The Bookish Ashley

Rating: 4/5 Stars

Kristen Bailey’s Five Golden Rings is a delightful romp through the streets of London, filled with festive chaos, laugh-out-loud moments, and a dash of holiday romance. It’s the perfect read for anyone who loves their Christmas cheer sprinkled with quirky adventures and a touch of love in the air.

The Plot

Eve’s holiday season starts on the worst possible note: walking in on her boyfriend cheating on her. Heartbroken, she heads to her job at Caspars’ Jewellers, where she discovers that five custom-made engagement rings have been delivered to the wrong addresses. With five Christmas proposals and weddings on the brink of ruin, Eve takes it upon herself to track down the missing rings and save the day.

Enter Joe, her charming and slightly ridiculous colleague moonlighting as a naked butler. Dressed as a sexy elf, Joe joins Eve on a madcap journey across London. Together, they race against time to deliver the rings, encountering eccentric characters, comical mishaps, and unexpected sparks of romance along the way.

What Worked

1. Eve’s Character Arc:

Eve’s journey from heartbreak to rediscovering herself (and maybe finding new love) is both relatable and empowering. She’s the kind of heroine you root for—funny, determined, and a little chaotic in the best way.

2. The Humor:

Bailey’s writing is sharp and witty, with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. From Joe’s outrageous elf costume to the unpredictable situations they find themselves in, the humor keeps the story light and engaging.

3. Joe as the Hero:

Joe is a breath of fresh air. His charisma, unwavering support for Eve, and playful banter make him the perfect partner for her wild adventure—and possibly more.

4. Festive Atmosphere:

London shines as a magical holiday backdrop, complete with twinkling lights, bustling streets, and cozy moments. It’s the ideal setting for a heartwarming Christmas tale.

5. Themes of Resilience and Hope:

Beneath the humor and chaos lies a story about resilience, finding joy in unexpected places, and letting go of the past to embrace the future.

What Could Have Been Better

1. Over-the-Top Moments:

While the humor is a highlight, some scenarios feel a bit too exaggerated, which might not appeal to readers who prefer more grounded rom-coms.

2. Secondary Characters:

A few supporting characters, while amusing, could have been more fleshed out to add depth to the story.

3. Predictability:

The romance and resolution, though satisfying, follow a familiar formula. A surprising twist would have elevated the plot.

Final Thoughts

Five Golden Rings is a charming holiday rom-com packed with humor, romance, and a touch of festive madness. Kristen Bailey strikes a perfect balance between hilarity and heart, creating a story that’s both entertaining and uplifting.

Would I recommend it? Absolutely! If you’re a fan of holiday rom-coms like Love Actually or books that blend chaos with charm, this one’s for you. Curl up with a hot drink, and let Eve and Joe’s crazy Christmas adventure put a smile on your face.

Favorite Takeaway: Sometimes, life’s messiest moments lead to the most magical endings.