☀️ Elin Hilderbrand’s Best Island Escapes: 5 Novels That Will Sweep You Away

If you're craving drama, sunshine, and page-turning stories set in idyllic coastal locations, Elin Hilderbrand delivers every single time. Known as the Queen of the Beach Read, Hilderbrand crafts unforgettable characters, tangled relationships, and secrets that simmer just beneath the surface.

Here are five of her best island novels — perfect for summer reading, book clubs, or escaping the day-to-day.

🏝 1. The Identicals

Sisterhood. Secrets. Two rival islands.

Identical twins Harper and Tabitha Frost have lived separate lives on Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard. But when fate forces them to switch places, long-held resentments and buried truths come to the surface. This book is a smart, witty exploration of identity, family, and forgiveness.

💡 Perfect for fans of sister dramas, dual settings, and personal reinvention.

🌴 2. Winter in Paradise

A husband's secret life on a Caribbean island change everything.

When Irene Steele’s husband dies unexpectedly, she discovers he had a second life on the island of St. John. As Irene and her sons uncover the truth, they find more than just answers — they find new beginnings. This is the start of the Paradise Trilogy, full of sun, scandal, and soul-searching.

💡 Great for readers who love tropical escapes and juicy family mysteries.

🌞 3. Golden Girl

A mother’s last summer to watch over her children — from beyond.

After a fatal accident, novelist Vivian Howe is granted one last summer to observe her children — and three “nudges” to influence their lives. Funny, heartfelt, and magical, Golden Girl is a story about motherhood, legacy, and the art of letting go.

💡 For readers who love emotional fiction with a touch of the supernatural.

💍 4. The Perfect Couple

A dreamy Nantucket wedding. A dead body. And too many secrets.

When a body is found on the morning of a glamorous wedding, police quickly realize that everyone has something to hide. With a sharp eye for social dynamics and a killer sense of suspense, Hilderbrand weaves a wedding weekend whodunit you won’t be able to put down.

💡 Now a Netflix series starring Nicole Kidman — and perfect for fans of Big Little Lies or The Guest List.

🏄 5. Summer of ’69

One unforgettable summer. Four very different siblings.

Set during the tumultuous summer of 1969, this historical novel follows the Levin family as each sibling navigates personal change amid national upheaval. With Nantucket as the backdrop and the moon landing, Vietnam War, and civil rights movement setting the stage, Summer of ’69 is a nostalgic, powerful novel about growing up and growing apart.

💡 A great pick for fans of historical fiction, coming-of-age stories, and multi-generational family sagas.

📚 Ready to Escape?

From the beaches of Nantucket to the secrets of the Virgin Islands, Elin Hilderbrand’s novels are tailor-made for beach bags, weekend getaways, or simply curling up with a glass of wine.

🛒 Shop these titles on our website - Click a title to order today!

• The Identicals

• Winter in Paradise

• Golden Girl

• The Perfect Couple

• Summer of ’69

💬 Join the Conversation

Which Elin Hilderbrand novel is your favorite? Tell us in the comments below or tag us on Instagram @belleplainebooks using #IslandReadsWithElin!

Finding Meaning in the Everyday: 3 Life-Changing Books by Mitch Albom

Mitch Albom books

There’s something deeply comforting about Mitch Albom’s writing. His stories don’t just entertain — they reach in. They sit with you in quiet moments, offering reflection, healing, and a gentle reminder that life, in all its messiness, is meaningful.

If you're looking for stories that help make sense of grief, love, forgiveness, and second chances, these three books by Albom are a great place to start:

💫 The Five People You Meet in Heaven

What if the afterlife wasn’t about golden gates and clouds — but about understanding your life in full?

In this modern classic, Albom introduces us to Eddie, a seemingly ordinary man whose life had a greater impact than he ever imagined. After dying in a tragic accident, Eddie meets five people in heaven who each reveal how their lives were touched by his.

This book reminds us that no act is too small, no life too insignificant. It’s a powerful message about how we're all connected in ways we rarely see.

Why you’ll love it:

• Makes you rethink your own legacy

• A comforting take on what lies beyond this life

• Great for anyone reflecting on purpose or loss

⏳ For One More Day

Imagine getting just one more day with someone you’ve lost. What would you say? What would you do differently?

For One More Day follows Chick Benetto, a man consumed by regrets and broken by life. Just when he feels there's no way forward, he’s given a miraculous chance to spend one more day with his late mother. What unfolds is a heartfelt journey of forgiveness, healing, and understanding.

This book is especially poignant for anyone who has experienced grief — and wished, even for a moment, that they could turn back time.

Why you’ll love it:

• Explores mother-child relationships with deep tenderness

• Speaks to the universal experience of loss

• Offers redemption and hope for wounded hearts

📖 Tuesdays with Morrie

The book that started it all — and still one of the most beloved memoirs of our time.

Tuesdays with Morrie is the true story of Mitch Albom’s weekly visits with his old college professor, Morrie Schwartz, who is dying from ALS. Each Tuesday becomes a masterclass on life, love, work, death, and everything in between. With each conversation, Morrie imparts wisdom that is equal parts gentle and profound.

This is not just a book about dying — it’s a guide on how to live.

Why you’ll love it:

• Real-life inspiration and wisdom

• Emotional, honest, and deeply human

• Ideal for those seeking perspective or facing life transitions

🕊 When God Whispers Your Name

(Bonus Pick by Max Lucado)

While not written by Mitch Albom, this spiritual classic by Max Lucado resonates with similar themes — hope, grace, and the quiet power of God’s love. It’s perfect for readers looking to deepen their spiritual reflection alongside Albom’s emotional storytelling.

📚 Final Thoughts

Mitch Albom’s books are more than just stories. They’re invitations — to reflect, to forgive, and to see the sacred in the ordinary. Whether you're going through a difficult season or just craving a soul-stirring read, these books offer something rare: comfort, depth, and perspective.

Have you read one of these titles? Which one spoke to you the most? Let’s talk in the comments below.

Why Nat Enough is a Must-Read Graphic Novel Series for Middle Schoolers

In the world of middle-grade graphic novels, Nat Enough by Maria Scrivan stands out as a relatable and heartwarming series that perfectly captures the struggles of growing up. From friendship drama to self-confidence issues, this series resonates deeply with kids navigating the challenges of middle school.

What is Nat Enough About?

The Nat Enough series follows Natalie (Nat), a middle schooler dealing with feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. When her best friend drifts away to join the popular crowd, Nat embarks on a journey of self-discovery, learning that she is more than enough just the way she is.

As the series progresses through Forget Me Nat, Absolutely Nat, and Nat for Nothing, readers see Nat tackle new obstacles, from crushes to summer camp and even finding her hidden talents. Each book offers a heartfelt lesson wrapped in humor, engaging storytelling, and colorful illustrations.

Why Kids Love This Series

✅ Relatable Characters: Nat’s experiences mirror real-life middle school struggles, making her an easy character to connect with.

✅ Funny and Engaging Storytelling: Maria Scrivan blends humor with important messages, keeping readers entertained while teaching valuable lessons.

✅ Vibrant Illustrations: The colorful, expressive art style enhances the emotional depth of the story.

✅ Empowering Themes: The series promotes self-acceptance, resilience, and the importance of true friendships.

Perfect for Fans of…

If your child loves Raina Telgemeier’s Smile or Sisters, or Terri Libenson’s Emmie & Friends series, they will love Nat Enough! The blend of humor, heart, and relatable middle school experiences makes it a fantastic addition to any young reader’s bookshelf.

A Must-Have for Parents, Teachers, and Librarians

Not only is Nat Enough entertaining, but it also serves as a great conversation starter about self-esteem, kindness, and handling social challenges. Parents can use it to discuss friendship dynamics with their kids, while teachers and librarians will find it an engaging book to recommend in classrooms.

Final Thoughts

Maria Scrivan’s Nat Enough series is more than just a graphic novel—it’s a confidence-boosting and feel-good read that every middle schooler can relate to. Whether your child has ever felt “not enough” or just loves a fun and engaging story, this series is a must-read!

📖 Have you or your child read Nat Enough? Share your thoughts in the comments below!