Novelist Vivian Howe is tragically killed in a hit-and-run accident during an early morning jog. All of Nantucket is stunned, especially her young adult children --- Willa, Carson and Leo --- ex-husband JP and BFF Savannah. Their lives are turned upside down. How will they survive without her?

Vivi ascends to the Beyond. There she meets Martha, her Person, more commonly known as a spiritual guide or angel. Martha is pretty cool, and informs Vivi that she can watch over everyone all summer until Labor Day. She’s also allowed three nudges, similar to the three wishes from a genie. As she observes what’s happening to her loved ones, unbeknownst to all, she can swoop in and change the outcomes of what’s transpiring in their lives. Once Labor Day comes, and she uses the nudges, she has to leave them so they can get on with their lives without her.

"I’ve read a number of Hilderbrand’s books, but this one spoke to me like no other. The queen of the beach read has let her vulnerability speak through her words for all to see and feel, pouring her heart and soul out."

Willa is married to Rip, and she has had two miscarriages already, now possibly a third. She’s in the very early stages of a new pregnancy and understandably worried, so she’s keeping it a secret. Carson is a wild child who parties all night, drinks and does drugs. Leo is in a souring relationship with his girlfriend, which is extremely draining on him.

JP and Savannah commiserate once Vivi dies. Prior to that, they really didn't associate with each other. Misery does love company, so they become closer and form a nice bond. Vivi, though, is wishing they would develop a deeper relationship.

As Chief Ed Kapenash investigates, all eyes are on Cruz DeSantis as the person who hit Vivi. Cruz is Leo’s best friend since childhood and has been considered part of the Howe family since he lost his mother. So how could he have killed her?

Even though Vivi is watching everything below, she is worried about those she has left behind. However, what really concerns her is a secret revealed in her final book, Golden Girl, that could tarnish her reputation. Circumstances come to light, and her family handles the revelation beyond Vivi’s expectations without her using a nudge.

Elin Hilderbrand’s descriptions are so full and vivid that readers are able to see everything so clearly in their minds. The famous locations, hot spots, beautiful beaches, restaurants, food and beverages, and atmosphere she creates, not to mention the songs, are like no other. She has made Nantucket a famous getaway destination, and her fans can’t get enough of her. Akin to her leading character’s penchant for plenty of drama in her fiction, Hilderbrand’s writing is witty, spunky, fun and dramatic.

Here’s just one example: “We honor Mom by offering forgiveness. You know how she treats the characters in her books? She gives them flaws, she portrays them doing horrible things --- but the reader loves them anyway. Because Mom loves them. Because they’re human.”

I’ve read a number of Hilderbrand’s books, but this one spoke to me like no other. The queen of the beach read has let her vulnerability speak through her words for all to see and feel, pouring her heart and soul out. This quote really hit home, and out loud I said to myself “Oh wow!” as it summarizes what she is passionate about: “In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer.”  

Never have I read a novel such as this that captures the true essence of the author. Bravo, Ms. Hilderbrand. You won’t have to wonder if GOLDEN GIRL makes it to #1 on the New York Times bestseller list like Vivian does. I have no doubt that it will!