This book was a very different one for Elin Hilnderbrand. It took me a bit to get into it, but once I did, I really enjoyed the premise and the mystery behind all the things going on.

The Academy is a new adventure for famous Nantucket author Elin Hilderbrand. She co-wrote this one with her daughter, Shelby Cunningham. It's a campus novel set at an elite boarding school. There's plenty of drama and so much happening that's not academia-related that you have to wonder how much learning is happening! Bribery, affairs, poor decisions, etc. Maybe these students are getting prepped for the real world after all. Haha! Read and enjoy!

I love Elin Hilderbrand and I love boarding school books, so when I saw Hilderbrand was writing a boarding school book with her daughter I knew I had to snap it up! The Academy follows a year at Tiffin Boarding School in New England. There's staff drama, teen girl drama, family drama, a secret bar, a viral gossip app and so much more.

I loved the setting of this book. The school descriptions made me want to plan a fall trip to the Berkshires. It also made me wish I had gone to boarding school. Dorm life and all the events seemed like so much fun, even with all the drama.

There are a lot of characters, although I didn't feel like it was hard to keep track of them at all. The problem with so many was that I feel like they weren't all as fleshed out as they could have been. There were a lot of loose ends in this book and that bothered me a little. It seems like perhaps a sequel is already in the works?

The one thing that really bothered me was the few instances of really crass language. I'm not a prude or anything, but they just seemed out of character with the rest of the book.

Overall, this is a fun, light read and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it! Thanks to @netgalley and the publisher for the ARC!

Elin Hilderbrand can do no wrong and seeing her daughter have just as strong of a voice is such a treat. Can’t wait to see what’s in store for this duo!

The Academy marks a bold new direction for bestselling author Elin Hilderbrand, as she joins forces with her daughter, Shelby Cunningham, to deliver a juicy boarding-school drama set at prestigious Tiffin Academy in New England. What begins as a glamorous academic year becomes a bubbling cauldron of scandal, secrets, and social intrigue.

The Academy by Elin Hildebrand is about Tiffin Academy- an exclusive boarding school in picturesque New England. The story starts with move in day and continues through the many dramas of the students to graduation of that school year.

As someone who has ready many Elin Hildebrand novels, this was very different. I’m always up for a school theme novel but felt there were too many small events and not enough in the overarching plot. There were also many characters- some of whom could have been developed on a deeper level. Overall, a fast read but definitely not my favorite of her books.

Book Review- The Academy by Elin Hilderbrand and Shelby Cunningham

Thank you to Little, Brown, and Company and NetGalley for the advance copy of The Academy in exchange for an honest review.

This was my first Elin Hilderbrand novel. I was familiar with the titles of her many celebrated “beach reads,” but when I noticed that she and her daughter Shelby Cunningham had ventured into the campus drama genre- as an academic, I was intrigued. I immediately added it to my TBR, and I’m glad I did.

The novel is about Tiffin Academy, a fictional New England boarding school, and recounts one academic year in the life of its students and staff. After Tiffin unexpectedly jumps seventeen places in the national boarding school rankings, the campus community is buzzing with equal parts pride and disbelief. Then comes the arrival of Zip Zap, a new app where one or more anonymous individual(s) reveal the innermost secrets of students and teachers alike. No one is safe, and the fallout touches every corner of campus.

What really stood out to me was the eclectic cast of characters. They’re ambitious, flawed, at times over-the-top, and in some cases, pretty unlikeable. There’s Davi Banerjee, a famous social media influencer and the peers who idolize her; Annabelle Tuckerman, who is determined to gain admission to Princeton University; new girl Charley Hicks, a highly intelligent bookwork who is completely unbothered about fitting in; Dub Austin, the football quarterback still grieving the loss of his girlfriend, former student Cinnamon Peters; and Andrew Eastman, who struggled at his prior schools and was sent to boarding school by his father, who happens to be one of the school’s major donors. Presiding over all of them is Head of School, Audre Robinson, who supervises a team of teachers and administrators who have their own internal drama and personal secrets to protect.

A quick note for educators and students: one teacher’s storyline involves especially troubling behaviour. When I came across this, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to keep reading. It may help some readers to know that the teacher’s beyond inappropriate conduct is not celebrated by the authors and that it is addressed head-on by the school later in the story, which was very important and responsible.

To me, this book is about power, privilege, and sense of belonging in a cloistered academic community. It’s also about ambition, rivalry, and family dynamics when a child is away at boarding school. The authors have created a vivid and detailed academic world- I could almost picture myself walking the halls of Tiffin Academy. One small critique: a thread related to Cinnamon Peters wasn’t tied up at the end. I couldn’t tell if this was intentional, and am wondering if this might be leaving the door open for a sequel- which I’d pick up in a heartbeat. If you’re like me, you won’t want to leave Tiffin Academy behind.

If you enjoy campus novels with a sprinkle of Gossip Girl intrigue, you’ll really enjoy this one. The short chapters and multiple points of view make it a fast, binge-able read- especially once you get into the second section.

Overall, I rate this book 4.5 stars. It’s an entertaining and addictive story that kept me hooked, even if it’s more of a fun read than one with a message that lingers with you afterwards. Well done to the authors- I’d happily read more from this duo in the same genre.

I really enjoyed this book. After dropping my daughter off at college, I knew I had to start this. It had the perfect amount of mystery and some gossip. It felt a bit like a YA novel but I didn't mind.

May thanks for my gifted copy.

I really enjoyed this book. I was not sure how I would like a book written by two authors but it was very enjoyable. I felt like I was on the college campus. It had some of Elin’s voice but I can also see her daughters too. I enjoyed rooting for the kids on their littler adventures. I do hope there is a second, so we can see what’s in the letter Dub can’t open.

Book Report: The Academy

At First Glance: Ooohhhh that author… and co-author… her daughter! My heart!

The Gist: A scandalous story of one drama-filled year at a New England boarding school.

My Thoughts: ELIN!!!! SHELBY!!! please tell me we will be back at Tiffin in the fall of 2026 🙏🏼 because this one was a pure comfort to read. It felt nostalgic and highly addicting. From sun‑dappled beach dramas to the polished yet unruly world of elite boarding‑school life… you still get Elin’s signature rich multi POV, scandal and drama! The book felt very youthful and authentic which is where her daughter Shelby came into play and I thought the two delivered and I could only hope that this is just the start!

My Question for Elin and Shelby: Of course I’m going to ask this question…. Can readers expect a sequel or spin-off? If yes, was that always part of the plan?

Thank you Little, Brown and Company for the gifted E-Arc

Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Lyon.brit.Andthebookshelf/

I have read nearly all of Elin Hilderbrand’s books, and this one fits right in. I love the exploration of another setting and a boarding school book is a fantastic background for her. I don’t really feel that the daughter’s voice is very different.

I loved the school setting, and timing is good since students are going back to school.
It was interesting to learn more about boarding school life, but some of the content and prose felt like it was geared towards a YA audience. There are also a lot of characters to keep track of.
Thank you, NetGalley and the publisher, for access to this eARC.
(Only the audio cd version showed up as an option to review on Goodreads.)

If you're secretly a Gossip Girl fan, you should definitely read this book! Elin Hilderbrand teamed up with her daughter, Shelby Cunningham, to write it. Unlike most of Elin Hilderbrand’s books, which are set in Nantucket, this story takes place in the New England countryside at a fancy boarding school. The story starts in the fall and follows the students through an entire school year, mainly focusing on a group of 5th form (junior class) students. There are a lot of characters, so you'll need to pay attention to keep track of everyone. I rated this book four stars because sometimes I had to go back and reread to remember who was who.

The story is filled with gossip, romance, betrayal, rich people acting badly, and mystery. Even though the book is over 430 pages, it doesn't answer all the questions, so I hope there’s a sequel. A pair of books would be perfect! This book is meant for adults, but older teenagers might enjoy it too.

Thanks to the publisher, Little, Brown & Co., and NetGalley for letting me read this advance copy.

Title: The Academy
Authors: Elin Hilderbrand and Shelby Cunningham
Publisher: Little Brown and Company
Genre: Women’s Fiction – New Adult
Pub Date: September 16, 2025
My Rating: 3.3 Stars
Pages: 400

The Tiffin Academy was just ranked by America Today as #2 in boarding school in the US. Hmm interesting since the resident halls need to be renovated, their sports programs usually rank last place. “The Academy’ students would rank Tiffin Academy as No.1 in “Party Schools. (Yes there is such a ranking.)

The campus is beautiful, class sizes are small, and the dining hall is run by an acclaimed New York chef. Yes- they do have fun—lots of parties and school dances, and a piano man does performances in the student lounge every Monday night.

Story starts with Day 1- Move-In Day - students are Cinnamon Peter greeted by Audre Robinson who is in her sixth year as Head of School.
We are introduced to many characters including Webber ‘Dub’ Austin starting quarterback. He and Cinnamon Peters were ‘the couple’’ on campus. Last year Cinnamon wad found unresponsive in her room and it remains a ‘dark cloud’ mystery as to what happened to her.

The plot of the story features a negative website site and how it is exposing - gossip girl ‘type secrets.
There are many characters ~ I was thankful for the Kindle highlight /note feature, as it help to keep up.

Although I love psychological thrillers, I worked as a high school college counselor for over 30 years so an academic genre has always interested me.
I was sure this would be a fun read. However, it wasn’t the wow I was expecting and thought – “This was written more for Gen Z then me!”

I have been a EH fan for years and have read twenty four of her Nantucket stories- I have never physically been to Nantucket, but her stories always transported me there!

This is my first read after " The Swan Song" Needles to say- I was delighted to see a new book by her. This one is a collaboration with her college age daughter who did attend a boarding school . Last year she graduated from St. George’s School in Middletown, Rhode Island.
.She tells us that not a single real person or event is presented in this story.

Want to thank NetGalley and Little Brown and Company for granting me the pleasure of reading this early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for September 16, 2025.

I loved this fun book about a boarding school and the shenanigans young teens get into even with the supervision of adults. Getting to know the adults and the difficulties that comes with watching other peoples children was spot on. This was a first time read from this Author for me and it was fun to read that her daughter collaborated with her. Overall you want to get lost in the luxurious world of a boarding school and encounter the secrets it holds, then read this one. I want to thank NetGalley for allowing me to read of the world at Tiffin Academy.

This has the feel of an Elin Hilderbrand novel but it's different, which makes sense as it's a collaboration. I liked the idea of the boarding school and this one seems to have the details right, as Hilderbrand's novels always do. There did seem to be some fairly substantial unsubstantial plot points, which might annoy some readers, and it did read more YA than adult to me.

Thank you Netgalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this book. I am so happy to be introduced to another setting for multiple Elin Hilderbrand books that doesnt't include Nantucket. I honestly can not wait for the next book, and given the cliff hangers in this one, there has to be more right?
I loved the fish out of water Charley, who would be all of us trying to navigate the world of boarding schools. The unlikely friendships, the scheming from students, the complex hierarchy, the adults bad behavior makes for such a fun and entertaining read.
I was tickled by one part of the book that only someone who lives at the Jersey Shore would understand. In the book they refer to the area below the Chapel as God's Basement. The author comes to do book signings each summer at a very popular Bar in the Area the Parker House and its nickname has always been "God's Basement". I will never believe that it wasnt intentional and every time a character said it, it made me smile to know she is connected to the area where I live.

Thank you Little, Brown for my copy! All thoughts are my own!

I have always loved a campus novel. I’ve been fascinated with boarding school since I learned what it was as a kid and this author always delivers with the drama and rich people problems that are brain candy to read about. This book was no different and it was interesting to see a new setting and age range to read about. It was a page turner and enjoyable, but also left me wanting more and feeling unsure about some of the topics addressed.

Synopsis:

“It’s move-in day at Tiffin Academy and amidst the happy chaos of friends reuniting, selfies uploading, and cars unloading, shocking news arrives: America Today just ranked Tiffin the number two boarding school in the country. It’s a seventeen-spot jump – was there a typo? The dorms need to be renovated, their sports teams always come in last place, and let’s just say Tiffin students are known for being more social than academic. On the other hand, the campus is exquisite, class sizes are small, and the dining hall is run by an acclaimed New York chef. And they do have fun—lots of parties and school dances, and a piano man plays in the student lounge every Monday night.But just as the rarefied air of Tiffin is suffused with self-congratulation, the wheels begin to turn – and then they fall off the bus. One by one, scandalous blind items begin to appear on phones across Tiffin’s campus, thanks to a new app called ZipZap, and nobody is safe. From Davi Banerjee, international influencer and resident queen bee, to Simone Bergeron, the new and surprisingly young history teacher, to Charley Hicks, a transfer student who seems determined not to fit in, to Cordelia Spooner, Admissions Director with a somewhat idiosyncratic methodology – everyone has something to hide.As if high school wasn’t dramatic enough...As the year unfolds, bonds are forged and broken, secrets are shared and exposed, and the lives of Tiffin’s students and staff are changed forever. The Academy is Elin Hilderbrand’s fresh, buzzy take on boarding school life, and a thrilling new direction from one of America’s most satisfying and popular storytellers.” —NetGalley

What I Liked:

The Setting—Boarding school in New England will forever be a favorite setting of mine. I also loved that we went through a whole academic year with the characters and saw the seasons change.

The Drama—Very Gossip Girl esque with the Zip Zap plot line. I will say, I was hoping for a more cathartic in regard to this…kind of felt like a throw away to me. But maybe that means there is another book coming.

The Multi-POV’s—Nothing is boring when this happens and I’ve always liked this aspect of the author’s writing.

What Didn’t Work for Me:

Fatphobic Comments from Characters—It’s so hard to accurately describe how I feel about this, because I think it’s natural for self conscious teens to think and say things that are unkind. But I didn’t love all the bodytalk…however, I do know that it was part of one character’s journey. Still deciding how I feel about it.

Felt a Little Disconnected from the Story—With so many characters and so many POV’s, it’s natural to feel attached to some and want more from others. I wanted more discovery and attention applied to some plot points that felt glossed over, but it did give the vibe of being an outsider looking in.

Character Authenticity: 3/5 Overall Rating: 3.75/5

Content Warnings:

fatphobia, eating disorder (bulimia), suicide, alcohol, addiction, grief, death of a parent

Although some might consider this a young adult novel, us older folks will find it interesting too. A good story is a good story, no matter what genre it fits into. "The Academy", is about a prep school in an isolated part of Massachusetts. In a bucolic setting we meet the students, mostly from wealthy families, although the school does accept some scholarship students, and the faculty. And quite a group they are!

The book held my interest throughout. Here we learn what life is like in an elite boarding school for high school students. My only frame of reference for this kind of school was movies and Harry Potter books.

The writing is good. I especially liked the fact that the authors added definitions for more challenging words. It does help when you don't have to keep referencing a dictionary, to just keep the flow of the narrative moving. I do recommend this book, and I hope it does have good promotion. Although with Elin Hildebrand as one of the authors, it will have a built-in readership.

The Academy by Elin Hilderbrand and Shelby Cunningham is a vibrant and engaging novel set in Tiffin Academy, an elite New England boarding school that mysteriously jumps to #2 in the national rankings despite its less-than-stellar reputation for academics. The story follows a diverse cast of students and faculty as they navigate a drama-filled school year full of secrets, scandals, and shifting alliances, all ignited by a new anonymous gossip app called ZipZap. From the glamorous influencer queen bee to a determined transfer student and the young history teacher, each character’s hidden truths come to light, transforming the social fabric of the school. With vivid descriptions of campus life, elaborate parties, and complex relationships, the book masterfully balances intrigue and emotion, offering a fresh and buzzy take on boarding school dramas that is both captivating and full of surprises. This layered narrative, blending social cliques and personal challenges, makes "The Academy" a compelling read that deeply immerses you in its world.