For the past few years, my gardening track record has been… less than impressive. I’ve unintentionally earned the title of “plant killer,” and no matter how much I tried, my plants never seemed to survive.
This summer, I decided to give our second-floor balcony another chance.
A layer of artificial grass instantly made the space feel brighter, and a handful of new potted plants brought in the greenery I’d been missing..
While my gardening success is still a work in progress, my reading life has been thriving..
Knowing The Five-Star Weekend was high on my summer reading list as Amazon Prime released the new drama series… I hurried to the library and somehow managed to beat a surprisingly competitive waitlist. Now my balcony has become my favorite reading spot.. even if it calls for an iced coffee instead of a cozy blanket..
The books I’ve been reading all have one thing in common: they’re completely addictive. Whether it’s Nantucket family drama, decades-long love stories, or psychological thrillers with unforgettable twists, every one of these had me turning pages late into the evening.
If you’re searching for your next great read, here are five books I think deserve a spot on your summer TBR, along with why I loved them, what might not work for every reader, and whether they’ve made the leap to the screen.
🏖️ The Elin Hilderbrand Collection
The Perfect Couple
A luxurious Nantucket wedding takes a shocking turn when a body is discovered in the harbor just hours before the ceremony.
Watch It: Adapted into a Netflix limited series starring Nicole Kidman and Liev Schreiber.
Favorite Quote
“It can look perfect to people from the outside… but you can only guess what was going on.”
Why You’ll Love It
- A fast-paced mystery that’s perfect for vacation reading.
- Sharp social commentary wrapped in an entertaining whodunit.
- Beautiful Nantucket setting with plenty of family drama.
Why You Might Skip It
The novel introduces a large cast of characters early on, so it may take a few chapters before everyone falls into place.
28 Summers
A chance encounter leads to a tradition that spans nearly thirty years, with two people meeting for one unforgettable weekend every summer while living separate lives the rest of the year.
Watch It: A film adaptation has been announced but has not yet been released.
Favorite Quote
“You can give birth to a beautiful, perfect human being, but requited love isn’t guaranteed… for any of us.”
Why You’ll Love It
- A beautifully emotional love story.
- Nostalgic, heartfelt, and impossible not to become invested in.
- Explores how timing can shape an entire lifetime.
Why You Might Skip It
The central romance revolves around a long-term affair, which may not appeal to every reader.
The Five-Star Weekend
After a heartbreaking tragedy, a successful food blogger invites four women from different stages of her life to spend a weekend together in Nantucket. As old memories resurface, so do long-held secrets and difficult conversations.
Watch It: A television adaptation has been released a month ago.. You will love the whole vibe.
Favorite Quote
“The thing I love best about reading fiction is that it gives you a way to connect the experiences of your own life to the larger world.”
Why You’ll Love It
- A thoughtful story about friendship, grief, healing, and second chances.
- Delicious food, beautiful coastal scenery, and memorable characters.
- The perfect slow-paced summer read.
Why You Might Skip It
If you prefer nonstop action or suspense, the reflective pace may feel slower than expected.
Next on My Reading List: Swan Song
This is Elin Hilderbrand’s final Nantucket novel, and it’s currently sitting at the very top of my TBR pile.
The story follows an impossibly wealthy couple who quickly become the center of attention after moving to Nantucket.. until a dramatic house fire changes everything.
While I haven’t started it yet, I’m looking forward to one last visit to Hilderbrand’s beloved island filled with unforgettable characters, coastal charm, and plenty of juicy gossip.
Why Read It
If you’ve loved Elin Hilderbrand’s previous Nantucket novels, this promises to be a satisfying farewell.
Why You Might Wait
New readers may appreciate it even more after reading some of her earlier books first.
🤫 One Thriller I Couldn’t Put Down
The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
When celebrated painter Alicia Berenson shoots her husband five times and then refuses to speak another word, a criminal psychotherapist becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth behind her silence.
Watch It: A film adaptation is currently in development.
Favorite Quote
“The mind craves an answer.”
Why You’ll Love It
- Short chapters make it impossible to stop reading.
- One of the most memorable psychological thriller twists in recent years.
- Tense, clever, and brilliantly paced.
Why You Might Skip It
The novel explores dark psychological themes and features morally complex characters throughout.
📚 And..
Despite the relentless summer heat and almost no rain, my little balcony has become my favorite place to escape with a good book. A bit of shade, a cold drink, and a page-turner are all I really need.H
Happy Reading,
Dolly
The Dolly's Diary 
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