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9 Beach Reads: Sun-Drenched Stories for Lazy Afternoons

9 Beach Reads: Sun-Drenched Stories for Lazy Afternoons

School's out, your PTO is locked in, and the flights are booked. Now, there's just one thing left to decide: which books are making it into your carry-on? Whether you're jetting off to distant shores or soaking up the sun in your backyard, we've got the perfect reads to keep you company all holiday long. 

From sun-soaked romances and nature escapes to mindful moments and magical adventures, this summer’s reads are all about slowing down, diving in, and discovering something new. Whether you’re craving a laugh-out-loud love story, a creative way to unwind, or a fresh look at the world around you, there’s a title here to match every mood and moment.

Continue reading to discover more about our titles.


Heat Wave

There’s something special about finding a story where the characters feel so real, you’re swept up in every twist and turn they face. In the sweltering summer of 1936, Toronto, a war veteran running a café with fellow ex-POWs and a junior investigator at a two-person firm, crosses paths through two unexpected events: a troubling hate letter and suspicions of embezzlement.

What starts as separate stories soon weaves into one compelling mystery full of heart, history, and unforgettable characters. This is the world of The Devil's Brigade by Martin Limón, a novel that effortlessly blends the gritty reality of post-war life with the intricate puzzles of a classic whodunit. This isn't just a mystery, it's a profound look at the enduring impact of war, the complexities of human nature, and the unexpected bonds forged in the face of adversity.

RRP: £9.99 Publication Date: 30 March 2019 | ISBN: 9781770865426 Publisher: Cormorant Books


Get Outside in the Summer

Phineas and Ferb weren’t wrong, finding the perfect way to spend summer break can be a challenge. But Get Outside in the Summer has it covered! Packed with fun facts and activity ideas, this bright and engaging book is the perfect seasonal guide for little learners.

Get Outside in the Summer isn't just a book, it's a launchpad for adventure. It's filled with imaginative projects and hands-on activities that transform a regular day into something special. From building a miniature bug hotel to creating sun-print art, each page offers a new opportunity for discovery. This book encourages kids to use what's around them to explore, learn, and create. It’s perfect for families looking to add a little structure and a lot of fun to their summer days.

RRP: £31.99 | Publication Date: 01 January 2019 | ISBN: 9781641853330 Publisher: Focus Readers


Kristy’s Summer Cutting Garden

Summer may be the season of sunshine and spontaneity, but let’s be honest, even the warmest days can leave us restless. If you’ve ever found yourself uttering the unforgivable words “I miss the colder weather,” you might just need something soothing to do with all that spare time. Enter Kristy’s Summer Cutting Garden, the second in a series of seasonal watercolouring books inspired by Kristy Rice’s own lush garden.

This isn’t just colouring for grown-ups. It’s a moment of calm in a loud world, with pages full of summer blooms like coneflowers, hollyhocks, and anemones, all paired with easy, joy-driven tutorials to help you improve your technique, no matter your skill level. Headphones in, paintbrush out, and let summer slow down for a minute. 

RRP: £18.99 | Publication Date: 28 June 2017 | ISBN: 9780764353369 Publisher: Schiffer Publishing


Your Crystal Allies

Sun’s out, energy’s up, it’s the perfect time to get clear on what you want and call it in with a little help from quartz. Your Crystal Allies is your guide to 12 powerhouse stones that help you attract more of what you need, stay grounded when life gets busy, and pivot with confidence.

Whether you're soaking up the sun's rays or setting powerful intentions, these crystal companions will keep you aligned, focused, and ready for whatever the season brings. This guide will walk you through each stone’s unique properties, showing you how to harness their energy. From the clarity-boosting properties of clear quartz to the grounding force of black tourmaline, each stone offers a distinct benefit. You’ll learn how to choose the right crystal for your specific goals, from attracting new opportunities to finding calm in the chaos.

RRP: £16.99 | Publication Date: 10 October 2023 | ISBN: 9780999362358 Publisher: GoTracee Publishing


Pool

Welcome to New Lourdes, where the public swimming pool has mysteriously tilted, the water might just heal you, and nothing is quite as it seems. When sixteen-year-old Wolfgang Mulqueen takes a summer job there, he’s expecting chlorine and sunburn — not blind girls who claim to be nocturnal, or butterflies that no one’s ever seen before.

As Wolfgang gets closer to Audrey and her strange world, he’s pulled deeper into Audrey’s world, a world where the line between reality and myth is blurred. He finds himself caught in a web of secrets and lies, uncovering a mystery that’s been waiting for decades to be revealed. He discovers that New Lourdes isn't just a quirky town; it’s a place of ancient power and forgotten magic. The pool, he learns, is not just a pool, and its healing waters hold a secret that could change everything he thought he knew about the world and about himself. 

RRP: £15.99 | Publication Date: 01 September 2007 | ISBN: 9781876462512 Publisher: Ford Street Publishing


Beach Trash Art

Nadia and Nadir are two lively siblings spending their summer in Houston, and they know how to make every moment count. Whether it’s prepping for a visit from their grandparents or getting ready for a trip to Pakistan, these young explorers find joy in learning, family traditions, and a whole lot of curiosity.

Through their daily adventures, Nadia and Nadir offer a glimpse into a world where everyday fun meets cultural discovery. They learn to cook traditional family recipes, listen to captivating stories from their elders, and discover the rich traditions that connect them to a land they've yet to fully explore. The siblings' journey is a heartwarming celebration of family bonds, the joy of learning, and the beautiful fusion of their American upbringing with their Pakistani roots. It’s a story about finding your identity in a world that feels both big and small, and about the everyday magic of growing up with a global perspective.

RRP:
£10.99 | Publication Date: 01 August 2022 | ISBN: 9781644948200 Publisher: Calico Kid

Dragon's Back 

A weekend hike turns into something magical in The Dragon’s Back, where ancient Chinese wisdom meets modern-day adventure. When a family’s peaceful picnic is interrupted by a forest fire, the question isn’t just how they’ll get home, it’s whether the mountain’s mythical dragon can help, or if it too is in danger from the damage humans leave behind.

With stunning, painted artwork that brings the mountain to life and a cut-out dragon craft that lets children bring a piece of the magic home, The Dragon's Back is a warm and thoughtful tale. It's a gentle story about finding courage in the face of fear and the importance of caring for the natural world. This is a perfect read for a summer story time with a deeper meaning.

RRP: 
£6.99 Publication Date: 01 January 2007 | ISBN: 9789889979959 Publisher: Blacksmith Books

Southern Morocco

If your dream summer involves more birdsong than beach bars, The Crossbill Guide: Southern Morocco might just be your perfect travel companion. Covering everything from the snowy peaks of the High Atlas to the sunbaked dunes of the Sahara, this guide takes you deep into one of the world’s most ecologically rich (and visually stunning) regions.

With detailed routes for hiking and driving, insider tips on spotting everything from Bald Ibises to desert blooms, and fascinating insights into how this diverse landscape came to be, it’s the ultimate pick for naturalists, birders, or anyone keen to explore Morocco’s wilder side. Whether you're chasing butterflies or just craving adventure, this book makes sure you won’t miss a thing.

RRP:
£25.95 | Publication Date: 23 January 
2023 | ISBN: 9789491648212 Publisher: Crossbill Guides Foundation

Pointe of Pride 

Carly came to Sydney to be the perfect maid of honour, not to fall headfirst into a rivalry with Nick, the annoyingly handsome best man. She’s chasing a ballet promotion, he’s hiding a secret about his failed life in Paris, and neither of them expects their summer to turn into late-night photo shoots, unexpected feelings, and one very complicated love story.

This is a witty, sun-soaked rom-com about the beautiful chaos of second chances. It’s about two people who, in trying to be perfect for everyone else, find a way to be perfectly imperfect together. It's a story that asks what happens when you let go of your carefully constructed plans and say yes to what scares you most: falling headfirst into a complicated, unexpected, and utterly beautiful love story.

RRP:
£16.99 Publication Date: 21 May 2024 | ISBN: 9798890680129 Publisher: Amberjack Publishing

Whatever story you choose to take with you this summer, make it a good one. Bon voyage!

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