Main Characters
- Hollis Shaw
- Matthew Madder
- Caroline
- Tatum
- Dru Ann
- Brooke
- Gigi
Publisher’s Summary
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.
Recent Reviews
My Review
In “The Five Star Weekend” by Elin Hilderbrand, we’re taken on a heartfelt journey through the twists and turns of life, where relationships evolve, and friendships endure. This book shares similarities with Emily Henry’s “The Happy Place,” as it explores how life’s challenges can strain relationships and the importance of open communication.
At the center of the story is Hollis, a devoted mom who puts her own dreams on hold to support her husband and raise their daughter. But as time passes and circumstances change, Hollis finds herself yearning to rediscover her passions. Hilderbrand beautifully portrays Hollis’ struggle to balance her newfound ambitions with her family’s expectations.
One of the book’s highlights is the rekindling of friendships and the unwavering support they provide. As Hollis embarks on her journey of self-discovery, she finds strength in the bonds she shares with remarkable women who remind her of the power of connection.
However, the book also sheds light on societal norms and gender roles. Hollis’ decision to prioritize her family over her own aspirations reflects the sacrifices many women make. The criticism she faces upon pursuing her dreams serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding and support within relationships.
“The Five Star Weekend” is a compelling tale of growth, friendship, and the pursuit of happiness. With its relatable characters and thought-provoking themes, this book leaves a lasting impression, encouraging readers to reflect on their own paths to fulfillment.
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Book Photos
Book Quotes
Your generation is both fragile and entitled, and no one is allowed to call you on it
― Elin Hilderbrand, The Five-Star Weekend
There was the golden age, the years our children were nine, ten, eleven. Fourth and fifth grade….of course you never realize it’s the golden age until it’s over.
― Elin Hilderbrand, The Five-Star Weekend
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