As summer unfolds and the days stretch longer, there’s no better time to indulge in some captivating reads. There are so many books being released this summer! Here are my top 5 recommendations for your next read on the Ocean City beaches.
1. Funny Story by Emily Henry
![](https://ocmdhotels.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/71PSVpqu3vL._AC_UF10001000_QL80_.jpg)
Emily Henry returns with another captivating tale that’s sure to bring laughter and joy to your summer. Set it Waning Bay, Michigan, “Funny Story” is a delightful blend of humor and heart. You follow the quirky and endearing protagonist as they navigate unexpected twists and turns in life. Henry’s sharp wit and relatable characters make this a perfect beach read that will leave you smiling long after you’ve turned the last page.
2. Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez
![](https://ocmdhotels.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/81tVBUv75vL._AC_UF10001000_QL80_.jpg)
Abby Jimenez delivers a swoon-worthy romance with “Just for the Summer.” The Protagonist has a curse: everyone woman he dates finds “the one” after they breakup. When a girl with the same problem contacts him with a plan to cancel out their curse he agrees. This story follows the two characters to a private island on Lake Minnetonka where they are supposed to just enjoy a little summer fling. Jimenez’s talent for creating lovable characters and steamy romantic tension ensures this book will be a hit for anyone looking to get lost in a love story this summer.
3. The God of the Woods by Liz Moore
![](https://ocmdhotels.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/81qi98QsK5L._AC_UF10001000_QL80_.jpg)
For those who crave a bit of mystery and intrigue, “The God of the Woods” by Liz Moore is a must-read. When the daughter of the family that owns the Van Laar Preserve summer camp goes missing in 1975 all bets are off. Especially since this isn’t the first time one of the Van Laar’s children has gone missing. Told in two timelines, Moore’s masterful storytelling and atmospheric writing will keep you on the edge of your seat, making it the perfect companion for a cool summer evening.
4. Pearce Oysters by Joselyn Takacs
![](https://ocmdhotels.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/91baGbhizxL._AC_UF10001000_QL80_.jpg)
Dive into the world of “Pearce Oysters,” where the intricacies of family, tradition, and the sea come together in a beautifully woven narrative. Joselyn Takacs crafts a poignant story about a family-run oyster business and the challenges they face in maintaining their legacy. Following the Deepwater Horizon oil rig explosion, the protagonist must unite his family and community to save not only the business but the Gulf Coast. With its rich descriptions and heartfelt moments, this novel is perfect for those who appreciate stories of resilience and the bonds that tie us together.
5. A Novel Love Story by Ashley Poston
![](https://ocmdhotels.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/81xukQxH37L._AC_UF10001000_QL80_.jpg)
Ashley Poston brings a fresh and contemporary take on romance with “A Novel Love Story.” This charming tale follows a hopeless romantic, Eileen Merriweather, who finds herself stranded in the town of one of her favorite romance series, Eloraton. In this seemingly perfect place, she discovers it’s frozen in the late author’s last unfinished story. Determined to complete the tale, she encounters a grumpy, yet alluring, bookstore owner who complicates her mission. As Eloraton’s fate intertwines with her own, Eileen realizes her true happily-ever-after might be within reach.