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.

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!

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.

Elin is the queen of a summer read. I loved the premise of this story and loved the twists and turns it took us on through the families drama. Really not looking forward to when Elin retires!!

Still iffy on if I liked this one or not. It was a concept I wasn't sure I'd enjoy and I still can't form a hard opinion on it.

I am still processing Golden Girl by Elin Hilderbrand as I felt like this book was so different than her previous books that I have read. This book has made me think a lot about families, relationships, secrets, death, grief, trauma, the list goes on and on. Would recommend, just know this one hits harder (or it did for me). #GoldenGirl #NetGalley

Hilderbrand has written another charming and intriguing book for her readers. Golden Girl is set in Nantucket in the summer. Vivi Howe, a famous author, is just finishing up her latest novel, Golden Girl. On the road one night, she is hit and killed. She finds herself with an angel companion in the "Beyond." Martha, Vivi's guardian angel allows her to watch from above as her family's life continues on. Throughout the book, the reader sees how the lives of others unfold and eventually how Vivi was killed.

As VIvi watches as the world continues below she learns of an affair, drug problem, and much more. Hilderbrand weaves all this into a well-written novel for the reader to enjoy. The reader leaves with a sense of everything weaves together and happens for a reason in life.

Every time I receive an advanced copy of Elin Hilderbrand I read and review on other platforms when book releases. I always forget to review on here. This book was amazing!!

I am a huge Elin Hildebrand fan and loved this book. Vivian Howe, an author, who lives in Nantucket, is killed by a hit and run driver while out on her morning jog. She leaves behind three children, all with their own issues and now having to deal with the loss of their mother. She also leaves behind her best friend Savannah, an ex husband JP and a novel getting ready to be published. Vivi arrives in the Beyond and is given three nudges to assist the people she cares about and is only given the summer to use them. Martha, Vivi 's guardian helps her through the process. Her children struggle to learn to live without their mother and so do her ex-husband and best friend. The characters are so wonderfully developed that you feel they are real. I loved this book and would recommend it to anyone.

I really enjoyed this book. It is one of my favorites by this author. It was different, with the main character dying in the beginning and then following the dysfunctional family through the tragedy. The main character gets to "nudge" each of her children into changing their path. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good family saga.

I really enjoy Elin Hilderbrand's books and they are all different in various ways. This one, was not anything like any of her previous books I have read, but I really enjoyed it. Vivian Howe, author and mother of three nearly grown children, is killed in a hit-and-run car accident while jogging near her home on Nantucket. She ascends to the Beyond where she's assigned to a Person named Martha, who allows Vivi to watch what happens below for one last summer. Vivi also is granted three “nudges” to change the outcome of events on earth as well as see how the investigation goes into her death. While she is watching, her best friend and children find out about a boyfriend she had in highschool and they learn about their mother's past. Can her children come together and make decisions for a positive life ahead? How will she use her nudges? Will they find out how Vivi was killed?

I enjoyed Golden Girl which combines the mystery of who killed Vivi with family issues, overcoming grief, and confronting the truth. There are secrets that need to come out, some that hurt, some that heal. The way the author portrays The Beyond was interesting. Being able to see your family and friends for a limited time after death and have a few nudges to help them was something I appreciated, having lost my husband a few years ago. The characters are all relatable, especially as they all have flaws, like we all do. As we get to know about Vivi's past, I felt for her as well as her children. Being busy with her career and not always being there for her children explains some things. Much of the story is told from the POVs of the children and I enjoyed hearing from all of them. This is a book with something for a lot of people. There is romance, humour, family dynamics, secrets, infidelity, mystery and forgiveness. The title of the book comes from Vivi's past and I enjoyed the nostalgia of that part of the story. Another enjoyable summer read, that I recommend.

Wonderful summer read or really an anytime read! Elon Hildebrand does a great twist on her normal storytelling with engaging characters, a fun story with twists and turns, and keeps you invested until the end!

Superficial and Methodical

After reading Hilderbrand’s acknowledgements at the end of the book, I wanted to see her. I found a CBS interview with Gayle King and liked Elin Hilderbrand better than the book. During the interview she was not banal or tiresome. I found the book too much of a beach read. However, I could understand that it would work quite well for many readers.

This is her 27th book so she really knows her audience. She discovers phases of women lives and turns them into themes and writes a book surrounded by ultra-fictional characters. Many of the characters may be a composite of people she knows or would like to know. I think she really liked her main character, Vivian Howe, hard-working author, achieving the best seller list, adoring of Vivian’s talent, background and ultimate grief.

Her best characterization was of her daughter, Carson. She was the most troubled and the most beautiful. The other main and secondary characters added to the plot, but not to the breadth of her book. The story was flimsy, I kept thinking I read it before. I enjoyed The Chief (Police), he was segregated from the other Nantucket spoiled residents. Her reference to Anne Frank was horrific. I hope it is edited out quickly. If Hilderbrand is topical (and most of her characters are spot-on), Anne Frank was offensive.

My gratitude to NetGalley and Little Brown and Company for a digital copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

An emotional read about what happens when the end comes before we are ready and how the people we leave behind have to learn to live without someone. The descriptions can sometimes be a little too long and some people maybe put off by the fact that they are not living the affluent lives described in the book but if you are a fan of Elin Hilderbrand it is worth a try.

I look forward to each Elin Hilderbrand book, especially the ones on Nantucket. I love the setting and the descriptions of the island, its residents and local businesses. This book was emotional as children learn to cope after the death of their mother. Although they are all grown up, with the youngest just graduating from high school, it is never easy to lose a parent. This book was unique in that the mother is looking down from "beyond" and has three nudges that she can use at her discretion, and we can read her thoughts on what is happening. I liked how the story unfolded and the ending was wonderful. This book is a reminder that life is too short.

I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I LOVED everything about his book!! Elin Hilderbrand did not disappoint and this family drama kept me invested and interested until the very end. The plot twists were outstanding and character development fantastic. I flew through this book at record speed!

This is a classic Elin Hilderbrand story that is perfect for a beach vacation read. I was planning to read it earlier this summer but my TBR pile kept getting bigger and I felt bad about not reading it until Labor Day. As I finished the book and the story actually ends on Labor Day it felt very fitting and I didn't feel bad about my timing anymore.

In Golden Girl you get a love story, a mystery, and a family full of love, hope, changes and mistakes. I totally enjoyed this just as much as Elin's previous books.

If you're in the mood for something a little bit different, give this one a try, I have a feeling you'll enjoy it!

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review. All opinions are my own.

Published June 1, 2021.

Hilderbrand does it again! A heartfelt love letter to Nantucket, found family, mothers and daughters. I could not put this book down. Hilderbrand takes a sad topic - death - and turns it on its head; the novel concludes in an uplifting, spirited way. Brava, Elin!

No summer is compete without an Elin Hilderbrand book. Vivian Howe, an author, and mother of grown children is killed when out jogging. She goes to the Beyond where Martha allows her to see what is happening on earth. She is allowed three nudges to change the outcome of events. How will she use these nudges? And, will she make the best use of them?

Lots of readers will enjoy this newest Hildebrand. They are often hit or miss for me personally, and unfortunately this wasn’t my favorite.