
"The Castaways ... They had all washed up on the shores of Nantucket, and they had stayed and made it their home. They had found each other. Everyone agreed it was the right name." - The Castaways by Elin Hilderbrand
Four Nantucket couples. Their lives unusually intertwined. One tragic accident. Mourning and sadness all around. Guilt and mystery. Friendship. That pretty much sums up The Castaways
Who are the "Castaways?" They are four couples: the MacAvoys, Kapenashes, Drakes and Wheelers. Over the years, they become really good friends. You know, almost a love rectangle times two (plus one, a student named April) with the classic "grass is always greener on the other side" scenarios. The rectangle gets completely thrown out of kilter when one couple, Greg and Tess MacAvoy, sails out to the Vineyard for their anniversary, hoping to patch their marriage back together, trying to leave behind the rumors that Greg had an affair with one of his students, April Peck. Instead, their boat capsizes and they drown. Their friends are left in a state of shock after the deaths and they all struggle to deal with unanswered questions and their own grief.
Elin Hilderbrand is known for her riveting Nantucket summer reads, many of them bestsellers. The Castaways
Hilderbrand tells her story in an interesting way, through her characters. The chapters alternate between the six bereaved friends, each one recounting details from his or her own point of view, each one reminiscing about past events and expressing present feelings. The mystery surrounding the drowning and the relationships between the characters drive the plot. If you are looking for an emotion filled book packed with plenty of drama, scandal and some soul-searching, you'll want to read this one.
The Castawaysby Elin Hilderbrand. Little, Brown and Company (July 2009); 368 pages; ISBN 9780316043892
Related Links:
Elin Hilderbrand - Author Website
Book Excerpt
Original "The Castaways" cocktail recipe
Facebook: What Summer Cocktail Are You? (I'm a Gin and Tonic!)
Hachette Early Birds Blog Tours List of all the participating bloggers in The Castaways July Blog Tour

To enter, please answer the following question: In your opinion, what location would make the perfect setting for a summer/beach novel? Or, leave any comment relevant to this post. Thanks!
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• Contest ends on Monday, July 20th, 2009 at 11:59 PM CST.
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2nd extra entry: Blog about this contest then post your link in the comment section.
3rd extra entry: Follow me on twitter (iambrimful) and tweet about the contest.
145 comments:
Maine on the coast, most definitely. We lived in Maine for over 5 years in several different areas. The coast is lovely. (Camden, Maine or Owls Head)
gahome2mom at gmail dot com
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gahome2mom at gmail dot com
Good Morning!
I follow you and would love to be entered for this book!
Thanks!
Bondi Beach - long hot summers at a 'city' beach
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tweeted - http://twitter.com/phxbne/status/2498370663
Glad you were intrigued! :)
Chicago - a fast paced story in a fast paced city - not a lot of stories center around Chitown
msboatgal at aol.com
The perfect vacation to read would be on a cruise. How peaceful would that be?
lovestoread0708(at)yahoo(dot)com
I posted the giveaway on my blog here:
http://trishasbookshelf.blogspot.com/2009/07/giveaways-of-day_06.html
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I added you to my twitter and did a post on the giveaway..
www.twitter.com/trishalynn0708
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Well, of course, the perfect setting for any novel has to be London . . . hey, they have beaches there (well, when the tide goes out . . . um, briefly!).
lahlstedt (at) gmail (dot) com
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lahlstedt (at) gmail (dot) com
We spend 2 weeks in nantucket every year. I see these books in all the shops. I read Elin's latest and loved it (one sister was battling cancer at the beach). Thanks for the great giveaway. Would love to take this on my next trip!
Yes, that cover should have a storm cloud in one corner! Nice review. I'll amend my post with a link to your giveaway. (P.S. I'm a g&t, too!)
I have never been there myself, but from what I have heard the New Jersey shore would make a very interesting setting. The Florida Key would be another good setting.
I follow your blog.
The Costa Del Sol of Spain would be perfect for a summer beach novel. This is a beautiful area with wonderful beaches.
Perfect!
roylsue(at)telpage(dot)net
I don't get there very often, but out East, on Cape Cod, it's just how I picture summer.
JHolden955 (at) gmail (dot) com
Thanks.
I'm a follower.
roylsue(at)telpage(dot)net
I twittered this giveaway. My tweet is kona15hilo
I posted this giveaway on my blog at: http://gourdcrafter.blogspot.com/
roylsue(at)telpage(dot)net
I'd love to see a beach book set on the Alabama coast. I love the Gulf of Mexico and it's been years since I've seen it.
Email in my profile!
Kailua Beach on Oahu!
dag888888[at]yahoo[dot]com
Google reader subscriber already!
Florida's gulf coast of course.
dlodden(at)frontiernet(dot)net
The coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada is a great setting. It's wild, it's pretty and remote, and something unexpected could definitely happen.
celialarsen(at)gmail(dot)com
I follow on Blogger!
celialarsen(at)gmail(dot)com
I think that the beaches of Nice, France would make an appealing location.
wolfcarol451(at)gmail(dot)com
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wolfcarol451(at)gmail(dot)com
I think South Carolina would be a great summer/beach setting - so much culture there. Thanks! alicedemskehansen at gmail.com
South Africa. Or Belize.
And I'm a follower!
I'd be interested in reading a summer novel with the location in Yellowstone (there is a beach around Yellowstone Lake) ;)
hawkes(at)citlink.net
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hawkes(at)citlink.net
I love the East Coast and think that Maine would be the perfectlocation for a beach novel. But one location I think even would top that is a beach at Hull, MA. There's some gorgeous spots at Hull and some fabulous Bed and Breakfast facilities.
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Love the East and West Coasts, but I don't read many books that feature the beaches and towns around Lake Michigan which are also lovely.
c2cmom at gmail dot com
I would say any beach but a Texas beach--I can only imagine other beaches--Maine, Florida....
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c2cmom at gmail dot com
I think Lincoln beach in Oregon
sylviawhit@gmail.com
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sylviawhit@gmail.com
I am a big Hawaii fan. Besides if you can't go you can always read a good book about it and pretend!
saradavis1 at gmail
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follow on twitter and tweeted http://twitter.com/SaraMama/status/2508534721
hmmmm
I don't know. I think maybe a summer/beach novel that takes place on an Australia beach might be cool!
nfmgirl AT gmail DOT com
Reading a summer book about a summer place sounds like a terrific idea, thanks for the chance to win.
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This book sounds like a really great read. Please enter me into the giveaway.
Thank you,
Christine
I subscribe.
Thank you,
Christine
The Outer Banks of North Carolina
throuthehaze at gmail dot com
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Aside from the obvious places like Hawaii and Maine, I would love one to take place at Disney World. Thanks for the opportunity.
the_angel_forever at yahoo dot com
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the_angel_forever at yahoo dot com
The beaches around Savannah Ga would make a nice setting.
I'd say Cape Cod but frankly it's too cold up here.
southrngal(at)gmail(dot)com
I subscribe to you and I twettered you
Thanks for the amazing giveaway!!!
We have the most wonderful small town swimming holes(that's what the kids call them) So I thinks any Small town swimming hole would be very romantic and close to every-ones heart.
Shawna Lewis
weloveourdogs@juno.com
St. Andrew's Beach in Panama City, Florida. It's beautiful there.
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I've only ever been to the beach a few times, but I've always dreamed to going to one in Maine. I think it'd be a beautiful setting.
mommastaci33(at)yahoo(dot)com
I'm a subscriber. Thanks!
mommastaci33(at)yahoo(dot)com
Probably a Caribbean or Mexican beach somewhere.
When I think of summer, I picture Cape Cod. Or maybe the Outer Banks.
I'm a subscriber via Google Reader.
I think Kauai is a perfect locale!
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Maui or La Jolla!!
cassandra@aubut.net
Clearwater Beach FL! Its beautiful there, the sand is white, the water is clear and a beautiful blueish/green its like a paradise! Thanks for the chance to read this book.
unforgetable_dreamer_always(at)hotmail.com
following
cassandra@aubut.net
I don't make it to many beaches, but a remote beach in Nicaragua would be pretty!
bebemiqui82(at)yahoo(dot)com
Whidbey Island off the Washington coast just west of Seattle. There are actually several islands there and the weather is much milder than on the mainland. The summers are great and there is a lot of wilderness. You can rent a cabin that is far away from anyone else. I love it there. No crowds, no traffic, just peace and tranquility. And if you want the big city for the day, it is just a ferry ride away.We actually fly from Alabama to Seatle to enjoy the islands there instead of Florida which is overcrowded and over heated.
rebecca dot cox at charter dot net
I tweeted @ccqdesigns
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I follow you via google reader.
rebecca dot cox at charter dot net
I would like to give this a try. :)
misusedinnocence@aol.com
I am a new subscriber by email
photoquest(at)bellsouth(dot)net
I collect books from coastal locations I just love settings like that because it's my favorite place to go!! I love stories that take place on the islands, which technically i'm happy with just the beach setting also!!
photoquest(at)bellsouth(dot)net
I'm happy to see this giveaway (and now have this book on my "gotta read" list)! I read Hilderbrand's "Barefoot: a Novel" last year and LOVED it! She really makes you know the characters and has great story development. Am hoping this book is the same!
I subscribe!
I follow on twitter & tweeted! http://twitter.com/amweeks/status/2560643606
I think the perfect setting would be somewhere in Flordia
jen4777[at]hotmail.com
I'd say Laguna Beach :)
Thanks,
Maureen (jnomaxx at hotmail dot com)
Give me the beach up north in Michigan during a wonderful hot summer.
Dutchlvr1(at)aol(dot)com
I follow by google reader
Dutchlvr1(at)aol(dot)com
I think Panama Beach, FL would make a good one.
ayancey(at)dishmail(dot)net
I am an email subscriber!
ayancey(at)dishmail(dot)net
The Castaways by Elin Hilderbrand sounds wonderful. Thank for the amazing giveaway!!!
Have a great weekend. augustlily06(at)aim(dot)com, Thank you.
I think the Florida Keys would be a fun setting. The reviews of this book have me dying to read it. Sounds great. Thanks so much!
Thanks. pamelashockley(AT)netscape(DOT)net
I just signed up to follow!!
Thanks. pamelashockley(AT)netscape(DOT)net
I tweeted:
http://twitter.com/nfmgirl/status/2583667476
nfmgirl AT gmail DOT com
I blogged it:
http://cerebralgirl.blogspot.com/2009/07/book-giveaways-in-blogworld-07-11-09.html
Hi, I am a new subscriber and love your site, lots of great stuff on it. Please count me in for this
awesome giveaway.
In my opinion, the beaches of the Outer Banks make the perfect setting for a summer/beach novel.
Thanks!
megalon22 at yahoo dot com
I follow & subscribe via Google Reader
megalon22 at yahoo dot com
I would love to be included in your giveaway. I think Myrtle Beach would be a greating setting for a novel.
Thanks
Debbie
debdesk9(at)verizon.net
I subscribe.
Thanks
Debbie
debdesk9(at)verizon.net
The Outer Banks!
acm211 [at] gmail [dot] com
tweet http://twitter.com/kgail11/status/2599258844
I would love to read a novel set in Newport, Rhode Island. It's one of my favorite places, and I think a great setting. Thanks!
lesleymfan(at)gmail(dot)com
I already follow your blog on Blogger--thank you so much!
lesleymfan(at)gmail(dot)com
I already follow you on Twitter (username: uwsreader), and I Tweeted about this giveaway:
http://twitter.com/uwsreader/status/2600475566
Thanks!
lesleymfan(at)gmail(dot)com
Mackinac Island would be a good place for a good beach read.
denise_22315(at)yahoo(dot)com
The absolute BEST place for a summer/beach novel is in Marco Island, FL on the outerbanks of Tigertail Beach. Crystal clear blue waters, quiet, peaceful, and amazingly beautiful. Check it out!
nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
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Tweet! Tweet!
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The perfect setting would be in Maui, nicely secluded and beautiful.
Laura
lg4154@yahoo.com
I have only been to the beach twice, once to Panama City Beach and once to Myrtle Beach. Hands down, Myrtle Beach would be perfect for me.
I think Greece would be perfect.
Thanks for the giveaway!
Kimspam66(at)yahoo(dot)com
I'm a new follower (liane)
Posted under current giveaways on my blog.
http://metroreader.blogspot.com/
The South of France! aitmama (at) gmail (dot) com
Follower
tweet http://twitter.com/aitmama/status/2650141419
would love to win this one!
dcf_beth(at)verizon(dot) net
I follow - google reader
dcf_beth(at)verizon(dot) net
Oh, a beach in Maine is perfect. Would love to win! Thnaks:)
julyso@grandecom DOT net
I am also a follower & I put your giveaway on my blog, Julie's Jewels. Thanks:)
julyso@grandecom DOT net
http://julyso4463.blogspot.com/
crystal cove-it is beautiful and where Beaches was filmed.
chocolateandcroissants at yahoo dot com
tweeted: Castaways giveaway: http://bit.ly/ygFWo
chocolateandcroissants at yahoo dot com
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Perfect location: quiet beach.
Nantucket!
allygotts567 at hotmail dot com
thanks!
I think that the perfect location for a book I'd read on the beach is anywhere in Italy. I love the idea of lounging on a beach and reading a book that takes place in Italy!
heatherlbrandt (at) verizon (dot) net
I think the perfect setting would be in San Diego,CA or Cabo!
cassandra@aubut.net
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cassandra@aubut.net
I would have the novel set locally...our park is quite nice and I have two teens (15) whom I reg drop off down there for the day...usually pick them up around 1am - I know of places where you'd not even allow your child to play in their own yard, let alone have them unsupervised all day long...it would be a perfect setting :)
I like to read books that take place at a beach. I think a good location would be Ocean Beach in San Diego-a lot happening in that area.
JOYE
JWIsley(at)aol(dot)com
A Perfect location would be a beautiful little island we have here in Ohio.. Put In Bay.. it is gorgeous up there especially in the summer..
Thanks for the chance
itsjustmerene2003 at yahoo dot com
I think the beach of Wilmington, NC would be great. It has a great university and all kinds of historical places. They have carriage rides and a cobblestone street right on the water.
follower
How about an exotic locale...like Casablanca, Morocco?
vvperesk@gmail.com
Hot and steamy south! Maybe Tampa?
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following on twitter. :) @addictedknitter
A rocky beach off of Cape Cod.
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i would say astoria oregon its so romantic there thanks for the chance to win eaglesforjack@gmail.com
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In the US Sanibel Island. Otside of the US Aruba would be the perfect plave for a beach novel. enyl(at)inbox(dot)com
I am an e-mial subscriber.
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