Bee Well Reads: Beach Read by Emily Henry

5/5 stars — a cozy summer escape I didn’t want to end

I curled up with this book on a quiet Sunday, June snoozing beside me, a glass of peach iced tea on the table, and by the time I looked up, the sun had dipped and I was already halfway through.

Emily Henry’s storytelling has a way of wrapping you in warmth and wit. Beach Read follows January, a romance writer facing a creative block, and Gus, her brooding literary fiction rival — both of them stuck in neighboring beach houses with a shared past and a summer to figure things out. There's a book swap challenge, late-night banter, healing, grief, and that crackling kind of chemistry that makes you want to yell at the characters to just kiss already!

Why I Loved It

• The banter. It was so smart and fun. I found myself grinning through whole chapters.

• The emotional depth. Emily Henry never just skims the surface — she dives into grief, healing, and personal growth with so much grace.

• The setting. A beach town in summer! You can feel the sunshine.

• The romance. Slow-burn, rivals-to-lovers goodness. My fav.

If you’re looking for a book to make you laugh, swoon, and maybe even tear up a bit — this is the one.

Tea Pairing

Peach mint iced tea — the kind you sip in a wide-brimmed sunhat with a paperback balanced on your knees. Light, refreshing, and full of summery sweetness.

What’s Next on My Shelf

Emily Henry just released a new book — Great Big Beautiful Life — and I cannot wait to dive in. If it's anything like Beach Read, I already know I’ll be a puddle of feelings, tea in hand, dog curled up at my feet. I’ll be sharing my thoughts on that one soon!

🌸 Final Thoughts

Whether you’re beach-bound or just dreaming of one, Beach Read is the perfect pick. It’s the kind of story that makes you believe in fresh starts and soft landings. I already miss the characters and might sneak a reread later this summer.

If you’ve read it, I’d love to know your thoughts! Or drop a comment with your favorite summery reads — I’m always adding to my ever-growing stack. 📚