Mar 31, 2026

✨ Recent Reads I’d Pack for the Beach

I’ve always loved finding a book I can’t put down—especially on vacation or slower days when I actually have time to read. These are a mix of what I’ve finished recently and what I’m currently reading, and I’d genuinely recommend all of them depending on your mood.

The Final Girl Support Group by Grady Hendrix

I’m only about a quarter of the way through this, but I’m really enjoying it so far. It’s definitely not something I would normally pick up—it leans a little more thriller/horror than my usual—but my local bookstore recommended it and I went with it. It’s fast-paced and a little unsettling in a good way, and I’m already curious to see where it goes. It feels like a fun switch-up from my typical reads.

The Housemaid by Freida McFadden

This is one of those books that completely pulls you in from the start. It’s fast-paced, a little twisty, and very easy to read—you don’t have to work for it, which I love sometimes. The story keeps building in a way that makes it hard to put down, and just when you think you know what’s going on, it shifts.

It’s definitely more of a psychological thriller, but not in an overwhelming way—more just entertaining and addictive. Perfect for a vacation or a weekend when you want something you can get lost in and finish quickly.

The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo

This is more of a slow burn, but in a really satisfying way. It follows a family over time, and you really get pulled into each character’s perspective and relationships. It’s less about plot and more about how people evolve, how families function, and all the little dynamics in between.

It is longer than what I usually go for, but once you’re in it, you kind of settle into it and don’t want to rush. It feels like one of those books you read over a few days and keep thinking about in between—especially if you like character-driven stories.

The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller

This one is emotional and a little complicated in the best way. It moves between past and present, slowly revealing the main character’s history and the choices that shaped her life. It really leans into themes of love, loyalty, and the idea that life doesn’t always go the way you planned.

What I liked most is that it’s not perfectly clean or predictable—you’re not always sure how you feel about the characters, which makes it feel more real. It’s one of those books that sticks with you after you finish and makes you think about your own choices a little.

Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy

This one is definitely darker and more intense than the others, but the writing is beautiful. It’s very atmospheric and emotional, and you can really feel the setting and mood throughout the whole book.

That said, it’s not a light read. It deals with heavier themes and can feel a little heavy at times, so I wouldn’t necessarily pick it for a carefree beach day. But if you’re in the mood for something deeper and more immersive, it’s really well done and worth it.

Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall

This felt like a quieter, more thoughtful read, but there’s a lot going on underneath. It really explores relationships—especially the tension between first love and the life you end up building. There’s also a deeper layer around grief and how something like loss can shape a marriage in ways you don’t always see on the surface.

It touches on class differences and opportunity in a subtle way, and how those dynamics can follow people over time. More than anything, it’s about the idea that even the most “stable” relationships can hold onto secrets.

💛 What I Tend to Reach For

I typically love Reese Witherspoon Book Club picks—they’re almost always perfect vacation reads. Easy to get into, engaging, and still feel like a good story.

Maybe I love them because I’ve watched Sweet Home Alabama about 1,001 times… but they just always hit.