Elin Hilderbrand is often called "the queen of the beach read." If you ever read her books, you will surely agree with that! Hilderbrand has built a loyal readership with her vividly drawn characters and immersive storytelling. Some of her most beloved novels, including The Hotel Nantucket, The Perfect Couple, and 28 Summers, so masterfully combine romance, mystery, and family topics, that these books are just ideal parts of the bookshelves of many readers.
Nancy Thayer
Much like Elin Hilderbrand, Nancy Thayer sets many of her novels on Nantucket, also drawing readers into stories that blend deep friendships, family secrets, and second chances. Thayer has been writing her novels for over four decades, and her stories are known for their insightful portrayals of women and their struggles: personal and romantic challenges.
One of the most notable books is Summer Love, a story about four college friends reuniting on Nantucket and confronting the choices they’ve made in life. Surfside Sisters is a perfect tale of friendship, betrayal, and personal growth as two childhood best friends navigate the challenges of adulthood. A Nantucket Wedding tells the multi-generational story about love, blended families, and the complexities of starting over.
Thayer’s writing is warm and evocative. It focuses on relationships and the emotional journeys of her characters. Her books are perfect for readers who love beach reads filled with heart and depth.
Liane Moriarty
If you’re enjoying reading the layered storytelling and complex character development found in Elin Hilderbrand's books, Liane Moriarty is your choice as an alternative! Her books, with a bit of mystery, tell sincere love stories of unique characters. The Australian author, who has written a New York Post Bestseller, is best known for her drama, humor, and suspense, often revolving around suburban life and hidden secrets.
You should check her Big Little Lies, a tale of friendship, deception, and murder, or Nine Perfect Strangers — a psychological drama about nine individuals attending a mysterious wellness retreat with unexpected consequences. You may also love What Alice Forgot — a thought-provoking novel about a woman who loses her memory and must piece together the past ten years of her life.
Moriarty’s books often feature multiple perspectives, witty dialogue, and unexpected twists. If you like intrigue and being on the edge while reading, Moriarty’s novels should be your next choice!
Mary Kay Andrews
This is another great author for those who love romance novels with a mix of humor and mystery. Mary Kay Andrews delivers stories that are fun, heartfelt, and compelling. Her books usually take place in charming Southern towns and feature strong female protagonists who need to figure out both personal and professional dilemmas. Andrews’ writing is fast-paced, witty, and infused with Southern charm.
We recommend reading Sunset Beach, a wonderful story about a woman uncovering a shocking crime while working at her father’s law firm. Or you can try reading The High Tide Club, which is a multigenerational mystery involving long-buried secrets.
J. Courtney Sullivan
Sullivan is all about literary fiction with emotional depth. For readers who appreciate introspective and richly woven narratives, J. Courtney Sullivan is a must-read. Her novels explore complex female friendships, family relationships, and personal reinvention.
You should start with her Maine — a family's annual pilgrimage to their cottage, a place of salty air, old songs, and simmering secrets. Four women, bound by blood but divided by life, arrive with their own burdens: a hidden pregnancy, a stifled desire, a long-held grudge, and a matriarch's haunting regret. Some other fascinating writings include Saints for All Occasions , about a powerful family, and Commencement, a thought-provoking novel about four college friends and their diverging paths after graduation.
Sullivan’s books are deeply character-driven, and she has a unique focus on emotional depth and life’s complexities. Her characters are complex, but so interesting to study. In her books, you can find answers to your personal life.
Emily Giffin
If you're a fan of those books that make you think about relationships, friendships, and all the messy, complicated stuff in between, you've probably stumbled upon her work. This Illinois-born author started in 2004 with Something Borrowed and has become a staple in contemporary women's fiction. This book is a beloved classic about a complicated love triangle and the gray areas of friendship and romance.
But Giffin’s great works don’t stop there. Other amazing stories include The One & Only – about love, ambition, and self-discovery, as well as Meant to Be, a story of the Kingsley family, who are practically American royalty.
There are a lot of remarkable female authors whose books will become the best companions to your trip or cozy evening! If you love the live storytelling of Elin Hilderbrand books and are looking for what to read next, these authors will surely be exactly what you were looking for. You will find a great variety of themes – be it the family dramas of Nancy Thayer, the unexpected twists of Liane Moriarty's books, or the Southern charm of Mary Kay Andrews. Make sure you check all of them while packing for vacation next time!
