Historical "Beach Reads"

If you are a reader of this blog, you already know that I love historical fiction. When historical fiction combines with a "beach read," I definitely fall in love.  If you are interested in my thoughts on a particular title, you can find my reviews here. Here are some of my favorite historical reads that are perfect for the beach:

A Hundred Summers by Beatriz Williams - The setting is 1938 at a Rhode Island seashore and this is hands down one of my favorite historical beach reads. Highly recommended. 

Under a Dark Summer Sky by Vanessa LaFaye - This novel takes place in the Florida Keys during the 1930s.  It deals with the famous Labor Day Hurricane, which will certainly keep you on the edge of your seat.

Lighthouse Bay by Kimberley Freeman - There are two storylines in this beach read with one taking place in the early 1900s in Australia. 

Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter - This is one of my favorite novels; I love the setting of the Italian coast in 1961. Plus, Walter's writing is brilliant.

A Certain Summer by Patricia Beard - This novel takes place during the aftermath of WWII in a Long Island seaside community.

Along the Infinite Sea by Beatriz Williams - I adored the 1960s Palm Beach setting in this novel. Beatriz Williams is my go-to historical fiction author when I am on vacation during the summertime.

The Last Summer at Chelsea Beach by Pam Jenoff - I fell in love with this novel last summer. I could relate to the Philadelphia setting and I enjoyed the 1941 Atlantic City setting as well. 

The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd - This is a fantastic novel and perfect for the summertime. It takes place in Charleston during the early 19th century. It's definitely a moving novel; so, if you are looking for a beach read with substance, look no further.

The Secret Life of Violet Grant by Beatriz Williams - This novel combines a storyline that takes place in Manhattan during the 1960s and Berlin in 1914. Although it doesn't have a beach setting per se, it does read like your favorite beach read and would be perfect for vacation. In fact, I read it last year on vacation!

At the Water's Edge by Sara Gruen - I enjoyed the Scottish setting in this novel and the time period of WWII. This is another novel that is perfect for summertime reading.

The Winter Sea by Susanna Kearsley - The atmosphere in this novel was incredible and the 1708 Scottish setting by the sea is vacation reading at its best. Plus, I love how Kearsley includes "time travel."

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon - So you are probably wondering why I included this novel as a historical beach read as it isn't exactly light reading, but the setting of Scotland in the 1700s as well as Jamie and Claire's adventures will keep you captivated all vacation long.  Trust me on this.

City of Jasmine by Deanna Raybourn - Raybourn writes such great historical beach reads. I really enjoy reading her novels in the summertime, because they have romance, adventure, and always include a fantastic setting. This one takes place in Damascus during the 1920s.

The Yonahlossee Riding Camp for Girls by Anton DiSclafani - I read this page-turner one summer and it's perfect poolside fodder. It takes place in the 1930s in the South.  This novel is filled with drama and family secrets as well as a depiction of an all girls' camp.  Cue the drama.

A Spear of Summer Grass by Deanna Raybourn - Again, Raybourn is a perfect author to read while on vacation. I loved this historical novel which takes place during Paris in the 1920s as well as Africa.  

Hemingway's Girl by Erika Robuck -  I am a huge fan of the Florida Keys and Hemingway, so I really enjoyed this novel, which takes place in Key West during the 1930s.  Robuck truly brought Hemingway to life as well the atmosphere of the Keys.


When I am on vacation, I love to throw some historical "beach reads"  in my beach bag. They are the perfect refresher after reading YA fantasy or realistic fiction. Here are the historical novels that I plan on reading this summer:

A Certain Age by Beatriz Williams

When We Meet Again by Kristin Harmel

The Light of Paris by Eleanor Brown 

So, what are some of your favorite historical novels to read at the beach or while on vacation? What do you think of my list? Let me know in the comments.