The Rumor

A Novel

Contributors

By Elin Hilderbrand

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Price

$9.99

Price

$12.99 CAD

A friendship is tested in this “thrilling” page-turner from New York Times bestselling author Elin Hilderbrand (Us Weekly).

Madeline King and Grace Pancik are best friends and the envy of Nantucket for their perfect marriages, their beautiful kids, their Saturday night double dates with their devoted husbands. But this summer, something’s changed, and if there’s anything Nantucket likes better than cocktails on the beach at sunset, it’s a good rumor. 

And rumor has it… that Madeline, a novelist, is battling writer’s block, with a deadline looming, bills piling up, and blank pages driving her to desperation — and a desperately bad decision; and that Grace, hard at work to transform her backyard into a garden paradise, has been collaborating a bit more closely than necessary with her ruggedly handsome landscape architect. 

As the gossip escalates, and they have the possible loss of the happy lives they’ve worked so hard to create, Grace and Madeline try mightily to set the record straight — but the truth might be even worse than rumor has it. 

  • PRAISE FOR THE RUMOR:

    "We've said it before and we'll say it again: Hilderbrand is the queen of the summer. Rich people behaving badly--perfect poolside."
    Susannah Cahalan, The New York Post
  • "It wouldn't be summer without a breezy, sensual Nantucket tale from Hilderbrand, and her latest...doesn't disappoint. Intricately plotted and filled with fast-paced dialogue, it's as sweetly satisfying as a glass of Sancerre."
    Kim Hubbard, People
  • "The story is packed with the details of the wonder that is summer on the small, chic island off the coast of Massachusetts."
    Catherine Mallette, The Fort Worth Star-Telegram
  • "The detail is authentic...Expect to find it filled with all the ingredients of a great chick lit read: many characters with intertwined lives, a handsome guy (in this case a landscape architect), complicated romance, and lots of wine."
    Georgea Kovanis, The Detroit Free-Press
  • "One of the reigning queens of the summer beach book."
    The Connecticut Post
  • "Be forewarned: scandal and swirling tension aside, Elin's descriptions of the idyllic setting in this perfect beach read may inspire readers to book a getaway."
    Eric Cupido, Hello! Canada
  • "Queen of the beach read, and her latest [The Rumor]...is nothing short of a gift."
    Lynsey Eidell, Glamour.com
  • "[The Rumor] explores human nature and the truth behind the gossip that people love to be the first to share."
    Laurie Higgins, The Cape Codder
  • "Elin Hilderbrand, queen of the romance novel, never disappoints her readers--and here she is at the top of her game once again. She details every character superbly, her themes and plotlines are well thought out, and you can picture every scene in your mind so vividly. I read The Rumor quickly because I needed to know what ultimately happens and had no idea how it was going to end...Rumor has it that you will enjoy this book as much as I did."
    Vivian Payton, BookReporter
  • Praise for BEAUTIFUL DAY:

    "A perfect summer read."
    Ladies Home Journal
  • "A wedding readers won't be able to resist crashing."
    Kirkus Reviews
  • "Hilderbrand's latest is the perfect beach read....[her] straightforward style pulls the reader into the minds of her characters, and all the secrets and sorrows that create the universal messiness of major family events."
    Publishers Weekly
  • PRAISE FOR SUMMERLAND:

    "Summerland is as readable as any beach book, but with a much bigger heart."
    Boston Globe
  • "The Queen of the Summer Novel...Hilderbrand blends real-life issues - depression, teen alcoholism, bullying - with her signature soapy twists and illicit romances."
    Joanna Powell, People
  • "Hilderbrand has once again written an engaging story wonderfully illustrating the often complex lives of young people struggling toward adulthood."
    Booklist
  • "A sensitive glimpse into the lives of damaged people groping their way toward healing."
    Kirkus Reviews
  • "Hilderbrand weaves a thrilling tale of friendship and betrayal."
    Us Weekly

On Sale
Feb 22, 2022
Page Count
368 pages
ISBN-13
9780316433556

Elin Hilderbrand

About the Author

Elin Hilderbrand is the proud mother of three, a dedicated Peloton rider, an aspiring book influencer, and an enthusiastic at-home cook (follow her on Instagram @elinhilderbrand to watch her Cringe Cooking Show). She is also a grateful seven-year breast cancer survivor. GOLDEN GIRL is her 27th novel.

Learn more about this author