I feel like I won't do my review justice since it's been over a month since I read the book. It was such a captivating read. I couldn't set it down. I devoured it. I read straight through it. It's been a book that I have thought about a lot since reading it. I've recommended it to so many others. I've bought a physical copy of the book. My daughters have devoured it multiple times since then. This book has become one of my favorite Regency novels. It's up on the top of my list with Julianne Donaldson's books, Edenbrooke and Blackmoore.

Be still my heart. Juliet and Halstead captivated and entranced me with their story. From their first unconventional meeting to the final page of their story. I couldn't wait for the scenes when they would be together and interacting. But I also loved the scenes watching them figuring out life and hoping for friendship and love.

I'll be completely honest here, I cried during different times of the story. I had a goofy grin on my face during other times. I laughed out loud (and possibly woke up sleeping people in my house). I giggled. I sighed. I cringed and was angry at different characters (yes, sometimes even the main characters). But feeling all of those emotions throughout reading the book is the mark of a great book for me. I was invested in knowing these characters and their struggles and hopes and dreams. *sigh* I just keep having flashes of the different scenes going through my mind. I really need to go back and read this one again very soon!

I read a digital copy and I think I just about highlighted the whole book. Ha! You think I'm kidding but I'm not! I'm completely serious. I loved so much about this book that I started highlighting parts of scenes and then it would be several pages (digital pages) that were highlighted. Yes, it's that good! That's saying something if I highlight that much while reading.

If you're looking for a book about finding yourself, trusting yourself, being a friend, learning the true meaning of family, healing, aching, heartbreak, redemption and love...do yourself a favor and find a copy. Buy one. Borrow one. And read it! I hope it will touch your heart like it touched mine! Thank you Heidi Kimball for such a fabulous read. I loved it and I can tell you put a lot of yourself and your heart into this story.

Content: Clean. Some kissing but nothing further.

I received a copy from the publisher, Covenant Communications, via NetGalley. And I have also purchased my own physical copy. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!

First of all, isn't that a striking cover?! I think it's my favorite of the year. This is a wonderful Regency romance, with a house party setting, a mysteriously brooding duke, and a spirited young woman who makes friends easily but is long-suffering under her domineering aunt. Juliet has some complicated dynamics in play- the unrequited love of her brotherly best friend/cousin, an inequality in her social status, a younger brother unhappy at boarding school, and an unexpected attraction to the brusque Halstead. I enjoyed how the author wove the story around the various comings and goings at the castle, and the tension that built as Juliet grows closer to Halstead but was pressured to accept her cousin's proposal. It's alluded that there is some secret reason for Halstead to be avoiding society and refusing to marry, so I was a bit let down when the resolution turned out to be rather simple and cliche. I felt like there could have been deeper exploration into his character, but the plot moved on with more misadventure in store for Juliet and her brother. Overall this was an entertaining story perfect for fans of sweet Regency romance!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

"Where the Stars Meet the Sea" was the perfect comfort read for me right now. The world a dumpster fire? Well, then, friends, let me escort you to the world of "Where the Stars Meet the Sea," in which our heroine, an orphan raised by a prickly aunt and with a too-friendly cousin, goes to visit with a local noble's family in an extended stay. As the family and friends hobnob, we meet the reclusive duke, who has clearly fallen off the Mr. Rochester family tree. He's dark, has issues, and has a tragic backstory. You can guess where this ship is sailing and nope, I have no problem with that at all.

What's good: It's a fun enemies (or slightly hostile strangers) to lovers relationship. The book is historical but not obsessed with throwing around references to "the ton," which is my eternal pet peeve. The focus is on the build-up of the romance, and it's done without bodice-ripping, thankfully.

What's iffier: Though historical, there's definite ahistoric behavior from the main characters. (The use of first names in particular, but I'm writing that off as less uncomfortable than constantly writing "Your Grace.") The actual acceleration of the relationship seems rushed, although I get the book is trying to follow a fairly standard template.

That said, for what it is, "Stars" is a sweet, fairly wholesome, fun light romance.

This book was a perfect escape from everything going on right now. A grumpy duke, a demanding aunt, a headstrong protagonists...perfect combination for a regency romance that’s hard to put down. @authorheidikimball delivers another win with this one, and side bonus: the cover is beautiful! Have you read anything by Kimball? What books have you been able to escape with in the last month?

This book is absolutely AMAZING! It is filled with romance, heartwarming and heartfelt moments, and a few gothic-novel type scenes as well! From the first moment I picked up "Where the Stars Meet the Sea", I was immediately transported back in time to the Regency Era, and was drawn into the world that Ms. Kimball brings to life.

This is the first book I have read by Heidi Kimball, and I can't wait to read many more. Her vivid and beautiful writing style grabs you in from the first sentence, and everything from the very first page to the last was spectacular. She truly knows how to make her characters real, and brings them to life in such an elegant manner. Their thoughts, feelings, desires, and fears were so visceral, and I found myself really able to picture and imagine each and every one. Furthermore, her descriptions of the castle and the various rooms were absolutely spectacular.

I found myself rooting for Juliet to find happiness from the very beginning, and her strength, kindness, wit, and protectiveness of her brother are inspiring. She is not afraid to speak her mind. Halstead is strong, attentive, kind, and so much more than meets the eye. Both Juliet and Halstead have had horrific occurrences in their past, and both are now, understandably, very guarded and afraid of being hurt.
(possible spoiler!)
Their chemistry was palpable from the very beginning, and they truly challenge and bring out the absolute best in each other. Both are able to open up to each other in ways they can't to anyone else. To see Juliet and Halstead slowly let their guard down and both be able to heal from the past was such a beautiful thing to read and experience with them.

This novel has so much in it: some moments had me squealing, smiling, and laughing, some moments had me near tears, some holding my breath, and my mouth definitely dropped a couple of times. It is just absolutely amazing!

If you enjoy reading Regency romance novels, I SO HIGHLY recommend this amazing book! I could not put it down! I was so excited to see what happened page after page, chapter after chapter, and could not wait to see if and how everything worked out. I did not want this book to end! I would love to see this story continue in a sequel (or sequels!) as well.

Also, how absolutely gorgeous is this cover! It is so perfect for the book!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Covenant Communications for the review copy of this book! I absolutely loved it! All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I was captivate by the stunning cover and a little disappointed by the story. Not that I was expecting something a greatest plot, I know what to expect in a historical novel but at some point nothing relevant happened between the two main characters.
They have one of the slowest burn I have ever read, something like Jane Austen-esque but not fully elaborated. The sexual tensione between the Juliet and Halstead is barely noticeable.
I rated it four stars because I ended caring for Juliet a lot and those little interactions between the couple made me scream and shout for ten minutes in a row because they're SO SO soft. I love them very much.
If the author would have distributed the plot twist that she decided to put only in the last few chapters it would be a lot better.

This book is SO GOOD! I loved every word and every scene! I felt a kinship to Juliet from the very beginning as her plight captured my mind and my heart. I highly recommend this book!

A really interesting story in a historical setting that had some unconventional aspects really well woven that made it more believable than it might have been. I enjoyed the characters and they were likeable enough that I cared about them. Would have liked a bit more comeuppance but I'm currently quarantined and feel more frustration than usual. I will look for more from this author, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to read and review.

This was a fun, light Regency novel. Juliet and her little brother, Harry, have been under the care of an aunt for years. Her mother was disowned by most of her family after she ran off to marry a sailor. Much of the plot revolves around these two points. There is conflict between Juliet and her aunt about Harry's care and upbringing. The other conflict involves the two men who want to marry Juliet. One she thinks of as a brother, and the other is a titled Lord. She doesn't wish to enter an unequal marriage as her parents did.

I thought the characters were well done though the heroine was a little inconsistent. Her indecisiveness was a major driving force of the plot, and it made it drag along a bit. Otherwise, I enjoyed this story. It had some good themes.

I enjoyed this book. I was pulled into the story almost immediately and was engrossed in it until the end. I loved how Halstead brought out Juliet’s fiery personality. Juliet motivated Halstead to do things he otherwise wouldn’t do. The two were a great pair. I really didn’t like Aunt Agnes. I highly recommend this book.

Exceptional writing and storytelling. The hero is just the way I like them; brooding and ready for change (even though they won’t admit it). The heroine is feisty, short tempered and kind. They see in each other what they can’t see in themselves. So many twists and turns to cause insecurities. Heidi does an amazing job and bringing this regency era to life! I love a good happy ever after!

Wow! This was an incredible story, at first I thought it may be boring, but I was so wrong. The depth was fantastic and the emotions so real. The hero was pretty foolish, but men can be quite foolish when it comes to infatuation and passion. So in reality it was realistic.
I liked that the heroine, despite her insecurities, in the end stood up for herself.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Juliet is instantly likeable, and while the duke tries his best to be abrasive and unlikeable, his wounded heart had me quickly cheering for his healing and redemption. All of the characters are written well and interact together in a delightfully, engaging way. I loved how the stories of the sea and stars were woven together to create a splendid imagery of how differences can emerge to create something beautiful. True romance, in a clean form, to attract all readers looking for a witty, heartfelt, happily ever after.
I received a complimentary of this book and all opinions expressed are my own.

(4.5 stars) - a feisty redheaded cinderella-flavored Regency

Juliet is a spirited young woman being raised by her aunt after her parents died. Her aunt has worked hard on eliminating all her non-conforming behaviors, but Juliet has actually just gotten better at hiding it.

While they are visiting the estate of the Duke of Halstead, as her aunt's eldest son seeks the hand of the Duke's sister, Juliet has a confrontational encounter with the semi-reclusive Duke himself. He's so provoking that she just can't help speaking without a filter when she's around him.

As this leads to more interactions between the two, they both gradually go from annoyance to becoming increasingly attracted to each other.

The story pulled me in right away & kept me there till the end. I really liked it, but the one thing that kept me from giving it a full 5 stars was that the interest-to-attraction-to-love process wasn't supported well enough for the speed & intensity of it.

Still, while I felt that aspect was weak, it wasn't glaring like an insta-love. It was done well enough that it didn't bump me out of the story, & I noticed it more in passing than anything. The ending was very satisfying.

This was my first book by this author, and I will definitely be checking out the rest of her work!

*Clean romance level: sweet kisses, nothing graphic

Since the beginning of time (well, since the 1950s, anyway) all book covers depicting a young woman and a mansion have loudly proclaimed themselves to be Gothic novels. Based on this novel’s gorgeous Gothic cover, I moved it to the top of my list. There are 3 facets of the trope that I breathlessly anticipate when I open a Gothic novel, and here’s how this book measured up to my hopes.

1. An innocent young woman, vulnerable and alone in the world.
Yes! Juliet is sweet and strong and naïve, a good Gothic heroine.

2. A Byronic hero, moody and mysterious, desperately in need of redemption.
Yes! The Duke of Halstead is deliciously enigmatic, tough and tender in turns.

3. A creepy and mysterious mansion/castle, dripping with atmosphere, a character in its own right.
Nope. No crumbling moss-covered relics, not a single squeaky floorboard, no skeletons (either literal or figurative) in the family closets, no nail-biting agony about who can be trusted. No Gothic atmosphere whatsoever.

Anachronisms:
Although the first chapter sets the story in 1819, during the rule of England’s Prince Regent, one passage says: “The dowager duchess was as intimidating as the queen.” Queen Victoria was born in 1819 and ascended the throne in 1837.
And the heroine’s first-person narrative includes frequent references to her bodily sensations which felt like 21st century intrusions to me. It’s a clean novel, but I feel that a well-bred lady living in 1819 would never use expressions like “a dangerous tremor of hope began in my belly” or “warmth filled my middle”.

Recommended for fans of Regencyish romance.

Thanks to NetGalley and Covenant Communications for a digital advance review copy. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Where the Stars Meet the Sea is Heidi Kimball's latest tale. On the opening pages of this book, you will meet Juliet Graham as she is headed to the Shaldorn Castle for a house party with her aunt. Juliet knows that her family is expecting her to help her cousin, Hugh, capture the heart of Lady Ellen, the daughter of the Everdale family. However, when Juliet meets a boorish man in the halls of the castle, she will soon discover that he is actually the infamous Duke of Halstead!



This is a high paced tale. As Juliet verbally spars with Halstead, you will see feelings for him begin to grow. When Juliet learns that her other cousin, Robert, is romantically interested in her, she does not know what to do to. Should she open her heart towards Halstead, a man much higher in rank than she is or turn toward Robert, the man who has always been her dear friend?



This tale gets even more complicated when Juliet's eleven-year-old brother, Harry, runs away from boarding school, with hopes of sailing the seas. Juliet had been waiting for the day that she could become Harry's guardian; however, now she must rescue him from making a big mistake. Juliet will be surprised when one of these men shows up to assist her in her efforts!



You will wonder if Juliet's heart follow the direction of society or if she will be strong enough to follow her heart's desire?

I had honestly forgotten how much I love historical fiction/romance until I read this book. I’m unashamed to say that I devoured this book in one sitting.

The writing drew me in from the very first chapter and kept me hooked throughout.
I loved the two main characters, and while I wished the other characters had been more included and more complex, the two of them were enough to carry the story.

I’ll definitely be on the lookout for more titles by this author.

4 1/2 stars.

A beautiful story that had me reading it in one seating.

The story starts with Juliet at a house party. She's there with her aunt and two male cousins and she tries to escape after dinner.

We learn that her parents have been dead for a while and her aunt is in charge of her Juliet and her brother until she turns 21.

When she escapes to the library, she meets a man who doesn't leave a good impression on her. She then learns he's the Duke of Halstead, the owner of the castle where she and her family are guests.

There's a lot of intrigue and tension between Juliet, her aunt, and her youngest cousin. She's also worried about her younger brother, who's been sent away to school.

As Juliet and Halstead spend more time together, they form an odd friendship and although the story is told from her POV, the reader is aware of the attraction the duke has for her.

There were some plot points near the end that seemed a bit too easy. But my biggest peeve is with the lack of first name for the Duke. Why isn't his Christian name mentioned once? Weird.

I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.

Heidi Kimball does it again!! I really enjoyed the love story between the hero and heroine. It wasn’t predictable like so many other books I have read. It was very sweet with some swoony moments.
I would definitely read this again.

A lot of these kind of stories can feel quite formulaic; you usually know the outcome just by reading the blurb. But it's how the author reaches that outcome that determines whether it's worth reading until you get there. With this book, it absolutely is.
Both Juliet and Halstead are intriguing and compelling characters individually. Put them together and the fireworks begin!
I found it very difficult to put this book down, even when sleep deprived and knowing I'd likely be woken in the night by my little one. Aunt Agnes is as horrible as you would expect, and I would be interested to read more of her story, along with Robert's. Although they aren't nearly as intriguing as Juliet and Halstead, this author could likely weave another excellent story even with their characters!
Hugh and Ellen were also very readable characters, and I'd love to have them included in more detail in future books.
Highly recommend. Now I'm off to see what else this author has written!