Time to browse the bookstores and pick out some summer reads – and many Atlantic Canadians are making sure local’s on the listPublished Jun 17, 2025 • Last updated 34 minutes ago • 5 minute readHeather Doran, assistant manager at Bookmark in Charlottetown, said readers are looking for affordable and emotionally resonant books this summer. Judith MendioleaBookstores across Atlantic Canada are preparing for a familiar summer ritual as readers stock up on books for the beach, cottage or ferry ride.This year, local booksellers say readers are looking for affordable options, Canadian authors, and stories that reflect their mood rather than a specific genre.“I think what people define as a beach read is pretty personal,” said Heather Doran, assistant manager at Bookmark in Charlottetown. “If you want to haul Anna Karenina to the beach, then you should. It’s really about whatever makes you happy.”THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentAlthough mysteries and romance remain popular, Doran said the store’s curated summer selection this year includes Canadian horror, science fiction, historical fiction and non-fiction. Canadian science fiction is part of Bookmark’s curated summer picks this year, with a focus on local authors and regional stories. Judith MendioleaThere is a particular emphasis on regional voices and books set in Atlantic Canada. Bookmark, which has locations in P.E.I., N.S., and N.B., curates a seasonal summer reading list featuring titles from across Canada, with a spotlight on Atlantic writers.“We’re really focusing on Canadian books this year,” she said. “There’s horror, historical fiction, sci-fi — all written here.”Among the titles she recommended are Darwin’s Hornpipe by Deirdre Kessler, a historical adventure at sea inspired by the author’s grandfather; Sea of Spectres by Nancy Taber, a mystery rooted in Acadian folklore; and Bound by Theresa Redmond, a novel that blends historical fiction with speculative elements.Article contentAmanda Peters’s novel The Berry Pickers, which follows the aftermath of a Mi’kmaw child’s disappearance in the 1960s, remains one of the most sought-after titles of the summer. The book, set in Maine and Nova Scotia, has received national recognition and continues to attract local readers.“There are so many good local authors — you’d be surprised at how many books are set right here in the Maritimes,” she said. The modern literature section at The Book Emporium in P.E.I., is the best-seller for beach reads in the summer of 2025 according to the owner Helen Huynh. Judith MendioleaHelen Huynh, owner of one of Charlottetown’s longest-standing bookstores, The Book Emporium, said readers come in asking for books that offer an emotional connection.“People want something they can relate to or pass on to a friend — books that make them feel something,” she said. “Local stories do that.”Mood over genre and changing formatsMaritime readers aren’t immune to national and international trends. According to a 2024 report by BookNet Canada, fiction still dominates summer reading lists, with romance, thrillers and historical fiction leading the pack.Article content“Reading is very mood-based,” said Doran. “Sometimes you’re in the mood for mystery, sometimes for literary fiction.” Heather Doran curates Bookmark’s seasonal reading displays with an emphasis on Canadian voices. One of her personal favourites is “Death and other Inconvienences.” Judith MendioleaThat flexibility is reflected in national reading trends. A 2023 report from BookNet Canada found that 59 per cent of Canadian readers still prefer print books, while 20 per cent read primarily e-books and 13 per cent prefer audiobooks — up from eight per cent in 2019.Sometimes it’s the trip that defines the format.“If you’re going to a noisy beach, maybe something lighter and easier to focus on,” she said. Graphic novels and children’s series such as Geronimo Stilton remain top sellers at The Book Emporium every summer, booksellers say. Judith MendioleaAt both Bookmark and The Book Emporium, customers also show strong interest in graphic novels and backlist titles.Both Doran and Huynh have noticed growth in genre diversity. At The Book Emporium, fantasy novels and graphic novels — once seen as niche — now occupy prominent shelf space. Manga, comics and children’s series like Geronimo Stilton and Captain Underpants are top sellers every summer.Article content“Graphic novels are really great for kids — for vocabulary, for visual literacy,” Doran said. “And they come in all age ranges now.” Popular series like Captain Underpants and Geronimo Stilton draw young readers to The Book Emporium every summer, says owner Helen Huynh. Judith Mendiolea“Fantasy and graphic novels — those fly off the shelves every summer,” said Huynh. “Even some adults read them at the beach. They’re fun.”Doran points to a broader shift in genre blending. She noted that “romantasy” — romantic fantasy — is one of the fastest-growing categories among Canadian readers. That observation aligns with national data: BookNet Canada reported a 32 per cent increase in fantasy sales in 2023 and noted a marked rise in interest for crossover genres.Social media is also changing the way readers discover books.“We’re seeing more people come in asking for Dostoyevsky or Jane Austen because they saw it on Instagram,” said Doran. “Younger readers are going back to the classics.”Article contentRead More Walk in the Woods: Summer reading for nature lovers Best beach reads for summer Reading for fun, for the future Summer’s a great time for kids to learn how to enjoy casual reading, say Atlantic Canadian librarians and writers Second-hand value and sustainabilityIn a time of rising prices, second-hand bookshops like Huynh’s are playing a critical role.“Our buy-two-get-two-free sale includes almost everything in the store,” she said. “We have over 100,000 books — most are in great shape. Why let them end up in the dumpster?”The Book Emporium also runs a trade-in system. Readers can bring back finished books and earn credit toward their next visit.“We keep the credit in our system — it never expires. We want people to come back.”It’s a model rooted in both practicality and community.“Sometimes someone comes in and says, ‘I don’t have money today.’ If they find a book they love, we’ll let them take it. That’s what books are for,” she added.Article content The Book Emporium’s buy-two-get-two-free deal covers most of its 100,000 titles — a model Helen Huynh says helps make reading more accessible. Judith MendioleaBookmark, meanwhile, offers a customer loyalty program and carries smaller paperback editions — easier on the wallet and on the beach bag.“We call them book appetizers,” Doran said.A BookNet Canada study on book buying behaviour found that 85 per cent of second-hand buyers compare prices, and many look for bundle deals or store credits. Bookmark’s seasonal display features summer-friendly titles spanning genres — from romance and mystery to Canadian literary fiction. Judith MendioleaAdvice for summer readersAsked how people should choose their summer reads, both booksellers said the same thing.“Be open,” said Huynh. “Walk through a store, see what catches your eye. Don’t go in looking for something specific — sometimes the best book is the one you didn’t expect.” This summer’s staff picks at Bookmark include regional fiction, Canadian horror, and bestselling titles like The Berry Pickers and Darwin’s Hornpipe. Judith MendioleaFive Atlantic Canadian beach reads for 2025The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters (N.S.) – A child disappears from a Mi’kmaw berry-picking family in Maine. Told in dual timelines, it’s a haunting, emotionally rich story — perfect for a quiet read by the shore.Sea of Spectres by Nancy Taber (P.E.I./N.B.) – A dual-era mystery with ghost ships and Acadian history, blending police procedural with maritime legend.Darwin’s Hornpipe by Deirdre Kessler (P.E.I.) – Historical seafaring fiction with local roots — adventure, mutiny and a fight for justice across the Galapagos and beyond.Death and Other Inconveniences by Lesley Crewe (N.S.) – A quirky, heartfelt Cape Breton tale that blends family drama with laugh-out-loud moments. A perfect hammock read.Bound by Teresa Redmond (P.E.I.) – A historical romance with magical elements, set partly in the Maritimes. For readers who like time travel and strong women.Article content
Atlantic Canadian booksellers offer homegrown picks for summers top reads
