What Makes A Five-Star Book For Us?
That’s such a challenging question because we believe each reader will critique genres differently, resulting in unique reading experiences. It would be unfair to compare a literary masterpiece to a beach read or a thriller to a romance, as not all books resonate the same way for each reader. But there are certain elements each 5-star book should contain.
- The book should be unforgettable and engaging. It should be hard to put down. You know the feeling when you find time to read just a few more chapters or stay up late well past your bedtime, just to keep reading.
- The Characters resonate with you, and you feel a connection. You become emotionally invested in them, visualize what they look like, and genuinely care about their outcomes.
- It’s well written with beautiful prose that enhances the story. In the case of a beach read, the writing should be easy to digest and provide a great escape. It’s essential that the pacing is good and character arcs are compelling. The story can’t drag on for several chapters.
- But most importantly, you can’t stop recommending it and feel the need to discuss it with others.
A five-star book can mean different things to different people, and various factors influence how a book is rated. Each person’s perspective can differ, and not everyone will agree on what qualifies a book as five stars..
So, browse the list below and share some of your five-star reads with us. We’d love to know your favorites.
Browse Our Favorite Books
The Night We Lost Him by Laura Dave
MYSTERY/Thriller ~ 320 pages ~ Marysue Rucci Books ~ (September 17, 2024)
Why We Loved It: This mystery immediately grabbed my attention. It’s the perfect balance of mystery and family drama, diving deep into how keeping secrets affects individuals. The narrative is fast-paced, suspenseful, and emotionally engaging, touching upon themes of grief and family history. I listened to this on audio, and the narration was excellent.
Review + Summary
King Of Ashes by S. A. Cosby
Thriller~ 352 pages ~ Flatiron Books: Pine & Cedar ~ (June 10, 2025)
Why We Love It: Although this book is not my usual genre and is a new author for me, I was surprised by how much I loved it. It was recommended to me several times, so I just had to try it. The writing is sharp and emotionally charged. It’s gritty and fast-paced, with well-developed characters. Be prepared for plot twists and violence.
Review + Summary
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
Science Fiction ~ 496 pages ~ Ballantine Books ~ (May 4, 2021)
Why We Love It: This is one of my favorite books, and I still recommend it to my friends. Although science fiction is usually outside my comfort zone, I absolutely loved it and couldn’t stop listening to the audiobook. The story is engaging and funny, with fantastic characters. Rocky steals your heart, and I’m excited to see how he’s portrayed in the movie adaptation, which is set to release in early 2026. He’s unforgettable, and so is the book.
Review + Summary
Mrs. Quinn’s Rise To Fame by Olivia Ford
Women’s Fiction ~ 384 pages~ Pamela Dorman Books ~ (January 30, 2024)
Why We Love It: It’s a feel-good story about second chances, aging gracefully, and discovering your voice, something many people, especially women, struggle with. This book will resonate with plenty of readers, especially if food is your love language or you enjoy The Great British Bake Off.
Review + Summary
The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
Young adult/Fantasy ~416 pages ~ Tor Books ~ (September 10, 2024)
Why We Love It: This young adult novel was such an enjoyable read. It features quirky and original characters who will worm their way into your heart. Be prepared to fall in love with them and embrace the message of acceptance and kindness. The story is fresh, thought-provoking, easy to read, and serves as a delightful escape. It has won several awards.
Review + Summary
Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe’ by Heather Webber
Women’s Fiction/magical realism ~ 336 pages ~ Forge Books (July 16, 2019)
Why We Love It: Set in a small Southern town, this story offers a heartwarming tale about family dynamics, coping with grief, and forgiveness. It’s an easy read, but one you won’t forget. The narrative has a Southern Gothic feel, infused with a touch of magical realism and a few surprising twists. I loved the characters and the relatable message of healing and belonging.
Review + Summary
The Sicilian Inheritance by Jo Piazza
Historical fiction/mystery~ 384 pages ~ Dutton(April 2, 2024)
Why We Love It: As a historical fiction fan, I loved this book! Jo Piazza is an exceptional storyteller, and she had my interest from beginning to end. Told in dual timelines, present day and the early 1900s, this book is rich with historical details of Silicy’s culture and its impact on women. There are plenty of family secrets and a look at the societal pressures of that era. This would make an excellent Book Club selection.
Review + Summary
The Island Of Sea Women by Lisa See
Historical Fiction ~ 384 pages ~ Scribner (March 5, 2019)
Why We Love It: This book explores a fascinating topic of the haenyeo culture, a long-standing practice of Korean women harvesting sea life from the ocean by free diving. The author delivers an excellent story that intertwines a story of friendship, family, and history. If you love learning about different cultures, especially those that highlight strong women, I highly recommend grabbing this book. Additionally, there is a documentary titled “The Last of the Sea Women” on Apple TV, which features the few remaining women still diving. This book is truly captivating, and I also enjoyed the documentary.
Review + Summary
Be Ready When The Luck Happens by Ina Garten
Nonfiction ~ 320 pages ~ Crown (October 1, 2024)
Why We Love It: It’s inspiring, encouraging, and provides insights about opportunity, timing, and resilience. It genuinely feels like you’re sitting in her living room while she shares her life journey, which is quite fascinating and surprising. If you’re a fan of the Barefoot Contessa, this honest personal account of her rise to fame should be at the top of your TBR list. I highly recommend listening to the audio version, as Ina Garten is the narrator.
Review + Summary