“Dance with the waves, move with the sea. Let the rhythm of the water set your soul free.” —Christy Ann Martine
A few years ago, we went to the beach with a couple of our kids and their families. I love walking on the beach at sunrise. Just looking at this picture I can almost hear the ocean waves swooping up and stealing the sand under my feet as I walk along the water’s edge. My daughter and I got out early every morning for that walk as the sun came up over the water. Later the kids were out playing in the water.
But sometimes we took a break and relaxed at our rented house. At the beach is a great time to read. I would have probably been reading too except my granddaughter’s dog wanted to occupy my lap. Sweet Amber. She sneaked out from sleeping with my granddaughter to walk with us every morning too. But it was fun watching everyone else read.
Then watching my grandkids enjoy the ocean and sand stole some of my reading time. Whether you’re holding a dog or walking at sunrise or watching the kids, it’s good to have a good book with you on vacation great so if you have a few minutes you can sit under a beach umbrella and enjoy a good book What better time to dive into a story than when the waves are making that wonderful noise that seems to block out everything bad and make you just glad to be breathing in the seaside air. And reading!
I’m part of a No Spice Book Giveaway. Lots of great suggestions for a book to enjoy by the ocean. There’s three weeks with new books featured in the giveaway each week. Last week, I was one of the five writers featured. I chose The Pursuit of Elena Bradford for the contest. It just seems like a vacation read with its beautiful setting, the dances, yard games, and a little mystery. Plus there is that spring water to cure a person’s ailments even the one of spinsterhood.
Here are the first set of 5 writers, me included. Five stories of faith, family, mystery, and unforgettable settings. Your next beach read is here!
And info about their books.
📕 THE PURSUIT OF ELENA BRADFORD
by Ann H. Gabhart (@annhgabhart)
At 22, Elena Bradford is forced to marry for money at a Kentucky healing spring. Torn between an ambitious artist and a war widower, she’ll discover that the most dangerous enemy might be the mysterious stranger who just arrived—and the tragedy that changes everything.
👉 Romance | Historical Fiction | Kentucky Setting
📕 UNSOLVED AMISH ABDUCTION
by Mary Alford (@maryjalfordauthor)
An anonymous letter brings Anna Hartzler back to her Amish hometown—face to face with the kidnapper she escaped. Her ex turns police officer must protect her and the secret daughter he never knew existed, before danger closes in for good.
👉 Amish | Suspense | Second Chance Romance
📕 OF LOVE AND TREASON
by Jamie Ogle (@jamie_m_ogle)
Rome, AD 270: Valentine secretly performs forbidden weddings. Iris, newly drawn to faith, is drawn to him too. But a past debt and shocking betrayal force them to fight for their lives—and their future.
👉 Historical | Faith | Ancient Rome
📕 THE HIDDEN KEY OF BROOKE SUMNER
by Susan L. Tuttle (@susanltuttle)
Brooke reluctantly rejoins her treasure-hunting crew—and discovers the real find might be her own heart. Book 3 of Treasures of Halstead Manor.
👉 Contemporary | Treasure Hunt | Found Family
📕 ANCHOR COVE
by Toni Shiloh (@tonishiloh)
Simone Avery has been doing life on her own for the past sixteen years. The last thing she needs is to fall for her next-door neighbor who’s only in town for the summer.
👉 Contemporary | Faith | Summer Love
Now you can meet of whole new set of authors joining in with the giveaway chance. Some of these write stories that are a little tense with some suspense and mysteries.
Here’s some about their books.
✨ Suspense, sweeping history, and second-chance love. Round two of the tour has it all!
📕 THE TRIALS OF CAIRSTIN BLACKWOOD
by Sydney F. Grey (@sydneyfgreyauthor)
Northern England, 1846: Cairstin’s respectable marriage becomes a trap on wedding night. Isolated and disbelieved, she has one unlikely ally to fight for her freedom—and her life. A Victorian Gothic for fans of the Brontës.
👉 Gothic | Historical | Survival
📕 THE ISLAND BAKESHOP
by Roseanna M. White (@roseannamwhite)
When her father’s heart attack pulls Harper home, she leaves her upscale bakery career to save the family shop—only her ex resurfaces claiming ownership. A protective Navy veteran may be exactly what she needs.
👉 Contemporary | Sweet Romance | Small Town
📕 THE TIMELESS GARDEN
by Carole Lehr Johnson (@carolelehr)
After loss and retirement, Lauren finds solace in her English garden—and in her mysterious neighbor, groundskeeper Winston Hale. Romance quietly blooms as both confront their buried pasts.
👉 Contemporary | Slow Burn | Gardening
📕 A WORTHY RISK
by T. Elizabeth Renich (@telizabethrenich)
Wounded after a massacre in British North America, Lieutenant Marcus returns to England and meets Serenity, whose reckless brothers are gambling away her family’s fortune. As revolution stirs, will they find purpose together?
👉 Historical | Seven Years’ War | Epic Romance
📕 ON THE CLIFFS OF FOXGLOVE MANOR
by Jaime Jo Wright (@jaimejowright)
Dual-time gothic mystery spanning 1885 and present day. When Adria arrives at Foxglove Manor overlooking Lake Superior, she senses wickedness in the stone house. A century later, Kailey returns as a nurse’s aide haunted by a childhood abduction—and whispers of hidden gold, secrets, and ghosts. Both must uncover the manor’s demons.
📍 Gothic Mystery | Dual Timeline | Paranormal
A winner chosen by random will get a copy of all the featured titles. Then some individual winners will get a copy of one of the books. So that means 16 winners. Here’s the giveaway link where you can enter to maybe win a book or 14 books to enjoy if you’re heading to the beach. Or to your favorite reading chair.
Do you like to read at the beach?