Looking for a novel that will transport you to a sun-soaked beach, with a tale that’s both heartwarming and thought-provoking? Look no further than Emily Henry‘s Beach Read. In this bestselling novel, Henry weaves together a story of love, loss, and the power of writing to heal old wounds.
With richly drawn characters and a setting that practically begs you to kick off your sandals and soak up some rays, Beach Read is a perfect escape for readers in search of a feel-good read. But don’t be fooled by the title; there’s more to this book than meets the eye. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what makes Beach Read such a captivating and enjoyable read. There’s no question why this became a must-read for fans of contemporary romance and women’s fiction alike.
Table of Contents [CLICK HERE TO OPEN]
Beach Read
FROM THE #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF PEOPLE WE MEET ON VACATION AND BOOK LOVERS!
A romance writer who no longer believes in love and a literary writer stuck in a rut engage in a summer-long challenge that may just upend everything they believe about happily ever afters.
Synopsis
Augustus Everett is an acclaimed author of literary fiction. January Andrews writes bestselling romance. When she pens a happily ever after, he kills off his entire cast.
They’re polar opposites.
In fact, the only thing they have in common is that for the next three months, they’re living in neighboring beach houses, broke, and bogged down with writer’s block.
Until, one hazy evening, one thing leads to another and they strike a deal designed to force them out of their creative ruts: Augustus will spend the summer writing something happy, and January will pen the next Great American Novel. She’ll take him on field trips worthy of any rom-com montage, and he’ll take her to interview surviving members of a backwoods death cult (obviously). Everyone will finish a book and no one will fall in love. Really.
“Beach Read is original, sparkling bright, and layered with feeling. Has trying to see the world through your long time crush/rival’s eyes ever been this potent and poignant? If whipcrack banter and foggy sexual tension is your catnip, you’ll adore this book.”–Sally Thorne, USA Today bestselling author
“A heartfelt look at taking second chances, in life and in love.”—Kirkus Reviews
“Readers are sure to fall hard for this meta, heartfelt take on the romance genre.”—Publishers Weekly
“And that was the moment I realized: when the world felt dark and scary, love could whisk you off to go dancing; laughter could take some of the pain away; beauty could punch holes in your fear. I decided then that my life would be full of all three.”
Our Overview
January Andrews is a bestselling romance author who’s hit a bit of a rough patch. Her father recently passed away, her long-term boyfriend just broke up with her, and she’s struggling to finish her latest book. To make matters worse, she’s just inherited her father’s dilapidated beach house in a small town on Lake Michigan, where she plans to spend the summer trying to finish her manuscript.
When she arrives at the beach house, January discovers that her new neighbor is none other than Augustus “Gus” Everett, her college rival and literary nemesis. Gus is a literary fiction author who’s known for his dark, brooding prose, and he and January have never seen eye-to-eye on anything. To make matters worse, they both have writer’s block, and they’re both facing looming deadlines.
To try to break their creative slumps, Gus suggests a bet: they’ll each write a book in the other’s genre, and they’ll let the other person choose the topic. January reluctantly agrees, and they set out to write their respective books.
As January and Gus spend more time together, they begin to learn more about each other’s pasts and secrets. They also start to develop feelings for each other, even though they both try to deny it. January learns a shocking truth about her father’s past. She then realizes that the only way to move forward is to confront the truth head-on.
Our Review
From the first page, readers are swept up in the story of January and Gus, two writers with a complicated past who find themselves forced to work together on a bet. As they struggle to write in each other’s genres, they also begin to explore their feelings for each other. Not to mention confronting their own personal demons.
You know we can’t resist a good enemies-to-lovers! If you’re in the same boat, you’ll fall head over heels for January and Gus. While they start off as rivals, their interactions are filled with sharp banter and witty repartee that quickly gives way to something deeper. Their romance is slow-burning and believable, with genuine chemistry that had us gripped to the pages the entire time!
The beautiful setting sets place for a lovely summery vibe! Henry paints a vivid picture of the small town on Lake Michigan, with its quaint shops, charming cafes, and stunning views of the water. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to pack your bags and head straight there for a summer vacation. Pricing in as low as $2 on Amazon, this novel is a much cheaper vacation spot than Spain!
Beach Read is a thoroughly enjoyable read that balances romance and depth in equal measure. With its charming characters, stunning setting, and heartfelt message, it’s a book that will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy inside. Whether you’re looking for a beach read or just a great romance, this book is definitely worth a spot on your reading list.
Overall Rating: ★★★★★
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Beach Read about?
A romance writer who no longer believes in love and a literary writer stuck in a rut engage in a summer-long challenge that may just upend everything they believe about happily ever afters. Come along for the finest enemies-to-lovers that Emily Henry has to offer!
Is Beach Read spicy?
Beach Read is a slow-burn romance novel. We will mention however, that there are indeed spicy scenes and steamy interactions.
What should I read if I like Emily Henry?
Here are some recommendations for Emily Henry lovers!
- One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston
- Pineapple Street by Jenny Jackson
- Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo
- You Have a Match by Emma Lord
- Home Field Advantage by Dahlia Adler
