Skip to main content

Review & Giveaway - The Castaways by Elin Hilderbrand

The Castaways by Elin Hilderbrand
368 pages, Publisher: Little, Brown and Company

Greg and Tess MacAvoy are one of four prominent Nantucket couples who count each other as best friends. As pillars of their close-knit community, the MacAvoys, Kapenashes, Drakes, and Wheelers are important to their friends and neighbors, and especially to each other. But just before the beginning of another idyllic summer, Greg and Tess are killed when their boat capsizes during an anniversary sail. As the warm weather approaches and the island mourns their loss, nothing can prepare the MacAvoy's closest friends for what will be revealed.

Once again, Hilderbrand masterfully weaves an intense tale of love and loyalty set against the backdrop of endless summer island life.

Elin Hilderbrand is known for the depth of her writing and so it is with this book as well. Don't be misled by the breezy beach cover as I was, for this book is anything but light. This is the story of people learning to cope with the death of their close friends and in the process, their own pasts are revealed, their personalities and flaws are exposed. Past and present events are woven together snugly (and sometimes in a giddy manner) even as an unexpected mystery element raises its head. Now that was definitely unexpected! The story is itself very interesting, but not more than the characters themselves whom the author shows us to be real and flawed just like ordinary human beings. One other major aspect of the novel is the island of Nantucket itself which is brought to stunning life in the author's lyrical words. So much so that it at once dominates and empowers the story at times. Also, much fodder for discussion can be found in the serious issues raised in this book such as adultery, addiction etc.

In short, The Castaways by Elin Hilderbrand is a "can't put down" read!

Don't forget to check out these links about this book as well:

Thanks to Miriam from Hachette Books, for organizing this book tour and including this blog as a tour stop.

Photobucket
GIVEAWAY

The Prize

A copy of this book will go to one lucky reader of this blog, courtesy Hachette Books.
Note: Sponsor will not ship to PO boxes.

To Enter
  • Just leave a comment with your email address in the body of the comment itself telling me : why you want to read this book.
  • Please list your email address within your comment so that you can be notified should you be chosen as a winner.
For Extra Entries

Please leave a NEW comment for each extra entry you do.

Deadline   Midnight CST of August 12, 2009.

Eligibility  US & Canada only.

Please read the Disclaimer

Good luck!
______________________________________________________________________
If you like this post, then please consider subscribing to my Full Feed RSS.
You can also Subscribe by Email and have new posts sent directly to your inbox.

Comments

  1. This sounds like a great summer read. I love beach books. The relationships of these friends interests me.

    mj.coward[at]gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. I follow.

    mj.coward[at]gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  3. Sounds intriguing and would love to read it. I'm ready for a good read right now.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Email subscriber.

    ReplyDelete
  5. subscribe via feed demon

    ReplyDelete
  6. Requested Facebook fan.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Tweet Tweet:
    http://twitter.com/Babasfarmlife/status/2551420038

    ReplyDelete
  8. I've never read anything by Hilderbrand and would like to experience the depth of her writing.
    oheeyore at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  9. I receive your emails.
    oheeyore at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  10. You are a technorati favorite.
    oheeyore at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  11. I enjoy her books please count me in
    msboatgal at aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  12. This is a book that I have on my wish list to read.
    msgb245 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  13. A Summer Beach read is a perfect read for my upcoming summer beach trip!

    ReplyDelete
  14. I subscribed with google reader! stephanie j hood AT gmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  15. Sounds like the perfect summer read

    ReplyDelete
  16. I read her last book and loved it so I'd love to read this one as well.
    fourkidsrgreat(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  17. I would love to read this book. It looks like a great book for the beach or pool.

    lilgaffy23@sbcglobal.net

    ReplyDelete
  18. I subscribe via Yahoo.

    lilgaffy23@sbcglobal.net

    ReplyDelete
  19. This sounds like a great summer read. I am really curious about this book after seeing so many reviews of it.

    budletsmom at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  20. I subscribe via email.

    lilgaffy23@sbcglobal.net

    ReplyDelete
  21. I added you to my Technorati Favorites. (AmandaG23)

    lilgaffy23@sbcglobal.net

    ReplyDelete
  22. I'm a fan on Facebook.

    lilgaffy23@sbcglobal.net

    ReplyDelete
  23. I follow your blog.

    lilgaffy23@sbcglobal.net

    ReplyDelete
  24. I follow you on Twitter (amandagaff) and I tweeted at http://twitter.com/amandagaff/status/2561409877.

    lilgaffy23@sbcglobal.net

    ReplyDelete
  25. I would love to read this thanks

    chocolateandcroissants at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  26. I follow

    chocolateandcroissants at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  27. Huuuuuuge Elin Hilderbrand fan here!! Haven't read this one yet, would love a copy!!!!

    waterwings@shaw.ca

    I follow your blog on my Pageflakes site.

    ReplyDelete
  28. This sounds like it's a good read. Please count me in to win.
    partymix25(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  29. email subscriber
    partymix25(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  30. I follow your blog.
    partymix25(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  31. Friday tweet - http://twitter.com/phxbne/status/2572854395

    ReplyDelete
  32. Sounds like a great read! I follow your blog tami@graffiti.net

    ReplyDelete
  33. I like reading books with complex characters dealing with complex issues. This book fits the bill.

    Thanks!
    megalon22 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  34. I follow

    megalon22 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  35. I enjoy reading books the The Castaways with great customer reviews!
    delilah0180(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  36. it's all there, suspense and intrique. Please enter me and thanks.

    yourstrulee(at)sasktel(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
  37. I hope I win a copy. I have been trying to find this one all over the web. lol (blogs) I found your site from Book in with Bingo's blog. Thanks.

    gahome2mom at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  38. I'd love this book! I'm hearing so many great things about it. Please count me in. Thank you!

    nfmgirl AT gmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  39. I subscribe via email

    nfmgirl AT gmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  40. I subscribe via reader

    nfmgirl AT gmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  41. I have your button on my right sidebar

    nfmgirl AT gmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  42. I have you on my blog roll

    http://cerebralgirl.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  43. Would love to win this book! I'd like to read it for a number of reasons. I like reading, and especially books that are strong in characterization as this one sounds to be. I also love writing, and like to read books as part of learning the craft. I also like giving book reviews, and would love to post a review after I read it on my blog. My email is sheryltut(at)comcast(dot)net and I blog at http://wordproverb.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  44. Oops I forgot to say why I would like to read this: I like the cover

    chocolateandcroissants at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  45. I would love to win a copy of this book, I collect books from coastal locations and have quiet a few of her books and really enjoy her books!
    photoquest(at)bellsouth(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
  46. I am a subscriber
    photoquest(at)bellsouth(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
  47. I am a subscriber to your feed : )
    photoquest(at)bellsouth(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
  48. I follow your blog
    photoquest(at)bellsouth(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
  49. I am a fan of a book bloggers diary on facebook
    photoquest(at)bellsouth(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
  50. Nantucket is near where I live. I love reading about places where i have actually been.

    clennaATaolDOTcom

    ReplyDelete
  51. I'm a Fan on Facebook
    clennaATaolDOTcom

    ReplyDelete
  52. I subscribe by email
    clennaATaolDOTcom

    ReplyDelete
  53. Hi, I am a new follower, count me in to enter this novel, many thanks.

    cenya2@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  54. Another great book, I would love a chance to read this, thanks for offering and the great review.

    ceashark at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  55. I subscribe to your feed by my AOL

    thanks

    ceashark at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  56. I am also an email subscriber

    thanks again

    ceashark at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  57. I am a follower.

    thanks

    ceashark at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  58. I am following you on Facebook.

    ceashark at aol dot com

    carolyn s

    thanks again

    ReplyDelete
  59. I am following you on Twitter as ceashark

    thanks

    ceashark at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  60. I tweeted about this giveaway @callmeabookworm

    thanks

    ceashark at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  61. tweet

    Castaway giveaway: http://bit.ly/ulTew

    chocolateandcroissants at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  62. I would like to read this book, because it sounds so interesting to me. Please enter me. Thanks!

    ayancey(at)dishmail(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
  63. I am a subscriber!

    ayancey(at)dishmail(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
  64. i've heard great things about this book and think it would be something I'd like to read.

    elaing8(at)netscape(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
  65. I would love this book!
    thanks

    dcf_beth(at)verizon(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
  66. I follow via Google Reader

    dcf_beth(at)verizon(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
  67. I follow you on twitter!

    dcf_beth(at)verizon(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
  68. I posted this on Twitter
    dcf_beth

    dcf_beth(at)verizon(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
  69. It's a book - with words - no better reason,

    libneas[at]aol[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  70. I subscribe - thanks.

    libneas[at]aol[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  71. I follow - thank you.

    libneas[at]aol[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  72. I would love to read this. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  73. oops on entry 34 I forgot to state that I enjoyed A Summer Affair.


    thanks chocolateandcroissants at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  74. twittered:

    Cstway http://bit.ly/qyE5h

    chocolateandcroissants at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  75. Honestly, the themes in this book sound like something that would make this a really intense read. A lot of the themes you mentioned are issues that I've had to deal with, and I always find it fascinating to read about how other people (even fictional ones) can cope with life-changing events and smaller issues that effect who and what we are as people.

    Laureen
    geisha.kitten (at) gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  76. This looks like such a great book. Thanks for the giveaway~

    s.mickelson at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  77. I would love to read this book! Please enroll me in the drawing. My email address is dancealert at aol dot com. Thanks! Brenda R

    ReplyDelete
  78. It sounds like a great book but sad. I lost my best friend 6 years ago- but I still had her husband around. Now that he has found someone else to be with, I feel like I have lost him too.

    I would like to read this because its similar to feelings I have had- I think.

    jill.watkins@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  79. I would like to read this book beacuse I have looked at the author's website and have read several very good reviews of her books but I haven't read one yet. In addition I am a huge fan of Nantucket and I adore the covers of her books. I admit, I'm a sucker for a good cover!
    Please enter me in your giveaway!

    Amy
    Aimala127@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  80. I am a follower of your blog!

    Amy
    Aimala127@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  81. I tweeted about this giveaway!
    http://twitter.com/Amestir

    Amy
    Aimala127@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  82. I subscribe to your feed via email =o)

    Amy
    Aimala127@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  83. I added a link of your blog to my blogroll!

    Thank you for hosting this giveaway!
    Amy
    Aimala127@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  84. Sounds like a good book. Please include me in the giveaway. heatherzilla(at)care2(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  85. I would love to read this book, because I love a heavy love story and anything to escape reality for a bit. triciabrook(@)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  86. I have your button on my blog http://thefoggsblog.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  87. I am an email subscriber!

    ReplyDelete
  88. I am a follower triciabrook(@)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  89. I want this book because it seems like a good summer read

    throuthehaze at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  90. I'd like to read this book because it sounds like a book I could get "carried away" by. Perfect for summer reading!
    wandanamgreb (at) gmail (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  91. Button - Listed on LHD under Book Worms

    gahome2mom/at/gmail/dot/com

    ReplyDelete
  92. Awaiting to become a friend at Facebook - gahome2mom


    gahome2mom/at/gmail/dot/com

    ReplyDelete
  93. email subscriber

    gahome2mom/at/gmail/dot/com

    ReplyDelete
  94. twitter follower @gahome2mom

    gahome2mom/at/gmail/dot/com

    ReplyDelete
  95. blogger follower

    gahome2mom/at/gmail/dot/com

    ReplyDelete
  96. I am a blog follower! Would love to read this book!

    dancealert (at)aol (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  97. This book looks like the perfect summer read!

    Amy
    Aimala02@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  98. I subscribe to your email updates!

    Amy
    Aimala02@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  99. I'm a follower :o)

    Amy
    Aimala02@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  100. I subscribe to your feed on Blogger Dashboard and Google reader

    Amy
    Aimala02@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  101. Your blog is listed on my blog roll!

    Amy
    Aimala02@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  102. I blogged about this giveaway at http://homeofaimala.blogspot.com/ in the right-hand margin, half way down the page.

    Amy
    Aimala02@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  103. I would love to read this book as have not read this author before and what little I have heard about the book makes me want to find out more. starryann2000@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  104. I follow through google reader!

    dancealert (at) aol (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  105. This book just sounds like a really terrific read!!

    mlawson17 (at) hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  106. i would love to read this ,i have heard great things about it..thanks

    flower_child_23(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  107. I would love to read this at the beach

    chocolateandcroissants at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Thanks for reading! Don't forget to like, subscribe and comment...

Popular posts from this blog

Gabrielle Bernstein stops by...

I'm happy to welcome Gabrielle Bernstein who's once again stopping by here with a guest blog post. Her second book Spirit Junkie: A Radical Road to Self-Love and Miracles  was published by Random House September 12. It’s part memoir and part road map: Gabby shares her journey toward becoming the full-on, inspirational Spirit Junkie that she is today, and she teaches her readers every lesson she learned along the way. BECOME A SPIRIT JUNKIE

Gerard de Marigny stops by...

Today I'm happy to welcome Gerard de Marigny , author of The Watchman of Ephraim , who's guest blogging here today. About the Book - Aref Sami Zamani is planning a terrorist attack on American soil - codenamed "Antioch," a plot to detonate a nuke over the city of Las Vegas. The Watchman uncovers a connection between Zamani and a Mexican drug cartel but their agent goes missing before they can learn more. That's because Zamani has a spy working for The Watchman. Strange events start to unfold near the Nogales border crossing. References are discovered to something the Mexicans are calling "Noche Del Espantada" ...Fright Night," but can it mean something else? Why I Write Thrillers

Review - Bath Tangle by Georgette Heyer

Sourcebooks Casablanca, 368p, ISBN:1402238797 To say that the beautiful and tempestuous Lady Serena is highly upset to find that her recently deceased (and highly eccentric) father, the Earl of Spenborough, left the care of her fortune and control over her marriage to her jilted fiancé Ivo Barrasford, the Marquis of Rotherham, is to understate the case. Too much time has elapsed since Serena broke her engagement to her childhood companion, Rotherham, (and that too after the invitations had been sent - such a scandal !) for them to feel anything but discomfort at this bit of posthumous matchmaking on the part of the Earl. Or so they both declare. Used to commanding a large household and having acted as her father's hostess from a young age, energetic and politically-savvy Serena soon finds herself in doldrums when her life is suddenly reduced to a small Dower house with none but her father's young widow, Fanny, for company and a social sphere consisting of occasional visi