UNDER THE STARS
BY: BEATRIZ WILLIAMS

I decided that although I should be reading the ARCS in order, since I'm very behind I said to myself: Why not give myself a treat, and read one of my favorite Authors which is BEATRIZ WILLIAMS, who is the only author I know who blends my two favorite genres. Which are Literary Fiction, (in this case General Fiction, Adult), with Historical Fiction. I don't know for sure how she does it, but this was masterfully written, and it might not be for everyone, since the dialogue between a daughter named Audrey, and her mother and father who never married use the (F) bombs between one another which I don't know if that could be correctly classified as Literary, but it has that feel to it, regardless. They didn't mind it, and, or more to the point I didn't mind, it just surprised me, but this managed to deliver something that will appeal to most readers which is to include a mystery having to do with a real factual shipwreck that occurred in 1846, as it made its voyage from Boston that had meant to reach its destination in New York. Among the historical chapters is a woman aboard named Providence Dare, who is one of the passengers aboard that is fleeing Cambridge on a steamship called, 'The Atlantic' that got caught up in a Gale storm with an explosion, and it's outcome took place in New England's freezing waters. This happened on the night before Thanksgiving where it's close to where the author lives. What a little known tragedy that was brought vividly to life in the historical timeline based on gripping details that serve to make this all the more sad, knowing that it really happened. What I don't understand is why a couple of ships that seemed to be coming to its rescue turned around leaving me all the more confused as to why? What is a poignant, family saga in the present timeline that has been written with the 2024, present about mothers and daughters and this is an edge of your seat, UNPUTDOWNABLE mystery in both past, and a haunting mystery during the present, also. It contains a heartfelt, Author's Note, which most readers who love Historical Fiction are really appreciative to know what parts are factual, versus which aspects are the product of an Author's fertile imagination? You find those answers with the author listing some books to further read, since she also in my humble opinion paid homage and did those brave souls justice by illuminating their legacies by writing about them. Sometimes it's a bit disappointing to learn, when you are intrigued as I was, about how well written, and real the fictional features felt when expertly crafted and sketched so authentically, as was done in this novel, a few minutes to readjust your surprise, especially when you're attached to a certain impression of the storytelling, this happen where the narrative has been so convincingly depicted. Then after knowing where a creative licence was used it made me quickly realize who the heroes are that made me want to honor them by remembering what they did, and this was strong writing and storytelling. The reader in me that partly reads to learn quickly overlooked my shock at learning the things that now make sense weren't real, and the things that I thought were fiction, were all too real, and I still feel sad, but for me it makes this a significant portion of the circumstances more compelling. I admire Beatriz Williams huge heart as she explained with candor how she thinks about those lost in this tragedy, since she lives close by where this little known shipwreck happened, and it gives a glimpse into her huge heart that has accomplished to honor those who perished by her meticulous research where she will reach a vast amount of untold infinite number of readers who will be moved, and also remember, and hopefully honor those who deserve to be when they finish this. Especially after reading her Author's Note. It starts out with a bang that offers a mystery in not just the historical period, but also in the 2024 timeline, that made this such a spectacular achievement that moves seamlessly back and forth in time where I read it with rapt attention. Never once becoming confused, or annoyed since I LOVED EVERY PART OF IT. I started noticing references made throughout this highly appealing novel that those familiar with her work will be delighted in this clever concept that I've never seen it done by her before, but new readers don't need to worry if this is your first time reading this author's work. I have a feeling that this is going to be a huge hit even though she's already a bestselling novelist, this will be one that she said just made the deadline, to me I predict this has something to offer everyone as it may be her most compelling and unforgettable novel, yet. It truly deserves to reach as wide of an audience as possible. As I was reading this I wondered how a catastrophic incident that happened two centuries ago, was going to converge with the modern day era? is the author's creativity with the sections of alternating chapters feature Providence Dare on the steamship, called 'The Atlantic,' that sank in New England that had been paid tribute by this author in "UNDER THE STARS," had many drown, and some survive, which has a very Gothic feel which Beatriz Williams alternates with chapters on Audrey and Her mother Meredith, her father Mike Kennedy that the dialogue richly woven tapestry had managed to deliver much humor in otherwise new to me way of all the swearing, potentially making this one my absolute favorite (I have one other), but this is so brilliantly executed with me very sad to have finished it. Make sure to put this on your TBR list as this is one that is certain to be one, that you will find is rare, and her most ambitious novels that will be relatable, as it is STUNNING! There is also a bit of romance, but with a completely lovable cast. I have said I loved the whole book, but I haven't summarized the contemporary portion, since I have focused more on the historical aspect since I don't want to make this too long, and I would rate this one-hundred stars if I could. It's contemporary realism that I began by saying that I haven't encountered the amount of swearing before by this author that might be because it's historical section is darker, but I can empathize how the author might have written about her historical event being so close to her home. The novel is still flawless and it will be one I will be buying the physical hard cover, which I only do for the lifetime favorites, and yes, this ticks all the boxes that is everything the best novels do. I can't stop thinking about it.

Publication Date: July 25, 2025

Thank you to Net Galley, Beatriz Williams, and Random House Publishing Group Ballantine Ballantine Books for generously providing me with my SPECTACULAR ARC, in exchange for a fair and honest review. All of the opinions are entirely my own, as always.

#UndertheStars #BeatrizWilliams #RandomHousePublishingGroupBallantineBallantineBooks #NetGalley

Just finished Under The Stars by Beatriz Williams, and wow—this one might be her best yet. I've read most of her books, and this one completely pulled me in. The story unfolds through three different timelines, each following a woman who's got her own set of struggles and flaws. Most of the characters are a little rough around the edges, but that just made them feel more real and relatable. I genuinely liked each of them and was invested in each story. As the plot unfolds, the story lines start to connect and intertwine. I honestly couldn’t put it down. If you're already a fan of Williams, this is a must-read. If you're new to her, this might just be the perfect place to start.

Beatriz Williams is clearly one of the best authors in historical fiction. Every time I read one of her books, I proclaim that book to be my favorite. Its's no different with Under the Stars.

Audrey Fisher has been tasked to act as a sober coach for her movie star mother, Meredith Fisher. Meredith's storied career is at risk unless she remains sober. Audrey herself is processing a recent painful breakup with her husband. So a summer spent on the remote Winthrop island at their family home, Greyfriars, should be a quiet diversion for both women. That is until Audrey discovers a treasure trove of priceless very old paintings that have been in the basement of her estranged father, Mike Kennedy's bar. The paintings depict a mysterious woman, Providence Dare, who they believe may be Mike's ancestor. We learn about Providence, who in 1846 is flees Boston, in the midst of a murder charge, aboard the steamship Atlantic. Tragically the ship is grounded off the coast of Winthrop. The story of these three women are entwined through centuries of family secrets and tragedy.

If you've read Williams' other books, you will note she leaves us lots of Easter Eggs to discover and revisits beloved characters...hello Monk!

Once again, Beatriz Williams delivers! #Beatrizbinge

Under the Stars by Beatriz Williams completely swept me away to coastal New England. The story follows Audrey, a talented chef trying to step out of her movie star mother’s shadow, and Meredith, a glamorous but troubled actress battling her demons. During their return to Winthrop Island, Audrey discovers a chest of mysterious paintings in her father’s old cellar. I loved the dual timeline that connected them to Providence Dare, the 19th century woman fleeing scandal. This book is full of mystery, romance, and buried secrets. It’s emotional and gorgeously written, just another reason why I adore Beatriz Williams. Her storytelling never disappoints! This was such an excellent read, and I’m already looking forward to reading more of her novels.

Under the Stars by Beatriz Williams is a great historical fiction that you should add to your list.

I have enjoyed several books by Ms. Williams in the past, and I can this one to that list. She creates an interesting dual timeline with a character cast that is engaging, and keeps the reader on their toes with a few twists and mysteries sprinkled throughout.

If you are a fan of historical fiction, entertaining female characters, and enjoy the author’s previous works, then this novel is for you.

4.5/5 stars

Thank you NG and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Ballantine Books for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 7/29/25.

I love Beatriz Williams and was so excited to read her newest. You have to pick this up if you’re a fan of her previous work! Such a great storyline with interesting cast of characters.

This is my favorite Beatriz Williams book! Once again, she wrote a beautiful story with amazing characters.