If you’ve searched for Elin Hilderbrand net worth, how old she is, or who her husband was, this article gives you all the answers in one place. Here you’ll find her updated 2025 net worth estimate, her exact age and date of birth, her marriage and family details, and how she built her career as the “Queen of the Beach Reads.”
Biography Key Details
| Attribute | Detail |
| Full Name | Elin Hilderbrand |
| Date of Birth | July 17, 1969 |
| Age (2025) | 56 years |
| Birthplace / Residence | Collegeville, Pennsylvania / Nantucket, Massachusetts |
| Education | Johns Hopkins University, Iowa Writers’ Workshop |
| Profession | Novelist, Author of Contemporary Romance |
| Notable Works | The Beach Club, The Perfect Couple, Swan Song |
| Husband | Married in 1995 to Chip Cunningham (divorced in 2015) |
| Children | Three |
| Net Worth (2025 est.) | $10 million – $40 million |
| TV Adaptations | The Perfect Couple (Netflix, 2024) |
Early Life & Education
Elin Hilderbrand was born on July 17, 1969, making her 56 years old in 2025. She grew up in Pennsylvania and spent summers on Cape Cod, which inspired much of her writing about beach settings. At age 16, her father’s sudden passing had a lasting emotional influence on her storytelling style.
She studied creative writing at Johns Hopkins University and later honed her craft at the Iowa Writers’ Workshop. After completing her studies, she moved to Nantucket, which became the backdrop for nearly all of her novels.
Career Journey
Early Works & First Novel
After settling in Nantucket, Hilderbrand published her debut novel, The Beach Club, in 2000. The book introduced her signature blend of romance, family dynamics, and coastal settings.
Rise to Bestseller Lists
Her following books, including The Castaways, Summer of ’69, and The Five-Star Weekend, gained massive popularity. Critics and fans began calling her the “Queen of the Beach Reads.” Many of her titles regularly appeared on The New York Times bestseller list.
Adaptations & Wider Success
In 2024, her novel The Perfect Couple was adapted into a Netflix miniseries, expanding her audience beyond book readers and boosting her income. More adaptations of her works are expected in the coming years.
Recent Work & Future Writing
Her 2024 novel Swan Song marked the conclusion of her long-running Nantucket series. In 2025, she has announced plans to collaborate with her daughter on a new series, signaling an exciting next chapter in her writing career.
Notable Books by Elin Hilderbrand
| Book Title | Year | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Beach Club | 2000 | Her debut novel set in Nantucket, introducing her signature summer romance style. |
| Summer People | 2003 | A story of love, family, and secrets unfolding over a summer in Nantucket. |
| The Castaways | 2009 | A tale of friendship and betrayal after a couple’s tragic boating accident. |
| Summerland | 2012 | Focuses on community healing after a fatal car accident involving Nantucket teens. |
| The Matchmaker | 2014 | Explores love, destiny, and the complexities of relationships on the island. |
| Here’s to Us | 2016 | A story of three women who reunite after the death of a famous chef they all loved. |
| Summer of ’69 | 2019 | A historical novel set during the iconic summer of 1969, blending family drama with cultural shifts. |
| 28 Summers | 2020 | Inspired by Same Time, Next Year, this book tells the story of a decades-long romantic tradition. |
| Golden Girl | 2021 | Centers on a novelist who watches her loved ones from the afterlife after a tragic accident. |
| The Five-Star Weekend | 2023 | A woman hosts a weekend getaway that brings together friends from different phases of her life. |
| Swan Song | 2024 | The concluding novel of her beloved Nantucket series, tying together years of storytelling. |
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Personal Life: Husband & Family
Is Elin Hilderbrand married?
Elin Hilderbrand married Chip Cunningham in 1995. The couple had three children together before divorcing in 2015. Since then, Hilderbrand has kept her private life away from public attention, focusing instead on her writing career and family.

Elin Hilderbrand Net Worth
Elin Hilderbrand’s net worth in 2025 is estimated between $10 million and $40 million. This wealth comes from decades of bestselling novels, TV adaptations, and other ventures.

Book Sales & Royalties
Having published over 30 novels, many of which became bestsellers, Hilderbrand has earned $5 million–$15 million from book royalties alone. Her works remain popular in paperback, ebook, and audiobook formats.
TV & Film Adaptations
The adaptation of The Perfect Couple in 2024 brought in licensing and production payments estimated at $500,000–$2 million, with potential for additional income depending on streaming performance.
Speaking Engagements & Appearances
As a high-profile author, she earns from speaking events, book signings, and literary festivals, which can bring in $50,000–$100,000 annually.
Other Ventures
Foreign publishing rights, audiobook deals, and special edition book releases add to her overall income, contributing an estimated $100,000–$500,000 per year.
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Social Media Overview
| Platform | Handle | Followers (approx.) | Focus |
| @elinhilderbrand | 212K+ | Book updates, lifestyle content | |
| Elin Hilderbrand | 162k+ | Fan interaction, promotions | |
| Website | elinhilderbrand.net | – | Official book list & news |
FAQs
Elin Hilderbrand is 56 years old in 2025, as she was born on July 17, 1969.
She was married to Chip Cunningham from 1995 until their divorce in 2015.
Her ex-husband is Chip Cunningham, with whom she shares three children.
Her estimated net worth in 2025 is between $10 million and $40 million, depending on book sales and adaptation royalties.
Some of her most popular novels include The Beach Club, The Perfect Couple, The Castaways, Summer of ’69, and Swan Song.
Conclusion & Future Outlook
Elin Hilderbrand, at 56 years old, continues to be one of the most successful contemporary fiction writers. Her impressive net worth, estimated between $10 million and $40 million, reflects her decades of work, bestselling novels, and the growing impact of TV adaptations.
While she ended her Nantucket series in 2024, her collaboration with her daughter and possible new adaptations ensure her career remains as strong as ever. Fans can expect more heartfelt, summer-inspired stories in the coming years.
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