Elin Hilderbrand

Before I get to this review, there's a couple of things I feel the need to say:

1) I have nothing but the utmost respect for authors who put their works out into the world. It's incredibly hard work to "birth" a book, and then subject yourself to everyone's opinion.

2) Elin Hilderbrand is a model of strength, grace, and perseverance. She faced cancer head-on, and from what she's shared publicly it seems she's on the winning side of that battle. She works hard to help others who are facing cancer, financially and in spirit.

The more I read, the more I feel I'm able to hone in on what sorts of books appeal to me, and which ones do not. While "Winter Storms" is getting good reviews from many other reviewers, I just find that these sorts of books no longer resonate with me. The story line seemed both dull and predictable. Problems were solved much too easily. Characters were inauthentic.

I know many readers who love this genre, and if that's the case I'd direct them to read other reviews of this book. However, if you're leery of "chick lit" I can't say I'd recommend this one.

Thank you to NetGalley and Little Brown & Company for a galley of this book in exchange for an honest review.… (more)

Seen through the points of view of various characters, a Nantucket summer has drama, mystery, and glamour to spare. In the last of her novels about the Nantucket community, Hilderbrand describes the impact of some new arrivals on some characters from her other books. There is the wealthy and ostentatious couple that sets out to seduce the island with their elaborate parties and over-the-top generosity, and then there is the young woman newcomer they hire to be their "concjerge." Readers will not be surprised to learn that all is not as it seems, and that if it seems too good to be true it probably is. As always, Hilderbrand's plot and characters pull us in, and we enjoy the journey.… (more)