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Golden Girl

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Golden Girl by Elin Hilderbrand is a heartfelt story about Vivian Howe, a successful Nantucket novelist who tragically dies in a hit and run accident. From the beyond, Vivian is granted 75 viewing days and three nudges to watch over her three adult children as they navigate their lives without her presence. The book weaves together elements of romance, family drama, and mystery as Vivian's children grapple with their own struggles while dealing with the loss of their mother. Through vivid storytelling, the author explores themes of love, loss, and redemption, offering a unique perspective on life after death and the enduring bonds of family.

The narrative of Golden Girl unfolds with a blend of tragedy and sweetness, as Vivian's children face challenges and revelations that shape their paths moving forward. The book delves into the complexities of family relationships, secrets, and second chances, painting a poignant portrait of grief and resilience in the face of unexpected loss. Elin Hilderbrand's writing style captivates readers with its evocative descriptions of Nantucket, engaging characters, and a storyline that combines heartwarming moments with intriguing twists, making it a compelling and memorable read.

Characters:

The characters are relatable and well-drawn, each facing personal challenges that resonate with readers.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is engaging and descriptive, capturing the essence of Nantucket while balancing humor with emotional depth.

Plot/Storyline:

The novel follows Vivian Howe, a deceased author who watches over her family while grappling with her past decisions, and utilizes three nudges to influence her children's lives.

Setting:

The setting is Nantucket Island, vividly depicted and integral to the story's atmosphere.

Pacing:

The pacing is well-balanced, allowing for in-depth character exploration while maintaining tension in the plot.
It’s a beautiful June day, the kind that Vivi writes about. In fact, all thirteen of Vivian Howe’s novels—beach reads set on Nantucket—start in June. Vivi has never considered changing this habit beca...

Notes:

Elin Hilderbrand is known as the Queen of Beach Reads.
Her latest novel, Golden Girl, involves a hit and run accident.
Vivian Howe, the main character, can watch her family from the afterlife for 75 days.
Vivian has the ability to nudge her children to help them navigate their lives.
The story is set on Nantucket Island and features beautiful descriptions of the location.
The plot includes themes of family drama, loss, and personal secrets.
Vivian has three adult children, each dealing with their own challenges after her death.
The book blends elements of romance, mystery, and heartwarming moments.
Gold and Sunny in the title reference themes of summer and hope.
Readers appreciate Hilderbrand's engaging and relatable characters.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings for 'Golden Girl' include themes surrounding grief, adultery, and the impact of sudden death.

Has Romance?

There is a medium level of romance present in 'Golden Girl', reflective of the author’s typical style.

From The Publisher:

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 (6)

Incredible (1)
Loved It (4)
Liked It (1)

Reader Stats (19):

Read It (8)
Want To Read (10)
Not Interested (1)
 
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