I love when Elin Hilderbrand puts a bit of mystery in her beach-set books. It not only makes it a light easy read but also one where I can't stop reading until I find out what happened. Though I thought the paranormal parts where Vivi is looking at her world after she has died was rather cheesy and weird, I thought the rest of the chapters and characters' points of view were really well developed and were the reason I felt I knew the character of Vivi as much as I did. This book, as Hilderbrand's books always are, a perfect summer read that I definitely recommend. Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Oh my heart, I LOVED this book! Elin Hilderbrand is one of my favorite authors and aside from the Winter Series which holds a special place in my heart, this is by far my favorite written by her so far. The story itself tugged at my heart as a mom, and it just really makes you think about your own life. She developed some amazing characters throughout the novel, and she even had some twists at the end that I did not see coming.

I highly recommend this book to all me book loving friends!

Golden Girl by Elin Hilderbrand

Full feature for this title will be posted at: @queensuprememortician on Instagram!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Little Brown and Company for gifting me a digital copy of the latest Nantucket novel by Elin Hilderbrand - 4.5 stars!

Vivi is a divorced mother of 3 young adults, out for her morning run when she is killed by a hit-and-run driver. She awakens in heaven where she is assigned Martha, her Person, who explains that Vivi will be able to watch her family for the summer and is allowed 3 nudges to help them out. Each of her children have issues - Willa is pregnant again after suffering 3 miscarriages; Carson is self-medicating with drugs, alcohol and wrong men; Leo is a senior in high school, on the outs with his best friend and trying to break it off with this girlfriend. Vivi is also worried about her last novel, sent off to the publishers with a secret from her past.

As with all of Hilderbrand's books, you will be transported to the magic of a Nantucket summer. This one is a mystery too as the Chief of Police tries to determine who the driver was who hit Vivi. The story is told from multiple points of view as well as Vivi's glimpses into her past. I also loved all the Parma, OH, references since I spent 25 years in that area - they were pretty spot on! I really enjoyed the thought that our loved ones are looking out for us and providing us with those nudges, but also that things work out the way they are supposed to. Another great summer read!

Golden Girl by Elin Hilderbrand is a book that when I read the publisher's blurb I did not really want to read. I am not into hooey-phooey stuff and the whole premise of the main character entering a state of being able to watch over her kids and give three nudges prior to ascending beyond did not sound appealing to me at all. But, I am so glad that I set those notions aside and took a chance because this was a great read. This book had all the feels, how could it not when the storyline is about a mom passing that has three kids - make sure to grab a couple of tissues. As is common with EH, the setting is Nantucket, a place I love to visit when I read her books.

One of Hilderbrand’s best. The change in structure sets this novel apart from her others, while still maintaining that classic Nantucket charm. I really enjoyed getting to know the characters and was really rooting for them all. Five stars.

FINALLY finished Golden Girl. TBH once I started it I didn’t love it as much as I expected. I am an Elin Hilderbrand stan, but this one wasn’t my fave. I loved the paranormal aspect of the main character Vivi looking down on her kids from Heaven and deciding when to use her 3 “nudges” - what a lovely thought! It was creative and I liked that there was a bit of mystery to it. Golden Girl has the same beautiful description as her other writing but it felt like something was missing for me. I think there was more POV than necessary and I think the biggest thing it was lacking compared to her other stories was a love story. There’s couples that have been together, minor love stories in the background, and couples who are falling apart, but it didn’t have her usual soulmates falling in love or coming back together. This story was different from her other work and worth the read, but I wouldn’t recommend it as your first Elin read. I think it’s better suited for readers who generally like her writing style like me.

If you need me I’ll be fantasizing about a week in Nantucket visiting all the places Elin talks about in her books!

Thank you Net Galley and Little, Brown, and Company for a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. I had already purchased a copy and received the ARC after the book was published, but appreciated having it in 2 mediums nonetheless.

TW: miscarriage

Overall, I loved this book! I feel like I say this every time, which is why I love her books time and time again, but this was yet again another classic Elin read. It's such a great beach read that was juicy and fun. I liked that it had a murder mystery element (it reminded me most of her book The Perfect Couple) but also still read as a love letter to Nantucket and its restaurants, beaches, bars, and everything else. I liked getting to know all of the kids, and wished we got to see more of Leo. Docked a star for a few reasons. It did feel a little self-indulgent at times—talking about how great Vivi was and details about her looks, her legs, her home, and her workouts—since the character was clearly based on Elin herself. There was also a storyline that didn't get wrapped up even though a large portion of the book focused on it. And then there was the Anne Frank mention, which, although it was removed, was in very poor taste. Clearly her kids weighed in on new phrases and slang to incorporate, but that felt a little too obvious as well, particularly the use of "woke" to say The Chief was comfortable with different sexual orientations. All of that being said, I really enjoyed the storyline and was hooked the entire time. I would recommend it to a friend, but not over my other favorites from her like The Matchmaker, The Blue Bistro, Winter in Paradise, etc.

As I just finished Golden Girl, I am left grappling with how I feel. How DO I feel? Some plot info may help me explore my feelings a little bit:

Vivi Howe, a best-selling author living on Nantucket, setting all of her novels on Nantucket, has three children, is a divorcee, and loves running. I instantly made the connection between Elin and Vivi--I actually kept reading this like it was based on Elin Hilderbrand's life, and you know what, more power to you, Elin! One of the most basic tenets of writing is to "write what you know." Back to the plot: the book jacket will tell you that Vivi Howe is killed by a hit-and-run accident while out running, and her death leaves behind her two daughters Willa (24) & Carson (21) and son Leo (18). *My own children follow the same birth order and relatively close age gaps. I found myself imagining my own children this age.* The novel then moves Vivi to the beyond, where she is able to watch over her children and see what is happening. We got a lot of flashbacks and a lot of different perspectives, which I loved.

My opinions:

1: There was an ill-timed and just downright inappropriate joke made about Anne Frank. I know the author owned up to this and apologized, but it surprised me that something like this would make it into a book. If you're interested in this, go Google it and check into it before you read. I did read that later versions will have this omitted, but the version I read had the quip included.

2: At times I was bothered by the narrator (Vivi's) entitled and elevated sense of self-worth. There were times I was like, "Really? You'd think that? You'd expect that?" BUT then I took a few steps back, and if I had to experience my own thoughts from the beyond, I would hope that I made the impressions that Vivi thought she made. So yeah, you owe that. I realized I was being judgy. My bad.

3: Finally, the overarching theme of the story is to cherish what you have. Man, the end of the novel had me in tears. For awhile. I couldn't stop imaging my own experience, if I were to die today and move on, what legacy would I leave? What memories would I cherish? What would I wish I would have done differently? How will my family do this without me? (Yeah, I was a mess.) It speaks volumes when literature can affect us and make us second-guess or questions ourselves and picture what "could be." As much as I say that Elin Hilderbrand's writing is pretty basic and follows pretty general story-lines, I realize that she can weave some depth into her name-dropping of Nantucket eateries and fine-dining establishments. I also feel like she tackled some big issues by subtly pointing out some important social justice issues--it was small, but noticable--in a good way.

After my vacillating of opinions in this book, my emotions at the end overtook some of my initial thoughts, and if you are a Hilderbrand fan, this one is different, but man, it will get you.

Vivi Howe has been run down in the prime of her life. Her "person" in heaven allows her the summer to watch her family grieve and prepare to move on without her. At first, this premise seemed off-putting, but the story was nicely woven together from many different viewpoints. At times the constant proper name-dropping of brands, places, restaurants, etc. is a bit distracting, but all in all, this is a solid beach read.

Elin Hilderbrand’s Golden Girl is the story of author Vivian Howe who tragically dies after she is hit while she is jogging. In the Beyond, Vivian is assigned a Person, Martha, and they watch the lives of those Vivian loves; Martha tells her that she will have three nudges that can change the direction of events on earth. Golden Girl is a beautiful, moving book dealing with relationships, loss, secrets, and mystery. Golden Girl has a powerful message: those we love never really leave us even after they leave this earth.

Golden Girl by Elin Hilderbrand is an impactful story about one woman’s final summer.

In many ways, this is quite the heavy story. From Vivi’s tragic passing to each of her adult children dealing with significant issues of their own. While there are some light moments and great details of life in Nantucket, there is quite a bit of time focused on serious topics. I also appreciate when stories in this genre (women’s fiction) feature a bit more realistic elements (I say this with a novel that does include nudges, but hey, maybe it does exist!).

If you’ve ever been through a sudden loss, it’s not something you ever get over. You just don’t. What happens is you learn to live with grief. And it’s not an easy thing to do.

I thought Elin did a good job of showcasing the grief from all the characters, including Vivi when she realizes her time on earth is done. It’s sad and will make you want to hug your loved ones a little more closer after you read it.

I really enjoyed Golden Girl! I thought this was a well done novel that tackles loss, secrets and family. It really makes you think. And again, will encourage you to take a visit to Nantucket. I highly recommend this one.

While out for a jog, author Vivian Howe is killed by a hit and run driver. After being assigned a Person to help guide her, she is able to watch her family from above. Not my favorite of Hilderbrand's books but a decent beach read. Nantucket setting always a plus.

I absolutely loved this book and I think it just might be my favorite from Hilberbrand so far. I had guessed the perpetrator about 2/3 into the book but was not confirmed until the end. A wonderful and unique story.

Another amazing book from Elin Hilderbrand. I look forward to her books each summer, and this is another great trip to Nantucket.

I do not want to give anything away, but the plot revolves around a local author and her three grown or almost grown children. Through her characters, most readers will find someone they closely identify with and become engaged in the story. I was instantly in love with Vivian and her family.

I cannot recommend Elin Hilderbrand enough. Her books are great reads and a perfect mini vacation from home.

This is not a book I would typically pick up, I just need to preface with that. I could not finish this book unfortunately. I could not get into it, nor could it hold my attention at all. I know the author is very popular and I wanted to try reading this new one, but it was not for me. Do not let that defer you from reading it because it was not in my realm of typical genre.

I never should have given this author another chance. What a waste of time. Her books for the past few years all have a similar pattern, name something or someone, describe it, relate it to everyone & everything, repeat it all in the next chapter. Pick another person or thing to do the same thing with, mention people or events from past books,
There really is very little story here and with all the repetition, I feel she must be paid by the dollar, Her books remind me of mad libs, where you'd have a story with a blank area and you'd fill in words like an adjective or noun, then you'd read it back and laugh. I feel she randomly chooses businesses, streets, names just as filler as they really are not relevant at all to the story. Story itself is fanciful, watching from beyond death. She has a money making system going, but lost me as a reader. One star.
Thank you NetGalley for an advance reader in exchange for an honest opinion

I devour every single of Elin Hilderbrand's books as soon as they come out, and Golden Girl was no different. Every summer, I look forward to getting lost in a new story taking place off the shores of Massachusetts in Nantucket. This story is focused on the death of Vivian Howe, a best-selling author, and mother of three. Vivian is killed in a hit-and-run early in the summer. In the afterlife, she meets Martha, who tells Vivian she can watch the summer events unfold. She's also granted three nudges, where she has the opportunity to affect events going on in the real world.

This book was written beautifully, describing places and people vividly. Without giving too much away, I correctly figured out the book's two major secrets, but this did not distract from the book. Hilderbrand isn't known for her twists. She's known for her ability to bring characters to life in beautiful settings.

So far, this has been the best book I've read all summer. I fell in love with the characters, and was sad when I had to say goodbye to them at the end.

Queen of beach reads!!! Elin Hilderbrand truly takes you to Nantucket and on a joyous ride each page. Can’t wait to see what’s next!

This was the perfect read for me during a stressful week of moving - it's only my second Elin Hilderbrand book, but I'm definitely planning to read more of her backlist now!