This was such a comforting, easy book to sink into. Five-Star Summer feels like sitting by the water with a cold drink, watching other people’s lives unfold while quietly thinking about your own. It’s warm, reflective, and very much about relationships in all their complicated forms.
What really worked for me was the sense of place. The coastal setting is vivid without being overdone, and the hotel itself almost feels like a character. I loved how the story leaned into themes of community, family expectations, and figuring out who you are when everyone around you already thinks they know you.
The characters felt real and imperfect, especially in the way they struggle with change and old patterns. I connected most with Evie’s journey of trying to step into her own voice while carrying the weight of her past. The friendships and family dynamics were where this book really shined for me. The romance is there, but it’s more of a gentle layer than the main focus, which I actually appreciated.
That said, the pacing did feel a bit uneven at times, and a few emotional beats were more told than shown, which pulled me out of the story here and there. I wanted just a little more depth in certain moments for it to fully land.
Overall, this was a heartfelt, feel-good read that delivered exactly the kind of cozy, character-driven story I was in the mood for. It didn’t completely blow me away, but it absolutely left me with that soft, satisfied feeling when you close the book and smile. Perfect for a relaxed summer read.