As the days grow shorter, and the air takes on that first hint of autumn, there’s still time to savour a final stretch of beach reading. Whether you’re curled up in a chair by the waves, stretched out on a dock, or just enjoying a sunny spot in the sand, the right book can make summer linger a little longer. From nostalgic coming-of-age tales to laugh-out-loud seaside stories and sweeping adventures, these Atlantic Canadian reads are perfect companions for the season’s last golden afternoons. 

Nosy Parker

Written by: Lesley Crewe

Publisher: Nimbus Publishing

Bestselling author Lesley Crewe’s novel brings readers to 1960s Montreal & features a nosy would-be child detective searching for the truth about her mother. Lesley Crewe captures the wonder of childhood and the bittersweet clarity of hindsight in a story brimming with warmth and nostalgia. The perfect beach read, this book has it all, drama, mystery, and humour, this page turner will have hooked until the very end.

Beach Reading

Written by: Lorne Elliott

Publisher: Acorn Press

Set on Prince Edward Island’s north shore in the Early 1970s, Beach Reading is full of eccentric locals, salty humour, and the quirks of small-town life. Comedian and storyteller Lorne Elliott infuses each page with comic timing and sharp observations, making this title as breezy and charming as an August day by the sea. If you’re looking to wrap up the season with something light, funny, and full of heart, this book is your perfect pick!

Lucy Cloud

Written by: Anne Lévesque

Publisher: Pottersfield Press

In a 1960s Cape Breton community shaped by coal mining, farming and change, a young girl named Lucy spends her summers with her grandparents. She’s shy, observant, and attuned to the mystical edges of life. Through richly drawn characters, and an evocative setting, Anne Lévesque explores family ties, identity and belonging. As the end of August nears, and the days shorten, this tender, atmospheric novel offers the perfect bridge between the unhurried pace of summer and the approaching fall. 

Catch My Drift

Written by: Genevieve Scott

Publisher: Goose Lane Editions

Spanning across two decades, Catch My Drift follows Lorna, a former competitive swimmer whose dreams are derailed, and her daughter Cara, who is learning to navigate her own way in the world. Told in alternating perspectives, it’s a moving portrait of the complex bonds between mothers and daughters. With its emotional depth, and intimate storytelling, this novel is the ideal companion for those last sun-warmed afternoons. 

Kira’s Crossing

Written by Orysia Dawydiak

Publisher: Acorn Press

Five years after discovering her true identity as a merrow (a mythical sea creature), Kira finds herself caught between two worlds, the one she was born into and the family who raised her on land. Her journey across both realms is filled with danger, discovery, and the pull of belonging. With its mix of adventure, myth and heartfelt emotion, Kira’s Crossing is the perfect book to bring to your last beach day.

Whether you’re craving laughter, nostalgia, heartfelt family drama, or a dash of myth and adventure, these stories are a reminder that summer isn’t just a season, it’s a feeling you can carry with you. So before the last tide of August rolls in, head to the beach, turn the page, and let one more great book keep you company.