Beach Reads

In case you haven't noticed, I've decided to make Tuesday's book day here at Kellibeans, I will do my best each Tuesday to come up with a new book related post. Since it's spring break here on The Grand Strand I decided it was the perfect opportunity to share my favorite beach reads. Don't worry if you're too old to spring break like me, just add these books to your list anyway because your summer vacation is just around the corner.

Sullivan's Island by Dorthea Benton Frank - The first in the Low Country Tales series this is some of Frank's best work. I fell in love with the idea of the South Carolina Low Country reading this book and the one's that follow. Low on romance high on coming of age and family drama this book switches between Susan the main characters past in the 60's and present in the 90's connecting the two in sometimes sad while at other times humorous ways.

The Summerhouse by Jude Deveraux - In this book three long time friends get to go back to a pivotal moment in their lives and change the decisions they made to answer that always present question "what if"? They then get to choose to keep their old lives or move forward from the current point in time with their changed lives. This book is such a fun and unique read and I love the three different POV's to answer the what if question even if it's a little formulaic.

Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah - This story takes me back to the summers of my childhood and a simpler time. The story follows the friendship of Tully and Kate over three decades of triumph and heartbreak. This book does include some romance but it's not a fluffy romance where the boy rescues the girl and everyone lives happily ever after, this romance is a little more gritty and real. If you long for the summer's of your youth this book will get you there in no time.

Summer Sisters by Judy Blume - Okay so almost everyone in the world has read this book but for those of you who haven't I highly recommend it. Blume is known for her YA books and subject matters but in my opinion, this doesn't qualify as YA. There are some YA sections at the beginning but the ending deals with some very adult situations. Another great friendship/coming of age story spanning several years however if you're looking for the Judy Blume of your younger years this might be a skip for you.

Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood by Rebecca Wells - After reading this book my life goal was to have friends like the Ya-Ya's. Friends who raise their kids together, talk about their family struggles, and guard each other's secrets viciously. What I didn't want is the kind of  mother/daughter relationship the story focuses on. I love the focus on friendship and family dynamics in this book and the stories about summers with the Ya-Ya's.

Lowcountry Boil by Susan M. Boyer - This was my first cozy mystery, the lightness of the read is perfect for the beach. This book deals with no heavy topics, has an awesome female private eye for the main character, and is set on the beach. If you're looking for a light interesting read without having to think too much this book is for you.

Hurricane Bay by Heather Graham - When I first started blogging I took part in a monthly book club called the Literary Ladies, which I see is now defunct. This was one of the book selections, at first, I was hesitant but I was glad I read it. A good who done it that isn't easily solved while reading.

Savannah Blues by Mary Kay Andrews - Can you have a beach books post without a Mary Kay Andrews book? Probably not. As far as I can tell this is the first book Andrews published that wasn't a collection of stories with other authors. I laughed out loud several times at the antics of Weezie and her and her best friend Bebe, I also loved that Weezie's job was junk picker/antiques dealer. There's nothing better than a character with a job that's interesting. An easy read full of interesting characters that will have you laughing on the beach.

The Island by Elin Hilderband - When I think of summer beach reads I think of Elin Hilderbrand, every year in the summer season she puts out a book set on or near the island of Nantucket and so far I have not been disappointed. Of all her books I'd say The Island is my favorite simply because the main cast of characters is made up of sisters. A book about a technology-free family getaway, see how these sisters make out technology free amid the family drama they've brought with them.

The Scandalous Summer of Sissie LeBlanc by Loraine Despres - An interesting read about a woman who feels trapped in her marriage and has had it up to here with small town life. Not the fluffy read the summary, the cover, and Goodreads make it out to be, this book deals with some pretty serious topics for the 1950's setting including race and religion. Not your average fluff this book has an edgy tone that will have you hooked.

What are your favorite beach books?