Susan’s Review of A Sky Full of Stars by Samantha Chase

WHEN WORLDS COLLIDE

Brilliant astrophysicist Dr. Owen Shaughnessy feels more connected to the cosmos than to people. He’s great with calculations, but when he leads a team of scientists to study a famous meteor shower, he doesn’t factor in his free-spirited artist assistant Brooke Matthews.  

LOVE CAN DAZZLE YOU

Polar opposites in personality, the friction between them threatens to derail the project. But the beauty and mystery of the night sky draw Owen and Brooke together—and she’s going to surprise him in ways the stars never could.  

A Sky Full of Stars is a heartwarming story of one man’s courage to believe in himself and the woman who has faith in him and their relationship. Once again, Samantha Chase has written a novel which has exceeded my expectations.

Samantha Chase’s flawless descriptive writing style draws the reader into Owen and Brooke’s story. In the first chapter of the novel, Dr. Owen Shaughnessy notices that an attractive woman has walked into his lecture about meteor showers. Owen is surprised when the woman approaches him and apologizes for being late to his class. She explains that her uncle, Howard Shields, suggested that she attend the lecture. Dr. Shields enters the lecture hall and introduces Owen to his niece; artist Brooke Matthews. Ms. Chase cleverly provides the connection between Owen’s scientific interest in the meteor showers and Brooke’s desire to view the stars through an artistic lens. The author also uses this scene to give insight into the intelligent, shy character of Owen Shaughnessy and compares it with Brooke’s open, easy going personality.

Owen and Riley Shaughnessy are twins. Ms. Chase does a fabulous job with the conversations between the brothers – it’s brutally honest at times--and their twin connection. Rock star Riley always senses when his quiet, shy brother needs to talk or FaceTime. This is one of my favorite conversations between the brothers. Owen has followed Riley’s advice and is dating Brooke.

‘That’s what I am trying to do here,” Riley snapped. ‘A girl like her…Owen, you’re my brother-my twin brother-and I love you, but Brooke is way out of your league!”

‘Out of my league? He paused. ‘You know, when I did talk to you about her, you did everything you could to encourage me to get to know her! And know that I have—“

Riley sighed. ‘The way you described her and the way she is…..let’s just say I didn’t envision her to be this… this…” ‘This what?” Owen asked, teeth clenched. v ‘She reminds me of those girls in school—all cool attitude with a hint of bitchiness. Do you remember how girls like that used to torment the shit out of you in school? Why—why---would you even want to associate with someone like her?”

‘She’s nothing like that,” Owen replied defensively.

Riley shook his head dismissively. ‘She is going to mess with you and break your heart.”

A Sky Full of Stars is an emotional, passionate journey with an emphasis on the themes of loss and forgiveness. Owen believes that he is socially awkward. I liked that Brooke saw him as shy, not awkward. She recognized that although Owen was brilliant, he needed help managing the details and social activities for an upcoming weekend trip to Nevada. I loved how the author compared Owen’s scientific approach to star gazing with Brooke’s desire to paint the stars.

Samantha Chase continues to explore how the death of Lillian Shaughnessy has affected each member of her family. Lillian understands that Owen is extremely intelligent and supports his desire to learn about science. My favorite scenes in the book were when Owen remembered that his Mom encouraged him to reach for the stars and be the best person he could be. Owen associated the stars with his mother’s love.

Ms. Chase creates one of a kind characters that appeal to me. The attraction between Brooke and Owen was apparent during their first conversation. Samantha Chase includes a superhero thread throughout the novel from Owen and Riley’s childhood which emphasizes the twins’ perceived roles in their family. Owen was Clark Kent to Riley’s Superman. Brooke’s faith in Owen and a superbly written heart-to heart conversation with his father enabled Owen to reconcile his feelings. Brooke’s uncle, Owen’s sister Darcy and Riley play pivotal roles throughout the novel. Readers of the Shaughnessy series will adore the cleverly written surprises are included in the last few chapters of the book.

My favorite part of A Sky Full of Stars? When Owen finally understood that he was Brooke’s superhero! Yay Owen!

If you enjoy authors Kristan Higgins, Donna Alward and Debbie Mason—you will love A SKY FULL OF STARS!

5 Stars!

★★★★★

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

I am so excited to share the new cover of Samantha Chase's A Sky Full of Stars! This review orginally appeared on the blog on July 4, 2017 and it's one of my all time favorite reads! The characters, their opposites attract romance and the symbolism of reaching for the stars makes this story so special!

Susan's Review of Falling For You by Barb Curtis--Sapphire Springs #3

Just when recently evicted yoga instructor Faith Rotolo thinks her luck has run out, she inherits a historic mansion in quaint Sapphire Springs. Though Faith never imagined putting roots down anywhere, small-town life is growing on her, as is her fixer-upper house. If only her handsome new contractor, Rob Milan, would stop spoiling her daydreams with the realities of a major rehab…and his generally grouchy vibes.

A single dad of two, Rob doesn’t have much time for fantasy wish-list ideas his clients can’t afford. Then again, Faith’s creative energy might be exactly what he needs right now. But while Rob and Faith work to give her home the second chance it deserves, their spirited clashes wind up sparking a powerful attraction. As work nears completion, and Faith’s house becomes the shining jewel of the neighborhood, will she and Rob realize that they deserve a fresh start too?

                            

Barb Curtis pairs grouchy contractor Rob Milan and free spirted yoga instructor Faith Rotolo in Falling For You. I have enjoyed each one of the Sapphire Springs books and have been waiting patiently for Rob’s story—and it was fabulous!

Rob Milan’s story has been brewing since he was introduced in Forever With You. His world was turned upside down in Only For You when his marriage imploded. Even though he was the primary parent, one impulsive act may cost him custody of his daughters. Rob’s character was well developed and his journey to rebuild his life and career was not easy. Barb Curtis does a fabulous job describing the impact of divorce from Rob’ perspective – he’s hit rock bottom-he’s lost his job, his family and self-esteem.

Faith Rotolo returned from a yoga retreat in Fiji and learns she has inherited a historic house in Sapphire Springs. Faith considers selling the house as it needs to be restored from top to bottom. She visits the home and feels connected to the run down mansion because her mother lived there Faith hires Rob to restore the Romano Estate. Rob and Faith work together on the house project and they uncover a set of journals which appeal to Rob’s love of history and Faith’s desire to know more about her family. Their romance develops as they read the journals and are transported back in time—loved that this book had two love stories.

I adored Faith and Rob and rooted for their romance—there were so many obstacles and so many hoops for this couple to jump through! I liked that Faith and Rob supported each other and Faith understood that Rob’s daughters came first. Each of the secondary characters: Issey, Hazel, Tim, Emily, Jay and Layna added depth and drama to the storyline. Loved that both Faith and Rob wanted to build a life together—in Sapphire Springs, in her family’s house which was now their home.

Faith and Rob’s story will tug at your heartstrings. I was invested in their story from the first page of the novel. Thank you Barb Curtis for a fantastic read—am definitely looking forward to your next book!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

Book purchased through Amazon

Links to Susan's reviews of: 
Forever With You

Only For You

Susan's Review of Here, There and Everywhere by Marie Force--Bulter, Vermont series #8

Isabella Coleman wasn’t looking for love when she attended her cousin Wade’s wedding in Boston, but she hadn’t counted on the bride’s father, Cabot Lodge. He’s older, wiser and one of the most handsome, charming and funny men she’s ever met. Izzie is instantly smitten, and after a wonderful time at the wedding, she’s certain she’ll hear from Cabot again soon. But she doesn’t hear a word from him until she’s back in Boston and invites him to dinner. After yet another fantastic time together, she’s once again optimistic—and once again disappointed when she gets nothing but silence from him.

Cabot has his reasons for keeping his distance. After his former wife took off with their baby daughter, he spent twenty-five years looking for Mia, who suddenly reappeared in his life as a grown woman with a new husband. He’s never been happier than since Mia returned, but those twenty-five years of searching left him with a deep well of bitterness that a sweet woman like Izzie doesn’t need in her life.

Until Izzy is seriously injured in a car accident, and all bets are off. Bitterness aside, Cabot can think of only getting to her as soon as he possibly can—and staying with her for as long as she’ll have him. Now Izzy and Cabot are hunkered down in her cozy home in Vermont, and things are starting to get real. They’ll both have to decide if their time together is a temporary interlude or the start of something lasting.

Here, There and Everywhere took me by surprise in such a good way! The novel is filled with characters whose stories will touch your heart, drama that will keep you turning the pages and a romance that will make you believe in true, all-encompassing love.

Cabot Lodge is one of the most complex and intriguing heroes that I have met. His conflict between loving Izzy and letting go of his past anger and grief was perfectly told. I emphasized with him and then got really made at him…..even though I understood where he was coming from. Izzy and Cabot were such a great couple. Loved that Izzy was independent and knew what she wanted from their relationship and wasn't afraid to put it all out there. She understood that Cabot was wounded but, realizes that although he is a competitive businessman he is a sweet, nurturing, loving person

. Loved the secondary stories that are woven seamlessly in this novel. Vanessa opens up to Izzy and Grayson about her career. Lucas and Landon’s visit to Colton’s mountain top home during a blizzard was perfectly written- the conversations between the brothers were comical and serious at the same time-lots of love and laughter with these brothers. And there’s a secondary romance that totally amazed me—just loved this couple. Loved the closeness of the Abbott and Coleman families and the relationship that Elmer has with his daughters and grandchildren. Elmer and his sidekick Linc are my two Favorite characters—love their match matching schemes and their amazing results make me smile!

Here, There and Everywhere is the perfect late winter read. Snuggle up with a mug of hot chocolate and enjoy this novel!

Reviewed By Susan Gorman

Book purchased at Marie Force's store.