EXCERPT: The song changes to opening guitar chords that seize Vivi's attention. It's 'Stone in Love' by Journey. Vivi almost trips over her own shoes. She stops and stares at her phone's screen. What is this song doing on the Nine Pound Hammer playlist? Did Carson add it? But Carson hates classic rock; she calls it 'music from beyond the grave.'

Vivi is spooked. This song brings back such intense memories of high school that she feels if she turns her head, she'll see Brett Caspian standing in the middle of Kingsley Road. She nearly pushes the skip button, but she does love the song, despite her complicated history with it, and it's been so long since she heard it. When she starts running again, she sings along, 'Burning love comes once in a lifetime.'

Her eyes are closed and by the time she realises something is wrong, it's too late - Vivi's neck snaps; her heart feels like a stick of dynamite exploding. Vivi is airborne, she's flying - until her head slams against the ground. Her leg. Something is wrong with her leg.

A tinny, faraway voice sings, 'Golden Girl, I'll keep you forever.' Then the music stops. The dark turns to velvety black. The quiet becomes silence.

ABOUT 'GOLDEN GIRL': Golden Girl follows Nantucket novelist Vivi, who gets one final summer -- after she is killed in a hit-and-run accident -- to protect her secrets and learn from her mistakes while her loved ones still on earth try to solve the mystery of her death.

Vivian Howe, author of 13 beach novels and mother of three young adults, is killed in a hit and run car accident while jogging near her home in Nantucket. She ascends to the Beyond where she's assigned to a Person named Martha, who agrees Vivi's death was unfair. Martha allows Vivi to watch what happens below with her children, her best friend, and her ex-husband.

Martha gives Vivi the use of three "nudges" so that she might influence the outcome of events in the world of the living. Vivi discovers her children's secrets, watches the investigation of her death (headed by Chief Ed Kapenash from The Perfect Couple) and worries about a secret from her youth, fictionalized in her novel, coming to light.

MY THOUGHTS: The ocean beach, mouthwatering food, incredibly interesting characters, and a plot that had me entranced - Elin Hildebrand had me hooked from page one.

This is the first book that I have read by this author, and now I understand why everyone has been telling me 'You have to read her!' The blurb doesn't do this book justice. I am glad that I didn't reread it before I started. I probably would have nudged this read further down the pile.

Elin Hildebrand not only entranced me, she amazed me with Golden Girl. I was expecting a fairly predictable family drama/romance/paranormal tale, but there is nothing predictable about Golden Girl. The wonderful characters and plotting made sure of that! From the first page I felt like I had stepped right into this novel and was right there amidst the action and drama.

The story is told from multiple points of view, mainly in the present, but with forays into Vivi's past. And what a past she had! I loved her character. She has dignity and fortitude.

I became totally invested in this family, and I shed a tear or two at Vivi's death, and again while reading Savannah's amazing tribute to her best friend.

I love sandwiches. I could live on sandwiches, and there's some delicious ones described in here. I have bookmarked them and intend to eat my way through them.

Make sure that you read the author's note at the end. It explains a lot. Elin Hildebrand is definitely an author whose backtitles will be finding a place on my shelves right beside Golden Girl.

⭐⭐⭐⭐.5

#GoldenGirl #NetGalley

I: @elinhildebrand #hodderstoughton

T: @HodderBooks

#contemporaryfiction #familydrama #paranormal #romance #womensfiction

THE AUTHOR: Elin Hilderbrand lives on Nantucket with her husband and their three young children. She grew up in Collegeville, Pennsylvania, and traveled extensively before settling on Nantucket, which has been the setting for her five previous novels. Hilderbrand is a graduate of Johns Hopkins University and the graduate fiction workshop at the University of Iowa.

DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Hodder &Stoughton via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of Golden Girl by Elin Hildebrand for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.

For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com

This review and others are also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...

Hurrah! Summer has finally arrived! Blue skies and glorious sunshine accompanied me as I sat reading the brand new novel from Elin Hilderbrand. I cannot begin to describe how much I adored my introduction to this author; Golden Girl is a truly delightful tale with wonderful, colourful characters,and a storyline and a setting I instantaneously fell in love with. I simply couldn’t resist the pull of the island of Nantucket and its most famous wash-ashore resident and best selling novelist Vivi Howe; they both reeled me in with their unique magic making this perfect summer reading.

We meet Vivi Howe as she becomes a victim of a hit and run whilst out on her daily jog. Her soul is quickly retrieved by Martha from The Beyond, Vivi’s allocated Person and heavenly guide who grants her a seventy five day viewing window in which to watch over her three children, Willa, Carson and Leo as they come to terms with their mother’s untimely death. As an added bonus Vivi has the use of three nudges in which to alter the outcomes of their lives but no more, so it is imperative she uses them wisely. Basically she has until the summer season is over to discover who is responsible for her early demise and to look back over her life as a mother, best friend, wife and novelist which also includes her love affair with the island. In doing so Vivi has the opportunity to understand her children in ways that have previously eluded her, and to reflect upon a secret part of her life that still haunts her.

This is a novel that caters for all preferences, offering mystery, romance, drama, humour and a touch of quirkiness, and I found myself immersed in these characters lives without hesitation. The police investigation led by Ed Kapanash provides a certain amount of intrigue and suspense whereas the drama comes in the shape of the current dilemmas facing all three children, Vivi’s ex husband JP and her best friend Savannah. Moments where Vivi travels back to her past, reliving some of her most special memories, reveals the secretive side to this character but other members of her family are hiding secrets of their own too. Told from multiple viewpoints the author grants you a birds eye view of the dynamics of a family in the throes of grief, each member floundering in their own way now that Vivi is no longer at the heart of everything. Slowly as their individual truths come to light you can appreciate how central a figure Vivi is not only in the lives of her immediate family but for those on its periphery too. Her presence can be felt everywhere which for some characters is most unwelcome. All three children are deeply affected by Vivi’s death exacerbating the problems they face and influencing their behaviour but it’s how they deal with their individual crises that is of primary concern. Who will need a nudge in the right direction? None of these characters are perfect rendering them typically human; their choices having a rippling effect on those around them and only time will tell whether this family will pull together or pull apart.

Dealing with grief, forgiveness and life after death I adored the more quirky aspect of this novel where Hermes scarf wearing Martha and The Beyond are a match made in heaven! This other worldly element injects some light relief with a satisfying case of divine retribution and a sprinkling of humour that is inspired and welcome. Although I’d consider this to be my favourite aspect, I can honestly say I enjoyed guessing the identity of the hit and run culprit, which may or may not surprise you through to some of the siblings more scandalous revelations. I understood Vivi’s frustration at having limited control for a finite time over her children’s lives but knowing when to interfere and when to take a backseat is every mother’s constant dilemma! Unfortunately we’re not all blessed with one last opportunity to prevent our children making catastrophic mistakes/unwise decisions so it’s indebted to Martha to teach Vivi one final lesson. Even if we could turn back time and choose a different path there’s nothing to say that life would be better raising the question of why we naturally assume that it would?? Life comes with no guarantees; it goes on regardless of good or bad decisions and with or without our loved ones. What is important to remember is the legacy we gift to our children and the passing on, like a baton, of memories that death cannot extinguish.

Well written, entertaining and enjoyable I loved every minute of Golden Girl. A mixture of the serious and the lighthearted this is part mystery, part love story and part family drama. Whether you’re vacationing abroad this summer or opting for a staycation,be sure to put this novel on your holiday reading list. I highly recommend.

My thanks as always to the publisher and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read in exchange for an honest review.

Elin Hilderbrand is one of my go to authors for a read which just takes me away to another place and time.
Her books are usually quite emotional so I prepare myself going in but the sadness of situations in her books are written in such a way that although you feel sad there is so much more love and hopefulness that you don’t always reach for the tissues.

This summer tale is about novelist Vivian Howe who is killed one morning in a hit a run. She is then given three nudges to influence decisions on earth as she watches her family and friends come to terms with her death.

As with all her novels the setting is just such an important part of the story, set on Nantucket, Vivian’s three children, her ex-husband and her best friend try to navigate the days after her death as the local police try to find out who killed her.

Told from multiple viewpoints the characters are well developed and immediately you are in their world and keen to find out more about what has been going on.

I liked the idea that Vivian was watching over her family and watching their decisions from afar and it made for a comforting read, not sad at all. As with all her books I loved it, read it over the space of a day.
4 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book in return for an honest review.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

When Vivian, whose an author and a mother of three grown up children is killed. In a hit-and-run whilst out jogging near her home, she passes away.
But, as her death was not right, she’s now able to watch, down on earth what happens to her children, her ex-husband and her best friend as well as a novelist whose a rival, and also whose book is out the same day as hers.

As well as watch from above, she’s given three 'nudges' these are so that she can, make a change to outcome of events in the land of the living..

She watches and finds out her children's secrets, how the investigation into her own death is proceeding, also, she’s worrying about a secret, one from her youth coming out.

It’s up to her to decide what she wants to alter and what she’s happy to be left as is.

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
I went in kind of blind to this one, I’ve loved a few of Elin Hilderbrand’s books so wasn’t worried I wouldn’t enjoy - I loved how different the premise was from her other work, the main character, Vivi, was actually dead and watching her family try to move on.

As with all her books, this one was extremely character driven, at times a few too many characters for me to keep track of. Overall, I really enjoyed it though, and as someone who normally shies away from grief, this was an interesting view on it. It was a mix of emotion throughout, equal sadness and joy, but I did finish the book feeling happy and uplifted 💛 (and I LOVE the Nantucket setting 😍)
Review up this week on IG

Elin Hildebrand can surely write a book that will keep you hooked. I love her story, escapist but also poignant and well written.
This is the first time I read one of her stories featuring a paranormal side and i loved it.
Great plot, good world building and great characters.
The author is a talented storyteller and this story is engrossing and entertaining.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Golden Girl is an emotional, dramatic story about one’s death and the afterlife yet keeping it beachy on Nantucket. World renowned author of beach novels, Vivian Howe, is killed in a hit & run car accident while out running near her home. Vivi is met by Martha, her Person, in the afterlife. Martha allows Vivi to watch how the summer unfolds with her children, ex husband, and best friend. While the accident is being investigated, the children - Willa, Carson, and Leo are dealing with their mother’s death as best they can. Vivi learns of their dark secrets and flaws, but also sees their strength and love for one another. My rating is a 3.5 round up to 4 stars. Thank you to Little, Brown and Company, NetGalley, and the author for a gifted copy!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for access to this book early.

I love Elin Hilderbrands books for the mix of light hearted summer fun and the complicated relationship dynamics people can have. This book is no exception. It is at the centre a family saga set on Nantucket I recommend you read. Although this is not as light and frothy as other books I’ve read by the author.

I was over the moon to be sent this book having loved previous books by Elin Hilderbrand as with all those I have read by this author it did not disappoint. Vivian Howe a much loved Nantucket local and celebrated author lives with her three children Willa Carson and Leo after the demise of her marriage to JP one day on her daily run she is knocked over and sadly passes away. The book is written is a really unusual way with Vivian (Vivi) looking down from heaven and watching her family - the investigation into her hit and run and all things happening behind closed doors in Nantucket . Above she can see past and present and is granted 3 nudges to use as she pleases . An absolute gem of a read great characters and clever references to other books by Elin .. as with all her books it makes me want to visit Nantucket

3.5 rounded up.

Vivian Howe is a best selling author of ‘beach novels’. She’s divorced from JP and they have three grown up children. Early one morning she’s killed in a hit and run and she ascends into The Beyond where she is greeted by Hermès scarf wearing Martha. She’s granted 75 VWs (viewing windows) in a limited time period and three nudges to influence outcomes on earth. She has to use them wisely to help her children who have more issues than she knows. The story is told via several perspectives in the present and the past.

This is a well written novel which combines the mystery of who killed Vivi which is investigated by Nantucket Police Chief Ed Kapenash (who is a repeat character) and it’s about overcoming grief, confronting the truth and acknowledging the past which is where the title comes in. I really like the premise and the imaginative way The Beyond plays out as we learn Vivi's secrets as well as those of her family and where their truth lies. I enjoy how Martha gets her precious and valuable Hermès scarves which is admirable justice! The characters are good although they are all flawed in some way but that does tend to make them more interesting. The insights into Vivi are good and you also come to realise that she’s been too busy with her career to notice what’s really going on in her children’s lives. I like their points of view and understanding just how damaged they are to a lesser or greater degree and all are struggling with issues. The family dynamics are good and not just in Vivi's immediate family either. It does have a bit of everything, there’s some humour to alleviate some of the heaviness, there’s romance and scandalous affairs, there’s the nostalgia of first love, there’s a bit of suspense and of course, the mystery of the car driver which in the end doesn’t come as much of a surprise. The Nantucket setting is, of course, wonderful!

However, on the negative side it’s very slow in places and I find my mind wandering and it’s way too long. There are multiple points of view and I’m not entirely convinced that all are needed.

Overall, I really enjoyed 28 Summers but don’t find that this one grabs me in the same way despite loving the premise.

With thanks to NetGalley and Hodder and Stoughton for the arc in return for an honest review.

3.5 stars rounded up to 4

Vivian Howe, author of thirteen beach novels and mother of three young adults, is killed in a hit and run car accident while jogging near her home in Nantucket. She ascends to the Beyond where she is assigned to a Person named Martha, who agrees Vivi's death was unfair. Martha allows Vivi to watch what happens below with her children, her best friend and her ex-husband. Martha gives Vivi three "nudges" so that she might influence the outcome of events in the world of the living. Vivi discovers her children's secrets, watches the investigation of her death and worries about a secret from her youth.

You need to stretch your imagination a little bit whilst reading this book, it borders credulity. It's part mystery and comedy but it will also pull at your heart strings. Vivi's children all have problems: Willa is pregnant with Vivi's first grandchild, she's already had three miscarriages. Carson is a drug addict who's having an affair with a married man. Leo is coming to terms with his own truths. Viva was also concerned about the release of her new book, she already has thirteen beach reads published. Chief Ed Kapenash is investigating the hit and run accident.

The characters are well developed but flawed. With heartfelt and humorous moments, there's also scandalous affairs, paranormal elements, grief and a murder mystery. The story is told from multiple points of view. The pace is steady in this well written book that held my attention throughout.

I would like to thank #NetGalley #HodderStoughton and the author #ElinHilderbrand for my ARC of #GoldenGirl in exchange for an honest review.

How I loved Golden Girl. I wasn't sure from the opening paragraphs that it would be 'my sort of book', however within minutes I was immersed in this family saga. I feel bereft now that I have finished.
The concept is of a mother who has died in a tragic hit and run being able for a short while to watch over her children and possibly influence outcomes.
The Acknowledgements reveal the personal impetus behind Elin Hilderbrand's heart warming story.
The characters are strongly drawn, 'warts and all'. The Nantucket beach life is enviable. The author's obvious love of cooking and of food adds a savoury dimension to the story. There is also an intriguing element of 'who dunnit?' to keep you guessing.
An ideal book for a Book Group. An ideal holiday read. Read it more slowly than I did though and make it last longer! I wish I had.

Vivian Howe lives on the island of Nantucket with her husband and their three children. She is the islands most famous resident, a prolific and popular author of Women’s Fiction. She has an envious home and lifestyle, her publication trips see her travelling for weeks, signing newly published novels.
Then her husband J P takes on a new recruit called Amy to help in his Wine business and this is where everything changes. He is besotted with her and eventually decides he wants to be with her not only at work, but forever and 24/7. He tells Vivi who moves out but her new home is modest and functional, certainly not on the same level as her marital home. In fact it needs so much doing to it that she names it ‘The Money Pit’.
Ten years on Vivi is still alone. Her children are all grown up. Willa, her firstborn daughter, is married. She confides to her Mum that she is once again pregnant, after suffering the misfortune of having had three miscarriages. Her second daughter Carson has a steady job at a cocktail bar. She is a dab hand at making cocktails and has just been promoted. Vivi’s only son is called Leo and he is due to leave the nest to go to Uni. Vivi is used to socialising with J P and Amy even if Amy is still not so keen on mixing. Her life is on an even keel and her fourteenth novel called 'Golden Girl' is due to be published soon. She has never had a number one hit with her novels, but this one is super special, so who knows, this could be it.
It is 19th June and the season on Nantucket has more or less started. Vivi is out on her early morning run, enjoying the sun on her shoulders and the music on her play list, when Wham! Vivi lies dead on the path, the victim of a hit-and-run driver. Cruz, driving his car on his way to see his best friend Leo, sees Vivi on the pathway and is quick to summons help, calling for an ambulance on his mobile. Meanwhile Vivi leaves her earthly life and ascends to the forever life, met by her personal guide who settles her in and shows her around.
Her family, friends and followers are devastated. Ed Kapenash, the local chief is assigned her case and his investigations are initiated. Who killed Vivi? So the story continues.
I enjoyed this quirky novel which is nothing like any of Elin Hildebrand’s other beach reads. It is different in so many ways. The storytelling is vivid and interesting as always. The characters are diverse and well developed throughout the story as usual. But the storyboard differs wildly. I’m not a believer of the afterlife, but this element of the novel didn’t disturb me at all. I liked the idea of Vivi, a loving mother, being able to follow the lives of her children and even influence them if the time was right and her guide thought it was relevant. The novel is just not one of my favourites.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from publisher Hodder & Stoughton through my membership of NetGalley. Thank you for my copy sent in return for an honest and unbiased review. It’s a 3.5* review from me and I recommend it as an interesting read.

First off, Thank you so much for letting me review this wonderful book! I absolutely adored this book! I enjoyed the characters and the story! The story flowed great and had me reading and finishing the book in no time! I highly recommend this book! Stunning, a page-turner which stays long in the memory! Perfect for a day at the beach or around the pool. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️