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Five Million Moments
Three Sorority Sisters. One Blue Notebook.
It’s 1992, and Shannon, Melissa, and Amy are convinced their real lives are just beginning.
At college in upstate New York, the three sorority sisters become inseparable — sharing a chaotic off-campus apartment, late-night pizza, borrowed sweaters, and secrets. They fall in love with the wrong guys, watch Beverly Hills, 90210 religiously, dance to TLC at college bars, and share a blue notebook where they record their dreams for the future.
On graduation day, they promise that whatever happens, they have each other. But in the real world, the lives they planned look nothing like the lives they're living. Jobs are harder, relationships are more complicated, and the mistakes made in college refuse to stay in the past.
As the 1990s race forward, the women discover that friendship can be both a lifeline and the thing most capable of breaking your heart.
Told in short, addictive chapters through the eyes of three women you’ll remember long after the book is over, Five Million Moments is a propulsive story about the people who shape us, the dreams we outgrow, and the friends who knew us before adulthood changed everything.
Perfect for readers who love Elin Hilderbrand, Colleen Hoover, Firefly Lane, and 1990s nostalgia.
It’s 1992, and Shannon, Melissa, and Amy are convinced their real lives are just beginning.
At college in upstate New York, the three sorority sisters become inseparable — sharing a chaotic off-campus apartment, late-night pizza, borrowed sweaters, and secrets. They fall in love with the wrong guys, watch Beverly Hills, 90210 religiously, dance to TLC at college bars, and share a blue notebook where they record their dreams for the future.
On graduation day, they promise that whatever happens, they have each other. But in the real world, the lives they planned look nothing like the lives they're living. Jobs are harder, relationships are more complicated, and the mistakes made in college refuse to stay in the past.
As the 1990s race forward, the women discover that friendship can be both a lifeline and the thing most capable of breaking your heart.
Told in short, addictive chapters through the eyes of three women you’ll remember long after the book is over, Five Million Moments is a propulsive story about the people who shape us, the dreams we outgrow, and the friends who knew us before adulthood changed everything.
Perfect for readers who love Elin Hilderbrand, Colleen Hoover, Firefly Lane, and 1990s nostalgia.
- GenresContemporary
405 pages, ebook
Published February 3, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
March 16, 2026
This book club fiction will give you a lot to talk about. Starting with nostalgia! If you’re a gen xer or lived through the 90s this book is for you.
This book follows 3 sorority sisters from their final year in college through the next ten years. The up’s and downs of the friendship, careers, relationships, and families. The vibe reminds me a little of Sex in the City. Each of the 3 FMCs have their own unique personalities and backgrounds.
The pacing is steady and the story draws you in immediately. The writing is clear and easy to follow. I loved the short chapters!
This book had me hating all the straight men in these women’s lives and cringing at some of the bad choices that were made. In the end, the friendship of these women survived against the odds.
Fun and nostalgic offering from indie author, Goldie Williamson!
This book follows 3 sorority sisters from their final year in college through the next ten years. The up’s and downs of the friendship, careers, relationships, and families. The vibe reminds me a little of Sex in the City. Each of the 3 FMCs have their own unique personalities and backgrounds.
The pacing is steady and the story draws you in immediately. The writing is clear and easy to follow. I loved the short chapters!
This book had me hating all the straight men in these women’s lives and cringing at some of the bad choices that were made. In the end, the friendship of these women survived against the odds.
Fun and nostalgic offering from indie author, Goldie Williamson!
March 20, 2026
This book was pure nostalgia for me as a Gen X woman who was in college in the 90s. The book follows three friends through college and their 20s. These characters could have been my friends, and I enjoyed re-living the nuances of that time through their friendships and life experiences.
February 8, 2026
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.
Five Million Moments by Goldie Williamson is engaging from the start. It revolves around three young women that develop a friendship in college. I believe the book is appropriate for 18+.
Williamson does a good job drawing you into the era and the characters are relatable. The characters are not stagnant and continue to evolve through different stages of life. The notebook serves as a symbol within the plot. Dreams, disasters, choices, secrets, and unconditional love are interwoven in the prose which is easy to follow. There are multiple lessons and truths, often forgotten, found in the text.
"Your girlfriends are the greatest loves of your life. You'll see."
Five Million Moments by Goldie Williamson is engaging from the start. It revolves around three young women that develop a friendship in college. I believe the book is appropriate for 18+.
Williamson does a good job drawing you into the era and the characters are relatable. The characters are not stagnant and continue to evolve through different stages of life. The notebook serves as a symbol within the plot. Dreams, disasters, choices, secrets, and unconditional love are interwoven in the prose which is easy to follow. There are multiple lessons and truths, often forgotten, found in the text.
"Your girlfriends are the greatest loves of your life. You'll see."
February 10, 2026
There are times you pick up a book and you can't put it down. Where the characters in the book/the story will stick with you for a long time. This is one of these books.
I heard about this book through an Instagram ad when i was in a reading slump. I am so glad I did.
This is the story of Amy, Shannon and Melissa who met in college and were sorority sisters. The story follows their lives from the 1990's through 2002 with the people, careers and changes they face along the way. A secret forms during the story that could tear their friendship apart.
I found this story to be very relatable and engaging. I found myself rooting for the characters and sometimes feeling frustrated about their choices along the way. None of the story is sugar coated, tied up with a bow now is it toxically positive which I appreciate. I even found myself engaged with the stories of some of the supporting characters too. I pored through this book in one day which is rare for me. It is one of my favorite reads of 2026. I understand this is the first book from this author and i really hope some comes out with more reads in the future.
I heard about this book through an Instagram ad when i was in a reading slump. I am so glad I did.
This is the story of Amy, Shannon and Melissa who met in college and were sorority sisters. The story follows their lives from the 1990's through 2002 with the people, careers and changes they face along the way. A secret forms during the story that could tear their friendship apart.
I found this story to be very relatable and engaging. I found myself rooting for the characters and sometimes feeling frustrated about their choices along the way. None of the story is sugar coated, tied up with a bow now is it toxically positive which I appreciate. I even found myself engaged with the stories of some of the supporting characters too. I pored through this book in one day which is rare for me. It is one of my favorite reads of 2026. I understand this is the first book from this author and i really hope some comes out with more reads in the future.
March 26, 2026
I just finished Five Million Moments! I absolutely loved it. As someone who is roughly the same age as the girls it resonated with me so much and also because I lived in NYC the same time. If you love stories about female friendships, especially if you are Gen X you will love
April 23, 2026
4.5 for me
This book gave me a blend of Colleen Hoover emotion and Elin Hilderbrand friendship-driven storytelling. If you lived through the 90s, there’s an extra layer of nostalgia that feels like stepping back into a familiar time.
📘 INSIDE THE PAGES
Shannon, Amy, and Melissa meet during sorority rush, and despite coming from very different backgrounds, they form an instant connection, convinced they’ll be best friends forever. Or so they think.
As the 90s unfold, we follow the three women through shifting careers, changing relationships, and the realities of adulthood. Each year, they map out their dreams in a blue notebook, certain life will follow the plan. But when a long-buried secret resurfaces, it threatens to shatter everything they built together, leaving them to decide whether what’s broken can ever truly be rebuilt.
🌟 MY THOUGHTS
I really enjoyed the short chapters and the way the story moves year by year, weaving in memorable cultural moments like the O.J. trial and Princess Diana’s car crash.
The three women each felt distinct, and at times there were definite Sex and the City vibes in their candid conversations about love and relationships. The book also explores plenty of relatable issues, though it’s worth checking trigger warnings as the author tackles a range of women-centered topics.
I liked the author’s writing style and found the character development strong and engaging. Each woman’s motivations felt clear and believable, which made it easy to invest in them and root for them through all of life’s highs and lows and even when they made some questionable decisions.
This was such a fun and heartfelt read about friendship, big dreams, messy relationships, and all the curveballs life loves to throw our way. With plenty of 90s nostalgia, memorable characters, and moments that will make you smile, reflect, and maybe even text an old friend, it’s a story that feels both entertaining and relatable. Perfect for readers who love women’s fiction packed with friendship drama, emotional depth, and a generous dose of nostalgia.
This book gave me a blend of Colleen Hoover emotion and Elin Hilderbrand friendship-driven storytelling. If you lived through the 90s, there’s an extra layer of nostalgia that feels like stepping back into a familiar time.
📘 INSIDE THE PAGES
Shannon, Amy, and Melissa meet during sorority rush, and despite coming from very different backgrounds, they form an instant connection, convinced they’ll be best friends forever. Or so they think.
As the 90s unfold, we follow the three women through shifting careers, changing relationships, and the realities of adulthood. Each year, they map out their dreams in a blue notebook, certain life will follow the plan. But when a long-buried secret resurfaces, it threatens to shatter everything they built together, leaving them to decide whether what’s broken can ever truly be rebuilt.
🌟 MY THOUGHTS
I really enjoyed the short chapters and the way the story moves year by year, weaving in memorable cultural moments like the O.J. trial and Princess Diana’s car crash.
The three women each felt distinct, and at times there were definite Sex and the City vibes in their candid conversations about love and relationships. The book also explores plenty of relatable issues, though it’s worth checking trigger warnings as the author tackles a range of women-centered topics.
I liked the author’s writing style and found the character development strong and engaging. Each woman’s motivations felt clear and believable, which made it easy to invest in them and root for them through all of life’s highs and lows and even when they made some questionable decisions.
This was such a fun and heartfelt read about friendship, big dreams, messy relationships, and all the curveballs life loves to throw our way. With plenty of 90s nostalgia, memorable characters, and moments that will make you smile, reflect, and maybe even text an old friend, it’s a story that feels both entertaining and relatable. Perfect for readers who love women’s fiction packed with friendship drama, emotional depth, and a generous dose of nostalgia.
May 9, 2026
I absolutely loved this nostalgic trip back to the 90s—especially because that was the decade of my twenties 💛 From the pop culture references to the friendships and life struggles, this book felt so authentic and relatable.
Shannon, Melissa, and Amy meet in college and quickly become inseparable. Even though they each have very different dreams and goals, they share everything—their secrets, hopes, heartbreaks, and plans for the future. But years later, a mistake from their senior year threatens the friendship they always believed would survive anything.
One of my favorite things about this story was the span of time it covers. We get to watch these women grow individually and together as they navigate relationships, careers, family struggles, mistakes, and second chances while trying to build the lives they once imagined for themselves.
Goldie Williamson did such an amazing job making these characters feel REAL. They aren’t perfect—and that’s exactly why I connected with them so much. I rooted for all three women even while occasionally wanting to yell at them over some of their choices 😅
The book tackles difficult topics like pregnancy, cheating, self-discovery, and complicated family dynamics in a very sincere and believable way. It was beautifully written, emotionally engaging, and one of those books where I kept saying “just one more chapter.”
Honestly, I cannot believe this is a debut novel. I’ll absolutely be watching to see what Williamson writes next!
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Shannon, Melissa, and Amy meet in college and quickly become inseparable. Even though they each have very different dreams and goals, they share everything—their secrets, hopes, heartbreaks, and plans for the future. But years later, a mistake from their senior year threatens the friendship they always believed would survive anything.
One of my favorite things about this story was the span of time it covers. We get to watch these women grow individually and together as they navigate relationships, careers, family struggles, mistakes, and second chances while trying to build the lives they once imagined for themselves.
Goldie Williamson did such an amazing job making these characters feel REAL. They aren’t perfect—and that’s exactly why I connected with them so much. I rooted for all three women even while occasionally wanting to yell at them over some of their choices 😅
The book tackles difficult topics like pregnancy, cheating, self-discovery, and complicated family dynamics in a very sincere and believable way. It was beautifully written, emotionally engaging, and one of those books where I kept saying “just one more chapter.”
Honestly, I cannot believe this is a debut novel. I’ll absolutely be watching to see what Williamson writes next!
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy
86 Merrimac is where it all began.. Five Million Moments by Goldie Williamson gives the reader a peek into the lives of three college sorority sisters in the 90s. They forge a bonded friendship over bar nights and mixers, classes, hobbies and weekly 90210 episodes. This triangle of friends lasts over the five million minutes of the next 10 years. Despite the deep contrasts in the girls' upbringings, motivations, lifestyles and futures, the girls have a rich undercurrent of acceptance and unconditional love. Williamson takes us on a journey of their ups and downs, through their hopes and dreams, failures and self-discoveries. She does not shy away from the tough topics many young adults face like navigating marriage, pregnancy, cheating, finances, working moms, health and a little substance abuse. Williamson sprinkles in enough current events, fashion, TV shows and music that I felt a literal stepping back in time to my sorority sisters and the paths we walked. It was a big, warm hug of nostalgia! Five Million Moments was a beautiful story that I could not put down - Highly Recommend, Five Stars
Thank you BookSirens for the advanced ebook!
All of these thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thank you BookSirens for the advanced ebook!
All of these thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 24, 2026
Five Million Moments is an absolutely brilliant novel about friendships throughout time, love being tested, new opportunities and the moments that allow us to live life to the fullest.
Shannon, Melissa and Amy meet in the 1990s at college. They are inseparable and this story follows them through the decades. It follows their paths, where they end up and how they remain connected throughout the years.
When a bad decision comes to fruitrition and is kept secret for years, the ladies choose paths that may make or break their lifelong friendship. "Your girlfriends are the greatest loves of your life." Fighting for those worth fighting for is a choice one must make.
During the course of the story, there are many references to television shows, specifically Beverly Hills 90210, political events, and the 9/11 tragedy.
This gifted book will always remain a special treasure to me. The debut novel by Goldie Williamson was absolutely incredible. You really learned about Shannon, Melissa, and Amy.....got to know the women and really felt like you were their best friend, too. This story was just beautiful, I loved every single moment. This is a book you definitely want to read!
Shannon, Melissa and Amy meet in the 1990s at college. They are inseparable and this story follows them through the decades. It follows their paths, where they end up and how they remain connected throughout the years.
When a bad decision comes to fruitrition and is kept secret for years, the ladies choose paths that may make or break their lifelong friendship. "Your girlfriends are the greatest loves of your life." Fighting for those worth fighting for is a choice one must make.
During the course of the story, there are many references to television shows, specifically Beverly Hills 90210, political events, and the 9/11 tragedy.
This gifted book will always remain a special treasure to me. The debut novel by Goldie Williamson was absolutely incredible. You really learned about Shannon, Melissa, and Amy.....got to know the women and really felt like you were their best friend, too. This story was just beautiful, I loved every single moment. This is a book you definitely want to read!
April 2, 2026
This one didn’t just hit… it transported me.
✔️ college in the 90s energy (the music, the chaos, the friendships)
✔️ that very specific “we are young and everything matters” feeling
✔️ friendships that feel like family even with drama
✔️ Long Island references that felt a little too familiar
✔️ the quiet shift into real life and everything that comes with it
And then… 9/11. Not in a dramatic, overdone way but in a way that sneaks up on you and reminds you exactly where you were, who you were, and how everything changed.
I didn’t just read this—I had me remembering.
There were moments I genuinely felt like I could have been one of them… sitting in a dorm room, laughing too loud, making questionable decisions, and having no idea what was coming next.
Verdict:
✔️ deeply nostalgic in the best way
✔️ hits harder if you lived it
✔️ made me pause and just sit with it for a minute
If you came of age in the 90s, this one might feel a little too real—in the best possible way.
April 4, 2026
If you loved the 90’s, Sex and the City, Gilmore Girls, 90210, and have a bestie or 2 then this book is for you. Five Million Moments makes you want to get glammed up, call your girlfriends and get together over some Cosmos! If you love authors like Elin Hilderbrand, Liane Moriarty, and Kristin Hannah you will love this book. Goldie Williamson has created a book that brings you back to college, back to the 90’s, back to cassette tapes and all the music that influenced that decade. Shannon, Melissa, and Amy make you smile, laugh, and feel all the feels. At moments this book will wreck you in the best way. You find yourself telling them don’t go down that rabbit hole, but simultaneously know that they need to and can’t stop turning the pages to see where it leads them. Love this new author and can't wait to see where she takes us next. I truly hope there will be a sequel to this because I need to know what lies ahead for these 3 women.
April 23, 2026
This story is about 3 women that met in college in the early 90s as sorority sisters. They were inseparable in college and even set goals for each other every year. The story evolves over the next 10 years of their lives with up and downs, marriages and divorces, babies, boyfriends, careers and everything in between. It perfectly describes the difficulty of female relationships being concrete - being mothers, wives, and career driven women; those relationships often get thrown to the side. But these women stick with each other even BEFORE texting and cell phone - it was all long distance calls and emails!
I highly recommend this to readers that loves strong female characters and a little bit of real emotion (especially towards the end).
Possible TW: it does take place in NY and 9/11 is mentioned.
I highly recommend this to readers that loves strong female characters and a little bit of real emotion (especially towards the end).
Possible TW: it does take place in NY and 9/11 is mentioned.
April 1, 2026
This was such a heartfelt and nostalgic read for me. While I didn’t grow up in the 90s, I raised all three of my children during that decade, so it brought back so many memories.
The story follows three lifelong friends navigating the complexities of evolving relationships, both with each other and in their personal lives. As secrets begin to surface, it really highlights how time, choices, and life experiences shape friendships in different ways.
I loved how relatable the characters were—I could see pieces of my own friendships, both past and present, reflected in their journeys. The author did a beautiful job developing each character and weaving together a story that felt both emotional and genuine.
A sweet, reflective read that stayed with me.
The story follows three lifelong friends navigating the complexities of evolving relationships, both with each other and in their personal lives. As secrets begin to surface, it really highlights how time, choices, and life experiences shape friendships in different ways.
I loved how relatable the characters were—I could see pieces of my own friendships, both past and present, reflected in their journeys. The author did a beautiful job developing each character and weaving together a story that felt both emotional and genuine.
A sweet, reflective read that stayed with me.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was amazing and I truly enjoyed it. The three main characters all had their own unique personality, story, and development and were very well rounded. You got to know them, love them, and feel for them. This book made me, laugh, cry, smile, and reflect on my own life. I felt like I could relate to so many parts of it and it shows the growth and power friendship has in your life. I genuinely loved this book and it was so real, it accurately portrayed the hardships and messiness of life and why you need people by your side to get through it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 11, 2026
This was an interesting read that sucked me in. It was slightly different to my normal read but I soon found myself drawn into the lives of Shannon, Melissa and Amy.
I really enjoyed following them all through their college years and into adulthood and facing all the relationship and friendship issues. We get snippets of their lives, sometimes interwoven with each other and sometimes just seeing their life through their own eyes. The twists that are also woven in really kept me engaged. The timeline is also familiar to me and it was really moving reading the chapters about 911 and how it affected the lives of the girls.
This is a lovely story, and once you start you won’t be able stop.
I really enjoyed following them all through their college years and into adulthood and facing all the relationship and friendship issues. We get snippets of their lives, sometimes interwoven with each other and sometimes just seeing their life through their own eyes. The twists that are also woven in really kept me engaged. The timeline is also familiar to me and it was really moving reading the chapters about 911 and how it affected the lives of the girls.
This is a lovely story, and once you start you won’t be able stop.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. This novel has everything and then some — sex, secrets, and scandals (not to mention an incredible list of 90s references that make me nostalgic for my youth). But it’s so much more than all that — Five Million Moments is a story of sisterhood, motherhood, friendship, loss, grief, renewal, and forgiveness. I couldn’t put it down and didn’t want it to end. What a phenomenal debut novel… We need a sequel!
May 7, 2026
I loved the nostalgia in this book as a Gen-Xer who finished high school in 1995 (I often relate more to the Xennial label being born so late in the 70s and only having younger sisters). This book made me long for the college experience I never had. The good group of friends from high school didn't last like Amy, Melissa, and...spacing on the 3rd friends name. Very engaging book on the importance of girlfriends in one's life. The greatest love a woman can have. Thanks Goodreads, the author, and publisher for my free Kindle copy!:-)
February 18, 2026
I really enjoyed Five Million Moments. It’s a wonderful story about 3 friends who are navigating early adulthood. The characters were well developed and perfectly flawed. I look forward to reading more by Goldie Williamson.
“I did the math. Ten years is three thousand six hundred fifty days. Multiply that by twenty four hours, then by sixty minutes……… that’s over five million moments. Five million chances to grow, to mess up, to find our way back.”
“I did the math. Ten years is three thousand six hundred fifty days. Multiply that by twenty four hours, then by sixty minutes……… that’s over five million moments. Five million chances to grow, to mess up, to find our way back.”
Review of advance copy
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I always enjoy reading stories about lasting friendships and this a good one. It follows three very different women with very different paths they are following. Things do not always go smoothly, but you will find yourself rooting for them to get to the other side.
February 27, 2026
I read this in one day!
I'm a SUNY graduate, and a Long Island girl, too, but you don't have to be either to love this novel about friendship. I couldn't stop reading. It's fast paced, with such wonderfully flawed women characters.
I'm a SUNY graduate, and a Long Island girl, too, but you don't have to be either to love this novel about friendship. I couldn't stop reading. It's fast paced, with such wonderfully flawed women characters.
April 10, 2026
It took me a hot second to get the characters straight but once I did I Loved the story of friendship and their ups and downs. Towards the end, I was invested in these characters and the heartbreak and healing all at the same time. I enjoyed it!
April 28, 2026
"Your girlfriends are the greatest loves of your life"
Five stars for the nostalgia of the 90s in NYC and also for the ability to transport me back to a time when life felt less complicated, before that terrible day that changed it all.
And there's a playist!!
Five stars for the nostalgia of the 90s in NYC and also for the ability to transport me back to a time when life felt less complicated, before that terrible day that changed it all.
And there's a playist!!
May 3, 2026
What a beautiful story! Perfect for all those who grew up in the nineties and treasure the friendships we made then. This book is a tribute to the families we choose and commit to through highs and lows, remembering the importance of forgiveness. I couldn’t put it down.
May 18, 2026
I thought the three characters were distinct, and I believed them. The plot took them in some predictable places, if you've lived life -- but with details and observations that felt fresh and earned. I really liked it, and look forward to the next book by Goldie Williamson!
February 22, 2026
SUNY Nostalgia
While I did not attend UB, I did attend a SUNY school in the early 90s and felt that this could have been me and some of my friends. I loved it!
While I did not attend UB, I did attend a SUNY school in the early 90s and felt that this could have been me and some of my friends. I loved it!
March 11, 2026
I won this in a giveaway.
March 23, 2026
I loved this book! It is such a relatable story that keeps you interested the entire time.
May 10, 2026
VERY enjoyable read. Great beach book, and would definitely offer good topics for book club!
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews