A wonderful read!
This novel drew me in from the very first page and kept me hooked until the end. The characters were vibrant and relatable, the writing was engaging, and the story had just the right balance of heart and humor. Highly recommend!
Many thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)

A Sky Full of Stars was such a charming read! Charlotte’s journey from city life to the cozy village of Little Somerby was heartwarming. 🏙️➡️🏡

The astronomy theme added a unique touch, and the slow-burn romance was just the right amount of sweet. 💫💕

Fay Keenan’s writing made the village come alive, and I felt like I was right there with the characters.

While it didn’t quite reach 5 stars for me, it’s a solid 4-star read that I’d recommend to anyone looking for a feel-good romance with a touch of stargazing magic. 🌟📖

A little mystery, a lot of love, family, friends - this book has it all, even dogs. An easy, heartwarming read that grips you from the outset. The characters are warm and friendly and it's the perfect summer read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood books for this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

The pacing on this book was a bit too slow for me - I really struggled with getting into enjoying the characters as a result of this. I loved the location however; it was beautiful and so gripping - I really like it when I can truly feel immersed in the location of the book. As a romance this book falls incredibly flat, but I enjoyed the story overall.

A beautifully written romance set in the sleepy Somerset village of Lower Brambleton. When astronomy archivist Charlotte James takes on a summer project to catalog a forgotten observatory, she’s not expecting to uncover family secrets—or fall for the charming but guarded Tristan Ashcombe. With its dreamy countryside setting, stargazing magic, and a story full of heart, this book is perfect for fans of slow-burn romance and second chances.

Charlotte meets Tristan when she takes a job archiving an old astronomy site in the countryside. They don't get off to the best start, as the book progresses, family secrets are revealed, but what will happen when Charlotte returns to her job at the university?

"A Sky Full of Stars" by Fay Keenan is a sweet and endearing contemporary romance novel with a lovely hint of intrigue. Based in the idyllic English countryside, the novel traces Charlotte, an astronomical archivist, who is hired to catalog the belongings of an unused observatory prior to its demolition.

Keenan is skilled at building a warm and welcoming setting, and the location of the ancient observatory creates a memorable and immersive background for the events about to unfold. The descriptions are rich, making it easy for the reader to visualize the charming village and the intriguing, history-filled observatory.
The characters are one of the novel's strongest points. Charlotte is a friendly and accessible heroine, and her dedication to her job comes across. The male hero, Tristan, who is overseeing the redevelopment scheme, is initially rather stiff but gradually unfolds to show depths to his character. Their early meetings are entertaining, and the gradual-burn romance that ensues between them is believable and compelling.
Added to the appeal are the supporting actors, especially Lorelai, the spunky older woman Charlotte lives with, and Comet, Charlotte's troublemaking dog, who unwittingly facilitates the bringing together of the main characters. These actors lend warmth and humor to the story.

Although the romance is the focus of the story, Keenan intertwines a very interesting mystery with the history of the observatory and Tristan's family. This adds an extra layer of interest and leaves the reader speculating, keeping the plot well-paced. How the mystery becomes intertwined with the growing relationship between Charlotte and Tristan comes naturally and adds to their interactions.

Overall, "A Sky Full of Stars" is a delightful read. It's an ideal read for those who love feel-good books with a dash of romance, an interesting setting, and well-rounded characters. Fay Keenan has written a warm, optimistic, and inspiring novel that will leave readers smiling. It's the type of book you can easily become immersed in and will probably recommend to others seeking a pleasant escape.

I have read many of Fays books so was delighted to receive this in advance of publication for an honest review. Charlotte had got herself a summer job in a small village in Somerset,archiving papers from an observatory that was getting knocked down. She was staying in the annexe of a house that was near to the observatory so she decided to take a walk with Comet,her dog,and see where she would be working. She bumped into a grumpy man who warned her off trespassing so not a good start. Tristan,who is in charge of the land surrounding the observatory which is going to be new houses. Charlotte bumps into the grumpy man when he turns up her her Landlady’s house,turns out Lorelei is Tristan’s gran and she brought him up and his sister up when his parents died in a car crash many years ago. Charlotte and Tristan are attracted to each other and their life’s are entwined as the observatory was a big part of his parents lives. An easy story and another great book from Fay,you must read it to see how things progress between Charlotte and Tristan.

Thank you netgalley and publishers for allowing me a copy of this book for my review. Having read the blurb on this book about an astronomical archivist, something I'd never heard of, I was quite intrigued to read more. We meet archivist Charlotte, who takes on a job over her summer holidays to try and save as much information as possible from an observatory which is about to be demolished. Whilst gathering up data, Charlotte finds herself unravelling more than just details about the stars.

1/5
This definitely wasn't my favourite book. I actually didn't like it, and I had to force myself to finish it in the first place.
First, the writing. I was annoyed with some of the phrases and the overall tone and style. In the first few chapters the author was hell-bent on saying how "remote" and "rular" the village was (as if that made it worse than a city), thatt the main character "can be locked in the basement" because apparently that's what happens in every countryside, but what really annoyed me was the description "suprisingly modern bathroom". Seriously?
What, just because it's a countryside it means they don't have a bathroom, only a privy instead? Seriously that's how the writing comes across. Idk if the author has ever been in the countryside or if she only saw pictures but it smells of prejudice. It was immediatelly off-putting to me.
Then, the style. The author was all "tell, don't show," and we had several instances of this: we're told that Charlotte was hired to archive the files from the observatory, but in the whole book, we only see her do it on page once. And only at 43% of the book. She had been hired to do it off-page at the beginning of the book (the first chapter has her packing and driving to the "rural" village), and yet, for the first 40+%, we don't see her do the job she was actually hired to do. We then have this happen at the end, where the characters get back together after the third act breakup. Except they don't even talk. Instead, MMC reads the letter FMC has written him (off page), and the they suddenly start making out and dating. There was no resolution! No explanation! And we don't even get to see the damn letter once. That was too frustrating.
The characters were bland. I wan't invested in the story or the relationships and it wasn't believable to me that they were in love. The were no sparks , nothing. I was more interested in the discovery MMC's parents made decades ago than the love story between MCs. Although I hated that FMC called her ex for the advice instead of her professor tbh. And both main characters were weird.
Charlotte seems dumb and naive. We get everything spelled out and she makes connections pages later and is always so shocked when it was made so clear to everyone. She was told that the owners made a stipulation for her to do her job, and when Lorelai revealed it was her, Clarlotte still hadn't realized Lorelai was the owner until it was spelled it out to her.
Tristan is a bit of an enigma. Grumpy and bothered, very angry with Charlotte the first 2 times he met her, on the third meeting he was suddenly all smiles and humour? Wha's that guy?
Charlotte was also super indecisive. When Tristan's sister interfered, Charlotte got rightfully angry and called her out, but as soon as the sister said, "you're here now, you should talk," she suddenly changed her mind. After calling her out like that and her not only reluctance but anger when she realised she's been manipulated, she just took it? I applauded her for standing up for herself as soon as she figured out what happened. But 2 seconds later, she changed her mind and let herself be manipulated, and it was just so stupid. I didn't care about them getting back together by that point, but I would if she decided to go back home back then and try and talk things through some other time, when they were both ready for it. Instead, the author rushed the happy ending with no character arc, and it was just so badly done.
The rescue was so dramatic, I didn't like that very much. I much preferred when MMC was a damsel in distress, and to suddenly have a role reversal and FMC was the one in trouble was jarring and unnecessary. I'd rather she save him from the panic attack than him coming to himself and having to save her.
All in all, the book wasn't for me. I didn't connect with the characters, and I honestly didn't care whether they got together or not. The backstory about MMC's parents was way more interesting for me. The writing was not my cup of tea, I definitely prefer books that show me what happens instead of having it all play out off-page. Even the ex had been more interesting than the main couple!

Thak you, NetGalley and Boldwood books for providing me with the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Heartwarming romance set in Somerset as an observatory is being decommissioned ready for demolition.

Charlotte is an astronomical archivist, who takes on a post over the summer to sort through and archive the remaining contents of the observatory before developers move in to develop the site into a new housing estate.

When she first bumps into Tristan they don't get off to the best start. He assumes she is a careless tourist, ill-dressed for the conditions and with an unruly dog he has to help rescue. Fortuitously, she is also staying next door to his grandma, who is able to employ a few little tactics to encourage their budding friendship and potential romance.

But as Charlotte sorts through the files she makes a surprising discovery, with links to a tragedy the family suffered years before.

A Sky Full of Stars is a heartfelt romance that features a unique premise and is set in an old observatory.

Charlotte travels around the country as an astronomical archivist. This summer she accepts a job in the village of Somerset where she will archive the contents of an old observatory before its demolition. She’s excited about preserving its treasures and meets Tristan who is managing the project. It turns out that Tristan has complicated feelings about the project and Charlotte’s work begins to expose the truth behind a family tragedy.

There’s a cute dog! (named Comet, of course!)

I enjoyed this unique and atmospheric setting! The author provides vivid descriptive details so that we can imagine ourselves in this abandoned observatory in an isolated setting. I also enjoyed the quaint community.

The author slowly unfolds this complicated family drama as Charlotte makes discoveries through her archival work. A Sky Full of Stars is an example of good balance between character-driven and plot-driven.

This heartfelt story includes many layers: a slow-burn romance with an entertaining first encounter (opposite of meet-cute), family tragedy, family secrets, grief, quaint rural community, family relationships, relatable characters, healing, and astronomy.

Content Consideration: death of parents (in the past)

Fans of a unique setting, complicated family drama, and slow-burn romance will likely enjoy this engaging and poignant story.

Thanks #NetGalley @BoldwoodBooks for a complimentary eARC of #ASkyFullOfStars upon my request. All opinions are my own.

Charlotte James is an astronomical archivist
So archiving an old observatory is a chance not to be missed.
Even though it mean working in an isolated place
Sorting it out before is demolished will set the pace.

There are complicated memories for many who live there
With family dramas and as well as history to share.
There are surprise findings and revelations, too,
As well as a mystery to work her way through!

A delightful dog, a lovely temporary landlady, too,
Grown up twins and so much to do.
Who'd have thought there'd also be a chance
For a truly heartwarming romance?

A story where discoveries made in the past
Are brought to light and understood at last.
There's grief, healing, love and danger, too
In this brilliant read I highly recommend to you!

For my copy of this book I say a huge thank you
As I share with you this, my honest review.

Fay Keening is another author who is new to me. However I loved this book. Given that it had been endorsed by one of my favourite authors Jessica Redland I knew it would be a book I would enjoy. And I wasn't disappointed. From the first page to the last I couldn't put it down. Just when you thought you knew the direction in which the story was going you found that it was going off in an another unexpected direction. If you are a fan of astronomy then this is definitely a book for you. Astronomy, mystery, love and cute dogs all combine to make this a great read. I'll certainly be reading more of Fay's works.
#BookTour

It is set in a Somerset village and features a unique female protagonist, Charlotte. The book's astronomical details give it an intrinsic authenticity and depth, skillfully woven with family drama, tragedy, and mystery. I like the main characters, who have experienced emotional heartaches, the village setting, the community we get to know, the friendship and the gentle romance.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

Thank you Netgalley and Boldwood Books for this arc.

I loved the astronomy parts of the story.  Charlotte's job is just so interesting and cool.  I have been a part of academe before so I kinda related to her a bit.  The competency and confidence in her job, how she knew about research ownership and authorship, knowing how and who to consult with, it just brought me back.  The constant presence of her loyal but sometimes naughty cocker spaniel, Comet (such a cool name!) is also one of things I liked about this book.  An MC who is a loving and responsible pet owner is immediately a big plus for me.

Having said that, it did start off a little slow. I didn't really feel the chemistry between the two leads.  I feel like they were not compatible enough. The romance could've taken a backseat and it wouldn't affect how the story unraveled, and I did like it towards the end.  I was wondering what the conflict could be and I'm satisfied with the resolution. (of the plot, not the romance)

3.5 stars.This book had an interesting vocation for the protagonist. Charlotte is an astronomical archivest. She is dealing with records from an old observatory prior to it being demolished. It also had some other characters that were mostly members of the same family. They had their family secrets and drama, and Charlotte is put right in the middle of them. She is renting a cottage from the elderly grandmother. She's also attracted to the grandson.

This book seemed to drag in places. I just wasn't really invested in the plot or the characters.

Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the e-book. All thoughts are my own.

I had not heard about an Astronomical Historical Archivist before reading this book and I found the job very interesting. Charlotte has been tasked with clearing an old astromy station which has been closed up for nearly 30 years. In its prime it was the site of an important scientific discovery, but now it is in disrepair and due for demolition.
As Charlotte learns more about the site, she also discovers that her landlady has a huge connection to the site, and that her grandson is to oversee the development.
Well written with some very interesting facts, I enjoyed this read very much.

I don’t know how much you know about eclipsing binary stars and the way new astronomical discoveries are recorded and attributed – I certainly learned a lot as I read this book, but (worry not!) the author always keeps the science the right side of understandable. But it’s also simply fascinating – there’s something I always rather enjoy about a book that sends me into Google’s depths with a thirst to find out more. But this book, of course, has a romance at its heart – with mystery, drama, family complications aplenty – and I must say I thoroughly enjoyed everything about it.

Charlotte is an astronomical archivist (go on, you might like to google too…) attached to the University of North West Wessex’s Astronomy Department – but with summer on an empty campus ahead, and the need for some distraction from her recently broken heart, accepts a summer assignment to archive the records of a decommissioned and soon to be demolished observatory in the Somerset village of Lower Brambleton. Her accommodation is the annex of Lorelei’s house, where she’s made particularly welcome – along with her characterful dog Comet, always at her side.

Her first contact with Tristan is less than auspicious – he’s the project manager for the housing development that will be built on the cleared site, and there’s a major misunderstanding about her right to be present on the rundown and dangerous site. But it turns out he’s one of the good guys at heart – and also one of Lorelei’s twin grandchildren, glad of her presence as the elderly lady seems to becoming increasingly confused. Their friendship grows, becoming a real and convincing romance – but Charlotte’s discoveries at the observatory threaten that, along with her strong sense of right and wrong, stirring up the past. Tristan has a particularly tragic family history, something he’s never fully come to terms with, and he’d far prefer that the memories remained buried.

All the characters in this book are beautifully drawn and developed – not just Charlotte and Tristan, both of whom I entirely took to my heart, but the supporting cast of friends, family and community too. The mystery that Charlotte uncovers certainly keeps the pages turning – deeply intriguing – and leads to some scenes of particularly well written drama. The author, as always, has a fine emotional touch – there’s plenty of lightness and laughter, real warmth to all the relationships (and I particularly shared the couple’s enjoyment of a day out in nearby Bristol, and the perfect spot where they shared their first kiss), but with some darker edges to the story sensitively handled and more than a touch of heartbreak.

And I have to say I thought it was the perfect start to a new series – with a few characters introduced whose stories are crying out for books of their own. I’ll be looking forward to more visits to Lower Brambleton – and this first-in-series is one I’d very much recommend.

A Sky Full of Stars by Fay Keenan

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

Charlotte James prefers having her head in the stars to having her feet on the ground.

Moving around for her job as an astronomical archivist gives Charlotte plenty of opportunity to avoid putting down roots. When she accepts a post in the idyllic Somerset village of Lower Brambleton to archive an old observatory before its demolition, all that is on her mind is a chance to preserve the treasures of this remarkable place and another summer without having to settle down.

Tristan Ashcombe is managing the development of Observatory Field and as far as he’s concerned, the sooner the observatory is razed to the ground the better. The building holds complicated memories for him and his family, memories he’s ready to put behind him.

But as Charlotte’s work begins to unravel mysteries from a complex past, she realises that there’s more to Tristan and Lower Brambleton than first impressions would suggest. Will Charlotte discover more than she bargained for, will she manage to avoid losing her heart in the process or is her fate already written in the stars?

My Opinion

A Sky Full of Stars was such an interesting premise. Charlotte and Tristan were both likeable characters although my favourite character was definitely Comet the dog. Fay Keenan is an author that I enjoy reading and A Sky Full of Stars was no exception. A delightful read.

Rating 4/5