As for Hilderbrand's books, some fall into series and others are isolated romances, mysteries, and sun-soaked dramas. But for ...

Elin Hilderbrand is done writing beach reads. The author, 52, known for her romantic novels that take place in Nantucket, Mass., opened up to The Wall Street Journal about her career change.

KELLY: That is the writer Elin Hilderbrand, a superfan, as you heard, of "Family Happiness" by Laurie Colwin. She's the author of so many engaging novels herself, including, most recently, "The ...

Hilderbrand has called Nantucket home for more than 25 years, but Boston is no stranger to her. Each year, she settles into a spot on Beacon Hill for six weeks of book revisions.

Hilderbrand’s copy of the 1980s home-gourmet bible “The Silver Palate Cookbook” is particularly beaten up. “Look at this thing!” she said, holding its pieces in her hands.

Bestselling author Elin Hilderbrand is retiring from writing her famous beach reads — see PEOPLE's picks for the best of her novels to pick up this summer.

KELLY: That is the writer Elin Hilderbrand, a superfan, as you heard, of "Family Happiness" by Laurie Colwin. She's the author of so many engaging novels herself, including, most recently, "The ...