I really enjoyed this multi-pov family drama. The contemporary timeline fits well with the two past timelines to create an engaging story that I wanted to see to completion.

Overall, an engaging read if you like strong female charaters, multiple timelines and just a hint of mystery.


Thanks to Netgalley for my e-arc.

I read Husbands and Lovers by Beatriz Williams about 9 months ago and really enjoyed it. So I knew when I saw her book available to request on NetGalley that I had to request it. Thankfully I was approved. I actually went into reading it blind; I just knew I wanted to read it because of the author. As I was reading it I came across the name Monk Adams and I was thinking it seemed so familiar to me. Duh…he was a character from Husbands and Lovers! In my review of that book I wrote that I wished there was an epilogue…I got my epilogue! Along with a great story about Audrey, Sedge, Meredith, and Mike. This is told from multiple timelines with an important story line of historical fiction mixed in. This was much more effective in this book than what I felt Husbands and Lovers was. Everything tied together really well and made for a very engaging story and a great kick off to July reading. Audrey is tasked with taking her famous mother Meredith to Winthrop Island to dry out so that she can get her acting career back on track. The timing couldn’t be better because Audrey is suddenly left behind by her business partner husband who has completely disappeared. The stories that unfold and intertwine along with the story of the doomed passenger ship the Atlantic in the 1800s kept me reading all day and into the wee hours of the morning. I definitely think you need to read Husbands and Lovers before this one although they are both standalone novels. This comes out July 29th so you’ve got time. Thank you to @netgalley and @ballantinebooks for this advance readers copy of @authorbeatriz book.

“You either leave or you get left.”

Under The Stars by Beatriz Williams is a phenomenal contemporary historical fiction novel that will leave you mesmerized! In a compelling story of three women told in multiple points of view, secrets emerge, mysteries are uncovered, and romances bloom.

After famous actress Meredith Fisher reaches rock bottom and must stay out of the public eye, her daughter Audrey begrudgingly takes on the role of “supervisor” to make sure she stays sober during the summer. Returning to Winthrop Island, Audrey and Meredith soon reunite with Mike, owner of The Mohegan Inn, and Audrey’s father. While renovating The Mo, a trunk filled with real Henry Irving paintings is found, depicting a woman whom Mike believes may be his relative from the 1800s. This begins a search into the past, and the tale of the tragic Steamship Atlantic that grounded on the rocks in Winthrop Island on Thanksgiving Day in 1846. Providence Dare – maid to Irving and on that fateful boat ride trying to escape her past – may just be the link that brings this family full circle.

Simply, I am a fan of Williams (and of Winthrop Island)! I don’t care what happens there – sign me up to read about it! This author skillfully weaves together an event (the Steamship Atlantic tragedy really occurred) from the past and ties it in perfectly with today’s culture. I have never been a huge historical fiction fan, but between Kristin Hannah and Beatriz Williams – I am quickly changing my tune.

The characters are well developed, and the setting is picturesque. I admit I was not a fan of Audrey’s in the beginning – she was too sharp around the edges, but little by little she grows on you, and you soon root for her happy ending.

While Husbands & Lovers is still my favorite Williams book (and I loved the continuation with Mallory and Monk here), this novel has a lot to offer – this was SO MUCH more than a romance novel. My only gripe (if you can call it that) is that I don’t really understand the book’s title after reading the story – maybe Mothers & Daughters would have been more fitting.

I give this 4.6 stars and will recommend this novel to all my girlfriends!

I was super excited to receive this arc from NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

“Because that’s how love works. Love does not keep a balance sheet. Love does not keep score. Love just gives.”

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc and to PRH Audio for the alc.

This novel was just ok in my opinion. I thought there were too many POVs, with the weakest being the 1846 timeline, and the strongest being Audrey. I have enjoyed other Beatriz Williams novels, but this one was not my favorite, unfortunately. I did enjoy the audiobook though.

I love Beatriz WIlliam's books and this one is no exception. I enjoyed so much about this book. I loved getting to see Mallory and Monk again. I loved that Meredith started in movies based on William's novels. I especially loved that Meredith's first big role was as Pepper Schuyler. It seems that these two are kindred spirits. And of course I loved the historical aspect that ties in with what is happening in the present. There is so much to enjoy about William's books.

Meredith is an actress that has made the tabloids one too many times for bad behavior. She has been offered the role that will revive her career, however she made the news again by being in a drunk driving accident. Audrey, her daughter is tasked with making sure she is sober from April until August. Audrey must uproot her life and go to Winthrop Island with Meredith. Audrey has her own tragedies to deal with, the loss of her dog, and the disappearance of her husband. While on the Island, Audrey looks up her father, Mike Kennedy. This reconnection leads to Audrey working in his Inn, and accidently setting the kitchen on fire. The fire leads to the story of Providence Dare and missing paintings.

The renovation of the restaurant leads to Audrey setting up her dream kitchen with the help of Sedge. There is some love stories, Audrey and Sedge, Mike and Meredith, and Providence and Henry?.

This story drew me in and keep in intrigued from the sinking of the Atlantic, the disappearance of Audrey's husband, the mystery of what happened when Meredith became pregnant with Audrey. I loved the ending and honestly hope to see more of these characters in a future book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Ballentine Books for the ARC of this ebook. All opinions expressed are my own.

Under the Stars by Beatriz Williams blends historical fiction with a touch of romance, set against a richly detailed backdrop that instantly drew me in.

What I loved most was how vividly Williams brought the setting and characters to life. The way she weaved together different timelines added depth and kept me curious about how everything would connect. The characters felt complex and real, and their emotions came through in a way that felt genuine.

The pacing was steady, giving me time to settle into the story without any rush. There were moments of tension and tenderness that balanced each other well. I especially appreciated the way the romance unfolded naturally alongside the broader themes.

If I had one small critique, it’s that at times the story felt a little slow, but the beautiful writing and strong character development kept me hooked throughout.

This book was a fast paced read for me. I loved Hisbands and Lovers but this book to me had more depth. Multiple storylines, including some familiar characters explored various topics. Love, betrayal, forgiveness, and second chances all wrapped into one.

Love Beatriz Williams books. She never disappoints.

This book takes us back to Winthrop Island and weaves two stories into one. The first story is a hundred years ago with a shipwreck of The Atlantic and reads from the diary of Providence Dare.

Fast forward to modern times when actress Meredith and her daughter, Audrey, are on a drying out adventure. Well, the drying out is for Meredith and Audrey is supposed to be her "minder". Meredith relives memories from before her daughter was born. In 2024, Meredith's long time on again/off again boyfriend (also Audrey's father) makes an appearance. As Audrey and her dad get to know each other, Audrey's romantic life takes a turn.

Lots of stories that are all interconnected and pull their lives together.

The men definitely steal the show in this novel. From Mike the curmudgeonly bar owner to Sedge the dashing, young hero - the men are very likeable characters and you find yourself cheering for them throughout the book.

I typically don't have a problem with jumping between timelines, but this one was a bit hard. While I really enjoyed the 1993 and 2024 stories and how they intertwined and how the stories of these two timelines came to life, the 1846 timeline about the sinking of the Atlantic steamship just never drew me in. I kept wanting to skip those chapters completely. At the end of the book, you finally find out why it was included in the book; but I wish it had just been a prologue instead of bouncing back and forth to it. Other than that, the story was quite enjoyable.

A solid 3.5 stars.

Thank you to Ballantine Books and Net Galley for this advanced readers copy.

Beatriz Williams takes us back to the shores of Winthorp Island in “Under The Stars,” and honestly, this might be her most emotionally gripping story yet. The way she jumps between three different timelines—a stormy shipwreck in 1846, Meredith’s messy past, and Audrey’s current life drama—shows us how our histories keep shaping who we are, whether we like it or not.

This book really shines in how it tackles that complicated mother-daughter relationship. Meredith Fisher, the alcoholic actress trying to clean up her act, and her chef daughter Audrey aren’t just flat characters—they’re real women with serious baggage. Their sharp-tongued exchanges cut deep but also crack with humor that makes you wince and laugh at the same time.

Then there’s that mysterious chest of paintings that breaks everything wide open. Each canvas works double-duty—moving the plot forward while revealing another layer of buried island secrets. The scenes aboard the doomed Atlantic ship feel so real you’ll swear you can taste salt on your lips and feel the deck rocking beneath you.

Anyone who loved Williams’ earlier Winthorp books will eat up the deeper dive into familiar places and especially Sedge’s expanded story. The island itself practically breathes on the page—those rocky shorelines and fancy communities hiding both shiny wealth and darker truths.

And that audiobook version? The full cast absolutely nails every snarky comment and heartfelt moment across all three timelines. “Under The Stars” goes beyond typical historical fiction—it shows us how we all navigate the storms that threaten to sink us.

Special thanks to PRH Audio, Ballantine Books, and NetGalley for providing the advance review copy, though all opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Sadly, this is a big miss for me. I loved Husbands and Lovers, but this one just did not capture my attention like that one did. I also felt the pacing was slow - too slow for my liking.

So much to unpack and so much to savor in Beatriz Williams latest historical fiction novel, Under the Stars. Famous families, mother/daughter drama, and a need to escape intermingle with a centuries old unsolved mystery involving the dawn of the steamship era and long lost love. There’s a lot going on, but with Ms. Williams masterful storytelling, the writing is clear and concise, leading to a beautifully told story that you won’t soon forget.

Thank you so much for allowing me to read this beautiful novel in exchange for my honest review. Beatriz Williams has such a beautiful writing style and I have loved every novel of hers. This one is no exception. It caught me from the very beginning. I enjoyed the multiple storylines and timelines equally and was always desperate to read more until I finished. I highly recommend this to anyone who loves a very well written and powerful historical fiction novel. I can’t wait for more from this author!

Thank you net galley and publisher for this ARC. This book had the author’s signature writing style and I enjoyed learning about the characters and story line.

In Under the Stars, Audrey Fisher, a talented chef, returns with her glamorous, troubled actress mother Meredith to their childhood summer getaway on Winthrop Island. They uncover a hidden cache of paintings in an old chest that ties them to Providence Dare, a woman who vanished from a luxury steamship in 1846. As long-buried secrets come to light, the lives of three women across two centuries intertwine in a beautifully woven tale of legacy, love, and mystery.

Somewhere before the halfway mark of this book I knew I absolutely loved it. It was such a unique blend of historical and contemporary fiction, love story, family drama, and suspenseful mystery that I couldn’t put it down. I picked it up a few days before the end of the month, not thinking I’d count it towards my reading goals, but I tore through it in record time because it was utterly addictive and propulsive. I was reading it on my lunch break, while pedaling my Peloton, and in every spare moment I could find.

Williams plants these adorable Easter eggs in her books for readers of her previous novels, and Under the Stars is no exception. It’s like a sweet secret between us. She does it deftly and creatively, and it’s so much fun as a reader. The characters are ones I completely connected with. Each one is fully developed, complex, and fascinating. There’s beautiful character work here. Hearing the story through each character’s viewpoint made everything feel more relevant and immersive.

This is an absolute must-read and I can see it being one of the hottest titles of the year. Five full stars from me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group ‑ Ballantine for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Beatriz Williams is a auto buy for me. Under the Stars was another strong historical meets contemporary fiction novel. As with her previous books the novel unfolds in such a way to keep you guessing as to who really did what and why. Every chapter led to more questions until the final climax when it was beautifully woven together…

I thank NetGalley for an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you to Ballantine Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early digital copy of UNDER THE STARS by Beatriz Williams. This was my second book by this author, and while it didn’t beat Husbands & Lovers (which I gave five big fat stars) I really enjoyed it!

There is a lot going on in this book, and it would be difficult to sum it up in a short paragraph, so I won’t try. All I’ll say is it’s half contemporary fiction, half historical fiction, based on the true story of the sinking of the luxury steamship Atlantic off the New England coast in 1847. The story is set on the fictional Winthrop Island, which is also the setting of Husbands & Lovers, and a couple of William’s other books. There’s romance, mystery, and characters who feel real. The setting is gorgeous and it’s difficult to guess how this one will end. Williams expertly crafts dialogue that makes you forget you’re reading.

I was more interested in the contemporary story than I was in the historical fiction half, which is unusual for me, but the entire book is just plain good. Everything ties in neatly in the end. Fans of Elin Hilderbrand will likely also enjoy this one.

Spoiler alert: Beatriz Williams is one of my favorite authors. I have read all of her books and loved them.. Under the Stars is my favorite. It revolves around an aging, narcissistic Hollywood star and her daughter, who is in charge of keeping her mother sober, which is no small feat. They are
visiting their Summer home on a small New England island chock-full of quirky and intriguing characters. There is also a mystery about the death of a boyfriend that the star dated as a teen. The chemistry between the mother and daughter reminded me of Deborah and Ava on Hacks. I love Beatriz Williams' writing as well as her knack for creating believable characters that seem to jump off the pages. The narration was superb.

I was SO excited for this book after loving husbands and lovers and thought it would be similar. It was really hard to get through and unfortunatley, I felt no attachment to any character or storyline,

Beatriz Williams is one of my favorite authors. I never really liked historical fiction until I read her work. I literally couldn't put this book down. So good!