What better way to celebrate the summer than to relax on a beach with a good book? These top 6 summer 2021 beach reads are the perfect books to take along with you for a relaxing day on the beach. Whether you prefer laidback plots or intense mysteries, you’ll find your new favorite summer read on this list!
People We Meet on Vacation
Author: Emily Henry
Looking for a book that will make you feel as warm on the inside as it is outside on the beach? This is the one for you! Poppy and Alex’s friendship is unlikely–they have nothing in common and only see each other once a year during vacation. Except two years ago, they ruined everything and haven’t spoken since. Now, they’re taking one last trip to try to set everything straight–but will they be able to fix their friendship and will Poppy be able to acknowledge the secret at the heart of their relationship?
The Photographer
Author: Mary Dixie Carter
Dive into this suspenseful tale of greed and manipulation–the perfect 2021 beach read to contrast a bright, sunny day. When a photographer is hired to photograph a young girl’s birthday party, the photographer finds herself wishing she were a part of the family. So she puts a plan in place and soon becomes integrated into this lavish life. But enough isn’t enough, and soon she begins wondering what else she can manipulate to her advantage.
Malibu Rising
Author: Taylor Jenkins Reid
This spectacular summer read is set during a Malibu party in 1983. One family is the center of attention of both the party and Malibu residents: the Rivas. Four siblings, all children of the legendary singer Mick Riva, and all dealing with their own secrets and struggles. In one night, all of the family’s secrets will come bubbling to the surface, leaving the Riva siblings to decide what must remain hidden and what to leave behind.
Impostor Syndrome
Author: Kathy Wang
This intense cat-and-mouse chase of a story focuses on two women, both working for a major tech company in Silicon Valley, Tangerine. Julia is a Russian, COO of the company, and in between working to keep her rigorous tech company life, she’s funneling secrets back to Russia. Alice is working in the lower ranks of Tangerine, but discovers unusual activity and suspects Julia is exploiting the company’s privacy settings. As Alice gets closer to exposing Julia, Julia begins questioning her loyalty, creating a tense read you won’t be able to put down!
Last Summer at the Golden Hotel
Author: Elyssa Friedland
The Golden Hotel was once the place to stay for any Catskills vacationers. Now, it’s beginning to fall apart. The Goldmans and Weingolds have been running the hotel for over sixty years as best friends and business partners, but now as they begin to consider selling the hotel, tensions arise. Secrets come to light, drama ensues, and every single family member wants a say in the hotel’s future. This fast-paced story surrounds you with nostalgia and humor as you become part of these families as well.
The Summer Job
Author: Lizzy Dent
The Summer Job is a perfect 2021 beach read! Heartwarming, funny, and enchanting, this story will take you down a path of (purposeful) mistaken identities you won’t soon forget. Birdie’s best friend ditched a summer job at the highland Scotland hotel, and Birdie takes this opportunity to step into her friend’s shoes. Except she quickly realizes she’s in over her head and is falling for a man who thinks she’s someone else. Can Birdie survive the summer?
Which of these 2021 beach reads are you most excited to read?
Visit Santa Barbara this summer to kick back with a good book and enjoy beautiful views of the ocean, especially if you stay just half a block from the beach. Our sunny city is perfect for relaxing on the beach or sight-seeing throughout town. On your next visit, balance your tourism with a few laidback beach days for an idyllic Santa Barbara experience, and don’t forget to bring your new favorite 2021 beach reads along with you!
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