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Discover the Best Cape Cod Books to Enjoy This Summer!

  • Writer: Sea Crow Press
    Sea Crow Press
  • Jul 13
  • 2 min read

Updated: Sep 18

Dive into Unforgettable Stories Rooted in the Spirit of the Cape


Whether you're lounging on the beach or relaxing on the porch, there’s nothing better than a good book. This is especially true for those inspired by the beauty and mystery of Cape Cod. Here are seven Cape Cod books you’ll love this summer.


1. Moon Tide by Mary Petiet


Moon Tide book cover featuring oceanic artwork and poetic title

Moon Tide is a lyrical collection of Cape Cod poems. It captures the spirit of the sea, the rhythm of the tides, and the voice of a place steeped in natural wonder. Each poem invites readers to experience the magic of the Cape through vivid imagery and emotional depth.


2. Water Music by Marcia Peck


Water Music novel cover with a watercolor design

In the summer of 1956, twelve-year-old Lily Grainger’s world shifts dramatically. The Sagamore Bridge closes, and her family drifts into uncertainty. Against the backdrop of Cape Cod’s rugged beauty, Lily navigates family strife, secrets, and the search for hope beyond the salt marshes. This coming-of-age story is both poignant and relatable.


3. Wash Ashore by Mary Petiet


Book cover: "Wash Ashore" by Mary Petiet. Features a person walking on a beach. Award sticker: "NIEA Winner." Green grass, calm sea.

Wash Ashore unfolds an unforgettable summer on Cape Cod. Olive Adams inherits her aunt’s old house and faces shifting fortunes. With a fierce hurricane approaching, she fights to protect the land—and her heart—while waiting for love to return. This tale of resilience and love is sure to resonate with readers.


4. Small Craft by Janet Edmonds


Small Craft poetry cover with coastal imagery

Small Craft delivers meditative reflections on weather, water, and women’s lives along the New England coast. This poetry collection is anchored in place and perception, offering readers a chance to pause and reflect on the beauty of life by the sea.


5. Macabre Trophies by Declan Rush


Macabre Trophies thriller cover with eerie Cape backdrop

Cape Cod turns deadly in Macabre Trophies, a fast-paced literary thriller. This book blends an atmospheric setting with gripping suspense, making it one of the most chilling Cape Cod books for mystery lovers. Prepare for a thrilling ride that will keep you on the edge of your seat.


6. Ronnie Willow and the Devil’s Shadow by W.C. Chidress


Ronnie Willow cover with Southern Gothic design and shadowy figure

Ronnie Willow and the Devil’s Shadow is a genre-bending Gothic adventure. It brings a paranormal twist to the classic coming-of-age tale, with deep ties to coastal folklore and Cape Cod shadows. This unique narrative will captivate readers looking for something different.


7. Spring in Cranberry Harbor by Candace Hammond


Spring in Cranberry Harbor cover with bright seaside spring scene

In Spring in Cranberry Harbor, a woman returns to her Cape Cod hometown to face her past. She seeks unexpected love and aims to rebuild a life on her own terms. This heartwarming coastal novel is perfect for those looking for inspiration and hope.


Conclusion


These Cape Cod books span poetry, fiction, and suspense. Each one is rooted in the landscapes, legends, and lives of coastal New England. Add them to your summer reading list and let the Cape come alive on the page.


As you immerse yourself in these stories, you will feel the essence of Cape Cod. Enjoy your summer reading adventure!

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