Beach Reads
As summer takes its final bow, many of us cling to the lingering warmth and carefree spirit of the season. However, the arrival of fall brings its own charm, ushering in the excitement of football games, cozy bonfires, stylish hoodies, and the festive holidays that await us. But fear not! There’s still ample opportunity to soak up the sun with a captivating book in hand on the beach. In fact, this transitional period offers some of the best weather of the year, perfect for outdoor relaxation. To enhance your reading experience, here’s a list of the most anticipated titles to dive into. Grab one or a few, and let the pages whisk you away!
“Tell Me Everything” by Elizabeth Strout
Elizabeth Strout’s latest novel takes readers back to Crosby, Maine, where familiar faces like Lucy Barton, Olive Kitteridge, and Bob Burgess navigate life’s complexities. Set against the backdrop of autumn, the story unfolds with Burgess, a local lawyer, becoming deeply involved in a murder case involving a man accused of killing his mother. Alongside this legal drama, Bob forms a profound friendship with Lucy, a writer who lives nearby with her ex-husband, William. Their shared walks and conversations delve into personal reflections and the paths not taken. Lucy also meets Olive, now residing in a retirement community, and together they share stories of “unrecorded lives,” breathing life into the past and finding meaning in their narratives. Strout’s novel is a testament to her skill in capturing the essence of human connections, exploring themes of love, loneliness, and the significance of relationships in anchoring us through life’s trials. As Lucy insightfully notes, love manifests in myriad forms, yet remains a constant force.
“Counting Miracles” by Nicholas Sparks
Tanner Hughes, raised by his grandparents and following in his grandfather’s military footsteps, has spent his life as an Army Ranger, always on the move and uninterested in settling down. However, his grandmother’s passing leaves him with a final, intriguing message: Find where you belong. She also reveals the identity of the father he never knew, prompting Tanner to visit Asheboro, N.C., before his next assignment. In Asheboro, Tanner quickly meets Kaitlyn Cooper, a doctor and single mother. Their immediate connection intrigues Tanner, who senses Kaitlyn has her own story to share. For Kaitlyn, Tanner represents mystery and excitement, though she knows he might soon leave. Nearby, Jasper, an 83-year-old man, lives in solitude with his dog, Arlo, near a national forest. Haunted by a past tragedy, Jasper becomes fixated on protecting a legendary white deer rumored to be in the area, determined to keep it safe from poachers. As these characters’ lives intersect, none anticipates the extraordinary events that may soon transform their futures.
“The Life Impossible” by Matt Haig
When Grace Winters, a retired math teacher, inherits a dilapidated house on a Mediterranean island from a long-lost friend, her curiosity leads her to Ibiza with nothing but a one-way ticket and an open mind. As she explores the island’s rugged landscapes and golden beaches, Grace seeks to unravel the mysteries surrounding her friend’s life and untimely death. What she discovers is more extraordinary than she ever imagined, prompting her to confront her own past before she can embrace the astonishing truth. This novel, rich with adventure and wonder, is a tale of hope and the transformative power of starting anew.
“Murder in Highbury” by Vanessa Kelly
Just shy of a year into her marriage with the esteemed magistrate George Knightley, Emma is reveling in her newfound happiness and independence. As summer graces the countryside, the former Miss Woodhouse juggles the management of her charming estate and a whirlwind of social engagements, her only concern being the health of her beloved father. But Emma’s life takes a dark turn when she and her friend Harriet Martin, now married to one of Mr. Knightley’s tenant farmers, make a shocking discovery at the local church. There, on the altar steps, lies the lifeless body of Mrs. Augusta Elton, the vicar’s wife, her once-adorned neck stripped of its ornate necklace. As the village of Highbury descends into chaos following this shocking murder, the question shifts from who the killer is to who might have secretly wished for the unpleasant woman’s end. When an innocent local is wrongfully accused, Emma takes it upon herself to conduct a discreet investigation. She must navigate the murky waters of suspicion to unmask the true villain lurking in their midst.
“Bad Liar” by Tami Hoag
Sheriff’s detective Nick Fourcade’s week takes a grim turn when a murder victim is discovered at the end of a remote country road, their face and hands obliterated by a shotgun. His investigation leads him to the family of Marc Mercier, a local hero who vanished after a weekend hunting trip. Meanwhile, detective Annie Broussard returns to work after a brutal attack, taking on the case of B’Lynn Fontenot, whose son Robbie, a recovering addict, has been missing for more than a week. Despite the local police’s dismissive attitude, Annie is determined to help B’Lynn, even if it means clashing with the city police. As Nick delves into Marc’s disappearance and Annie searches for Robbie, they uncover a web of old grudges, deceit, and family betrayals. The deeper they go, the more tangled the mysteries become, leading them into the dangerous depths of the Louisiana swamp. With both detectives facing personal and professional challenges, they must navigate a twisting path to uncover the truth behind these interconnected cases.
“By Any Other Name” by Jodi Picoult
Young playwright Melina Green has crafted a new piece inspired by her Elizabethan ancestor, Emilia Bassano. However, in a theater industry still skewed against women, getting it staged seems improbable. Doubting whether to risk another failure, Melina’s best friend takes matters into their own hands by submitting the play to a festival under a male alias. Back in 1581, young Emilia Bassano, under the guardianship of English aristocrats, possesses a keen intellect and storytelling talent but is denied a voice due to her gender. As the mistress of the Lord Chamberlain, who controls English theater productions, Emilia witnesses the power of playwrights’ words. She devises a plan to clandestinely bring her play to life by enlisting an actor named William Shakespeare to present her work as his own. “By Any Other Name” unfolds through dual timelines, weaving a narrative of ambition, courage, and desire. It follows two women determined to create beauty despite societal obstacles. The novel, grounded in historical sources, ensures that Emilia Bassano’s name and legacy are remembered.
