Just a fun beach read. Not my favorite Elin Hilderbrand book, but I enjoyed it. I loved Harper the bad twin, of course and I enjoyed her and Tabitha's story. Just didn't grab me like her other books. Still a good read if you like Elin Hilderbrand and Nantucket, which I do.

First sentence: Like thousands of other erudite, discerning people, you've decided to spend your summer vacation on an island off the coast of Massachusetts.
Last sentence: Fish barks.

This book is incredibly refreshing. Elin does a great job of bring the readers along from the very first page. Filled with colorful pictures of summer in Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard, it's the perefect summer read.

This is one I have been recommending to my readers this spring and summer. It was flawless, interesting, funny, sad, tragic and it had a great ending. Elin Hilderbrand is the queen of summer reads and this one did not disappoint me. Having two beautiful islands to read about, Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard was great. The twin sisters Tabitha and Harper were so different, and I really enjoyed getting to know them in the story. I loved the family drama and enjoyed seeing them come together. Very well done.

Another great summer/beach read by Elin Hilderbrand. Loved this story...have shared it w/ all of my reading friends.

While I was very excited to receive a copy of this ARC, I must admit to being a little disappointed with the story. I did not like the characters and they never did "grow" on me and the whole one island over the other got old real quick. It's an easy read just not one of my favorites.

When I think of summer, I think of diving into a good Elin Hilderbrand book. I have never been to Nantucket or Martha’s Vineyard but I feel as if I have with her wonderful writing.

This go-round we have identical twin sisters, Harper and Tabitha, who once close, have grown up separately since their parents’ divorce. Harper lived in Martha’s Vineyard with her dad Billy. He has been ill for quite some time and when he passes, she has to call her mom and sister and let them know. Tabitha has lived in Nantucket with her designer mother Eleanor and her teen daughter Ainsley. Ainsley is a bit of a wild child. When the two switch places so Tabitha can refurbish Billy’s house, their lives change beyond what they can imagine.

Like I said, summer = Elin Hilderbrand. This is the perfect beach book. This is a good sisters book. This is a good family book. I had a hard time with Tabitha for a while, she really seemed to be a cold fish, but of course, those feelings changed as she changed. I really loved Harper from the start, her missteps and all. If you are looking for an easy, entertaining read, this one’s for you.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Little, Brown and Company in exchange for an honest review.

Absorbing, enchanting, and absolutely irresistible!

This story is set on the picturesque islands of Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard and gives us a glimpse into small-island living, complete with alluring beaches, endless sun, infinite gossip, and competitive rivalry. It is told from three different perspectives; Harper, a free spirit who is fun and kind but often impulsive and reckless; Tabitha, Harper’s mature, responsible, workaholic identical twin who struggles with underlying grief; and Ainsley, Tabitha’s teenage daughter who is popular, spoilt and in desperate need of some additional parenting.

The writing is flawless. The plot is a perfect blend of heart, hope, angst, and drama. And the characterization is well-developed with a wonderful cast of characters, including three generations of strong, determined women who learn to embrace the future and let go of the past.

This is, ultimately, a story about family dynamics, sister relationships, heartbreak, secrets, expectations, loss, grief, forgiveness, dreams, love, discovering one’s true self and the undeniable special bonds between twins. It is the perfect summer read. It sweeps you away to another place, gives you some tears, gives you some smiles and I absolutely adored it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

Remember that cute little girl on Bewitched named Tabitha and how she would twitch her nose and be so adorable. Well, this Tabitha is nothing like that. This Tabitha is not a nice person. She's very snooty, condescending and selfish. And she dislikes her twin sister, Harper, a LOT!

Harper and Tabitha are identical twins who were separated in their teens when their parents got divorced. Their mother decided she didn't want to be living alone and made the girls pick which one was going to live with her and who was going to live with their father. Yes, Tabitha got a lot of her personality from her uptight mother. Prior to this decision, the girls were best friends and did everything together.

Fourteen years later, Tabitha has a 16 year old hellion (daughter) and has just kicked out her latest boyfriend. Tabitha lives in Nantucket and has been pampered most of her life without her sister. Harper lives in Martha's Vineyard and has worked every menial job you can think of to make ends meet. She's just lost her latest job and is facing what to do with their father's house after his recent death.

This was a very good read with just about everything in it. I really felt for Harper and Tabitha definitely got on my nerves. However, I am glad of the time I got to spend with them and really enjoyed it. Definitely a great beach read!

Thanks to Little, Brown and Company and Net Galley for providing me with a free e-galley in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.

I would like to thank Elin Hilderbrand, Little, Brown and Company and Netgalley for giving me this book for my honest review.
Review by Stephanie
5 Stars
Nothing screams Welcome Summer like an amazing Elin Hilderbrand book!
Elin does an amazing job telling the story of twin sisters Tabitha and Harper. The twins have not spoken to each other in 14 years due to drama. One lives on Martha’s Vineyard and the other at Nantucket, sooo close yet worlds away. But this summer they are switching location, this happens out of a rivalry…who is living in the better location.
In true Elin fashion this book took me on an amazing journey to the beachy Martha’s Vineyard/ Nantucket area! This book should be in everyone’s beach bag, on every lawn chair and by every pool. The Identicals has it all….gossip, family drama and full of juicy scandal. This book will entertain you with every word.
I can not wait to read more from Elin Hilderbrand!

If I had to describe The Identicals, the newest release by the Queen of Summer Novels, Elin Hilderbrand, I would have to say drama.

 Drama, drama, drama.

 Estranged sisters, wild teenaged daughters, love affair, family betrayal, loss and good ol’ fashion gossip surrounds the core of this plot making it a delicious summer, beach read!

 When Billy dies in Martha’s Vineyard, his daughter Harper is forced to call up Tabitha and Eleanor. Her identical twin sister and mother, whom she hasn’t spoken to in years. Making the trip from Nantucket, Tabitha arrives with her rebellious daughter, Ainsley in tow.   A bit of mistaken identity and mishaps ensue as the girl’s struggle with old demons and to help tie up their father’s estate. A story of lost loves, once buried battles and the importance of family, Tabitha and Harper come to realize their bond is more important than the resentments that tore them apart.



 This was just a fun read. Most of Hilderbrand’s novels are and I always like to indulge in one of her novels to start my summer.   Commonly set in Nantucket, Hilderbrand switches it up in The Identicals by bringing us, not only to Nantucket but also to the neighbouring island, Martha’s Vineyard. Just as these vacation spots are rivals, so are the sisters at the core of this plot and I thought that was so clever! Hilderbrand uses the juxtaposition of the islands to mirror the sisters.

 This one has a Trading Places meets The Parent Trap for adults types of vibe.  The sisters, identical twins, are commonly mistaken for each other and they end up using that to their advantage.

I read this one in a single sitting; it had me sucked in for the entire afternoon! If you are a fan of Hilderbrand and are looking for your next summer beach read, this one is a no-brainer. I think it’s her best one yet!!

The Identicals by Elin Hilderbrand is her latest summer beach reads. Every women I know looks forward to a new Elin Hilderbrand book for the summer! And The Identicals is an excellent summer read so I know all friends are going to love this one.

I have two sons who are identical twins so I am always fascinated by the telepathy and closeness of twins. I am pleased with the way that Hilderbrand dealt with twins Harper and Tabitha.

Elin Hilderbrand's books always have great characters. Both Harper and Tabitha were sympathetic characters that I could relate to.

The Identicals is set in both Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard. I have never been to either place so it was fascinating to learn more about them. I want to visit both of them!

The Identicals is a great book to kick off your summer reading with. It is available on June 13th.

Highly recommend The Identicals.

This is one of my favorite books by Elin Hilderbrand. I thought the characters were well developed and I liked the plot. Kind of like a grown up twin switcheroo.

For me, Elin Hilderbrand has become synonymous with summer. Her new release means it’s time for my annual trip to Nantucket—okay, not really, but a girl can dream, right? Or remind her husband incessantly, for the entire read, that they need to find the time to make an actual trip to the island. So, I’ll just go with, my proverbial bags are packed instead—bikini, flip-flops and floppy hat—and I’m ready to stick my toes in the sand, bask in the sun and let everything, other than the sound of the waves, drift away with her new book in my hands. Sounds like heaven, right?

A little sibling rivalry is only natural, but what about being estranged from your twin sister for fourteen years? The really incredible part about it, Tabitha and Harper have only lived eleven miles apart for all of that time. Sure, they’ve resided on different islands, one on Nantucket and the other on Martha’s Vineyard, separated by miles of ocean water, but still. Is there any worthy excuse for not making the short ferry ride over to see your sister?

Surprisingly enough, the downfall of their relationship started with a game of rock, paper, scissors. And not just any game. This particular bout with chance was the determining factor—which twin was going to live which parent, after the divorce. With a win, Harper ended up on Martha’s Vineyard with their easy-going dad, while Tabitha's loss landed her on Nantucket, doomed to live under the weight of their mother’s expectations. Can you say resentment?

Fast forward and the twins are now pushing forty and living completely different lives. Harper is pretty irresponsible and has garnered a bad reputation, only made worse by her latest error in judgement. Meanwhile, Tabitha is a single-mother to an out of control teenager, working in her mother’s failing store, and struggling to move on from her past. It takes the death of their father to bring the twins face-to-face and align the stars for a 'switch' of sorts. A timeout from their actual lives might be just what they need to gain some perspective.

It’s not an easy thing, getting past the years of resentment, hurt and ultimately blame. High on the drama, gossip and family dynamics, Elin Hilderbrand keeps things interesting, to say the least. Rest assured, there isn’t a dull moment with these ladies around.

From the acknowledgements, you can tell this one was sort of near and dear to Elin Hilderbrand’s heart, being a twin sibling herself and of course, calling Nantucket home. Throughout the story, she pays homage to the things that make Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard special; it’s a love letter of sorts to the two islands and might even come in handy as a travel guide *wink, wink*. She feeds into the apparent rivalry going on between the two islands, which I thought was was a nice touch and fitting for this story of twin siblings.

Favorite Quote
“The most underrated force at work in the universe is that of coincidence. And yet who among us hasn’t been at it’s mercy?”

I look forward to the summer for the simple pleasure of knowing I will be blessed with an Elin Hilderbrand novel and this one is my favorite by far. In the Identicals, we meet identical sisters Tabitha and Harper who couldn’t be more opposite. When their parents got divorced they decided to split the sisters and when they couldn’t decide who would go with whom, they play rock paper scissors to decide their fate. Tabitha grew up with a fashion designer mother who likes the finer things in life and who only wanted the best things in life. Harper grew up with her father who leads a simple life, so different from her mother and sister. While they only lived a ferry ride away both sisters had no contact with each other for years after the death of Tabitha’s son.

After their father has died Tabitha and her mother along with her daughter make the trek to pay their respects and say goodbye, while there we find out that Harper has a boyfriend and also has been having an affair with her father's doctor. When her affair is exposed and her world tumbling down around her she decides she needs to leave. When an accident happens and she receives a call that her sister needs her help she soon goes to be with her niece. What happens next is a series of secrets as to why they aren’t close and how this has torn them apart as sisters and as a family.

I love nothing more than a story that centers around family especially those evolving sisters. The dynamics and emotions that are exposed are amazing. We see how each sister’s life might have been if each had been with the other parent and how their lives could’ve been totally different. However what I loved most were the sisters themselves and how old emotions needed to be brought back to the surface and finally settled. We see how those long ago feelings suffocated both of them and their ability to forgive and move on. This novel was wonderfully written and it made me laugh and cry. The sisters as much as they claimed to be different they were indeed very much alike. In the end, all they wanted was love. Love from others, their parents and especially from each other, through everything, in the end, they truly got what they have been searching for. I highly recommend this stunning read and it’s a must have on every summer reading list.

The Identicals is the story of twin sisters who are approaching 40 and have been estranged for many years, even though they only live a couple of hours apart.
They were both self-centered and morally questionable individuals who seemed to be stuck at the maturity level of teenagers.

Ainsley, the daughter of one of the twins, was a horrible brat, but she seemed to try and improve herself much more effortlessly than the adults. One can give Ainsley a bit of a pass for her bad behavior, as she had little to no parental guidance.

The one interesting thing about the twins was the scandal that seemed to follow them everywhere. I was shocked at the behavior of Harper and Tabitha at various times throughout the story.

It was nice to watch each of them grow up a little by the end of the book and rekindle their relationship. I found the circumstances contributing to the twins’ estrangement to be a bit unbelievable. Also unbelievable was the fact that their mother, who seemed in every way a strong, opinionated woman, let the estrangement go on for years until she finally intervened.

The book was a bit predictable, a bit scandalous, but heartwarming and enjoyable for a summer read. Erin Hildebrand is so great at bringing Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard to the minds of her readers. For those who have never been to these places, there are quite a few passages pointing out the differences in the two and describing the personality of each location.

I enjoyed the book--it was quite entertaining! This is a great vacation novel or something to read when you aren’t wanting anything too heavy.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for the advance read copy in exchange for an honest review.

I was hoping for a good beach read to kick off the summer. I found an ok book, with the same reoccurring theme of authors lately--some family member mad at another for something they had no control over, the same people being mad/assumptions happening, victims who make stupid choices. The drama was so predictable, however I kept reading with high hopes. It's an ok read, nothing new, & can be read in about a day or two.

Elin Hilderbrand is one of my favorite authors, one I associate with the start of summer, as I always preorder her novels. I was thrilled to earn the opportunity to read an advance reader copy of The Identicals, courtesy of NetGalley, in exchange for my review.

The story bounces back and forth from the perspectives of twin sisters, but I was so tickled Hildebrand included the islands of Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard and Fish the dog as narrative characters as well. The story reads quickly and has some emotional roller coaster highs and lows, which I expect from Hilderbrand - the lows tug at your heartstrings and of course we all want that happy ending as the novel comes to close. This will be an enjoyable read this summer for all Hildebrand fans. Well done!

I could not get into this book at all. Too many uninteresting, unlikable characters that I couldn't have cared less about.

I have read a couple of Elin Hilderbrand's other novels and this one is by far the best. I loved the whole concept of this one! I don't know if it is because I have identical twins myself or because I love Martha's Vineyard so much, or a little bit of both. but I couldn't put this one down. Both women have major flaws so at first it was difficult to feel empathy for either, but as their story unravels, both the one of them as a twin set and of them each individually, it all began to make more sense and I could see why they each were the way they were. As I was reading I couldn't help but think that they each belonged on the island they had switched to live on with their sister, but maybe they just both needed to get out of their current situation to really get to a place of understanding of each other and of growing as individual women. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys contemporary women's fiction.

Quite honestly, there is something about Elin Hilderbrand's writing that makes a reader just want to sink their toes into the sand. This is the third book of the author's that I have read, but it was certainly not my favorite. The Identicals refers to 40 year old twin sisters, Harper and Tabitha. The two sisters have held a tense stand off for many years, but their father's death and their mother's ill-health brings them into reluctant contact with each other. Not to mention that Tabitha's sixteen year old daughter, Ainsley is eager to discover what drove the two sisters apart in the first place. A lot of events occur that cause the sisters to re-examine old wounds and memories that they would have rather forgotten.

There is no doubt about it- like her fellow contemporary authors, Luanne Rice, Kristin Hannah, and Diane Chamberlain, Hilderbrand has her finger on what type of heartache can be inflicted on families in a variety of circumstances. I notice the 4 and 5 stars for this book and I have no doubt that there were will be many more. It's just for me, I didn't feel the usual reading pleasure with the setting, the characters, and the plot I am tired of families fighting and I am really, really, really tired of siblings being stupid- real life and in fiction! I have one sibling and he and I made a promise a long time ago that we would never descend into pettiness like so many of our other relations. In the book, Harper and Tabitha stay silent on the death of Tabitha's infant son and when it was all revealed as to what actually happened- I literally had to put the book down and say " This is so stupid!" Which was definitely, a surprise to all the people at the cafe I was sitting in this morning. In fact, I was quite bothered by the actions of many of the characters, I have absolutely no clue what would ever enter the mind of a woman that the best way to get back at her sister is to have a bunch of sex with random men. Or that the best way to get back at your high school boyfriend or your mother is to engage in all kinds of juvenile behavior.

Verdict: It will work for many, but I definitely failed to connect with this family drama.