The Best Order to Read Elin Hilderbrand’s Beach Reads
If you’re a fan of beach reads, you’re probably familiar with the name Elin Hilderbrand. Her delightful novels have become synonymous with lazy days by the shore, filled with drama, romance, and the enchanting backdrop of beachside destinations.
If you’re just getting started with reading Hilderbrand’s novels . . . I’m jealous. But, also, I have some advice. I want to share the ideal order to read her books below.
Why You Should Read Elin Hilderbrand Books
Elin Hilderbrand’s books are a delightful blend of compelling storytelling, relatable characters, and picturesque settings. From the sandy shores of Nantucket to other idyllic beach getaways, her novels transport readers to destinations brimming with love, secrets, and the complexities of human relationships.
What makes her books truly special is the interconnection of characters and storylines across her many books. That’s why reading them in the right order is essential to fully enjoy the experience.
Recommended Order to Read Elin Hilderbrand’s Books
If you’re ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through Elin Hilderbrand’s captivating world, below is the perfect order to dive into her books so you understand some of the interconnected characters and storylines.
And don’t forget to grab your Elin Hilderbrand reading checklist!
Nantucket Series
You’ll recognize a lot of restaurants, stores, streets, beaches and secondary characters in virtually all of Hilderbrand’s Nantucket-based books, but these three are especially connected:
- A Summer Affair (2008)
- The Castaways (2009)
- Beautiful Day (2013)
- Although not billed as part of the series, Beautiful Day (2013) also includes characters you’ll recognize from the series, so I added it.
- The Surfing Lesson (2013) is a short story prelude to Beautiful Day
- The Perfect Couple (2018)
- Swan Song (2024) –> Here’s what to read before Swan Song!
Stand-Alone Nantucket-Based Elin Hilderbrand Books
- The Beach Club (2000)
- Nantucket Nights (2002)
- Summer People (2003)
- The Blue Bistro (2005)
- The Love Season (2006)
- Barefoot (2008)
- The Island (2010)
- Silver Girl (2011)
- Summerland (2012)
- The Matchmaker (2014)
- The Rumor (2015)
- Here’s to Us (2016)
- The Identicals (2017)
- Summer of ’69 (2019)
- Bonus chapter Summer of ’79 is in the Reunion Beach collection listed below
- Golden Girl (2021)
- The Hotel Nantucket (2022)
- The Five-Star Weekend (2023)
Unfortunately, Hilderbrand has announced Swan Song will be her final Nantucket novel. She’s retiring from writing her summer books (at least for now).
The Academy Series
Following her final Nantucket novel, Hilderbrand announced she’d be writing a series with her daughter Shelby Cunningham. The first book in the series, The Academy, will be released September 16, 2025.
The Elin Hilderbrand Winter Series
Hate waiting around for summer to read Elin Hilderbrand? She has winter books set in Nantucket too!
- Winter Street (2014)
- Winter Stroll (2015)
- Winter Storms (2016)
- Winter Solstice (2017)
The Paradise Trilogy
Although most of Hilderbrand’s books are set in Nantucket, she did write a series based in St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands. There’s even a television series based on The Paradise Trilogy being made!
- Winter in Paradise (2018)
- What Happens in Paradise (2019)
- Troubles in Paradise (2020)
You can even splurge for The Paradise Trilogy boxed set.
28 Summers Series
- 28 Summers (2020)
- The Sixth Wedding (2021)
Short Stories
- The Surfing Lesson (2013)
- This is a prelude to Beautiful Day (2013)
- The Tailgate (2014)
- Natural Selection (2024) **More details here
Collections Including Elin Hilderbrand
Hilderbrand has participated in a couple of collections with other authors:
- Reunion Beach: Stories Inspired by Dorothea Benton Frank (2021)
- Summer of ’79 included in this collection is a bonus chapter to Summer of ’69 (2019)
- Endless Summer: Stories from Days that Last Forever (2022)
Elin Hilderbrand Books Becoming TV Series
Hilderbrand now has several novels being made into streaming series.
The Perfect Couple has been adapted into a six-episode series on Netflix starring Nicole Kidman, Liev Schreiber, Dakota Fanning, Eve Hewson, Billy Howle and more. Although it doesn’t follow the book exactly, I still thought it was worth the watch.
ABC has been working on a series adaptation of the Paradise Trilogy being executive produced by Ellen Pompeo. Originally announced in 2021, it appears to still be in development.
I’m most excited, however, that Jennifer Garner will lead the cast for Five-Star Weekend, which is being adapted into a series for Peacock. It’s my favorite Elin Hilderbrand book!
As you pack your beach bag with sunscreen and a good book, remember Hilderbrand novels are the perfect company for a day at the beach. You’ll immerse yourself in a world of captivating characters, picturesque settings, and enthralling stories.
Whether you choose to embark on a series adventure or prefer standalone novels, Elin Hilderbrand’s books promise a beach read experience like no other. So grab your favorite Hilderbrand book, find your spot on the sand, and prepare to be swept away on a literary journey that will leave you longing for more. Happy reading!
Want to read more beach books set in real places? Here are some of my favorites!
