Summer has arrived. It’s time to pack your beach bag and head to the beautiful waters of the Great Lakes. Looking for a beach read with a pure Michigan vibe? The books listed below are perfect for sunny days in the sand.
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Beach Read by Emily Henry
Beach Read by Emily Henry has a witty plot that consists of two writers, polar opposites, with neighboring beach houses located in North Bear Shores, Michigan. North Bear Shores is a fictional lakeside community inspired by vacation towns in western Michigan, including Saugatuck, Holland (where Henry attended college), and Grand Haven.
In Beach Read, January writes romance novels and believes in happy endings; on the other hand, Gus writes serious literary fiction and isn’t so sure love works out. After suffering from writer’s block, they make a deal to switch genres and help each other write something completely different. Along the way, they discover that love is messy, complicated, and sometimes shows up when you least expect it.
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Funny Story by Emily Henry
Funny Story, also written by Emily Henry, takes place in the fictional town of Waning Bay, Michigan. Inspired by Traverse City and the surrounding areas, the small-town Michigan charm comes through in Lake Michigan beaches, cherry orchards, wineries, and more.
In Funny Story, Daphne gets totally blindsided when her fiancé leaves her for his childhood best friend, Petra. She moves to a small town in Michigan to start over and ends up working as a children’s librarian.
Things get even more awkward when she becomes roommates with Miles, the ex of the woman her fiancé left her for. At first, they’re both just trying to move on (and make their exes a little jealous), but what starts as an uncomfortable living situation slowly turns into something real as they help each other heal and figure out what they actually want.
Tom Lake by Ann Patchett
Tom Lake by Ann Patchett is unique in that it provides readers with two well-known Michigan settings, a fictional theater camp inspired by the prestigious Interlochen Center for the Arts, and a family cherry orchard in Northern Michigan. Having attended an Interlochen camp during high school, I immediately recognized the rustic, lakeside atmosphere and outdoor setting depicted in the novel.
The narrative shifts between past and present timelines. The present day brings us to the global pandemic in the spring of 2020 at the Nelson family cherry orchard in Traverse City, Michigan. While working on the family orchard, Lara’s three daughters learn about their mom’s past romance during her summer spent at Tom Lake in 1988 with Peter Duke, a now-famous movie star. The novel explores family, memories, love, and the importance of appreciating life while living it.
There I Find Rest by Jessie Gussman
Next on our list is There I Find Rest by Jessie Gussman. Set in the fictional town of Strawberry Sands on the shores of Lake Michigan, There I Find Rest is book one of ten in the Strawberry Sands Beach Sweet Romance Series. Inspirational stories follow various characters with themes rooted in faith, family, and friendship. Book one, There I Find Rest, follows a divorced, pregnant single mother seeking a fresh start by inheriting a Lake Michigan cottage, only to discover it’s already occupied by the father of her unborn baby.
The Bitter and Sweet of Cherry Season by Molly Fader
The Bitter and Sweet of Cherry Season by Molly Fader is set on a cherry orchard in picturesque Northern Michigan. Hope Beckett finds herself back on her family’s run-down orchard when she flees her abusive marriage to protect her daughter. Once safely at Orchard House, Hope must heal old wounds and work to build a future for herself and her daughter while mending her relationship with her estranged Aunt Peg.
The Edge of Summer by Viola Shipman
No Michigan-Set Novel list would be complete without including a book from Viola Shipman. With an extensive collection of stories set throughout the Mitten State, Shipman offers readers countless opportunities to experience Michigan through fiction. The Edge of Summer is the perfect final addition to this list.
Set in beautiful Saugatuck, Sutton Douglas travels from Chicago to Michigan to uncover the truth about her mother’s identity and learn about her heritage. Woven with clues to reveal her family’s secrets, The Edge of Summer will have you captivated by the real-world history of the pearl button and the beauty of simple things.
So grab your sunscreen, find a spot along the Great Lakes, and enjoy these unforgettable Michigan-set reads this summer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Michigan-Set Novels
What are the best novels set in Michigan?
Popular Michigan-set novels include Beach Read, Funny Story, Tom Lake, The Edge of Summer, There I Find Rest, and The Bitter and Sweet of Cherry Season. These books showcase everything from Lake Michigan beach towns to Traverse City’s famous cherry orchards.
Are there romance novels set in Michigan?
Yes. Emily Henry’s Beach Read and Funny Story are two of the most popular romance novels inspired by Michigan. Jessie Gussman’s There I Find Rest also takes place along the shores of Lake Michigan.
What books are set on Lake Michigan?
Several novels feature Lake Michigan as an important backdrop, including Beach Read, Funny Story, There I Find Rest, and The Edge of Summer. Their settings highlight Michigan’s beaches, small towns, and waterfront communities.
What are the best young adult books to read on a Michigan beach?
If you’re heading to the Great Lakes with teens, consider bringing along a young adult novel set in Michigan. Titles like The Lake Effect by Erin McCahan and Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley pair engaging coming-of-age stories with authentic Michigan settings. They’re excellent choices for older teens and adults who enjoy contemporary YA fiction while relaxing by the water.
What are the best Michigan mystery and thriller books to read at the beach?
If you’re looking for suspense instead of romance, Michigan has plenty of great mysteries and thrillers. Popular choices include Steve Hamilton’s Alex McKnight series, set in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, and The Marsh King’s Daughter by Karen Dionne, a psychological thriller inspired by Michigan’s remote wilderness. These novels combine gripping plots with unforgettable Michigan settings, making them excellent beach reads for fans of mystery and suspense.
And our favorite way to read these is on our Kindle Paperwhites, which are on sale right now!!
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