This was a good, quick read. It gave me a lot to think about. Humans need to be adaptable. Especially single women. Good story.

This novella was delightful and enlightening. A quick read about Sophia left to go on a solo cruise. I loved the characters she meets and her self discovery. A charming story with meaningful lessons for all.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC

I wasn’t sure what to expect when starting this book, but Sophia’s self-discovery journey really captivated me. An easy and lighthearted read that won’t be my last from Hilderbrand.

In this short story by Hilderbrand, Sophia is left at the airport by her boyfriend on her way to a romantic getaway to the Galapagos Islands. Sophia decides to take the trip herself and meets an interesting group of travelers. Most importantly, she gets the time for reflection by taking this trip alone. Being a novella, the characters weren't as developed as needed to really connect with them, but this was a good way to pass a short time.

"It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent, but the one that is the most adaptable to change". Elin as always draws you in with her well developed characters and this story, although short and sweet, does not disappoint.

Sophia suddenly finds herself alone on a trip to the Galapagos Islands even though she was supposed to go on this adventure with her boyfriend of 6 months. She has to learn to adapt to the trip not being as luxurious as she thought it would be and also being alone. There are a few life lessons sprinkled in this book that not only apply to Sophia but can also apply to the reader.

I gave this short story 3 solid stars. Thank you Netgalley for this advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

"Natural Selection" is a delightful and uplifting read. Hilderbrand's engaging writing style and the captivating setting make this a perfect choice for a quick and enjoyable escape.

"Natural Selection" is the first story I've read by Elin Hilderbrand. I quite like short stories, especially as a way to get introduced to new writers.

Sophia Othonos, the main character in this story, is stood up by her boyfriend right before their vacation. So, she goes alone, and during the trip, she finds herself and also discovers that not everything is as it seems when it comes to her relationship. I quite like Sophia and her fellow travelers with whom she hangs out. I like how this trip made her find herself. The ending felt rushed, as if the author needed to show that Sophia would end up living a happily-ever-after life. Had this been a full-length book, had she come home from the trip a bit wiser, I would have loved to read about that. However, it's a short story, so we are left with a quick insight into what happens next.

Just discover this author even though she has been on my tbr list for the last few years. I loved the short story in place of something before her next book comes out

My first Elin Hilderbrand book, but definitely not my last. I went in blind and had thriller vibes, but the author delivered in the most unexpected and authentic way.

I really enjoyed Sophia's journey of self-discovery and the varying dynamics among the tour group. Loved the ending so much! Overall, this is a captivating and hopeful novelette that will stick with me for long. It was exactly what I needed.

This short story ended up being an Amazon freebie. Sohpia Othonos has a man and is excited to go on a romantic getaway with him. While waiting to embark on this wonderful trip, her boyfriend receives a phone call and is now unable to go with her, leaving her to travel alone. This story delivers a powerful message that we as women should listen to our gut feelings, but it also shows how it is possible to recover from a hardship and move forward. Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for the opportunity to review this ARC.

A cute, short story about a woman named Sophia who gets whisked away, perhaps a little unwittingly, on a trip the Galapagos islands. The story was a little predictable and there wasn’t a ton of character development, but that could be due to the length. This also wasn’t set in Nantucket or the Carribbean like Elin’s other books, so that made it different. Regardless, it was a quick, enjoyable read. 4 stars, and my thanks to Netgalley and Amazon Original Stories for the advance copy in exchange for honest review.

This was a quick short story. Long enough to get to know the characters. Short enough to not be bored. Called it from very beginning about what happened.

Natural Selection was a quick and enjoyable read that helped pull me out of my mini reading slump. It’s my first time reading Elin Hilderbrand (how??) and I appreciated how much depth she packed into such a short story. Sophia and her boyfriend are preparing for a trip to the Galapagos when his priorities suddenly shift, leaving her to navigate the trip on her own. Along the way, Sophia uncovers truths about her relationship and begins to trust her instincts, realizing the importance of relying on herself. A short but meaningful story about growth and self-discovery!

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC! Natural Selection by Elin Hilderbrand is a short story about reevaluating ones life to find what is truly the most important. When Sophia embarks on a whirlwind romance, she never could have imagined being stood up or rather walked out on at the airport of all places. Taking a trip to the Galapagos Islands wasn't something she ever wanted to do but, in wanting to make her boyfriend happy, she takes the leap only to find herself on the trip alone. The time spent away from the city and almost completely unplugged, she realizes their are things more important in life. She also realizes that to survive you need to rely on yourself and let your gut instincts guide you. Overall a short yet worthwhile read about learning to become your own person and learning to rely on yourself.

Natural Selection is a must-read. It’s a compelling exploration of love’s many faces and the often-unpredictable course our lives take.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

I loved this so much I wished it were a full novel!

Sophia and her boyfriend are getting ready to take a trip to the Galapagos, when he suddenly gets a call that he needs to help one of his adult children. While on the trip Sophia realizes some things in her relationship were not true.

This was a fun and quick read. I just love everything Elin writes! The characters were great and I loved watching Sophia’s growth. I highly recommend reading this!

📘: Natural Selection by Elin Hilderbrand
🗓️: September 1, 2024

Thank you to NetGalley, Elin Hilderbrand, and Amazon Original Stories for this ARC!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Elin is the queen of the summer read. While this novella is short it packs a punch. It is a quick and easy read perfect for the pool or beach!

Short story; not in the typical EH setting.
I felt a little annoyed at times but then it was over and it was fine.
I didn't love it or hate it.
3.5 stars

Natural Selection was an easy and quick read that was a perfect go-to short story for me when I was in a little bit of a reading slump. This is my first time reading Elin Hilderbrand, despite her popularity, and I really enjoyed this story and her writing. I appreciated the fact that the characters and plot were pretty well-developed, especially for a short story, and it definitely made me want to add traveling to the Galapagos Islands to my bucket list.

3.5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!

I have enjoyed many of the books she has written but the last two novels and this story have lost their spark in my opinion. It wasn't great.