Elin Hilderbrand Books in Order – From First Novel to Latest Release

Personally, I love Elin Hilderbrand novels – they just pull you right in. “Elin Hilderbrand, often referred to as the ‘Queen of the Beach Read,’ has captivated readers with her deeply emotional narratives and picturesque Nantucket settings.

Over her prolific career spanning two decades, she has released numerous bestselling novels such as Golden Girl and The Beach Club. Alongside her literary success, Hilderbrand balances her life as a mother of three children while drawing inspiration from her close-knit Nantucket community.”

But with a writing career spanning over two decades and numerous novels under her belt, where do you start? Here’s a look at Elin Hilderbrand’s novels in order, from her first book to her latest release.

All Her Books

The Early Novels

The Beach Club (2000)

Elin Hilderbrand kicked off her writing career with The Beach Club in 2000, introducing readers to Nantucket, the scenic and often dramatic backdrop for much of her work. This novel tells the story of Mack Petersen, the manager of a Nantucket hotel, and the intertwined lives of his staff and the guests.

“Nobody knows where it comes from, and nobody knows where it goes.’ Love doesn’t make sense most of the time and that’s what’s so wonderful about it.”

The Beach Club was my first glimpse into Elin Hilderbrand’s world, and it felt like stepping into summer itself. The way she brings Nantucket to life—its ocean breezes, sandy shores, and vibrant personalities—pulled me in immediately. This book is more than a story about a hotel; it is about the people who keep it running, each carrying their own burdens and dreams.

Mack Petersen, the hotel manager, feels like someone you would want to sit down with over a cup of coffee. His loyalty to the Beach Club is unwavering, but beneath that, you can sense his longing for something more, something deeper. Then there are the staff and guests, each with their own stories that weave together into a tapestry of love, heartbreak, and hope.

What struck me most was how real the characters felt. Their struggles—whether it was navigating love, dealing with family expectations, or figuring out what they truly wanted—reminded me of moments in my own life. Hilderbrand writes them with such care that you find yourself rooting for them, even when they make choices that frustrate you.

Nantucket Nights (2002)

Her second novel, Nantucket Nights, continues her exploration of the island, but with a much darker tone. This one follows three women whose annual tradition of a midnight swim turns into a mystery when one of them disappears.

Nantucket Nights took me to a darker, more mysterious side of Nantucket, where friendships are tested and secrets simmer just beneath the surface. This story revolves around three women—Kayla, Antoinette, and Val—whose annual midnight swim tradition takes a shocking turn when one of them disappears. What starts as a shared bond between friends unravels into a suspenseful tale filled with twists and betrayals. Hilderbrand’s ability to weave tension into her picturesque setting creates a gripping contrast that kept me hooked.

“To the night, to the water that surrounds us, to the island of Nantucket, and to our friendship. These things are eternal.”

Summer People (2003)

Summer People captures the bittersweet journey of a family returning to Nantucket after a devastating loss. The Newton family, reeling from the death of their patriarch, faces a summer filled with grief, healing, and unexpected revelations. Hilderbrand masterfully balances the heaviness of their pain with the lightness of Nantucket’s idyllic summer setting, creating a story that feels deeply personal yet universally relatable.

“Summer does something to the brain, ” Beth said. “It’s intoxicating. Everything shimmers ”

The Mid-2000s

The Blue Bistro (2005)

The Blue Bistro feels like a love letter to Nantucket’s culinary charm and the messy, beautiful complexities of human relationships. Adrienne, fresh off a string of disappointments, finds herself working at the island’s most exclusive restaurant during its final summer. Through her eyes, Hilderbrand takes us into a world of fine dining, long hours, and the bittersweet connections that form when people are on the verge of goodbye.

What makes this book stand out is the depth of emotion woven into its every page. The romance is heartfelt but never simple, layered with secrets and sacrifices that keep you guessing. The vivid descriptions of the restaurant’s meals and its inner workings transport you right into the heart of the Blue Bistro, making it feel like a character itself. This story is about love, ambition, and the fleeting nature of perfect moments, and it lingers with you long after the last page.

“He has never known a woman so free from conceit, vanity, ambition, pretense. He has never known a woman so willing to show the world that she is a human being.”

The Love Season (2006)

The Love Season hit me differently than any other Hilderbrand novel. This one is quieter, more introspective, and carries a weight of sadness that lingers long after finishing it. The story of Marguerite and her estranged goddaughter, Renata, takes place over a single day, but it is a day packed with years of grief, secrets, and unresolved emotions. Marguerite’s isolation and guilt are so palpable that I found myself aching for her as the layers of her story unfolded.

“It was like we had known all along that the sky was going to fall and then it fell and we pretended to be surprised.”

This novel is a reminder that while Nantucket may be a serene paradise, the relationships in Hilderbrand’s books are anything but simple.

Barefoot (2007)

Barefoot is one of those books that felt like a friend when I needed it most. It follows three women who escape to Nantucket, each carrying their own heavy burden—cancer, infidelity, an unplanned pregnancy—and somehow, despite all the chaos, they find a way to lean on each other. The story felt messy and real, full of raw emotions that were not always tied up neatly, which made it hit even harder.

“When you peered into the windows of someone else’s life, you could only guess what was going on.”

The Start of the Nantucket and Winter Series

A Summer Affair (2008) and The Castaways (2009)

A Summer Affair and The Castaways introduce more intense emotional storylines with themes of betrayal and forgiveness. In A Summer Affair, Claire Danner Crispin, a married mother, gets caught up in an affair while planning a high-profile charity event.

A Summer Affair pulled me into the tangled life of Claire Danner Crispin, a character whose flaws made her feel heartbreakingly real. Claire is a wife, mother, and artist who finds herself in the throes of an affair while juggling the pressures of planning a high-profile charity gala. The way Hilderbrand captures Claire’s internal conflict is both maddening and deeply empathetic—it left me feeling torn between frustration and understanding.

“To be early is to be on time, to be on time is to be late, to be late is to be forgotten.”

The Castaways turn to the dynamics of a group of friends whose relationships unravel after the sudden death of one couple in the group.

The Island (2010)

The Island is one of Hilderbrand’s most beloved novels and for good reason. It follows four women from the same family who retreat to a remote island off Nantucket to heal from heartbreak, loss, and life’s curveballs. It’s about the magic that happens when you slow down, reconnect with loved ones, and face yourself—one of her most introspective works to date.

The Island felt like an intimate escape into a world where time slows down, and life’s complexities demand attention. When Birdie invites her daughters and sister to join her on Tuckernuck, a remote island off Nantucket, the four women confront their personal heartbreaks in a space stripped of distractions. The isolation of Tuckernuck magnifies their struggles—infidelity, divorce, identity, and grief—and forces them to face truths they might otherwise avoid.

“Perfect happiness existed, but perhaps only in small increments.”

The Nantucket and Winter Series Kick Off

Silver Girl (2011) and Summerland (2012)

Silver Girl and Summerland continue to highlight Hilderbrand’s ability to create compelling narratives around friendship and family. Silver Girl tells the story of a woman whose life falls apart after her husband’s involvement in a financial scandal, while Summerland revolves around the aftermath of a fatal car accident that shakes the Nantucket community.

Silver Girl hit me with its emotional depth right from the start. Meredith Delinn’s life crumbles after her husband’s financial scandal, leaving her disgraced and exiled. Escaping to Nantucket with her estranged best friend Connie feels like a lifeline, and the story of their reconnection is as compelling as Meredith’s journey to reclaim her identity.

Summerland is one of Hilderbrand’s most poignant novels, and it left me thinking about the fragility of life long after I finished it. The story begins with a tragic car accident on Nantucket’s graduation night, sending shockwaves through the island’s close-knit community. What follows is a deeply emotional exploration of grief, guilt, and the hidden struggles that so many carry in silence.

“What is the most important lesson of all? Perseverance? Honesty? Forgiveness? Love?” ― Elin Hilderbrand, Silver Girl

The Nantucket Series and Winter Series

The Nantucket Series started in 2008 with A Summer Affair, and by 2018, The Perfect Couple completed the third installment of this beloved trilogy. If you enjoy summer reads with a hint of mystery, this series will keep you captivated.

Starting with A Summer Affair, this series blends the idyllic beauty of Nantucket with stories that explore the messiness of love, betrayal, and forgiveness. Each book dives deeper into the lives of its characters, with The Perfect Couple standing out as a masterful blend of romance and mystery. Hilderbrand’s ability to intertwine the glamour of summer escapism with darker, emotional themes kept me hooked through every page.

The Winter Series kicks off with Winter Street (2014), where readers meet the Quinn family and their charming bed-and-breakfast on Nantucket. This series delivers a cozy, heartwarming experience filled with family drama, making it an ideal choice for the holiday season.

“You can give birth to a beautiful, perfect human being, but requited love isn’t guaranteed for her—or for any of us.”

Over the next few years, Hilderbrand completed the series with Winter Stroll (2015), Winter Storms (2016), and Winter Solstice (2017).

The Paradise Series and Beyond

Winter in Paradise (2018)

If you’re wondering where to begin with Elin Hilderbrand’s books, here’s a subjective ranking of some of her most memorable works:

• The Blue Bistro – A perfect blend of romance and food, with one of her strongest character representations.
  Golden Girl – A stunning departure into magical realism that reflects on love, loss, and legacy.
• 28 Summers – A nostalgic journey of an affair spanning decades, showcasing Hilderbrand’s ability to tug at heartstrings.
• This ranking not only highlights her storytelling strengths but also sheds light on recurring themes of female friendship, love, and escapism.

Winter in Paradise transported me from the familiar shores of Nantucket to the stunning beaches of St. John, introducing a new setting while keeping the same emotional depth I have come to love in Hilderbrand’s work. The story begins with Irene Steele’s life unraveling after her husband dies in a mysterious accident, revealing secrets that take her far from her comfortable Midwestern life. This shift in location brought a fresh energy to the story, with the vibrant Caribbean backdrop contrasting beautifully against Irene’s grief and confusion.

“Love is messy and complicated and unfair,”

It continues with What Happens in Paradise (2019) and wraps up with Troubles in Paradise (2020).

The Perfect Couple (2018) and 28 Summers (2020)

“The Perfect Couple, a standout in the Nantucket Series, is one of Hilderbrand’s most escapist reads. The gripping plot masterfully intertwines mystery and romance, keeping readers hooked until the very last page.

The book also exemplifies Hilderbrand’s strength in crafting compelling characters and female friendships, making it an excellent choice for readers who love richly layered storytelling. Meanwhile, 28 Summers is a nostalgic love story, spanning decades, inspired by the film Same Time, Next Year.

[su_note background=”#e6e6fa” color=”#4b0082″]It’s a bittersweet look at an affair that stands the test of time, even as life pulls the two lovers in different directions.[/su_note]

Hilderbrand’s Latest and Final Novels

Golden Girl (2021)

In Golden Girl, Hilderbrand takes an unexpected turn into magical realism. The story follows author Vivian Howe, who dies in a hit-and-run accident but gets the chance to watch over her loved ones from the beyond for one final summer. It’s a beautiful meditation on life, death, and the legacy we leave behind.

Golden Girl felt like a departure for Elin Hilderbrand, and it hit me on a deeply emotional level. The story follows Vivian Howe, a celebrated Nantucket author, who dies in a hit-and-run accident. From an afterlife perspective, she is given one summer to observe her loved ones and even influence three moments in their lives. This unique premise added a layer of magical realism that was both poignant and bittersweet.

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The Hotel Nantucket (2022)

Released in 2022, The Hotel Nantucket follows the story of a historic hotel reopening after a scandal. With a cast of quirky characters and plenty of secrets, it’s a fun and satisfying read that showcases Hilderbrand’s skill at crafting escapist fiction that also has depth.

The story centers on Lizbet Keaton, a woman rebuilding her life as the new manager of the once-luxurious, now-infamous hotel. With a cast of quirky employees and demanding guests, Lizbet faces the challenge of reviving the hotel’s reputation while navigating her own heartbreak. The added twist of the ghost of a chambermaid haunting the halls gives the story a whimsical, mysterious edge.

The Five-Star Weekend (2023)

The Five-Star Weekend struck a deeply personal chord for me. The story follows Hollis Shaw, a food blogger grappling with the sudden loss of her husband. In an attempt to heal, she organizes a “five-star weekend” on Nantucket, inviting friends from different phases of her life. What unfolds is a heartfelt exploration of friendship, grief, and the moments that define us.

“The loneliest place in the world, she realizes, is between two other people.”

Swan Song (2024)

Swan Song is a deeply emotional farewell, not just to the beloved Nantucket Series, but to Elin Hilderbrand’s incredible career as a novelist. This final installment brings together everything I love about her writing—complex relationships, heartfelt drama, and the irresistible charm of Nantucket. The story ties up loose ends from previous books while introducing new challenges for characters we have come to love.

The End of an Era

[su_note background=”#e6e6fa” color=”#4b0082″]With Swan Song, Hilderbrand has announced her retirement from writing full-length novels, marking the end of an incredible career. While all of us who admire her are sad to see her step away, her body of work ensures she’ll remain a cherished author for years to come.[/su_note]

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What inspired Elin Hilderbrand to write about Nantucket in her novels?

Elin Hilderbrand has often shared that her love for Nantucket stems from her personal experiences on the island. After attending college in the Northeast, she fell in love with the community, charm, and natural beauty of Nantucket, which became a constant source of inspiration for her stories.

2. Does Elin Hilderbrand have a specific writing process?

Hilderbrand is known for her disciplined writing routine. She spends mornings writing and afternoons revising, often drawing inspiration from her daily life on Nantucket. She has also mentioned that her novels take shape during her winter months in the Caribbean, where she crafts the summer-themed plots.

3. Are Elin Hilderbrand’s novels standalone, or do they need to be read in order?

While many of her novels are standalone, some, like the Nantucket Series, Paradise Series, and Winter Series, are interconnected and benefit from being read in order to fully appreciate character development and overarching themes.

4. Has Elin Hilderbrand received any awards for her work?

Although her novels are immensely popular with readers worldwide, Hilderbrand’s accolades have largely come from her position on bestseller lists rather than traditional literary awards. She has been celebrated for her contributions to contemporary fiction and the “beach read” genre.

5. Will Elin Hilderbrand write more books after Swan Song?

As of now, Hilderbrand has announced that Swan Song will be her final full-length novel. While she plans to retire from long-form fiction, she has expressed interest in other creative pursuits, leaving readers curious about what she might explore next.