Sophia and her "nice" boyfriend are spending a week in the Galapagos but at the airport he is called away and she goes alone. There were the usual quirky characters and for such a short book (50 pages) I thought Sophia was a well-developed character. I found the story a bit predictable but still found it enjoyable and loved the descriptions of the wild life.

Thank you to Netgalley and Amazon Original for providing me with a digital copy.

I WANT MORE!!! For whatever reason Elin Hilderbrand decided to make this a short story, but I fully believe it could have been a full length novel. Reviewing it as a short story, though, I loved the story, the characters and the setting. I thought the ending could have been a little longer, but still thought it was great!

This was an easy short read. This was not a favorite story from this author but entertaining.
Thank you netgalley for an advanced copy. My opinions are my own.

Elin Hilderbrand brings her signature storytelling to *Natural Selection, a novel that expertly combines emotional depth with gripping drama. The characters are richly developed, each navigating complex personal dilemmas that pull at your heartstrings. The story touches on family, relationships, and self-discovery, with Hilderbrand's vivid descriptions making the setting come alive. While the pacing slows in some parts, the overall narrative remains compelling and engaging. It’s a thought-provoking and beautifully written novel that showcases Hilderbrand’s talent for creating relatable, flawed characters in life-changing situations. A thoroughly enjoyable read.

Natural Selection
Elin Hilderbrand

🌟🌟🌟

This book started out like it could be a thriller…. But sadly nothing more than I thought it was infidelity. The trip had great imagery of the Galapagos! Overall it was a good fast short story! Thank you @netgalley for my e copy!

I found this short story a little hard to get into and the twist was predictable, but the end message was nice. It was my first taste of Elin Hilderbrand's writing and while I know lots of people love her books her storytelling might not be my cup of tea. 3.5 stars.

This novella was just okay. It really seemed like more of an outline for a story, I just felt there was a lot missing and it was very abrupt. And honestly, not very exciting subject content or likeable characters at all. It just left a lot to be desired.

Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Original Series for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest review. My opinions are my own.

Elin Hilderbrand brings back her magic in this short novella that focuses on a woman who is trying to discover herself. In her normal style, Elin brings you into a story that is relatable and fun. As a novella, this is a short read but makes me want to read more about her novels that take place in Nantucket.

ARC Review
It was fine. If you enjoy nature/island life, etc. you'll probably like the imagery in this novella. As for the plot itself, it was just mediocre.

3.75 stars.

I think this book about a woman named Sophia, who is set to sail off to the Galapagos Islands with her significant other, but plans change literally at the boarding gate, and ends up going alone, could be a much longer book if written.

The islands itself are described succinctly - I need to go at some point before I die. The characters, if developed would have been fun to know.

I did find the ending a little bit abrupt, maybe could have used five more pages? But other than that, hope we find out more about Sophia if Elin decides to write another book.

Thank you NetGalley, Amazon Original Stories Kindle Edition and author Elin Hilderbrand for this ARC.

Publishing date: 9/1/24

This was my first Elin Hilderbrand book and I definitely will read more as this was just a teaser. I liked this short story okay but feel it just ended, I would have liked more. I can’t write too much without giving spoilers but what happens next with Sophia?

I did feel that it was a little obvious of what was going on, maybe I’ve just read too many books with this theme? Overall, cute story you can read in one sitting but would have liked more.

Natural Selection is a short story by American author, Elin Hilderbrand. When a romantic getaway for two with her lover of six months (can a photography assignment to the Galapagos Islands be romantic?) suddenly becomes a solo trip to a destination about which she was never actually enthusiastic, NYC realtor Sophia Othonos has a chance to seriously think about her relationship with JP Satterwhite.

Left at the departure lounge holding JP’s expensive camera and a list of nature shots he needs, Sophia finds the vessel on which they are to travel a disappointment, and her travel companions a mixed bag. And, since a call from his ex-wife drew him away to a family emergency, a very irritating radio silence, despite a perfectly-functioning wi-fi connection.

Sophia makes friends, has her self esteem boosted, learns some stuff the reader would see coming a mile off, and makes some good decisions. A short but life-affirming and enjoyable read.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories.

Short and sweet story. Wanted more but still enjoyed it. Love Elin’s writing and characters. Also loved the setting made me feel like I was there.

As always Elin Hilderbrand just completely knocks it out of the park. I absolutely loved this sweet story. I loved the strength of the main character, and the story pulled all the heartstrings possible. So beautifully written.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for gifting me this book for free in exchange for my review! All opinions are my own.

As someone who lives in New England, I am a huge fan of Elin Hilderbrand's novels. I was so disappointed to hear that Swan Song was going to be her last book set on Nantucket as she would like to spread her wings and write about other places. This book, which was an Amazon First Read in August, is her first foray into other books.

Elin really is a great writer and while I thought I was going to miss her writing about Nantucket, this book was still really enjoyable and I loved it. I am excited to see what Elin writes next.

If you like Audiobooks, this book is narrated by Elin's longtime narrator, Erin Bennett.

I look forward to Elin's next book!!

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Many Thanks again to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this book in exchange for my honest review.

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This was an easy, breezy read. I enjoyed the setting of the Galapagos islands and Sophia's journey to figure out what was going on with her boyfriend. Although the ending was predictable, it was a fun read!

Sophia is on her way to the Galápagos Islands when her boyfriend has an emergency and has to return home. Sophia goes on the vacation anyways and gets to know some interesting and supportive people.. This book is very different from the author’s normal stories which I love. I’m not sure how I felt about this story - it was a little depressing, I would like to find out what happened immediately after the story ended. It did do a brief view of the future but I didn’t feel like it was enough. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A dreamy adventure to the Galápagos Islands from Elin. Note that if you hate the regular conflicts in her other novels, the plot of this short story won’t surprise you.

I couldn’t pass up a new EH book. Her newest, NATURAL SELECTION, released last week so grab it now! Only available on Amazon! EH gives such great summer vibes that I couldn’t turn down a Galapagos getaway in this newest novella. It’s a novel of taking chances and finding oneself—of course, doing so with a beautiful backdrop.

This story didn't make much sense to me -- basics of a narrative arc were missing.

Review copy provided by publisher.