Under the Stars presents a compelling narrative that integrates elements of mystery, romance, and historical drama. The novel is characterized by its richly atmospheric setting, which is skillfully rendered through Williams’s adept use of language and mood. While the storyline includes familiar tropes and some characters lack depth, the emotional trajectory—particularly that of Meredith—provides meaningful substance and emotional engagement.

This book is well-suited for readers who appreciate dual-timeline structures, are interested in maritime history, and enjoy exploring intergenerational relationships, especially those between mothers and daughters navigating themes of legacy and identity.

Overall, Under the Stars delivers a thoughtful and resonant reading experience. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

An enjoyable read, but ultimately a forgettable book. It deals with duel timelines with 3 main characters intersecting. A bit historical fiction, mystery and romance. I liked the character of Providence Dare and wanted more focus on her character.

3.75 stars rounded up! I didn't love this as much as 2024's Husbands & Lovers, but I did still really enjoy this book and Beatriz Williams' mix of historical fiction, mystery and romance with multiple timelines and POVs. I loved how complicated and strong-willed the main female characters were in this book. I also really loved Sedge and Mike and admired the way they loved and were obsessed with Audrey and Meredith. I most of all loved getting to see Monk and Mallory's well deserved HEA. While I didn't find all of the storylines as engaging as I did in Husbands and Lovers (mainly the Providence Dare storyline), I did find this to be a good and quick summer read! I flew through this book and liked how everything came together at the end and am hoping there's another upcoming book about Winthrop Island.

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Ballantine Books for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest review!

I enjoyed reading Under the Stars by Beatriz Williams. You will fall in love with all the characters. I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely. Happy Reading!

I absolutely loved this book. Beatriz has a way of telling a story for sure.
This story is incredibly moving, brilliantly written and will keep you turning the pages. I truly did not want this book to end. Williams is a master of storytelling.

This is my 2nd Beatriz Williams novel, and I think I am hooked! Winthrop Island is such a great place for these types of stories to be set in and the characters are complex, with connections that span generations. The author marries the different POV's well and really helps to bring everything together. I loved hearing about the present and also the past for some of the characters, and then the far past for others. The mix of family history and historical fiction that wasn't overdone is one of my favorite ways that authors write. Highly recommend and has a slight connection to Husbands and Lovers, which was so so fun!

4.5 stars, rounded up to 5.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

This is a book that captivated me from beginning to end! Beatriz Williams skillfully blends the stories of three strong women, in three separate timelines in this fascinating historical fiction and mystery, with a bit of romance. Audrey Fisher's husband has disappeared, so she agrees to return to Winthrop Island with her mother, Meredith Fisher, a glamorous screen actress, recently released from rehab. Both Audrey and Meredith have secrets from their past that still haunt them. The chapters devoted to Audrey and Meredith alternate with those that recount the history of the ill-fated luxury steamship Atlantic in 1846, and Providence Dare, a passenger who fled Boston and possible arrest. Providence's story is told in the form of journal entries and were my favorite part of the book. The history, the mystery, the danger and the romance swirl throughout the book in surprising twists that slowly reveal the secrets of each woman, as well as the connecting thread that ties their histories together. I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Thank you to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for my advance copy. The opinions of this review are my own.

Thank you to Ballentine Books and Net Galley for the advanced ebook copy. This is my 2nd Beatriz Williams novel. I was impressed with her handling of 3 timelines blending historical fiction with a romance. She created memorable characters with realistic relationships all the while allowing the reader to escape into another world. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a summer read with a few plot twists.

UNDER THE STARS is the latest compelling novel by Beatriz Williams. I have enjoyed many of this authors books in the past and was excited when I heard she had a new one out. I especially enjoyed her 2024 novel, HUSBANDS AND LOVERS, and was intrigued to see that this book shared a setting and a couple of characters with that book. UNDER THE STARS is told in three timelines across centuries and from the points of view of three women whose lives converge in unexpected ways. In 1846, Providence “Pru” Dare flees Boston aboard the luxury steamship, Atlantic, trying to evade arrest for the suspicious death of her employer. A catastrophic accident at sea causes the Atlantic to run aground on the rocky shore of Winthrop Island and Pru’s destiny will be changed forever. Renowned actress, Meredith Fisher, is forced to return to her summer home on Winthrop Island to sober up for her next film, but a tragic accident that occurred on the island years ago still haunts her. Meredith’s daughter, Audrey, is in charge of her mother’s detox, but Audrey’s relationship with her mother is complicated and she has another situation she is trying to work through. When Audrey discovers an old wooden chest in the cellar of her estranged father’s bar, its contents throw both everyone into a complex web of secrets from the past. The past and present storylines are full of intrigue, mystery, romance and history and are tied together seamlessly in the end. I enjoyed this book and look forward to whatever comes next from Beatriz Williams. Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the chance to read and review an early copy.

UNDER THE STARS
BY BEATRIZ WILLIAMS

This was a rich blend of historical fiction and mystery with a tolerable amount of romance stirred in. I say that as romance is not a favorite genre of mine.

Something that surprised me was that the oldest timeline (there were three) was the story of a New England shipwreck in 1846 and I found it fascinating. Usually I do not enjoy reading about ships, trains or submarines. Sounds like I have a bit of claustrophobia even when I am reading!

A well developed storyline let alone 3 timelines are difficult to manage but to also write interesting characters who develop well along the storyline are a thing of creative artistry.

In this novel Williams has fiesty women, a knight in shining armor and morally grey characters which are always fun to read, at least for me they are. The characters were constantly surprising me with their decisions and behavior.

This intriguing novel wove family history, mystery and romance in a most satisfying way.

The end of this story took me by complete surprise. I definetely did not see the huge buildup coming at all.

For me this was a 4.25 on a 5 star scale.

Having never before read Beatriz Williams’ work before I will definitely be looking to read another.

I want to thank Beatriz Williams, her publisher Ballantine Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this advanced copy of Under the Stars.

I loved this book. It was such a quick and engrossing read. I really couldn’t put it down. I’ve been reading and loving Beatriz Williams’ books for years but she seems to have switched into a new gear with Husbands and Lovers and now this book. These last two books have been more crowd pleasing and commercial but have not lost any of the historical charm of her previous books. Watching an established author make a change like this, so successfully, is pretty rare.
Under The Stars takes place on fictional Winthrop Island and tells the interconnected stories of three women, Providence Dare and Meredith and Audrey Fisher, a mother and daughter. We go back and forth in time as the different parts of the story become more clear. There are delightful Easter eggs throughout and a return of beloved characters from her earlier novels. This is a great story and a great summer read.
Thank you to Netgalley and Ballentine Books for an advanced copy of this book.

Thank you, Ballentine Books and NetGalley, for the advanced copy of Under the Stars.

I dare you to go into this one blind. Don't read the blurb, stop reading the comments, no more research. This is THE book. This book will keep you up at night reading. This book will have you thinking about it for days or weeks afterwards. I loved this book. You will get historical fiction, romance, contemporary... All of it in one little but mighty package. Dive in, the water's warm. You'll love it!!

I am such a fan of Beatriz Williams so I was ecstatic when Ballentine Books gifted me an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

I’m a huge fan of multiple/intertwining story lines so I knew this book would be right up my alley. I wasn’t expecting to love it so much. I read it a month ago and still can’t decide which storyline is my favorite. This is definitely a top 5 of 2025 for me! 10/10 stars

I read my first Beatriz Williams book last year, Husbands & Lovers, and absolutely loved it! And while this one had a different feel, despite returning to Winthrop Island, I immensely enjoyed it as well. Multiple and very unique characters and multiple timelines, each with an interesting story of their own, and then coming together so brilliantly in the end. The writing surrounding Providence’s story, occurring in the 1840s and during a catastrophic event, still had slow build lyrical feel to it. The characters are immensely flawed but still pull at your heartstrings. The banter is often brusque and witty all at once. I was engaged in all the timelines as the novel incorporated not only historical fiction, but romance and plenty of family drama.

Alternating between the three main characters and three time periods occurring in the 1840s, 1990s and present day. Audrey’s life is at a crossroads with a failed marriage and restaurant so when her actress mother, Meredith needs her to keep her on the straight and narrow for a month between rehab and filming, Audrey has no reason to say no. Except for the complicated relationship she has with her mother and returning to the island where her estranged father lives. Intertwined into their story, are the journal entries of Providence Dare as she escaped from arrest in Boston on a ship headed to NYC, only to have the shipwreck onto Winthrop Island one hundred years earlier.
Fans of Husbands & Lovers will be thrilled to get glimpses of some of their favorite characters, but you by no means need to read that one before this. This definitely reads as a standalone.

Under the Stars by Beatriz Williams

Thank You NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review! All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
Anytime I see a new novel by Beatriz Williams, I get so excited! I know I’m going to enjoy it! This novel is about family legacy – the hidden secrets and revealed truths that are passed down. Three women – three timelines. Providence Dare, 1846. She is abroad the steamship Atlantic when it runs aground. She barely survives, along with a few secrets, but she makes it to land and lives her life. Meredith Fisher, 1993. A tragic accident occurs that continues to haunt her throughout her life. She goes on to become a famous actress. Audrey Fisher, 2024. Meredith’s daughter. She has become a well-known chef, but her husband took all the money and left her high and dry. She needs to get her life back, so she is charged to take her mother, Meredith, to where it all began, and help sober her up. Winthrop Island in New England. Returning to this island bring back so many memories, most of them traumatizing and complicated Then Audrey discovers a trunk with paintings in her father’s bar. Who do these paintings belong to? Who painted them? What secrets are waiting to be discovered? What trauma and heartache are waiting to be laid to rest? This novel is about mothers and daughters, about love and risk, about secrets and truths – all throughout generations. Read this amazing novel when it comes out July 29, 2025!

This is a multi-generational story of three women who have to fight their own battles and demons to find success, love, and safety. Despite deeply different backgrounds, the similarities and ties between them are strong.

4.5 Stars rounded up.
Review contains spoilers.

A famous star of the big screen. Her daughter of uncertain paternity. A summer to rehab and dry out at the family compound on a rocky island near New York City and Long Island. Lovers, old and new.

What could go wrong?

When Audrey and Meredith showed up on Winthrop Island one summer to allow Meredith to dry out under her adult daughter’s watchful eye, little did they know the past would come back to haunt them in so many ways. Meredith intends to keep to herself and hide away, preparing for her next big screen role. Audrey decides to visit the dive bar owned and run by the man she believes is her estranged father, Mike. And the next thing you know, Audrey has burned down the kitchen of the bar!

Audrey begins a fling with a local who turns out to be a self- made millionaire, yet comes from a billionaire family. Together they decide to re-vamp Mike’s dive bar… and in so doing they find a trunk filled with artwork later confirmed to be priceless lost works by an 1800’s artist.

Interspersed in this story are excerpts from a shipwreck survivor, Providence Dare, who is the one responsible for bringing the artwork to the island in the 1800’s.

The story takes a desperate, fast paced turn when Audrey’s estranged husband shows up to steal some of the priceless artwork and shoots someone in the process.

The plot of “Under The Stars” moves along at a brisk pace and the character development is enough to allow the reader to care about the outcome of the story.

The last couple chapters seemed a little out of character with the rest of the book, as Audrey’s story switches from action to an internal struggle of who she is and what she wants to do next.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a complimentary copy of the ebook in exchange for an honest review.

An island connects three women across more than a hundred years

In 1846 Providence Dare snuck on to the steamship Atlantis, fleeing the police who accused her of murdering her employer, a well known painter. When the ship foundered off the coast of Winthrop Island she fought to survive the accident and evade the detective who pursued her. Many decades later Winthrop Island beauty Meredith Fisher grabbed Audrey, her daughter with local bartender Mike Kennedy, and left a tragic accident and her past behind her to forge a career in film. Now, in 2024, Meredith's career is fading and she is battling both past traumas and addiction, and she and Audrey return to the island so that she can (they both hope) sober up and salvage her last shot at maintaining her career. Audrey is a talented chef who has long struggled to escape the shadow of her glamorous (but, unbeknownst to her public, deeply troubled) mother., yet here she is yet again at her mother's beck and call. While on the island, known as a discreet haven for the well-to-do, a man connected with the tragedy that caused Meredith to flee years earlier turns up dead, a chest full of valuable paintings by the man Providence Dare was thought to have killed turns up, and Audrey's n'er do well husband arrives to cause trouble. What happened back in the 19th century with Providence and her employer? Where did the paintings come from, and to whom do they rightfully belong? What is the connection between the three women? And what does the future hold for both Meredith and Audrey?
Combining historical fiction, romance, family drama and mystery, Under the Stars is an intriguing tale set in the moneyed world of the fictional Winthrop Island. Told primarily from the alternating points of view of the three female characters (in the case of Providence via a manuscript she left behind detailing the sinking of the Atlantic), the storyline is an intriguing look at these complex women and their compelling stories. Those who prefer a chronological storyline may find the bouncing back and forth between time periods a distraction, though while I found that the transitions could have been smoother I was able to navigate the plot without much difficulty. The Providence part of the story went a little more heavily on the romance angle and less on the historical side of things in my opinion, but the more contemporary narratives I found engaging. In all, a solid 3.5 ⭐️ (rounded up to 4) novel, a great choice to toss into your beach/pool/lake bag and escape into a world of loves lost and found, overcoming trauma and uncovering the secrets of the island that connects them all. Readers of Audrey Niffenegger, Liv Constantine and Lisa Wingate, as well as fans of author Beatriz Williams' previous novels, will likely enjoy this latest offering. My thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine/Ballantine Books for allowing me access to this novel in exchange for my honest review.

Thanks to Ballantine Books and NetGalley for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

In the interest of honesty, the gorgeous cover is what initially drew me to this book. It’s so enticing – from the beautiful contrast between the title and the background, to the idyllic island scene beneath a bed of stars. Intoxicating.

Unfortunately, I didn’t connect with the content as well as I did with the cover. It’s my first book by Beatriz Williams, and I think that fact hindered my ability to enjoy this. Had I read her previous books in this “universe” (I was unaware this was part of a connected world to begin with – that’s on me), I think my review would be different. Those who have read the other books set on fictional Winthrop Island – HUSBANDS & LOVERS, THE SUMMER WIVES, THE BEACH AT SUMMERLY – would probably enjoy this more as an opportunity to dive deeper into that world. This could certainly be read as a standalone, but if you crave more of a connection with the side characters, I’d read the others first.

But, even if I’d known this was part of a universe, I still don’t know if I’d click well with this one, the way it was written. At times, it was hard to decipher which character was speaking, with many long-winded conversations that lack attributes. The story is so dense with flashbacks and backstories told within the chapters themselves (within a book that is already split into three different timelines) that it diverts the reader seemingly without warning. I typically enjoy books with multiple timelines, but this one just left me confused. I felt unable to connect with the characters while being whiplashed from time to time. Even the tense switches between first, second, and third person.

What I hoped for was a book with summery, coastal small-town vibes, and I don’t think this did it for me. It ended up being a bit of a genre-bender, between mystery, historical, and literary, and I’m not entirely sure how to classify it. The final 25 percent took quite a turn for the dramatic – but that’s the part of the book I enjoyed the most. Ultimately, I was left with lots of questions about some of the plotlines, as many threads were left unfinished. The characters, albeit vivid, were unlikable across the board, and every name seemed to start with “M” – Meredith, Mike, Monk, Mallory…?

I truly, truly wish this book were as good as its cover.

Underneath the Stars brings us back to Winthrop Island, where Audrey has found herself as a sobriety coach to her famous actress mother, Meredith. They have a strained relationship, yet as an only child, Audrey is obligated to help her mother recover from a recent bender and get her back to acting. Both mother and daughter struggle with trusting others and commitment, and when romances enter their lives they are forced to come to terms with past traumas. The story alternates with a historical shipwreck which took place near the island and involved a woman distinctly related to the family who was embroiled in her own drama. Beatriz Williams weaves the tale between two histories of secret relationships featuring strong female characters.

A slow build, I enjoyed the central storyline between Meredith and Audrey as they connected with one another and battled inner demons. I recently read Husbands and Lovers and was thrilled to revisit Monk and Mallory’s world and hear more from Sedge. It was a slow build and this book hit its stride around the 70% mark and I was hooked. There was a lot of drama in the final chapters and it made it an entertaining read. I found Dare’s manuscript somewhat dry until the juicy secrets were revealed, but the anticipation was worth it. Another great beach read from Beatriz Williams!