Elin Hilderbrand Books in Order

Where to Begin Your Nantucket Escape

Elin Hilderbrand, widely celebrated as the "Queen of the Beach Read," has written more than thirty novels that transport readers to the historic, breezy island of Nantucket. While the sheer volume of her work can feel overwhelming, Hilderbrand's catalog is highly accessible. Most of her novels are written as standalone stories, meaning you can pick up almost any book and dive right in without getting lost.

However, her books are also set in a shared, deeply interconnected universe. Characters from previous novels frequently pop up in background roles, run the local shops, or serve as family members to new protagonists. To catch all the delightful Easter eggs and character crossovers, readers generally recommend starting with one of three paths:

• The Standalone Entry Points: If you want a quick, self-contained taste of Hilderbrand's style, start with The Blue Bistro (2005)—a fan-favorite romance set in the high-pressure world of island fine dining—or The Perfect Couple (2018), a delicious murder mystery that serves as the perfect gateway.
• The Seasonal Series Path: For readers who love following a single cast of characters over multiple books, starting with the Winter Series or the Paradise Trilogy is the best choice.
• The Historical Duology Path: If you enjoy period dramas, start with Summer of '69 (2019), which follows a family navigating the cultural shifts, protests, and personal milestones of the late 1960s.

The Winter Series (The Quinn Family Saga)

Unlike her summer-themed beach reads, the Winter Series shifts the focus to cozy, snowy holiday drama. The series centers on Kelley Quinn, the owner of the Nantucket Winter Street Inn, and his four adult children as they gather for the holidays. Filled with romance, secrets, and family reunions, these books tell a continuous story and must be read in their strict chronological order:

1. Winter Street (2014)
2. Winter Stroll (2015)
3. Winter Storms (2016)
4. Winter Solstice (2017)

The Paradise Trilogy

Stepping away from Nantucket, this trilogy is set against the tropical backdrop of St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The story follows Irene Steele, whose life is shattered when her husband dies in a helicopter crash, revealing he had a secret family and a hidden life in the Caribbean. Because the narrative is one continuous mystery, reading these in order is essential:

1. Winter in Paradise (2018)
2. What Happens in Paradise (2019)
3. Troubles in Paradise (2020)

The Nantucket "Ed Kapenash" Universe

Though grouped by publishers and readers as the "Nantucket Series," these novels are technically standalones rather than a traditional series. However, they are strongly linked by a central figure: Chief of Police Ed Kapenash. Reading these in order allows you to follow the progression of Chief Kapenash’s career, personal relationships, and eventual retirement on the island:

1. A Summer Affair (2008)
2. The Castaways (2009)
3. The Perfect Couple (2018)
4. Swan Song (2024)

Swan Song is a landmark novel in Hilderbrand's career, billed as her final Nantucket-set summer book. It acts as a nostalgic farewell to the island's community, featuring Chief Kapenash tackling one last major investigation just as he is trying to retire.

The Duologies & Interconnected Companion Works

Hilderbrand has written several companion novellas and sequels that expand upon the stories of her most popular novels. To avoid spoilers and understand character arcs, read these pairs in order:

The 28 Summers Duology

• 28 Summers (2020): Inspired by the classic movie Same Time, Next Year, this novel explores a decades-long secret affair between Mallory Blessing and Jake McCloud, who meet for one weekend every summer.
• The Sixth Wedding (2021): A follow-up novella that picks up after the events of 28 Summers, focusing on the core characters during a gathering on the island.

The Summer of Duology

• Summer of '69 (2019): Hilderbrand's first historical novel, following the Levin family during a tumultuous summer of social change, war, and historic events.
• Summer of '79 (2020): A short sequel novella catching up with the Levin siblings a decade later.

Prequel Short Stories

• The Surfing Lesson (2013): Read this short story before diving into Beautiful Day (2013).
• The Tailgate (2014): Read this prequel before starting The Matchmaker (2014).

Elin Hilderbrand's Standalone Novels in Publication Order

If you choose to read her standalone novels, reading them in order of publication is a highly rewarding experience. You will see Hilderbrand refine her signature style—weaving real Nantucket landmarks, local restaurants, and local lore into her dramas—and witness the evolution of the island's community over two decades:

1. The Beach Club (2000)
2. Nantucket Nights (2002)
3. Summer People (2003)
4. The Blue Bistro (2005)
5. The Love Season (2006)
6. Barefoot (2007)
7. The Island (2010)
8. Silver Girl (2011)
9. Summerland (2012)
10. Beautiful Day (2013)
11. The Matchmaker (2014)
12. The Rumor (2015)
13. Here's to Us (2016)
14. The Identicals (2017)
15. Golden Girl (2021)
16. The Hotel Nantucket (2022)
17. The Five-Star Weekend (2023)

Short Story Collections and Anthologies

If you want a mix of stories or are looking for missing chapters from Hilderbrand's universe, keep these collections in mind:

• Reunion Beach (2021): A tribute anthology dedicated to late author Dorothea Benton Frank, containing a story by Hilderbrand.
• Endless Summer (2022): A dedicated collection of Hilderbrand's short stories and novellas, featuring essential updates and prequel material for The Blue Bistro, The Matchmaker, and 28 Summers.

Co-Authored Novels

Expanding outside of her adult beach reads, Hilderbrand has collaborated with her daughter, Shelby Cunningham, on a young adult series set at a New England boarding school:

• The Academy (2025)
• The Thoroughbreds (Forthcoming sequel)