I saw Elin Hilderbrand and short story and I dove right in without even reading the description. I thought I was reading the beginning of a murder mystery, but the plot became obvious not long into the story. I got a little worried towards the end that it wasn’t going to wrap up nicely but I was pleasantly surprised. Tho the cheating trope was obvious, I loved the line about the main characters wife staying with him “because she’s unable to adapt to life without him”.

This was my first EH book, and I figured a novella was the perfect way to dive in and see if I like her writing style. While I did like her writing style, I didn't find this book to be a "romance" - quite the opposite. It would be better classified as "women's fiction ". Towards the end, she threw in very "Gen Z" words like "rizz" and "did" and it was very off brand for the rest of the book. The placement was odd and out of place.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was a quick fun read. This is a short story that could be read in an hour or so. It was enjoyable. There is a struggle, hurt feelings but also the kindness and love of strangers. The Galápagos Islands setting make the read fun to read. I enjoyed the characters.

Natural Selections is an Amazon Originals short story by bestseller Elin Hilderbrand. New Yorker Sophia Othonos has been dating an older divorced man for the past six months and he has planned their first romantic getaway. They are about to board their flight to the Galapagos Islands for a rustic cruise when he receives a call and tells Sophia that he has to rush back to the US but wants her to go on the vacation without him.

This is a quick easy read of 50ish pages that won't take an hour to get through. It's an interesting premise and set in a beautiful location but there's only so much plot and character development than can take place in a short story. I think I would have enjoyed it more as a full-length novel or novella with a fully developed sense of place.

Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories for sending a digital ARC of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Just a little dash of Elin in the Galapagos! I loved the setting of this, and only wish that it was longer than a short story. I can always quickly sink into the world and characters Elin creates.

Thank you #Netgalley for the copy!

This was an easy quick short story to read in one sitting. When Sophia is enroute on a island vacation with her too good to be true boyfriend, she is on cloud nine. However, things change with one phone call. A phone call that takes her boyfriend back home for a family situation. He encourages her to stay, go on the trip for him. So she does, she connects with those on the boat with her but panics as she can't get a hold of him during her time away. What is really going on?

Perfect little story to fill some time. Hilderbrand never disappoints! I was disappointed when I came to the end!

Thanks for the opportunity to read this!

thank you netgalley for the e-arc. i should have known with less than 60 pages this would be one to skip. no connections to any of her previous books, it's a short story that has no point. its just a girl that still goes on a trip when her boyfriend leaves and later finds out she's the other woman. OF COURSE SHE IS

I will religiously read anything and everthing Elin Hilderbrand writes. I liked this story but it wasn't as enthralling as her long form writing. It also felt less gossipy and lived in like her books. I found myself skimming at the end to find the happily ever after.

Elin Hilderbrand's "Natural Selection" is a quick, enjoyable escape, albeit a bit predictable. The setting -- a Galapagos Islands cruise -- is a departure from Hilderbrand's typical Nantucket reads, but a fun backdrop for the novella. The story follows Sophia, a woman who finds herself solo on a couples cruise after her boyfriend abruptly bails on their planned vacation.

However, while the story is well-written and the characters are likable, I found myself wanting a bit more depth. The plot felt a little predictable, and the resolution was perhaps a bit too tidy. Had this been a full novel, I'm confident Hilderbrand would have delivered the drama, conflict, and complexity she's known for.

Overall, "Natural Selection" is a solid choice for fans of Hilderbrand or those looking for a light, breezy read. If you're looking for a quick escape with a touch of romance and adventure, this short story is a good option. But if you're expecting a complex character-driven narrative, you might be left wanting more. "Natural Selection" is not going to blow your mind, but it's a pleasant way to spend a few hours.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.5/5)

“He’s a maestro in bed with a remarkably big baton.”

Elin packed so much content into these…wow, really!?! Only 54 pages!?! No way!?

I did this one as an audiobook and loved it.

We all know from the jump the JP is a sus kinda guy, well everyone but Sophia. Sophia is happy as can be with her new boyfriend…but wait has that ever been clarified!?! He plans a trip and then receives and urgent call and things go downhill from there, or do they!?

This one has a lovely cast of characters and was very enjoyable. I definitely recommend checking it out.

Considering that this was a short story, I believe Elin Hilderbrand worked her magic for this story giving you a glimpse into the world while leaving a world of possibility that could easily be a full-length book. The natural selection theming in the main character's ability to adapt was beautifully unpacked throughout the book. The story was a bit predictable, but I think that was natural for stories in this format. However, the boyfriend's sudden leave is interesting enough to keep you reading to figure out what happened. It's a simple, easy read and I think fans of her work will enjoy this quick read.

A very short short story about a woman who is about to board a flight to the Galapagos — when her boyfriend gets a call on the landline and tells her that he must head home to his ex-wife and family because there is a terrible situation. She assumes it has to do with his son who has been struggling with addiction. While her boyfriend leaves, she decides to go on the trip at his insistence.

Not terrible; but there are so many better Elin books to read.

Thank you to #NetGalley, the publisher and the author for this short story.

Since she is one of my favorite authors, of course I immediately downloaded and read it immediately. It was only 54 pages and took me no time at all to read obviously.

Sophia was in her 30s and her boyfriend of only 6 months, was 54, divorced, with three kids. Unfortunately, she got ditched at the airport right before they were headed on a cruise for The Galapagos Islands, due to a family emergency he said. Come to find out he was a liar. The decided to go anyway. It was supposedly a luxury cruise ship but that was definitely not the case but she ended up having a pretty good time and met some nice people.

It was a cute book and it ended years from the time she was on the boat and it was tied up nicely in her favor.

one of my favorites from Elin. heart warming, soul touching and fast paced. Elin never fails to bring a smile and tear to my eye in her stories.

A nice quick short story. I think the plot had a lot of potential of being turned into a novel. Elin did an amazing job. However, I am not into 3rd person pov novels therefore I gave it a 3/5⭐️. I’m very interested in reading more of Elin’s novels in the future!

Obviously, I’ll devour anything Elin writes, but wow—this short novel great! In just a few pages, I was completely hooked on these characters. The female lead’s evolution was so well done, and watching her realize her own growth was so satisfying. Sure, I had a hunch where the story was headed, but that didn’t stop me from enjoying every single twist along the way! Elin never disappoints!

Quick short story. Not really much of a story. Woke elements throughout and I could tell what was going to happen from the beginning. I expected more from this author.

A sweet little novella.

I wanted to STRANGLE the MC most of the time, but I think that's what Hilderbrand intended, to show the development throughout the story.

Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A fun, quick short story by the greatest beach read author! I loved the setting, the Galapagos, most of all. Even though I guessed where the story was heading as far as the main character, I still enjoyed the ride there. HIlderbrand rarely disappoints.