Great read just like Hilderbrand’s previous books. This book kept me wanting to read just one more chapter.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of Natural Selection by Elin Hilderbrand. This book has all the hallmarks of a classic Hilderbrand novel—family drama, beautiful Nantucket scenery, and characters you can’t help but get invested in. The story explores relationships, regrets, and second chances in a way that feels both relatable and compelling. Hilderbrand’s writing is as immersive as ever, making it easy to sink into the world she creates. While some twists were a little predictable, I still found myself turning the pages, eager to see how it all played out. If you love a good character-driven novel with heart, this one’s worth picking up!

This story is a masterclass in writing a novella. I had just finished Swan Song when I read this and It made me very nostalgic. I hope that this book means that she's not finished writing beach novels. I loved the way that his story ended and thought that the twist was very well written. as per usual, Hilderbrand draws characters so completely that you can actually see them.

i loved this story and wished it was longer! it was the perfect book to read inbetween others. the ending was abrupt and felt like this needed to be fleshed out a bit more. there was zero plot? i still enjoyed it!

This one didn’t quite live up to my expectations, but it was a quick and enjoyable read. It’s a light, introspective story. While brief and somewhat predictable, Hilderbrand’s signature storytelling still shines.

A perfect bite sized version of one of her full novels. Elin Hilderbrand always has a way with atmosphere— hee descriptions are famously beautiful and make you want to drop everything and head to the coast. And her characters are so complex, messy, human.

Meh. As a big fan of Elin Hilderbrand novels, I was curious what her short story would give. It was a predictable story of self discovery when our lead is left on a vacation she didn't want by her boyfriend, who ends up having a wife. She continues on the cruise alone and we all know the rest. Finds herself.

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!