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Golden Girl cover art

Golden Girl

Written by: Elin Hilderbrand
Narrated by: Erin Bennett
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Publisher's Summary

In this satisfying pause-resister 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 13 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.

©2021 Elin Hilderbrand (P)2021 Little, Brown & Company

What the critics say

"Summer on Hilderbrand's Nantucket is never dull. This time she focuses on former lovers who now lead separate lives but share an island idyll once a year. Captivating and bittersweet." (People)

"Hilderbrand steers this tightly written novel with ease and skill.... Less a story about a secretive affair and more a tale of sweet nostalgia and fate, this title will be popular with a wide audience." (Library Journal)

"This sweeping love story is Hilderbrand's best ever.... Her stories are relatable in an aspirational way, but her attention to detail is what makes her characters feel like living, breathing people you want to know. They would never skimp on citronella candles; they would save the least creaky rocking chair for you." (Elisabeth Egan, New York Times Book Review)

What listeners say about Golden Girl

Average Customer Ratings
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amazing

well written book. leaves you full of love. Elin is one of my favourite authors.🥰

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Best read this summer

This book has been by far my most favourite book so far. I was sorry to see it end and not be able to have more of this most uniquely written story Well done Elon Hilderbrand!!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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A must listen!

Narrator was ahhmazing!! Storyline awesome too -highly recommend -can’t wait to start another one soon!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Fantastic Read!

This is my first Elin Hildebrand novel, but most definitely won't be my last! Although I figured out "who done it" early on, it didn't change my desire to keep listening and find out what else happens. Great characters, great narrator, great easy and enjoyable listening.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Goldenest Girl

An Angel novel, Golden Girl, does not disappoint. Elin Hilderbrand never ceases to amaze me with her refreshing storylines. Another totally excellent reading experience.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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As a mom it was a little heart wrenching so became a real page turner to see how it all turns out

Wasn’t sure I was going to be able to get through the first few chapters as it was a heart wrenching situation that Vivie was facing. As you got to know the characters you become completely invested to see how it all turns out. Great book and storyline

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Not the best

A bit of a slow moving book. Storyline was not that exciting and plot had some holes that didn’t make sense.
Majority of characters are unlikable With no remedying qualities

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  • Overall
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Rich characters too much description!

I enjoyed getting to know all of the characters and following them through the stories. I enjoyed the weaving of all their stories together and was invested in the outcome. It was kind of predictable and overly descriptive as well as repetitive. A good lounging in the sun type of read.

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    3 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars

Just as I suspected...

Against my better instincts, I decided to purchase this title as it was on sale (thankfully!). The performance was really good; narrator was top notch and the story itself was ok. Very predictable but it was mildly entertaining just the same. My issue is that, COME ON... are there really, truly living saints out there? And if so, please introduce me to someone as selfless and perfect as the main character in this book. There is taking the high road and just plain being a door mat, which Vivi is and it is uncomfortable and just completely unbelievable. It was my first Elin Hildebrand book and will definitely be my last.

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