Happy Thursday, friends!
Guess what?
I’ve declared today our own personal ELIN HILDERBRAND DAY!
I’m sprinkling in a few pics from over the years in this post too 😉 .
Elin Hilderband Day was a blog reader suggestion earlier this summer, and I LOVED it!
What exactly is Elin Hilderbrand Day?
We are just going to spend this Thursday morning sharing our favorite Hilderbrand books and gushing over Nantucket’s favorite author.
Before we get to books though, have you ladies started watching…
…The Five-Star Weekend?!
I have, I have!
I was so excited when the news broke that this novel was being turned into a series. I have read all of Elin’s books, and this one here, I ESPECIALLY LOVED.
I also love Jennifer Garner…so it was the perfect combination 🙂 .
If you haven’t started watching this new series yet, it’s on Peacock, and so far, I highly recommend it. I’ve only watched episode one…but I do recommend you read the book first if you haven’t already before diving into the series. Just like most books to film, the book is able to cover more details and specifics that I think you’ll enjoy. If you’re a reader, my advice is to read then watch.
Andrew and I both sat down and watched episode one. I loved it…Andrew thought it was a bit too Hallmark-y for him. I would never have said that about the novel, but the show is really cute/sweet/maybe a tad Hallmark-y (but in a good way).
Either way, we both LOVED all of the Nantucket spots featured in the episode. They filmed last September on island for a few weeks, and it was all anyone could talk about. From what we heard/gathered, everyone ADORED Jennifer Garner while she was here filming.
Just from episode one, I loved how so many of the local businesses were featured. They were sprinkled in throughout the entire episode down to the little welcome baskets she was preparing for her guests. The basket was filled with Nantucket items like a throw from Looms. Those details were extra fun to watch.
If you need a good summer book, read The Five-Star Weekend or if you need a good summer series, watch it on Peacock.
You can also read my REVIEW ON THIS BOOK HERE.
It was a sweet blog reader many, many, many years ago who first suggested I read an Elin Hilderbrand book. The minute I read one, I was in love. She writes the exact books I want to read. They’re light and happy without being cheesy and too predicable. They are filled with strong female leads, adorable secondary characters, delicious food references, quaint inns, homes, and shops, and of course, almost all of them are set on Nantucket. They are the types of books I never want to put down and always recommend to my mom and girlfriends.
These novels have become even more fun to read the more time I spend on Nantucket. All of her books weave this real place into her fictional stories. Her call outs to shops, businesses, streets, beaches, hotels, restaurants…really does paint such an accurate picture of this town (save a ghost or two).
I get asked all the time if I’ve met her. I have not, but I certainly hope to at some point. I have seen her though “out in the wild” more times than I could count, and she truly seems so loved here. Her positive influence on this island is undeniable.
As an author, not only has she written books I love to read, but she is constantly sharing other books by other authors we should read too. If you’re not following her on Instagram you should if for no other reason than the book recs. I have been introduced to so many books just because she shared them on her Instagram account. She is a champion of writers.
You might guess that I get this question often and while it’s hard to really really nail down my faves (there are so many, and I LOVE so many), I do often answer with the same ones. If you are new to Elin and/or haven’t read these, I can’t recommend them enough…
Oh goodness, I loved this book. This is one is unique to her others because it’s set during1969 which typically wouldn’t be something I’d enjoy (I prefer present day), but I absolutely loved it. I think about this one often and recommend it all the time.
You can read my full review of this book HERE!
This book checks alllllll the boxes. Like I said at the top of the post, if you haven’t read it yet, stop what you’re doing and read it now…THEN watch the series on Peacock.
You can read my full review of this book HERE!
I think about this novel perhaps more than any of her others. This books spans 28 years of one woman living on Nantucket and…let’s just say, it’s complicated. This book is meatier than perhaps her others, but it’s so well-written and full of twists and turns (and yet still has that summertime Nantucket charm) that you will not want to put it down.
You can read my full review of this book HERE!
If you have ever asked me which of Elin’s books to read, I guarantee you I’ve told you this one. This novel just made me HAPPY. It’s about identical sisters…and one lives on Nantucket while the other lives on Martha’s Vineyard. I love, love, loved it!
You can read my full review of this book HERE!
And…
This was one of the very first Elin Hilderbrand books I’ve read, and I just always loved it. It’s quintessential Hilderbrand. This novel is based on the restaurant Galley Beach…
…which is located right on the sand on the north shore of Nantucket…
…and hosts a stunning sunset every evening.
The novel will check all of your Nantucket boxes, and it’s always the one I suggest you read first.
You can read my full review of this book HERE!
Outside of her dozens of stand alone novels, Hilderbrand also has a few series…
I read and loved all four books in this series. Come November and December, if you have’t already, read all four of these books. This story follows the same family each holiday season. This is Nantucket at its most festive, and I absolutely believe your holiday-loving heart will enjoy every single book too.
You can also check out…
This series might sound “Christmas”, but it’s actually about the island of St. John and the people who spend the winter season down there in the sunny Caribbean. These books are a bit more suspenseful and very tropical. Just like she does in the Nantucket books, she weaves real places from St. John into these stories too.
And her newest series is…
Book one was released last fall, and I loved it! You can read my full review of this book HERE!
HILDERBRAND + FALLl?! Yes, please!
And that is Elin Hilderbrand Day 🙂 !
Okay, now it’s time to chat! Spill the beans! What is your favorite Elin book? Which one do you always recommend to friends and family? I want the deets please!
Let’s all chat about our faves in the comment section.
Happy Thursday, friends! xx
Susan Jeffries says
I didn’t realize how much I enjoyed Elin’s books until you listed so many here that I have enjoyed! I loved 28 Summers and The Summer of 69. I am adding a few more of Elin’s books to my TBR list today! I hope you ge too meet her one day soon!
Johanna says
I really enjoyed this article about her, her life on Nantucket, etc https://www.bostonmagazine.com/arts-entertainment/2026/06/21/elin-hilderbrand-profile-interview-five-star-weekend/
Laura says
I keep seeing ads for the show and thinking “surely Shay knows about this right!?”. I have a feeling I’ll be buying a book at the bookstore this weekend!
Emilee says
I love the Winter Street series! It’s one I could reread every year. I love the Irish references and how it follows everyone for several years…it’s a favorite of mine!
Rosa Dunn says
LOVE the Winter Street series and Blue Bistro is probably my favorite stand alone book too!
Emily Broyles says
I don’t think I’ve read Five Star Weekend! Going to and then cannot wait to watch the series! I love Elin’s books!
Becky says
I have read every Elin book, and have been to Nantucket twice inspired by her. The last few years I have had a tradition of rereading 28 Summers around Labor Day and Winter Street around Christmas. I also love her podcast.
Jami Romano says
I love this! Elin books totally got me into reading ◡̈ love your top 5 picks also!
Val says
What a fun post – it made me realize there are a few of her older books I still need to read! Another favorite of mine is The Matchmaker.
Erin says
I can’t really remember specifically why I didn’t really like The Five Star Weekend when I read it but I just know I didn’t….. HOWEVER I binged the series last weekend and LOVED it. I saw a lot of people say they didn’t really like it and felt like it didn’t align with the book that much. Maybe that’s why I DID like it. I don’t know but I would definitely recommend it AND would also say that I don’t think you really have to read the book beforehand to truly enjoy it.
Elin Hilderbrand is one of my favorite authors as well. I haven’t read The Academy yet, though. Need to get out of this reading slump I’ve been in this year and get on that!!
Bridget Wright says
Such a fun post for today! I loved 5 Star Weekend and am now watching the series, which I’m enjoying too. My favorite Elin books are The Summer of ’69 and 28 Summers.
Karen Winkel says
I discovered Elin Hildebrand years ago because of you…thank you!!! I have read all of her books, love them all but if I had to pick a favorite it would be 28 Summers.
Kiersten says
28 summers is BY FAR my favorite. I re-read it frequently I love it that much
Jeanie H says
I love that you are talking “Elin”! It would take everything in me not to stalk her and Tim Ehrenberg. Their podcast is one of my favorites for book recommendations. I have actually corresponded with Elin and she is SO DOWN TO EARTH. Just one of the girls.
My favorite books are Five Star Weekend, The Winter Series, Golden Girl and the Paradise Series. But those are my ALL TIME favorites because I love her books. Admittedly the new ones written with Shelby were not as much my cup of tea but I think that was more subject matter above anything else. I love the way Elin loves Nantucket and advocates for it always. Plus I think her relationship with her ex and the way she loves her kids is very sweet.
I think one of my favorite things about Elin is that she seems to accept herself the way she is. She doesn’t try to be someone else and I really like that and feel it translates through her writing. She is very pro-human, whether that human be female or male…everyone is empowered. I have watched and read many interviews with her and she is down to earth and doesn’t take herself too seriously even if she has made so many Nantucket businesses and landmarks famous.
Mix and Match Mama says
I was pulling out of a parking spot just yesterday as Tim was getting out of his car in the spot right next to mine. I fan girled in my head a bit 😉 .
Emily says
Okay help me out here-in my head I’ve always said her name like “ee-len” but it’s probably pronounced like “ellen”? I love her books so I should probably get her name right 😆
Mix and Match Mama says
It’s “Ellen” 🙂
Katie Compton says
Well this is a fun way to start a Thursday!! I believe my first Elin book was Winter Street
based on your recommendation! I absolutely loved that series. My next favorite would be Five Star Weekend and that’s one I recommend to everyone. We leave for the Outer Banks on Saturday and have big plans to watch the show in the evenings! I also really enjoyed The Academy and have the sequel on my wish list for the fall. Yay!
I’ve never read The Blue Bistro but it’s free with my kindle unlimited membership so I just downloaded it for our trip! Thanks!!
Ashley Rae Vaughan says
I would add/mention Golden Girl – I think that one is actually my favorite. Agree on Identicals and Five Star Weekend – I also just read Blue Bistro when we were at the beach last week and thought it was great Will have to check out the other two in your top five. Yay!
Monica P. Baker says
Golden Girl was great.
Natalie Alvarado says
Summer of 69 and 28 Summers have always been my favorite. I’ve never read the Blue Bistro but I plan on it now!
I thoroughly enjoyed the Winter Street series also. ❤️
Kara Carter says
I love this post! I have read so many of her books but you added some I haven’t read yet. The Five Star Weekend book was wonderful and I’ve watched three of the episodes in the series, it is so good and I too love Jennifer! I didn’t realize how big Nantucket actually is and it’s fun to see the places you have mentioned over the years in this series! Enjoy your summer!
Joanna says
My favorite Elin book is Silver Girl – I don’t think it is one of the more popular ones, but it was sooo good!
Mix and Match Mama says
I liked that one too!
Laura says
It’s mine too. I really enjoyed that one. I don’t think anyone ever mentions it.
Kacie Ireland says
I loved Silver Girl, it was my first Elin book. Now I have read almost all of them and don’t know if I have a favorite. I love them all!
Elspeth Mizner says
I was going to ask if you started the series?? I loved the book and have been enjoying the series! I love all the nods to Nantucket!! So cool she got to film there!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Sarah DeWald says
This is the perfect summer post! And while my favorite pick (the Winter Street series) is not a summer one, the rest of her books are pure summer perfection!
Elisabeth Hogue says
I’m reading my first Hildebrand novel now! Only 50pages into Five Star Weekend and loving it!!
Sunni says
I was surprised to find that I loved The Academy maybe more than the Nantucket books! I cannot wait for the next book. I start off every summer with an Elin book and wish I was on Nantucket instead of the swamps of Louisiana. 😉
Rebecca says
Love Elin – I work at the University of Iowa and she was here for several years at our Writer’s Workshop (the Winter in Paradise series mentions some Iowa City places). Love her books!
Kristy says
Are you a re-reader? I re read Five Star Weekend last month. I do love an Elin book!
How about a post on the difference in sizes between your McKinney house and Nantucket house? Pros/cons? All the nuances. We moved from a 5,000 square foot house to 2400 and I think about things…
Mix and Match Mama says
I think I would be a “re-reader” if I didn’t do my monthly blog posts. I don’t want to reshare the same content with you guys, so I always select “new to me” books to read each time. I could most certainly re-read Elin’s though! Pros: my kids can’t get away from me and we have so much family time! Cons: my kids can’t get away from me and we have so much family time! 😉
Carole George says
Great post!! I’m watching The Five Star Weekend now and almost done – loving it! Most of Elon’s books I’ve read have been on your suggestions. I had to hunt down a used paperback copy of The Blue Bistro when you kept talking about it. LOL I think my favs have been the Paradise series and Blue Bistro! And who would NOT love Jennifer Garner! She is the best!!
Kerry says
Oh my gosh! I fell in love with Elin Hilderbrand’s books because of you. My favorite is also Blue Bistro and maybe it is because it is the first book I ever read of hers but I’m so nostalgic about it. I have read and loved all of her books and they have made me put Nantucket on my bucket list of travels because I need to see in real life what I’ve imagined in my mind for so many years. I read The Academy last year and am looking forward to the next installment this Fall. Give me all of the fall leaves and back-to-school feels.
Alison says
Oh, I love this post! I love Elin Hilderbrand novels! I have read them all and sadly I can’t remember a lot of them. I probably should go back and re-read them. I do remember the Blue Bistro and loving it! I remember The Castaways and really liking it. I did not care for the one with the ‘ghost’. I loved all of her series! I met her at a book signing once. I major fan girled. Haha! I bet it is exciting now that you live on Nantucket and read all the little references. I haven’t started watching Five Star Weekend, but it is definitely on my list to watch soon!
Kelly Kirkland says
Her books are always the perfect read! 28 Summers is by far my favorite, and I’ve read it several times! I’m loving the series too and wondered when you might mention it!!! Happy Thursday!
Melissa says
How fun! Blue Bistro is still my favorite, after reading most all the rest.
We finished watching Five-Star Weekend last night. My husband continued watching all of it with me, but he did mention that it felt like a Hallmark movie.
I really enjoyed the cast & felt like they made the movie.
I read that EH is done writing Nantucket books. Maybe you should take over! 🙂
Kelly says
Love all of her books that I’ve read, but this post makes me realize there are several I haven’t read! Love The Five Star Weekend and I am watching it now.
Ali Patterson says
I just finished The Academy – LOVED it. And I’m currently reading The Five Star Weekend. It’s hard to put it down to come to work! I love her books, too.
Beth Keller says
Yay for Elin day! I love The Blue Bistro and the Winter in Paradise series! When I get in a book slump, I always go back to her books and then everything is happy again!!😍
lee ann vicary says
I love a book series, with a note. I like to wait until the series is done to start reading. I can’t take the suspense of not knowing and having to wait for 6 months or a year to get to the next one. Some authors books seem pretty “complete” after each book but some leave you hanging like a TV program cliffhanger. I’m always afraid the next book will come out and some how I will miss it.
Helen says
Waiting to read a series is a great idea! I forget what happened in previous books and need to reread them.
Susan P Fitzpatrick says
I read the first book in the Winter street series but haven’t read the other 3. I’m not sure why because I loved the first one!!
Krista S. Steenbergen says
I have read all of Elin’s books and loved most of them. I think maybe I’m not the right audience for her new one with her daughter. I didn’t love it but there is nothing better than an Elin Hilderbrand novel on the beach!
Sil says
I have you to thank for introducing me to her books and I have almost read and loved all of them, so thank YOU!!! She has become one of my favorite authors!
I watched the series on Monday when a friend was visiting, who had read the book after I recommended it. We made plans to start watching the series together when she was in town visiting from Tennessee but ended up watching it straight through together because we loved it so much!!! It was very fun seeing the places you have mentioned, knowing it was filmed on Nantucket, so it really was the island!! I have never been, and it was amazing to see it!! What an incredible place!
Thanks for sharing Nantucket with us!
Mary Kay Cohen says
I also loved the Winter Street series and Five Star Weekend. I just finished The Hotel Nantucket and loved that as well. I’m hoping to make it to Nantucket one day.
Lisa N says
The first of her books I read that got me hooked was Beautiful Day. 28 Summers stands out to me too.
Debbie Alsip says
I loved the Blue Bistro. The Perfect Couple sucked me in from page 1. 28 summers bothered me so much. I can’t say I liked it; the choices the main character made and continued to make just made me sad.
Sharon B says
Along with airing on the Peacock channel
5 Star Weekend airs on the Bravo network owned by Peacock … will air every Thursday evening at 10:30 pm just watched it on Bravo last night and loved it
Kim Miller says
I binged the series last weekend and I thought of you the whole time. I haven’t read one of her books in awhile but this post along with a PEOPLE IG post on her has influenced me to pick them back up! I will send you the IG post…great minds write alike.
Amy says
My favorites were Blue Bistro and Silver Girl, I actually need to go back and read them again because it has been a minute. I’m currently reading Five Star Weekend. What a fun Thursday topic!
Julie says
I LOVE Elin Hilderbrand novels! I just finished The Academy, have watched 1 episode of The Five-Star Weekend, and I also have The Winter Street Series to read next! I am at work otherwise I’d watch the next episode with my AM coffee! 😉. Have a wonderful weekend with your family!
Sarah Shaneyfelt says
I loved the Winter Street series and The Blue Bistro!! I also really loved The Academy and I can’t wait for The Thoroughbreds to come out! I got to meet Elin when she traveled to north Alabama for a book signing and it was the most fun night! The food we had was all Nantucket themed (ideas supplied by Elin) and then she talked and then we all got in line for her to sign out books and get a picture with her! One thing I really loved is that after we got a picture with her on our phone, she got a picture of us on her phone to keep for herself!
MeetTheShaneyfelts
Lauren Palmer says
Okay I had to pause reading this post for a moment so I could order a few books on Audible. Shay–I have never read an Elin Hilderbrand book. I know. What’s wrong with me? But I’m starting today. I’m starting with The Identicals.
Mix and Match Mama says
You will LOVE them!!
Nicole says
Love this! I always hope to see a picture of her and Elin together on a post! I’m currently reading Swan Song and have enjoyed so many of hers in the past. 28 Summers and The Identicals are two of my faves as well as loving The Winter Street Series and the Winter in Paradise series. I currently have a hold on The Blue Bistro on Libby, I can’t believe I haven’t read it! Thanks for doing this topic☺️ One day I hope to visit Nantucket I just adore it from the books.
Katie Stewart says
My favorite is The Blue Bistro. I loved The Island and The Identicals, too. Honestly just love them all and I can’t wait for The Thoroughbreds! She writes so descriptively that I can picture every little detail and that’s how I LOVE to read a book!
H says
I’m part way through 28 Summers and not sure about it. Hah! I was thinking in my head that I’d gotten the recommendation from your blog at one point, so I came on here today to see what you said about the book. And of course, your blog today is all about Elin’s books! :). Too funny.
Rachel says
My fave ever because loved the food references and atmosphere created is The Hotel Nantucket! Barefoot is also adorable and The Island made Tuckernuck sound so cool! Oh, I loved the emotion in The Castaways too, honestly I love them all except The Perfect Couple, the show was actually good but I don’t think Elin’s a thriller writer. For her new series, I read The Academy and just wasn’t interested.
Mikayla Amsden says
I have read almost all her books thanks to you recommending them! I really enjoy them on audiobook too! I think my top two are 28 Summers and Summer of 69. I bought Summer of 69 for my Mom this year on her birthday (she was born Spring of 69 so it was perfect), and she loved it!
Ashley says
I just read The Blue Bistro based off one of your recent blog posts and loved it so much that I ordered The Beach Club (loved) and The Hotel Nantucket (currently reading). My daughter asked me how I was liking the new book while I was reading the other night and I told her “it just took a turn…there’s a ghost as a character”, and it’s been a running joke since w/ them asking me how the ghost is doing lol. I had to come do a deep dive on your old posts to see what you thought about that one, and we’re in alignment – I think I’ll stick it out though. As for her other books I loved the winter series, and I’m still heartbroken over 28 Summers!
Denise Vick says
Blue Bistro is my favorite!!!! I have it on my Kindle app AND bought the book. I probably read it once a year. Love it!
Stephanie says
I hadn’t read 5 Star Weekend yet and wanted to before watching the new series. I was so excited when I saw that it was a free download on my Kindle with the Unlimited membership! Can’t wait to dive in, then watch the series when I finish reading it.
Gail Young says
The Winter Street series is my first love but all of her books are charming….even the the ghost one!
I read Five Star Weekend when it first came out and loved it, but I have mixed feelings on the TV series. My husband and I watched it together and we both felt that there were some pretty raunchy parts to it. He turned to me and said “Is this what women are really like and do they really talk like this??????” Well, umm, yes, sometimes. However, whoever did the casting for the actors and actresses did an AMAZING job!! I did love the story line, the photography, the glimpses of Nantucket, the complexity of the characters. Overall I loved it but thought it was very much an R rated for language.
Arika says
YOU introduced me to Elin and I’ve loved most everything I’ve read by her. 28 Summer is by far and away my favorite, and I still think of it often. She did write a short sequel to that book which was great because I wanted more of the characters and it wrapped up a lot of things nicely. I’m sure you read it, it’s called the Sixth Wedding. Loved 5 Star, and am anxious to watch the series. I read an interview with her and she said her one non-negotiable was Nantucket. She realizes that parts of books must change, or storylines adapted to make books work for TV but the one thing she was not willing to give up was it being set on Nantucket. Fun post, Shay!
Mary Jane McNeill says
The Perfect Couple is my favorite of hers…probably in the Top Ten Best Books for me.
Funny thing, years ago when I was visiting my sister on the Vineyard, I walked by Bunch of Grapes (old location) and they had a sign in the window saying Elin was going to be there that night talking about Beautiful Day. I had just finished it, so my BFF and I went, and we were 2 of FIVE people that showed up!! Sat on the front row and chit-chatted with her for about an hour.
Mary says
The Blue Bistro is my absolute favourite of hers and I’ve re-read it a few times… but close second would be the Castaways which I think is the beginning of the recurring Chief of Police character.
kristen says
So glad you put me on to Elin Hilderbrand years ago!! I think The Blue Bistro is my favorite single book of hers, but I really love the Winter Street series! Those were the first of her books that I read and every few years I pull them up for a cozy holiday reread – love the characters, the stories, all of it!
Lynn T says
I’ve read a lot of her books too. I started The Academy and couldn’t really get into it. I need to try again since like you said it’s a good fallish book. But the series on Peacock..I loved. I loved the characters, I loved Jennifer Garner, I loved GiGi’s character. I loved all of the places, that you have introduced us too. The morning buns!! I am sad that I am done with it. I guess I could watch it again.
Thanks for all the book recs.
Hope says
I have read 19 of Elin’s books. I still want to read the others that I havent read but my TBR list is insane and its so many books I want to read. I have enjoyed all of her books. I am a beach girl and thats where I am the most relaxed and free. I just started watching Five Star Weekend and wondered if you had any inside info on the filming.
Pat says
I also loved Summer of ’69 I love this post!
Karen in VA says
First of all a HUGE thank you to Shay for introducing me to the Elin books. I have read 9 of her books in a row! Here are my favorites:
1. The Rumor
2. The 5 Star Weekend
3. Swan Song (just finished it and loved it!)
4. Beautiful Day
5. The Island
I am about to start The Identicals. I am on the fence about the 5 Star Weekend show. I just loved the book so much that I am finding that I cant seem to get into the show. But, I’ve only watched episode 1. I have Blue Bistro on hold over at the library, but would you believe there are 18 other people ahead of me??? These books just stay with you. And I am so sad when I finish one. I wanted to jump back into Swan Song and keep reading, but I’m done, darn it!
BeckyM says
My favorite is Beautiful Day and I rarely see people mention it! It’s also the first one I read. I LOVE the Winter Street series and reread some or all of them each Christmas season. They’re so fun and festive! I find that I like Elin’s mid-career books better than the early ones or the later ones (too many ghosts…lol)!
Katie Stewart says
My favorite is The Blue Bistro. I loved The Island and The Identicals, too. Honestly just love them all and I can’t wait for The Thoroughbreds! She writes so descriptively that I can picture every little detail and that’s how I LOVE to read a book!
Lori Hamilton says
I just started watching “The Five-Star Weekend” and absolutely love it! I have not read the book (or any of her others) however after your reviews above, and of course the series, I am wanting to dive into all of her titles. Thanks!
Amber says
Such a fun post!! I checked Good Reads and I’ve ready 18 Elin Hilderbrand books! My favs were 28 Summers, The Identicals and The Rumor. I should make a ‘to-do’ list of all of her books to make sure I read each one. That would be a FUN task. Haha!
Kristin S says
I don’t know how you picked favorites!
I do agree with your series preferences. Man, I could read Winter Street series forever.
Jenny N says
I love her books also! I started Five Star Weekend on Sunday and am on the 5th episode. It is very good!
Kristen Smith says
So many great books I have enjoyed by Elin but my heart belongs to the Winter Street series. I love that family and wish there were more books!
Kelli Smith says
Thank you for this fun tradition! I have been a long-time fan of both Elin Hilderbrand AND your blog, so this is perfect for me. Like you, my all-time #1 favorite is Blue Bistro, but I have loved all of her books. Other faves are Beautiful Day and The Perfect Couple. I’m sure you’ve seen her Blue Book of Nantucket suggestions! I would LOVE for Elin to write a cookbook featuring recipes from all of her books.
Susan says
My 6 sisters and I take a Sisters Trip every September. A few years ago our trip was to Nantucket. We met Elin at her Wednesday book signing. She was lovely. We suggested a book about sisters who travel together each year. Same time next year!!
Lauren M says
Love Elin day and Elin’s books! I met her on one of her book tours and was super impressed that she took the time to really chat individually with everyone there. Made me love her even more. And I am a big fan of her podcast with Tim Ehrenberg!
Emily Maybin says
I’ve been wondering if you post about the show!!! Excited to start it!! ♥️
Lyndsey says
Ok I’m so glad everyone is loving Five Star Weekend because I picked it up on a whim for our family vacation this week! I didn’t even think to check your blog about it first and had zero clue a tv series was coming out!
One of your pictures has me curious if you still have several magazine subscriptions? Every time I check out in a grocery store I want to grab a few, but feel annoyed by the price tag lol
Mix and Match Mama says
I think at one point, I had 17 subscriptions! I’m dwindled it down to Southern Living, Good Housekeeping, Taste of Home, and New England Living. I now only buy more when I truly have time to read them. I really love magazine reading, but I don’t have as much time any more.
Dana J says
Oh this is a fun post!! I love Elin H books so much!! A few of my favorites are The Blue Bistro, Silver Girl, The Perfect Couple, Summer of 69 and Five Star Weekend! I’m in the minority because I did not love 28 Summers…I was very frustrated with the characters and choices they made! I miss not getting a new EH book every year since I’ve read them all! I guess I need to try The Academy!! Thanks for a fun post!!
Carly says
Shay, I’ve been reading this blog for over a decade, loving it every day. But this might be my favorite post yet.
I LOVE Elin so much. After many years, I’ve finally finished her entire catalog of books. Each one was special in its own way.
My #1 is also Blue Bistro! How could it not be?
Other standouts: Five Star Weekend (it came out the summer I too was going through a very heavy time and just needed my girlfriends to help with a new era)
Beautiful Day. It was sad at times but that end part “if nothing else I wish for you to have a beautiful day”
Castaways. Loved loved loved. Also is a core Easter egg book.
Silver Girl and Summer of ‘69.
Having the winter series was always such a treat. The Academy a little YA (makes sense given the story!) but still such a treat to have in the fall.
Mix and Match Mama says
We are two peas in a pod! I loved all of those books too!!
Stephanie Harris says
Why does no one think it’s creepy that the mistress stalked her on socials , went to her home and I insinuated into her life…. Ok she so she did give final moments closure but Really? Did that really compensate for being weekend crasher? Creeped me out totally.
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh I don’t think you’re wrong!
Lydia says
I’ve read most of her books as well, but the two that have stuck with me years after I’ve read them are 28 Summers and The Matchmaker! Visiting Nantucket is on my bucket list because of her! I love following along your time there.
Rachel says
I really liked the Winter Street series, need to try more of her books! Speaking of seeing people on Nantucket, did any of you run into Lauren Graham when she was there recently?
Mix and Match Mama says
No, but Kensington and I would have FAN GIRLED HARD!!!
Kathleen Barrett says
Have you done the blue book tour yet? I did it yesterday on Nantucket! Reading your blog on Friday and find it ironic I did the tour the day you had Elin Hilderbrand day!
Mix and Match Mama says
I have not, but I need to. I hope you’re having a wonderful time here! I hope to bump into you!
Maria says
I’ve been wanting to watch The Five Star Weekend but haven’t read the book yet. You’ve convinced me to read it first!
Lori R says
I love her books and found a few I have not read after reading your blog.
Maria says
Shay, have you had a chance to watch the accompanying podcast hosted by Elin? It’s available on both Peacock and YouTube. I thoroughly enjoyed Elin’s in-depth discussion of portraying Nantucket on screen, as well as the actors’ personal experiences on the island.
Mix and Match Mama says
I started episode one! I need to get caught up on alllllll my TV and podcasts. I am very far behind!
Tiffany says
I just saw this article in the NYTimes and thought of you/this post. Sharing in case you haven’t seen it. https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2026/07/11/realestate/elin-hilderbrand-house-tour-nantucket.html?unlocked_article_code=1.yVA.yX9m.Kf-sqTmLkNeN&smid=url-share
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank YOU, thank YOU!!!
Martina Ingemarsson says
Such a great idea and post! I have read many of her books thanks to you. I remember reading 28 Summers with your book club and boy, there were so many feelings and opinions about it, I loved reading all the comments. Got some ideas for more EH to read now thanks to this post and comments! 😊
Erin W. says
What a fun post! Last September I visited Nantucket for the first time. Even though I had never read an Elin Hilderbrand book, I went to her weekly book signing (she was very nice!). I met the sweetest ladies in the book signing line, and they all told me stories about their favorite Elin books. And of course there was lots of talk about filming starting on ‘Five Star Weekend’ (filming began the week after I left). In the last year, I have read ‘Hotel Nantucket’ and ‘Five Star Weekend’ – and I’m halfway through the series on Peacock. I have lots & lots of Elin books to catch up on – so thanks for your recommendations on your faves. I had such a great trip to Nantucket and her books will always flash me back to that trip.