A beach read about healing and second chances, especially if the book is set by the sea, provides the ideal summer reading experience. If you’re searching for your next emotional, uplifting summer novel then these 7 beach reads might be for you.
Why We Love Healing Stories Set by the Sea
There’s something about the ocean that has always appealed to me. Sometimes I wonder if it’s in my genes because my parents and grandparents enjoyed going to the beach too. Is it the endless horizon? Or the soothing sound of the waves? For me, I’m captivated by the sense that I’m so small and yet the God of the universe created all that I can see and touch. Each new day at the beach offers a renewed sense of wonder and possibility.
It’s no surprise so many beautiful stories of healing, second chances, and forgiveness are set by the sea.
If you’re longing for a stack of emotional, heartfelt beach reads, here are seven favorites that will sweep you away. Each one explores themes of fresh starts, mending old wounds, and finding hope. Even when life gets messy.
Gentle note for sensitive readers:
These stories are compelling, emotional and sometimes gritty. They may include content that isn’t ideal for every reader. Please read with care and check content warnings as needed.
7 Beach Reads About Healing, Second Chances and Forgiveness
- The Last Love Note by Emma Grey: there are elements of this novel that are tough to read but Emma Grey is also delightfully funny. And Hugh. Oh my word! I still think about him sometimes. Swoon-worthy indeed!
- Love, Unscripted by Denise Hunter: This sweet romance features a small-town North Carolina girl who has written a novel that is about to become a movie. Except she isn’t thrilled with the casting selection for the hero’s role. There’s a fake dating trope (which I adore), a swoon-worthy hero, plenty of clever plot twists, and a satisfying happy ending.
- One Southern Summer by Heidi McCahan: this was my first southern women’s fiction novel and loosely inspired by my experience dating a closeted gay man. There’s a geriatric matriarch who is still one of my favorite characters I’ve ever created. If you like books about sisters, secrets, and family drama as well as stories that feature healing and second chances, I think you’ll enjoy this one.
- Sweet Melody by Heidi McCahan: a struggling bakery owner, a disillusioned songwriter and an adorable small town by the sea…what’s not to love? I wrote Sweet Melody because I wanted to create a summer read featuring a few of my favorite things.
- The Islanders by Meg Mitchell Moore: I’m pretty sure I’m obsessed with Block Island, which is why I picked up this book. For me, Meg Mitchell Moore creates the most interesting and complex characters. I read her novels to learn how to be a better writer. She’s brilliant!
- Summer at the Cape by RaeAnne Thayne: This cover captured my attention and I couldn’t resist reading it. Excellent writing, relatable characters and frankly, I couldn’t put it down. A wonderful story about healing, second chances and forgiveness.
- Memory Lane by Becky Wade: amnesia, romance and a coastal community in Maine? Yes, please. Highly recommend the entire Sons of Scandal series. Becky is a fantastic storyteller.
Let’s Chat
Have you read any of these books yet? What’s your favorite beach to visit or your go-to beach read?
Leave a comment below, please. I’d love to hear your recommendations … for books and beaches.
And if you’re looking for even more summer reading inspiration, be sure to check out my Beach Reads Bingo Challenge for your chance to win signed paperbacks and bookish swag all season long!
Happy reading, booklovers.
