Grab your shades, sunscreen, and tote bags, opens a new window—it's officially beach-reading season! Whether you're lounging by the ocean, chilling at the lake, or just imagining sandy surroundings, we've got a book recommendation perfect for your sunny-day vibes.
To help fill your summer reading lists, we asked our amazing staff to share their go-to Beach Day reads. From breezy page-turners to captivating thrillers, and charming romances, these titles are sure to pair perfectly with some fun in the sun.
Scroll through, borrow and place holds, and don't forget to drop your own beach-worthy suggestions in the comments!
Note: Titles are listed below in book format, but many are also available digitally as e-books or audiobooks through our OverDrive collection, opens a new window.
Anna's Books Marked for the Beach
I'm so excited about the latest Ali Hazelwood book! This beachy read takes place on a villa on the Italian Coast, the prime setting for two not-so-strangers to *hopefully* fall in love. If you're a fan of Ali Hazelwood and her writing style, this is one read you'll want to add to your holds list ASAP!
What's a romance read without a little bit of rivalry? Competing bookstore owners on the same street, Josie Klein and Ryan Lawson, operate their stores in totally different ways. Josie’s store focuses on serious literature, while Ryan’s sells romance only. After both businesses are acquired by a new owner and combined, their competition becomes fiercer than ever as they compete to stay on top.
Colleen's Sunny Selections
This one was a pleasant surprise! I read it earlier this spring, and it had me longing for my family's annual cottage trip to PEI. A quick read, lighthearted enough for the beach or poolside, full of sweet family moments and delicious descriptions of food—thus the name, Sandwich.
What a unique read! I smiled throughout this story of a former actress-turned-romance audiobook-narrator. I learned so much about the world of narration! While I read this in book format; I imagine the audiobook would be an adventure, too.
Diane's Lazy Day Lineup
I love everything by Jane Harper—she strikes just the right balance of literary and mystery. This novel is set in a seaside village, making it the perfect summer read, if you don't mind bodies turning up on the beach.
This book is so much fun. I highly recommend listening to the audiobook if you can for the fantastic, award-winning reading of Marin Ireland. In this story, Lillian is asked to take care of two young children, but this is not a regular nanny story because the kids can catch fire when they get upset. It's a heartwarming and humorous story that would make a great summer read or listen.
Elizabeth's TBR for Tan Time
Looking for a twisty book that you won't be able to put down? Try The Tenant, the latest thriller by Freida McFadden. After Blake Porter loses his job, he and his fiancée are forced to take in a tenant to make ends meet. Strange events begin to occur. Just when you think you are figuring out the plot, it takes a turn. A great, easy read for a beach day.
Laurel’s Lounge Chair Lineup
For fans of Daisy Jones and The Six, Carrie Soto is Back and 90s-era competitive figure skating. There is drama, romance and betrayal.
This satire holds a mirror up to a social media-obsessed society, and when wellness culture goes sour.
A modern Office Space set in Alberta spins out of control for Jolene, an admin assistant at Supershops Inc. This hilarious and tender novel will have you laughing poolside until the very end.
A classic chef memoir that's worthy of a re-read. If you have already enjoyed it once, I'd suggest the audiobook, read by the author. You can travel the world and enjoy simple meals from the comfort of your beach chair.
Sarah's Summer Stack Addition
Local author of the bestselling book, When the World Fell Silent, Donna Jones Alward, has a brand new book coming out this summer that I can't wait to get my hands on. Ship of Dreams follows two women travelling on board the Titanic and includes scenes set in Halifax. Be sure to place your hold on this title so you can be one of the first to read it this summer! We will also have a Book Club Kit ready to book for your book club this fall!
We hope these staff recommendations keep the beachy vibes going and your reading list fresh! For even more, check out our Beach Reads staff list, opens a new window.
Do you have a favourite beach-day read? Share it with us in the comments—we're always looking for more books to add to our summer stacks.
Happy reading from all of us at Halifax Public Libraries!
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