Why am I passionate about this?

I have always been drawn to the ocean. When I decided to start writing novels, I knew that I wanted to set them in coastal locations. I live in the Boston suburbs and spend time whenever I can at the beach. I have written books centered in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and Cape Cod. I am working on a story set on the north shore of Massachusetts. I am a high school social studies teacher of twenty-four years and a parent of two teenagers. All of my writing includes cooking and the enjoyment of good food as a major focus. I hope my books make you hungry!


I wrote

First Course

By Jenn Bouchard,

Book cover of First Course

What is my book about?

When four life-altering catastrophes hit in just one day, twenty-four-year-old Janie Whitman retreats to her family's summer house in Capeā€¦

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

The books I picked & why

Book cover of Don't Forget to Write

Jenn Bouchard Why did I love this book?

I loved this multi-generational book about family, love, and finding yourself in the most unexpected ways.

The characters are so well-developed, and the New Jersey Shore setting is downright dreamy. Marilyn is a strong and inspiring protagonist. I couldnā€™t put it down, but also did not want this book to end!

By Sara Goodman Confino,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Don't Forget to Write as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

In 1960, a young woman discovers a freedom she never knew existed in this exhilarating, funny, and emotional novel by the bestselling author of She's Up to No Good.

When Marilyn Kleinman is caught making out with the rabbi's son in front of the whole congregation, her parents ship her off to her great-aunt Ada for the summer. If anyone can save their daughter's reputation, it's Philadelphia's strict premier matchmaker. Either that or Marilyn can kiss college goodbye.

To Marilyn's surprise, Ada's not the humorless septuagenarian her mother described. Not with that platinum-blonde hair, Hermes scarf, and Cadillac convertible. She'sā€¦


Book cover of The Beach Trap

Jenn Bouchard Why did I love this book?

I was a huge fan of the original The Parent Trap movie as a kid, and this adult book version is absolutely addicting.

With a coastal Florida setting, it was perfect to read on a beach vacation. The main characters are loads of fun, and the two book boyfriends are charming in very different ways. 

By Ali Brady,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Beach Trap as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Two best friends torn apart by a life-altering secret. One summer to set the record straight.
 
When twelve-year-olds Kat Steiner and Blake Oā€™Neill meet at Camp Chickawah, they have an instant connection. But everything falls apart when they learn theyā€™re not just best friendsā€”theyā€™re also half sisters. Confused and betrayed, the girls break off all contact.
 
Fifteen years later, when their father dies suddenly, Kat and Blake discover heā€™s left them a joint inheritance: the family beach house in Destin, Florida. The two sisters are immediately at odds. Blake, who has recently been demoted from regular nanny to dog nanny,ā€¦


Ad

Book cover of The Inhabitants

The Inhabitants by Beth Castrodale,

Artist Nilda Ricci could use a stroke of luck. She seems to get it when she inherits a shadowy Victorian, built by an architect whose houses were said to influence the mindā€”supposedly, in beneficial ways. At first, Nildaā€™s new home delivers, with the help of its longtime housekeeper. And Nildaā€¦

Book cover of The Guncle

Jenn Bouchard Why did I love this book?

Although not coastal, this bookā€™s Palm Springs setting is full of swimming pools and a feeling of escape to somewhere new. I laughed, I cried, and I adored the dynamic between Patrick and his adorable niece and nephew.

Secondary characters, such as the three neighbors and other family members, added depth and emotion to the story. I seriously read this book in 24 hours!

By Steven Rowley,

Why should I read it?

7 authors picked The Guncle as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

National Bestseller ā€¢ Wall Street Journal Bestseller ā€¢ USA Today Bestseller
An NPR Book of the Year
Semi-finalist for the Thurber Prize for American Humor
Finalist for the 2021 Goodreads Choice Awards

From the bestselling author of Lily and the Octopus and The Editor comes a warm and deeply funny novel about a once-famous gay sitcom star whose unexpected family tragedy leaves him with his niece and nephew for the summer.

Patrick, or Gay Uncle Patrick (GUP, for short), has always loved his niece, Maisie, and nephew, Grant. That is, he loves spending time with them when they come outā€¦


Book cover of Out of the Clear Blue Sky

Jenn Bouchard Why did I love this book?

I love books set on Cape Cod, especially ones that describe the unique towns that make up one of my favorite vacation spots.

Kristan Higgins does a great job in this book of addressing a character dealing with midlife divorce while injecting tons of humor and hope, as well as some unexpected moments and relationships.

By Kristan Higgins,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Out of the Clear Blue Sky as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

From New York Times bestselling author Kristan Higgins comes a funny and surprising new novel about losing it allā€”and getting back more than you ever expected.
 
Lillie Silva knew life as an empty nester would be hard after her only child left for college, but when her husband abruptly dumps her for another woman just as her son leaves, her world comes crashing down. Besides the fact that this announcement is a complete surprise (to say the least), what shocks Lillie most is that she isnā€™t heartbroken. Sheā€™s furious.
 
Lillie has loved her life on Cape Cod, but as aā€¦


Ad

Book cover of Suddenly that Summer

Suddenly that Summer by Lori Handeland,

Set during the same tumultuous era as The Women1967: They called it the Summer of Love...

For small-town Wisconsin siblings Billy and Jay Johnson, itā€™s a summer of change, confusion, and self-discovery. 

From the voice of New York Times bestselling author Lori Handeland, a heartfelt, coming-of-age story thatā€¦

Book cover of You First

Jenn Bouchard Why did I love this book?

I love books that take me to other places, particularly when the settings are vivid and almost another character in the story.

A wedding book is the perfect beach read as we get a peek into family and friend dynamics and all the drama that goes with such a major event. This book is full of all of the above, with charming dialogue, road-not-taken romance, and memorable characters.

By Caitlin Moss,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked You First as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.


Explore my book šŸ˜€

First Course

By Jenn Bouchard,

Book cover of First Course

What is my book about?

When four life-altering catastrophes hit in just one day, twenty-four-year-old Janie Whitman retreats to her family's summer house in Cape Elizabeth, Maine. Here, she tries to provide stability for her older sister, Alyssa, and two young nieces by cooking them amazing food.

Through a mix-up with the alumni office at her parents' alma mater, Janie meets a young high school guidance counselor named Rocky at a volunteer event, and their fast-tracked romance helps Janie to see possibilities beyond the life she had known just a few weeks prior. But with her ex-boyfriend (and former boss) making overtures beyond her wildest dreams, as well as Alyssa's estranged husband willing to do whatever it takes to win her back, the Whitman sisters are faced with big decisions.

Book cover of Don't Forget to Write
Book cover of The Beach Trap
Book cover of The Guncle

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

2,006

readers submitted
so far, will you?

Ad

šŸ“š You might also likeā€¦

Book cover of Sor Juana, My Beloved

Sor Juana, My Beloved by MaryAnn Shank,

Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz, this brilliant 17th century nun flew through Mexico City on the breeze of poetry and philosophy. She met with princes of the Church, and with the royalty of Spain and Mexico. Then she met a stunning, powerful woman with lavender eyes, la Vicereine Mariaā€¦

Book cover of The Blighted Mission

The Blighted Mission by E. Chris Ambrose,

Disgraced British anthropologist Nigel Rowe hopes his YouTube adventure channel will be just the treat to redeem him, but vengeful treasure hunters have other plans! Seeking a legendary Jesuit mission in Baja, Nigel saves his producerā€™s life when the man takes a bullet meant for him. 

When an ex-Marine strollsā€¦

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in gay men, romantic love, and beaches?

Gay Men 140 books
Romantic Love 957 books
Beaches 26 books