ARC Review
It was fine. If you enjoy nature/island life, etc. you'll probably like the imagery in this novella. As for the plot itself, it was just mediocre.

3.75 stars.

I think this book about a woman named Sophia, who is set to sail off to the Galapagos Islands with her significant other, but plans change literally at the boarding gate, and ends up going alone, could be a much longer book if written.

The islands itself are described succinctly - I need to go at some point before I die. The characters, if developed would have been fun to know.

I did find the ending a little bit abrupt, maybe could have used five more pages? But other than that, hope we find out more about Sophia if Elin decides to write another book.

Thank you NetGalley, Amazon Original Stories Kindle Edition and author Elin Hilderbrand for this ARC.

Publishing date: 9/1/24

This was my first Elin Hilderbrand book and I definitely will read more as this was just a teaser. I liked this short story okay but feel it just ended, I would have liked more. I can’t write too much without giving spoilers but what happens next with Sophia?

I did feel that it was a little obvious of what was going on, maybe I’ve just read too many books with this theme? Overall, cute story you can read in one sitting but would have liked more.

Natural Selection is a short story by American author, Elin Hilderbrand. When a romantic getaway for two with her lover of six months (can a photography assignment to the Galapagos Islands be romantic?) suddenly becomes a solo trip to a destination about which she was never actually enthusiastic, NYC realtor Sophia Othonos has a chance to seriously think about her relationship with JP Satterwhite.

Left at the departure lounge holding JP’s expensive camera and a list of nature shots he needs, Sophia finds the vessel on which they are to travel a disappointment, and her travel companions a mixed bag. And, since a call from his ex-wife drew him away to a family emergency, a very irritating radio silence, despite a perfectly-functioning wi-fi connection.

Sophia makes friends, has her self esteem boosted, learns some stuff the reader would see coming a mile off, and makes some good decisions. A short but life-affirming and enjoyable read.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories.

Short and sweet story. Wanted more but still enjoyed it. Love Elin’s writing and characters. Also loved the setting made me feel like I was there.

As always Elin Hilderbrand just completely knocks it out of the park. I absolutely loved this sweet story. I loved the strength of the main character, and the story pulled all the heartstrings possible. So beautifully written.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for gifting me this book for free in exchange for my review! All opinions are my own.

As someone who lives in New England, I am a huge fan of Elin Hilderbrand's novels. I was so disappointed to hear that Swan Song was going to be her last book set on Nantucket as she would like to spread her wings and write about other places. This book, which was an Amazon First Read in August, is her first foray into other books.

Elin really is a great writer and while I thought I was going to miss her writing about Nantucket, this book was still really enjoyable and I loved it. I am excited to see what Elin writes next.

If you like Audiobooks, this book is narrated by Elin's longtime narrator, Erin Bennett.

I look forward to Elin's next book!!

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Many Thanks again to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this book in exchange for my honest review.

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This was an easy, breezy read. I enjoyed the setting of the Galapagos islands and Sophia's journey to figure out what was going on with her boyfriend. Although the ending was predictable, it was a fun read!

Sophia is on her way to the Galápagos Islands when her boyfriend has an emergency and has to return home. Sophia goes on the vacation anyways and gets to know some interesting and supportive people.. This book is very different from the author’s normal stories which I love. I’m not sure how I felt about this story - it was a little depressing, I would like to find out what happened immediately after the story ended. It did do a brief view of the future but I didn’t feel like it was enough. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A dreamy adventure to the Galápagos Islands from Elin. Note that if you hate the regular conflicts in her other novels, the plot of this short story won’t surprise you.

I couldn’t pass up a new EH book. Her newest, NATURAL SELECTION, released last week so grab it now! Only available on Amazon! EH gives such great summer vibes that I couldn’t turn down a Galapagos getaway in this newest novella. It’s a novel of taking chances and finding oneself—of course, doing so with a beautiful backdrop.

This story didn't make much sense to me -- basics of a narrative arc were missing.

Review copy provided by publisher.

THis was a great little short story about how your world can open up if you embrace what is thrown at you.

I always enjoy reading Elin Hilderbrand's novels and this short novella really packed a punch in it's 50 pages. There were moments of mystery where I was unsure where the book was going to go and I love that she incorporated such mystery and thrill into such a short read.

I loved this short story. I knew just enough about the characters to love them. I read it in one sitting and it was the perfect trip to Nantucket

Thank you Amazon Original Stories and NetGalley for e-ARC of the book.

Sophia and her boyfriend are on their way to Galápagos Islands but just before getting on the plane he gets a call about his family emergency. Sophia still goes on a vacation where she gets time to think her life over.

Even though it was a short story I really enjoyed all the characters and the description of wonderful nature of the islands. I’m starting to understand all the praise for Elin Hilderbrand.

Natural Selection was a short story about a New York woman that goes on a couples cruise only to find out that the person she was supposed to fall in love with is herself. The author wrote this well and it delivered a important message, as well. I enjoyed all of the characters and the setting of this book was amazing. Overall I enjoyed this short story and would recommend this one to any reader who loves short stories or romance. Thank you to NetGalley and publisher for this short story read in exchange of my honest review of Natural Selection by Elin Hilderbrand.

This was a charming tale, perfectly aligned with Elin Hilderbrand’s signature style. The setting was beautifully crafted, and I found Sophia to be a compelling and well-developed protagonist. My only disappointment lies in its brevity—I was left wanting much more from this delightful story.

This was a cute story that was very on-brand for Elin Hilderbrand. I enjoyed the setting, and I thought that Sophia was a fantastic main character. I hate that this was only a short story because I definitely wanted more!

I have read this ARC with a view to providing a review
All opinions and thoughts are my own

I've read some of this author before and always enjoyed their books
This didn't disappoint

Loved it