Dive into Elin Hilderbrand’s book series for a more expansive reading experience. This post shares which Elin Hilderbrand novels are part of a series, what they are about, in what order to read them, and more. You’ll get answers to all your questions to have the best reading experience of the “Queen of the Beach Reads.” Let’s get literary!
Quick Guide to Elin Hilderbrand’s Book Series
Elin Hilderbrand has three book series: Nantucket (a four-book series set on Nantucket), Winter Street (a four-book series about Christmas on Nantucket), and Paradise (a trilogy set on St. John). Some of Elin Hilderbrand’s books also have short story prequels and sequels; however, they are not considered a book series.
Nantucket Series
- A Summer Affair (2008)
- The Castaways (2009)
- The Perfect Couple (2018)
- Swan Song (2024)
Winter Series
- Winter Street (2014)
- Winter Stroll (2015)
- Winter Storms (2016)
- Winter Solstice (2017)
Paradise Series
- Winter in Paradise (2018)
- What Happens in Paradise (2019)
- Troubles in Paradise (2020)
Short Story and Novel Pairings
- The Surfing Lesson (prequel short story) for Beautiful Day (novel)
- The Tailgate (prequel short story) and The Matchmaker (novel)
- Summer of ’69 (novel) and Summer of ’79 (sequel short story)
- 28 Summers (novel) and The Sixth Wedding (sequel short story)
Related Post: Elin Hilderbrand’s Books in Order
My Reviews of The Books in These Series
A Summer Affair (2008; my review: ★★☆☆☆) is about a dramatic affair that occurs behind the scenes of a charitable summer gala between a married mother and her high school ex. Personally, I did not like the cheating plot. I do not see this one as essential to the series either.
The Castaways (2009; my review: ★★★☆☆) is a beachy mystery about a group of Nantucket couples who are friends holding secrets involving their relationships with each other, which come to light after one of the couples tragically dies. These characters are important to many Elin Hilderbrand books, so it’s a good one for fans to pick up.
The Perfect Couple (2018; one of the best Elin Hilderbrand books; my review: ★★★★★) is a juicy and indulgent “death at a wedding” mystery investigated by the Police Chief of Nantucket from The Castaways. It offers some surprising plot twists that make for the perfect beachy mystery.
Swan Song (2024; Elin Hilderbrand’s last book; my review: ★★★★★) is a deliciously over-the-top romantic mystery about a house fire and missing worker that brings back the Police Chief and involves the friends group from The Castaways. True fans cannot miss it!
READING TIPS
- While it’s technically best to read the Nantucket series in order of publication to avoid spoilers, you don’t “have to.” I read it out of order myself, and I didn’t even notice it was a series! The series has many character crossovers, but it does not follow one continuous plot.
Winter Street (2014; my review: ★★★★☆) introduces the reader to the Nantucket Winter Street Inn, owned by the Quinn family patriarch and father of four adult children, Kelley. His second wife, Mitzi, has kissed Santa Claus, leaving his first wife, news anchor Margaret Quinn, to try to save Christmas.
Meanwhile, the oldest Quinn child, Patrick, is a hedge fund manager dealing with a white-collar crime. Bartender Kevin has a secret relationship with the Inn’s housekeeper. Teacher Ava can’t get her dream boyfriend to commit, and Bart, the youngest, is fighting overseas in the Marines. It’s a modern classic in the realm of Christmas literature that is not to be missed.
Winter Stroll (2015; my review: ★★★☆☆) picks up during the following Christmas season, particularly during Nantucket’s Christmas Stroll. But, all is not as happy-go-lucky as it may seem. Without giving away any spoilers, it’s a super quick read that keeps the storylines moving along while also looking forward to what may happen next Christmas.
In Winter Storms (2016; my review: ★★★☆☆), a blizzard threatens a happy day for the Quinn family this Christmas. Meanwhile, some of the other members of the Quinn family continue to struggle with major life issues. It’s nice to catch up with the characters in this one.
Winter Solstice (2017; my review: ★★★☆☆) concludes the Winter series with both great joy in the ending of one of the family member’s storylines, as well as sorrow in light of the health crisis of another. It offers readers a good sense of closure to this series.
READING TIPS
- The Winter series of books are best read in order since they follow a continuous storyline with major plot spoilers.
- They make for a memorable holiday reading experience, especially if you enjoy the ups and downs of family drama and/or a festive New England setting.
Winter in Paradise (2018; my review: ★★★☆☆) begins in the new year when Irene Steele learns that her husband was killed in a helicopter crash on the Caribbean island of St. John. She and her sons jet to St. John and become even more shocked when they learn the man they loved had been living a secret dual life. This setting makes for an interesting change of pace, and the mystery offers intrigue.
What Happens in Paradise (2019; my review: ★★★☆☆) picks up shortly thereafter, when Irene and her sons return to St. John. They become more entangled in the lives of the islanders and discover more questions surrounding the Steele patriarch’s mysterious life and death. I recommend reading it only if you plan to read all three books in this series, as it serves as a bridge.
In Troubles in Paradise (2020; my review: ★★★☆☆) Irene is settled back in her husband’s villa in St. John, when the FBI delivers shocking news about him that makes his death seem all the more mysterious until the conclusion is finally revealed. It brings a lot of drama and plot twists while also answering significant questions the series raised.
READING TIPS
- The Paradise series of books are best read in order as they follow a continuous storyline. They are great for fans of beachy mysteries, family drama, and a Caribbean setting.
- They make for a slight change of pace for those who love Elin Hilderbrand’s books but also want to read something a bit different than her most notorious themes, character types, and settings.
Short Stories and Novel Pairings
I mentioned earlier that some of Elin Hilderbrand’s books also have short story prequels and sequels. However, they are not considered to be an Elin Hilderbrand book series. I’ll call them “pairings.”
The Surfing Lesson (my review: ★★★☆☆) is a short story about the background of Beautiful Day‘s (my review: ★★★★☆) somewhat less central character, Margot Carmichael. It was published just before the novel Beautiful Day, so you can read these stories in whatever order you wish.
The Surfing Lesson is not an essential read, but it’s quick and easy if you are interested in Margot. Beautiful Day is an excellent read for those who love the blend of romance and drama that weddings bring. It’s great for fans of The Notebook.
The Tailgate (my review: ★★★★☆) is a short story that tells the backstory of Dabney Kimball and Clendenin (“Clen”) Hughes from The Matchmaker. It was published just before the novel, The Matchmaker, which centers on both of these characters, so you can read these stories in whatever order you wish.
I LOVED the backstory in the short story. It had collegiate academia vibes, and well-executed parallels to J.D. Salinger’s classic, Franny and Zooey. It made me so excited to pick up The Matchmaker.
The short story Summer of ’79 (my review: ★★★☆☆)is a sequel that should only be read after the novel Summer of ’69 (my review: ★★★★★), and it tells where all the members of the Levin family ended up ten years later.
Both are great — some of my favorite Elin Hilderbrand characters and storylines, especially if you love family drama and/or historical fiction. The short story sequel is a natural follow-up to the original novel.
The short story The Sixth Wedding (my review: ★★★☆☆) is a sequel that should only be read after the novel 28 Summers (my review: ★★★★★), bringing Melanie’s brother and the other main characters back to Nantucket five years later.
This “same time next year” romance plot has another of my favorite cast of Elin Hilderbrand characters, so spending as much time with them as possible is nice. The sequel here is also a natural follow-up to the original story.
Expert Tip: Endless Summer (my review: ★★★☆☆) is a collection of all of the short stories mentioned above in this article, plus more related to beloved Elin Hilderbrand books and characters. It’s great to keep it on your shelf and pull it out when you’re reading one of her related books or devour it at once after you finish all of the long-form Elin Hilderbrand books.
About Elin Hilderbrand
about
Elin Hilderbrand is one of the most famous book authors today. A Pennsylvania native and graduate of Johns Hopkins University, she also attended the University of Iowa writers workshop and earned a Master of Fine Arts degree.
Notably, she has three children, lives on Nantucket island (which often serves as the setting for her beachy romance novels), is a breast cancer survivor, and has a twin brother.
She planned to retire after her 30th book, Swan Song, was released in 2024. However, she has already signed a deal to co-author two books set at a New England boarding school with her daughter, Shelby Cunningham.
Recap
These important details of Elin Hilderbrand’s book series help you plan and track your good beach reads beyond just one book. To recap, Elin Hilderbrand has three book series:
- Nantucket: a series of four books set during summer on Nantucket
- Winter: a series of four books set during Christmas on Nantucket
- Paradise: a trilogy of three books set during Winter on St. John
Some of Elin Hilderbrand’s novels also have short story prequels and sequels; however, they are not considered to be a book series.
Related Elin Hilderbrand Posts
- The Hotel Nantucket Book Club Questions
- Swan Song Book Club Questions
- Review of The Perfect Couple
- Authors Like Elin Hilderbrand
remember, it’s a good day to read a book. – jules
