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!
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!
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!!