As someone born and raised in the South, I can confidently say there’s truly nothing like a coastal Northeast summer. It’s usually not 98% humidity, the seafood is better, there seem to be fewer kitschy souvenir shops per capita (this may or may not be true), and there’s always a lighthouse. There’s also the aesthetic: the blues, the whites, the occasional pops of red, and the airy linen quality of seemingly everything. I love it all. That’s evident even in my summer Kindle case.
See? I wasn’t kidding.
A summer in the Northeast just feels different from summer anywhere else. Whether it’s in New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts, or one of the other states up there—I’m trusting you all to know your geography well enough that I don’t have to list every one by name—the atmosphere is unbeatable.
For the purposes of this list, I’m looking for coastal towns, old-money family drama, summer houses, seafood, windswept beaches, and at least one person making a questionable romantic decision. Whether you live in the Northeast, elsewhere in America, or beyond, here’s a list of books that will transport you to a coastal summer vacation faster than you can say “lobster roll!”
The Wedding People by Alison Espach. I go back and forth on whether I would consider this a “beach read.” There are some darker parts, but there are also plenty of heartwarming moments. Either way, you’ll be transported to a Rhode Island summer wedding. The dream!
Tropesick by Lauren Okie. Picture this: It’s summer, and you’re in the Hamptons—at least for about half the book—writing a novel with your brother’s best friend, whom you HATE. Yes, it hits a lot of tropes. Yes, that’s the point—hence the name. Even with all the opportunities this book has to become clichéd, I think Okie does a great job exploring deeper topics like grief while treating you to several weeks at a Hamptons mansion in the process.
Worse Than Strangers by Kyleigh Leddy. As I’m adding this to the list, I have to admit that, 30 pages in, I said, “I already know this book is going to be a three-star read for me because of the writing style.” Despite that, I was immediately immersed in Lily and Rose’s world on the island of Nantucket and could picture myself drinking mudslides at a beachside bar within the first few chapters. If you’re looking for a strong coastal New England atmosphere, this is a great read.
Literally anything by Elin Hilderbrand. Speaking of Nantucket, I can’t forget the queen of Nantucket herself, Elin Hilderbrand. When I was in high school, I was lucky enough to hear her speak at an event, and I think that moment kick-started my love of a good ol’ New England summer. Through stories set on Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, and other nearby islands, Hilderbrand makes Massachusetts island life truly come alive on the page. My favorites include The Hotel Nantucket, The Identicals, The Five-Star Weekend, and The Island.
These Summer Storms by Sarah MacLean. This book is like what would happen if the TV show Revenge and the book The Westing Game had a baby—minus most of the death, murder and otherwise. It follows a wealthy family reunited at their private island home off the coast of Rhode Island for their father’s funeral. You can easily imagine being the kind of ungodly rich that allows you to spend your summers living on a private island in the Northeast.
Summer Fridays by Suzanne Rindell. It’s not a coastal setting, but if you want to experience a ’90s summer in New York City, this is the book for you. Sawyer is trying to find her path while also dealing with the fact that her fiancé is probably having an affair with his coworker. She ends up exploring the city on her summer Fridays with that coworker’s boyfriend. Messy.
Summer Romance by Annabel Monaghan. Set in a fictional town on the Long Island Sound, Summer Romance offers a different side of a New York summer—one that isn’t quite as polished or nostalgic but is incredibly relatable. Ali Moore’s life might have fallen apart, but when her dog pees on a handsome man at the dog park, everything might change for the better this summer.
The God of the Woods by Liz Moore. It’s summer camp! As someone who also went to camp in or near the Adirondacks—although mine was theater camp—I love the nostalgia of a Northeast mountain summer. The God of the Woods is a historical mystery, though not necessarily what I would call a thriller. It can be a little slow-paced, but the storytelling is just so good.
Happy Place by Emily Henry. Thinking about this book makes me crave a lobster roll. Set mostly in coastal Maine, the story lets readers vacation alongside a group of friends spending one last summer together at a beach house. Happy Place always puts me in a reading slump, and that’s not only because I’m too busy thinking about seafood to pick up another book.
As with all my recommendation lists, I like to include a few books that fit the theme but that I haven’t gotten around to reading yet. Consider these a little bonus! Let me know if you’ve read any of them.
- The Summer of Broken Rules by K.L. Walther. This book, which takes place on Martha’s Vineyard, will surely change things up from all the books I read set on Nantucket.
- Summer in the City by Alex Aster. A New York City summer romance! I currently have both the e-book and audiobook checked out through Libby, so I’ll be getting to this one within the next week. Stay tuned.
- Same Time Next Summer by Annabel Monaghan. I’ve heard mixed things about this one, but I plan to read it simply on principle.
I hope you manage to soak up some good coastal Northeast summer vibes before fall arrives. Cheers, and happy reading!
Reminder: Everyone has their own tastes and opinions! Respectfully disagree all you want. Be mean about it, and I’ll assume your favorite character would’ve been disappointed in you. Life’s too short to argue over fictional people.
Sequels and Scribbles 