Elin Hilderbrand doesn’t just write beach reads; she bottles the feeling of a perfect summer day. Her novels transport you to Nantucket, where you're immediately swept into the scandalous secrets of The Perfect Couple or the behind-the-scenes drama of The Hotel Nantucket. Each chapter is a mini vacation, making her the undisputed queen of escapist fiction.
When you're searching for that same magic—that perfect blend of place, people, and problems—here are 15 authors who are ready to fill your beach bag.
For those who wish they could stay in Nantucket forever, Nancy Thayer is your next stop. As another master of the island setting, Thayer explores the intricate bonds of family and friendship with warmth and sincerity. If Hilderbrand captures the island's drama, Thayer captures its cozy, sun-drenched heart.
Start with The Island House, a touching tale of love and legacy that will feel like coming home for any Hilderbrand fan.
Jennifer Weiner delivers stories with a masterful blend of laugh-out-loud humor and unflinching honesty. Her heroines are wonderfully real, navigating love, ambition, and self-worth with a wit that makes you feel like you’ve found a new best friend. She excels at tackling body image and confidence with a refreshing candor.
Jump in with her debut, Good in Bed, a landmark novel about self-acceptance that remains as funny and relevant as ever.
If you savor the hidden secrets and gossip-worthy drama in Hilderbrand's novels, you'll be captivated by Liane Moriarty. She takes domestic drama and injects it with a thrilling dose of mystery, masterfully unraveling the dark tensions that lie just beneath a community's polished surface.
Her smash hit Big Little Lies is essential reading, exploring the fierce loyalty of female friendship when faced with motherhood, marriage, and murder.
Where Hilderbrand’s sagas often unfold over a single, transformative summer, Kristin Hannah’s novels are sweeping emotional epics that span decades. She is unparalleled at portraying the enduring power of female friendship and the resilience of the human heart through life’s greatest trials.
Prepare for an emotional journey with Firefly Lane, a poignant and powerful portrait of a lifelong friendship that will stay with you long after the last page.
Jojo Moyes crafts stories that are both deeply romantic and profoundly moving, centered on ordinary people thrown into extraordinary circumstances. Her characters face life-altering dilemmas with courage and heart, making for an unforgettable reading experience that resonates with emotional truth.
Pick up Me Before You for a story about love and sacrifice that perfectly captures the kind of powerful emotional core Hilderbrand readers cherish.
Emily Giffin is an expert at exploring the messy, complicated, and wonderfully human side of relationships. Her novels often pose compelling "what if" scenarios, placing relatable characters in situations where the lines between right and wrong are blurred, particularly in matters of love and loyalty.
Her breakout novel, Something Borrowed, is a sharp, witty, and thought-provoking look at the complexities of friendship that will have you debating the characters' choices.
Reading a Susan Mallery book feels like a warm hug. She builds charming, close-knit communities you'll want to move to and fills them with characters navigating life's next chapter. Her stories are heartwarming and optimistic, perfect for when you want the comfort of Hilderbrand's cozy settings.
Try The Friendship List, a delightful novel celebrating female friendship and the courage to chase your dreams at any age.
Infused with Southern charm and a healthy dose of humor, Mary Kay Andrews’ novels are the epitome of a fun, breezy read. She often throws in a delightful mix of romance, mystery, and treasure-hunting, all set against vibrant coastal backdrops that are perfect for summer escapism.
Check out Summer Rental, a story about a group of friends, a beach house, and a fresh start that radiates pure vacation vibes.
For readers who adore the lighter, more humorous side of Hilderbrand's work, Sophie Kinsella is a must-read. Her iconic heroines are hilariously flawed and unfailingly charming, stumbling their way through life, love, and personal crises with a comedic flair that is both witty and insightful.
Begin with the book that started it all, Confessions of a Shopaholic, a delightful romp that proves self-discovery can be incredibly funny.
Beatriz Williams offers lush, absorbing historical fiction with a big dose of glamour, romance, and intrigue. Her specialty is transporting readers to another era, often focusing on strong, independent women in the early-to-mid 20th century who defy convention. The sense of a sun-soaked, secret-filled summer is a strong throughline.
Dive into A Hundred Summers, a captivating story of a 1930s New England summer packed with lost love and long-buried family secrets.
The late Dorothea Benton Frank was the queen of the South Carolina Lowcountry novel. Much like Hilderbrand's Nantucket, her settings are characters in their own right, and her books are populated with multi-generational families, Southern wit, and a deep appreciation for food, family, and place.
Fans will feel right at home with the warm, evocative storytelling in novels like Sullivan's Island.
Katherine Center writes stories that are brimming with hope, heart, and humanity. Her characters are often picking up the pieces after a major life challenge, and she beautifully chronicles their journeys of healing through personal growth, humor, and unexpected romance. She's been called "the reigning queen of comfort reads."
Her novel Things You Save in a Fire is a luminous story of courage and change that will lift your spirits.
Taylor Jenkins Reid swaps Nantucket's shores for the sun-bleached, high-stakes world of California celebrity. She creates completely immersive atmospheres, exploring the complexities of fame, ambition, and family with an sharp eye for detail. The vibe is less about preppy beach houses and more about rock-and-roll estates, but the escapist pull is just as strong.
Don't miss Malibu Rising, which unfolds over one explosive 24-hour period, packed with sibling bonds and family secrets against a vivid beach backdrop.
With a signature blend of witty dialogue, heartfelt emotion, and charming romance, Kristan Higgins creates stories that feel both comforting and real. Her novels often explore the dynamics of small-town life and the messy, beautiful reality of family, making her a perfect match for readers who love Hilderbrand's character-driven plots.
Read Good Luck with That, a poignant and humorous look at friendship and body image that showcases her talent for balancing laughter and tears.
Sarah Morgan's contemporary romances are pure feel-good fiction. Her books often whisk you away on an adventure—be it a road trip across the country or a holiday in a picturesque locale—and celebrate the power of stepping outside your comfort zone and forming unexpected connections.
Her novel The Summer Seekers is a delightful exploration of intergenerational friendship and new beginnings, guaranteed to leave you smiling.
While no one can ever truly replace the Queen of the Beach Read, these authors offer their own unique brands of escape. Whether you’re drawn to the sun-drenched settings, the tangled relationships, or the promise of a happy ending, your next great summer read is waiting.