22 Enthralling Books Set on Islands to Read Now

We have to start this book list with my favorite book of the year! I hope you'll check out today's podcast interview with Meg Shaffer to learn about the story behind this book.

A once-reclusive mega-bestselling children's author vanishes from the writing scene, leaving unanswered questions. However, an intriguing plot twist occurs when he resurfaces, unveiling a brand-new book alongside a unique competition that promises a life-altering prize.

Follow Lucy's journey as she navigates this Willy Wonka-style adventure on a fictional island to win a rare book that could allow her the financial freedom to adopt a child.

With themes of childhood nostalgia, the power of storytelling, and the love for children’s series books, this enchanting novel will captivate readers of all ages and become your new favorite summer read.

This emotional novel is a must-read for anyone craving a castaway love story.

We have two strangers: Sophie is newly married and on her way to the last half of her honeymoon with her husband. Another passenger, Barry, has just left his corporate job to begin a more creative career.

When their plane crashes, it leaves them stranded on a remote, deserted island. Through this experience, these two strangers must forge an unlikely alliance to overcome the harsh realities of their predicament.

As they navigate the challenges of survival, Sophie and Barry's bond deepens, highlighting the remarkable resilience of the human spirit.

Huckelbridge’s character-driven story is anything but predictable, despite the premise. He also blends a surprising amount of heart and humor into these characters, which adds the necessary levity to this unexpectedly emotional journey.

The audiobook narration is phenomenal and highly recommended for the perfect summer escape.

Meg Shaffer recently fell in love with this backlist selection, a stunning book filled with sparse prose that can be read in a day.

This young adult novel follows four teens as they spend the summer together on a private island (Beechwood Island) owned by the wealthy Sinclair family.

When an outsider forms an inseparable bond with Cadence, their young love challenges societal boundaries.

But tragedy strikes when she survives a life-altering accident, leading to shattered relationships and hidden truths that will resurface, paving the way for her journey of recovery and self-discovery on the island she once called home.

Meg shared, "It's one of the best plot twists I've ever read in a book. It blew my mind, and I was so impressed by the guts it took to pull that off. Amazing. And so well written."

If you love it, you can dive into the prequel with Family of Liars!

Step into the captivating world of Frick Island, a secluded Chesapeake Bay town that celebrates the beauty of the present moment and disconnects from technology.

When journalist Anders Caldwell arrives to cover the annual Cake Walk fundraiser, he discovers a remarkable story that could launch his podcasting career to new heights: the town all pretends a resident's deceased husband is still alive.

As Anders becomes enamored with Piper’s story and her refusal to let go of her lost love, he must confront a heart-wrenching dilemma. Does he choose fame or the love he's found?

Don’t forget to listen to my interview with Colleen Oakley as we discuss our favorite road trip books, including one of my favorite’s of the summer- The Mostly True Story of Tanner & Louise.

This dazzling YA debut stand-alone fantasy is set on a magical island resembling Prohibition-era New York, and inspired by the allure of Moulin Rouge!

Luxe Revelle, a performer in her family's fantastical show, finds herself entangled in a dangerous game when she agrees to pose as the girlfriend of the son of Charmant's wealthiest family, in exchange for saving her family's struggling livelihood.

Just as this happens, Jamison enters her life with his own mysterious past.

Luxe and Jamison's connection grows as they uncover the island's secrets, but the consequences of their hidden truths could shatter their worlds.

If you love time travel stories, this also has a time travel element that I loved, along with unique world-building. Expand your stack with my favorite time travel books of all time book list.

This cult-classic novel was a self-published work that developed a following and, later, a book deal.

Escape to an uncharted island with this captivating castaway tale that will keep you turning the pages until the early morning hours.

In this gripping debut novel by the author of The Girl He Used to Know, a tragic plane crash strands an English teacher and her student on a remote island in the Maldives.

As they navigate the challenges of survival and forge an unlikely bond on an uninhabited island, the story explores the complexities of a LATER blossoming age-gap relationship and the resilience of the human spirit.

Suspend your disbelief, pop a bag of popcorn, and be transported with a love exploration that The Perfect Find fans will love. This was the perfect tropical island escape during a long winter in Indiana.

When Eleanor Bennett passes away, she leaves her children, Byron and Benny, with a mysterious inheritance—a Carribean black cake and a voice recording that reveals a captivating tale of a young swimmer accused of murder.

As Byron and Benny embark on a journey to uncover the truth behind their mother's story, they must confront their own identities and rediscover the bonds that tie them together.

Woven between the present-day narrative of 2018, Wilkerson skillfully delves into Eleanor's captivating past, transporting readers to a vibrant Caribbean island in the 1960s, reminiscent of the enchanting spirit of Jamaica.

We can't wait to discuss this Reader's Choice selection for the MomAdvice Book Club later this year and have Charmaine join us in conversation.

Don't be surprised if you see this on an upcoming Book Gang episode celebrating the year's best debuts with our special guest, Thao Thai.

Transport yourself to the enchanting island of Hilo, Hawai'i, where the rich tapestry of tradition, culture, and family unfolds through the lives of three generations of women.

In this sweeping saga, Hi'i, a proud Naupaka, immerses herself in the world of hula, seeking to uncover her family's secrets and solidify her place within her community.

With its captivating storytelling and evocative portrayal of a forgotten kingdom, this spellbinding debut, told in the collective voice of a resilient community, offers a mesmerizing glimpse into a world where dance and destiny intertwine.

After my guest brought this to my show, I couldn’t wait to add this to my summer stack.

Meg Shaffer enthusiastically recommends this modernist classic, describing it as her favorite by the author.

Set on the idyllic Isle of Skye off the coast of Scotland, Woolf's stream-of-consciousness style immerses readers in the intricacies of human thought, capturing the essence of our innermost musings.

With its groundbreaking narrative technique and evocative portrayal of isolation, this thought-driven novel offers a tranquil escape where readers can truly feel transported to an island enveloped in the beauty of its prose.

Get ready for a dark and twisted wedding on a secluded island in this atmospheric thriller that will keep you guessing until the shocking end. 

In this Agatha Christie-esque tale, tensions rise as secrets, resentments, and unexpected alliances emerge among the glamorous guests. 

With impeccable planning and picturesque surroundings, this wedding is meant to be flawless, but as the night unfolds, it becomes clear that nothing is as it seems, and the celebration takes a sinister turn that no one could have anticipated.

This selection was a Reese's Book Club Pick, and I encourage you to check out this list of my favorite celebrity book club picks, which includes the BEST deep dive into the history of celebrity book clubs on the Book Gang podcast.

Wendy Heard will be featured in our Summer Author Series to support the 2023 Summer Reading Guide, to discuss this feminist-forward dark thriller. 

Best friends Summer and Leo navigate the elite circles of California's wealth by relying on their skills as con artists to survive. 

But when a high-stakes scam goes awry, and Leo mysteriously disappears on a private island, Summer must unravel the truth and confront the dangerous consequences of their actions.

If you are looking for the next female con artists to love, try this book.

This middle-grade Newberry Award winning novel is one of Meg Shaffer’s absolute favorites.

Set on an isolated fishing island during World War II, this novel explores the life of Sarah Louise, a poor and overshadowed girl with an incredibly talented sister. 

As Sarah Louise navigates the complexities of sibling rivalry, identity, and her place in the world, readers are treated to a captivating coming-of-age tale that transcends age boundaries. 

With its rich character development and beautiful arc spanning childhood to adulthood, this book leaves a lasting impression of resilience, growth, and the power of finding oneself.