Christine Lee chatted with celebrated author Elin Hilderbrand to discuss her final Nantucket-based novel, “Swan Song,” marking the end of an era for both the author and her loyal readers. This exclusive interview about "Swan Song" — thanks to Annie Philbrick, owner of Bank Square Books — is also Christine’s Book Club July pick. Listen to the full interview below as Elin shares insights into ‘Swan Song,’ her many projects in development, her readiness for retirement, and upcoming books she’s working on both solo and with her daughter. She also reflects on the profound impact her summer books have had on readers during tough times and reveals the true identity of the recurring character Blonde Sharon. Plus, find out if you’re not alone in being tempted to buy items Elin mentions in her books, like Lilly Pulitzer clothes, Drybar hair products, and Nantucket Looms soaps!
Exciting News for Fans: Upcoming Adaptations
Fans of Hilderbrand have much to look forward to beyond her latest novel. Christine uncovered some thrilling updates during the interview:
The Perfect Couple: Set to debut on Netflix as a limited six-episode series starring Nicole Kidman, Liev Schreiber, Dakota Fanning, Eve Hewson, and Meghann Fahy. Filmed in Chatham on Cape Cod with additional Nantucket footage, this series promises to bring the island to life like never before.
The Five-Star Weekend: Optioned by Peacock, this adaptation is eagerly awaited by fans. Elin shared that Bekah Brunstetter, known for her work on This Is Us and a Tony nominee for The Notebook, is writing the script.
28 Summers: Slated to be made into a movie, with the script completed and currently in the casting phase.
The Winter Series: Set to be pitched this fall ensuring more of her captivating storytelling will reach the screen.
Looking Ahead: New Projects
Elin Hilderbrand isn’t stepping away from writing entirely. She and her daughter, Shelby Cunningham, are co-authoring two novels set at a New England boarding school, inspired by Shelby’s experiences at St. George’s School in Rhode Island. This new series promises a fresh setting with the familiar depth and insight into complex characters that readers love.
Additionally, Hilderbrand has launched Season Two of her podcast Books, Beach, and Beyond with Tim Ehrenberg. The new season features a dynamic lineup of authors and influencers, with the first episode focusing on Swan Song and Hilderbrand’s retirement.
A Deep Connection with Readers Gives Elin a New Layer of Meaning and Purpose
During her interview with Christine Lee, Elin Hilderbrand shared a touching story about how her books serve as an escape for readers. Christine revealed that she used Elin’s novels to escape while undergoing chemo in 2020 and again during her current battle with lymphoma. Elin choked up, recalling similar stories from other readers.
“Yeah, I mean, it’s something that I had to learn. Early in my career, when I had little kids, I really wasn’t thinking about the impact of my books. I was just trying to escape for myself from the grind of having children. But as I got older and more people reached out to me, especially through social media, I learned that people going through difficult times were turning to my books to escape.”
Elin explained how readers would tell her they were sitting in the chemo chair and didn’t want to think about cancer, so they read her books to transport themselves to the beach. She shared a personal anecdote from her own life: “I had a summer like that when I was 16 years old. My father died in a plane crash, and every summer until then we’d gone to the Cape for a month in July. After he died, I had to get a job and worked in a Halloween costume factory, and it was so bad. I always say I needed an Elin Hilderbrand [type book] that summer—to escape and feel like I was at the beach.”
Knowing that her novels provide solace and escape during readers’ darkest times gives Elin’s career an added layer of meaning and purpose. “When people tell me how my books helped them through tough times, it touches me deeply and makes me so grateful for the connection I have with my readers.”
This deep bond with her readers inspires Elin to keep writing, even as she transitions from her beloved Nantucket novels. Fans can look forward to a new Hilderbrand novel co-authored with her daughter, Shelby, set for release in September 2025, with a follow-up planned for September 2026.
Pick up your copy of "Swan Song" at Bank Square Books in Mystic or at BankSquareBooks.com — remember to support your local, independent booksellers.