Best Elin Hilderbrand Books
16 Best Elin Hilderbrand Books
Elin Hilderbrand is an American author known for her bestselling novels set on the island of Nantucket, which often explore themes of love, family, and relationships. She has written over 25 novels, many of which have been New York Times bestsellers. Hilderbrand's writing style is known for its vivid descriptions of the island and its characters, as well as its emotional depth and relatable themes.
She has stated that her inspiration for writing oceanside love stories comes from her love of the beach and her desire to capture the essence of life on Nantucket Island. She also draws inspiration from her own experiences and observations of relationships and the complexities of family dynamics. Overall, Hilderbrand's writing is a reflection of her passion for storytelling and her desire to transport readers to beautiful coastal destinations filled with romance and drama.
Her journey as a book author began when she self-published her first novel, "The Beach Club," in 2000. She sold copies of the book out of the trunk of her car and went on to write several more novels, eventually catching the attention of a literary agent who helped her secure a publishing deal with Little, Brown and Company. Since then, Hilderbrand has published numerous best-selling novels, many of which are set on the island of Nantucket, where she lives with her family.
Below I am sharing a round-up of the best Elin Hilderbrand books you should consider adding to your libraries and TBR piles.
PS - if you like to read books set in specific places, check out my list of books set in France and books set in Ireland.
Best Elin Hilderbrand Books
"The Blue Bistro"
This novel offers readers a chance to escape with Adrienne, a woman who has moved to Nantucket to start a new life after being left broke by her ex-boyfriend. She lands a job at the Blue Bistro, owned by the desirable Thatcher Smith, but soon discovers a mystery surrounding the restaurant's chef and its impending closure. As Adrienne navigates her feelings for Thatcher and uncertainty about the future of the restaurant, readers are treated to vivid descriptions of Nantucket and a story full of passion and doubt. The Blue Bistro is a perfect beach read.
"Summer People"
During summer, the Newton family typically spends three months at their Nantucket home, engaging in various activities such as cookouts and bonfires on the beach. However, this summer is different as Arch Newton, a prominent New York attorney, dies in a plane crash. His widow, Beth, struggles to cope but decides to continue the family tradition of going to Nantucket and fulfilling a promise Arch made before he died. Beth invites Marcus, the son of Arch's final and most difficult client, to spend the summer with her and her teenage twins, Winnie and Garrett, leading to mixed reactions. As they spend time together, they experience various emotions such as loss, first love, and betrayal, and uncover a shocking secret from Beth's past that could potentially destroy the family.
"Barefoot"
On a hot day in June, three women carrying small children and wearing unwieldy straw hats, arrive at the Nantucket airport. Vicki is grappling with a serious illness, Brenda has quit her job after being caught in an affair with a student, and Melanie has finally become pregnant after seven failed in vitro attempts, but only to learn that her husband is cheating on her. They have come to Nantucket to escape their problems and enjoy the sun. However, their plans change when they meet twenty-two-year-old Josh Flynn, who enters their lives and connects their stories in a captivating way. Barefoot is a novel that tells the story of these four women and their intertwined lives in a bittersweet yet memorable way.
"Silver Girl"
Meredith finds herself in dire straits and on the brink of homelessness. However, a glimmer of hope emerges when she receives an unexpected call from her long-lost best friend, Constance Flute. Connie, too, has been dealing with her own difficulties, and together they embark on a summer getaway to Nantucket, hoping to find solace and healing. But their time on the island proves to be far from idyllic as they are haunted by both new and old problems. Things take a complicated turn when Toby, Connie's brother, who also happens to be Meredith's former high school boyfriend, shows up. Now Meredith must confront the stark contrasts between the life she is currently living and the life she might have had. Against the striking backdrop of the Nantucket summer, Hilderbrand weaves a gripping tale that explores the enduring power of friendship, the magnetic force of love, and the transformative nature of forgiveness.
"The Island"
Birdie Cousins is deeply involved in planning her daughter Chess's extravagant wedding, but is caught off guard when Chess unexpectedly cancels her engagement. This event sets off a series of unexpected upheavals and revelations throughout the summer, including devastating news for Chess. Birdie, Tate (Birdie's younger daughter), and India (Birdie's sister) decide to retreat to Tuckernuck Island, a remote location where the family has spent summers for years, to escape their troubles. However, the quiet getaway is disrupted by family conflicts, long-held secrets, and unexpected romances. By the end of the summer, the family has uncovered truths, reignited old loves, and discovered new relationships.
"The Matchmaker"
Dabney Kimball Beech, a 48-year-old resident of Nantucket, is known for her talent in matchmaking. Despite her impressive record of successfully pairing up 42 couples who are happily together, some people view her ability as interfering, including her husband and daughter. The exception to Dabney's matchmaking prowess is her own love life, particularly her past relationship with Clendenin Hughes. After 27 years, Clen has returned to Nantucket, causing Dabney to feel conflicted and alive. However, a tragedy forces her to confront her past decisions and reveal painful secrets to her family. Dabney is determined to use her matchmaking gift to help those she loves before it's too late.
"Beautiful Day"
The Carmichaels and Grahams are gathered on Nantucket for a wedding that will unite their families based on the bride's late mother's instructions in The Notebook. However, despite the happy occasion, things are not going well as the loved ones of the couple are experiencing personal crises. In Beautiful Day, Elin Hilderbrand explores the meaning of marriage, faithfulness, and commitment through the challenges faced by the characters in the lead-up to the wedding.
"The Identicals"
Harper and Tabitha Frost, twin sisters who haven't spoken for over a decade, live only eleven miles apart on Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard, but their relationship is strained. In an effort to save their family, the sisters swap islands and lives, but discover that the secrets and gossip they tried to leave behind can follow them anywhere. As they navigate through old grudges, new romances, and mistaken identities, their summer becomes the talk of Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket.
"Winter Street"
Kelley Quinn is the proprietor of the Winter Street Inn in Nantucket and a proud father of four children. Patrick, the eldest, is a hedge fund manager who is feeling guilty about something. Kevin, a bartender, is having a secret affair with a French housekeeper named Isabelle. Ava, a school teacher, is in a relationship with a great guy but is having trouble getting him to commit. The youngest child, Bart, recently enlisted in the Marines, which surprised everyone. Christmas is approaching, and Kelley is excited to have the family together at the inn, but everything falls apart when he catches his wife Mitzi kissing Santa Claus at the annual party. Margaret Quinn, Kelley's ex-wife and a nightly news anchor, may have to step in to save Christmas at the Winter Street Inn, as the children face their own problems and Bart is unreachable in Afghanistan. The quirky Quinn family will overcome a love triangle, an unplanned pregnancy, a federal crime, a small house fire, many shots of whiskey, and endless rounds of Christmas caroling, in this heart-warming novel about coming home for the holidays.
"The Rumor"
Madeline King, a writer from Nantucket, is struggling with writer's block at the worst possible time. She has a deadline approaching, bills to pay, and lacks inspiration. Meanwhile, her best friend Grace is working with a handsome landscape architect to transform her garden, but finds herself facing a life-changing decision. Despite their efforts to clear up rumors, the truth may be even more damaging.
"The Perfect Couple"
Nantucket wedding season is in full swing during the summer, with brides often seen running down Main Street. The Otis-Winbury wedding, hosted by the groom's affluent parents at their oceanfront estate, is expected to be a grand affair. However, tragedy strikes when a body is found in Nantucket Harbor just before the ceremony, and all members of the wedding party become suspects. The book, "The Perfect Couple," features characters from previous novels by Elin Hilderbrand and explores the idea that every wedding has its challenges and no couple is perfect.
"Summer of '69"
The summer of 1969 is a tumultuous time for the Levin family. Their annual summer routine of staying at their grandmother's historic home in downtown Nantucket is disrupted by various events. Blair, the oldest sister, is pregnant and unable to travel, Kirby, the middle sister, takes a job on Martha's Vineyard and Tiger, the only son, is deployed to Vietnam. Meanwhile, thirteen-year-old Jessie feels isolated with her grandmother and mother, who are keeping secrets. Against the backdrop of national events such as Ted Kennedy's car accident and the moon landing, the family experiences their own upheavals. Elin Hilderbrand's historical novel captures the details of an era that shaped both the nation and Nantucket Island, earning her the title of queen of the summer novel. This is Hilderbrand’s best selling book.
"28 Summers"
Mallory Blessing's dying wish for her son, Link, is to call a number on a paper slip in her desk drawer. When he calls the number, he is surprised to hear Jake McCloud on the other end. As the story unfolds, we learn that Mallory and Jake had a romantic connection that began in 1993 and lasted for one weekend every year. This relationship persisted through their marriages, children, and Ursula's political career. The novel, 28 Summers, explores the complexities and romance of this affair and how it impacted their lives and the lives of those around them.
"Golden Girl"
Vivian Howe, a successful author and mother of three, is tragically killed in a hit and run accident while jogging near her home on Nantucket. In the afterlife, she is given the opportunity to watch events on earth for one last summer and is granted three chances to intervene. Her family must navigate their own challenges, including a police investigation into her death and a secret from Vivian's past that could harm her reputation. Despite the difficulties, they learn to move forward and grow without her. The novel "Golden Girl" features the picturesque beach scenes and delicious meals that Elin Hilderbrand is known for, while also delivering a poignant message about the enduring nature of love and loss.
"Troubles in Paradise"
Irene Steele moved to St. John's villa where her husband Russ had been living a double life. The FBI's visit shook her, and she realized how little she knew about her husband. With her friend's help, she and her sons set up their lives while evidence of Russ's death suggests that it may not have been an accident. As the island watches, a Jeep driver with tinted windows shadows the Steele family. Meanwhile, a storm approaches, and the Steeles receive help from a mysterious source, leading to a new beginning in their paradise home. Finally, the truth about the secrets and lies that brought them to St. John is revealed.
“Winter in Paradise”
Irene Steele resides in a charming Iowa City Victorian home with her affectionate husband. However, her life takes an unexpected turn when she receives a phone call on New Year's Eve informing her that her husband has passed away in a helicopter crash while on a business trip to St. John. Along with her sons, Irene travels to the Caribbean island to uncover the truth about her husband's death and discovers a hidden life he had been leading. As Irene navigates through a web of lies and immerses herself in the lively island culture, she must come to terms with her family's reality and face what lies ahead. Winter in Paradise by Elin Hilderbrand is a captivating novel that transports readers to the lush tropics, filled with drama, romance, and intrigue, and sets the stage for an exciting new series.
What Order To Read Elin Hilderbrand Books
Elin Hilderbrand's books aren't necessarily part of a strict series, so you have flexibility in choosing which order to read them in. However, if you're looking for a suggested reading order to fully enjoy her interconnected stories and recurring characters, here's a recommendation:
Start with her earliest works and move forward chronologically to see the development of her writing style and recurring themes.
You might want to begin with her debut novel, "The Beach Club" (2000), which introduces readers to the setting of Nantucket, where many of her stories take place.
Follow up with her subsequent novels like "Nantucket Nights" (2002), "Summer People" (2003), and "The Blue Bistro" (2005).
Then, progress to her more recent works, such as the Winter Street series, starting with "Winter Street" (2014), followed by "Winter Stroll" (2015), "Winter Storms" (2016), and "Winter Solstice" (2017).
You can also explore her standalone novels like "The Rumor" (2015), "The Perfect Couple" (2018), and "28 Summers" (2020).
Remember, you don't have to strictly adhere to this order, as each book stands on its own. However, reading them chronologically can provide a richer understanding of the interconnected world and characters Hilderbrand creates.
