Elin Hilderbrand’s Best Books Ranked: A Beach Read Guide You Didn’t Know You Needed
If you’ve ever been to a beach (or even dreamt about one while staring out a rainy window), you’ve probably heard her name in correlation with the perfect summer read (or spent 5 minutes of the book world known as #booktok). Dubbed "the queen of beach reads" by New York Magazine, Hilderbrand serves up popular novels that feel like sipping cold lemonade with your toes in the sand. But with well over 20 books under her belt, where do you start? Lucky for you, I did a deep dive into the rankings on Goodreads and Amazon to give you the top picks that readers love the most. This list will give you the favorite books according to ratings (plus my personal reviews on the ones i've read).
Pack your bags—we’re going to Nantucket.
1. “The Perfect Couple”
Goodreads: 4.21/5 | Amazon: 4.5/5
Let’s kick things off with a splash. The Perfect Couple is a murder mystery wrapped in wedding party drama—think Clue, but with more cocktails and less Colonel Mustard. This one’s a fan favorite for its perfect blend of suspense, a late-night phone call and sun-soaked Nantucket charm. There’s a wedding, a body, and plenty of secrets. If you’re a sucker for "whodunits" with a side of summer drama, start here. Just remember, trust no one.
My review: My husband and I just streamed this on Netflix.. and were SORELY disappointed. I felt like it would have made a fine movie but stretched out over a series?! It felt drawn out and anticlimactic. Not to mention the confusing final moments of the movie that felt really out of the blue. Anyone else? Again, the book was better than the tv version IMO. And despite big names like Nicole Kidman, the quiet chief of police was my favorite out of the whole bunch. Similar to several other Elin Hilderbrand novels, there is a string of affairs and infidelity.
2. “28 Summers”
Goodreads: 4.37/5 | Amazon: 4.7/5
This was my first book by author Elin Hilderbrand and I was so excited to read this.. and was so disappointed. (To be fair, I wasn't aware of the premise of the story before I read it- or else I probably wouldn't have even attempted it). But according to Amazon and GoodReads, it's a fan fave and one of her most popular books. You can read my whole review here-- But here is the gist.
Our main character, Mallory Blessing, lives a cozy life on the small island of Nantucket, when one weekend, she meets a friend of her brothers. This weekend turns into a decades-long affair- you guessed it- for 28 years. The story follows the two main characters through their own lives over the years, and how their love story is on hold until the next year when they would pick up from the year before. Personally, I just could not get invested in the characters and never really understood the motive behind their affair.
3. “The Hotel Nantucket”
Goodreads: 4.21/5 | Amazon: 4.5/5
Here’s where the nantucket novelist leans into the glitz and glamour of her beloved island. The Hotel Nantucket gives you a peek into a luxurious hotel’s reopening, complete with eccentric characters, scandals, and even a resident ghost. (No, seriously, there’s a ghost.) It’s light, fun, and full of that quintessential Hilderbrand charm, with just enough drama to keep things interesting. This book feels like checking into a hotel for a five-star weekend without the price tag—though you might want to invest in some fancy bathrobes after reading. What is it about nantucket novels that make me wanna be boujie?
4. “Summer of ’69”
Goodreads: 4.06/5 | Amazon: 4.4/5
If you’re in the mood for a retro vibe, Summer of ’69 is a trip back in time to an iconic year in American history. Think moon landings, Vietnam, and Woodstock, all set against the backdrop of one family’s summer on Nantucket. It’s a bit of a departure from her usual beachy fare—this one’s got a dash of historical fiction mixed with family drama. Bonus points for the strong female characters and the fact that it makes you want to throw on some bell bottoms and crank up the Beatles.
I've lately been on a bit of a historical fiction kick, so this would be my first rec for a perfect beach bag companion.
5. “The Blue Bistro”
Goodreads: 4.14/5 | Amazon: 4.5/5
This one’s for the foodie and enthusiastic at-home cook. The Blue Bistro is all about love, loss, and lobster rolls (okay, maybe not lobster rolls, but it’s set in a restaurant, so just roll with it). It’s got a strong romantic thread with the added bonus of mouth-watering descriptions of food. Hilderbrand’s known for making Nantucket come alive on the page, and in this one, you can almost taste it. Fair warning: you will be hungry after reading this, so plan accordingly.
6. “The Identicals”
Goodreads: 3.87/5 | Amazon: 4.3/5
Identical twin sisters Harper and Tabitha Frost lead separate lives after a decades-long feud, but it all leads to a summer switcheroo? Sign me up. The Identicals is the ultimate sister story, full of misunderstandings, second chances, and, of course, Nantucket vs. Martha’s Vineyard drama. (Can’t we all just get along?) This one’s a bit more soap-opera-y, but in a fun, indulgent way. Plus, it’s got all the juicy family drama you’d expect from a twin-swap storyline. Perfect for a quick escape.
7. “Winter in Paradise”
Goodreads: 4.02/5 | Amazon: 4.4/5
Technically, this one takes place in the Virgin Islands, but don’t worry—Hilderbrand still brings the heat (err.. winter storms?). Winter in Paradise kicks off a trilogy with a bang when Irene Steele discovers her perfect husband had a second, secret life in the Caribbean. Talk about a plot twist. It’s got all the sun, sand, and scandal you could want, plus the bonus of two more books to devour once you’re hooked.
8. “Golden Girl”
Goodreads: 4.15/5 | Amazon: 4.6/5
This one takes a unique twist, with the protagonist, Vivian, watching over her family from the afterlife after she’s hit by a car. Golden Girl blends a mix of grief, redemption, and those classic Nantucket vibes, making it more introspective than your typical beach read. It’s a bit otherworldly but still rooted in the relationships that Hilderbrand writes so well. Plus, it's an interesting spin on second chances, even after life.
9. “The Rumor”
Goodreads: 3.87/5 | Amazon: 4.4/5
Let’s be real: Who doesn’t love a good gossip-fueled drama? The Rumor zeroes in on two women—best friends, naturally—whose lives unravel thanks to an innocent (or maybe not-so-innocent) rumor. There’s infidelity, jealousy, and plenty of juicy secrets that’ll make you feel like you’re peeking over a neighbor’s fence. It’s fast-paced, deliciously gossipy, and perfect for anyone who loves a small-town scandal.
10. “Here’s to Us”
Goodreads: 3.90/5 | Amazon: 4.5/5
Take one famous chef, three ex-wives, and a Nantucket beach house, and what do you get? The perfect recipe for a drama-packed summer read. Here’s to Us is all about family dynamics, love, and loss, with a hefty helping of old grudges. When Deacon Thorpe dies, his three ex-wives come together to scatter his ashes—and of course, things get messy. It’s heartfelt, full of complicated relationships, and feels like spending time with a very dysfunctional (but entertaining) family.
11. “Silver Girl”
Goodreads: 4.02/5 | Amazon: 4.4/5
Inspired by the Bernie Madoff scandal, Silver Girl follows a woman whose husband is sent to prison for a massive financial fraud. Meredith Martin Delinn retreats to Nantucket to escape the fallout, and what follows is a story of friendship, forgiveness, and self-discovery. It’s a little heavier than Hilderbrand’s usual fare, but there’s still enough Nantucket magic to balance out the weightier themes. Think of this one as your perfect “riches to rags” read.
12. “The Island”
Goodreads: 4.02/5 | Amazon: 4.5/5
For a change of scenery, The Island whisks readers off to Tuckernuck, a remote island off the coast of Nantucket. Four women from the same family escape to a rundown summer house for a month of bonding, healing, and facing their own problems head-on. It’s a little more intimate than some of Hilderbrand’s other novels, focusing on the relationships between mothers, daughters, and sisters. If you love a good family saga, this one’s for you.
13. “Nantucket Nights”
Goodreads: 3.74/5 | Amazon: 4.3/5
Disclaimer: This one’s a bit darker. Nantucket Nights is a suspenseful tale about three women whose annual girls’ getaway takes a chilling turn when one of them disappears. This book dives deep into friendship, betrayal, and long-buried secrets. It’s got an edge that some of Hilderbrand’s other books don’t, so if you’re in the mood for something a bit more mysterious (with the Nantucket scenery, of course), you’ll want to give this a try.
14. “Summer People”
Goodreads: 3.76/5 | Amazon: 4.3/5
Summer People follows the Newton family as they head to Nantucket for their first summer without their father, who tragically passed away. This one’s a bit of a tearjerker, exploring how each family member handles grief differently. But don’t worry, it’s still got those Hilderbrand hallmarks: romance, friendship, and sun-drenched island life. If you want to feel all the feels while basking in summer nostalgia, this is your pick.
15. “Barefoot”
Goodreads: 3.89/5 | Amazon: 4.5/5
Three women, all at different crossroads in their lives, escape to a beach house on Nantucket for the summer in Barefoot. There’s infidelity, illness, and career implosion, but somehow, Hilderbrand manages to weave hope and new beginnings into the mix. This book is like the ultimate girlfriends’ getaway—full of love, laughter, and, of course, a few bumps in the road. Perfect for when you need a heartwarming read that still tackles tough topics.
16. “The Matchmaker”
Goodreads: 3.94/5 | Amazon: 4.5/5
In The Matchmaker, Hilderbrand introduces us to Dabney Kimball Beech, a lifelong Nantucketer with a gift for matchmaking. But when an old flame returns and her perfect world starts to unravel, things get complicated. This book is a bittersweet look at love, second chances, and fate. Dabney is one of Hilderbrand’s more memorable characters, and this story will make you rethink the power of destiny. Warning: may cause a sudden urge to book a trip to Nantucket.
17. “What Happens in Paradise”
Goodreads: 4.05/5 | Amazon: 4.4/5
The sequel to Winter in Paradise, What Happens in Paradise takes us back to the Virgin Islands, where Irene Steele is still reeling from the revelations of her husband’s secret life. The drama intensifies as Irene uncovers even more about her late husband’s past, while her sons wrestle with their own island romances. If you loved Winter in Paradise, you’ll want to keep the story going with this one—it’s got all the intrigue, romance, and beachy vibes you crave.
18. “The Love Season”
Goodreads: 3.81/5 | Amazon: 4.3/5
The Love Season is about one fateful day in Nantucket as two women, Marguerite and Renata, reconnect after years of estrangement. Marguerite, a former chef, has been living a reclusive life since a tragedy rocked her world, and Renata is on the verge of getting married. Their reconnection dredges up old wounds and new truths, all over the course of one summer day. This novel is a slow burn, full of emotional depth and beautifully descriptive writing.
19. “The Castaways”
Goodreads: 3.79/5 | Amazon: 4.4/5
The Castaways focuses on a tight-knit group of couples who are rocked by the tragic death of one couple in a boating accident. Told from multiple perspectives, the story unfolds as each friend deals with grief, secrets, and the unraveling of their seemingly perfect lives. It’s equal parts mystery and relationship drama, with plenty of Hilderbrand’s signature Nantucket backdrop. Prepare for twists, turns, and a lot of reflection on friendship and loss.
20. “A Summer Affair”
Goodreads: 3.71/5 | Amazon: 4.2/5
The final book on the list is A Summer Affair, a novel that dives deep into the complexities of marriage, motherhood, and temptation. Claire, a successful artist, begins an affair with a wealthy businessman while juggling the pressures of her career, family, and a big fundraising event she’s spearheading. The novel touches on how we often struggle to have it all and what happens when our desires take us off course. It’s juicy, thought-provoking, and quintessentially Hilderbrand.
Now that we have covered the best Elin Hilderbrand books (aka queen of the beach read)-- which one are you adding to your TBR list?
x
Kae