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Top Five
"...witty and emotional story about vulnerability, consequences, and redemption.
—Bryn Donovan, Her Knight at the Museum
From Amazon best-selling author of Summer on Butterfly Bay, a hope-filled novel about a celebrity blogger whose list-making, literary lifestyle catches the eye of a real estate mogul with narcissistic tendencies making him the last man on earth she could/should/would fall in love with.
Belle Creek, New York—a place with small-town charm and big secrets.
Asked to write a book proposal for a big-time publisher, quasi-social media celebrity and creator of the blog Top Five, Quinn Sheridan, needs to escape the fast pace of her city life. She heads to her aunts' river house, where a quiet life is sure to allow her imagination to flow.
But with the arrival of broken, blue-eyed Witt, Belle Creek proves to be anything but simple.
High on a guilt trip, Witt Spencer moves to Belle Creek for the summer to care for his ailing dad, a man he hasn't had the time or patience to visit, or even talk to, in years, a man whose phone number he doesn't even recognize.
While Quinn battles demons like imposter syndrome and fear of abandonment, all stemming from her mother's death, Witt struggles with a few of his own. As a young boy, being deserted by an unforgiving mother and raised by his all-too-sweet father, he finds himself unable to address his feelings of dislike and disappointment.
When Witt tries to engage Quinn in conversation, he doesn't expect to fall into her lap—let alone into love.
When Quinn tries to keep Witt far away, she doesn't expect him to pop into her head at every waking moment.
A hope-filled book with small-town charm and big secrets, Top Five delves into family relationships, love, and loss and will have you cheering for two broken souls to find their happily-ever-after.
From Amazon best-selling author of Summer on Butterfly Bay, a hope-filled novel about a celebrity blogger whose list-making, literary lifestyle catches the eye of a real estate mogul with narcissistic tendencies making him the last man on earth she could/should/would fall in love with.
Belle Creek, New York—a place with small-town charm and big secrets.
Asked to write a book proposal for a big-time publisher, quasi-social media celebrity and creator of the blog Top Five, Quinn Sheridan, needs to escape the fast pace of her city life. She heads to her aunts' river house, where a quiet life is sure to allow her imagination to flow.
But with the arrival of broken, blue-eyed Witt, Belle Creek proves to be anything but simple.
High on a guilt trip, Witt Spencer moves to Belle Creek for the summer to care for his ailing dad, a man he hasn't had the time or patience to visit, or even talk to, in years, a man whose phone number he doesn't even recognize.
While Quinn battles demons like imposter syndrome and fear of abandonment, all stemming from her mother's death, Witt struggles with a few of his own. As a young boy, being deserted by an unforgiving mother and raised by his all-too-sweet father, he finds himself unable to address his feelings of dislike and disappointment.
When Witt tries to engage Quinn in conversation, he doesn't expect to fall into her lap—let alone into love.
When Quinn tries to keep Witt far away, she doesn't expect him to pop into her head at every waking moment.
A hope-filled book with small-town charm and big secrets, Top Five delves into family relationships, love, and loss and will have you cheering for two broken souls to find their happily-ever-after.
281 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 3, 2025
3 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
About the author
Judith Natelli McLaughlin
12 books27 followersJudith Natelli McLaughlin grew up in Tenafly, New Jersey. Two of her favorite past times were reading and writing. She wrote and illustrated her first book at the age of seven. "The Bunny and The Eggs" is a first edition classic bound with masking tape and treasured forever.
At Ralph S. Maugham School she discovered Shel Silverstein's poetry and Laura Ingalls Wilder's books. Her hunger for reading and writing was forever fed. She graduated from Maugham, moving up to Tenafly Middle School, then Tenafly High School and finally Villanova University. She graduated Villanova in 1987 with degrees in English and Honors.
Currently she lives in Millburn, New Jersey with her husband, Brian, her three daughters, Katie, Lindsay and Maggie and a West Highland White Terrier named Duke.
This Moment is her first novel.
Poems on Fruits & Odes to Veggies - Where Healthy Eating Starts With a Poem is her first children's book.
At Ralph S. Maugham School she discovered Shel Silverstein's poetry and Laura Ingalls Wilder's books. Her hunger for reading and writing was forever fed. She graduated from Maugham, moving up to Tenafly Middle School, then Tenafly High School and finally Villanova University. She graduated Villanova in 1987 with degrees in English and Honors.
Currently she lives in Millburn, New Jersey with her husband, Brian, her three daughters, Katie, Lindsay and Maggie and a West Highland White Terrier named Duke.
This Moment is her first novel.
Poems on Fruits & Odes to Veggies - Where Healthy Eating Starts With a Poem is her first children's book.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
June 6, 2025
This isn’t your average romance. It’s so much deeper. The anxiety representation, characters, and small town country scenery, provides readers with not only an escape from their every day life but also gives them a story that helps lift and heal their own burdens. A beautiful story of love, loss, forgiveness, and healing.
May 30, 2025
A really sweet hometown story that has a little bit of everything. Likeable characters and a warm tone makes for an enjoyable read. Thanks to the author for this copy for read and review
June 18, 2025
Book Review 📖💐🚲
thank you so so much partner @judithnatellimclaughlin for the gifted copy and goodies!
Top Five
by Judith Natelli McLaughlin
About the book 👇🏽
Asked to write a book proposal for a big-time publisher, quasi-social media celebrity and creator of the blog Top Five, Quinn Sheridan, needs to escape the fast pace of her city life. She heads to her aunts' river house, where a quiet life is sure to allow her imagination to flow. But with the arrival of broken, blue-eyed Witt, Belle Creek proves to be anything but simple.
High on a guilt trip, Witt Spencer moves to Belle Creek for the summer to care for his ailing dad, a man he hasn't had the time or patience to visit, or even talk to, in years, a man whose phone number he doesn't even recognize.
While Quinn battles demons like imposter syndrome and fear of abandonment, all stemming from her mother's death, Witt struggles with a few of his own. When Witt tries to engage Quinn in conversation, he doesn't expect to fall into her lap-let alone into love. When Quinn tries to keep Witt far away, she doesn't expect him to pop into her head at every waking moment.
💕 My thoughts:
Another story by Judith McLaughlin that wrecked me in the best of ways! There’s something about her writing style that is an entire experience. Yes, it’s a heartwarming story but not before a deep reflection of who you are and how/why that is. Top Five reminds us that it is never too late to forgive, including to forgive ourselves. With communication, grace, and honesty, our relationships can only thrive. Top Five is going to be the book of the summer that every book club needs. I have a feeling that you’ll be adding it to your top five summer reads!
Happy reading 📖💐🚲💕
thank you so so much partner @judithnatellimclaughlin for the gifted copy and goodies!
Top Five
by Judith Natelli McLaughlin
About the book 👇🏽
Asked to write a book proposal for a big-time publisher, quasi-social media celebrity and creator of the blog Top Five, Quinn Sheridan, needs to escape the fast pace of her city life. She heads to her aunts' river house, where a quiet life is sure to allow her imagination to flow. But with the arrival of broken, blue-eyed Witt, Belle Creek proves to be anything but simple.
High on a guilt trip, Witt Spencer moves to Belle Creek for the summer to care for his ailing dad, a man he hasn't had the time or patience to visit, or even talk to, in years, a man whose phone number he doesn't even recognize.
While Quinn battles demons like imposter syndrome and fear of abandonment, all stemming from her mother's death, Witt struggles with a few of his own. When Witt tries to engage Quinn in conversation, he doesn't expect to fall into her lap-let alone into love. When Quinn tries to keep Witt far away, she doesn't expect him to pop into her head at every waking moment.
💕 My thoughts:
Another story by Judith McLaughlin that wrecked me in the best of ways! There’s something about her writing style that is an entire experience. Yes, it’s a heartwarming story but not before a deep reflection of who you are and how/why that is. Top Five reminds us that it is never too late to forgive, including to forgive ourselves. With communication, grace, and honesty, our relationships can only thrive. Top Five is going to be the book of the summer that every book club needs. I have a feeling that you’ll be adding it to your top five summer reads!
Happy reading 📖💐🚲💕
June 3, 2025
Top Five Reasons to read Top Five:
-the muffins
-the river house
-the aunts
-the small town vibes
-the truth
Top Five by Judith Natelli McLaughlin is one of those rare books that manages to be both deeply moving and laugh-out-loud funny. From the very first page, I was drawn in by the quirky, lovable narrator and her “top five” lists that frame each chapter—both a clever narrative device and an emotional window into her world.
The story is a beautiful blend of grief, healing, and rediscovery, told with warmth and wit. McLaughlin writes with honesty and compassion, tackling serious topics without ever losing her sense of humor. The characters are authentic and memorable, especially the protagonist, who feels like someone you’d want as your best friend—or at least to share a cup of coffee and a few confessions with.
If you enjoy books that make you laugh, cry, and think all in one sitting, Top Five absolutely deserves a spot at the top of your reading list.
-the muffins
-the river house
-the aunts
-the small town vibes
-the truth
Top Five by Judith Natelli McLaughlin is one of those rare books that manages to be both deeply moving and laugh-out-loud funny. From the very first page, I was drawn in by the quirky, lovable narrator and her “top five” lists that frame each chapter—both a clever narrative device and an emotional window into her world.
The story is a beautiful blend of grief, healing, and rediscovery, told with warmth and wit. McLaughlin writes with honesty and compassion, tackling serious topics without ever losing her sense of humor. The characters are authentic and memorable, especially the protagonist, who feels like someone you’d want as your best friend—or at least to share a cup of coffee and a few confessions with.
If you enjoy books that make you laugh, cry, and think all in one sitting, Top Five absolutely deserves a spot at the top of your reading list.
July 18, 2025
Top Five is now and will always be my comfort read when I need a good cry, a laugh, just something wholesome to make me feel good.
This book was nothing but incredible from start to finish. You gut pulled in right at the start and you stay hooked till the end.
Don’t go into this book expecting your average romance, it’s more than that. This book shows you that second chances & forgiveness can be incredible things.
If there’s one thing I can persuade you to do, it’s to read this book.
This book was nothing but incredible from start to finish. You gut pulled in right at the start and you stay hooked till the end.
Don’t go into this book expecting your average romance, it’s more than that. This book shows you that second chances & forgiveness can be incredible things.
If there’s one thing I can persuade you to do, it’s to read this book.
June 6, 2025
I loved this one! This slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers story was so much more than a typical small town romance. It’s a heartfelt journey of self-identity, forgiveness, and growth.
The banter, the tension, and and the character’s individual journeys made this book unputdownable.
It reminded me of the power of grace, forgiveness, family, and second chances.
🏡 small town
💻 secret identity
🚲 enemies to lovers
🎣 grumpy sunshine
💐 loss and healing
🧁 family
🧼 clean romance
The banter, the tension, and and the character’s individual journeys made this book unputdownable.
It reminded me of the power of grace, forgiveness, family, and second chances.
🏡 small town
💻 secret identity
🚲 enemies to lovers
🎣 grumpy sunshine
💐 loss and healing
🧁 family
🧼 clean romance
May 31, 2025
I absolutely adored this book! Truly a gift! Each book Judith writes I love it even more!
July 23, 2025
Wow! Loved the different style of this novel, having the title as a theme- “Top Five” and included in every chapter. The storyline is intriguing and fun. There are some deep emotions embedded in the main characters that really make you know them better. Definitely recommend!
July 31, 2025
I wish I had a summer home in Belle Creek so I could spend time with Quinn and Witt! What a beautiful book (which would make an amazing movie). I immediately connected with the characters and was captivated. Would highly recommend this book for anyone looking for a light romance that makes you feel good.
August 29, 2025
The best summer read! It’s such a heartfelt, character-driven journey through love, healing, and community. The story is warm and relatable. It’s a book that truly leaves a lasting impression long after the last page.
June 6, 2025
A beautiful story about love, family, grief, and forgiveness, highlighting the importance of making the right decision, even when it's difficult.
June 10, 2025
This was such a good small town, enemies to lovers story! Judy does a phenomenal job at writing romance books that have so much depth to them. Her books always leave me feeling content and happy.
June 12, 2025
I absolutely LOVED this book! A must read.
June 12, 2025
A great summer read! Small town, romance, and friendship! Enjoy it on your porch this summer.
November 18, 2025
I started Top Five on my beach trip this past summer and it was the perfect book to read there. It captures the feel of summer in an idyllic location, with a potential romance blossoming.
Quinn and Witt were sympathetic characters who had both been through difficult situations in the past and were still trying to heal from those wounds. I liked the supporting characters, as well, especially Quinn's aunts. There was some difficult subject matter, but it was handled in a sensitive way.
I would have liked for there to be a companion book with all of Quinn's blog posts. I also wondered if she was getting paid for writing these posts and if that was enough for her to make a living. I had a feeling the conflict would unfold the way it did, but I like how it was resolved.
My biggest concern was that this book could have used another proofread before going to publication, as I found little errors throughout.
Overall a sweet story! Perfect for fans of Viola Shipman.
(Trigger warnings below.)
Movie casting suggestions:
Quinn: Haley Lu Richardson
Quinn and Witt were sympathetic characters who had both been through difficult situations in the past and were still trying to heal from those wounds. I liked the supporting characters, as well, especially Quinn's aunts. There was some difficult subject matter, but it was handled in a sensitive way.
I would have liked for there to be a companion book with all of Quinn's blog posts. I also wondered if she was getting paid for writing these posts and if that was enough for her to make a living. I had a feeling the conflict would unfold the way it did, but I like how it was resolved.
My biggest concern was that this book could have used another proofread before going to publication, as I found little errors throughout.
Overall a sweet story! Perfect for fans of Viola Shipman.
(Trigger warnings below.)
Movie casting suggestions:
Quinn: Haley Lu Richardson
Witt: Pierson Fode
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TW: Death of parent, child abuse (mainly emotional), parental abandonment, Alzheimers, cyberbullying
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TW: Death of parent, child abuse (mainly emotional), parental abandonment, Alzheimers, cyberbullying
July 1, 2025
Top Five is an emotional read that is perfect for anyone searching for hope amidst their brokenness. It’s about loss, love, healing, forgiveness, and so much more. It’s a wonderful reminder that we, as people, are so much bigger than our pain, and that we can work to turn the light back on, despite the darkness that binds us. I loved this story and definitely recommend picking it up.
Thank you to the author for an early copy of Top Five!
Thank you to the author for an early copy of Top Five!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews