Golden Girl
By Elin Hilderbrand
- Release Date: 2021-06-01
- Genre: Family Fiction & Literature
Description
In this #1 bestselling page-turner from "the queen of beach reads" (New York Magazine), a Nantucket novelist has one final summer to protect her secrets while her loved ones on earth learn to live without their golden girl.
On a perfect June day, Vivian Howe, author of thirteen beach novels and mother of three nearly grown children, is killed in a hit-and-run car accident while jogging near her home on Nantucket. She ascends to the Beyond where she's assigned to a Person named Martha, who allows Vivi to watch what happens below for one last summer. Vivi also is granted three “nudges” to change the outcome of events on earth, and with her daughter Willa on her third miscarriage, Carson partying until all hours, and Leo currently “off again” with his high-maintenance girlfriend, she’ll have to think carefully where to use them.
From the Beyond, Vivi watches “The Chief” Ed Kapenash investigate her death, but her greatest worry is her final book, which contains a secret from her own youth that could be disastrous for her reputation. But when hidden truths come to light, Vivi’s family will have to sort out their past and present mistakes—with or without a nudge of help from above—while Vivi finally lets them grow without her.
With all of Elin’s trademark beach scenes, mouth-watering meals, and picture-perfect homes, plus a heartfelt message—the people we lose never really leave us—Golden Girl is a beach book unlike any other.
Reviews
Made me so yearning for Nantucket
4By ABQBlytheI’ve been there many times over the years and I miss it so much. The author takes you there and you can almost smell the seabreeze. The characters are heartwarming too, and it’s a great story. I recommend it.One of her best!
5By Disappointed OutsiderI am afraid I’m almost done reading all of Elin’s books. This is an absolute favorite!!Golden Girl
5By Cat IsisI loved the characters and their flaws. Vivi gives them intriguing lives. ‘Golden Girls’ is golden!3.5 Stars
3By KJOHN131It’s clear what type of audience this caters to but enjoyed it. Very north shore prep community drama.Beautiful
5By Priscilla B. D.Beautifully written.Feel good story
5By Suz e quesSo enjoyed reading this book! It kept my interest and I really didn’t want it to be finished!Golden Girl
5By Lori Beth, ATLI believe I slipped from life and was plopped smack dab into the middle of Nantucket. Was I actually a character in this book? That’s how enchanting and truly engaging Golden Girl feels. What a wonderful albeit bittersweet vacation that I never wanted to have to leave. Hooray to Summer Girl, for the sunlit glow that never ends.Golden Girl
5By squid momVery entertaining. Cleverly written. Good beach novel. GEHGolden Girl
5By Kazie2Phenomenal…!Golden Girl
5By PhxDarBest Hildebrand book yet! Awesome characters each with individual stories all weaved together. Amazing!!Touching
5By Regaleagle59Another great view of family life on Nantucket. So much history and connected lives, and a wide range of emotions.Golden Girl
4By debrapayI enjoyed the book but there were a lot of characters. It can get pretty confusing if you read in bits and pieces and when you have time —as I do.Ok
4By DullamNot my favorite of her novels but still a good read.Golden Girl gets and Oscar
5By golden laurenI have read all of Elin’s books. She is my favorite author. This one, however, takes the cake. So many parallels to my own life I was awestruck several times while reading. As usual the character development (and food description!) is so good it’s hard to walk away from my new friends. Can’t wait to read it again!Great summer read
4By LovetheLordMoreI will admit, I heard so many good things about this book, I couldn’t wait to read it. Vivian Howe, an author, living in Nantucket, is killed by a hit and run driver while out on her morning jog. She leaves behind three grieving children, all with their own issues and now having to deal with the loss of their mother. She also leaves behind her best friend Savannah, an ex husband JP and a novel getting ready to be published. The story has several different narrators, but stays consistent with what’s going on within the story. The hit and run, though it is part of the story, is actually not the crux of it. The crux of the story is when Vivi arrives in the Beyond, she is given three nudges to assist the people she cares about and is only given the summer to use them, but she must use them judiciously. Fortunately for Vivi she’s given someone to aid her through the process. Each one of the characters within the story have their own flaws, their own secrets, grieves in their own way, and handles adversity differently which keeps the story interesting and keeps the reader engaged. Also threaded within the story is the fact that Vivi herself had a secret she never shared with any of them. Elin Hilderbrand has woven a story so enthralling that you will have a hard time putting this book down. Hildebrand’s characters are people most readers can identify with and relate to. This is the first book book I’ve read by this author and definitely plan on reading more. This is definitely a great summer read, but truly is just a really good book to read anytime.Great read
5By kriddipooAbsolutely loved it.Boring
2By Nae413This is the 4th book I’ve read by this author. The others were fairly entertaining; not great. This one was far too boring and just plain strange to me. It will be the last I read by Elin.Summer is over
5By marespiritThis is the author that defines summer! I love her books and this one is Golden!One of my favorites!
5By Tripp's MomExtremely well written, creative and endearing. I will think about this book for a very long time! Thank you!
