Five Star Friday is my version of the monthly wrap-up. On the first Friday of each month, I will share my five-star reads from the previous month. Fingers crossed, I have lots of books to tell you about.
This month, I was able to read 25 books, and I had 1 five-star read.
Published by MIRA on May 19, 2026
Age/Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Rating:
Goodreads
One book. Two strangers. An unforgettable journey as they rewrite the ending.
Daisy Douglas has spent her life behind the at work, in her relationships, and now, in planning a wedding she isn’t sure she even wants. As an entertainment journalist, she can spot the start of a story a mile away. So when her routine 4 a.m. bus ride to the newsroom takes a surprising turn, she notices.
For months, the same man has boarded at the same stop, reading the same tattered copy of Virginia Woolf’s Orlando over and over as if his life depends on it. When a broken-down bus and a shared walk through the quiet early-morning London streets finally throws them together, Tom reveals the heartbreaking truth as to why he can’t be without his novel.
Determined to help him find the answer to the riddle hidden in its pages, Daisy joins Tom on his strange literary quest—one that leads them to places neither of them ever expected. But as their friendship deepens, she starts to wonder if what they’re both looking for might not be in the book after all.
I loved this one! Both Daisy and Tom needed someone who really saw them and accepted them, and it was wonderful that they found that in each other. It may have taken them a while to figure that out as they held fast to the things in their life that they were accustomed to, but it was satisfying when it all finally clicked. Warm and funny, this story hit all the right notes for me.
Honorable Mention
March was a little disappointing with only read one book that earned the full five, but I was more disappointed by books I expected to be wowed by and wasn't. Anyhow, here are my honorable mention books. All earned 4.5 stars.
- The Write Off by Kara McDowell
- Writers & Lovers by Lily King
- Atlas by Sawyer Bennett
- Lake Effect by Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney
- First and Forever by Lynn Painter
- Just Don't Fall by Emma St. Clair
- The Vanishing Cherry Blossom Bookshop by Takuya Asakura
- One & Only by Maureen Goo
- A Sprinkle of Sweet Serendipity by Rachel Linden
Let us know in the comments!
10 books out of 25 over 4 stars isn't bad at all!
ReplyDeleteIt's rare I finish a book I don't like, so the majority of my books clock in at 4-5. Overall, I was happy with the books I read.
DeleteI really like the premise.
ReplyDeleteThe Night Bus was a fun and interesting too with the book and the bit of mystery there.
DeleteI'm considering that Rachel Linden one. Sorry to hear you didn't have as many 5 stars as you hoped.
ReplyDeleteLinden's books are solid. They are always a good time for me.
DeleteWow, only one five star, thankfully that is rare for you! I am very interested in One & Only, so glad to see it was a 4.5 at least! Also curious about The Write Off, I need to add that to my list too!
ReplyDeleteI was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed One & Only. The humor, family vibe, and touch of magic worked well for me.
DeleteWow, I think this might be the first time that I've seen you have only 1 five-star read in a month! It must've been great :) I hope you'll find more in April!
ReplyDeleteIt was a weird month. Not sure if it was me or the books, but there were a few I expected to blow me away that fell flat. A little disappointed.
DeleteNight Bus sounds cute. Thanks for sharing your top readd
ReplyDeleteIt was cute. Totally my kind of book
DeleteEven one five-star read is more than I have most months, ha! I think I'm too picky sometimes. But I think I'm getting my copy of The Write Off today, so I'm excited about that!
ReplyDeleteHA! Being picky isn't a bad thing. I just hope you can find more books that delight you. Fingers crossed you enjoy The Write Off.
DeleteI tend to be generous with my stars if I enjoy the book and 4 stars and up are good ones for me. I like the sound of The Night Bus. I looked and I'm pending on NG, so hopefully I'll get it. I hope you have a wonderful reading month in April, Sam.
ReplyDeleteSame. Three is the lowest I usually give to a book I finish (with the exception of Kulti - my lowest rated book ever, I think). I hope you get The Night Bus too. It hit all the right notes for me.
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