Golden Girl

In Elin Hilderbrand's 'Golden Girl,' beloved Nantucket novelist Vivian Howe faces an unexpected end on a perfect June day, killed in a hit-and-run accident. Ascending to the Beyond, she is granted a unique opportunity by her celestial guide, Martha: to observe her family on Earth for one final summer and receive three 'nudges' to subtly alter outcomes. From her ethereal vantage point, Vivi watches her three nearly grown children navigate their personal crises: Willa grappling with a third miscarriage, Carson immersed in reckless partying, and Leo entangled in a tumultuous relationship. Simultaneously, she observes Detective Ed Kapenash's investigation into her death. Vivi's greatest concern, however, is her final, unpublished manuscript, which harbors a deeply buried secret from her own youth—a revelation that could tarnish her carefully constructed legacy. As hidden truths unravel and her family confronts their past and present mistakes, Vivi must learn to let go, allowing them to forge their own paths, while readers are treated to Hilderbrand's signature blend of picturesque settings, delectable food, and a poignant exploration of loss and enduring love.