Golden Girl by Elin Hilderbrand

Book Description

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.

Review

As both a reader and a writer, Golden Girl by Elin Hilderbrand struck a deeply personal chord. Fair warning: the novel, part family drama and part speculative fiction, will suck you in.

I loved the glimpse into Vivian’s life as an author. Vivian’s frustrations with reviews, her publishing triumphs, and even her attempts at writing from the great beyond were so relatable. As I read, I nodded along. Although my writing goals are much more modest, Vivian’s story still reminded me of my writing struggles and my hard-won breakthroughs.

Despite the heavy premise, the tone never becomes maudlin. Hilderbrand’s trademark warmth shines through, lending this story the same hopeful charm I found in Oona Out of Order. Both novels explore lives unmoored by time and loss, yet remain ultimately life-affirming.

Narrator Erin Bennett’s performance elevated the emotional resonance of Golden Girl. She captured Vivian’s voice with nuance, balancing the character’s wit, weariness, and maternal love.

Vivian’s afterlife narration brought a light, almost magical layer to a grounded story about family, legacy, and healing. If you’re a writer or reader who enjoys character-driven stories with a touch of the unexpected, Golden Girl deserves a spot on your list.

Content Warning

Alcohol abuse, Cancer, Death of a parent, Drunk driving, Grief, Infidelity, Loss, Parent-child estrangement, Suicide, Terminal illness, Vehicular manslaughter

The header photo is a composite image. Base image by Jack Cohen on Unsplash