Now that the weather has turned warmer I've started thinking about summer reading, particularly beach books. I'm not really thinking about a generic sort of book that would be good for reading at the beach, but books that are literally set at or near a beach. As I don't live anywhere near one, my idea of 'beach book' is one where I am transported there via the written word (the world is always a small place when you have access to books!). So, I'm looking for suggestions (of course).
I've done a little digging around, and this is a recurring theme with me. I posted a list last year (though I've read nearly all the titles on my list), and a list of Seafaring Tales (rather on the sea than near it!) a couple of years back, as well as this post and this one. I was thinking about what other books I might have on my shelves that would that would convey just the right mood. They don't have to be set in a particular time or place, just near the seaside. The story can be a mystery or family drama or something in between.
Years ago I read Jill McCorkle's Ferris Beach, which has sufficiently faded from memory, so a reread might be in order. It's set in South Carolina in the 1970s and is a coming-of-age story. I could also reread R.C. Sherriff's The Fortnight in September, which is all about one family's seaside holiday told in loving detail. I can't remember if I've ever read Anne Rivers Siddons, but I have a copy of her Colony, which is about a young bride traveling to her husband's family retreat in Maine. At the moment I'm reading Wilkie Collins's The Dead Secret set in Cornwall (though there haven't been many beach scenes I'm afraid).
I think I've pretty well mined all my old lists when it comes to beach stories, so I'm looking for a fresh infusion to keep me busy. I'll be going over the previous suggestions again as well, but any ideas for new (though not necessarily recently published--they can be old, too) books are most welcome!