Happy Monday, friends! It’s time for BOOK CLUB #7!
Who doesn’t love the 22nd of every month?! I do, I do!
Okay, just to recap, so far this year, our book club has read and reviewed…
The Last Love Note by Emma Grey. If you’ve read the book and want to participate in that conversation, you can visit that post HERE to comment/review/be a part of that book.
The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon. If you’ve read the book and want to participate in that conversation, you can visit that post HERE to comment/review/be a part of that book.
The Heiress by Rachel Hawkins. If you’ve read the book and want to participate in that conversation, you can visit that post HERE to comment/review/be a part of that book.
The Many Lives of Mama Love by Lara Love Hardin. If you’ve read the book and want to participate in that conversation, you can visit that post HERE to comment/review/be a part of that book.
Darling Girls by Sally Hepworth. If you’ve read the book and want to participate in that conversation, you can visit that post HERE to comment/review/be a part of that book.
The Paris Novel by Ruth Reichl. If you’ve read the book and want to participate in that conversation, you can visit that post HERE to comment/review/be a part of that book.
Before we get to today’s book, let’s revisit the “rules” of Shay’s Book Club:
Here are the details:
1: On the 22nd of each month, I will share a BONUS blog post that is only about the book we read together that month. So, if it falls on a weekend, look for it that day, if it falls on a Tuesday, expect a food post, a normal lifestyle post AND third post just for the book review discussion.
2: I picked the 22nd because I want this post to come out BEFORE our normal monthly BOOK REVIEW POSTS. I will still share my normal monthly book reviews (where I average 4 to 6 books a month) at the end of each month. I will reference said “book of the month”, but I will not be reviewing it on that post, I will be linking back to the BOOK CLUB POST. Why? Because I want all of the content about the one specific book club book in one spot instead of spread out over multiple spots.
3: Each month at the end of the Book Club blog post, I will share what the book will be for the following month. This will give everyone one month to read this one particular book.
4: Let’s be real, I’m going to try to pick new/popular/relevant books every month, but I’m also going to pick books that speak to me. If you have any suggestions, please feel free to share them with me. I’m going to *try* and make the books different genres each month. I would love for us to read a variety of fiction, non-fiction, memoirs, chick lit, thrillers, etc this year. That’s the *goal*.
5: What are the rules of the book club? I know a lot of book clubs have rules and perhaps I’ll add some as we go, but basically, if you want to read along with us, we’d love to have you and on the 22nd we’ll dive a little deeper in the comment section here about that one particular book. Easy as that! That post is the one place where we’ll discuss the book so that all thoughts/opinions/questions/etc can be in one location.
6: In this blog post and in the comment section, WE WILL BE DISCUSSING SPOILERS. If you are interested in reading this book, you might not want to read below this line. In JULY’S BOOK REVIEW later this month, I will give a quick recap and let you know if I recommend the book or not, so if you haven’t read it, you might want to wait until that official BOOK REVIEW because there will be no spoilers and based on that, you can decide whether or not to read the book. Anything below this though will include spoilers as everyone commenting here has already read the book.
Make sense?
Here we go!
This month’s novel was…
Swan Song by Elin Hilderbrand.
I have said for years and years and YEARS that Elin Hilderbrand is my very favorite author, but that doesn’t mean I just LOVE all of her books. This one here, her final novel set on Nantucket. was just okay to me. I loved the references to all of the characters from novels past (The Chief, Blonde Sharon, Fast Eddie, etc), but I just thought the entire novel lead up to a lot of nothing. She hooked me up front with the big mystery of “what happened to Coco”, but by the time we go to the end of the story, I thought the whole thing wrapped up too quickly, too neatly and way too predictably. The story was “meaty” at times, but when it was all said and done, it was over too fast and too basic. In my opinion, there was a big build up with little delivered.
And don’t get me started on that last chapter with the Chief on the beach. Was that necessary? I thought that was a terribly depressing way to end the book and completely unnecessary.
I, of course, loved all of the Nantucket references. There were very specific real-life mentions multiple times on every single page…little minute details woven into the story that always made me smile.
I loved the author’s note at the end (huge kudos to her for dedicating the book so warmly to her ex-husband), but the story itself was very forgettable to me. When I think back to her novels (and I’ve read them all), some really stand out to me for positive reasons (28 Summers, The Identicals, The Winter Stroll Series), some are memorable because I didn’t love them (Golden Girl, The Hotel Nantucket), but this one here (her swan song) will be forgotten by me as a book in the middle.
This novel was cute, easy to read and very summery. In no way was it “bad” it was just fine…but I was hoping for a little more than “fine” for the finish line.
I am really curious to your thoughts in the comment section today!
Okay, so what are we going to read next month?!
…Husbands & Lovers by Beatriz Williams.
If you haven’t ever read a Beatriz Williams’ novel, you are in for a treat! As many of you know, I ADORE THIS AUTHOR!! Her books area typically some of my very favorites. I can’t wait to read her newest one with all of you!
That’s it for Book Club #7! I can’t wait to discuss below! Head to the comment section to share your thoughts! xx
Elspeth says
I am making my way though other Elin books now and can’t wait to read to this one! Looking forward to seeing people’s thoughts!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Sharon says
I agree. Her earlier books were much better. One of my all time favorites was 28 Summers – highly recommend. Last few books felt like she was just “phoning it in”.
Kristen Thompson says
Ah I wanted to love this one because I also love Elin Hilderbrand but I agree it was just ok! The ending sort of ruined it for me with the chief! The obsession with The Richardsons felt a little far fetched to me as well. I liked learning more about Kacy and revisiting some of the characters from her previous stories. I’m looking forward to the next one!
Stephanie Parisotto says
I didn’t love this book either and also only gave it ⭐️⭐️⭐️. Maybe I had built up this book, since it was her last set in Nantucket, in my head but it definitely was a bit of a disappointment. The end was weird and the chapter with the chief didn’t seem to belong. I too loved the winter series, 28 summers and even the summer of 69 & 79. This one for me as well will not be one that I recommend when talking about Hildebrand.
Carin says
I would say that Elin is one of my favorites, too, and I’ve loved all of her books — yes, even those with ghosts. The only word I can use to describe my feelings about this book is bummed. I felt like she tried way too hard to make the book a literal swan song to her remarkable career rather than telling a great story. Maybe she’ll pull a Deborah Vance and give us one more Nantucket beach read so she doesn’t go out this way!
Looking ahead to next month, I devoured Husbands & Lovers as soon as it came out. Fantastic choice for August!
Sarah Nienhuis says
As someone who listens to more audio books than reads, this book was a slow start to listen to. I almost didn’t keep listening, but I stuck it out for this post lol. I really liked the middle of the book! I love a good thriller/“who dun it” and I was excited to get to the end. But the end had no twist (nothing that was actually surprising) and while I really cared where Coco was, by the time we learned what happened, I was like “that’s it?” Also – I’d love to hear from those who listened because Elin actually read the last chapter with the chief and not only did I hate that part of the book, Elin should NOT read aloud and stick to writing because her voice is annoying and she reads too fast. So not only was I like “what’s going on with the chief, is he dying?” But the voicing was completely off from the rest of the book, making the ending even worse. I agree with your 3 stars because I did enjoy the book very much until the end! Thanks, Shay!
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank you for sticking it out for the group 🙂 . I felt the exact same way as you did. The middle had a lot of potential, but the end fell really flat for me.
Yolanda McLean says
I agree, the chapter she read threw the book off. I listen to way more books than I actually read.
Nichole Walden says
I listened to the audiobook too and I agree the last chapter read by Elin was awful! I could hardly understand what was going on and had to listen through the ending credits for the main reader to read it again.
Hallye Terrell says
Did you hear after the interview with the author and Erin Bennett (narrator) that Erin Bennett reads the final chapter? Thank goodness!! Because listening to Elin read it herself was awful (and confusing)! It made me realize that maybe my favorite part of her books is the narrator, who really brings the characters and Nantucket to life. This story was just ok and I was surprised there wasn’t more to the “whodunnit” part. It all fell a little flat for me. But it was fun to have Blonde Sharon get her moment to shine and fall in love!
Becky Simpson says
I have read all of Elin’s books, and I agree that it was an OK one. I liked the character and place references. I cried on the last page about the chief. I also liked the author’s note about Elin’s ex-husband. I’ve heard hood things about the August book!
Kim. says
I just finished last night Husbands and Lovers!
Sheaffer says
Well, you know I’ve got nuthin.
Erika Slaughter says
I seem to be in the minority here but this was one of my FAVORITE Hildebrand books! I closed the book and thought now that’s one that I’ll remember where so many of the others are similar, super chick-lit, etc. where I can’t keep the plots separated. I was a fan!
Jess Brown says
Same!! I loved the circular ending.
Kay says
Same here! Although I didn’t like the ending, I really really loved reading it!
Kristen Hardison says
I agree on all of the above – but I will add that I bought my copy from Walmart because it had exclusive content at the back. It was several pages of Easter eggs all explained by Elin and I LOVED that. I picked up on many of the references to past books myself but I absolutely missed some and loved reading about them! I’m looking forward to the two books she’s writing with her daughter about a boarding school! Also I’ve met Elin twice at events and I really loved her even more after hearing her speak at those. I will absolutely miss my summer tradition of reading her new release each year and may just go back and re-read them all in order. Also if you’ve never visited Nantucket but have read every Elin book, do yourself a favor and take the trip! We went for my birthday three years ago in July and it one thousand percent lives up to the hype! AND as luck would have it, Shay was there that week and I got to meet her, too! 🥹
Carly says
I think Swan Song highlights what Elin does best. Descriptive but not boring writing and Easter eggs. I loved how the characters were ones we knew well (the main POVs are from Castaways and that is a favorite Elin for me). But I completely agree about the ending. No twist. No mystery. Just done. I was also confused about the Chief. Was he dying? But my real question is…is Elin Blonde Sharon?! Blonde Sharon talks about her sister Heather. Elin has a sister Heather, Elin is a blonde writer…I thought it could be cute. And the most chic and classy dedication I’ve ever seen!
Austin says
Yes! She mentioned on her podcast that as she wrote this book she realized that she, indeed is blond Sharon! It was fun to read knowing that she saw herself in her own character.
Taylor says
I haven’t read Swan Song yet because I’m still on the waiting list at the library. Husbands & Lovers is SOOO good. I am almost done and can’t put it down. Great pick.
Jennifer Baker says
I also had super high expectations for this one and it was not one of my favorites. I think for me I love Elin’s books because I love her female characters and this time I just wasn’t that interested in Coco or Leslee Richardson. Although I did like the very ending how she doesn’t want Ed living on Nantucket without her!
V says
Swan Song was just okay to me. It was disappointing. I loved her St. John series, so I was expecting this to read more like those, but it just fell flat for me. I just finished Husbands & Lovers and it is amazing! I burned out on historical fiction (mainly WW2) a few years ago, so this was different and I loved the dual timelines. Definitely a great pick!
Kari Anne Maddox says
I would give this book 4 stars. I have read each of EH’s books as week, and agree on the ones I disliked a LOT. I wouldn’t mind adding 5 Star Weekend up even higher on this list. That was excellent. I am excited about The Perfect Couple coming to Netflix but there are so many of her stories that I would rather see.
With that said, I cried buckets at the end…,,not only for a main character but for this chapter in her life (I know she is writing with her daughter for young adult but ehhhh)
I thought most of these characters were loveable except the Richardsons and I honestly would have wanted to go to one of their parties!! If I was suggesting EH to someone, this would be right in the middle
Maria says
Her books with her daughter are no longer YA, they will be adult. I believe her publisher encouraged her to write for her current audience.
Amy Jarrell says
Agree with others. The plot was flat and should have had more meat around the Richardsons. I would have liked to see some kind of con around how they got their money. The chief chapter was so pointless. And where is Coco to end up being she slipped or was pushed was so bah humbug for me.
Rayne Osborn says
I gave this four stars-I loved all the characters-especially the chief and their group of friends and could just picture the plot happening. Exciting new couple, everyone caught up in the excitement and drama, then clearly they were not what they seem. The pickleball cheating made me laugh out loud (I listened on audible). They were slow moments, but overall I really enjoyed. The last chapter was different and not my favorite, but I also teared up on the last page and felt like it wrapped everything up nicely.
Erin Rivers says
Oh man I was so afraid I was going to be in the minority here. I just really did not love it. I LOVE Elin but I really haven’t loved here last several books. That always makes me sad because I WANT to love them. This one was just way too many words and storylines for me. I DID like the main story (especially in the last couple chapters) but it was just tough to wade through allllll the “extra”. And the last chapter with Chief? That was her saying he died, right? I didn’t like that at all.
Mix and Match Mama says
Yup. Just terrible.
Michelle says
I read this book within 2 days. I enjoyed the book and liked it. It kept me interested and was an easy read. The end was just ok. I thought it would better. Looking forward to reading other books by this author. And I can’t wait to read August’s book!
Martina Ingemarsson says
Fell flat for me too. All this build up for nothing, but enjoyed the middle as well, was intrigued to see how it would end… and then nothing. And the last chapter didn’t belong.
But apart from the end, an enjoyable summer read and I thought Leslee was an interesting character, obviously she had issues, would have been interesting to “know” her better…
Looking forward to next month
Emily says
3 stars too!
As an avid Hilderbrand reader, I liked the nod at the other characters from previous books but it almost felt like too many characters to keep up with. The layout of the book was also confusing to me. But as usual, it made me want to visit Nantucket🙂
Michelle says
I’m an audiobook “reader” as well and agree that Elin reading the last chapter threw me way off. I also agree that it was definitely not the best book by Elin (28 Summers is my favorite!). While it wasn’t awful, I would only give it 2.5-3 stars. I am listening to The Unraveling by Vi Keeland. I’m not sure where I heard about it (maybe on a list on Audible), but so far it is good. I think it would be one you would enjoy.
Mikayla A. says
Yes Elin at the end was not enjoyable to listen to. In fact I was so distracted I think I missed what happened to the Chief which sounds like a controversial ending. Now I’m going to have to read the last chapter in a book store somewhere 🙂 haha
Krista S. Steenbergen says
I enjoyed this book until the end! I needed something light since I had just finished a couple of heavy thrillers. I am still trying to get to the end of The Paris Novel!😂
Amy Azza says
I’ve read all of Elins books and I think she’s been off the last five years – she has no fresh material, she’s recycling old material, and she’s lost her edge. I also met her in person in Nantucket and found her to be rude and a bit elitist. I would give this book two stars.
Melanie says
Totally agree with your review. This was my least favorite EH book. Most of the characters were unlikable to me and the ending just bombed.. It was a struggle to finish but I did hoping for something positive. Ugh. Quickly switched to Summer Romance because of everyone’s positive reviews. Cleansed my palate! Ha!
Erika says
I agree! I thought it was ok & didn’t like the ending with the police chief! But an easy fun read.
Courtney says
I agree. I was really looking forward to this one and it was a let down. Not terrible, just not great. I actually got into it very quickly, but then everything just kind of fizzled. I enjoyed Nantucket references (is there really a prestigious club with a 10 year waiting list?) and characters from past novels, but really not much else.
Sarah Shaneyfelt says
I gave this one 4 stars on Goodreads because I really wanted to be nice since it was her last one. I get the title reference–her swan song and the Chief’s swan song, but that last chapter was really sad. I loved the references to past characters and I really liked Blond Sharon in this book! I kept wondering what happened to Coco, but I felt the ending could have been a little more sensational instead of boring. BUT I did like that Leslie (I think that’s her name?? She was forgettable to me) kept a bunch of cash hidden in the boat just in case–she was a master manipulator.
I’m looking forward to Elin’s books with her daughter next!
MeetTheShaneyfelts
Tami says
I’ve never read one of her books because I thought they wouldn’t be substantial enough in plot, characters, etc. My feeling was confirmed with this book. However, I don’t regret giving it a try. The best book this year so far has been Frozen River. I loved that book!
Your book club has encouraged me to read books I wouldn’t have chosen on my own and I love that!
Patt says
I agree with everything you said.
Faith says
I have not read all of her other Nantucket books so I went in blindly. It was okay for me. I didn’t like the ending at all! And the Richardsons were just very weird to me.
Wondering now if I go back to read the other Nantucket books, will I enjoy them?
Mix and Match Mama says
YES!!! Read the three I mentioned in today’s post to start. She has written SO many wonderful books.
Kierstyn says
I definitely agree with your rating. I was so looking forward to this book because I love her stuff and knew it was her last one. I even pre-ordered. Like you, I loved the old references but the book just really fell flat for me. Even the title gave me hope for something spectacular to go out with a bang, but alas.. the last scene was so totally depressing. 5 Star Weekend should have been her last book!
Kay says
I agree on the ending. It was so very disappointing. But I actually loved reading this because I thought it was pure fun. I loved the party details, the details about Nantucket, etc.
Kristin Woodson Harvey’s newest ‘A Happier Life’ is super cute if you want to sneak in one more light beach read. It’s equal parts romance, food and entertaining, beach town details and a good mystery! I love it.
So excited for our next read. And so thankful you started this book club. I absolutely love being a part!
Wendy Dahl says
Hi Shay,
I have 3 books for recommendation from a new contemporary romance author, Katie Stearns:
WATER UNDER THE BRIDGE and BURNING BRIDGES. My disclaimer is that she is my niece and I am so proud of her. Several of my friends have read her books and have given them a thumbs up so I do hope others will pick up her books for a good read. THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE GNOME is a great Christmas story that I gave away for gifts last year.
Waving to you from Cape Cod!
Patt says
I’m only at about 60% through. I have to say, I have never read this author. I know, I know. I mostly read historical fiction, but this year I joined your book club. It’s good to broaden your horizons. But I just could not get into this book. Once I plodded my way to about 40%, It got a little better, but your review doesn’t give me much hope for a satisfactory conclusion. I am going to try to finish this just to say I have finally read one of her books. I doubt if I ever read another.
Leslie Wilcox says
What book would you recommend for a first-time reader of Elin Hilderbrand books? Thank you,
Mix and Match Mama says
I always suggest Blue Bistro and The Identicals, but this holiday season, read her Winter Stroll series!
Dylan says
Shay – give Bad Tourists a read. Murder mystery set at a 5* Maldives hotel. I liked it a lot!
Sarina Vinci says
My local book club read swan song last month and husbands and lovers this month – I’m 50% done with the latter and I’m liking it a lot!
We spent book club drinking French 75’s and eating lemon bars hahahah
Laura says
I agree with your review. I always tell people to read the Winter Stroll series – super cute. I’m loving the book club. I get all of my books from the library and somehow I have had the book on hold when you release the next title. Beatrix Williams is one of my favorite authors so I’m hoping for another good one from her.
Brittany says
Have you met Elin yet?? I know she has her book signings on Nantucket on Wednesdays and she appears to be st Cisco Brewery frequently. How cool to be able to rub elbows with one of your faves!!
Mix and Match Mama says
I have seen her in person three times now including the third time just yesterday. I’ve never spoken to, but I’ve now seen her three times on island. Once at the Whaling Museum and twice now at the brewery.
Debbie says
100% agree with your assessment about Swan Song. It just fell flat, no meat to it and was a huge disappointment given it being her last book on Nantucket. I would rate it 2.5/3 stars. only bright side that it was a quick read. 😉
Karah Stracener says
I love Elin Hilderbrand and was so excited to read this book. I agree with you that it just fell flat. The book had so much potential. I enjoyed it but I didn’t love it. We are discussing it at my book club this week so I will be curious as to what my friends thought.
Kate says
Ok I loved this one! I’ve read all of them and this was a perfect Elin ending. I was sad to read it because I didn’t want it to be over and I think she nailed it. Fun characters, gorgeous setting, perfect old references. Classic summer.
Tina says
This ended up as a five star for me. Mostly because the way I savored it knowing it’s the last one. I forced myself to just read 1-2 chapters a night to draw it out. Yes, the mystery with Coco fell kinda flat but the bringing back past characters, all the Nantucket details and the Kacy storyline (thank god she finally got ride of her girlfriend and moved on!) rescued the book for me. But Elin also did that thing I love her for the most…gave us glimpses into the future so we know what most of the main characters went on to do. I get so wrapped up with certain characters in books that it can be hard to let them go at the end. But the tiny bits of the characters futures just makes me happy. The part with the chief dying didn’t surprise me, I actually saw it coming but again knowing how the people of Nantucket went on made this chiefs passing easier. And that’s life right?…people live fulfilling lives, die and their loved ones carry forth. I don’t know, probably too deep for a Elin Hilderbrand book! LOL! (BTW the best of her books is Summerland, IMO. It is one of only 4 books I’ve ever re-read in my life)
Laci says
I liked it but I agree that the ending was too fast!
Mandy Kimbell says
Totally agree with you. And I also gave it 3 ⭐️
Candice says
I didn’t love how she ended the chiefs story. I lost my dad a few years ago and it was expected, he too had heart issues a majority of his life. You could have at least let him enjoy his retirement,
The Richardson too were kind of nuts.
sandi says
Well, goodness I don’t know whether to read this one or not… I’m like hold #17 at the library so it will be a while. I don’t want to think anything negative about the chief but the author’s note to her ex-husband sounds good. I have read most of her recent books, but I am going back and trying to read her earlier books in order. When her books are good, they are really good and when they don’t hit the mark they are just so-so. She still writes a good story that makes us all want to visit Nantucket.
Beatriz Williams is one of my favorites (I really like the Schuyler sister’s series) so I am excited to see she has a new book out!
Brittany says
Just curious – why was my comment deleted? I simply asked if you had met Elin yet since you frequent the same places. Sorry if that was offensive.
Mix and Match Mama says
Your comment wasn’t deleted, I just hadn’t checked it yet. You left it, and I was doing other things, so now, I’ve come back to check comments (there were 25 sitting here) and both of yours were sitting here. I answered your original comment just now 🙂 .
Anita says
I was so mad at the ending that I almost threw my Kindle across the room. Why? Just why?
Yolanda McLean says
I started reading this post and needed to be reminded what the book was about. You mentioned that it was forgettable, that describes it very well. After I completed this book, it was gone – left no impact.
I am enjoying the book club so much. I enjoy the different books and reading the others thoughts on the books. I have next months book ready to go!
Jaime Surrett says
The whole plot seemed a little far fetched for me. The Richardsons blindly hiring Coco, the Nantucket regulars becoming so enamored with them so quickly, Leslee starting the fire with her perfume and then admitting to it so quickly?? And I thought the reveal of what happened to Coco the night of the fire didn’t really reveal anything and was pretty anticlimactic. I pressed on with the book for this post and kept hoping it would get better but then that last chapter with the Chief just solidified my disappointment, I’ve read her others as well and did appreciate the mention of former characters and storylines, but overall this was only a ⭐️⭐️ for me. Looking forward to next month’s! And – love that you do this little virtual book club. Thanks!!
Gina Holmes says
I actually gave this one four stars. I enjoyed listening to the audio except for Elin reading that final chapter. As someone mentioned in a comment above, she read way too fast. I was glad that the actual narrator read it as well so that I could relisten. I was so disappointed by that final chapter with the chief. Not cool, Elin! I am with others in thinking that the mystery reveal was underwhelming. Did I miss it, or do we really have no idea how Coco ended up in the water? Was she pushed, or did she fall? I’m annoyed that it wasn’t explicitly stated. Unless I missed it. 🤷🏻♀️ Overall, it was an enjoyable read, but the ending could use a rewrite.
Angie says
I feel the same way… did I miss what happened to her after all that build up?! 😂 Came to the comments to see if someone shared how she ended up in the water!
Amber Vance says
I’m so glad I wasn’t alone with this book! I usually adore Elin’s books but this one was just blah. It was hard to get into and I didn’t care for the ending. I can say this book isn’t going to stop me from reading the rest of her books I haven’t gotten to yet. It still makes me want to visit Nantucket!!
Julie Long says
Did the chief die? I was confused on that one. I’m glad Coco lived. I was rooting for her. But very predictable. My first book in the club. It was still good. Three stars is about right.
Robyn Gregory says
I too, love Elin’s books and was very excited to start this one. I am a listener on Audiobooks, so first let me just say, her voice reader, Erin Bennett, is awesome! She makes it VERY easy to listen to the books! I have to agree with the other comment that Elin needs to stick to writing, not reading. It was hard to listen to. Lol
I thought about the same on this book as everyone else, it was just OK! No twists at the end. One thought I had about the last chapter where Chief Kapenash dies, maybe this was Elin’s way of ending an era. Chief was a part of what seemed like most of her Nantucket novels. It made me sad, cause we all I’ve his character, but I saw it as a way to close that era. Just my thoughts. Ready to read the next one!!!
Alexis says
I didn’t love this one either. Didn’t care for a lot of the characters but I did love all the references back to other books and I enjoyed Blonde Sharon getting a happy ending. I gave it 3.5 stars but rounded up to 4 on Goodreads simply because it was her last one so why not? Ha! I did read an interview with her that said the last chapter was intentionally left open to interpretation by the reader so it didn’t mean he 100% died – it’s up to each reader to decide. So in my mind – they rescued him in time. 😉
I will say my favorite little thing she did in this one was how she ended her career of Nantucket books by making her last word/sentence be simply “Nantucket.” That made me smile so big and I thought that part was perfect.
Excited for the August book club pick! Her books are always a 50/50 shot as to whether I’ll like them, so I’m hoping for yes with this one!
Carole says
I haven’t read all of hers and thought this one was entertaining enough but not a massive favorite. Maybe this is why she’s stopping the Nantucket books. Out of great material! 🤷🏼♀️
Mix and Match Mama says
Start with her earlier books and read from there. She has SO MANY great ones!
Nichole Walden says
Two stars for me. It had been a while since I picked up one of Hilderbrand’s books and this one was disappointing. Kacey’s storyline was odd she seemed so sweet and fun in Nantucket but her San Francisco chapter felt dark. Even though the story revolves around his last days as Chief, Ed and Andrea were very boring. I enjoyed Coco’s story and loved Blonde Sharon. The middle was good it kept me guessing but agree that it was all a bit too “neat” in the end.
Mikayla A. says
I gave this book 4 stars, but I will be the first to admit I am a generous star giver. I agree with your comment about this being forgettable… I read this at the end of June and I already don’t remember all the details. I do love the beach summer life and the appearance of the familiar characters. Overall a good book and I would recommend to those who love Hilderbrand books, mostly because I feel committed to the author and her novels, not necessarily for the story.
I can’t wait for next months conversation! I just finished Husband & Lovers and it was very good!!
Deb says
I liked the book better than some of hers and less than my favorites. I’m in the minority I enjoyed her reading the last chapter and I knew she was going to because I listen to her podcast. It was a good pick as usual Shay! I just ordered the next one and I’m glad a few seemed to like it.
Lois says
I think Elin jumped the shark when she started adding the cobblestone telegraph or whatever she calls the “islander narrator”. I don’t recall that from earlier (better) books. I know she did a lot of callbacks to previous characters but who remembers all those storylines?? I honestly think this book reflected her thoughts on how much Nantucket has changed since she moved there. I have a number of friends whose families had houses on the island and they no longer enjoy the vibe. Too many tourists, too many “influencers”, too many people trying to act a part of what they consider to be a “islander”. It is very different than it was 20 years ago and it seems Elin is fed up with how it’s changed.
Kristen says
Yes I love many of her books!! But felt the same way- I wasn’t connected to the characters in the beginning. I did like references to previous books, but it seemed like this one was lacking in real character appeal/development. I ended up not finishing this one.
Autumn says
Thought it was good but not great. I was hoping for deeper character development. The last part about the chief felt like an afterthought. It didn’t seem to flow from the previous chapters. All in all, I would say good book for an easy, quick, summer read.
Elessi says
I didn’t love it or hate it, it was just okay. But one thing that really bothered me throughout is that Eddies wife who had had an affair with the landscaper (sorry I read it over a month ago and don’t have it with me so can’t remember names) – why was she still always hanging around him, in the hot tub next to him, flirting with him, skinny dipping with him, etc. I understand that people have affairs and can get past them, but that seemed unnecessary to me.
Amy says
Unfortunately, I agree with you 100%. The ending felt rushed and Chief dying was so predictable that I just assumed it wouldn’t happen. So disappointing. I’m looking forward to The Perfect Couple on Netflix though! I just started Husbands & Lovers and I love it so far. Beatriz does not disappoint.
Kathy H says
Your comments took the words right out of my mouth. I wanted to read it, I’m glad I read it, but I was happy when I finished it. I gave it 2 1/2 ⭐️ although saw so many people raving about it. It just didn’t do it for me. I must commend you for your honesty, good, bad or ugly. Your reviews are your opinions and you own that. Thank you. Especially as you may run into the author on the street.
My next book was Husbands and Lovers, which I loved. Her writing is everything I want in a book. I found her because of you.
Debbie says
The book was a decent read. I hated the ending. When he walked away from the party I anticipated what was going to happen.
Thank you for this book club.
Kerri says
I have to agree with Shay! I felt like the end was rushed and I kept looking at the page count on my kindle thinking how can there only be that many pages left, nothing is wrapped up! I do still love all her books because as a Massachusetts resident my whole life, the Cape and islands are such special places and I just love ACK! I keep a list of all the places she references so next time I go to ACK, I have my list. My sis in laws book club read Five Star Weekend last summer so this summer they are doing a weekend book club Five Star Weekend on ACK! That was also my favorite book!
Megan says
I loved it! It gave me the closure I needed to say good-bye to my favorite beach author. I literally read it on the beach while on vacation creating the most perfect experience!!
Erin H says
I liked it until the end… the ending made me so mad and I’m going to just choose to believe he lives, because if not what a crappy way to wrap these books up. While I’ll miss her yearly books, I think it’s probably a good thing they’re ending (although I do hope at some point she writes another Nantucket story). I’ve read all but the ghost hotel one – I just cannot get through it. I even tried listening and that didn’t help either. And I’m not anti-ghost stories. I actually loved the one where the woman dies and then watches and gets a “push” to intervene in her kids lives. Long story, but I tried for years to have a baby and a year after my dad died I got pregnant. I always thought he “sent” her to me. My mom had also died shortly before I got pregnant and we had a complicated relationship and were not in contact at that time. And when I read that book I suddenly had this overwhelming (like full on sobbing breakdown) that no, it was my mom’s wish for me to have my daughter. So I’ve always loved that book.
I’ve never read anything by the author for the next book – excited to check it out!
Courtney says
Ah – dare I say that I’m thrilled I’m not the only one who was underwhelmed by this one? Maybe I had unrealistic expectations, knowing this was her finale, but it was just meh. Flat. To be brutally honest, probably my least liked EH read to date (Gasp, I hate saying it!) It sucked me in, built me up, and then left me saying “WHAT?!” Like others, I’m still not sure how Coco ended up in the water. I think the back-and-forth with Isla was built up too much for that storyline to end like it did (just like the overall book: build, build, build, fizzle). The final chapter with the chief was just…. I don’t know the right word…. odd. While I only gave it three stars, I will always love and maintain that EH’s ability to paint the most beautiful Nantucket pictures and drop easter eggs from book-to-book are bar none! This read wasn’t my favorite but EH will forever be!
REALLY EXCITED for Husbands & Lovers. Beatriz Williams is the queen of historical fiction – can’t wait to dive in!
Stacey W. says
I feel like I can always count on Elin for a meaty story that’s easy to read and hooks me in. I feel like I always read her books quickly because of her writing style. Saying that, there were things I loved and things I didn’t with Swan Song. I felt some things weren’t necessary (All the Isla drama that ended up leading no where other than Kacy maturing a little) and while some of the Blonde Sharon storyline was entertaining, it felt somewhat disconnected to the Richardsons storyline which was the larger focus. I wish we had more Coco backstory details or a more detailed ending instead of some of the other. I actually completely understood why she felt the Chief, who was so intertwined in all of her books, passed on as a metaphor for this part of her career. I felt like that was her true goodbye to the Nantucket novels.
MC says
Looked forward to reading this book as 1) It was my first Elin Hildebrand book, and 2) I bought it during my first trip to Nantucket.
•Was a little thrown off because I was expecting romance vs. mystery. (Not as bad as waiting for Christian Grey to turn into a vampire while reading Fifty Shades.)
•Liked recognizing a lot of the places from our time on ACK, MV, Cape Cod and around Boston. (She even mentioned my college town of Columbia, Missouri!)
•Disliked the rushed “let’s wrap this up” ending. (Felt the same way at the end of Lessons in Chemistry.)
•Hated the last chapter and was in disbelief while reading it. (Based on the comments, I’m lucky my free 15 hours of Spotify Premium audiobook for the month ran out so I didn’t have to listen to the author read it.)
Kerry says
I completely agree with your review.
*at first I was confused by the book chapter layout but got past that.
*I thought the who done it was good and looking forward to figure it out.
* I was so bummed by the ending! Seemed like the easy way out to just say “No one remembers what happened.” Huh?!? So disappointing.
* it had a lot of potential but it’s meh to me. 3 stars.
Kari Anne Maddox says
While I haven’t LOVE Elin’s recent 5 novels….I DID think 5 Star Weekend was beautifully written! When this one came in, I was so excited. HER SWAN SONG that she had been talking about for years. The last of her writing for now….going to help her daughter next with a boarding school series. I was excited to see some of our FAVE characters. Blonde Sharon 🙂 I thought the couple was interesting and kept thinking it was going to lead to fake money etc…. but I loved the descriptions of the house.
Sidenote: I also enjoyed that she dedicated her last book to the same person she did her first. Her ex-husband. That was pretty sweet considering she has gone thru a divorce and breast cancer while writing her books.
I can’t lie, I did UGLY cry at the ending. It was sad to say good bye to the Chef AND to my EVERY JULY 1 Elin book 🙂 Of course, we still have Nancy Thayer……. WHOOOOOOOOO by the way took a picture with Elin last week. When Elin was here in Dallas, at her book signing, i asked her, why they don’t mention eachother ever….no dedications, etc. about each other. I asked her when I got to the table “do you dislike eachother…competition and all” and she said NOOOOOOOO….they just are two different age groups. Since Nancy had older kids while Elin had toddlers and elementary kids…they didn’t run into eachother often BUT they did see eachother at the grocery and said hi. So I was super excited to see the picture and shows that Nantucket has enough space for TWO #1 best selling authors!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!