Member Reviews

Oh Elin! I can’t believe this is the end of your summer books. It was great to revisit some of the characters from previous books. I enjoyed the mystery in the book and some characters from St. John. The only thing I didn’t love was the ending. It wasn’t my favorite way to end a book. Don’t worry, I’ll keep reading Elin! She has an ebook short story out on Amazon and I’m looking forward to the books she’s writing with her daughter.

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I love Elin Hilderbrand and look forward to her new book every summer. With this being her final book (for now!), I was set for a magnificent grand finale. I was somewhat disappointed in this book. The synopsis sounded so intriguing but the end result was lackluster. I didn't seem to care about any of the characters and what happened to them. I usually get invested in the characters' lives and drama but not in this one.
There were also too many storylines and characters to keep track of, leading me to have a hard time keeping up with the book.

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When you pick up Elon Hildebrand you know what you are getting and I love her for it. A perfect summer read and closure to the Nantucket series.

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Elon Hildebrand never disappoints. While I’m sad that this book concludes her Nantucket-themed books, I enjoyed every moment of island life with her characters.

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Swan Song by Elin Hilderbrand serves as a fitting conclusion to her beloved Nantucket series. The story centers on Chief of Police Ed Kapenash, who, on the brink of retirement, becomes entangled in the mysteries surrounding the enigmatic Richardson family. Their arrival on the island brings lavish parties, social upheaval, and a suspicious house fire that shakes the community. Hilderbrand masterfully intertwines the lives of familiar characters, delivering a narrative rich in drama, intrigue, and the quintessential Nantucket charm. While some readers found certain elements repetitive, the novel encapsulates the essence of Hilderbrand's storytelling, making it a must-read for fans bidding farewell to her Nantucket tales.

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This is the first book I have read by Elin Hilderbrand and it will not be my last. I loved all of it. I liked the character development, the setting, the suspense and the details about Nantucket. I felt like I could smell and see Nantucket and all the characters as the story unfolded. I would definitely recommend for a bookclub. I can't wait to read more!

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The Swan Song is an emotional read that pulls you in right from the start. It’s a story about love, ambition, and sacrifice, with characters you can’t help but root for. The plot has just the right mix of drama and heart, keeping you hooked until the very end. The writing is beautifully descriptive without being over the top, making it easy to get lost in the story. If you’re into books that make you feel all the emotions, this one’s definitely worth a read!

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Thank you to @netgalley and @littlebrown for a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

"Swan Song," the bittersweet conclusion to Elin Hilderbrand's beloved Nantucket series, offers a poignant farewell to the island and its captivating residents. This final installment reunites readers with familiar faces from previous novels like "The Castaways" and "The Rumor," while introducing intriguing new characters, including the wealthy Richardson family, who arrive on the island and quickly stir up social unrest.

Hilderbrand masterfully weaves together the lives of these diverse characters, creating a tapestry of interconnected stories that reflect the vibrant social fabric of Nantucket. While the novel effectively captures the essence of island life and serves as a fitting culmination of the series, it may not resonate as strongly with readers unfamiliar with the previous installments.

"Swan Song" is a quintessential Elin Hilderbrand novel, offering a blend of escapism, drama, and heartwarming moments. While it may not surpass her most acclaimed works, it provides a satisfying conclusion to this beloved series and a poignant reminder of the enduring magic of Nantucket.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

#books #bookishlife #booklover #readingisfun #iowabookstagrammers #iowabookstagram #netgalley #littlebrown #swansong #elinhilderbrand #nantucketseries

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A good end to the Nantucket series. You can’t beat a story based in Nantucket in my opinion. Not my favorite by Elin, but it was enjoyable.

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In her final novel, the queen of the beach read delivers a poignant and sun-drenched farewell that’s as much about endings as it is about beginnings. Set against the idyllic backdrop of Nantucket, Swan Song weaves together secrets, love, and the bittersweet passage of time.

Hilderbrand’s signature talent for crafting relatable characters shines through, pulling you into their tangled lives with warmth and compassion. The pages are laced with nostalgia, making you savor every scene like a perfect summer sunset. I loved the epic parties and gatherings and the mystery element of this story!

While some threads felt a bit too neatly tied up, this novel is the perfect farewell for fans who’ve followed Hilderbrand’s career. It’s a love letter to Nantucket, to storytelling, and to the readers who’ve made her summers unforgettable.

📚 Favorite Quote: "Every summer has a story, but the best ones linger long after the last sunset."

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This is classic Hilderbrand with rich people misbehaving and some down-to-earth locals having to put the pieces together. I like when Hilderbrand incorporate mysteries into her stories to weave together all of the characters. Labeling this book as her last “Nantucket” book was odd, as I think it means in this series and not in totality.

Thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for early access to this book in exchange for an honest review.

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Wow! Elin Hilderbrand has truly outdone herself with *Swan Song*, the spectacular conclusion to her Nantucket series. From start to finish, this novel is an absolute page-turner that combines everything fans love about Hilderbrand’s writing: high drama, complex characters, and the lush, sun-soaked backdrop of Nantucket.

The story kicks off with the arrival of the mysterious Richardsons, a wealthy family whose purchase of a 22-million-dollar summer home shakes up the tranquil island. Their lavish lifestyle, flirtations, and excessive displays of wealth create a whirlwind of social chaos—leading to a house fire, a missing employee, and mounting tension in the community. Chief of Police Ed Kapenash and his friend Sharon, who is navigating her own messy divorce, are at the center of it all, working to unravel the mysteries surrounding the Richardsons while grappling with their own personal struggles.

What truly makes *Swan Song* stand out is Hilderbrand’s ability to weave a compelling narrative that’s not just about social mayhem, but also about the heart of the island itself and the timeless relationships that make it so special. As the islanders navigate the chaos, Hilderbrand brings back some of her most beloved characters, giving readers a chance to reconnect with the people who’ve made Nantucket feel like home. The sense of community, loyalty, and love shines through, providing the perfect balance to the high drama that unfolds.

The plot is as fast-paced and thrilling as a summer storm, filled with twists, turns, and a touch of mystery that will keep you guessing until the very end. But beneath all the glitz and glam, *Swan Song* is also a deeply emotional story about second chances, the choices we make, and the importance of staying true to yourself.

Hilderbrand’s writing is, as always, rich and evocative, painting Nantucket as a character in itself—beautiful, complex, and full of life. The novel’s blend of suspense, romance, and heartfelt moments is perfect for fans of contemporary fiction and anyone who’s loved Hilderbrand’s previous works.

*Swan Song is the perfect ending to the Nantucket series, full of everything readers adore about Hilderbrand’s writing. It’s a brilliant, emotional, and thoroughly satisfying conclusion that will leave you with a smile and a longing to visit Nantucket again soon. Highly recommend! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

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I think I am in denial that this is Hilderbrand's last Nantucket novel. This was a bittersweet summer story, and we were able to re-visit characters we have followed for almost 2 decades.

Thank you to netgalley for the ARC!

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There are so many characters to keep straight. Lots of storylines and drama going on and the timeline jumps back and forth in time. I did enjoy this one. I love a beach setting.

This series is more of a collection of standalone novels rather than a traditional series with a strict order. While they all share the same setting of Nantucket and some may include recurring characters or themes, each book focuses on a unique story and set of characters. This means you can enjoy them independently without needing to follow a specific sequence.

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I've definitely enjoyed Elin Hilderbrand's Nantucket series. There are a lot of characters to keep up with and at times I had to stop and think "who is that person again?"! But it was a great conclusion with a little mystery and romance. I don't feel like like you need to read the other Nantucket books to enjoy this one, but if you've read those, you'll want to grab this one as well.

Erin Bennett is a wonderful narrator as always!

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

Publication date: 11 June 2024

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I love Elin's books! This one was entertaining and dare I say one of her best books? I feel like she gets better and better and its sad to think of this as her last book. As always, this is the perfect beach read!

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Elin Hilderbrand takes us to Nantucket once again, and I'm sad that this is her last novel. Casey returns home from California and meets Coco on the ferry. Casey is the daughter of the soon to be retired chief of police, while Coco is arriving to Nantucket for the first time. Coco is going to be the personal assistant to the Richardson's, who have purchased a home on the island that has been deemed to be at risk of getting demolished by the tides, in 10 years.
Everyone on the island is curious about the Richardson's, so when Leslie Richardson plans one of many extravagant parties, they are thrilled.

Who is the couple that has moved to Nantucket and how do they fit in with the other residents? What is the story with Coco and Casey and their friendship? This novel has mystery, romance, and the usual beachy summer reads vibe. If you've always been a fan of Hilderbrand, I suggest you read this. While it isn't my favorite of her novels, it was worth the read. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.

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I'm a big fan of Elin Hilderbrand and although sad that this is her last book, I feel it was the perfect ending and the perfect story. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy.

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I will miss Elin Hilderbrand! This last summer book that takes place on Nantucket is about a wealthy couple that move to Nantucket and take the island my storm with their crazy parties and social mingling. Eventually the couple pushes the rest of the island away with their toxicity. There is a love story and a scandal and it kept me entertained.

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This is a good book. The story takes place on Nantucket Island. A couple comes to the island and buys a house. They have money. They try to socialize with everyone. They have a party and one of their employees is missing and their house burned down. The chief of police is retiring and his replacement has been found. The employee goes missing right before he retires. They start interviewing everyone about the employee and the fire. Hey find the employee and find out who started the fire.

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