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

Personally, I love Elin Hilderbrand’s novels – they just pull you right in. Her writing, often set on the charming and breezy island of Nantucket, has this effortless way of transporting you to sandy shores, filled with complex emotions and unforgettable characters. For those who love a good summer read, she’s the go-to author.

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.”

From complicated relationships to secrets that slowly come to light, it’s clear right away that Hilderbrand has a gift for weaving together personal drama and the picturesque beauty of the island.

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.

It’s gripping, emotional, and packs a punch—showing early on that Hilderbrand knows how to blend tension with the dreamy setting of Nantucket.

“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)

Released in 2003, Summer People follows the Newton family as they return to Nantucket for the summer after the tragic death of the family patriarch. With themes of loss, love, and healing, it marks Hilderbrand’s ability to touch on heavy subjects while maintaining that light, summer vibe.

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

The Mid-2000s

The Blue Bistro (2005)

If you’re a sucker for romance and restaurants, The Blue Bistro is a must-read. Adrienne, the novel’s protagonist, finds herself working at a Nantucket restaurant owned by two best friends with a complicated history. Love, loss, and delicious food descriptions are all served up with Hilderbrand’s signature style in this 2005 release.

“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)

In The Love Season, a reunion between a young woman and her estranged godmother sets the stage for a day full of revelations. As the story unfolds, old wounds surface, and both characters are forced to confront the past.

“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)

In 2007, Hilderbrand wrote Barefoot, which focuses on three women seeking refuge from their troubles on the island. Between infidelity, illness, and unplanned pregnancy, Barefoot is an emotional rollercoaster. But despite the weighty issues, it’s also filled with hope, new beginnings, and the unbreakable bond of friendship.

“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.

“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.

“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.

“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 began in 2008 with A Summer Affair, but it wasn’t until 2018 that The Perfect Couple marked the third installment of this well-loved trilogy. If you like your summer reads with a touch of mystery, this series will keep you hooked.

As for the Winter Series, it starts with Winter Street (2014), which introduces readers to the Quinn family and their bed-and-breakfast on Nantucket. It’s cozy, heartwarming, and full of family drama—perfect for curling up with during 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)

The Paradise Series, which begins with Winter in Paradise, takes readers away from Nantucket and to the Caribbean island of St. John. This series offers a change in scenery, but the hallmarks of Hilderbrand’s writing remain: strong characters, complicated relationships, and plenty of twists.

“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 is part of the Nantucket Series, and it’s one of her more suspenseful reads, centered around a wedding that goes horribly wrong. 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 an author, Vivian Howe, who is killed in a hit-and-run accident but is given a 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.

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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 Five-Star Weekend (2023)

In her penultimate novel, The Five-Star Weekend, Hilderbrand takes us back to Nantucket for a tale about friendship, second chances, and self-discovery. After losing her husband, the protagonist plans a five-star weekend with her closest friends from different stages of her life. What follows is a weekend of reflection, conflict, and, ultimately, healing.

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

Swan Song (2024)

Swan Song, set for release in 2024, marks the final installment of the Nantucket Series and will also be Hilderbrand’s final full-length novel. In Swan Song, fans can expect to see the themes that have made her novels so beloved—family, love, and the magic of Nantucket—wrapped up with a fitting send-off.

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]