Wow, totally not a story I thought I would ever read by Elin Hilderbrand but wow, Golden Girl was a 4 star read for me. A Nantucket author l, Vivian Howe, is killed in a hit and run accident. She discovers, from a Hermès scarf wearing spirit, that she will have some time to help her family on earth. She will get three “nudges” to help guide her family. As the summer goes on, Viv’s children aren’t coping well with their mothers loss. Her oldest daughter is pregnant and very scared she will lose this baby, like she has before. Her middle daughter Carson continues her partying ways and needs to settle down. While her younger son, needs his mom and her ex-husband is realizing he should have never have had an affair.. Vic only has 3 nudges and Hilderbrand tells such a heartwarming story of a mother’s love and her attempts, even after she dies, to guide her children and keep them safe. It’s not a typical Hilderbrand story, but don’t let that keep you from reading this gem. I thought is was going to be a light beach read and it is but it goes a little deeper. It makes you think.. I really liked how the story came together and it ended the way it should.. i want to thank Netgalley & Elin Hilderbrand for my copy, for an honest review.. It was my pleasure to read and review this book. I have shared my review on Amazon & Barnes & Noble. I hope you enjoy this one as much as I did.

Golden Girl is an emotional, dramatic story about one’s death and the afterlife yet keeping it beachy on Nantucket Island. World renowned author of beach novels, Vivian Howe, is killed in a hit & run car accident while out running near her home. Vivi is immediately met by Martha, her Person, in the afterlife. Martha feels her death is unfair so she allows Vivi to watch how the summer unfolds with her children, ex husband, and best friend. While the accident is being investigated, the children - Willa, Carson, and Leo are dealing with their mother’s death as best as they can. Vivi learns of their dark secrets and flaws, but also sees their strength and love for one another. The setting is atmospheric, nostalgic, heavy, and sometimes carefree. It’s told in multiple POVs, flashbacks through time, and of course it’s beachy! Thank you to Little, Brown and Company, NetGalley, and the author for a gifted copy!

The queen has done it again! Such a great book. I watched Elin on CBS This Morning on the book's release date and was so moved by her interview that I went out right then and bought it and read it! GOLDEN GIRL is a little different than a lot of Elin's other books. The main character's life is taken early on, and we get an interesting perspective as she watches her family and friends from above and uses a few "nudges" to help them out. I love the reminder that though we may pass away, we never leave the ones we love. Highly recommend this lovely book, which has a bit more depth than the typical beach read.

Not one of my favorites by Elin Hilderbrand, this time. The characters were hard to get to like, and I knew the entire "whodunit and why" from the very beginning. It was so obvious that everyone seemed inept for not figuring it out right away. Plus, the Anne Frank reference/joke was inappropriate and unnecessary.

Thank you to Elin Hilderbrand, Little Brown and Net Galley for this advanced reader. I really enjoyed this book. It was summery and hit all the right notes! #goldengirl #netgalley

Does it bring you comfort to think about a loved one, who has passed away, looking down on you from Heaven? Do you think or worry about what would happen to your loved ones the year after you have passed?

In Golden Girl, novelist Vivian Howe is killed in a hit-and-run accident leaving behind her young adult children. When Vivian goes to The Beyond, she meets her "Person" (or guardian angel) who informs her that she can watch her family throughout the summer. She is allowed to make three nudges (like a magic genie wish) to change the outcome at any time she wishes.

I loved reading this book. It hits home for me because I like to think of my mom, who passed away, looking down on me and nudging me along the way.

Elin Hilderbrand has written many books that I have loved, and this one didn't disappoint. She does an excellent job of describing scenery and creating interesting characters.

This book was given to me for my honest review, and I give it 5 out of 5 stars.

I’m a firm believer in second chances and absolution. GOLDEN GIRL is a quintessential summer read of redemption beyond the life we know.

After acclaimed author, Vivian Howe, is killed in a hit and run car accident she is given the opportunity to watch the rest of the summer play out before her from the “beyond.” Vivi is given three “nudges” to use to alter the outcome of events for her remaining family members to ensure their happiness.

The paranormal element of the story was a unique premise I enjoyed. It was riveting to watch events unfold as Vivi observed her children and the investigation of her death. Each character was portrayed in a thoughtful and nuanced way. Although each had their own flaws, all were incredibly endearing. The complex sibling dynamics made for a compelling read. Additionally, the novel had a strong sense of place; I could almost taste the salt spray coming off the ocean and feel the warmth of the sun on my face.

As a mother, I related to Vivi and her triumphs and regrets as a parent. Although she wasn’t perfect, her desire to ensure the wellbeing of her children is something that deeply resonated with me.

Although this makes a fantastic poolside pick, it also explores heavy themes such as racism, mistakes, sexuality, and forgiveness making it an ideal book club selection.
This was my first novel by Elin Hilderbrand and I can see why she is the reigning queen of beach read; it certainly won’t be my last!

RATING: 4.5/5 (rounded up to 5)

A big thank you to Little, Brown & Company for providing me with an electronic ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I received an ARC of this novel from Little, Brown and Company in exchange for my review. I am a huge Elin Hilderbrand fan and I have read all of her books. I usually know what to expect when I pick up one of her books: set in Nantucket, family drama but a really predictably great story. This story was a big change! OK, it was still set in Nantucket and still had family drama, but this time one of the main characters was...dead! Vivian Howe was a divorced mom of three and also a writer. One day, Vivian was out for her morning run when she was hit by a car and killed. The story starts from there. Vivian is now in a sort pre-heaven waiting room where she has a guide named Martha. Martha is giving Vivian three chances to "nudge" her loved ones one last time before she "moves on" to heaven. Wow! Great premise-especially because Vivian's three children still really need some guidance from their mom. Also, the local sheriff is hot on the track to find the person who hit Vivian and left the scene. Vivian is faced with tough choices about how she wants to spend her last chances to help those she loves the most.

Although this was really a different plot than Elin Hilderbrand typically writes about, I thought it was really interesting. The characters were really flawed, but you could identify with them and also with Vivian as you think about things you would want to do for your loved ones if you had to face your own death. Another great story!

Loved this story that’s told from present and the GB(Great Beyond) its great for Viv to be able to watch and cheer for her family after she has moved up to the GB.

Golden Girl by Elin Hilderbrand
Rating 3/5 Stars
Publish Date - 1 June 2021
Published By - Little, Brown and Company

**Thank You To NetGalley, Little Brown and Company, and of course, Elin Hilderbrand for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

When it comes to Elin Hilderbrand - I am a huge fan. I honestly consider her one of the best summer beach read authors. Unfortunately, Golden Girl did not sit as well with me as I had hoped. I have read better from EH.

I really did not enjoy Vivi as a protagonist. I felt the novel was very pretentious and the narration was biased. It was kind of like Elin was projecting herself into Vivi as a character and treating the story as if it was her. It was like we were reading about how amazing Vivi was and how incredible her life was - instead of getting the full picture. Thus, she was unreliable. On top of that, I found the book to be al over the place - there was not enough time spent on any one character to actually be invested in their story. The mystery at the base of the plot was incredibly obvious from early on and I felt my attention wasn’t held like it was in the past with EH books.

Originally, I felt this book deserved a 3.25 rating - however, I knocked it down to a 3 after reading the reference to Anne Frank. I am a scholar of Holocaust Studies and I find it incredibly sad that it wasn’t until she was called out that EH felt the need to have the reference removed. How many edits did this book go through and how many eyes did it see before publication? How is it possible that no one saw the passage as offensive? Vivi basically compares Anne’s situation, which was live or die - to spending the summer with her friend and staying in said friend’s attic. They then laugh. Nothing about what Anne Frank had to go about should be even made into a reference nor a joke where the characters laugh it off. Yes, EH posted a formal apology and the actions taken are appropriate, I just wish the reference wasn’t even written in the first place.

I am still a fan of EH and I hope next summer’s beach read is more of my style.

4 - 4.5 stars. I have read many of Hilderbrand's books, and I am the fan she talks about that wants to visit Nantucket and drink Verve Cliquot and dance at the Chicken Box and eat at the Club Car. I was a little skeptical about this book after reading the summary as I was thinking it was some kind of ghost story. I was pleasantly surprised! The spirit-of-the-dead wasn't too off-putting and the stories all combined to make one, big, lovely one. There were a few predictable parts, but it was a great read nonetheless.

I have read all of Elin's books. This one is by far the most disappointing. It was like she fictionalized her own life...the characters were pulled from her own, and then added a murder for good measure. I did not like this one. It showed a severe lack in creativity.

The characters are interesting, the plot is intriguing, and the setting is atmospheric, but so much needless name branding --- it's like one of those B movies when they constantly show you the coca cola vs Pepsi in their hands. EVERY single item has a superfluous brand. Gratuitous favor granting to friends who design jewelry, stoves, pillows, furniture, panties, drapes, scarves, shoes, etc??? I don't know but it was distracting. For that reason this is a soap opera book I could flip through quickly.

I requested this book based on the name of the author and the description looked interesting.

However, since this book was published, there has been some controversy over the mention of Anne Frank.

I am not sure if the copy I have even has this part in it, but I am disturbed that it went in there so easy. While the author (and editors and everyone who read this before publication) might not have realized their error, that is the issue for me. It is a micro-aggression and so easy to look past. Unfortunately, with the world the way it is now, I can not look past it.

I am not going to read this book at this time. I may read it in the future, but it currently makes me upset and so there are other books I would rather give my time to.

I appreciate being given the chance to read Golden Girl.

This was a fantastic read and one of Elin Hilderbrand's best books to date. This book makes you feel like you are right in the middle of Nantucket during the summer with an excellent story and plot!

I loved this book so much! I started it and could not put it down! I love Elin Hilderbrand's books always and she just keeps getting better and better!

Vivi Howe is basically Elin Hilderbrand - everyone's favorite summer novel writer based in Nantucket. Oh, and she has a complicated family consisting of her 3 children, her ex-husband, her boyfriend she just broke up with, the ex's girlfriend, her BFF, plus various in-laws, parents and friends. Amidst all the hustle and bustle of their lives, - Vivi is killed in a hit and run accident as she is out jogging one morning. Everything kind of stops for a bit - what happens when your linchpin is suddenly gone?

This is not a morbid story at all. What happens to Vivi as she observes from the clouds is so great! I loved all the nudges, the time travel visits, and especially her "person" with the Hermes scarves, Martha.

This book is so beautifully layered with Nantucket, summer, beaches, bars, publishing, Elin, Vivi, past, present...And it all comes togther to create my favorite type of summer read with a heartwarming theme of mothehood, family and love. This book is like a love letter or gift to Elin's readers with all the special touches. Thank you so much for writing this book!!!

Elin Hilderbrand weaves together an enjoyably complicated web of characters in this beach read mystery. Although, at times, the plot is slow moving and a smidge predictable, it was a pleasant read nonetheless. In a super fun move, the multi-character narrator format has a surprise narrator - the town itself! Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review.

It's not summer without an Elin HIlderbrand book! I loved the family drama and a bit of whodunit with a paranormal element. Golden Girl is not her usual light hearted work but it is the perfect summer read!

I am a huge Elin Hilderbrand fan and while the narrator in this story is obviously a little different- I LOVED IT. It felt like a classic Hilderbrand book t9 me with Nantucket staples, Nantucket drama and some redemption thrown in as well. It was a homer in book for me!

Every summer I always look forward to Elin Hilderbrand's next book! She did not disappointment me with Golden Girl. Following her death, author Vivian Howe gets a "window" to keep watch over her three almost-grown children and the investigation of her death. Many times I have often thought about this concept and hope that my relatives who have passed on are able to watch over me. It would be great if they had "nudges" they could use to guide me in the right direction! This book is a definite five stars!