s gorgeous writing.”
American Daughters
Portia Washington, daughter of Booker T. Washington, grows up loyal to her father’s principles and eager to achieve her own mark on the world. Spirited Alice Roosevelt both blooms in and is stifled by the role of First Daughter during her years living in the White House while her father, Theodore Roosevelt, serves as president. Though born from very different backgrounds, the two women develop a lifelong bond that will strengthen and challenge both of them through the years.
Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade
Bookworms will love this new historical novel from the author of The Paris Library. In 1918, Jessie Carson leaves the New York Public Library to work for the American Committee for Devastated France, a group that helps rebuild French communities devastated by the war, including their libraries. When she suddenly disappears, her fate is lost to history — until 1987, when fellow New York librarian Wendy Peterson discovers Jessie’s mysterious tale and becomes determined to reveal her full story…
A Calamity of Souls
A Black lawyer from Chicago joins forces with a white lawyer from Virginia to save a Black man from wrongful conviction and death in this gripping legal thriller from a writer that Lisa Gardner calls “one of the all-time best thriller authors.”
Within Arm’s Reach
If you loved Ann Napolitano’s novels Dear Edward and Hello Beautiful, you’ll want to get your hands on the highly anticipated rerelease of her debut. Elderly Catherine faces the end of her days as matriarch of her large, tight-knit Catholic family when her granddaughter Gracie unexpectedly finds herself pregnant. As a new generation is poised to join the McLaughlin clan, the members share their unique perspectives as they reflect on memories of the past in hopeful anticipation of the future.
The Bright Sword
Lev Grossman, author of The Magicians, explores Camelot in this thrilling fantasy. After Arthur’s death, the Knights of the Round Table are mostly disbanded, and the kingdom is fracturing as Morgan le Fay leads a revival of old magic. It falls to Collum, a young knight, and Nimue, Merlin’s one-time apprentice, to salvage the dream of Camelot.
One Last Word
Sara Chae’s crowning achievement is the development of an app called One Last Word, a tool in which any message you craft will be sent to your loved ones after you die. But when another woman with her same name dies, Sara’s messages to her mother, former best friend, and high school crush all get delivered — with excruciatingly awkward results… Rachel Lynn Solomon says, “I can’t count the number of times I laughed out loud!”
Summer Romance
Ali Morris, a professional organizer with a chaotic personal life, vows for a fresh, uncomplicated start after her husband leaves her. But the plan goes awry when her dog accidentally pees on charming stranger Ethan. He sees her as a version of herself she hasn’t been in a long while — but will this summer fling tidy up her life or add to the beautiful mess? Elissa Sussman, author of Funny You Should Ask, deems it “a sweet, warm hug of a book.”
The Rom-Commers
The New York Times bestselling author of The Bodyguard returns with a captivating new romance! Aspiring screenwriter Emma Wheeler lands a dream job rewriting a script for industry legend Charlie Yates. Moving to LA, she’s shocked to find her idol dismissive and his rom-com script terrible. Emma is determined to prove the power of love stories, even if it means clashing with Charlie — but a surprising kiss blurs lines between fiction and a real, rule-breaking love story…
A Talent for Murder
A year into their marriage, librarian Martha is disturbed to find blood on her husband’s shirt after one of his many work-related trips. When Martha begins to investigate the different cities Alan has visited over the year, she discovers a disturbing number of unsolved murder cases. Could kind, mild-mannered Alan be a serial killer? New York Times bestselling author Liv Constantine says, “A Talent for Murder is a clever, ingenious, edge-of-your-seat thriller that will flip your expectations upside down.”
The Midnight Feast
The Manor is a beautiful luxury resort hosting a grand opening. But the resort — and its guests — have secrets, and not everyone will survive the weekend… The New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Apartment and The Guest List delivers a stunning locked-room mystery that will keep readers guessing.
Lovers and Liars
It’s been years since the three Peacock sisters were close. But with Sylvie getting married in an English castle, they’re all reuniting. Sylvie’s a librarian who can’t quite believe she’s caught the eye of wealthy Simon Rampling, but here she is. Cleo, a criminal defense lawyer, is doubtful that Simon’s as good as he seems. And married mom Emma has no idea how she’s going to afford the trip. Yet when their mother also arrives, the girls will finally have to band together.
The Twilight Garden
Between two London homes, an abandoned garden lies dormant — as fruitless as the relationship between Winston and Bernice, who reside on either side of the small plot of land. But when a mysterious package is delivered to Winston with pictures of the garden in full bloom, a plan will blossom into new connections for the neighbors, as well as the entire neighborhood. Book clubs will love this charming new novel by the author of The Reading List.
The Paradise Problem
Free-spirited artist Anna Green and esteemed Stanford professor Liam Weston arrange a marriage of convenience purely for the economic benefits. When his grandfather passes away, Liam discovers that a stipulation in his will means that Liam won’t receive his 100-million-dollar inheritance until he’s been married happily for five years. Can he convince Anna to keep up the deception when she meets his family for the first time… and can they stick to their plan when romance begins to bloom between this mismatched pair?
If Something Happens to Me
Five years ago, Ryan Richardson’s girlfriend, Ali, was violently abducted. Though internet trolls suspect Ryan, he’s managed to build a normal life, attending law school and heading to Italy for the summer. But then he learns Ali’s car has been found with two bodies inside it, and a note saying, “if something happens to me…” To find out what did happen, Ryan sets off from Tuscany to the UK to Paris, determined to get answers once and for all.
The Guncle Abroad
Patrick O’Hara is feeling good about his life: He’s moved to New York to be near his family and his acting career is going great. But when his widowed brother announces he’s getting remarried in Italy, Patrick’s niece and nephew are less than thrilled. As the whole family embarks on a European adventure, Patrick finds himself also learning unexpected lessons about love.