Elin Hilderbrand is a New York Times bestselling author known for her beachy reads and travel books. She has written over 25 novels, many of which take place on the idyllic island of Nantucket, where she lives with her family. Hilderbrand’s novels are often described as escapist, perfect for readers looking for a break from reality.

Hilderbrand’s books are beloved by many readers for their relatable characters, engaging plotlines, and vivid descriptions of Nantucket’s beaches, restaurants, and shops. Her novels often explore themes of family, friendship, love, and loss, and are perfect for fans of contemporary women’s fiction. Some of her most popular works include The Beach Club, The Identicals, and 28 Summers, which was a #1 New York Times bestseller in 2020.
Whether you’re looking for a light summer read or a heartwarming story to curl up with on a chilly night, Elin Hilderbrand’s books are sure to transport you to the charming world of Nantucket and leave you feeling refreshed and inspired.
Elin Hilderbrand: The Author
Elin Hilderbrand is a New York Times bestselling author who has written over 20 novels, many of which are set in her beloved Nantucket. She was born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts, and currently lives in Collegeville, Pennsylvania with her family.
Hilderbrand’s writing is known for its focus on family, love, and relationships, often set against the backdrop of idyllic beach towns. Her books are perfect for readers who enjoy heartwarming stories with relatable characters.
Before becoming a full-time author, Hilderbrand worked in a variety of jobs, including as a teacher and a waitress. She has also traveled extensively, which has influenced her writing and given her a deep appreciation for different cultures and ways of life.
Despite her success as a writer, Hilderbrand remains down-to-earth and dedicated to her craft. She often shares insights into her writing process and personal life with her fans on social media, making her one of the most accessible authors in the industry.
Overall, Elin Hilderbrand is a talented author whose work has touched the hearts of readers around the world. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to her writing, there’s no doubt that her books will leave you feeling uplifted and inspired.
Elin Hilderbrand’s Writing Style

Elin Hilderbrand is known for her casual and easy-to-read writing style, making her novels perfect for a lazy summer day or a relaxing beach vacation. Her books fall under the category of romance novels, often referred to as “beach reads” or “summer reads.”
Hilderbrand’s novels are set in Nantucket, a picturesque island off the coast of Massachusetts, which serves as a beautiful backdrop for her stories. Her books are filled with vivid descriptions of the island’s beaches, quaint streets, and charming houses, making readers feel as though they are right there with the characters.
One of the reasons Hilderbrand is often referred to as the “Queen of Beach Reads” is because her novels are light-hearted and easy to follow. Her writing style is straightforward, with simple sentence structures and uncomplicated vocabulary. This makes her books accessible to a wide range of readers, from young adults to seniors.
Despite the simplicity of her writing style, Hilderbrand’s novels deal with complex themes such as love, loss, and family dynamics. Her characters are relatable and well-developed, making readers empathize with their struggles and triumphs.
In conclusion, Elin Hilderbrand’s casual writing style, combined with her beautiful Nantucket setting and relatable characters, make her novels perfect for a relaxing summer day or a much-needed escape from reality.
Elin Hilderbrand’s Nantucket Series

Elin Hilderbrand’s Nantucket series is a collection of three books that take place on the beautiful island of Nantucket. The series includes A Summer Affair, The Castaways, and The Perfect Couple. Each book in the series is a standalone novel, but they are all connected by the setting and characters.
The Nantucket series is a perfect summer read, with each book featuring a different cast of characters and their unique stories. The books are filled with romance, drama, and secrets, making them a page-turner for anyone who loves a good beach read.
The first book in the series, A Summer Affair, follows Claire Danner Crispin, a mother of four young children, who is struggling to find herself and her place in the world. She finds herself in a passionate and illicit romance that takes her on a journey of self-discovery and bravery.
In The Castaways, Greg and Tess MacAvoy are one of four prominent Nantucket couples who married in the same year. They are the envy of their friends, but their perfect lives are shattered when they are involved in a boating accident that leaves three of them dead.
The Perfect Couple is the final book in the series and follows the wedding of Celeste Otis and Benji Winbury. The wedding is the event of the summer on Nantucket, but when the maid of honor is found dead on the morning of the wedding, the perfect couple’s perfect day turns into a nightmare.
Overall, the Nantucket series is a must-read for anyone who loves a good beach read. The books are filled with drama, romance, and secrets that will keep readers turning pages until the very end.
Elin Hilderbrand’s Summer Novels

Elin Hilderbrand’s summer novels are a must-read for anyone who loves a good beach read. Her books are set in Nantucket, a small island off the coast of Massachusetts, and capture the essence of summer on the island.
One of her most popular summer novels is Summer of ’69, which takes place during the tumultuous summer of 1969. The book follows the Levin family as they navigate the changing times and their own personal dramas.
Another popular summer novel is 28 Summers, which tells the story of Mallory Blessing and Jake McCloud, who meet on Nantucket and have a yearly summer affair for 28 years. The book explores the complexities of their relationship and the impact it has on their lives.
For those looking for a more light-hearted summer read, A Summer Affair is a great choice. The book follows Claire Danner Crispin, a famous artist who spends the summer on Nantucket and falls in love with a local carpenter.
Summerland is another great summer novel by Hilderbrand. The book tells the story of four friends who are involved in a car accident that changes their lives forever. The story is set against the backdrop of a Nantucket summer and explores themes of friendship, love, and forgiveness.
If you’re looking for a summer reading list, Elin Hilderbrand’s books are a great place to start. Her novels are perfect for lazy days at the beach or relaxing by the pool. So grab a book, a cold drink, and enjoy the summer vibes.
Elin Hilderbrand’s Winter Novels

Elin Hilderbrand is a New York Times bestselling author known for her captivating novels set on Nantucket Island. Her Winter series includes four books: Winter Street, Winter Stroll, Winter Storms, and Winter Solstice.
In Winter Street, readers are introduced to the Quinn family, who own and operate the Winter Street Inn on Nantucket. The novel follows the family as they navigate personal and professional struggles during the holiday season.
Winter Stroll picks up where Winter Street left off, with the Quinn family celebrating Christmas together. However, unexpected guests and revelations threaten to disrupt the festivities.
Winter Storms is the third book in the series, and it centers around the Quinn family as they prepare for a major snowstorm. The novel explores the family’s relationships and past traumas as they face the storm together.
In Winter Solstice, the final book in the series, the Quinn family reunites for the first time in two years to celebrate Christmas. However, secrets from the past threaten to tear the family apart once again.
In addition to the Winter series, Hilderbrand has also written a trilogy set in the Caribbean called the Paradise series. The trilogy includes Winter in Paradise, What Happens in Paradise, and Troubles in Paradise.
Winter in Paradise introduces readers to Irene Steele, a woman who travels to St. John in the aftermath of her husband’s sudden death. The subsequent novels follow Irene as she uncovers secrets about her husband’s past and navigates new relationships.
Overall, Elin Hilderbrand’s Winter novels are heartwarming stories about family, love, and forgiveness set against the backdrop of the holiday season.
Elin Hilderbrand’s Standalone Novels

Elin Hilderbrand is a renowned author who has written several standalone novels that have captured the hearts of readers worldwide. Her books are set in Nantucket, and they are known for their captivating storylines, relatable characters, and beautiful descriptions of the island.
One of her most popular standalone novels is The Island. The book tells the story of a woman who returns to Nantucket after being away for 20 years. She is forced to confront her past and the secrets she left behind. The novel is a beautiful exploration of family, love, and forgiveness.
Another one of her popular novels is The Matchmaker. The book follows the life of a woman who has made a career out of matchmaking. However, when she is faced with her own romantic troubles, she realizes that finding love is not as easy as it seems. The novel is a heartwarming tale of love, loss, and second chances.
Golden Girl is another standalone novel by Elin Hilderbrand. The book tells the story of a woman who is forced to confront her mortality after being diagnosed with cancer. The novel is a beautiful exploration of life, death, and the power of love.
The Identicals is a novel about twin sisters who are forced to confront their differences and come to terms with their past. The book is a beautiful exploration of family, sisterhood, and the power of forgiveness.
Other notable standalone novels by Elin Hilderbrand include Beautiful Day, Silver Girl, and many more. All of her standalone novels are beautifully written and explore themes of love, family, and the complexities of life.
In summary, Elin Hilderbrand’s standalone novels are a must-read for anyone who loves beautiful writing, relatable characters, and captivating storylines. Whether you are a fan of romance, mystery, or family dramas, there is a book for everyone in her collection of standalone novels.
Elin Hilderbrand’s Paradise Series
Elin Hilderbrand’s Paradise series is a trilogy of novels that follows the story of a woman named Irene Steele after her husband’s sudden death in a helicopter crash in the Caribbean. The series includes three books: Winter in Paradise, What Happens in Paradise, and Troubles in Paradise.
In Winter in Paradise, Irene Steele learns of her husband’s secret life and travels to St. John in the US Virgin Islands to investigate. Along the way, she meets a cast of characters who help her uncover the truth about her husband’s death and start a new life in paradise.
What Happens in Paradise picks up where Winter in Paradise left off, with Irene Steele settling into her new life in St. John. However, her idyllic life is once again shattered when a powerful hurricane hits the island and uncovers more secrets about her husband’s past.
Troubles in Paradise is the final book in the series and follows Irene Steele as she navigates new challenges in her life in St. John. From family drama to unexpected visitors, Irene must once again rely on the support of her newfound friends to overcome the troubles in paradise.
Overall, Elin Hilderbrand’s Paradise series is a captivating tale of love, loss, and new beginnings set against the stunning backdrop of the Caribbean. With rich characters, intricate plotlines, and beautiful descriptions of the islands, this series is a must-read for fans of beach reads and women’s fiction.
Elin Hilderbrand’s Short Stories

Elin Hilderbrand is known for her beachy, summery novels set on Nantucket Island. However, she has also written several short stories that offer a glimpse into the lives of her beloved characters.
One collection of short stories by Hilderbrand is The Tailgate: An Original Short Story. This story follows the lives of two couples who are tailgating before a college football game. As the day progresses, secrets are revealed and tensions rise, leading to a dramatic conclusion.
Another collection of short stories by Hilderbrand is Summer People. This book is a collection of twelve stories that take place on Nantucket Island during the summer season. Each story focuses on a different character and their experiences on the island, from a young girl who falls in love with a lifeguard to a woman who discovers a family secret.
In Endless Summer: Stories from Days That Last Forever, Hilderbrand revisits some of her most beloved characters from previous novels. These stories offer a deeper look into the lives of these characters and their relationships with one another.
Hilderbrand’s short stories are perfect for fans who want to revisit their favorite characters or for readers who are looking for a quick, beachy read. While they may not have the same depth and complexity as her full-length novels, they are still enjoyable and entertaining.
Themes in Elin Hilderbrand’s Books

Elin Hilderbrand’s books often revolve around family dynamics, exploring the relationships between siblings, parents, and children. In her novel The Identicals, the story follows identical twin sisters who live separate lives but are forced to confront their differences when they switch places. In The Perfect Couple, the story centers around the family of the bride-to-be and the groom-to-be, as they prepare for the wedding and deal with secrets and scandals.
One recurring character in Hilderbrand’s books is Dabney Kimball Beech, a matchmaker from Nantucket who appears in The Matchmaker and The Rumor. In The Matchmaker, Dabney struggles with her own romantic relationships while trying to help others find love. In The Rumor, Dabney is faced with a rumor that could ruin her own marriage and her reputation as a matchmaker.
Another common theme in Hilderbrand’s books is infidelity and love triangles. In The Castaways, four couples who are close friends must deal with the aftermath of a tragic boating accident that reveals secrets and affairs. In The Island, a woman must choose between her husband and her first love.
Cancer and widowhood are also explored in Hilderbrand’s books. In Summerland, a mother must come to terms with the loss of her son to cancer and the unraveling of her marriage. In Winter Street, a family must deal with the sudden death of the patriarch during the holiday season.
Overall, Hilderbrand’s books are known for their beachy settings, complex characters, and exploration of family dynamics and relationships.
Elin Hilderbrand’s Collaboration with Dorothea Benton Frank

Elin Hilderbrand and Dorothea Benton Frank were good friends, and they both shared a passion for writing. In 2021, Hilderbrand collaborated with a group of authors to publish a book titled Reunion Beach: Stories Inspired by Dorothea Benton Frank. The book is a tribute to Frank, who passed away in 2019.
The book contains short stories and poems written by Hilderbrand and other authors such as Adriana Trigiani, Patti Callahan, and Mary Alice Monroe. The stories are set in the Lowcountry of South Carolina, which was Frank’s beloved home. The title of the book, Reunion Beach, was actually the title of the book that Frank was working on before she passed away.
Hilderbrand’s contribution to the book is a heart-warming story about a woman who returns to her hometown in the Lowcountry after many years away. The story is filled with vivid descriptions of the landscape and the characters that inhabit it. Hilderbrand’s writing style is engaging and easy to read, making the story a pleasure to read.
The book has received positive reviews from readers and critics alike. It is a fitting tribute to Frank, who was a beloved author and a champion of the Lowcountry. Hilderbrand’s collaboration with Frank is a testament to the power of friendship and the enduring legacy of great writing.
Setting in Elin Hilderbrand’s Books

Elin Hilderbrand’s books are well-known for their vivid descriptions of beautiful and idyllic settings. Many of her novels are set on Nantucket Island, a popular summer vacation destination located off the coast of Massachusetts. Hilderbrand’s descriptions of Nantucket’s beaches, quaint towns, and charming architecture transport readers to the island and make them feel like they are right there with the characters.
In addition to Nantucket, Hilderbrand has also set some of her books on Tuckernuck Island, a smaller and more secluded island off the coast of Nantucket. Tuckernuck is known for its rugged beauty and unspoiled natural landscapes, and Hilderbrand’s descriptions of the island’s beaches, dunes, and wildlife help to create a sense of place that is both awe-inspiring and peaceful.
Hilderbrand has also set some of her books in other locations, such as Arch Newton, a fictional town on the coast of Maine, and the Caribbean, where characters go on vacation to escape their problems. Regardless of the setting, Hilderbrand’s books always seem to transport readers to a world of sun, sand, and relaxation.
Overall, the settings in Hilderbrand’s books play an important role in creating a sense of atmosphere and mood. Whether it’s the quaint charm of Nantucket or the rugged beauty of Tuckernuck, Hilderbrand’s descriptions of these places help to transport readers to a world of beauty and escape.
Characters in Elin Hilderbrand’s Books

Elin Hilderbrand’s books are known for their relatable characters and engaging storylines. Her novels often revolve around families and friends living on the picturesque island of Nantucket, Massachusetts.
One of the most prominent characters in Hilderbrand’s books is Kelley Quinn, who owns the Winter Street Inn, a charming bed and breakfast on Nantucket. Kelley is a widower and father of four adult children, each with their own set of problems and drama.
The Winter Street Inn serves as a central location in many of Hilderbrand’s novels, including the Winter Street series. The series follows the Quinn family through a series of chaotic events, from a Christmas blizzard to a missing family member.
In addition to the Quinns, Hilderbrand’s books are filled with a cast of diverse and interesting characters. From the beach town locals to the wealthy summer visitors, each character brings their own unique perspective to the story.
One of Hilderbrand’s most popular standalone novels, Winter in Paradise, introduces readers to a new set of characters living on the island of St. John in the Caribbean. The novel follows Irene Steele, a woman who discovers her husband’s secret life after his sudden death.
Another recurring theme in Hilderbrand’s books is the importance of community and tradition. Many of her novels feature events such as caroling and holiday parties, bringing the characters together and highlighting the importance of family and friends.
Overall, Hilderbrand’s books are filled with memorable characters and heartwarming stories that will keep readers coming back for more.
Elin Hilderbrand’s Inspiration and Writing Process
Elin Hilderbrand is a prolific writer who has published over 25 novels, most of which are set in Nantucket Island, Massachusetts. Her writing is inspired by her life experiences, particularly her love for the beach and the ocean. She has said that she gets her best writing done when she is sitting on the beach with a pen and paper.
Hilderbrand’s writing process is a mix of planning and spontaneity. She starts with a general idea of the plot and characters, but often lets the story unfold as she writes. She has said that she enjoys the process of discovery that comes with writing, and often finds that her characters surprise her with their actions and decisions.
One of Hilderbrand’s most popular books, The Five-Star Weekend, was inspired by her own experience attending a high-end wellness retreat. The book follows four women who go on a similar retreat and find themselves confronting their personal demons and forming unexpected connections with each other.
Overall, Hilderbrand’s writing is known for its compelling characters, vivid descriptions of Nantucket Island, and emotionally resonant storylines.