Books

Our Battle of the Beach Reads bracket features 16 of Hilderbrand’s most popular books. Vote for your favorite through Aug. 22.


Elin Hilderbrand is the author of over 30 books, often set on Nantucket. (Collage by Kelly Chan/Boston.com Staff)

By Annie Jonas

August 13, 2025 | 5:00 AM

1 minute to read

Before the sun sets on the summer season, we wanted to ask Boston.com readers a burning question: What is the best Elin Hilderbrand book?

Our Battle of the Beach Reads bracket features 16 of Hilderbrand’s most popular books according to Goodreads, as of this writing. We stacked the books against their most formidable foe, taking into account their content and ranking in the Goodreads list – and even sought insights from Hilderband expert and collaborator Tim Ehrenberg

This is the first bracket done of her work, Hilderbrand told Boston.com – and she couldn’t be more excited.

“My readers, many of them, will be so invested in this because they’re just so passionate about the books – their favorites, their second favorites,” she said. Hilderbrand also shared her championship-round predictions, which we’re keeping under wraps to avoid influencing the reader vote.

All of the books feature the author’s iconic twisty plots, swoon-worthy romance, and coastal Nantucket setting. You’ll find historical fiction, murder mysteries, family dramas, and plenty of beloved characters and local spots among the picks. 

Starting Aug. 13, you’ll have 10 days to determine which of Elin Hilderbrand’s most popular books is the best. We’ll narrow the field based on your votes, and a champion will be announced on Monday, Aug. 25.

Hilderbabes, it’s your time to shine.

Vote in the Elin Hilderbrand book bracket 🏖️📚

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Annie Jonas is a Community writer at Boston.com. She was previously a local editor at Patch and a freelancer at the Financial Times.

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