17 Best Elin Hilderbrand Books [Ranked for 2024]

Elin Hilderbrand, the award-winning American author, published her first book in 2000 and has since published thirty-six books.

Elin Hilderbrand may be well-known for her romance novel, which is generally set on Nantucket Island, but this author has explored several genres in her novels. A few of these genres include thriller, mystery, and even holiday fiction novels.

As mentioned above, Elin Hilderbrand has published quite a few books which is why it was quite difficult to pick her best novels. Despite the challenge, we have listed the best Elin Hilderbrand books, including the best overall book and the best in a few genres.

“Summer of ’69” is one of Elin Hilderbran’s most well-known books and ranks as her best book overall. Published in 2019, the book has gained quite a big following and has even made the number one spot on the New York Times Bestselling list.

The genre of the novel falls into the historical and domestic fiction categories. There are quite a few themes explored in the Summer of ’69; however, the main theme is family relationships.

“Summer of ’69” follows the Levin family, specifically the four children of the family—Blair, Kirby, Tiger, and Jessie. The novel transports the reader back in time as it is set in 1969 in Nantucket to their grandmother’s historic home. Similar to America’s big changes during this time, the Levin family was experiencing their big changes.

The eldest daughter, Blair, is stuck in Boston about to give birth to twins, whereas Kirby is currently taking part in a protest. The youngest sister, Jessie, feels like the only child and feels quite alone while spending time with her grandmother.

The only son of the family has been deployed to Vietnam as an infantry soldier. The novel goes on to follow all four children and the unique summer they are about to experience.

“28 Summers” ranks as Elin Hilderbran’s best contemporary romance novel. If you are someone who enjoys being transported back in romance novels, this is the perfect book for you.

Published in 2020, the novel has quickly become a favorite for many of Elin Hilderbran’s readers. The book focuses on a wide range of themes, making it quite a riveting read. A few of these themes include family, marriage, love, loss, and infidelity.

The book starts with Link finding instructions from his mother, Mallory, who is on her deathbed. The instructions are to call a number that leads him to get in touch with Jake McCloud. This surprises Link as he wonders how his mother knows Jacke McCloud, the husband of the frontrunner up for the next Presential election.

The story then takes you back to the love story of Jake and Mallory that happened in the summer of 1993, which was the time when Mallory and Jake met in Nantucket when Jacke was in town from college. The relationship that they form only lasts that summer up until Jake discovers Mallory is dying.

If your favorite genres are mystery and romance, then you will love “The Perfect Couple.” Ranked as Elin Hilderbrand’s best mystery romance novel, this book will have you on the edge of your seat. There are quite a few complex themes explored in this book, including family relationships, justice, love, and more.

The story follows the looming wedding of the Otis and Winbury families in Nantucket. The wedding is set to happen on Madaket Beach; however, just before the wedding begins, a body is found.

Ed Kapenash is the Chief of Police who believes everyone attending the wedding is a suspect. Ed Kapenash begins his investigation by interviewing the members of the wedding party and discovers the wedding is looming with trouble.

“Summer People” is one of Elin Hilderbrand’s first novels, which was published in 2003. Despite this, the novel stills hold the spot as the author’s best novel in the thriller genre.

The novel is filled with suspense and even includes some romance, which keeps the reader intrigued. The themes focus on in this book include family, love, betrayal, and forgiveness.

In “Summer People,” the Newton family escaped the city to their home in Nantucket for three months. During this time, tragedy strikes their family when Beth Newton’s husband dies in a plane crash when he is on the way back from a business trip.

Beth tries to keep it together for her family and decides to invite one of Marcus’ clients to spend time in Nantucket with them. The family is unhappy with this decision, and when more shocking revelations about Beth’s past come to light, the family is in for a tumultuous time.

“Winter Street” is filled with everything that makes it Elin Hilderbrand’s best Christmas story. This is the first book of the author’s Winter series, which includes a total of four books.

Whether you enjoy reading a good Christmas novel during the festive season or even any time of the year, this is the Christmas story you need to add to your TBR (to be read).

Published in 2014, this book covers a wide range of themes, including family, romance, crime, and more.

“Winter Street” is set in Nantucket and follows the lives of the member of the Quinn family who visits tony for the holiday. Little do they know their holiday will be filled with nothing but surprises. The story goes on to follow Kelley, Patrick, and Ava, who will all be getting together to spend quality time in the inn.

By far, “The Blue Bistro” is one of Elin Hilderbrand’s best novels and was close to being placed as the author’s best overall book. Published in 2005, this book still holds up as a riveting read that makes you never want to put it down.

The novel falls into the contemporary romance genre and will tug on your heartstrings. There are quite a few complex themes tacked om this novel, including abuse, addiction, love, and more.

The novel follows Adrienne Dealey, who is escaping to Nantucket as her new home after spending six years in the hotel industry. Dealey needs a new source of income as her ex-boyfriend has left her broke.

This is when she manages to get hired by Tatcher Smith. He is the owner of the Blue Bistro and the only one willing to offer her a position. The story follows what Dealey experiences at the restaurant, including the relationship between her new boss and the head chef.

“Barefoot” falls into the contemporary romance genre, and like all of Elin Hilderbrand’s novels in this genre, it will keep you feeling intrigued throughout the entire read. Published in 2007, the book covers several themes, including motherhood, marriage, identity, and dealing with illness.

Set in Nantucket, this story follows three women who are trying to cope with the troubles that they are experiencing.

This includes Vicki, who has just discovered that she has a serious illness and is trying to come up with this news. Brenda, who is Vicki’s sister, has just been fired from her job after she was caught having a relationship with one of her students. On the other hand, their friend Melanie is pregnant and has just discovered her husband is having an affair.

The story goes on to follow how the three women cope with these troubles and handle the surprises they are about to experience.

“Winter in Paradise” is one of Elin Hilderbrand’s that we had to include on the best novel lists because this book tugs on your heartstrings. The book is the first of the author’s series, “The Paradise.” 

Published in 2018, “Winter in Paradise” falls into the contemporary romance and domestic fiction genre. The themes explored in this novel include family, relationships, love, and loss. 

The story follows Irene Steele, who has just received the news that her husband was found dead on St. John Island, an island in the Caribbean that is well-known as a tropical paradise. 

After discovering this tragic news, Irene travels to St. John, and when she does, she finds her husband has a second family. The story continues with Irene dealing with this revelation and trying to uncover how her husband died.

“The Identicals” is a New York Times best-selling novel and a USA Today Bestseller, making it a definite must-read of Elin Hilderbrand. Published in 2017, the novel fits into the domestic fiction genre.

One of the major themes highlighted in this novel is the impact of loss and grief and how it can destroy oneself and others.

The story follows two identical twin sisters who have spent years apart and lead two completely different lives. The sisters reunite after a family crisis, bringing the two together and leading them to discover their special bond. This story is filled with the fun and difficulties that come with sibling relationships and is a heartwarming read.

Published in 2011, “Silver Girl” is a contemporary romance novel filled with suspense making it an interesting read. A few themes explored in this book include friendship, love, forgiveness, and more.

It follows the protagonist Meredith Martin Delin who is experiencing the biggest life change after she has lost everything. This was because her husband scammed investors, which led to Meredith losing her home, friends, and social position.

Now that Meredith has nothing and is about to be homeless, she gets in touch with Constance Flute, an old friend of hers. After contacting Connie, the two escape to Nantucket to get away from their problems and heal.

A few unexpected events happen once they are in Nantucket, including Meredith reuniting with an old boyfriend who happens to be Connie’s brother.

Published in 2008, this novel falls into the contemporary romance genre. This book tackles quite complex themes that will tug on your heartstrings, including love, loss, romance, and relationships.

Claire Danner Crispin is the novel’s protagonist; she has four children and is an accomplished glassblower. Claire decides to take on another project by co-chairing the Nantucket Children Summer Gala, a large benefit concert.

Claire seems to have a handle on everything, including providing a glass piece to auction at the gala and having her famous e-boyfriend perform. While organizing this gala, Claire faces some competition with the co-chair, who is a Manhattan socialite. Claire has to make some difficult choices to manage everything she has on her plate.

“Here’s to Us” is one of Elin Hilderbrand’s novels that has a darker narrative compared to her other novels. Published in 2016, this is a contemporary romance and domestic fiction novel. The themes that are highlighted in this story include love, family, and grief.

The story follows the death of Decon Thorpe, who was well-known to be a man that had a zest for life. Decon passed away in Nantucket, his favorite place in the world. His death leads to his family reuniting to have a farewell for him.

While this may sound simple, it is anything but that, as Decon’s family includes his three wives, who do not get along, his children, and his best friend. After reuniting, the family discovers secrets and remembers the good times they have shared.

Published in 2000, “The Beach Club” is one of Elin Hilderbrand’s more popularly known books. Like most of the author’s novels, it is a part of the contemporary romance genre set in Nantucket. A few of the themes highlighted in this novel are love, friendship, and family, making it a great romantic read.

“The Beach Club” follows a series of personal dramas that occur at Nantucket Beach Club during the summer. These are the personal drama experienced by the staff at the beach club, including Mack Peterson, Vance, Love O’Donnell, and Jem Crandall. The story is packed with drama and unexpected events, making it quite a steamy read.

Published in 2006, this psychological fiction novel tells the story of one day which lasts decades. The themes highlighted in this novel include friendship, love, betrayal, and forgiveness.

The story follows Marguerite Beale, a famous former chef who has been living away from the public eye for more than a decade. This all changes when Renata Knox, Marguerite’s goddaughter, gets in touch with her after her mother dies despite her grandfather’s wishes.

Renata wants to learn more about her mother’s life and discover the truth about her death.

If you are a lover of fantasy fiction and ghost novels, then “Golden Girl” is a must-read for you. Published in 2021, it is one of Elin Hilderbrand’s newer books and falls into the fantasy fiction genre. The book highlights a wide range of themes, including loss, grief, secrets, and family.

The story is based in Nantucket and follows an author, Vivian Howe, a mother of three who had been killed in a hit-and-run car accident. After dying, Vivian ascends to the “Beyond,” where she can see what happens on Earth for one final summer.

Vivian is gifted with three chances to alter the events that happen on Earth, but she is extremely cautious about how she plans to use these chances.

“The Island” is quite a riveting novel filled with drama that will keep you compelled. Published in 2010, this novel is one of Elin Hilderbrand’s well-known contemporary romance novels. A few major themes highlighted in the novel include family, love, heartbreak, and more.

The story follows Birdie Cousins, whose daughter is a bride-to-be in quite a lavish wedding in Connecticut. Birdie has been planning for her daughter Chess’s special day and handling all the ups and downs of planning a wedding.

This all changes when Birdie receives a call from her daughter that she has canceled her engagement. To help her daughter cope during this difficult time, Birdie decides to escape to Nantucket with Chess and two of her other daughters.

Published in 2016, “Winter Storms” is the third book in Elin Hilderbrand’s Winter series. This book is a Christmas story and falls into the domestic fiction genre. A few themes highlighted in this novel include betrayal, love, relationships, family, and more.

The story continues to follow the Quinn family, who has experienced quite a few stormy seasons over the past few years. In this novel, the Quinns plan to reunite in Nantucket, but a blizzard gets in the way.

A lot has changed with the beloved characters, such as Kelley, who has just survived her illness; Ava is having trouble picking between the two people she is in love with. Jennifer, on the other hand, is struggling to stop her addiction to drugs while the person she relies on for support, Patrick, is in jail.

Final thought

Elin Hilderbrand is a bestselling author with a special talent for setting her stories in Nantucket but delivering a different experience throughout each novel. The storyteller delivers novels featuring a wide range of genres; however, the majority include contemporary romance and domestic fiction.

Despite this, Elin Hilderbrand has quite a few must-read books that are a part of the thriller, mystery, fantasy, and Christmas stories genres.

Whether you are a contemporary romance lover or are looking for a thriller, Elin Hilderbrand has a book for you. Now that you know precisely which are the best Elin Hilderbrand books, you can pick the one that appeals to you the most to add to your TBR.