The best books to read on the beach for moms

Why am I passionate about this?

When our two sons were younger, I ran a book club for moms. We met at the local library branch once a month—an excuse to get out of the house for some adult conversation. I frequently offer book suggestions to friends and family because I keep my finger on the pulse of what books moms want to read, especially in the summertime at the beach. Typically, I read three to four beach reads on vacation, and I like a variety of genres. I gravitate towards stories with some element of romance, fitting since I’m a sweet romance writer who loves a good book.   


I wrote...

Serendipity by the Sea

By Jennifer Vido,

Book cover of Serendipity by the Sea

What is my book about?

Will her wanderlust ex-boyfriend’s return allow a hopeless romantic a second chance at love?

Cate Ainsworth is poised to land her dream job when an ex-boyfriend—the guy she once loved who left town without explanation—returns to their Lowcountry hometown. Their long-denied attraction tugs her in a new direction, but will she risk everything for a second chance at love? A freelance photographer, Knox Price seeks adventure, not commitment. Back in town to care for his uncle gets complicated when he crosses paths with Cate, igniting a spark he can’t ignore. But can he confess the truth about why he walked away?

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The books I picked & why

Book cover of You Shouldn't Have Come Here

Jennifer Vido Why did I love this book?

This book is an irresistible thriller about Grace Evans, an overworked New Yorker who rents an Airbnb on a ranch in the middle of Wyoming for some rest and relaxation and stumbles upon an intriguing rancher and townsfolk with secrets to keep.

The sexual attraction between Grace and Calvin Wells, the handsome rancher, kept me turning the pages. I never saw the shocking twist coming at the end. It made me think twice about booking a vacation rental in a remote area without cell service!

I devoured this novel in a few days, making it a good choice for a quick beach read.   

Book cover of The Mostly True Story Of Tanner & Louise

Jennifer Vido Why did I love this book?

This pick is a feel-good story about twenty-one-year-old Tanner Quimby and eighty-four-year-old Louise Wilt, who throw caution to the wind and run from the law.

It’s a coming-of-age and end-of-life book woven together by an unlikely friendship between two women at a crossroads who are desperate to seek an adventure far away from their families. This book reminds me of my special relationship with my grandmother and the fun summertime memories we experienced together.

All generations will enjoy this read, making it a perfect companion for family beach getaways.  

By Colleen Oakley,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked The Mostly True Story Of Tanner & Louise as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A Good Morning America Buzz Pick * A Marie Claire Book Club Pick for April * A Reader's Digest Book Club Pick for April * A LibraryReads Pick * One of Southern Living's Most Anticipated 2023 Releases * One of Today's Most Anticipated 2023 Releases

An unforgettable pairing of a college dropout and an eighty-four-year-old woman on the run from the law in this story full of tremendous heart, humor, and wit from the USA Today bestselling author of The Invisible Husband of Frick Island.

Twenty-one-year-old Tanner Quimby needs a place to live. Preferably one where she can continue sitting…


Book cover of The Magic of Sea Glass

Jennifer Vido Why did I love this book?

This title is a must-read pick for the beach with the bright sun in the sky and toes in the sand.

A heartwarming beach read, it’s the story of Lauren Sutton, an event planner who tragically loses her fiancé and retreats to an old inn in Rodanthe, North Carolina, for the summer, leaving behind her successful event-planning business. Her life gets complicated when she stumbles upon local fisherman Brody Harrison, igniting a flame inside.

The small-town feel and sense of community drew me in, especially how Lauren’s new friends try to help her overcome grief and open her heart to the hope of something new.        

By Jenny Hale,

Why should I read it?

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


Book cover of The Senator's Wife

Jennifer Vido Why did I love this book?

My proximity to DC attracts me to political and psychological suspense, like the latest release by this bestselling sister writing team.

An insider’s look into the lives of the power players in the nation’s capital, this story grabs your attention with the family drama and medical mystery. D.C. philanthropist Sloane Chase undergoes surgery and wakes up thinking her home health aide is trying to steal her new husband, ruin her reputation, and claim her social standing.

The story culminates with a political twist ripped from modern-day headlines, which makes for the ultimate beach read this summer.    

By Liv Constantine,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Senator's Wife as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A D.C. philanthropist suspects that her seemingly perfect employee is secretly plotting to steal her husband, her reputation—even her life—in this seductive novel of psychological suspense from the internationally bestselling author of The Last Mrs. Parrish.

“A deadly cocktail of medical mystery, family drama, and psychological suspense.”—Chandler Baker, New York Times bestselling author of Whisper Network

In this town, anyone is replaceable. . . .

After a tragic chain of events led to the deaths of their spouses two years ago, D.C. philanthropist Sloane Chase and Senator Whit Montgomery are finally starting to move on. The horrifying ordeal drew them…


Book cover of The Comeback Summer

Jennifer Vido Why did I love this book?

What’s better than a humorous and sexy read about two sisters in the throes of personal growth after the unexpected death of their grandmother?

Hannah and Libby are in charge of the family’s PR Agency and are hemorrhaging clients to the point of closing the company’s doors. When an eccentric self-help guru enters the office searching for a new PR team, the sisters believe they have found their miracle; only there’s a catch. Both sisters must complete Lou’s “Crush Your Comfort Zone” 12-week program or no deal.

This delightful tale is about the love between siblings set in one of my favorite cities to visit my extended family—Chicago!

By Ali Brady,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

Two sisters have one summer to crush their comfort zones and save their grandmother’s legacy in this sweet, sexy, and heartfelt novel by Ali Brady, author of The Beach Trap.

Hannah and Libby need a miracle. The PR agency they inherited from their grandmother is losing clients left and right, and the sisters are devastated at the thought of closing. The situation seems hopeless—until in walks Lou, an eccentric self-help guru who is looking for a new PR agency. Her business could solve all their problems—but there’s a catch. Whoever works with Lou must complete a twelve-week challenge as part…


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Beautiful and Terrible Things

By S. M. Stevens,

Book cover of Beautiful and Terrible Things

S. M. Stevens

New book alert!

What is my book about?

Charley Byrne isn’t really living. She hunkers down in her apartment above the bookstore she manages, until quirky activist Xander Wallace lures her out of social exile with the prospect of friendship and romance. Charley joins Xander’s circle of diverse friends and thrives, even leaving her comfort zone to join protests in a city struggling with social justice ills.

But the new friendships bring back-to-back betrayals that threaten the bookstore—Charley’s haven—and propel her into a dangerous depression, in a stark reminder that friendship has the power to destroy as well as save lives. Can her friends save the store? And Charley?

Beautiful and Terrible Things

By S. M. Stevens,

What is this book about?

"A beautifully crafted story of friendship and self-discovery set amidst the harsh realities of today's world. Superb!" -Eileen O'Finlan, author of Erin's Children

Charley Byrne isn't really living. At age 29, she hunkers down in her apartment above the bookstore she manages, afraid of a 7-year curse. Then quirky activist Xander Wallace lures her out of social exile with the prospect of friendship and romance. Charley joins Xander's circle of friends diverse in their heritage, race, gender and sexual orientation. She thrives, even leaving her comfort zone to join protests in a city struggling with social justice ills.

But the…


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