The Shallows of Avalon

by Erica M. Reilly

Ten years ago, they were the stars of the most popular teen show in the nation ...
until it all fell apart.


The Shallows was an overnight sensation. Viewers tuned in to follow and fall in love with a group of six friends as they navigated the highs and lows of their turbulent teenage years.

Over the course of four seasons, the coastal town of Avalon, NJ, served as the filming location for the fictional enclave of Duffy Beach, CA, until the show was suddenly canceled, stunning their fanbase and forcing the actors to drift apart.

A decade later, the crew is back for a three-day reunion. Will former lovers Josie and Tate get their real-life happy ever after? Can Valerie find out who’s been blackmailing her? Is Paige finally going to reveal the truth behind her biggest regret?

The perfect beach read for anyone who grew up watching Beverly Hills 90210, The OC, and Gossip Girl, The Shallows of Avalon explores the lengths that people will go to protect what they value most.

318 pages, Paperback

Published April 16, 2026

Reviews

[Jamiesreadingspace · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.5/5) The Shallows of Avalon by Erica A. Reilly 💜 thank you Erica for the ARC!!

Okay, here's a revised version of your book review:

Ten years after their hit teen drama was canceled, its six former cast members reunite for a 10-year anniversary event. The book offers glimpses into the drama, heartbreak, and friendships that led to the show's abrupt end, filled with secrets, betrayal, and mystery, which I found captivating.

I was drawn to all the characters, despite their flaws and questionable decisions. I became deeply invested in their lives, constantly surprised by the unfolding events!

This book is told in multiple POVs which helps keep you guessing. I definitely recommend picking this one up! It was a quick entertaining reading! Available on kindle unlimited or amazon!

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The shallows of Avalon was an enjoyable read. The book follows a group of friends from a tv show as they reunite for a reunion. The story is a blend of mystery, friendship and lots of drama. It’s a great fun beach read for the summer.

[Skyler 📚 · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC Review: If you're looking for the perfect summer rom-com, look no further. This book, The Shallows of Avalon is based in New Jersey. An exciting, fun tale of drama, secrets, and gossip.

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, the pacing was easy and fun. The main characters were stars in a famous TV show, ten years later they reunite for a few days, reminiscing on old loves, secrets, and drama. They navigate their relationships and history together with a new perspective.

Although I enjoyed this novel, I found the multiple POVs to be hard to follow. I loved getting a new perspective but I did find it difficult at times. Additionally, the mention of characters and their roles stumped me several times. I felt like I had to mentally draw a mind map to connect main points. Other than that, I loved this book and would easily pick up another by Erica M. Reilly!

For those looking for a coastal, rom-com, this is your book!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Brianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Erica Reilly for the ARC copy! Growing up outside of Philly and going to the Jersey Shore…this was filled with all kinds of hometown comfort and familiar places. Add in the millennial love of teen drama TV series like Dawson’s Creek and you have a great summer read! Beach town vibes, a group of old friends, secrets that have been hidden for years, and all the drama of a TV series wrapped up in one! I couldn’t help but fall for these characters despite their flaws and wanting to see them come together in the end. Definitely an addicting read and hoping to see more from this author across more NJ shore towns! 🌊☀️🐚

[Terry Flanagan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It was a quick, fun, read. I liked all the characters and found myself rooting for them. I liked how the author weaved some characters from her first book into the story. To be honest, as a person who has a long history of going to the Jersey shore (especially AV/SH), it’s always fun to see familiar places in the setting. I hope to see more books set on 7 Mile Island. I think this book will be a great ‘beach’ read this summer.

Btw, I did receive an ARC for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you!

[Kim Territo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily. Besides being an avid reader, I also love watching my shows, so this story about the actors of a hit show reuniting after ten years appealed to me. It recounts where some went onto success, while others floundered trying to regain their fame. This would be a perfect beach read.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Are you a fan of 90210? Do you wish there would’ve been a book written that could take you back to the 90s and relive all the drama with Brenda, Kelly and Dylan? Well, this book is for you! Josie is the main star of the teenage high school drama called The Shallows and is not your typical “Hollywood” star. She left acting to pursue another career. The book is about the show’s reunion in Avalon and lots of old drama is stirred up. You will empathize with Josie and get mad at Paige and question Val and wonder where does Sage fit into all of this drama. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. There were some good twists with devious characters. I plan to add this author to my list to follow for more!

[Jessica Gabriel · Rating 5 out of 5]

An easy, fun read perfect for the summer time! There were quite a few secrets to uncover which kept my interest, and
I like that the author tied in some characters from her first book; The Swells of Stone Harbor. Can’t wait for the author’s next book!