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Sommer in Nantucket
The Five-Star Weekend
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Fiction (2023)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.
The Five-Star Weekend is a surprising and captivating story about friendship, love, and self-discovery set on Nantucket. It will be a weekend like no other.
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.
The Five-Star Weekend is a surprising and captivating story about friendship, love, and self-discovery set on Nantucket. It will be a weekend like no other.
384 pages, Hardcover
First published June 13, 2023
About the author
Elin Hilderbrand
97 books63.7k followersElin Hilderbrand lives on Nantucket with her husband and their three young children. She grew up in Collegeville, Pennsylvania, and traveled extensively before settling on Nantucket, which has been the setting for her five previous novels. Hilderbrand is a graduate of Johns Hopkins University and the graduate fiction workshop at the University of Iowa.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 25,847 reviews
June 30, 2023
I wish I could give ‘The Five-Star Weekend’, a five-star review… Although the premise was exciting, I think I’ve just unfortunately read too many Elin Hilderbrand novels. At this point, every book just seems the same - same story, different cast.
This book centers around Hollis Shaw. Hollis is recently widowed and grieving. So Hollis decides to have a five-star weekend at her summer home in Nantucket. For this weekend, Hollis invites four friends from all different stages in her life (which I actually love this idea). We have Tatum- her childhood best friend. Dru-Ann, her best friend from college. Brooke- her friend from when their children were growing up together. And Gigi- who was her favorite internet friend (Gigi follows Hollis’s blog).
All these women have problems of their own, even though they put on a happy face to the rest of the world. There’s also some “friendship rivalry” going on, as some of them think they should be Hollis’s best friend. Hollis has her daughter Caroline, interview and film each of the women and tell their stories of how they all know Hollis. The five-star weekend ends up being so much more than what each woman thought it would be.
So yes, there were some pretty good parts in this book. But, I found myself getting bored quite often as well. Once again, as with the past few books of Hilderbrand, I found that her books are nothing more than a walking (in this case writing) advertisement for Nantucket Island. Hilderbrand writes about all the hot spots to go to, which stores to shop at for all the latest fashion designers, and also which independent bookstore to shop at to purchase your books (I mean, there is no harm in being loyal). Hilderbrand also puts too much emphasis on what each character is wearing, and what designer handbag they’re carrying. We also have to hear about what each character ate for breakfast, lunch, and dinner!! If this was my first Hilderbrand novel that I read, it certainly wouldn’t be an issue, but at this point it’s just too redundant.
Hilderbrand is always good for a nice summer, beach read 🏖️ However, for me personally I think it’s time to move on. I want a good story, less advertisements.
I have heard that Hilderbrand is retiring from writing novels next year, in 2024. I will be sad to see her quit writing, but I wouldn’t be surprised if she comes out with a cookbook or two. She goes into great detail with her food descriptions in this book and some of her previous ones. That’s just my opinion…
This book centers around Hollis Shaw. Hollis is recently widowed and grieving. So Hollis decides to have a five-star weekend at her summer home in Nantucket. For this weekend, Hollis invites four friends from all different stages in her life (which I actually love this idea). We have Tatum- her childhood best friend. Dru-Ann, her best friend from college. Brooke- her friend from when their children were growing up together. And Gigi- who was her favorite internet friend (Gigi follows Hollis’s blog).
All these women have problems of their own, even though they put on a happy face to the rest of the world. There’s also some “friendship rivalry” going on, as some of them think they should be Hollis’s best friend. Hollis has her daughter Caroline, interview and film each of the women and tell their stories of how they all know Hollis. The five-star weekend ends up being so much more than what each woman thought it would be.
So yes, there were some pretty good parts in this book. But, I found myself getting bored quite often as well. Once again, as with the past few books of Hilderbrand, I found that her books are nothing more than a walking (in this case writing) advertisement for Nantucket Island. Hilderbrand writes about all the hot spots to go to, which stores to shop at for all the latest fashion designers, and also which independent bookstore to shop at to purchase your books (I mean, there is no harm in being loyal). Hilderbrand also puts too much emphasis on what each character is wearing, and what designer handbag they’re carrying. We also have to hear about what each character ate for breakfast, lunch, and dinner!! If this was my first Hilderbrand novel that I read, it certainly wouldn’t be an issue, but at this point it’s just too redundant.
Hilderbrand is always good for a nice summer, beach read 🏖️ However, for me personally I think it’s time to move on. I want a good story, less advertisements.
I have heard that Hilderbrand is retiring from writing novels next year, in 2024. I will be sad to see her quit writing, but I wouldn’t be surprised if she comes out with a cookbook or two. She goes into great detail with her food descriptions in this book and some of her previous ones. That’s just my opinion…
July 21, 2025
Let's face it—it isn't a proper summer without the quintessential beach read. And Elin Hilderbrand's books have become a go-to for me in recent years. But unfortunately, The Five-Star Weekend didn't quite end up scratching that summertime itch.
Hollis is grieving for her dead husband. She gets the idea to host a weekend get-together for her best friends, inviting one from each phase of her life, in the hopes that being surrounded by friends will help her heal and move on. But each of these women is battling her own issues and the weekend doesn't really turn out the way Hollis expects.
Elin Hilderbrand's books always feel light and fun, and this one's no different. It's the sort of story I pick up when I need a distraction. It's easy to get sucked into the island of Nantucket, with all of its water, sunshine, and delicious food. But at the end of the day, something about this story just didn't click for me.
Maybe it's because this feels more like a disjointed collection of stories about the different women rather than a cohesive whole. They're each having their own issues, and for the most part, they don't overlap. Hilderbrand could very well have written separate stories for each of them, and it would've still made sense.
Or maybe I just don't buy into the premise. I can't imagine a former friend dropping everything to fly out and spend a weekend with me and a few others they don't know, just to comfort me. But perhaps that's me being cynical and this sort of thing really does happen.
Or maybe it's because while the women's issues are real, the resolutions somehow end up feeling a bit shallow. Everything is wrapped up too neatly by the end of the book, whether the issue was medical, spousal, or work. Like the proverbial happily ever after, everyone gets one, even if the circumstances are too convenient or magical to be believable.
Whatever the reason, this story just didn't quite rise to the level of beachy magic I usually associate with Elin Hilderbrand. Don't get me wrong, I still had fun with it. But I always hope for a memorable reading experience, and this one was all too forgettable.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
See also, my thoughts on:
The Perfect Couple
The Hotel Nantucket
Swan Song
~~~~~~~~~~~~
✧ Connect with me ✧ Instagram ✧
✧ This was a pick for my BOTM box. Get your first book for $5 here.
Hollis is grieving for her dead husband. She gets the idea to host a weekend get-together for her best friends, inviting one from each phase of her life, in the hopes that being surrounded by friends will help her heal and move on. But each of these women is battling her own issues and the weekend doesn't really turn out the way Hollis expects.
Elin Hilderbrand's books always feel light and fun, and this one's no different. It's the sort of story I pick up when I need a distraction. It's easy to get sucked into the island of Nantucket, with all of its water, sunshine, and delicious food. But at the end of the day, something about this story just didn't click for me.
Maybe it's because this feels more like a disjointed collection of stories about the different women rather than a cohesive whole. They're each having their own issues, and for the most part, they don't overlap. Hilderbrand could very well have written separate stories for each of them, and it would've still made sense.
Or maybe I just don't buy into the premise. I can't imagine a former friend dropping everything to fly out and spend a weekend with me and a few others they don't know, just to comfort me. But perhaps that's me being cynical and this sort of thing really does happen.
Or maybe it's because while the women's issues are real, the resolutions somehow end up feeling a bit shallow. Everything is wrapped up too neatly by the end of the book, whether the issue was medical, spousal, or work. Like the proverbial happily ever after, everyone gets one, even if the circumstances are too convenient or magical to be believable.
Whatever the reason, this story just didn't quite rise to the level of beachy magic I usually associate with Elin Hilderbrand. Don't get me wrong, I still had fun with it. But I always hope for a memorable reading experience, and this one was all too forgettable.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
See also, my thoughts on:
The Perfect Couple
The Hotel Nantucket
Swan Song
~~~~~~~~~~~~
✧ Connect with me ✧ Instagram ✧
✧ This was a pick for my BOTM box. Get your first book for $5 here.
June 6, 2023
I have been an absolutely adoring fan of Hilderbrand for years. I think I've read all of her books except for maybe two or three of her books from the very beginning. They even made me book a trip to Nantucket to indulge in the summers she so beautifully describes.
However, all good things must come to an end. Hearing this was her last one, I was expecting a finale of epic proportions. Unfortunately, I was wrong. But like the old saying goes, I truly think this "isn't you--it's me." I grew so exhausted of the name-dropping, the fascination/obsession with being skinny (I can't count the times one main character questioned her eating/ bemoaned her non-flat stomach). Maybe I'm reading these books with a different lens: it felt classist. There was even some mention of being "classist" when one of our main characters, the one main character who doesn't work a million-dollar job, feels like she is in a different class than all the rest (because she is.)
This is definitely someone's cup of tea. I just think maybe I've grown tired of the same story (of course, one that involves cheating). I'd had my breakups with authors before. I'm not saying this is forever, but I am saying that if there are more Hilderbrand novels, I don't think I'll be rushing to read them like I have in the past. This one just missed the spark her other novels had. I can't totally put my finger on it.
However, all good things must come to an end. Hearing this was her last one, I was expecting a finale of epic proportions. Unfortunately, I was wrong. But like the old saying goes, I truly think this "isn't you--it's me." I grew so exhausted of the name-dropping, the fascination/obsession with being skinny (I can't count the times one main character questioned her eating/ bemoaned her non-flat stomach). Maybe I'm reading these books with a different lens: it felt classist. There was even some mention of being "classist" when one of our main characters, the one main character who doesn't work a million-dollar job, feels like she is in a different class than all the rest (because she is.)
This is definitely someone's cup of tea. I just think maybe I've grown tired of the same story (of course, one that involves cheating). I'd had my breakups with authors before. I'm not saying this is forever, but I am saying that if there are more Hilderbrand novels, I don't think I'll be rushing to read them like I have in the past. This one just missed the spark her other novels had. I can't totally put my finger on it.
June 20, 2023
5 stars for The Five-Star Weekend! I can’t pick one thing I didn’t like about this book, it was truly perfection in my eyes. Told from many different point of views, that it gave such a well rounded storyline that was just everything. Love love love!!!
June 24, 2023
I had such high hopes. Ugh. What a disappointment. This book was too much and not enough at the same time. Too many characters, not enough depth of a single story. Too many pop culture references and name dropping, not enough true substance. I may be in the minority with this one, but it was pretty lame.
July 28, 2023
Just what I needed after a dark heavy read!
Hollis, a famous food blogger (think Ina Garten famous), living on Nantucket, is a new widow, having lost her husband in a car accident. She has a strained relationship with her daughter, and is at loose ends as to how to move forward. She decides to host a “Five-Star Weekend” with her guests being her best friend from different stages of her life.
The weekend doesn’t quite go as planned, as each of the women have issues of their own. The setting and the descriptions of the food was enough to carry the story, and the backstories of the friends was enough to give the novel substance, while keeping it light and breezy.
A fun beach summer read!
Hollis, a famous food blogger (think Ina Garten famous), living on Nantucket, is a new widow, having lost her husband in a car accident. She has a strained relationship with her daughter, and is at loose ends as to how to move forward. She decides to host a “Five-Star Weekend” with her guests being her best friend from different stages of her life.
The weekend doesn’t quite go as planned, as each of the women have issues of their own. The setting and the descriptions of the food was enough to carry the story, and the backstories of the friends was enough to give the novel substance, while keeping it light and breezy.
A fun beach summer read!
June 22, 2023
This is the perfect comfort read. A five-star weekend designed to overcome loss, grief and have a few laughs by inviting friends who have made a significant impact in Hollis's life, regardless of whether they are still in touch or not. The story unfolds seamlessly and concludes on a positive note, leaving you with a sense of contentment.
June 16, 2023
DNF. Once, just once, I want Hilderbrand to sit down and write a story about the characters right from page one. Not the fancy bread in their fridge or the hydrangea under their kitchen window or the boat shoes on their feet, or their best friend’s sister from college - THE MAIN CHARACTERS, right from the start. Tell a story, because when she does it’s delightful. But for crying out loud, if anyone has read even one or two of her books already we know what Nantucket looks, smells, and sounds like. We know the middle, last, and nicknames of every person on the island. This. Reader. Wants. A. Story.
July 4, 2023
I think I lost some brain cells reading this one
July 15, 2023
A quintessential beach read
Pack your bags for an an idyllic girls’ weekend with
Seven months after her husband’s untimely death, as she prepares for her annual summer pilgrimage to the island of Nantucket, Hollis reads an article about something called a “Five-Star Weekend.”
A widow organizes a trip for her best friend from each phase of her life — youth, college, motherhood, and midlife — and, voilà, Hollis decides to host her own Five-Star Weekend on Nantucket.
Look, this first summer without her husband is going to be rough. What could be better than being surrounded by the women that know her best?
Each guest arrives to First Light, the Shaw family beachfront home, carrying plenty of emotional baggage along with their color-coordinated weekend outfits and are fully prepared to be wowed by mouth-watering meals created by Hollis; shopping, sailing, and dining excursions on the island; beach time; luxurious accommodations; and chilled bottles of Prosecco.
The Five-Star Weekend by Elin Hilderbrand, reads like a travel guide to the charming, quaint, yet expensive island with extensive name-dropping descriptions of landmark Nantucket shops and restaurants.
So, don your best Lilly Pulitzer outfit and get ready to explore how our friendships often shape our lives. Oh, and don’t’ forget to wash it down with a glass of Sancerre on the beach.
P.S. Pack your sunscreen!
July 3, 2024
4.5 🌟👏🏼 I loved a lot about this book (the female friendship focus, the cooking/food content, the tasteful integration of social media, etc.)! This is a classic sort of beach read, which I can definitely appreciate ☺️ These kinds of books are never going to be my absolute favorites, but I did really, really like this one! Add to your tbr for the summer!!
January 18, 2024
I know its January ❄️ and we're in the middle of a massive snowstorm, but this was such a fun, soapy beach read! ☀️
Hollis and Matthew have had some rocky times in their marriage and she isn't sure if everything is okay. She is wondering what he meant when he told her they have both changed.
I really enjoyed the drama/suspenseful moments, the friends with issues, the weekend trip and time in Nantucket.
Fun, fun and the characters were great.
Audio listen from Libby 🎧 Published on June 13,2023
Hollis and Matthew have had some rocky times in their marriage and she isn't sure if everything is okay. She is wondering what he meant when he told her they have both changed.
I really enjoyed the drama/suspenseful moments, the friends with issues, the weekend trip and time in Nantucket.
Fun, fun and the characters were great.
Audio listen from Libby 🎧 Published on June 13,2023
May 29, 2024
3⭐️
"The thing I love best about reading fiction is that it gives you a way to connect the experiences of your own life to the larger world."
THE PLOT
Hollis Shaw's life seems perfect. She has the perfect husband who is a heart surgeon, a beautiful, bright daughter, and a successful food blog. But one morning, when Hollis and her husband get into an argument, he leaves for the airport and is killed in a car accident. The cracks in Hollis's life begin to grow deeper. Then, she hears of an idea called the Five-Star Weekend, a weekend where she invites one best friend from each stage in her life to come together. As great of an idea this seems to be, it doesn't turn out rather ideal. All of her friends hold secrets that threaten to shatter the magic of this weekend, and may even change the way they are perceived all together.
What was it like? It was like being suspended over a deep, dark endless hole knowing you were going to fall in and never get out.
MY THOUGHTS
I ended up having a good time reading this!! People weren't kidding when they said Elin Hilderbrand does a beautiful job of writing books that'd be perfect to read by the beach. The world of Nantucket is just described so beautifully and in so much detail. I could actually picture myself there on the island myself. This book is beyond beautiful and magical in it's descriptions and it's wording. I was captivated from the very start. I did find some parts of this book to be very slow, and I found myself reading slower in this just to take in the plot, characters, and world. I'm not saying this is a bad thing by any means!
While I did have a good time reading this, something just didn't click for me. I didn't find myself wanting to pick this up constantly or obsess over reading this. It was fun and it was magical, but I just felt some connection...missing. Maybe it could have been that I couldn't fully relate to the characters and their dilemmas, but I just did not feel the urge to binge this. I found that once I put it down, it took a bit of effort to pick it back up.
The characters themselves were so beautifully written as well. There was SO much character depth and backstory; the characters felt real. I could picture these characters as real people. These characters all had their own secrets and they were on a very wide scale from self-discovery to completely life-altering. I found it very easy to follow along with everyone and I didn't get overwhelmed by the amount of character information there was to know and remember. The journey of these characters just felt so raw and real, and I really liked it.
Overall, this book was really fun to read, but also got deep and a little heavy at times. This book would mainly be about self-discovery after a traumatic loss, rekindling relationships, and finding love again. It had so many amazing, beautiful moments that I'd absolutely recommend you read, particularly a good summer read.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I am living for these summer reads lately they're hitting different 🤭
"The thing I love best about reading fiction is that it gives you a way to connect the experiences of your own life to the larger world."
THE PLOT
Hollis Shaw's life seems perfect. She has the perfect husband who is a heart surgeon, a beautiful, bright daughter, and a successful food blog. But one morning, when Hollis and her husband get into an argument, he leaves for the airport and is killed in a car accident. The cracks in Hollis's life begin to grow deeper. Then, she hears of an idea called the Five-Star Weekend, a weekend where she invites one best friend from each stage in her life to come together. As great of an idea this seems to be, it doesn't turn out rather ideal. All of her friends hold secrets that threaten to shatter the magic of this weekend, and may even change the way they are perceived all together.
What was it like? It was like being suspended over a deep, dark endless hole knowing you were going to fall in and never get out.
MY THOUGHTS
I ended up having a good time reading this!! People weren't kidding when they said Elin Hilderbrand does a beautiful job of writing books that'd be perfect to read by the beach. The world of Nantucket is just described so beautifully and in so much detail. I could actually picture myself there on the island myself. This book is beyond beautiful and magical in it's descriptions and it's wording. I was captivated from the very start. I did find some parts of this book to be very slow, and I found myself reading slower in this just to take in the plot, characters, and world. I'm not saying this is a bad thing by any means!
While I did have a good time reading this, something just didn't click for me. I didn't find myself wanting to pick this up constantly or obsess over reading this. It was fun and it was magical, but I just felt some connection...missing. Maybe it could have been that I couldn't fully relate to the characters and their dilemmas, but I just did not feel the urge to binge this. I found that once I put it down, it took a bit of effort to pick it back up.
The characters themselves were so beautifully written as well. There was SO much character depth and backstory; the characters felt real. I could picture these characters as real people. These characters all had their own secrets and they were on a very wide scale from self-discovery to completely life-altering. I found it very easy to follow along with everyone and I didn't get overwhelmed by the amount of character information there was to know and remember. The journey of these characters just felt so raw and real, and I really liked it.
Overall, this book was really fun to read, but also got deep and a little heavy at times. This book would mainly be about self-discovery after a traumatic loss, rekindling relationships, and finding love again. It had so many amazing, beautiful moments that I'd absolutely recommend you read, particularly a good summer read.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I am living for these summer reads lately they're hitting different 🤭
June 2, 2026
my Elin journey continues!!! i liked this one - read it in anticipation of the adaptation coming this summer and am eagerly waiting to see how they bring it to life 🎬
what a fun premise this was! and once again, the lovely Nantucket setting. i loved how bingeworthy this one was and how the drama sucked you in right away—i brought it with on my euro vaca and eagerly awaited reading it on my mini flights/train journeys.
to me this wasn’t as good as 28 SUMMERS (my first read by her lol) mainly bc of the ending. for that much of a build up, i am SHOCKED at how 1) easily Hollis accepted/forgave Gigi???? and 2) how quickly it all resolved. i wanted 2-3 more chapters showing all of that… it just felt so rushed when we had been building towards it for 300+ pages!! and also her letting Gigi stay the night after?!?! couldn’t be me!
overall, a fun bingeworthy read that i enjoyed. creative too! will be fun to see everyone bring it to life so soon :)
my Elin journey continues…!
what a fun premise this was! and once again, the lovely Nantucket setting. i loved how bingeworthy this one was and how the drama sucked you in right away—i brought it with on my euro vaca and eagerly awaited reading it on my mini flights/train journeys.
to me this wasn’t as good as 28 SUMMERS (my first read by her lol) mainly bc of the ending. for that much of a build up, i am SHOCKED at how 1) easily Hollis accepted/forgave Gigi???? and 2) how quickly it all resolved. i wanted 2-3 more chapters showing all of that… it just felt so rushed when we had been building towards it for 300+ pages!! and also her letting Gigi stay the night after?!?! couldn’t be me!
overall, a fun bingeworthy read that i enjoyed. creative too! will be fun to see everyone bring it to life so soon :)
my Elin journey continues…!
Want to Read
September 27, 2024if feeling like i have to read at least one book by every popular author is wrong, i don't want to be right
February 25, 2023
What can I say that hasn’t been said already about what an Elin Hilderbrand novel does to me, and for me? The Five-Star Weekend is her twenty-ninth novel, and every year Elin Hilderbrand proceeds to craft a book that is light, airy, fresh, easy to read, quick, full of wit and sharp humor, and just makes me so damn happy to read…..while at the same, being so layered and full of fully fleshed out characters with so many relatable issues in their lives.
Her books get placed in a box and often written off as simply being a beach book; but they just do something to me every year when I read them, and for the last 5-6 years I’ve been lucky to enough to get them as ARCs, so my Februarys are always the time of year I look forward to most, when the typical reader has to wait til June for their summer to begin with Elin….my summer always starts early!
And this year’s novel was no exception, what she has crafted in The Five-Star Weekend is a deeply intimate portrait of grief, resilience, and the bonds of female sisterhood; all sprinkled with fun, food, music, and ofcourse, some time at The Chicken Box ;) (If you haven’t been to Nantucket or read an Elin Hilderbrand book, I’m sorry that you don’t get that final reference 😅)
Her books get placed in a box and often written off as simply being a beach book; but they just do something to me every year when I read them, and for the last 5-6 years I’ve been lucky to enough to get them as ARCs, so my Februarys are always the time of year I look forward to most, when the typical reader has to wait til June for their summer to begin with Elin….my summer always starts early!
And this year’s novel was no exception, what she has crafted in The Five-Star Weekend is a deeply intimate portrait of grief, resilience, and the bonds of female sisterhood; all sprinkled with fun, food, music, and ofcourse, some time at The Chicken Box ;) (If you haven’t been to Nantucket or read an Elin Hilderbrand book, I’m sorry that you don’t get that final reference 😅)
Read
June 23, 2023What truly sets this book apart is the way Hilderbrand skillfully crafts the relationships between the characters. Each member of the group possesses their own unique personality, quirks, and secrets, which made them feel like real people with relatable joys and struggles. The link to the audiobook can be found here
The Five-Star Weekend
. I found myself emotionally invested in their individual journeys, rooting for their growth, and eagerly turning the pages to uncover the layers of their stories.
Hilderbrand's ability to capture the essence of friendship is unparalleled. The bond between the characters felt genuine and deep, filled with shared memories, inside jokes, and unwavering support. As the weekend unfolds, their connections deepen, and I felt like an honorary member of their close-knit circle, cherishing the moments of laughter, tears, and heartfelt conversations.
The pacing of the novel was perfectly balanced, effortlessly blending moments of levity and introspection. Hilderbrand's writing style is engaging and immersive, making it easy to lose myself in the story and lose track of time. The effortless flow of the narrative kept me engaged, eager to witness the twists and turns that awaited the characters.
"The Five-Star Weekend" is more than just an escape into a luxurious setting. It is a story that explores themes of self-discovery, forgiveness, and the transformative power of friendship. Through Hilderbrand's skillful storytelling, I was reminded of the importance of cherishing our relationships, embracing life's unexpected turns, and finding joy in the simple moments.
If you're in need of a blissful and heartwarming read that will transport you to the enchanting world of Nantucket, "The Five-Star Weekend" is the perfect choice. Elin Hilderbrand's enchanting storytelling, relatable characters, and the beauty of their interconnected lives will leave you yearning for your own unforgettable weekend of sun, sand, and meaningful connections.
Hilderbrand's ability to capture the essence of friendship is unparalleled. The bond between the characters felt genuine and deep, filled with shared memories, inside jokes, and unwavering support. As the weekend unfolds, their connections deepen, and I felt like an honorary member of their close-knit circle, cherishing the moments of laughter, tears, and heartfelt conversations.
The pacing of the novel was perfectly balanced, effortlessly blending moments of levity and introspection. Hilderbrand's writing style is engaging and immersive, making it easy to lose myself in the story and lose track of time. The effortless flow of the narrative kept me engaged, eager to witness the twists and turns that awaited the characters.
"The Five-Star Weekend" is more than just an escape into a luxurious setting. It is a story that explores themes of self-discovery, forgiveness, and the transformative power of friendship. Through Hilderbrand's skillful storytelling, I was reminded of the importance of cherishing our relationships, embracing life's unexpected turns, and finding joy in the simple moments.
If you're in need of a blissful and heartwarming read that will transport you to the enchanting world of Nantucket, "The Five-Star Weekend" is the perfect choice. Elin Hilderbrand's enchanting storytelling, relatable characters, and the beauty of their interconnected lives will leave you yearning for your own unforgettable weekend of sun, sand, and meaningful connections.
June 22, 2023
I have read several of Elin Hilderbrand’s books over the years. A few things that I have come to rely upon when I read one of Elin’s books is that they will transport me to a place that entertains, provides me with some drama and intersperses me among characters that I can escape with. I love that her books are set in picturesque Nantucket. The Five-Star Weekend was no exception. As soon as I began reading The Five-Star Weekend, I was whisked into Hollis Shaw’s life. I found myself transported into her everyday life. That included her interactions with her devoted followers from her food blog, Hungry with Hollis, the drama in her life that included her turbulent marriage with husband, Matthew, a prominent and respected heart surgeon who had been at her side for so many years, her relationship with her impressionable young adult daughter, Caroline and just her life in general.
Hollis’s and Matthew’s marriage had been in a rut for some time. They seemed to be more like roommates than husband and wife. Somehow the magic had disappeared from their marriage and their relationship. Matthew was traveling a great deal and even when he was home Hollis and Matthew seemed to avoid each other. It was winter around holiday time and Hollis was planning their annual holiday party. Matthew informed Hollis that he would not be back in time for the party. He was traveling again. Harsh words were exchanged by both Hollis and Matthew before he closed the front door and headed to his car. Matthew’s last words to Hollis were, “You’ve changed. We’ve changed.” Hollis was still repeating that sentiment when the bell at the front door rang. She was positive that Matthew had returned to say he was sorry and that he would make sure he was home for their party but standing in front of Hollis were two policemen. Hollis was about to receive the worst news of her life. The policemen informed Hollis that Matthew had been in a fatal car accident. His car had hit a mother deer and her baby. Matthew had died instantly. Hollis became a widow that fateful day. She was so distraught that their last words they spoke to one another were in anger.
When Hollis informed her followers of Hungry with Hollis that she would be stepping back for an extended period of time so she could mourn her husband’s death, one of her followers told her about how she hosted something called a “five-star weekend” and how it had helped her come to terms with her grief and how to proceed with the rest of her life. Hollis decided that that was what she would do. She would host a “five-star weekend “ in Nantucket at her home. Hollis would include a friend from every stage of her life. Tatum would represent her childhood friend, Dru-Ann, her college roommate would represent her college years, Brooke would represent the friend during the years she raised her daughter and lived in Wellesley and Gigi would represent her newest friend from her blog who had been there for Hollis when she needed someone to talk to. Hollis also decided to invite her daughter, Caroline, to film the weekend. Her ultimate goal for the “five star weekend” was for it to help Hollis through her grief of loosing Matthew. What better way than to be surrounded by your oldest, most devoted, and cherished friends! Needless to say, Hollis’s carefully planned weekend did not go exactly as planned. What would transpire? Be prepared for surprises and unexpected secrets.
The Five-Star Weekend by Elin Hilderbrand was delightful and entertaining from start to finish. I enjoyed the relationships Hollis and her friends had forged. All the characters made me feel like I was included in their special weekend with Hollis. I loved all the yummy food that was mentioned throughout the book. The Five-Star Weekend could be your next beach read or just a moving yet fun book for now. I highly recommend this book.
Thank you to Little, Brown and Company for allowing me to read The Five-Star Weekend by Elin Hilderbrand through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Hollis’s and Matthew’s marriage had been in a rut for some time. They seemed to be more like roommates than husband and wife. Somehow the magic had disappeared from their marriage and their relationship. Matthew was traveling a great deal and even when he was home Hollis and Matthew seemed to avoid each other. It was winter around holiday time and Hollis was planning their annual holiday party. Matthew informed Hollis that he would not be back in time for the party. He was traveling again. Harsh words were exchanged by both Hollis and Matthew before he closed the front door and headed to his car. Matthew’s last words to Hollis were, “You’ve changed. We’ve changed.” Hollis was still repeating that sentiment when the bell at the front door rang. She was positive that Matthew had returned to say he was sorry and that he would make sure he was home for their party but standing in front of Hollis were two policemen. Hollis was about to receive the worst news of her life. The policemen informed Hollis that Matthew had been in a fatal car accident. His car had hit a mother deer and her baby. Matthew had died instantly. Hollis became a widow that fateful day. She was so distraught that their last words they spoke to one another were in anger.
When Hollis informed her followers of Hungry with Hollis that she would be stepping back for an extended period of time so she could mourn her husband’s death, one of her followers told her about how she hosted something called a “five-star weekend” and how it had helped her come to terms with her grief and how to proceed with the rest of her life. Hollis decided that that was what she would do. She would host a “five-star weekend “ in Nantucket at her home. Hollis would include a friend from every stage of her life. Tatum would represent her childhood friend, Dru-Ann, her college roommate would represent her college years, Brooke would represent the friend during the years she raised her daughter and lived in Wellesley and Gigi would represent her newest friend from her blog who had been there for Hollis when she needed someone to talk to. Hollis also decided to invite her daughter, Caroline, to film the weekend. Her ultimate goal for the “five star weekend” was for it to help Hollis through her grief of loosing Matthew. What better way than to be surrounded by your oldest, most devoted, and cherished friends! Needless to say, Hollis’s carefully planned weekend did not go exactly as planned. What would transpire? Be prepared for surprises and unexpected secrets.
The Five-Star Weekend by Elin Hilderbrand was delightful and entertaining from start to finish. I enjoyed the relationships Hollis and her friends had forged. All the characters made me feel like I was included in their special weekend with Hollis. I loved all the yummy food that was mentioned throughout the book. The Five-Star Weekend could be your next beach read or just a moving yet fun book for now. I highly recommend this book.
Thank you to Little, Brown and Company for allowing me to read The Five-Star Weekend by Elin Hilderbrand through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
July 3, 2023
It pains me to say this, but this is the first Elin Hilderbrand book that I did not like. Not even one little bit. There was not one likeable character. There were a few funny parts but they could not make up for the painfully obnoxious characters. The one star is for the dog. I feel bad that it had to spend the weekend with these people.
June 27, 2023
I don’t think I read the same book as everybody else. Because all I’m seeing are five-star reviews for The Five-Star Weekend, and I can barely muster up two.
I am utterly aghast at how many women share the kink of reading about terrible people who do terrible things to each other (the entire plot here is literally one affair / lie / betrayal after another, and everyone involved is totally fine with all of it), and then call it “captivating” and “unforgettable.”
Maybe I’m just not old enough to appreciate middle-aged women who can’t manage to keep a friendship going, or keep a romantic relationship alive, or interact with their adult children in healthy ways? But God help me if this is what the future holds for all of us.
Picked this one because of the cover, and what a dang bait-and-switch that was.
I am utterly aghast at how many women share the kink of reading about terrible people who do terrible things to each other (the entire plot here is literally one affair / lie / betrayal after another, and everyone involved is totally fine with all of it), and then call it “captivating” and “unforgettable.”
Maybe I’m just not old enough to appreciate middle-aged women who can’t manage to keep a friendship going, or keep a romantic relationship alive, or interact with their adult children in healthy ways? But God help me if this is what the future holds for all of us.
Picked this one because of the cover, and what a dang bait-and-switch that was.
June 17, 2023
The best thing I can say about this book was it was over soon. Such a trite story. I hated almost all the characters and there were hardly any situations she didn’t try to exploit or expand. All in all, it left me feeling like i wasted an afternoon. I would recommend this only if you were really ready to delve into a bunch of trite characters who represent almost nothing but the worst of everything you’ve ever seen on social media. A really bit waste of time. Hated it.
June 16, 2026
5 stars for the Five-Star Weekend!!!! 🤩 I LOVED this one and highly recommend the audio!!! I took my time with it and it's rare for me to do that, but it made it feel almost like watching episodes of a Bravo TV show. I loved the chaos, the slilightly unlikable characters, Nantucket vibes, the subtle romance.. I think this is my fave Elin book so far and I cannot WAIT for the adaptation - I think it'll be perfect for TV.
June 13, 2023
Happy Publication Day to Elin Hilderbrand on her 29th novel!!
Grab the bathing suit, the towel, the sunscreen, and the wide-brimmed hat! The Five-Star Weekend is without a doubt going to be an essential accessory in your beach bag this season.
When Hollis Shaw finds herself a recent widow after the death of her husband, she and her adult daughter, Caroline find their relationship quite strained. Once an active social media influencer, Hollis feels more than a little lost. When a fan on her blog suggests getting a group of friends together from different points of her life, Hollis decides it's the remedy she has been seeking. Hollis invites her childhood friend, Tatum, her college roommate DruAnn, her friend from the child-rearing years, Brooke, and a fan from her blog that she has never met but feels connected to, Gigi. Add in an invite to entice daughter, Caroline to film their holiday weekend on Nantucket and it's bound to be exciting.
But Hollis isn't the only attendee of this weekend that is struggling...
All of the above share the narration and I enjoyed having each woman's back story and voice in this novel. It's one of the reasons I continue to return to Elin Hilderbrand's writing. Did I sometimes want to shake them for some of their decisions? Yes! But I read this story in one sitting because each character was so compelling.
I have read enough EH to realize that some of the plot was going in a direction that was pretty clear BUT it wasn't even a quibble I had about the story. That's because this novel just had the Elin Hilderbrand magic. I don't know what we're all going to do when this woman takes her retirement. Who will keep us visiting Nantucket every summer?
Thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown, and Company for access to this title. I am auto-approved for this publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.
Publication Date 13/06/23
Goodreads Review 13/06/23
Grab the bathing suit, the towel, the sunscreen, and the wide-brimmed hat! The Five-Star Weekend is without a doubt going to be an essential accessory in your beach bag this season.
When Hollis Shaw finds herself a recent widow after the death of her husband, she and her adult daughter, Caroline find their relationship quite strained. Once an active social media influencer, Hollis feels more than a little lost. When a fan on her blog suggests getting a group of friends together from different points of her life, Hollis decides it's the remedy she has been seeking. Hollis invites her childhood friend, Tatum, her college roommate DruAnn, her friend from the child-rearing years, Brooke, and a fan from her blog that she has never met but feels connected to, Gigi. Add in an invite to entice daughter, Caroline to film their holiday weekend on Nantucket and it's bound to be exciting.
But Hollis isn't the only attendee of this weekend that is struggling...
All of the above share the narration and I enjoyed having each woman's back story and voice in this novel. It's one of the reasons I continue to return to Elin Hilderbrand's writing. Did I sometimes want to shake them for some of their decisions? Yes! But I read this story in one sitting because each character was so compelling.
I have read enough EH to realize that some of the plot was going in a direction that was pretty clear BUT it wasn't even a quibble I had about the story. That's because this novel just had the Elin Hilderbrand magic. I don't know what we're all going to do when this woman takes her retirement. Who will keep us visiting Nantucket every summer?
Thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown, and Company for access to this title. I am auto-approved for this publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.
Publication Date 13/06/23
Goodreads Review 13/06/23
July 25, 2024
🎶”I got that summertime, summertime sadness” 🎶
Let’s see if this book is summery and sad like I’ve been told…. 🫡💖
Let’s see if this book is summery and sad like I’ve been told…. 🫡💖
October 24, 2024
I had a great time reading this (audio). Couldn’t tell you what genre this is… maybe just… fiction? But it was overall a good read!
I loved getting to know the characters and their backstories, but overall it just didn’t WOW me. I really did like it, just wasn’t anything that blew my socks off.
I loved getting to know the characters and their backstories, but overall it just didn’t WOW me. I really did like it, just wasn’t anything that blew my socks off.
![Profile Image for Aisvarya [back ig].](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/users/1699441912i/100684893._UX200_CR0,0,200,200_.jpg)
June 23, 2026
"You can be more than one kind of person in your life."
I totally get the hype around this author 😌 Because tell me why, even after knowing we'd get a happy ending, I teared up reading that last chapter🥺 And I didn't want this book to end because I wanted more time with these women. You know it's a sign of a good book when you can't let go of the characters!!!!!
What to expect -
🏝️ Coastal island setting
🏝️ Grief and loss of a loved one
🏝️ Complicated mother-daughter relationship
🏝️ Female friendships
🏝️ Realistic, flawed female characters
🏝️ So much drama and tension
🏝️ Reconnecting with a past love
Hollis Shaw, a popular food blogger, seems to have everything together when viewed from the outside, but nothing is quite as it appears. Her relationship with her daughter is strained, and she has an argument with her husband over a party. Then everything comes crashing down when he dies in a car accident on the very day they fought. Now lost and lonely, Hollis doesn't know what to do with herself. So she throws herself into something she knows best: bringing people together. She decides to organize "The Five-Star Weekend," inviting the most important friends from different stages of her life to spend time together and create new memories.
Omgg, I absolutely loved Hollis and wanted to reach into the book and hug her. Dealing with the loss of a loved one is already difficult enough, and adding the guilt of having argued with him before he left home for the last time makes it even more heartbreaking. I completely understood why she wanted to keep herself busy by doing something she's good at - organizing events, cooking for a large group, sharing her recipes, and filling every moment with activity. Because sometimes anything feels better than being alone with your grief and your thoughts.
But no matter how hard you try not to think about the loss, you just can't. It was painful at times to watch her lose herself in old memories, relive happier moments, and long for him. At the same time, I was so grateful that she had such wonderful people around her who constantly supported and comforted her through it all.
Caroline, her daughter, has also lost someone incredibly important to her, but she doesn't know how to process or express that grief. Instead, she directs much of her pain toward her mother. She feels as though Hollis buried herself in her blog years ago and is now doing the same thing with her friends while ignoring the fact that her father is gone. Even though Caroline knows her mother has lost her soulmate too, it takes her time to truly see how broken Hollis is without him.
And I was so happy when the mother-daughter relationship finally began to heal and Caroline allowed herself to grieve alongside her mom rather than against her. Watching them realize that they still have each other was incredibly moving.
What stood out to me was that every single one of these women showed up for Hollis despite dealing with their own problems and struggles. Isn't that what true friendship is all about? No matter how much time has passed, how complicated life has become, or what disagreements you've had, you show up for the people you love when they need you.
Of course, bringing all these women together also creates plenty of drama😌 They may all be Hollis's friends, but there are tensions between them, and some unresolved issues with Hollis herself. So, it was fascinating to watch them work through those conflicts, confront difficult truths, and slowly come together as a supportive and admirable group by the end of the Five-Star Weekend.
And I absolutely loved the way their individual storylines were wrapped up. One particular moment had me tearing up because it truly felt like these women had earned their happy endings after everything they'd been through.
Overall, this was such a beautifully written story about friendship, grief, and reconnecting with the people who have always loved you, even when life pulls you apart. It's also a raw and relatable exploration of loss, how differently people experience grief, and the ways we slowly learn to carry it with us. And I absolutely recommend this book if you're looking for a heartfelt and wholesome summer read.
✨Pre-read:
Getting into the summer vibes😍🏖️✨
I totally get the hype around this author 😌 Because tell me why, even after knowing we'd get a happy ending, I teared up reading that last chapter🥺 And I didn't want this book to end because I wanted more time with these women. You know it's a sign of a good book when you can't let go of the characters!!!!!
What to expect -
🏝️ Coastal island setting
🏝️ Grief and loss of a loved one
🏝️ Complicated mother-daughter relationship
🏝️ Female friendships
🏝️ Realistic, flawed female characters
🏝️ So much drama and tension
🏝️ Reconnecting with a past love
Hollis Shaw, a popular food blogger, seems to have everything together when viewed from the outside, but nothing is quite as it appears. Her relationship with her daughter is strained, and she has an argument with her husband over a party. Then everything comes crashing down when he dies in a car accident on the very day they fought. Now lost and lonely, Hollis doesn't know what to do with herself. So she throws herself into something she knows best: bringing people together. She decides to organize "The Five-Star Weekend," inviting the most important friends from different stages of her life to spend time together and create new memories.
Omgg, I absolutely loved Hollis and wanted to reach into the book and hug her. Dealing with the loss of a loved one is already difficult enough, and adding the guilt of having argued with him before he left home for the last time makes it even more heartbreaking. I completely understood why she wanted to keep herself busy by doing something she's good at - organizing events, cooking for a large group, sharing her recipes, and filling every moment with activity. Because sometimes anything feels better than being alone with your grief and your thoughts.
But no matter how hard you try not to think about the loss, you just can't. It was painful at times to watch her lose herself in old memories, relive happier moments, and long for him. At the same time, I was so grateful that she had such wonderful people around her who constantly supported and comforted her through it all.
Caroline, her daughter, has also lost someone incredibly important to her, but she doesn't know how to process or express that grief. Instead, she directs much of her pain toward her mother. She feels as though Hollis buried herself in her blog years ago and is now doing the same thing with her friends while ignoring the fact that her father is gone. Even though Caroline knows her mother has lost her soulmate too, it takes her time to truly see how broken Hollis is without him.
And I was so happy when the mother-daughter relationship finally began to heal and Caroline allowed herself to grieve alongside her mom rather than against her. Watching them realize that they still have each other was incredibly moving.
"I just want you to know how much it means to me that you’re all here.” She feels her eyes misting up. “When I lost Matthew, I thought my world would collapse. But I have a strong foundation beneath me, and that is all of you.”And now for the best part of the book: the friendships!!!🥺💞 Hollis invites a friend from each phase of her life. There's Tatum McKenzie, her best friend from childhood and high school; Dru-Ann Jones, her college roommate and closest friend; Brooke Kirtley, who became her best friend after moving away following her marriage; and Gigi Ling, one of her favorite people from the blogging community.
What stood out to me was that every single one of these women showed up for Hollis despite dealing with their own problems and struggles. Isn't that what true friendship is all about? No matter how much time has passed, how complicated life has become, or what disagreements you've had, you show up for the people you love when they need you.
Of course, bringing all these women together also creates plenty of drama😌 They may all be Hollis's friends, but there are tensions between them, and some unresolved issues with Hollis herself. So, it was fascinating to watch them work through those conflicts, confront difficult truths, and slowly come together as a supportive and admirable group by the end of the Five-Star Weekend.
And I absolutely loved the way their individual storylines were wrapped up. One particular moment had me tearing up because it truly felt like these women had earned their happy endings after everything they'd been through.
Overall, this was such a beautifully written story about friendship, grief, and reconnecting with the people who have always loved you, even when life pulls you apart. It's also a raw and relatable exploration of loss, how differently people experience grief, and the ways we slowly learn to carry it with us. And I absolutely recommend this book if you're looking for a heartfelt and wholesome summer read.
✨Pre-read:
Getting into the summer vibes😍🏖️✨
July 6, 2023
its a 2.5. certainly not my favourite elin hilderbrand but not my least favourite.
one of the growing patterns i have noticed in her more recent books is how much she shoves down “young people” slang and what she thinks is popular with the younger generations. i wish she would cut it out and just focus on the plot. its just cringe
one of the growing patterns i have noticed in her more recent books is how much she shoves down “young people” slang and what she thinks is popular with the younger generations. i wish she would cut it out and just focus on the plot. its just cringe
February 22, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5 Fiction)
It's not officially summer until I am lost in the (inevitably waterlogged) pages of Elin's latest novel. Elin Hilderbrand is the undisputed queen of the beach read, and somehow, 29 books later, she can still write a fresh & captivating story.
In picking up this book, you are once again transported to the gorgeous island of Nantucket. Like all Elin books, this is chock full of the best kind of indulgences. Mouth-watering food, luxurious linens, frosty bottles of Sancerre, grand sailboats cutting through clear water. No book transports me quite as much as an Elin book.
Our story is about Hollis Shaw, wife, mother, and creator of the wildly popular food blog, Hungry With Hollis. When Hollis' husband dies suddenly in a car crash, life as she knows it comes to a screeching halt. As she prepares for her yearly pilgrimage to the island of Nantucket and grapples with how difficult this summer will be, she learns about another widow who hosted something called a Five Star Weekend: a weekend filled with a friend from each chapter of her life. Hollis is inspired to round up a friend from high school, college, and early motherhood. Her friend for this chapter of life is unique in that Hollis has never met her! She's a Hungry with Hollis fan who has helped Hollis through some of her darkest days following the death of her husband. Each woman comes with their own literal and metaphorical baggage as they navigates this unique girls' weekend that will leave them forever changed.
Elin has a knack for writing life-affirming novels that are happy and hopeful. Elin's books always leave me filled with joie de vivre.
I splurged on a bottle of Casa Dragones, which graces the pages of many Elin novels, and I'm using it to make the watermelon margarita recipe (swipe for the recipe!).
I've decided to rank my top 3 Elin books for fun. Please let me know yours!
1. 28 Summers (check out the playlist inspired by this book in my stories!)
2. Hotel Nantucket
3. The Blue Bistro
It's not officially summer until I am lost in the (inevitably waterlogged) pages of Elin's latest novel. Elin Hilderbrand is the undisputed queen of the beach read, and somehow, 29 books later, she can still write a fresh & captivating story.
In picking up this book, you are once again transported to the gorgeous island of Nantucket. Like all Elin books, this is chock full of the best kind of indulgences. Mouth-watering food, luxurious linens, frosty bottles of Sancerre, grand sailboats cutting through clear water. No book transports me quite as much as an Elin book.
Our story is about Hollis Shaw, wife, mother, and creator of the wildly popular food blog, Hungry With Hollis. When Hollis' husband dies suddenly in a car crash, life as she knows it comes to a screeching halt. As she prepares for her yearly pilgrimage to the island of Nantucket and grapples with how difficult this summer will be, she learns about another widow who hosted something called a Five Star Weekend: a weekend filled with a friend from each chapter of her life. Hollis is inspired to round up a friend from high school, college, and early motherhood. Her friend for this chapter of life is unique in that Hollis has never met her! She's a Hungry with Hollis fan who has helped Hollis through some of her darkest days following the death of her husband. Each woman comes with their own literal and metaphorical baggage as they navigates this unique girls' weekend that will leave them forever changed.
Elin has a knack for writing life-affirming novels that are happy and hopeful. Elin's books always leave me filled with joie de vivre.
I splurged on a bottle of Casa Dragones, which graces the pages of many Elin novels, and I'm using it to make the watermelon margarita recipe (swipe for the recipe!).
I've decided to rank my top 3 Elin books for fun. Please let me know yours!
1. 28 Summers (check out the playlist inspired by this book in my stories!)
2. Hotel Nantucket
3. The Blue Bistro
July 8, 2023
In The Five-Star Weekend, Hollis Shaw has gained recent success with her food blog “Hungry with Hollis.” When her husband Matthew unexpectedly dies in an accident following their recent argument, Hollis is forced to face the challenges in her seemingly picture perfect life. Things had been tense with Matthew and her 22 year old daughter, Caroline, an aspiring filmmaker, doesn’t want anything to do with her.
When Hollis hears about a five-star weekend, where the host invites her best friends from each phase of her life for a memorable weekend together, Hollis decides to organize her own version at her second home in Nantucket. Maybe this is just what she needs right now.
With alternating POVs, The Five-Star Weekend is the story of five very different women, each dealing with their own problems — work, health, family and relationships, who are brought together only by their mutual friendship with Hollis. There’s tension from long-held resentments, a little jealousy, and some secrets.
In typical Elin Hilderbrand fashion, I enjoyed this story with its vivid coastal, summer descriptions and meals, and the right amount of drama. I read this book at the beach and poolside in less than 48 hours.
When Hollis hears about a five-star weekend, where the host invites her best friends from each phase of her life for a memorable weekend together, Hollis decides to organize her own version at her second home in Nantucket. Maybe this is just what she needs right now.
With alternating POVs, The Five-Star Weekend is the story of five very different women, each dealing with their own problems — work, health, family and relationships, who are brought together only by their mutual friendship with Hollis. There’s tension from long-held resentments, a little jealousy, and some secrets.
In typical Elin Hilderbrand fashion, I enjoyed this story with its vivid coastal, summer descriptions and meals, and the right amount of drama. I read this book at the beach and poolside in less than 48 hours.
August 27, 2024
Summer wasn't over for me until I read one of the two Elin Hilderbrand books on my shelves. It is definitely a light summer read. It was Real Housewives level drama and Real Housewives level wealth and luxury. I liked the Nantucket setting, and the scenes she set were done quite well. So well, in fact, that I felt like I knew more about the house, what they were eating, what song they were listening to, and what everyone was wearing than I did any one of the single characters. And there were a lot of characters, too many. It is told in third person omniscient, so you know all the thoughts of all the characters, even down to the minor side characters present in one scene that don't ever have another role within the story. My last gripe is that there were way, way too many pop culture references. I don't know how many name brands and celebrities were mentioned, but this will not age well. I still will give it a 3⭐ for overall enjoyment and atmosphere. It is like sitting down and watching some real rich people drama on reality TV.
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