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Coming soon: The Five-Star Weekend by Elin Hilderbrand

Plus, 10 more splashy, sunkissed titles from 'the queen of the beach reads'

By Ashly Moore Sheldon • June 06, 2023

Many of us may have discovered our first Elin Hilderbrand book on the shelf of our rented beach house. But it certainly wasn't our last. Hilderbrand has been generating more than a book a year since 2000. Her novels are typically set on and around Nantucket Island, where she lives. Her stories are splashy, sun-kissed, and delicious. But they also take on weighty themes like grief, resilience, and deception.

Hilderbabes, as her fans describe themselves, are no doubt counting the days until the June 13 release of The Five-Star Weekend. It is the story of Hollis Shaw, a popular food blogger, who is reeling following the sudden death of her husband, Matthew, in a car accident. Adding to the mix is Hollis's complicated relationship with her daughter, Caroline. Several months after the tragedy, as she struggles to find her footing, she invites her closest friends from different parts of her life to spend a weekend together. Secrets are revealed, old feelings stirred up, and lives transformed. With titillating drama, swoony romance, sharp humor, and no end of picturesque water views, here are some of our favorite Hilderbrand titles.

For the healing power of girl power: Barefoot

Three women—each dealing with complex life challenges—come to Nantucket to escape. Vicki has received a frightening diagnosis. Her sister, Brenda, has left her job in disgrace after an affair with a student. And their friend Melanie, newly pregnant after a fertility struggle, has just learned of her husband's affair.

For Parent Trap, with a twist: The Identicals

After not speaking for more than a decade, identical twins Harper and Tabitha swap places to try and save what's left of their splintered family. But the twins quickly discover that the secrets, lies, and gossip they thought they could outrun travel just as easily as they can.

For a departure from Nantucket: Winter in Paradise

When her beloved husband dies in a plane crash, Irene must confront the revelations of his secret life in the Caribbean. Traveling with her sons to the faraway paradise, she finds herself drawn into the vibrant island culture even as she works to untangle a web of intrigue and deceit.

For a ripped-from-the-headlines story: Silver Girl

After the revelation that her high-powered husband has cheated his investors out of billions of dollars, Meredith flees to the Nantucket mansion of her oldest friend. But as the island revives old troubles, dreams, and emotions, Meredith finds herself comparing the life she is leading with the life she could have had.

For a blast from the past: Summer of '69

Every year the Levin siblings look forward to spending the summer at their grandmother's historic home in downtown Nantucket. But like so much else in 1969, the times they are a-changing. Hilderbrand's first historical novel is rich with details of an era that shaped the nation.

For an escape from the heat: Winter Street

Kelley Quinn is the owner of Nantucket's Winter Street Inn and a father of four adult children, each living in varying states of disarray. As Christmas approaches, he is looking forward to getting the family together for some quality time. But a tsunami of dysfunction and drama threatens to engulf the celebration.

For a good, old-fashioned rom-com: 28 Summers

Inspired by the classic film Same Time Next Year, this is the story of a couple having a secret affair, meeting for one weekend a year across several decades. The novel explores the dramatic ways this relationship complicates and enriches their lives, and the lives of the people they love.

For romance with a dash of mystery: The Perfect Couple

The lavish Otis-Winbury wedding promises to be an event to remember. But when a body is found in Nantucket Harbor, everyone in the wedding party is suddenly a suspect. As Chief of Police Ed Kapenash conducts his investigation, he discovers that every wedding is a minefield—and no couple is perfect.

For a woman on the verge: A Summer Affair

Claire is bogged down by her responsibilities as a wife, mother, and nationally renowned glassblower. When she is guilted into chairing the Nantucket's Children Summer Gala, it sets in motion a chain of events that threaten to upend her entire life. Hearts break and emotions are pushed to the limit.

For a moving paranormal family saga: Golden Girl

On a perfect June day, author Vivian is hit and killed while jogging near her home on Nantucket. As a ghost, she is allowed to watch what happens for one last summer and granted three "nudges" to affect life on earth. But with her family in crisis, she'll have to think carefully about how to use them.

This is just a sampling of Hilderbrand's thoroughly enjoyable collection of frothy, beachy reads. Once you dip your toe into the author's Nantucket waters, you won't ever want to leave.

As always, we love hearing from you. Let us know about your favorite Hilderbrand titles. You can follow us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram for daily book recommendations, literary tidbits, and more.

Read more by Ashly Moore Sheldon

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