Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.86 AVERAGE
3.86 AVERAGE
2.5 rounded up.
This was alright. I never really cared about any of the characters, and while there was definitely some good character growth, I still didn't care about them in the end.
The POV switches were weird and I don't feel like they added anything to the story. Also WHY did we need the dog's POV?!? Almost dropped a star just for that.
This was alright. I never really cared about any of the characters, and while there was definitely some good character growth, I still didn't care about them in the end.
The POV switches were weird and I don't feel like they added anything to the story. Also WHY did we need the dog's POV?!? Almost dropped a star just for that.
I'm embarrassed that I read this book, but it flowed, and I liked it. A fluffy period of reading while I wait for my library holds to come in.
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I think this would be a great book for those who love watching The Real Housewives series. It puts women together and lets the drama ensue. Some of it was a bit over-the-top for me, but it was overall entertaining.
After tragedy strikes, Hollis Shaw gathers four friends from different stages in her life to spend an unforgettable weekend on Nantucket.
Hollis Shaw’s life seems picture-perfect. She’s the creator of the popular food blog Hungry with Hollis and is married to Matthew, a dreamy heart surgeon. But after she and Matthew get into a heated argument one snowy morning, he leaves for the airport and is killed in a car accident. The cracks in Hollis’s perfect life—her strained marriage and her complicated relationship with her daughter, Caroline—grow deeper.
So when Hollis hears about something called a “Five-Star Weekend”—one woman organizes a trip for her best friend from each phase of her life: her teenage years, her twenties, her thirties, and midlife—she decides to host her own Five-Star Weekend on Nantucket. But the weekend doesn’t turn out to be a joyful Hallmark movie.
The husband of Hollis’s childhood friend Tatum arranges for Hollis’s first love, Jack Finigan, to spend time with them, stirring up old feelings. Meanwhile, Tatum is forced to play nice with abrasive and elitist Dru-Ann, Hollis’s best friend from UNC Chapel Hill. Dru-Ann’s career as a prominent Chicago sports agent is on the line after her comments about a client’s mental health issues are misconstrued online. Brooke, Hollis’s friend from their thirties, has just discovered that her husband is having an inappropriate relationship with a woman at work. Again! And then there’s Gigi, a stranger to everyone (including Hollis) who reached out to Hollis through her blog. Gigi embodies an unusual grace and, as it hap- pens, has many secrets.
I love books that deal with friendships. The Five Star Weekend is what it was, a story about friendships and grief. I knew that Elin Hilderbrand became one of my favorites through the years of reading her books. Hilderbrand has a way of hooking the reader to fall in love with the story and the characters. Anytime that I read her books, I feel connected with the characters, even the ones that I do not like. I thought that it was such a unique idea to invite her closest friends from various stages of her life to spend the weekend on Nantucket. Hollis needed this, needed to have her friends nearby after what happened to her husband. Like the others, it was risky inviting Gigi whom she met online and did not know that much about. It surprised me that Gigi accepted Holli’s invitation, especially after I found out about her secret.
I enjoyed reading the book from each of friend’s points of view, a way to get to know each character better. When I read each character, it felt like I was reading different stories every time. Tatum, Brooke, Dru-Ann, and Gigi are all different, and at the same time; unique. I wondered how the four of them would get along, especially since Tatum and Dru-Ann had their issues with one another. Most of all, I wondered if they would have a good relationship with Gigi, who was the outcast of the other three. However, they take a liking to Gigi, but I knew if they found out what she did, they would not have the same feelings. I had a bad feeling that at some point Hollis would find out what happened, and if she did; would be the end of their friendship. All through the book, I was waiting for it to happen.
I had The Five Star Weekend on hold for a few weeks, but it was worth the wait. All the girls went through so many emotions, and I could feel every one of them. One character that I had mixed emotions with was Hollis’s daughter, Caroline. I did not like how she treated her mother; it was as if she blamed her mother for what happened to her father. Caroline acted like she was the only one that lost somebody. I hoped that when Hollis asked her to film the event, they could find a way to fix their relationship. I love Nantucket, and after reading The Five Star Weekend I want to visit it even more. I could not get enough of this story, and there was a part of me that wished that it would never end. Even if you have not read any Elin Hilderbrand novels, I would highly recommend this one.
Hollis Shaw’s life seems picture-perfect. She’s the creator of the popular food blog Hungry with Hollis and is married to Matthew, a dreamy heart surgeon. But after she and Matthew get into a heated argument one snowy morning, he leaves for the airport and is killed in a car accident. The cracks in Hollis’s perfect life—her strained marriage and her complicated relationship with her daughter, Caroline—grow deeper.
So when Hollis hears about something called a “Five-Star Weekend”—one woman organizes a trip for her best friend from each phase of her life: her teenage years, her twenties, her thirties, and midlife—she decides to host her own Five-Star Weekend on Nantucket. But the weekend doesn’t turn out to be a joyful Hallmark movie.
The husband of Hollis’s childhood friend Tatum arranges for Hollis’s first love, Jack Finigan, to spend time with them, stirring up old feelings. Meanwhile, Tatum is forced to play nice with abrasive and elitist Dru-Ann, Hollis’s best friend from UNC Chapel Hill. Dru-Ann’s career as a prominent Chicago sports agent is on the line after her comments about a client’s mental health issues are misconstrued online. Brooke, Hollis’s friend from their thirties, has just discovered that her husband is having an inappropriate relationship with a woman at work. Again! And then there’s Gigi, a stranger to everyone (including Hollis) who reached out to Hollis through her blog. Gigi embodies an unusual grace and, as it hap- pens, has many secrets.
I love books that deal with friendships. The Five Star Weekend is what it was, a story about friendships and grief. I knew that Elin Hilderbrand became one of my favorites through the years of reading her books. Hilderbrand has a way of hooking the reader to fall in love with the story and the characters. Anytime that I read her books, I feel connected with the characters, even the ones that I do not like. I thought that it was such a unique idea to invite her closest friends from various stages of her life to spend the weekend on Nantucket. Hollis needed this, needed to have her friends nearby after what happened to her husband. Like the others, it was risky inviting Gigi whom she met online and did not know that much about. It surprised me that Gigi accepted Holli’s invitation, especially after I found out about her secret.
I enjoyed reading the book from each of friend’s points of view, a way to get to know each character better. When I read each character, it felt like I was reading different stories every time. Tatum, Brooke, Dru-Ann, and Gigi are all different, and at the same time; unique. I wondered how the four of them would get along, especially since Tatum and Dru-Ann had their issues with one another. Most of all, I wondered if they would have a good relationship with Gigi, who was the outcast of the other three. However, they take a liking to Gigi, but I knew if they found out what she did, they would not have the same feelings. I had a bad feeling that at some point Hollis would find out what happened, and if she did; would be the end of their friendship. All through the book, I was waiting for it to happen.
I had The Five Star Weekend on hold for a few weeks, but it was worth the wait. All the girls went through so many emotions, and I could feel every one of them. One character that I had mixed emotions with was Hollis’s daughter, Caroline. I did not like how she treated her mother; it was as if she blamed her mother for what happened to her father. Caroline acted like she was the only one that lost somebody. I hoped that when Hollis asked her to film the event, they could find a way to fix their relationship. I love Nantucket, and after reading The Five Star Weekend I want to visit it even more. I could not get enough of this story, and there was a part of me that wished that it would never end. Even if you have not read any Elin Hilderbrand novels, I would highly recommend this one.
This book fulfills Massachusetts in a self reading challenge of a book taking place in every US State or territory (2/56).
Elin Hilderbrand's "The Five-Star Weekend" is a delightful blend of heartfelt drama, rich character exploration, and the quintessential charm of Nantucket. The novel centers around Hollis Shaw, a successful food blogger who finds herself navigating the complexities of grief, friendship, and self-discovery after the tragic death of her husband, Matthew.
The story kicks off with Hollis's seemingly perfect life shattering after an argument with Matthew ends in his untimely death. This event exposes the fissures in her life, from her strained marriage to her complicated relationship with her daughter, Caroline. In an effort to reclaim some semblance of control and connection, Hollis decides to host a "Five-Star Weekend" on Nantucket, inviting friends from different stages of her life: her teenage years, her twenties, her thirties, and her midlife.
Each of Hollis's friends brings their own set of challenges and unresolved issues to the weekend. Tatum, her childhood friend, finds herself awkwardly reunited with Hollis's first love, Jack Finigan, arranged by her own husband. Dru-Ann, the elitist sports agent from UNC Chapel Hill, is grappling with career-threatening controversy. Brooke, from Hollis's thirties, is dealing with her husband's infidelity yet again. Finally, there's Gigi, a mysterious stranger who connected with Hollis through her blog, carrying secrets of her own.
Hilderbrand excels in creating a vivid and immersive setting, with Nantucket almost serving as a character in its own right. The detailed descriptions of the island's shops, restaurants, and landscapes add depth and atmosphere to the narrative, making readers feel as if they are part of the exclusive weekend getaway.
The novel's strength lies in its character development and the dynamics between the women. Each character is well-drawn and relatable, with their personal struggles and growth arcs woven seamlessly into the overarching story. Hollis's journey from grief to a newfound understanding of herself and her relationships is particularly compelling. The interactions between the women, filled with tension, humor, and moments of profound connection, highlight the complexities of long-term friendships and the impact they have on our lives.
However, the novel is not without its flaws. Some readers might find the plot predictable and the resolution of certain conflicts a bit too tidy. The emphasis on luxury and brand-name dropping can feel excessive at times, potentially detracting from the emotional depth of the story. Despite these minor issues, the book's charm and the authenticity of its characters' experiences make it a satisfying read.
"The Five-Star Weekend" by Elin Hilderbrand is an engaging and heartwarming tale of friendship, loss, and self-discovery. It captures the essence of what it means to reconnect with one's past while forging a new path forward. With its rich setting and well-developed characters, it is a perfect beach read that leaves readers reflecting on their own relationships and the people who shape their lives. A solid four-star rating reflects its ability to entertain and resonate, making it a noteworthy addition to Hilderbrand's impressive body of work.
Elin Hilderbrand's "The Five-Star Weekend" is a delightful blend of heartfelt drama, rich character exploration, and the quintessential charm of Nantucket. The novel centers around Hollis Shaw, a successful food blogger who finds herself navigating the complexities of grief, friendship, and self-discovery after the tragic death of her husband, Matthew.
The story kicks off with Hollis's seemingly perfect life shattering after an argument with Matthew ends in his untimely death. This event exposes the fissures in her life, from her strained marriage to her complicated relationship with her daughter, Caroline. In an effort to reclaim some semblance of control and connection, Hollis decides to host a "Five-Star Weekend" on Nantucket, inviting friends from different stages of her life: her teenage years, her twenties, her thirties, and her midlife.
Each of Hollis's friends brings their own set of challenges and unresolved issues to the weekend. Tatum, her childhood friend, finds herself awkwardly reunited with Hollis's first love, Jack Finigan, arranged by her own husband. Dru-Ann, the elitist sports agent from UNC Chapel Hill, is grappling with career-threatening controversy. Brooke, from Hollis's thirties, is dealing with her husband's infidelity yet again. Finally, there's Gigi, a mysterious stranger who connected with Hollis through her blog, carrying secrets of her own.
Hilderbrand excels in creating a vivid and immersive setting, with Nantucket almost serving as a character in its own right. The detailed descriptions of the island's shops, restaurants, and landscapes add depth and atmosphere to the narrative, making readers feel as if they are part of the exclusive weekend getaway.
The novel's strength lies in its character development and the dynamics between the women. Each character is well-drawn and relatable, with their personal struggles and growth arcs woven seamlessly into the overarching story. Hollis's journey from grief to a newfound understanding of herself and her relationships is particularly compelling. The interactions between the women, filled with tension, humor, and moments of profound connection, highlight the complexities of long-term friendships and the impact they have on our lives.
However, the novel is not without its flaws. Some readers might find the plot predictable and the resolution of certain conflicts a bit too tidy. The emphasis on luxury and brand-name dropping can feel excessive at times, potentially detracting from the emotional depth of the story. Despite these minor issues, the book's charm and the authenticity of its characters' experiences make it a satisfying read.
"The Five-Star Weekend" by Elin Hilderbrand is an engaging and heartwarming tale of friendship, loss, and self-discovery. It captures the essence of what it means to reconnect with one's past while forging a new path forward. With its rich setting and well-developed characters, it is a perfect beach read that leaves readers reflecting on their own relationships and the people who shape their lives. A solid four-star rating reflects its ability to entertain and resonate, making it a noteworthy addition to Hilderbrand's impressive body of work.
3.5 stars. Not my favorite by this author but not a bad read. A quick read that keeps the reader engaged and good character development.
Got me out of my slump!! Such a cute book and I forgot how much I liked her writing. I thought the end was a little rushed but enjoyed overall
medium-paced
emotional
funny
lighthearted
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Diverse cast of characters:
No
“You can be more than one kind of person in your life.”
Friendship. Secrets. Love. Betrayal.
The makings of a great story! Elin Hilderbrand does it again with this one ladies and gentlemen.
Friendship. Secrets. Love. Betrayal.
The makings of a great story! Elin Hilderbrand does it again with this one ladies and gentlemen.