When the Stars Fall Down

WHEN THE STARS FELL DOWN is a very nice Anne Stuart story, but I mistakenly thought this was a new book. It is not; it is the re-release (reworked and reedited perhaps?) of a rather old AS book from 1985 called ‘Banish Misfortune’. The book does have a rather meaty storyline for a category romance.

When we first meet heroine of the piece, Jessica, her almost-fiance is trying to pimp her out to seal a business deal. Springer McDowell (terrible name for an H) comes east from his home in California to try to repair his relationship with his father. He sleeps with Jessica after he rescues her from the lecherous businessman, and an attraction forms between the two of them.

Jessica then disappears to a marvelous isolated house on a Vermont lake (Vermont is almost another character in the book) and meets a Scotsman and an intriguing neighbor. The story unfolds amazingly easily; but always in surprising and honest ways. I enjoyed it, and I can understand why it is so beloved by Anne Stuart fans. Stuart always writes it straight; no one is perfect in her books, even the leads, nor is anyone completely painted black.

WHEN THE STARS FELL DOWN is a very good story, if dated. I do wish I had known this was such an old Harlequin category romance before I began reading it. I would have read it anyway, as I adore AS; but I would have been more prepared for the dated storyline.

Mo one who knows Jessica Hansen would guess that behind her successful life and calm demeanor, lies a frightened and conflicted woman. She makes a monumental error in judgment and flees to an old house in Vermont to try ro start over. Just when Jessica believes she can get past her mistakes, her biggest mistake shows up on the doorstep, threatening everything she’s built. Stuart is one of my favorite suspense authors, her characters are so multi-layered and complex

Anne Stuart creates a sizzling romance with heroine Jessica Hansen. She is climbing the corporate ladder but her morals are being compromised on her way to the top. When she meets Springer, she can't deny the chemistry between them and it makes her question how important her career is. Jessica is given a new challenge to ghostwrite the Matt Decker series so she goes to Vermont to start her new career. Springer soon follows and they fall in love. I would have liked Springer to have been reconciled with his Dad. Otherwise a wonderful, romantic, escapist read. Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for allowing me to review this book.

This story, like most of Anne Stuart’s stories, is not a light-hearted read but that is why I do not hesitate to grab new book when they are available Her stories are very well written, with interesting plots and somewhat flawed characters that struggle to find happiness.

Jessica Hansen's success in the business world and to a far lesser degree her personal life is due in large part to her icy calm, which helps her cope with a painful past. However, her ability to remain calm is shattered when she meets Springer MacDowell, her best friend's son. One decision sets off a series of actions that rips apart her methodically planned life.

Retreating to her best friend’s old summerhouse in Vermont, Jessica slowly learns to accept new friendships, her past, and the new family she is making one day at a time. She has altered her future, until Springer comes back into her life, ready to shatter the tenuous peace she has found. Together they heal to find their happiness. I enjoyed this story.

It's been awhile since I read an Anne Stuart book but its usually a romantic suspense plot. But When The Stars Fall Down is definitely something quite different. Its purely contemporary romance with a female protagonist that is extremely broken on the inside despite her icy facade hiding it very well. In terms of character development and emotional depth this is definitely Anne Stuart. The author never pulls any punches and this is no exception. What Jessica's character has gone through and continuously is going through hits a lot of truths. Springer's character on the other hand is also typical Ms. Stuart, she does asshole heroes really well and this guy is no exception. These heroes also get their comeuppance eventually. This book has a lot of triggers for women and the way Springer and Jessica get together will probably not agree well with some readers. Nevertheless When The Stars Fall Down is a compelling read, uncomfortable, emotional, often times almost hopeless but it does really great in eventually lifting up the human spirit.