Review: The Five-Star Weekend by Elin Hilderbrand

Elin Hilderbrand has once again delivered a perfect beach read with her latest novel, The Five-Star Weekend. Known for her ability to capture the essence of coastal life and create characters that feel like people you might meet on your next vacation, Elin Hilderbrand doesn’t disappoint. The Five-Star Weekend is a cocktail of sun, salt air, friendship, and a sprinkle of mystery and drama—making it an ideal summer escape. After diving into this novel, I’d confidently rate it 4.25 stars out of five. Here’s why it deserves your attention.

A Unique Premise: Healing Through Connection

The heart of The Five-Star Weekend lies in its premise—a woman, Hollis Shaw, is reeling from the recent death of her husband and the cracks in her once picture-perfect life. In a moment of grief and reflection, she decides to host a “Five-Star Weekend,” a gathering of friends from various stages of her life, each representing a different era and the relationships formed within them. It’s an intriguing concept that allows readers to explore the dynamics of friendships, old wounds, and the bonds that either grow stronger or fade over time.

This premise provides Hilderbrand with the perfect canvas to explore a rich variety of female characters, each with her own story, baggage, and personal growth. It’s a celebration of friendship, but also an acknowledgment of how complicated relationships can be. Readers who enjoy diving deep into the intricacies of friendships, especially those that span decades, will find much to love here.

Well-Crafted Characters You Can’t Help But Root For

One of Elin Hilderbrand’s strengths as a writer is her ability to create characters that feel authentic. Hollis Shaw is a complex character, someone who appears polished and put together but is unraveling beneath the surface. As the weekend unfolds, we see the layers of her personality stripped away, revealing vulnerabilities that make her incredibly relatable. Hilderbrand masterfully shows us the contrast between the persona Hollis presents to the world and the person she truly is inside.

The other women in the story—Hollis’s lifelong friends—are equally well-developed, each bringing a different dynamic to the group. From Hollis’s childhood friend who knew her before her life became glossy, to the friend who represents the free-spirited, wild phase of her life, these women aren’t just background characters. They are essential to the narrative, each with their own stories and perspectives that add depth to the plot. This makes the book feel like you’re getting to know a whole circle of friends, rather than just the main character. It’s the richness of these personalities that really makes the novel shine.

Each friend also brings their own unresolved issues to the table, resulting in tension, laughter, and some poignant moments of vulnerability. Hilderbrand is skilled at presenting relationships that are both complicated and heartfelt. Watching these women confront their past and present relationships with one another, all while supporting or challenging Hollis, is one of the book’s most rewarding aspects.

A Touch of Spice

One thing that stood out in The Five-Star Weekend is the “spice” sprinkled throughout the story. Hilderbrand balances her signature lighthearted beachy vibes with moments of romantic tension, making the book feel fresh and lively. While the romance isn’t the central focus, it certainly adds a layer of excitement to the plot. The chemistry between certain characters is palpable, and Hilderbrand doesn’t shy away from adding a little heat where it’s needed.

For readers who enjoy a summer read with a hint of romance, this book delivers without going overboard. It’s just enough to keep the story feeling flirty and fun, but never detracts from the central themes of friendship and personal growth.

A Dash of Mystery

What’s a great summer read without a little mystery? While The Five-Star Weekend is primarily a story about relationships, Hilderbrand weaves in an undercurrent of mystery that keeps readers hooked. As Hollis reconnects with these old friends, she begins to uncover long-buried secrets and unresolved tensions that slowly bubble to the surface.

This mystery isn’t so much a “whodunit” but rather an exploration of how the things left unsaid between friends can fester over time. The tension builds gradually, and there’s enough intrigue to keep you turning the pages. By the time the revelations come to light, the emotional payoffs feel earned and satisfying. Hilderbrand doesn’t rely on cheap twists but instead focuses on the slow unraveling of emotional truths, making the journey just as rewarding as the destination.

Setting the Scene: Nantucket Perfection

Hilderbrand’s novels are often set against the picturesque backdrop of Nantucket, and The Five-Star Weekend is no different. She has an unparalleled gift for transporting readers to this idyllic island with her vivid descriptions. You can practically feel the sand between your toes and smell the ocean air as you read.

What’s impressive is that the setting isn’t just window dressing—it plays an important role in the story. The beauty of Nantucket contrasts with the emotional turmoil of the characters, creating a sense of escape while also serving as a reminder that even in paradise, life’s challenges follow us. Whether it’s a cozy dinner party on the beach or a tense conversation on a windswept deck, Hilderbrand knows how to use her setting to heighten the emotions of the moment.

A Few Minor Flaws

While I loved the majority of the novel, there were a few aspects that kept it from earning a perfect five-star rating for me. At times, the pacing felt a little slow, especially in the middle sections of the book. Some of the emotional beats were drawn out longer than necessary, and there were moments where I wished the plot would move forward a bit more quickly.

Additionally, while the characters were well-drawn, a couple of the side stories felt slightly underdeveloped, leaving me wanting more closure by the end. These small hiccups didn’t detract significantly from my overall enjoyment of the novel, but they were enough to keep it just shy of a perfect score.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, The Five-Star Weekend is a delightful, summery read perfect for anyone looking to escape into a world of friendship, secrets, and emotional growth. Elin Hilderbrand has a way of making readers feel like they’re part of the story, and this book is no exception. With its strong characters, vibrant setting, and a touch of spice and mystery, it’s the kind of novel you’ll want to read on a lazy day by the water.

I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a feel-good book with depth, and while it’s not a flawless read, it’s one that will stick with you long after you turn the last page.