Looking for Beach Reads? The Only 3 Books You Need for a Relaxing Beach Vacation
Monday, July 6, 2026
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| Photo by Anna on Unsplash |
Packing More Than Just Swimsuits
Getting ready for a summer vacation is exciting for more than just one reason. For me, deciding which book will have that special place in my luggage is not a rash choice. With all the other things to pack, such as sunscreen, sunglasses, and swimsuits, there is not much space left.
For me, choosing vacation reads is almost as exciting as the trip itself. I want stories that make me laugh, escape reality, fall in love with unforgettable characters, and maybe even shed a few happy tears while lying on the beach.
This year, I decided to bring only 3 books that I’m excited to read, but also fit the feeling of reading with a morning coffee overlooking the sea, on the beach between going in and out of the water, and slow evenings enjoying the sunset from the balcony.
2. What Makes the Perfect Beach Read?
Before we get into the chosen books, here are some things that make for a perfect beach read. I’m quite picky, so here are some of my criteria.
The book needs to be:
- Emotional but not too heavy
- Easy to binge
- Characters you’ll think about long after finishing
- Romance
- Beautiful settings
- Books that make you lose track of time
* This post contains affiliate links.
3. The 3 Books I Chose Over Scrolling on My Beach Vacation
Book #1 — The Wedding People by Alison Espach
Why I’m Bringing It
This book has been on my reading list since I first heard about it. As I already mentioned, I love a good rom-com book I can easily binge-read on a beach. The Wedding People sounded like it fit the description. I actually bought it on my first trip to London in June, which makes it even more special. Also, my friend read it and really loved it, so I knew I needed to take it with me on my vacation.
What It’s About (Spoiler-Free)
The novel follows Phoebe Stone, who arrives alone at a luxury inn in Newport, Rhode Island. There is a wedding party that assumes she’s a part of it. In reality, she is grieving and has wanted to fulfill a long-delayed dream trip on her own. She initially sees the trip as a final way to treat herself while feeling her worst.
Book #2 — Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry
Why It’s Coming With Me
I’m a big fan of Emily Henry’s books and have read almost all of them. Great Big Life is another book I got in London. I already know from experience that Emily Henry’s books are a great vacation read. They are fast-paced, and the storyline gets you hooked fast.
What It’s About (Spoiler-Free)
Great Big Beautiful Life follows aspiring writer Alice Scott as she lands an opportunity that could change her career forever. Along the way, she crosses paths with another writer, Hayden Anderson, and the two find themselves competing for the same dream. This story is set on a charming island. It blends romance, humor, and heartfelt moments into a captivating read about ambition, connection, and chasing the life you’ve always wanted.
Book #3 — Heartless by Elsie Silver
Why This One Made the Cut
Elsie Silver is another beloved romance author. I already read the first book in Chesnuts Springs series, Flawless. It was only reasonable to bring the second book in the series on my vacation. This book feels like a perfect palate cleanser after the first two books mentioned.
What I’m Hoping For
I’m really looking forward to reading this book because I can’t resist a good grumpy-sunshine romance. I’ve heard so many great things about the chemistry between the main characters, and I always enjoy stories that mix humor, heartfelt moments, and emotional growth. I love the ranch setting in the last book, so I’m excited to see how it’ll add to the story this time. I have a feeling this is going to be one of those romances that’s hard to put down.
I usually read a lot during vacations, so I already know what I like and what I don’t like. These 3 books have everything I want in a book that will come with me everywhere during my 7-day beach vacation.
As always, I’ll be sharing spoiler-free reviews of all three books once I’m home. I’m curious to see which one becomes my favorite vacation read.
What’s one book you’re taking on vacation this summer?
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|
| Photo by Anna on Unsplash |
Packing More Than Just Swimsuits
Getting ready for a summer vacation is exciting for more than just one reason. For me, deciding which book will have that special place in my luggage is not a rash choice. With all the other things to pack, such as sunscreen, sunglasses, and swimsuits, there is not much space left.
For me, choosing vacation reads is almost as exciting as the trip itself. I want stories that make me laugh, escape reality, fall in love with unforgettable characters, and maybe even shed a few happy tears while lying on the beach.
This year, I decided to bring only 3 books that I’m excited to read, but also fit the feeling of reading with a morning coffee overlooking the sea, on the beach between going in and out of the water, and slow evenings enjoying the sunset from the balcony.
2. What Makes the Perfect Beach Read?
Before we get into the chosen books, here are some things that make for a perfect beach read. I’m quite picky, so here are some of my criteria.
The book needs to be:
- Emotional but not too heavy
- Easy to binge
- Characters you’ll think about long after finishing
- Romance
- Beautiful settings
- Books that make you lose track of time
* This post contains affiliate links.
3. The 3 Books I Chose Over Scrolling on My Beach Vacation
Book #1 — The Wedding People by Alison Espach
Why I’m Bringing It
This book has been on my reading list since I first heard about it. As I already mentioned, I love a good rom-com book I can easily binge-read on a beach. The Wedding People sounded like it fit the description. I actually bought it on my first trip to London in June, which makes it even more special. Also, my friend read it and really loved it, so I knew I needed to take it with me on my vacation.
What It’s About (Spoiler-Free)
The novel follows Phoebe Stone, who arrives alone at a luxury inn in Newport, Rhode Island. There is a wedding party that assumes she’s a part of it. In reality, she is grieving and has wanted to fulfill a long-delayed dream trip on her own. She initially sees the trip as a final way to treat herself while feeling her worst.
Book #2 — Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry
Why It’s Coming With Me
I’m a big fan of Emily Henry’s books and have read almost all of them. Great Big Life is another book I got in London. I already know from experience that Emily Henry’s books are a great vacation read. They are fast-paced, and the storyline gets you hooked fast.
What It’s About (Spoiler-Free)
Great Big Beautiful Life follows aspiring writer Alice Scott as she lands an opportunity that could change her career forever. Along the way, she crosses paths with another writer, Hayden Anderson, and the two find themselves competing for the same dream. This story is set on a charming island. It blends romance, humor, and heartfelt moments into a captivating read about ambition, connection, and chasing the life you’ve always wanted.
Book #3 — Heartless by Elsie Silver
Why This One Made the Cut
Elsie Silver is another beloved romance author. I already read the first book in Chesnuts Springs series, Flawless. It was only reasonable to bring the second book in the series on my vacation. This book feels like a perfect palate cleanser after the first two books mentioned.
What I’m Hoping For
I’m really looking forward to reading this book because I can’t resist a good grumpy-sunshine romance. I’ve heard so many great things about the chemistry between the main characters, and I always enjoy stories that mix humor, heartfelt moments, and emotional growth. I love the ranch setting in the last book, so I’m excited to see how it’ll add to the story this time. I have a feeling this is going to be one of those romances that’s hard to put down.
I usually read a lot during vacations, so I already know what I like and what I don’t like. These 3 books have everything I want in a book that will come with me everywhere during my 7-day beach vacation.
As always, I’ll be sharing spoiler-free reviews of all three books once I’m home. I’m curious to see which one becomes my favorite vacation read.
What’s one book you’re taking on vacation this summer?
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As someone who is struggling with avoidance behaviour, I know a thing or two about the difference between resting and avoidance. In the past, I always thought that I worked well under pressure, which is why I often leave everything until the last minute.
Soon enough, I realized that taking “rest” and starting a 16-episode-long K-drama in the midst of exam season was actually an avoidance behavior. The pure thought of starting the assignment or learning for the exam made me feel anxious, so I would just mask it by taking a break.
As someone who is struggling with avoidance behaviour, I know a thing or two about the difference between resting and avoidance. In the past, I always thought that I worked well under pressure, which is why I often leave everything until the last minute.
Soon enough, I realized that taking “rest” and starting a 16-episode-long K-drama in the midst of exam season was actually an avoidance behavior. The pure thought of starting the assignment or learning for the exam made me feel anxious, so I would just mask it by taking a break.
No matter what book you choose, it will teach you something. Even the book you did not finish teaches you about things you like and dislike.
There are usually two reasons we choose a book: one is for entertainment, and the other is for education. Finding a book that provides both, in a way that is not screaming self-help, is quite rare.
These 3 books I read in stages of my life when I needed them the most. Some made me rethink the meaning of life, and others, creativity, and self-development. If you are searching for books that are easy to read but make you reflect and learn in a way that does not feel forced, then keep on reading this article.
No matter what book you choose, it will teach you something. Even the book you did not finish teaches you about things you like and dislike.
There are usually two reasons we choose a book: one is for entertainment, and the other is for education. Finding a book that provides both, in a way that is not screaming self-help, is quite rare.
These 3 books I read in stages of my life when I needed them the most. Some made me rethink the meaning of life, and others, creativity, and self-development. If you are searching for books that are easy to read but make you reflect and learn in a way that does not feel forced, then keep on reading this article.
5 Things to Do on a Rainy Day in London (That Will Make You Forget About the Weather)
Saturday, June 20, 2026
Let's be honest, if you're visiting London, there's a good chance you'll encounter rain at some point.
While many travelers dream of sunny walks through the city's parks and famous landmarks, London's weather doesn't always cooperate. The good news? A rainy day doesn't have to ruin your trip. In fact, some of London's best experiences are perfect when the weather turns gray.
During our second day in London, we woke up to heavy rain and quickly realized that standing outside all day wasn't going to be the best plan. Instead of letting the weather dictate our schedule, we adjusted our plans and ended up having one of our favorite days of the trip.
Let's be honest, if you're visiting London, there's a good chance you'll encounter rain at some point.
While many travelers dream of sunny walks through the city's parks and famous landmarks, London's weather doesn't always cooperate. The good news? A rainy day doesn't have to ruin your trip. In fact, some of London's best experiences are perfect when the weather turns gray.
During our second day in London, we woke up to heavy rain and quickly realized that standing outside all day wasn't going to be the best plan. Instead of letting the weather dictate our schedule, we adjusted our plans and ended up having one of our favorite days of the trip.
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