There’s just nothing like sitting back and relaxing with a good book on a Jersey Shore beach. And, you know what might make this even better? If the book you’re reading was based in New Jersey, too.
Whether it be at beloved spots like Cape May, Seaside Heights and Asbury Park, or in fictional towns like Sea Pointe and Elliot, there are tons of books out there that take place in New Jersey. Regardless of whether you’re a seasoned reader or just someone who’s trying to get back into reading, these stories are sure to please.
So the next time you head down to the beach this summer, consider celebrating the Garden State with these 10 beach reads that take place right here in New Jersey:
‘One for the Money’ by Janet Evanovich
South Jersey-native Janet Evanovich is known for her series of cozy mystery books — a sub-genre of crime fiction that tend to be more “gentle” and keep profanities and violence to a minimum — focusing on sassy New Jersey bounty hunter Stephanie Plum.
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All of the books take place in a blue-collar pocket of Trenton known as Chambersburg, which is often referred to as the “burg.” Combining crime with humor, Evanovich takes you through the trials and tribulations of Stephanie Plum’s adventures. In the first book of the series, “One for the Money,” readers follow her on her first assignment: catching former vice cop Joe Morelli as he runs from a first-degree murder charge, and who Plum had a romantic fling with at the age of sixteen.
‘In the Unlikely Event’ by Judy Blume
Known for her young adult novels, including “Are You There God? Its Me, Margaret,” Judy Blume is such a beloved New Jersey author that she even has a Garden State Parkway rest stop named after her. So she of course had to make this list.
Like many of her books, “In the Unlikely Event” takes place right here in New Jersey. Set in Elizabeth, where Blume grew up, the novel follows the story of fifteen-year-old Miri Anderson, as well as her family and friends, after a series of major plane crashes takes place in the 1950s within the span of 60 days. It follows Anderson through various stages of her life, and even gives a glimpse into the lives of some of the passengers in the places that crashed.
Based on true events — with destruction and dozens of fatalities from the accidents resulting in the closure of Newark Airport until safety improvements were made — Blume researched archives of the Elizabeth Daily Journal and the Newark Evening News, incorporating fictional newspaper articles in the novel to give a wider picture of the events.
‘Welcome Home, Caroline Kline’ by Courtney Preiss
Originally born in Brooklyn, Courtney Preiss was raised in Marlboro and now lives in Asbury Park. Just released this past April, “Welcome Home, Caroline Kline” is her debut novel.
Caroline Kline is left with no job, no apartment and no plan in New York City after going through a surprise breakup. But after her father, Leo, injures himself in a bad fall, she moves back to her hometown of Glen Brook to replace him as a third baseman in his local men’s softball league. Caroline is up against some challenges as the first female player in a league of old-school men, but after reconnecting with her hometown crush and first love, Caroline struggles under the weight of the life she thought she’d have and the life she might actually want.
‘Palisades Park’ by Alan Brennert
Born in Englewood and growing up in North Jersey, including Cliffside Park, Palisades Park, Edgewater and Haledon, Alan Brennert is most known for his bestselling historical novels “Moloka’i” and “Honolulu.” But in 2013, he returned to his New Jersey roots with the novel “Palisades Park.”
The story follows the Stopka family — Eddie, Adele and their children, Antoinette and Jack — over the course of several decades as they navigate major events like the Great Depression and Pearl Harbor. Set mostly in the shadow of rides like the Cyclone, Lindy Loop and the Flying Scooter at the beloved Palisades Amusement Park, this historical fiction novel offers a sense of nostalgia for longtime North Jersey residents.
‘Rock the Boat’ by Beck Dorey-Stein
New York Times bestselling author of “From the Corner of the Oval,” Beck Dorey-Stein offers us the perfect summer read with her novel, “Rock the Boat,” which is set in the fictional Jersey Shore town of Sea Pointe.
After Kate Campbell’s life in New York City suddenly implodes, she returns to Sea Pointe, the small town with quirky locals, charming bungalows and picturesque beaches where she grew up. At the same time, Miles Hoffman returns home to take over the family business and help his childhood best friend, Ziggy Miller, with his financial struggles.
Kate, Miles and Ziggy all find themselves competing with their past and present selves as secrets come to the surface, family dynamics shift, friendships change and the town threatens to change as a local developer tries to cash in on its potential.
‘Florence Adler Swims Forever’ by Rachel Beanland
While she has never actually lived in New Jersey, Rachel Beanland’s debut novel, “Florence Adler Swims Forever,” is based on her great-great aunt, Florence Lowenthal, who grew up in Atlantic City. And, much of the story and its characters were developed from Beanland’s memories of her grandmother and other extended family members.
Set in — you guessed it — Atlantic City, “Florence Adler Swims Forever” takes place in 1934. It follows the family of Esther and Joseph Adler, including their two daughters, Florence and Fannie, one summer as they live in a small apartment above their family’s bakery. Florence is back from college, planning to spend her summer training to swim the English Channel, while Fannie is pregnant and on bedrest for the rest of her pregnancy.
But, after Florence suddenly and unexpectedly drowns one day at the beach, the family struggles to keep it a secret out of fear that Frannie could go into early labor and lose her baby.
‘The Shore’ by Katie Runde
Born and raised on the Jersey Shore, Katie Runde’s family ran several businesses along the Seaside Heights boardwalk. And, her debut novel, aptly named “The Shore,” appropriately takes place in Seaside Heights.
Brian and Margot Dunne are year-round residents of Seaside, along with their daughters, Liz and Envy, and run a real estate company that focuses on turning over homes for tourists. But, when Brian is diagnosed with a brain tumor, Margot, Liz and Envy must become caretakers. The story follows the family as they try to navigate this diagnosis while Margot struggles to keep the family business afloat, and while Liz and Envy balance it with summer jobs and life at the Jersey Shore.
‘Cape May’ by Chip Cheek
Author Chip Creek may be most known for his bestselling novel, “Remember Me Like This,” but those in New Jersey might actually be more interested in his very first novel, “Cape May.”
Set in Cape May — which is considered the oldest seaside resort in the United States — “Cape May” follows Henry and Effie as they arrive in this beach town for their honeymoon in the 1950s. When they arrive, the find the town deserted and consider cutting their trip short. But, the end up getting swept into the drama of their glamorous neighbors, Clara, Max and Alma. Cape May becomes their playground, but Henry and Effie discover new truths about one another, as well as their marriage, and the line between innocence and betrayal begins to slip.
‘Greetings From Asbury Park’ by Daniel H. Turtel
While Daniel H. Turtel now lives in New York City, he originally grew up on the Jersey Shore. His debut novel, “Greetings from Asbury Park” is set in the City By The Sea and earned him the Faulkner Society’s Best Novel Award.
The story centers around three half-siblings — Casey, David and Gabrielle Larkin — who must confront the death of their father, Joseph, in the Jersey Shore town of Asbury Park. As the siblings try to come to terms with the death of their father, who was known for his poor parenting, they face challenges from the town, religious communities and longtime locals.
‘Between the Tides’ by Susannah Marren
Susannah Marren is originally from Long Beach Island and, while she now lives in Manhattan, she still spends her summers on the Jersey Shore. While having now written more than dozen nonfiction books, “Between the Tides” was her debut novel and takes place in the fictional New Jersey town of Elliot.
Lainie Smith Morris lives in New York City with her surgeon husband, Charles, and their four children. Despite being happy with her city life, the family is forced to relocate to Elliot, New Jersey, after her husband accepted a new job there.
While Charles quickly grows accustomed to suburban life, Lainie finds herself troubled and bored, constantly seeking the inspiration and comfort of the city she called home. She ends up reconnecting with Jess, an old friend and rival now living in Elliot, who tries to help Lainie get her footing. But, what seemed like a friendship quickly becomes a betrayal with a huge impact.
Maddie McGay is the real estate reporter for NorthJersey.com and The Record, covering all things worth celebrating about living in North Jersey. Find her on Instagram @maddiemcgay, on X @maddiemcgayy, and sign up for her North Jersey Living newsletter. Do you have a tip, trend or terrific house she should know about? Email her at MMcGay@gannett.
