Cover Image: Golden Girl

Golden Girl

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Member Reviews

I’ll keep this one short and sweet- I didn’t get approved for this ARC until after I had already purchased the book! I read everything Elgin Hilderbrand writes; I just love her. This book about family and unresolved paths is one of her more thought provoking texts, but it will leave you feeling warm inside! Thank you to netgalley for the arc.

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The concept was unique: famous author passes away in a tragic accident. Before moving through the gates of Heaven she gets to use three nudges to set her family/kids on the right path. Of course the kids (all young adults) are falling apart/making bad decisions. Meanwhile there is an investigation into the accident which is a hit and run - with a suspect who was a beloved family friend. I mean, it’s a bit bonkers … but somehow … SOMEHOW it works

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Another fantastic summer read by Elin Hilderbrand. Always amazed by her ability to create fresh and new ideas year after year!

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A story about one’s sudden death and the afterlife on Nantucket Island. Vivian was given the summer to watch her family live their lives after her passing, along with 3 “nudges” to be used to adjust outcomes of things for them.

The book was enjoyable with some pretty predictable outcomes, but I can never pass up an Elin story.

Nantucket is on my bucket list of places to go. I’ve enjoyed reading about the island through Elin’s stories.

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Elin Hilderbrand is usually one of my go-to authors. I like her stuff.

This one fell a little flat. I didn't connect with the characters. Actually, couldn't stand most of them. The story, while an interesting premise, left a little to be desired. And the ending seemed to wrap up too quickly and conveniently in the end.

Not sure I'd recommend. So many other better Hilderbrand novels in my opinion.

I received this book free of charge from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review

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Elin has done it again!! Golden Girl is the perfect outline on how a family deals with tragic, unexpected loss. You won’t want to put this book down! With plenty of twists and turns happening with each main character, you’ll fall in love with them all!

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Vivan Howe ,mother of three adult children , is killed in a hit and run accident one summer. She is given three "nudges' to help her children on earth.This is family drama that does not quite measure up to Elin Hilderbrand's other books. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

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Beautiful beach read. This was about a tragic accident and family secrets. It was pleasure to read and had enough twists to keep my interest throughout. Loved it!

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First loves and family secrets - it's delightful and emotional from beginning to end. A book club title for mothers everywhere.

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Things I liked: Golden Girl reads like a typical Elin Hilderbrand book with a twisted point of view. If you have read several of her books, character pop back up and it can feel like visiting an old friend. There was one element of the main characters background story that surprised me in a good way...it was a bad thing but a good twist. Things I didn't love: several of the more minor characters felt one-dimensional and a bit too predictable. Overall, this is a quick and easy read. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

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I've really come to like Elin Hilderbrand's books! This one started out a little bumpy for me, but ended up being truly enjoyable. It's somewhere in the 3.5 to 3.75 stars range - happy to round up with this one.

My biggest issue initially was the whole "watching from above" parts with Vivi. However, as the book progressed, I got used to it and, while I never actually became a fan of it, I reached a point where it didn't bother me as much as it did in the beginning. I also struggled a bit with Vivi's relationship with her ex-boyfriend. I'm guessing that part of the story was to help make Vivi seem "human" and less than perfect, but it didn't quite do it for me. A small thing in an otherwise good story.

My favorite part of this book was the characters - whether you loved them or hated them, they were all just fun to read about. I think that's actually what I like most about Ms. Hilderbrand's books - the characters. Carson and her naughtiness; Willa and her need to be perfect. Leo and his cluelessness. Even Vivi's ex-husband was interesting. But Martha - she had to be my favorite, and it was unfortunate that she was more of a supporting character.

Overall, this was just a nice, light read that still managed to throw in a lesson or two in a non-preachy way.

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Golden Girl was a breath of fresh air! I LOVED it! From the setting, to the perspective of what Heaven may be like, it’s a beautiful take on what our afterlife may look like, and how our angels impact their loved ones lives.
As with all Elin Hildebrand books, we get a little romance, a little mystery, and the best of settings. 5 stars ALL THE WAY!

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This was a well written book but slow at places. I liked the premise and the characters. The characters all have their flaws and this felt very realistic. Overall? I felt like the book was to long.

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This was another great read by Elin Hilderbrand. There is one part in this book that kind of turned me off. But I recommend checking it out still!

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Great book that has been loved by library patrons since its release. Hilderbrand is always an automatic buy for the library.

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I don't think Elin Hilderbrand has written a book that I haven't loved, and Golden Girl is certainly in my top five. This story made me question how much of her work is based on her life and experiences, much like protagonist Vivi's. Reading about our angels among us touched me deeply and has stayed with me. The Nantucket setting plays an important role - the characters are well developed and so perfectly human. Already I have read it once and listened to it - the audio actor does a fantastic job - in only four months because I was drawn in to Vivi's back and forth present and past tales. Already looking forward to next summer's Hotel Nantucket. Thank you so much to #NetGalley for granting my wish to read #GoldenGirl - this is a good one!

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This was not my favorite Elin Hilderbrand book just because of the premise where the main character is no longer alive. However, it still kept me gripped from start to finish and I still needed to discover all of the character's secrets! Her books are always easy to read and this did not disappoint in that aspect.

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This was a wonderful escape read that had the reader considering how efforts at childrearing don't end at age 18. Further, it makes the reader consider the legacy they leave behind and what secrets may be revealed after death. It was a terrific book that was thought provoking and engaging.

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This is the first of Elin Hilderbrand's books that I've read but it certainly won't be the last. She's a wonderfully engaging writer. The descriptions of Nantucket and the characters really came to life!

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This book was a mixed bag for me. I typically read Hilderbrand when I'm in a "beach read" mood. I enjoyed the overall premise of this book for that reason, but there was an element that felt forced to me. I felt like the insertion of a character being accused of a crime because of his race was very "check the box"-ish, and conveniently came after the BLM movement of 2020. It left a yucky taste in my mouth and felt unnatural for this author.

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