Escape to the sun-drenched shores of Summer Beach, where secrets whisper in the sea breezeoretic and love blooms amidst mystery! Jan Moran’s Summer Beach series, a delightful blend of contemporary romance and women’s fiction, invites readers into a charming Southern California coastal town. Centered on Ivy Bay, a widow rebuilding her life, this series weaves heartwarming tales of family, friendship, and new beginnings, all set against the backdrop of a historic beach house brimming with hidden truths.
With its vivid characters and cozy yet intriguing plots, Summer Beach offers the perfect literary getaway. Whether you’re a fan of beach reads or simply crave a story that feels like a warm hug, this series promises to sweep you away. Let’s dive into the world of Summer Beach and discover what makes it so special!
How Summer Beach Began
Jan Moran, a USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author, dreamed up the Summer Beach series while strolling the sunny beaches of Southern California, where she lives. Inspired by the charm of coastal towns and the allure of old houses with stories to tell, Moran crafted a series that began as a trilogy with Seabreeze Inn in 2019. Reader demand stretched it into an eleven-book saga, with the latest, Seabreeze Library, released in March 2025. Moran’s love for authentic locales and her knack for creating relatable, strong heroines shine through, making Summer Beach a fan favorite.
The Heart of Summer Beach
The series kicks off with Seabreeze Inn, where Ivy Bay, reeling from her husband’s death, discovers he spent their savings on a dilapidated beach house. As she transforms it into a bed-and-breakfast, Ivy uncovers secrets about the house and reconnects with Bennett Dylan, the town’s mayor and her teenage crush. Seabreeze Summer deepens the drama with a mysterious thief among Ivy’s guests, blending romance with a touch of suspense. Seabreeze Sunset sees Ivy facing a neighbor’s lawsuit that threatens the inn, while Seabreeze Christmas delivers holiday warmth and a priceless discovery that shakes the community.
At its core, Summer Beach explores themes of resilience, family bonds, and second chances. Moran’s storytelling is light yet poignant, with a focus on strong, intelligent women navigating life’s challenges. The setting—a fictional coastal town filled with farmers’ markets, beach cafes, and community theater—feels like a character itself, evoking a sense of belonging. Fans praise the series for its heartwarming friendships and slow-burn romances, often calling it a “breezy escape” that leaves them smiling.
Why Summer Beach Resonates
The Summer Beach series has carved a niche in the women’s fiction and romance genres, with over a million books sold and more than 25,000 five-star reviews across retailers like Amazon and Goodreads. Its appeal lies in its relatable characters and the universal quest for renewal, resonating with readers seeking uplifting stories. The series’ optioning for a television adaptation by Dynamic Television signals its growing cultural footprint, promising to bring Summer Beach’s charm to new audiences.
Moran’s ability to blend mystery, romance, and community spirit keeps readers hooked, while the series’ cozy coastal vibe makes it a go-to for anyone craving a mental vacation. Its multigenerational cast, from Ivy’s sister Shelly to their wise grandmother Ginger, adds depth, making Summer Beach a celebration of life’s messy, beautiful moments.
- First Book: Seabreeze Inn (2019)
- Total Books: 11, ending with Seabreeze Library (2025)
- Genres: Contemporary Romance, Women’s Fiction
- Notable: Optioned for a TV series by Dynamic Television
Ready to feel the sand between your toes? Grab Seabreeze Inn and dive into the heartwarming world of Summer Beach, where love, secrets, and second chances await!