By Book Club Team 
The Five-Star Weekend by Elin Hilderbrand is a heartwarming and dramatic story about Hollis Shaw, a food blogger who, after losing her husband, organizes a special “Five-Star Weekend” at her home on Nantucket. She invites friends from different stages of her life, hoping to reconnect and heal. But as secrets surface and tensions rise, the weekend turns into an emotional journey of self-discovery, forgiveness, and the complexities of friendship. It’s a perfect blend of summer vibes, heartfelt moments, and personal growth.
The Five-Star Weekend Book Summary
The Five-Star Weekend by Elin Hilderbrand is a heartwarming and emotional novel about Hollis Shaw, a popular food blogger who faces an unexpected tragedy—the sudden death of her husband. Struggling with grief and the growing distance in her personal relationships, she decides to create a “Five-Star Weekend.” The idea is to gather her closest friends from different phases of her life: her childhood best friend, her college roommate, her long-time friend from adulthood, and someone new from her present.
Hollis invites these women to her stunning home on Nantucket for a weekend meant to celebrate friendship and healing. However, old tensions, hidden secrets, and personal insecurities arise, leading to confrontations and revelations. As the women navigate the complexities of their pasts and relationships, Hollis learns valuable lessons about forgiveness, resilience, and the importance of authentic connections.
Filled with Hilderbrand’s signature charm, summer scenery, and deep emotional layers, the story is a beautiful exploration of love, loss, and the bonds that shape our lives.
| Author | Elin Hilderbrand |
| Publication date | June 13, 2023 |
| Goodreads Rating | 4.03 |
| ASIN | 0316258776 |
| Page count | 384 pages |
| Topics | Fiction, Romance, Chick Lit, Contemporary, Adult, Adult Fiction, Womens Fiction, Realistic Fiction, Drama |
The Five-Star Weekend Characters
Here’s a quick rundown of the key characters from The Five-Star Weekend by Elin Hilderbrand:
- Hollis Shaw: The protagonist, a successful food blogger and widow. She organizes the Five-Star Weekend in Nantucket as a way to reconnect with friends and process her grief after the death of her husband, Matthew.
- Tatum: Hollis’s childhood best friend, with whom she has drifted apart over the years. Tatum brings her own history of struggles and perspectives to the reunion.
- Dru-Ann: Hollis’s college roommate and a powerful, no-nonsense woman. She’s a sports broadcaster with a bold personality but harbors her own vulnerabilities.
- Brooke: A friend from Hollis’s adulthood, who represents her more recent stage of life. Brooke is dealing with her own personal challenges, including a strained marriage.
- Gigi: The “new friend” in Hollis’s life. Gigi is vibrant and intriguing, bringing a fresh perspective and a bit of mystery to the group dynamic.
- Caroline Shaw: Hollis’s daughter, who plays a significant role in the story. Their relationship is tense, as Caroline is grappling with her own grief and frustrations about her mother’s decisions.
Each character brings their own baggage and perspectives to the weekend, making it a mix of emotional breakthroughs, tension, and heartwarming connections. It’s a fabulous dive into the complexities of friendships and relationships.
The Five-Star Weekend Review
The Five-Star Weekend by Elin Hilderbrand is a heartfelt, character-driven novel that delivers all the emotional depth and summer escapism you’d expect from her writing. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Nantucket, the story combines themes of grief, friendship, and self-discovery with a dash of drama and introspection.
Strengths:
- Relatable Characters: Each character feels multi-dimensional, with realistic flaws, insecurities, and strengths. Hollis’s journey of healing is particularly poignant.
- Emotional Depth: The novel explores tough themes like loss, estranged relationships, and personal growth in a way that resonates deeply without feeling overly heavy.
- Beautiful Setting: Hilderbrand’s love for Nantucket shines through, making the location feel like its own character. It’s the perfect blend of dreamy summer vibes and emotional weight.
- Dynamic Friendships: The interactions among the women—each from a different era in Hollis’s life—add richness and complexity to the story.
Weaknesses:
- Predictability: While the story is engaging, some plot points feel a little predictable, especially if you’re familiar with Hilderbrand’s style.
- Slow Start: It takes a little time to fully dive into the drama, as the setup focuses on introducing the characters and their backstories.
Verdict:
The Five-Star Weekend is a warm, bittersweet tale that’s perfect for a beach read or cozy night in. Fans of Hilderbrand will appreciate the familiar mix of heartfelt storytelling and Nantucket charm, while newcomers might fall in love with her ability to weave together complex emotions and beautiful settings. It’s not groundbreaking, but it’s comforting and satisfying—like a glass of rosé on a summer evening.
Is The Five-Star Weekend part of a series?
No, The Five-Star Weekend by Elin Hilderbrand is not part of a series. It’s a standalone novel, which means you can dive into it without needing to read anything else for context.
Elin Hilderbrand is known for her standalone summer novels set on Nantucket, though some of her works—like the Winter Street series and Paradise series—are part of larger collections. This book, however, is a self-contained story, perfect for a one-off heartfelt, summery escape.