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Kristy Woodson Harvey’s Favorite Beach Reads for Summer 2024
By Michael Giltz,
9 hours ago
Novelist Kristy Woodson Harvey shared with Parade's readers the story of how she turned from “not a dog person” to “oh how I love my dog” person, thanks to Salt. Her pet even made his way into Harvey’s latest novel, A Happier Life.
Now Harvey shares some of her favorite beach reads for Summer 2024.
The following is by author Kristy Woodson Harvey, copyrighted 2024. All rights reserved.
As a writer of summer novels, maybe it’s no surprise that this sun-soaked season is my favorite. Beach time, boat days, friends arriving at the seaside town where my family resides year-round—and, of course, fascinating and fabulous beach reads—combine to make this, to me, the most wonderful time of the year.
My eleventh novel, A Happier Life , is, perhaps, a love letter to summer as much as it is a story of two women, separated by time and space, united by a life-changing secret preserved within the waterfront home that has been in their family for generations. A Happier Life is an ode to my beloved Beaufort, NC, a quirky and charming pre-Revolutionary coastal town where wild horses roam, sailboats cruise, and children wait in line for homemade ice cream.
In addition to writing my favorite summer novel this year, I read some of my favorites as well. The beach reads were so delicious that my must-read list might have gone on forever! But I’ve narrowed it down to ten can’t-miss books that personify summer—but just might be perfect for reading all year long. I hope you enjoy these beautiful books any time of year. Because, don’t forget: In the pages of a favorite novel, summer never ends!
Kristy Woodson Harvey’s Favorite Beach Reads for Summer 2024
Courtesy of St&period Martin&CloseCurlyQuotes Press
Thirty-two novels in, Mary Kay Andrews just keeps getting better! Perfectly drawn characters, a twisty plot, and an enviable seaside setting combine to send readers on a 5-star vacation to the Saint Cecelia, an iconic (fictional) coastal Georgia resort. Be warned: This one will keep the pages turning late into the night. Summer begins with MKA, but, if you haven’t gotten to this one yet, summer can end with it, too!
I absolutely adore novels about college friends reuniting, and, add a Capri background—and a heart wrenching backstory—and Emily Giffin has delivered the perfect read about growing up, moving forward, and the people we keep. It will make you want to plan a trip with old friends!
When a dog chooses his divorcee owner’s next potential love interest at the dog park, I’m all in. Annabel Monaghan’s latest has that plus a professional home organizer’s quest to clean up her messy life and make a fresh start by letting go of old wounds and trying new things. I devoured it!
In Ali Brady’s latest vacation-in-pages, two estranged friends come together to celebrate the last season at their favorite place with the best idea of all time: adult summer camp! Whether you’re a former camper or could simply use an escape, this novel is a reminder of the pieces of our younger selves that are always waiting to be rediscovered. Ali Brady captures the feel of carefree childhood days so vividly that you can practically smell the s’mores.
Get whisked away to Nantucket one more time in Elin Hilderbrand’s last, lovely Nantucket novel. When a mysterious new family moves to Nantucket, the island’s locals are swept up in both the drama and the glamour of it all. But when their house burns down and an employee goes missing, it will be a Nantucket summer like no other. Filled with intrigue, mystery, gorgeous parties, and favorite beloved characters, this is a great read for Elin devotees and first-timers alike.
A reminder of the golden days of youth and a testament to the lasting power of forever friendship, A Wedding in Lake Como proves that it’s never too late to carve a new path, chase a new dream--or fall in love all over again. Readers will be swept away by this powerful story of loss and redemption and, maybe best of all, a breathtaking Italian setting.
A story of the power of love, the saving grace of friendship, and the revelatory nature of time spent by the sea, Jane L. Rosen’s latest is an ode to fresh starts—and meddling relatives. This novel is the perfect reminder that it doesn’t take long for life to change in the best possible ways. Sometimes, in fact, it only takes Seven Summer Weekends .
A writer returns for the summer after the triumphant release of her debut novel expecting a hero’s welcome, and, instead, is met with cold shoulders and consternation. Jamie Brenner’s latest sun-soaked stunner is a fast-paced, feel-good read that begs the age-old question: Can we ever really go home again? A Provincetown setting and a local bookstore sealed this novel’s fate as one of my favorites of summer.
Get a breath of fresh air away from the humidity of the seashore with this beautifully drawn historical novel of Asheville, NC’s famous Grove Park Inn. Belle Newbold is a fascinating woman searching for a simple life who never expects the building of the Grove Park to change her trajectory entirely. Belle’s story was begging to be told, and there’s no doubt that Joy Callaway was the one to tell this beautifully drawn and unforgettable tale.
When book club friends all find themselves at personal crossroads, they come together and, inspired by the plucky heroines they are reading, take big chances to change their lives for the better. A charming, feel-good story of the ways that devoted friends — and great books! — can change our stories with the summer vibes we need to carry us through the hard times. There’s a dose of Susan Mallery magic in all her novels; this one just might have an extra scoop.
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