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3.86 AVERAGE
3.86 AVERAGE
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
really interesting premise and characters, but super linear and predictable plot
The Five-Star Weekend by Elin Hilderbrand has a great premise: women in midlife reconnecting for a luxurious getaway on Nantucket, each bringing their own life stories and struggles. It promises heartfelt moments, deep reflection, and perhaps a few revelations. But I found myself struggling to fully enjoy it.
The biggest issue I had was with the pacing and focus. A lot of the book spent time on the characters’ pasts, which is fine, but it left the "actual" weekend, the heart of the book, feeling underdeveloped. The events of the weekend felt rushed, and despite heavy themes like affairs, betrayals, and strained relationships being introduced, they were barely explored in a meaningful way. The emotional depth that could have made the story stronger just wasn’t there.
There were also too many characters and storylines competing for attention. Between the detailed descriptions of their clothes, their pasts, and every item in the kitchen, it felt like the plot got lost in the noise.
The biggest issue I had was with the pacing and focus. A lot of the book spent time on the characters’ pasts, which is fine, but it left the "actual" weekend, the heart of the book, feeling underdeveloped. The events of the weekend felt rushed, and despite heavy themes like affairs, betrayals, and strained relationships being introduced, they were barely explored in a meaningful way. The emotional depth that could have made the story stronger just wasn’t there.
There were also too many characters and storylines competing for attention. Between the detailed descriptions of their clothes, their pasts, and every item in the kitchen, it felt like the plot got lost in the noise.
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
emotional
funny
relaxing
medium-paced
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was super entertaining and fun to read. I don't know how she managed to cram unique and interesting back stories for every single character in a regular length book!