Discover our list of authors like Nancy Thayer, who weave enchanting narratives of friendship, love, and self-discovery set against charming coastal backdrops.
Nothing beats the sublime joy of cozying up with a good beach read when you’re on the beach. Not everyone can hit the beach every day, but authors like the ones we’ve curated here have such a way with words that can transport readers to sunny climes afar, right from the comfort of their homes, no matter where that may be. Many authors like Taylor Jenkins Reid and Nancy Thayer write novels that are ideal for a beach day.
Nancy Thayer is a Nantucket transplant from Kansas who found such joy in her coastal surroundings that she decided to craft an entire career around writing novels that take place in seaside communities. A former English teacher, Thayer has now written and published over 30 books and counting, to the delight of her wide readership. The following authors have followed Thayer’s footprints in the sand, writing stories of love, families, and friendships that transpire under the sun.
For more recommendations, you might also enjoy exploring authors like Harlan Coben, authors like Gillian Flynn, best detective novel series.
Must-Read Authors Like Nancy Thayer
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1. Meredith Summers
Meredith Summers writes feel-good beach books based on her summers in Ogunquit, Maine. The tiny little seaside town gave Summers a special appreciation for everything the seashore offers a young girl, from chasing seagulls to collecting seashells to first loves and friendships. It’s that kind of wonder that Summers strives to bring to her readers through her books, all of which are perfect for reading seaside, either real or in the imagination.
In Summers’ book Saving Sandcastles, Claire Turner’s hard-earned success, anchored in her bakery, Sandcastles, is threatened by a rival business run by her teenage crush. Meanwhile, Jane grapples with her mother Addie’s worsening dementia, struggling to manage the family Inn while ensuring Addie’s safety. At the same time, Maxi questions her seemingly perfect marriage and contemplates pursuing long-neglected dreams now that she’s an empty nester. The lives of each of these women intertwine, testing friendships and trust.
Summers’ exploration of multi-generational relationships and women supporting each other through life transitions has gained particular resonance in 2025, as readers seek stories that reflect the complexities of modern family dynamics and the importance of chosen family networks.
“Sooner or later, she would have to make hard decisions about her care, but until then she would cherish every last moment like this.”
Meredith Summers, Saving Sandcastles
2. Hope Holloway
Hope Holloway writes sea and sun-drenched books that give readers their fill of romance, family drama, and second chances. All of her stories take place in quintessential beach settings in Florida, like the Florida Keys, Amelia Island, Sanibel Island, Coconut Key, and more. In these idyllic settings, Holloway casts personalities that resonate with readers, weaving tales that involve family and friends amid timeless themes of loyalty, love, loss, and forgiveness.
The Beach House on Amelia Island is book one in Holloway’s new Seven Sisters series. Raina Wingate’s life is upended in this first installment when her husband seeks separation, and her father suffers a stroke. She and her sister Tori grapple with unexpected attractions and familial responsibilities at their Amelia Island home. Their stepmother, Susannah, fragile at the prospect of losing her husband, desperately needs their support. Amidst life’s tumultuous storms, the Wingate women rediscover their bond, a legacy as enduring as steel and tender as an ocean breeze.
Holloway’s focus on blended families and the complexities of modern relationships speaks to contemporary readers navigating similar challenges. Her portrayal of Florida’s coastal communities has gained new appreciation as more readers seek escape to warmer climates and simpler lifestyles.
“Tension crept up her spine as she remembered how angry they’d been last night, the last time she’d seen him.”
Hope Holloway, The Beach House on Amelia Island
3. Pamela M. Kelley
A Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author, Pamela M. Kelley, writes feel-good women’s fiction with settings that often take place where Kelley resides near Cape Cod. Besides writing, one of Kelley’s passions is food and cooking, and she often incorporates a real-life, juicy recipe in her books for readers to try. Kelley’s books are an example of the “write what you know” advice that is often given to aspiring writers, and, for Kelley, this has proven to be a successful approach.
The Bookshop by the Bay takes place on Cape Cod. When high-profile lawyer Jess’ marriage crumbles, she and her adult daughter Caitlin seek solace with her best friend Alison in their childhood home on Cape Cod. Simultaneously, Alison’s career hits a rough patch, but a local bookstore in need of ownership sparks a new dream. Reopening the bookstore, they embrace a transformative summer, finding a chance to redefine their lives in the coastal retreat and believe in second chances.
Kelley’s integration of food culture and local business themes resonates strongly with 2025 readers interested in sustainable living, supporting local businesses, and finding meaning through community connections. Her recipe inclusions reflect the growing trend of lifestyle integration in contemporary fiction.
“She’d known that their marriage was in trouble and had been for a long time. But she hadn’t expected that Parker would actually cheat.”
Pamela M. Kelley, The Bookshop by the Bay
4. Elizabeth Bromke
Unlike many other authors on this list, Elizabeth Bromke lives not by the sea but in the mountains of Arizona. Still, all her books take place in idyllic settings, like lakes, creeks, countryside cottages, and, of course, the beach. Bromke writes women’s fiction that nearly always incorporates small towns and romances interwoven with family dynamics and friendships. For fans of Nancy Thayer, the works of Elizabeth Bromke won’t fail to disappoint.
The Boardwalk House is the first in a series called Heirloom Island. When Darla Sageberry calls off her wedding, a premature mid-life crisis prompts her to tackle her bucket list, leading her to Heirloom Island. Unable to afford her dream Caribbean adventure, she settles for the familial tension of living with her estranged sister. Amidst the small-town charm and the curious boardwalk house, Darla and her sisters navigate surprises, secrets, and a blossoming sisterhood in this heartwarming tale of homecoming.
Bromke’s themes of reinvention and sibling reconciliation have particular appeal for contemporary readers dealing with delayed life milestones and the complexities of maintaining family relationships across distances and differences. Her exploration of alternative family structures reflects modern relationship dynamics.
“Water kissed the shoreline gently on Heirloom Island. Crystalline blue surf trickled up beach sand and met with a thatch of green grass.”
Elizabeth Bromke, The Boardwalk House
5. Fiona Baker
East Coast author Fiona Baker enjoys writing women’s fiction that makes readers feel good. Her books are filled with characters grappling with family drama, tested friendships, and second chances with happy endings. One of the hallmarks of Baker’s books is the small-town beach settings where they all occur. This makes her books perfect for enjoying on vacation or when a reader needs a respite from the day-to-day realities of real life.
The Beachside Inn occurs on Marigold Island, a fictional New England small town near Nantucket. Angela Collins and Lydia Walker have each come to Marigold Island to pursue a fresh start after suffering the devastating losses of a husband who died and a husband who cheated. The two childhood friends meet again and decide to go after one last chance at happiness by renovating a historic inn and running it together. The project brings on more headaches but ultimately delivers all the women hoped for and much more.
Baker’s focus on women’s entrepreneurship and friendship-based business partnerships reflects contemporary trends toward collaborative ventures and alternative career paths. Her exploration of loss and renewal resonates with readers seeking stories about resilience and starting over at any age.
“He would always be chasing the high of fresh attraction, the forbidden thrill of what was new.”
Fiona Baker, The Beachside Inn
6. Rachel Hanna
As a Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author, Rachel Hanna has found more than her share of success in the women’s fiction niche. Hanna loves writing books in settings that take place in small Southern towns about Southern women, their partners, and their friends. She’s known for writing quirky characters that wend their way into readers’ imaginations, who live fictional, emotionally-charged lives with happy endings.
In The One For Me, two past lovers meet again in the small, fictional coastal town of January Cove. Each landed there to start over after life had knocked them about. Jenna Davis is now a single mother, and Kyle Parker is determined to put love behind him as he focuses on his new real estate investment business. Who could have guessed that Jenna would open her door one day and find the man she abandoned standing on her front porch holding a foreclosure notice?
Hanna’s Southern settings and emphasis on second-chance romance speak to readers interested in regional culture and the possibility of redemption. Her portrayal of single motherhood and economic challenges reflects contemporary social realities while maintaining an optimistic outlook.
“And just then, Jenna Davis knew. She knew that Kyle Parker, popular jock and class clown, would be in her heart forever.”
Rachel Hanna, The One For Me
7. Maggie Miller
Maggie Miller is the first to admit that she feels the happiest at the beach. From the sand between her toes to the sound of waves crashing on the shore, the beach is where you’ll find Miller and where she brings her readers in her many books. So far, Miller has created three popular book series, including Diamond Beach, Compass Key, and Blackbird Beach.
The Island is a tale of second chances where five former sorority sisters in their 50s reunite on a private island resort, courtesy of their mother’s mysterious invite. Each woman, grappling with her challenges — Olivia’s estrangement from her daughter, Amanda’s financial turmoil, Leigh Ann’s divorce facade, Grace’s troubled marriage, and Katie’s looming secrets — must reconcile their pasts to embrace an unexpected, life-altering surprise, thus shaping their future.
Miller’s focus on midlife friendship and the evolving nature of sorority bonds resonates with readers examining their own long-term relationships. Her exploration of women’s challenges in their 50s addresses contemporary concerns about aging, family relationships, and personal reinvention.
“She read the note again. She had to go. It would be ridiculous to turn down such an amazing offer”
Maggie Miller, The Island
8. Katie Winters
If you’re looking for wholesome women’s fiction similar to Nancy Thayer, consider the work of Katie Winters. She’s committed to clean and engaging women’s fiction that expresses the timeless heartfelt emotions of romance, loss, loyalty, and friendships. Her books take place on beautiful Martha’s Vineyard, where a close-knit community of locals celebrates life in New England.
In A Vineyard Love, Katie Winters tells the story of Kelli Montgomery, who has found eternal bliss with her fiancé. Kelli is busy preparing the Aquinnah Cliffside Hotel for the wedding of Amanda Harris, but just as Amanda is ready to walk down the aisle, her intended pulls a disappearing act. What is the mystery of the Aquinnah Cliffside Hotel, and will Amanda ever find her happily ever after storybook ending?
Winters’ Martha’s Vineyard setting has gained renewed appeal as readers seek stories about close-knit communities and traditional values. Her focus on “clean” fiction reflects a growing market segment of readers seeking wholesome content without explicit material.
“It was Amanda Harris’ wedding day, and so far, everything had gone exactly as she’d planned.”
Katie Winters, A Vineyard Love
9. Jenny Hale
Uber-popular Jenny Hale is an international bestselling author on the USA Today and Amazon bestseller lists. Her work has also been featured in Oprah Magazine and Southern Living Magazine. Several of her books have also been adapted into movies for the Hallmark Channel. Hale’s stories are appreciated for their gorgeous settings, with a cast of characters that readers can relate to. She specializes in writing heartwarming books that bring smiles to the lips of her readers.
In The Summer House, Hale writes about Callie Weaver and her best friend, Olivia Dixon. The two have invested in a beach house they’ve adored since childhood, located in the Outer Banks. Amid the joy of renovating the property, Luke Sullivan ambles along, the heartthrob of the area. He sets his sights on Callie, and all seems set for a happy finale until a mystery from the past raises its head and threatens to ruin Callie’s chance for happiness.
Hale’s success with Hallmark adaptations demonstrates the crossover appeal of contemporary beach fiction. Her focus on renovation projects and property investment reflects current interests in real estate, home improvement, and creating personal sanctuaries.
“The fun in life comes from risking doing something new. That’s how you grow.”
Jenny Hale, The Summer House
10. Mary Alice Monroe
Mary Alice Monroe is a highly successful author featured on numerous bestseller lists, including the New York Times, USA Today, and more. Her work focuses on environmental fiction with endearing female protagonists who take environmental stewardship seriously, as Mary Alice Monroe does in real life.
In The Summer of Lost and Found, Monroe writes about Linnea Rutledge. Linnea Rutledge’s spring teeters on the edge when facing a layoff, financial strains, and emotional upheaval. As her new love interest, Gordon battles to return from England amid COVID-19, an old flame, John, reappears next door, reigniting old feelings. Amidst the pandemonium, she questions: can she love two men simultaneously? As relationships evolve, friendships shift, and marriages waver, Linnea learns that wonder often resides in her backyard during this unforgettable summer.
Monroe’s environmental focus has gained significant relevance as climate change and conservation become increasingly important to readers. Her incorporation of COVID-19 themes reflects the ongoing impact of the pandemic on contemporary fiction, addressing how global events shape personal relationships and life choices.
“In life you’ll have many acquaintances. But consider yourself lucky to have one or two true friends.”
Mary Alice Monroe, The Summer of Lost and Found
