Who doesn’t love opening a new book while soaking up the sunshine and listening to the ocean waves during your beach vacation? Maybe you can’t make it to the beach and want to get lost in a book that will allow you to imagine you’re at the beach. Here are a few of the many books that are set in and around Holden Beach that will bring you back to the beach no matter where you are!
The Old Man and The Boy by Robert Ruark
This classic tells of the relationship between a man and his grandson as they fish and hunt the lakes and woods around Southport. All the while the Old Man acts as teacher and guide, passing on his wisdom and life experiences to the boy.
Every Breath by Nicholas Sparks
Centered around the Kindred Spirit mailbox in Sunset Beach, Every Breath tells the story of Hope Anderson who is visiting Sunset Beach to ready her family’s beach cottage for sale and Tru Wells who comes to Sunset Beach after receiving a letter from a man claiming to be his father.
The Sunset Beach Series by Marybeth Whalen
A series of 4 books, all set in Sunset Beach. These are all stand alone books and can be read together or separately.
- The Mailbox
- The Guestbook
- The Wishing Tree
- The Bridge Tender
An Ever-Fixed Mark by O.C. Strunk
A sequel to Three-Two Count (set in Maine), this book follows Professor Matthew Glass as he moves to Calabash and attempts to establish a business. He is soon called upon by the daughter of a man who believes her father’s death was not an accident to investigate the death.
Safe Haven by Nicholas Spark
This book turned movie is set in Southport and tells the story of Katie, a girl on the run, and Alex, a widowed store owner with two children. A romance and mystery all in one.
Beyond Borders by Don Glander
Retired couple Matt and Lindy are enjoying retired life in coastal Brunswick County when Matt discovers a body in the marsh, threatening their calm and peaceful lives. There is a second book in this series as well, also set in Brunswick County, Beyond Beaches.
Next time you’re in the mood for a beach read, one of these books is sure to satisfy your longing for the North Carolina coast.
