Books Like...
'A Summer Affair' by Elin Hilderbrand follows the story of Claire Danner Crispin, a wife, mother, and artist who agrees to chair the Summer Gala on Nantucket, unknowingly turning her life upside down. The book delves into themes of human needs, flaws, and urges, exploring Claire's journey of self-discovery amidst an affair, family responsibilities, and the complexities of relationships. Set against the backdrop of Nantucket, the story weaves together elements of love, guilt, vulnerability, and the pursuit of happiness, creating a captivating narrative that keeps readers engaged till the surprising end.
The book is praised for its exploration of flawed yet relatable characters, particularly Claire, Max, and Siobhan. Elin Hilderbrand's writing style is commended for its ability to draw readers into the characters' lives, making them empathize with their struggles, indecisions, and growth throughout the story. The ambiance of Nantucket serves as a rich backdrop for the narrative, enhancing the emotional depth of the characters and the challenges they face, ultimately leading to a satisfying and thought-provoking read.
If you liked A Summer Affair, here are the top 21 books to read next:
- #1
Identical twins, Harper and Tabitha Frost, have been estranged for fourteen years, each living on different islands - Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket. When a family crisis occurs, the twins switch lives, leading to a summer filled with old resentments, new loves, and mistaken identities. The story delves into the complexities of family relationships, sibling rivalry, and the journey towards forgiveness, all set against the backdrop of the picturesque islands of Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard. The plot unfolds with layers of secrets, sadness, and self-discovery, making it a compelling and engaging read for those seeking an escapist beach novel.
Like thousands of other erudite, discerning people, you’ve decided to spend your summer vacation on an island off the coast of Massachusetts. You want postcard beaches. You want to swim, sail, and sur... - #2
Winter Street by Elin Hilderbrand is a Christmas-themed book set in Nantucket, focusing on the Quinn family gathering at the family-owned inn. The story revolves around the family members dealing with various personal and relationship challenges over the course of three days during Christmas. The book is narrated from different points of view, providing insights into the family dynamics, dramas, and celebrations during the holiday season.
The writing style of Winter Street combines comical situations with real-life emotions, creating a light and enjoyable read for the holiday season. The book delves into themes of love, redemption, forgiveness, and family bonds, offering a mix of drama and humor within the setting of a festive Christmas celebration at the Winter Street Inn in Nantucket.
He thinks nothing of walking into room 10 without knocking. The door is unlocked, and George hasn’t checked in yet, anyway. George is due on the eleven-thirty ferry with his 1931 Model A fire engine, ... - #3
'The Rumor' by Elin Hilderbrand revolves around the intertwined lives of two families, the Kings and the Panciks, living in Nantucket. The storyline delves into the repercussions of gossip and rumors in a small, privileged community, exposing secrets, infidelity, shady dealings, and teenage drama. Through multiple perspectives, the author weaves a tale of scandal, gossip, and human fallibility, creating a beach read filled with juicy drama and intriguing characters.
Elin Hilderbrand's writing style in 'The Rumor' is described as detailed and engaging, with a focus on character development and intricate storytelling. navigates through the complexities of relationships, secrets, and the impact of gossip on the lives of the characters, painting a vivid picture of Nantucket and its inhabitants while keeping the readers entertained with a blend of scandalous events and relatable human experiences.
- #4
"Anyone who's ever wanted to turn the page on their old life or felt the whispered promise of a new dream, and a fresh start will fall in love with Pamela Kelley's charming new novel." -New York Times bestselling author Mary Kay Andrews
TWO LIFELONG
... - #5
In "28 Summers" by Elin Hilderbrand, the story follows Mallory who inherits a cottage in Nantucket and begins a yearly affair with Jake, her brother's friend. Over 28 years, they meet annually for a secret weekend, despite their separate lives and relationships. The book weaves themes of love, loss, and infidelity, capturing the ups and downs of Mallory and Jake's relationship against the backdrop of Nantucket's summertime charm. The writing style includes yearly summaries of significant events, providing a nostalgic journey through each Labor Day weekend rendezvous and the evolving lives of the characters.
The plot of "28 Summers" revolves around Mallory and Jake's enduring love story, set against the picturesque backdrop of Nantucket. Despite the challenges they face in their personal lives, the annual tradition of meeting for a weekend getaway creates a bittersweet and captivating narrative. The book captures the complexities of relationships, the passage of time, and the sacrifices made in the name of love, making it a poignant and engaging read for fans of heartfelt romantic fiction.
What are we talking about in 1993? Waco, Texas; the World Trade Center bombing; Arthur Ashe; R.E.M.; Lorena Bobbitt; Robert Redford, Woody Harrelson, and Demi Moore; NAFTA; River Phoenix; the EU; Got ... - #6
Silver Girl by Elin Hilderbrand is a novel that delves into the aftermath of a Ponzi scheme orchestrated by Meredith's husband, leaving her ostracized and under investigation. Seeking refuge in Nantucket with her childhood friend Connie, the story unfolds as the two women navigate through their individual struggles and past grievances, finding solace and healing in their rekindled friendship. The narrative alternates between the perspectives of Meredith and Connie, offering insights into their evolving relationship against the backdrop of the picturesque Nantucket setting.
They had agreed not to speak about anything meaningful until Meredith was safely inside the house on Nantucket. First, they had the highway to face. Meredith knew it too well, just like every other Am... - #7
Golden Girl by Elin Hilderbrand is a heartfelt story about Vivian Howe, a successful Nantucket novelist who tragically dies in a hit and run accident. From the beyond, Vivian is granted 75 viewing days and three nudges to watch over her three adult children as they navigate their lives without her presence. The book weaves together elements of romance, family drama, and mystery as Vivian's children grapple with their own struggles while dealing with the loss of their mother. Through vivid storytelling, the author explores themes of love, loss, and redemption, offering a unique perspective on life after death and the enduring bonds of family.
The narrative of Golden Girl unfolds with a blend of tragedy and sweetness, as Vivian's children face challenges and revelations that shape their paths moving forward. The book delves into the complexities of family relationships, secrets, and second chances, painting a poignant portrait of grief and resilience in the face of unexpected loss. Elin Hilderbrand's writing style captivates readers with its evocative descriptions of Nantucket, engaging characters, and a storyline that combines heartwarming moments with intriguing twists, making it a compelling and memorable read.
It’s a beautiful June day, the kind that Vivi writes about. In fact, all thirteen of Vivian Howe’s novels—beach reads set on Nantucket—start in June. Vivi has never considered changing this habit beca... - #8
'The Matchmaker' by Elin Hilderbrand follows the life of Dabney Kimball Beech, a native of Nantucket who is known for her role as the Director of the Nantucket Chamber of Commerce and her reputation as a matchmaker. Dabney's ability to detect auras around couples who are meant to be together sets the stage for a story filled with love, heartbreak, and second chances. As Dabney navigates her own complicated relationships and past traumas, the readers are taken on a journey through the beautiful island of Nantucket, exploring themes of love, loss, and the complexities of human connections.
The narrative of 'The Matchmaker' weaves together multiple perspectives, revealing the intertwined lives of the characters in a small island community. Through Dabney's unique gift of matchmaking and her personal struggles, the book delves into themes of forgiveness, regret, and the impact of choices on relationships. With elements of magical realism and a touch of tragedy, the story unfolds to explore the intricacies of love and the resilience of the human spirit.
Dabney couldn’t believe it. She blinked twice, thinking she no longer had the eyes of a girl or even a young woman, thinking she hadn’t been feeling well lately, and was this a trick of her mind? Twen... - #9
"Summer of '69" by Elin Hilderbrand is a historical fiction novel that takes readers back to the tumultuous summer of 1969, exploring the lives of the Levin family as they navigate personal struggles against the backdrop of significant events such as the Vietnam War, the moon landing, Woodstock, and Chappaquiddick incident. The narrative unfolds through the perspectives of different family members, providing a multi-generational view of the challenges and secrets that shape their relationships and individual journeys. The author's vivid descriptions, rich character development, and incorporation of real historical events create a nostalgic and immersive reading experience that captures the essence of the era.
In "Summer of '69," Elin Hilderbrand skillfully weaves together the personal stories of the Levin family with the historical events of the time, offering readers a compelling blend of family drama, secrets, and coming-of-age themes set against the backdrop of a transformative summer in American history. Through the characters' interactions, evolving relationships, and introspective moments, the novel delves into themes of love, loss, resilience, and the impact of external events on individual lives, creating a poignant and engaging narrative that resonates with readers.
They are leaving for Nantucket on the third Monday in June, just as they always do. Jessie’s maternal grandmother, Exalta Nichols, is a stickler for tradition, and this is especially true when it come... - #10
Adrienne arrives on Nantucket looking for a job and begins work as the assistant manager of the Blue Bistro, a popular restaurant known for its enticing food combinations. The story revolves around Adrienne's experiences managing the restaurant and the relationships she forms with her coworkers and customers. The book delves into themes of friendship, love, and the challenges of the restaurant industry, all set against the backdrop of the beautiful island of Nantucket. The plot also explores the dynamics between the main characters, particularly the intriguing triangle involving Fiona, Thatcher, and Adrienne, adding depth and complexity to the storyline.
The writing style of the book is engaging and descriptive, with detailed descriptions of the food served at the Blue Bistro that immerse the reader in the culinary world of the restaurant. The narrative weaves together elements of romance, mystery, and personal growth, offering a compelling and evocative portrayal of life on Nantucket and the dynamics of the restaurant business.
She arrived on Nantucket Island with two maxed-out credit cards, forty borrowed dollars, and three rules scribbled on an Amtrak cocktail napkin. She spent seven of the dollars on a dorm bed at the hos...