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Elin Hilderbrand Books: The Ultimate Author Guide
Do you love stories that make you feel like you’re living the island life, no matter the time of year? Look no further! In this ultimate reading guide to the best Elin Hilderbrand books, we’ll provide an overview of her works, including the Elin Hilderbrand books ranked by our readers.
- The Queen of the Beach Read
- Best Elin Hilderbrand Books Ranked
- New 2024 Book by Elin Hilderbrand
- 2023 Book by Elin Hilderbrand
- Elin Hilderbrand Books in Order Through 2024
- Printable Elin Hilderbrand Book List
- Elin Hilderbrand Book Series
- Recurring Characters in Elin Hilderbrand Books
- Are There Any Elin Hilderbrand Movies?
- Elin Hilderbrand Biography
- Retirement Plans
- Authors Like Elin Hilderbrand
- Guides for Other Authors
The Queen of the Beach Read
It’s easy to see why Elin Hilderbrand is affectionately known as the “Queen of the Beach Read.” For more than two decades, Elin’s sun-soaked novels have captivated readers. Her books feature her signature blend of romance, drama, and vivid descriptions of coastal living.
Nearly all of her books feature the breathtaking backdrop of Nantucket, a charming island off the coast of Massachusetts. Elin draws readers into the lives of complex and relatable characters. Her stories explore themes such as love, friendship, and sometimes mystery. They are perfect companions for a relaxing day at the beach or a cozy evening by the fire. Family life also plays a significant role in her storytelling. She draws on her own experiences and observations to create authentic and heartfelt moments in her novels.
Throughout this reading guide, you’ll find books by Elin Hilderbrand organized in a number of ways:
-Chronologically in order of publication date
-Sorted by type, including full-length novels, short stories, and more
-Grouped by Series
-Ranked in order based on a vote of our readers
We’ll also answer some FAQs, and recommend other authors and books for fans of Elin Hilderbrand.
Later in the guide, we’ll get to know the author Elin Hilderbrand better through an in-depth bio. And we’ll also answer some of the most frequently asked questions about her novels and her future plans, and recommend other authors for fans of Elin Hilderbrand.
Best Elin Hilderbrand Books Ranked
While all of her books are highly rated, in early April 2023, we asked our readers to vote on their favorites. We received more than 230 responses to our survey. Based on those votes, the novels below were the crowd favorites.
We gave our readers the option to tell us why they voted for each of their picks, and we’ve included some of their words as a part of each synopsis. Some readers provided beautiful quotes but preferred to remain anonymous. This is why some quotes have attribution while others do not.
When the books have been a part of one of our reading challenges, we also included reader ratings from the book logs our challenge participants submitted. NOTE: This survey was before The Five-Star Weekend was released in summer of 2023. However, based on reader feedback, it would now be toward the top of this ranking!
The #1 Best Elin Hilderbrand Book
With so many bestsellers, we were worried it would be hard to objectively choose the best Elin Hilderbrand book. However, our readers had a clear favorite!
Although 25 different Hilderbrand books were mentioned in our reader survey, nearly 25% selected Hotel Nantucket as one of their top three, with the majority selecting it as #1. These results are backed up by the book’s average GoodReads rating of 4.11, with over 130,000 reviews (as of 5/1/23).
The Hotel Nantucket
Setting: Nantucket, 1922 and Present Day
When you want to armchair travel to Nantucket, there’s no better book than The Hotel Nantucket. The back of the novel even includes a detailed travel guide to the island with hotel and restaurant recommendations.
The story takes place at a recently restored hotel with quite a history. In 1922, the hotel had a tragic fire, which killed a 19-year-old chambermaid, Grace. It degraded from a gilded gem to an abandoned eyesore in the following years. Thankfully, it’s finally being restored by a billionaire from London.
He hires Nantucket native Lizbet as the general manager. Fresh off of a bad breakup, the hotel gives her exactly the fresh start she needs. She’s in charge of restoring the reputation of the once-grand hotel. In order for the operation to run smoothly, Lizbet must ensure that the staff gets along with each other, the guests, and the ghost of Grace. Grace is determined to keep up her shenanigans until someone acknowledges that her death in 1922 wasn’t an accident.
Why Our Readers Love This Book…
I thought the characters were beautifully developed, and the atmosphere was so enchanting. And don’t get me started on the food descriptions! -Amy P.
By far one of my favorites of the year! Listened to the audiobook which was so well done. Loved the twists and characters- it was amazing!!! I wanted the story to go on and on and was sad when it ended because the characters felt like family. -Kim D.
A little ghostly mystery in the middle of a romance? As well as being on Nantucket? YES, please! -Rachel
The characters were so well written. I felt like so was catching up with good friends! -Brenda W.
I loved all the different stories and mysteries woven together. -Rachel T.
I love the way Hildebrand writes relationship dynamics and multiple perspectives. This book left me feeling pleasantly happy. -Rhonda C.
I enjoyed the technique of switching between the present time and a flashback to the 1920's. The idea of a ghost haunting the hotel was really entertaining but I most loved the picture of what things were like for chambermaids during the 20s. And of course, that island setting! -Kim M.
This book surprised me, even up until the end. -Mahi H.
I loved all the layers to the story and learning about everyone's back stories and personal tragedies.
Loved the part at the end where she lists all her favorite Nantucket places. Great place to start for a vacation! -Michelle
Book Girls' Readers Rate This Book ⭐⭐⭐⭐
96% Would Recommend to a Friend
Also Featured on These Book Lists:
Books Set in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont
Our Favorite Books of 2022
Notable Awards for The Hotel Nantucket:
Debuted at #1 on the New York Times best-seller list
Goodreads Choice Awards Nominee for Fiction (2022)
Although Hotel Nantucket was the ultimate favorite among our readers, there was plenty of book love to go around. The list of Elin Hilderbrand best books voted on by our readers includes seven more titles. Second place went to 28 Summers, which is the favorite of both of us Book Girls. You’ll find the synopsis for that book below, followed by other favorites ranked in order of votes received from highest to lowest.
28 Summers
Setting: Nantucket, 1993-2020
In 1993, Mallory inherited a beach cottage in Nantucket and decided to embrace the unexpected gift and move to the island full-time. Shortly after, she hosts a bachelor party for her brother and meets his friend from college, Jake.
After things go wrong for other attendees, Mallory and Jake are left alone for the rest of the weekend. They have undeniable chemistry. After watching the classic movie, Same Time Next Year, they decide to continue getting together one weekend every summer, no matter what.
As the title suggests, the book spans 28 years of these secret meetings, one chapter per year from 1993-2020. You'll keep the pages turning to find out how their lives change individually and together each year as Mallory and Jake go from college through career, love, and loss. The chapters start with a fun recap of what was happening in the world each year, and you'll be transported through time as their lives move forward. Just keep the tissues ready for the ending.
Why Our Readers Love This Book…
Normally I don’t like to read about cheating or lying couples, but this book was written in a way that I truly fell in love with the characters and their journey. Hilderbrand used one of my favorite movies of all times, Same Time Next Year with Alan Alda and Ellen Burstyn, as her inspiration to write this story. Bring the tissues for this one! -Kathy R.
I thought 28 Summers did a great job of fully developing a great cast of characters. -Judi R.
The music and history listed at the beginning of each chapter was one of my favorite parts of this book.
Love how their relationship endures - meeting up only once a year...makes me think of what could have been... and what I have the rest of the year. -Kath M.
What a great book! From the prologue leaving me wondering who these people were and what their connection was, to the jump back in time memories with what people were talking about each year (talk about memories from childhood), to the actual storyline. And the ending... Just wow! -Kristin B.
I loved the passage of time, seeing what things changed, what things stayed the same. -Irene I.
I liked the evolution of the characters through their lifetime. You can experience the love and joy that 28 summers can bring to a couple of people who will make the most of their limited time together.
Hilderbrand’s books are the ultimate romantic novel. The good, the bad, and the ugly of love. She pulls at the heartstrings. 28 Summers was so real. And a real love story. -Jaci E.
The timeline trajectory mirrored my own lifespan and I really related to the chapter beginning pop culture references.
The love story between the two people was just beautiful and how they sustained their love over the years. Beautiful descriptions of island life as always. -Linda B.
I normally don’t love books that involve affairs/cheating but I loved these two main characters so much and just was rooting for them. I tend to love books that don’t have a happily ever after, and this one had me bawling. -Jordan L.
Book Girls' Readers Rate This Book ⭐⭐⭐⭐
94% Would Recommend to a Friend
Also Featured on These Book Lists:
Books that Span Decades
Books Spanning a Character’s Lifetime
Summer of '69
Setting: Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard, 1969
This might just be the perfect historical fiction beach read for the summer - a family drama that brings the 60s to life in vivid, nostalgic detail.
Each year, the children of the Levin family have looked forward to spending the summer in Nantucket with their grandmother. But in the summer of '69, thirteen-year-old Jessie is the only sibling who can make the trip. One of her older sisters is pregnant with twins, the other is caught up in the civil rights movement, and her older brother has recently been deployed to the war in Vietnam.
The summer proves to be an eventful one - Vietnam, Woodstock, the moon landing, the Chappaquiddick affair, Jessie struggling with her first heartbreak, and her grandmother with a few secrets of her own.
After finishing this book, you’ll want to catch up with the Levin family in the Summer of ‘79 and the Summer of ‘89. Both of these short novellas are included in the short story collection, Endless Summer.
Why Our Readers Love This Book…
Loved this story recapping the events of 1969 wrapped into a wonderful story in a beautiful setting. -Kim M.
I loved how it wove so much history into the story. I was 14 that summer, and let’s just say I wasn’t paying a lot of attention to some of the history being made that summer. -Jan
1969 was such a dynamic year and it shows in this story. -Jaci E.
I liked that she tied in popular songs during that period. -Nancy W.
I thoroughly enjoyed this tale of the era in which I came to adulthood. The characters were likeable and relatable and the plot points were fun. -Donna H.
Born in '60, I was a child during this monumental time so I related to all the historical references and aspects of it, as well as connected to different aspects of each character - especially the youngest daughter. And, it was a very good story. -Penny P.
Book Girls' Readers Rate This Book ⭐⭐⭐⭐
100% Would Recommend to a Friend
Also Featured on This Book Lists:
Books Set in the 1960s
Notable Awards for Summer of ‘69:
Goodreads Choice Award Nominee for Historical Fiction (2019)
Golden Girl
Setting: Nantucket, Present Day
While jogging near her home on Nantucket, novelist Vivi is killed in a hit-and-run accident. After her death, Vivi is granted the opportunity to watch what happens to her family for one final summer. In addition to watching, she gets three “nudges” to change the outcome of events on Earth.
Between troubles for her children, the investigation into her death, and a childhood secret wrapped into the final novel she was writing, Vivi must be cautious with her nudges while learning to let her family make decisions without her.
Why Our Readers Love This Book…
It made me examine some of the decisions in my life where I could have used a “nudge” and also realize how sometimes it’s the smallest thing that makes the biggest difference. -Dawn
I can imagine most moms wanting to have the chance to change their children’s lives for the better. -Jan
It got me invested in this family and root for them and the concept of heavenly interventions was nice. -Angie C.
This story of a mother's love will make you cry again and again! -Danielle Z.
This was my favorite Elin Hilderbrand book yet. I loved so many characters in this story. Even the ones I wasn’t supposed to like, I liked. The struggle of Vivi being a single working mom whose two loves fight for her attention. Her love of writing and her love for her children and how she balances both of them. I loved the premise of being able to watch her legacy continue from the afterlife and being allowed 3 “nudges” that are aimed toward a “Mother knows best” opinion. But also being able to trust that as a mother, at some point, you just have to let your kids live their own lives and trust that you did a good job raising them.
It made me sad, but I loved the idea of checking up in your loved ones when you are gone. -Lynne K.
I liked the perspective of being able to consider and experience the lives of those you love continuing once you’ve passed on.
Book Girls' Readers Rate This Book ⭐⭐⭐⭐
93% Would Recommend to a Friend
Also Featured on This Book List:
Books with Characters in Their 50s
Notable Awards for Golden Girl:
Goodreads Choice Award Nominee for Best Fiction (2021)
Amazon Editors’ Pick: Best Literature & Fiction
Winter in Paradise
Setting: St. John, US VIRGIN ISLANDS, 2019
Book #1 in the Paradise Series
Irene gets a shocking late-night phone call that her husband has been found dead on the island of St. John, far from their suburban life. When she travels to St. John to figure out what happened to her husband, Irene discovers much more than she expected - including his entire double life. She is joined in St. John by her two adult sons, Baker and Cash. Her sons are equally eager to uncover their father’s secrets, but both men are also running away from their own problems back home.
This is book 1 in a 3 book series, which means it ends without the mystery being resolved. You'll definitely want to keep reading! All three books have been released, so you won't have to wait for publishing, but we wanted to make sure you knew what you were in for!
Within this story, Elin vividly describes the island scenery, as well as many local businesses and locations that you may recognize if you’ve traveled to this US Virgin Island. Although the book is set in 2019, Elin explains in her author's notes that she describes the islands as she experienced them before Hurricane Irma hit in 2017. Many of the restaurants and businesses she described did not survive. As a result, this book doesn’t serve as a travel guide to St. John in the same way as her Nantucket set books.
Why Our Readers Love This Book…
Winter in Paradise takes a break from Nantucket and whisks us away to the Caribbean. This is my favorite series by Hilderbrand and is perfect for the midwinter slump after the holidays and before spring arrives. Sure to take you on an adventurous journey and keep you guessing to the end. I recommend the entire 3 book series be read in order to enjoy pure escapism! -Kathy R.
I didn’t expect to live this one so much, but I loved the family and all the drama. -Lynne K.
It was so engaging; I read it in one sitting! I was invested in the characters from the beginning, and the intrigue built into the primary love triangle really added to the story. -Kathy G.
I thought the characters were very interesting and real. Their strengths and insecurities were very relatable. I loved the cliffhanger ending to the first book!
I enjoyed how the plot kept twisting & turning. -Sinclair S.
I love the Paradise series! You can’t just read one, you need to read all three. The strength of the series is the growth of the characters. Plus, I felt like I was living on the island. I read the in the winter, so it was nice to go to the beach. -Jaci E.
Book Girls' Readers Rate This Book ⭐⭐⭐⭐
93% Would Recommend to a Friend
Also Featured on This Book List:
Books Set in US Territories: American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands
The Identicals
Setting: NANTUCKET and MARTHA'S VINEYARD
The Massachusetts islands of Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard are only 2.5 hours apart on the ferry, but have different vibes and provide for very different lives for identical 40-year-old twin sisters who have been estranged for years.
However, when a family crisis strikes, the women start to remember the importance of banding together and that their bond is stronger than the rivalry that separated them for too many years.
While we always enjoy the Nantucket setting of Elin’s books, we love that this one lets you compare two different New England islands while also enjoying a summery sister-story that ranges from charming to scandalous.
Why Our Readers Love This Book…
Who doesn't love family drama and a beach read?! Plus it felt like a guided tour of places to go on Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard.
I loved the setting and the transformation of the characters. -Shari
Elin Hilderbrand does family dynamics so well! -Jenny L.
I was riveted with this book - I couldn’t put it down! Very fun read! -Penny
Book Girls' Readers Rate This Book ⭐⭐⭐⭐
100% Would Recommend to a Friend
Also Featured on This Book List:
Books That Take Place On an Island
Notable Awards for The Identicals:
Goodreads Choice Award Nominee for Fiction (2017)
Winter Street
Setting: Nantucket in winter
Winter Street is the first of 4 books that follow the Quinn Family in Nantucket. Kelley Quinn owns an Inn and has four children, each with their own complications and imperfections. As Christmas approaches, he looks forward to gathering with his four grown children for quality time at the inn. When Kelley walks in on his wife kissing Santa Claus, chaos erupts with ripple effects throughout the family.
The entire first book takes place over three days, and ends with some plotlines unresolved. Each of the subsequent books in the Winter Street series brings the family back together for another Christmas on Nantucket.
Why Our Readers Love This Book…
I believe I have read everything that she has written. I love her character development, as well as her descriptions of the locations in which the characters live. I hate it when I am near the end of her novels. The Winter series is full of emotional relationships that will tug at your heart. Her characters feel like my friends after reading. And I wish I could see them again! -Kathy E.
I loved ALL of the Winter series. Again. Islands. Beach. But what it feels like to be there in winter. -Rachel
The whole “Winter” series is just easy and fun and very “holiday”! Good writing, fun stories, deeper than you expect sometimes. -Nancy L.
I love the entire Winter Street series! The stories and characters are memorable. I’ve gifted this series to friends several times.
I loved this series of stories about Christmas/winter on Nantucket. I have been to Nantucket several times and enjoy reading about a place I know and I found these characters to be particularly engaging. -Ann E.
Also Featured on This Book List:
Best Christmas Books for Adults
The Blue Bistro
Setting: Nantucket
After spending half a dozen summers working in exotic resort towns, Adrienne decides to spend a summer in Nantucket. Her past experience is in hotels, but the only job offer she gets in Nantucket is at a restaurant. Not just any restaurant though - the Blue Bistro is the hottest on the island, and the same could be said of the owner, Thatcher.
After getting a crash course in the restaurant business, she’s ready to take on the job. But as the summer goes on, Adrienne has many questions. Why is the successful restaurant in it’s final season before closing for good? Does Thatcher feel the same attraction to Adrienne that she feels for him? And if so, why does he seem so easily distracted by the chef, Fiona?
At the end of the summer, will Adrienne move on like she normally does? Or this time will she decide to open her heart to the island of Nantucket and its people?
Why Our Readers Love This Book…
It was my first book by her that I had read and it made me fall in love with her writing style. Plus I loved all the talk about food in the book cause I love food!
Loved learning about a summer in a restaurant in a tourist town. -Sheila B.
This is one of her earlier books that introduced me to Elin Hildebrand. I realized that I wanted to read everything she wrote. -Mary Ellen R.
New 2024 Book by Elin Hilderbrand
The fourth and final book in the Nantucket series, Swan Song, is scheduled to be published on June 11, 2024. This is also Elin Hilderbrand’s last planned beach read as she begins her retirement. You can read more about her future plans later in this post.
2023 Book by Elin Hilderbrand
Elin Hilderbrand’s 2023 book, The Five-Star Weekend, centers around Hollis, a popular food blogger who loses her husband to a car accident. The fight she had with him right before he drove away, drives an even deeper wedge between her and her teenage daughter, Caroline.
After learning about a trend called a “Five-Star Weekend” where one woman organizes a trip for her best friends from each phase of life, Hollis decides to host her own. But gathering her best friend from each decade from childhood through midlife doesn’t turn out to be the joyful Hallmark movie she’d envisioned. But it will definitely be a weekend she’ll never forget.
Elin Hilderbrand Books in Order Through 2024
Since the publication of her first novel in 2000, Elin has penned 28 popular novels. She’s a regular on the New York Times bestseller list, having sold more than 20 million books worldwide. Many of her books are stand-alone novels that can be read in any order. However, those marked with an asterisk are part of a series. We discuss each Elin Hilderbrand series in more detail below. Elin has also penned a number of short stories, including some as sequels to her novels.
Full-Length Books by Elin Hilderbrand in Order of Publication
- The Beach Club (2000)
- Nantucket Nights (2002)
- Summer People (2003)
- The Blue Bistro (2005)
- The Love Season (2006)
- Barefoot (2007)
- *A Summer Affair (2008)
- *The Castaways (2009)
- The Island (2010)
- Silver Girl (2011)
- Summerland (2012)
- Beautiful Day (2013); see below for the short story sequel
- One Summer (2013); collection of The Blue Bistro & The Love Season
- The Matchmaker (2014); see below for the short story prequel
- *Winter Street (2014)
- *Winter Stroll (2015)
- The Rumor (2015)
- Here’s to Us (2016)
- *Winter Storms (2016)
- High Tide (2016); collection of The Beach Club & Summer People with bonus chapter
- The Identicals (2017)
- *Winter Solstice (2017)
- *Winter in Paradise (2018)
- *The Perfect Couple (2018)
- *What Happens in Paradise (2019)
- Summer of ‘69 (2019); see below for the novella sequels
- *Troubles in Paradise (2020)
- 28 Summers (2020); see below for the novella sequel
- Golden Girl (2021)
- The Hotel Nantucket (2022)
- The Five-Star Weekend (2023)
- *Swan Song (2024)
Novellas & Short Stories by Elin Hilderbrand
- The Surfing Lesson (2013); sequel to Beautiful Day
- The Tailgate (2014); prequel to The Matchmaker
- Summer of ‘79 (2020); sequel to Summer of 69
- The Sixth Wedding (2021); sequel to 28 Summers
- Reunion Beach: Stories Inspired by Dorothea Benton Frank (2021); stories from a variety of authors
- Endless Summer (2022); novella and short story collection
- Natural Selection (2024); standalone novella set in the Galapagos
Printable Elin Hilderbrand Book List
Looking for a printable version of this chronological Elin Hilderbrand book list? Our Buy Me a Coffee BFF’s have access to a cute two-page printable tracker featuring the covers of all her novels! Join our membership site today for instant access to your copy, along with some other fun perks!
Elin Hilderbrand Book Series
Above, we listed all of the novels and short stories by Elin Hilderbrand in order of publication. Now we’ll discuss the reading order of her books that are part of a specific series.
Winter Series
The four books in the Elin Hilderbrand Winter Series follow a continuous storyline. They are: Winter Street, Winter Stroll, Winter Storms, and Winter Solstice. These Christmas-themed novels were originally released over a period of four years.
The first book in the Winter Street series introduces readers to the Quinn family. The father, Kelley Quinn, is the owner of Nantucket’s Winter Street Inn. As Christmas approaches, he looks forward to gathering with his four grown children for quality time at the inn. The entire book takes place over three days, and ends with some plotlines unresolved.
Each of the subsequent books in the Winter Street series brings the family back together for another Christmas on Nantucket. Through the books, you’ll get to know all the members of the Quinn family, each with their own complexities. It is easiest to keep the characters and their stories straight if you read them back-to-back. Although, Elin does a good job of bringing you up to speed if you prefer to spread your reading over multiple holiday seasons.
Paradise Series
While the majority of her books are set on Nantucket, the books in the Elin Hilderbrand Paradise Series whisk you away to the US Virgin Islands. The three books must be read in order: Winter in Paradise, What Happens in Paradise, and Troubles in Paradise.
The first book begins when a woman in Iowa learns that her husband died in a plane crash in the Caribbean. She and her adult sons travel to St. John and begin to unravel the secrets of the family patriarch. The first two books in the Paradise trilogy end with major cliffhangers! You’ll want to clear your calendar so that you can read all three in a row!
The Winter in Paradise series opens on New Year’s Eve, but these books are not holiday themed.
Nantucket Series
Unlike the other two book series listed above, the publication dates of the books in the Elin Hilderbrand Nantucket series are much more spread out. She wrote the first and second books, A Summer Affair and The Castaways, in 2008 and 2009 respectively. But the third book, The Perfect Couple, didn’t come along for nearly a decade. The final installment, Swan Song, is set to be published in June of 2024
Each book tells a different couple’s point of view, and each has a unique plot. While it’s enjoyable to read them in order, the storylines of these three books are not chronologically continuous. You can read them as stand-alones if you prefer. The Perfect Couple also ties in a few characters from another Hilderbrand novel, Beautiful Day. This book, however, is not considered part of the Nantucket series.
Sequels & Prequels
In addition to the full-length series above, Elin has written short-story sequels and prequels for some of her most popular novels.
Summer of ’69 Series: Elin Hilderbrand’s Summer of ‘69 book takes readers back in time to one of the most eventual summers of the 20th century. In two short sequels, readers can catch up briefly with the Foley-Levin siblings ten and twenty years later.
The novella, Summer of ‘79, first appeared in print in Reunion Beach, an anthology tribute to the beloved novelist Dorothea Benton Frank. Summer of 79 is also now available for individual download on Kindle or Audible. Additionally, the 2022 short-story collection, Endless Summer, includes Summer of ‘79 as well as the brand new story, Summer of ‘89.
28 Summers Series: The Elin Hilderbrand 28 Summers series includes the full-length novel and a novella sequel called The Sixth Wedding. The original book, 28 Summers, follows one couple’s relationship across nearly three decades, from 1993-2020. The 76-page follow-up takes place during the Labor Day weekend of 2023. The sequel provides answers to lingering questions about some of the main characters from 28 Summers. It also wraps up storylines for some of the secondary characters as well.
The Sixth Wedding is available for individual download on Kindle or Audible. It is also included in Elin’s short-story collection, Endless Summer.
Short Story Collection: Endless Summer includes a total of nine additional prequels, sequels, and “missing chapters” for some of her readers’ favorite novels.
Recurring Characters in Elin Hilderbrand Books
On an island, everyone seems to know everyone and be interconnected in different ways. Elin brings this to life in her books. If you pay close attention to side characters, you may see them mentioned in otherwise unrelated books.
For example, in “Golden Girl,” readers encounter the character Detective Jake Cunningham, who has previously appeared in Hilderbrand’s novel “The Perfect Couple.” As a Nantucket police detective, Jake Cunningham investigates the hit-and-run accident that takes Vivian Howe’s life, connecting the storylines in both novels. Additionally, Vivian’s best friend, Savannah, appears briefly in “28 Summers.” Savannah’s character provides a link between these two novels, as she navigates the complexities of her friendship with Vivian and deals with her own personal challenges.
In “The Rumor,” the character Madeline King is a popular novelist who also appears briefly in “Winter in Paradise.” Madeline’s writing career and struggles with writer’s block are central to her storyline. Meanwhile, Celeste Otis, who first appears in “The Perfect Couple,” makes a cameo in “28 Summers.” Her role as a detective in Nantucket adds a layer of mystery and suspense to both novels.
One notable character is Marguerite Beale, a talented chef who first appears in “The Blue Bistro” and then again in “The Love Season.” In both novels, Marguerite navigates her personal and professional lives, highlighting her passion for food and her complicated relationships. And speaking of “The Blue Bistro,” you’ll also see it mentioned in several novels as a setting. For instance, in “The Castaways,” Tess and Greg dine at The Blue Bistro on their wedding night.
Are There Any Elin Hilderbrand Movies?
At this time, there are no Elin Hilderbrand books made into movies. Although, readers may soon get to experience the sights and sounds of Nantucket on the small screen!
Elin’s 2018 novel, The Perfect Couple, is being adapted into a TV series produced by Netflix. On April 2, 2023, Elin shared an Instagram post featuring a who’s who of the cast, including Nicole Kidman as Greer Garrison Winbury (the groom’s mother) and Dakota Fanning as Abby Winbury (the sister-in-law).
Part-swoon-worthy romance and part mystery, the series The Perfect Couple follows Amelia as she prepares to marry into the wealthy Winbury family of Nantucket, despite the objections of their matriarch novelist (Kidman). But when a body is found on the beach, the wedding takes a back seat to the murder investigation. Secrets are revealed, and soon everyone becomes a suspect.
The Perfect Couple began filming in April of 2023. No release date has yet been announced. It’s expected to be late 2023 or early 2004 if the production stays on schedule.
Additionally, in August of 2022, Elin shared the news on Instagram of another possible adaptation. She posted a screenshot of an article with the headline “Elin Hilderbrand Novel ‘The Hotel Nantucket’ Being Developed At Warner Bros. TV; Sue Kroll to EP.” We’ll keep you posted on any updates as they become available.
Elin Hilderbrand Biography
Elin Hilderbrand and her twin brother were born on July 17, 1969, in Collegeville, Pennsylvania. In her childhood, Elin dreamed of becoming a writer, inspired by her love of books and storytelling. Growing up, she spent summers in Cape Cod. Sadly, her dad died in a plane crash when she was sixteen, ending the family tradition.
She earned her undergraduate degree from Johns Hopkins University, where she studied creative writing and developed a strong foundation in the craft. She later pursued a Master of Fine Arts degree in creative writing from the University of Iowa’s prestigious Writers’ Workshop. This esteemed program, renowned for producing top-tier authors, further honed Elin’s writing skills and prepared her for the successful career that awaited her.
After graduating from college, she moved to New York. She taught 8th-grade English, which allowed her summers off to spend time at the beach. Elin then moved to Nantucket in 1993 to accept a teaching position on the island. She immersed herself in the community and began working various jobs, including teaching, writing for a local newspaper, and working in a restaurant. These experiences provided her with invaluable insights into the lives and relationships of the people on the island, which she later skillfully wove into her novels.
Nantucket’s picturesque landscape, rich history, and tight-knit community captivated Elin. The island’s beauty and unique character deeply influenced her writing and served as the perfect backdrop for her beach-read novels. But her love for Nantucket also extends beyond her novels! She’s an active member of the community and a dedicated advocate for environmental preservation. As an avid runner and outdoor enthusiast, she’s passionate about preserving the island’s natural beauty and raising awareness of environmental issues.
When she’s not in Nantucket, Elin spends months at a time staying on the island of St. John in the US Virgin Islands.
Despite her immense success, Elin remains down-to-earth and connected to her fans. Her friendly and approachable nature has endeared her to readers around the world. Elin often engages with her fans on social media and sharing behind-the-scenes snippets of her life on Nantucket and St. John. She even hosts an annual “Bucket List Weekend” in Nantucket each January at the Nantucket Hotel and Resort (the real life “Hotel Nantucket”). During these weekends, fans have the opportunity to meet her, discuss her novels, and enjoy the island that has inspired so many of her stories.
Away from the keyboard, Elin is the mother to her three children. Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2014, she underwent a double mastectomy. She spoke publicly about her battle with the disease because she realized that it was something she had in common with many of her readers. She started the #MamaStrong initiative, encouraging other women to share their breast cancer experiences. Her publisher then sent a box of her novels to the cancer center of each woman who submitted a story.
Retirement Plans
In a June 2021 interview with the Associated Press, Elin Hilderbrand announced her intention to retire from writing Nantucket books in 2024. She has expressed a desire to focus on other aspects of her life after her retirement, including spending more time with her family and engaging in other creative pursuits. Elin has been open about her decision, noting how challenging it is to “write the same thing every year, completely differently.” She wants to retire while her novels are still popular and well-received, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of beach reads.
Her final beach read, Swan Song, is scheduled for release in June 2024. But she might not be done writing quite yet. In recent interviews, she stated that she plans to co-author a novel with her daughter, Shelby. The teen attends a fancy New England boarding school, which will inspire the setting of their novel. Elin plans to write the adult perspectives for the book (parents and teachers), while Shelby will write the student perspectives.
While fans will undoubtedly miss Elin’s captivating Nantucket stories, her decision to retire and write with her daughter highlights her commitment to living a balanced life. As she transitions into this new phase, we’re certain that Elin will continue to inspire and connect with her fans, both through her extensive body of work, as well as through ongoing engagement with the literary community.
Authors Like Elin Hilderbrand
Even after Elin retires, we’ll be reading our way through her backlist for years to come. There are also lots of wonderful authors similar to Elin Hilderbrand that we can all continue to enjoy.
If You Love the Nantucket Setting
If it’s the setting of Elin’s books that draws you in, you’ll want to pick up some books by Nancy Thayer and Pamela Kelley.
Nancy Thayer has lived on Nantucket year-round for nearly 40 years, and she has a large catalog of Nantucket-set books. Like Elin, she has books set on the island during both the summer months and the Christmas season. We included her highest-rated title, Family Reunion, on our list of Books That Take Place on an Island. We’re also looking forward to reading her brand new 2023 release, All the Days of Summer.
Pamela Kelley lives in a historic seaside town south of Boston. She’s the author of two book series set on the island of Nantucket: Nantucket Beach Plum Cove (currently 8 books), and The Nantucket Restaurant (currently 2 books). In 2021 she also published a standalone novel set in Nantucket, called The Hotel.
If You Love the Beach Read Mix of Romance, Family, and Friendship
Over the past year, Viola Shipman (the pen name of Wade Rouse) has become one of the Book Girls’ favorite authors. We don’t know how we hadn’t discovered his work sooner, but we’re very glad we have now! Each of his fiction novels is set in a different Michigan resort town. Like Elin’s books, his vibrant descriptions will transport you to the book’s setting and will leave you with a smile on your face.
If You Love Beach Reads With a Touch of Mystery
Many of Elin Hilderbrand’s books include an element of mystery. If you’re looking for more page-turning beachy mysteries, look no further than Mary Kay Andrews, and Jennifer Weiner.
Mary Kay Andrews is the best-selling author of more than 30 novels set primarily set in coastal Florida and Georgia. We’ve enjoyed all of her recent books, but one of our favorites is The Homewreckers, which we included on our list of Summer Cozy Mysteries.
Jennifer Weiner’s novels span a variety of literary styles, but we especially enjoy her recent summery novels set in Cap Cod, Massachusetts. We particularly enjoyed the mystery element of Big Summer, in which plus-size influencer Daphne suddenly finds herself a murder suspect after attending a fancy society wedding on the Cape.
Whether you’re just starting out, or reading deep into Elin Hilderbrand’s backlist, we hope this guide has been helpful. We’d love to hear which of her novels is your favorite in the comments below.
Guides for Other Authors
We’re actively creating more guides for our readers’ favorite authors. Check out our other author guides below, and let us know what authors you’d like to see next:
