The Five-Star Weekend by Elin Hilderbrand has a wonderful premise: women in midlife reconnecting for a luxurious getaway on Nantucket, each bringing their own life stories and struggles. It promises heartfelt moments, deep reflection, and perhaps a few revelations. And yet, I found myself struggling to fully enjoy it.

The biggest issue I had was with the pacing and focus. So much of the book delved into the characters’ pasts, which is fine in moderation, but it left the "actual" weekend—supposedly the heart of the book—feeling underdeveloped. The events of the weekend felt rushed, and despite some heavy themes being introduced (affairs, betrayals, and strained relationships), they were barely explored in a meaningful way. The emotional depth that could have elevated the story just wasn’t there.

There were also too many characters and storylines competing for attention. Between the detailed descriptions of their clothes, their pasts, and every item in the kitchen, it felt like the plot got lost in the noise.