The End of a Sun-Soaked Era

Elin Hilderbrand retires from writing Nantucket beach reads

She has been called "the queen of beach reads." For more than two decades Elin Hilderbrand novels have become ubiquitous titles for readers who are looking to escape with the perfect combination of splashy romance, sun-soaked adventure, and plenty of drama, all amidst an idyllic coastal haven—usually Nantucket, where the author resides.

Hilderbrand's latest book, the aptly titled Swan Song, marks the author's own swan song. She has announced her plans to retire from writing her signature Nantucket beach reads to focus on other pursuits, including starting her own book club. Here we spotlight our favorite Elin Hilderbrand books.

Summer People (2003)

When Arch Newton, a prominent New York attorney, dies in a plane crash, his grieving widow, Beth, decides she must carry on the family's summer tradition of summering at their beloved Nantucket home. Inviting the young son of Arch's final client to join her and her teenage twins adds unforeseen complications. 

The Blue Bistro (2005)

Adrienne Dealey arrives on Nantucket hoping to find work at a hotel, as she has done in exotic resort towns for the last six summers. But the only job she finds is working for Thatcher Smith, owner of Nantucket's hottest restaurant. Thatcher and Adrienne share an instant attraction. But mystery lurks.

Barefoot (2007)

Three women juggling small children and big challenges arrive on Nantucket. Vicki is grappling with a lung cancer diagnosis. Her sister, Brenda, has lost her job following an affair with a student. And their friend Melanie is finally pregnant—having just learned that her husband is having an affair.

A Summer Affair (2008)

A wife, mother, and artist, Claire has a lot on her plate. She also has difficulty setting limits. That's how she ends up chairing the committee for Nantucket's social event of the year. And when planning the gala means working closely with an attractive billionaire, sparks begin to fly. Book #1 the Nantucket series.

The Island (2010)

Birdie Cousins has thrown herself into planning the details of her daughter Chess's upcoming marriage. But when Chess announces she's canceled her engagement, it's only the beginning of a summer of upheavals and revelations. Dramatic truths will be uncovered, old loves rekindled, and new loves ignited. 

Silver Girl (2011)

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.

Winter Street (2014)

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's looking forward to getting the family together for some quality time. But a tsunami of dysfunction and drama threatens to engulf the celebration.

The Identicals (2017)

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.

The Perfect Couple (2018)

It's Nantucket wedding season and the Otis-Winsbury wedding promises to be an event to remember. But after tragedy strikes it seems it will be memorable for all the wrong reasons. Featuring beloved characters from The Castaways and Beautiful Day, this is part three of the Nantucket series.

Winter in Paradise (2018)

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.

Summer of '69 (2019)

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-changin. Hilderbrand's first historical novel is rich with details of an era that shaped the nation.

28 Summers (2020)

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

Golden Girl (2021)

On a perfect June day, author Vivi is hit and killed while jogging near her home on Nantucket. From the Beyond, she is allowed to watch what happens for one last summer and she's 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.

The Hotel Nantucket (2022)

Desperately seeking a second act, Lizbet is happy to be named as the general manager of the historic Hotel Nantucket. But she's got some challenges on her hands, including the shenanigans of the resident ghost; Grace was a chambermaid who was killed in 1922 by a fire that may not have been an accident.

With thirty published novels, most of which have landed on the New York Times best-sellers list, Hilderbrand has certainly earned her retirement. And while she doesn't plan to write any more novels, she has expressed interest in returning with a memoir or a cookbook, perhaps. She's also branching out as a book influencer with the creation of her own book club, The Beach and Beyond. "What I would like it to be is smart, fun, engrossing books, not too, too heavy, not too gritty or serious or dark, but not silly, fluffy either," she said. This sounds like an apt description of her own books and we're looking forward to seeing what she has in store.

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Read more by Ashly Moore Sheldon