Golden Girl

Elin Hilderbrand

Jun 2021 · Sold by Little, Brown

About this ebook

In this #1 bestselling page-turner from "the queen of beach reads" (New York Magazine), a Nantucket novelist has one final summer to protect her secrets while her loved ones on earth learn to live without their golden girl.

On a perfect June day, Vivian Howe, author of thirteen beach novels 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, and with her daughter Willa on her third miscarriage, Carson partying until all hours, and Leo currently “off again” with his high-maintenance girlfriend, she’ll have to think carefully where to use them.

From the Beyond, Vivi watches “The Chief” Ed Kapenash investigate her death, but her greatest worry is her final book, which contains a secret from her own youth that could be disastrous for her reputation. But when hidden truths come to light, Vivi’s family will have to sort out their past and present mistakes—with or without a nudge of help from above—while Vivi finally lets them grow without her.

With all of Elin’s trademark beach scenes, mouth-watering meals, and picture-perfect homes, plus a heartfelt message—the people we lose never really leave us—Golden Girl is a beach book unlike any other.

Ratings and reviews

Vivian Howe is an acclaimed romance writer. One morning in June, while Vivi is out for her morning jog, she's involved in a hit-and-run accident where she dies shortly after. While Vivi is waiting to go to Heaven, she is met by Martha, her person that will help guide her. Vivi is allowed to hang around and watch her family and friends morn her until the end of summer. She is also allowed three nudges to change the course of events. Of course Vivi is concerned about her three children, all having their own issues, but she is just as concerned with her latest book, Golden Girl, that is being released soon. Golden Girl deals with Vivi's life back in Parma, Ohio where she grew up in the 80's and especially her time with her first love, Brett Caspian. It contains some deep secrets that she never revealed to anyone. Vivi watches as life goes on, using her three nudges and hopes that everyone will be ok. I just loved this book. This was the first time I read this author and I only did so because part of it was based in Parma, OH in the 80's which is where I grew up in the 70's/80's time frame. It was so fun seeing so many places mentioned that I know of and have been to. Parts of the story were like reliving my own life! Overall this book wonderful; the characters were a hoot; and I even enjoyed the mystery of who killed Vivi. Of course the Parma, OH references were the best!

Not interested. Surprisingly disappointed. A subject I don't care to read about. Why?

About the author

Elin Hilderbrand is the proud mother of three, a dedicated Peloton rider, an aspiring book influencer, and an enthusiastic at-home cook (follow her on Instagram @elinhilderbrand to watch her Cringe Cooking Show). She is also a grateful seven-year breast cancer survivor. Golden Girl is her 27th novel.