Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.99 AVERAGE
3.99 AVERAGE
This book has a great premise - and it really captured me, that’s why I finished reading it - but where it fell short was the actual character and storyline development. I thought it took far too long for the characters and their personalities/traits to be established well enough for me as a reader to feel comfortable with them, and thus the setup of the story took most of the book as well. This left such a short portion of the book to resolve the plot and the relationships between characters that I found it rushed and felt that certain pieces fell into place a little *too* well to make for a satisfying end. All in all, it’s not a waste of a read by any means, but I felt that it could be better.
Absolutely loved this novel. This domestic fiction story seems to appear as a fantasy read at first. But dwell further into the story, much more revelations pop up in the characters' pasts. Read about how Joanna Teal mends to Ursa's losting of a home. As her neighbor Gabe was recruited to help by Joanna, and as they take longer to take Ursa to the police, the more they all fall in love with one another.
fast-paced
Summary
Where the Forest Meets the Stars is a mesmerizing and poignant novel that follows Joanna Teale, a young scientist reeling from the loss of her mother and her own battle with breast cancer. When a mysterious child named Ursa appears at her cabin, Jo's life is forever changed. As Jo and her reclusive neighbor Gabriel Nash work to uncover Ursa's past, they find themselves drawn into a world of wonder and magic.
Characters
Joanna Teale is a complex and relatable protagonist, whose struggles with grief and trauma make her a deeply human character. Ursa is an enchanting and mysterious child, whose presence sparks a sense of wonder and magic. Gabriel Nash is a brooding and introspective love interest, whose painful past and quiet strength add depth to the story.
Trigger Warnings
This novel contains mature themes, including grief, trauma, cancer, and abuse. However, these elements are handled sensitively and respectfully.
Favorite Quotes
"The stars are like diamonds scattered across the velvet expanse, and I feel small yet connected to everything." This quote captures the essence of Ursa's magical presence and the sense of wonder she inspires.
Overall Review
Where the Forest Meets the Stars is a breathtakingly beautiful novel that will capture your heart and imagination! Glendy Vanderah's writing is luminous and evocative, weaving together a poignant and magical story that explores the complexities of grief, trauma, and love. The characters are richly drawn and relatable, and the plot is both suspenseful and deeply moving. While some plot twists felt slightly predictable, the overall narrative is engaging and emotionally resonant. I highly recommend this novel to fans of magical realism, women's fiction, and stories about the power of love and redemption. Rating: 4.5/5 stars.
Where the Forest Meets the Stars is a mesmerizing and poignant novel that follows Joanna Teale, a young scientist reeling from the loss of her mother and her own battle with breast cancer. When a mysterious child named Ursa appears at her cabin, Jo's life is forever changed. As Jo and her reclusive neighbor Gabriel Nash work to uncover Ursa's past, they find themselves drawn into a world of wonder and magic.
Characters
Joanna Teale is a complex and relatable protagonist, whose struggles with grief and trauma make her a deeply human character. Ursa is an enchanting and mysterious child, whose presence sparks a sense of wonder and magic. Gabriel Nash is a brooding and introspective love interest, whose painful past and quiet strength add depth to the story.
Trigger Warnings
This novel contains mature themes, including grief, trauma, cancer, and abuse. However, these elements are handled sensitively and respectfully.
Favorite Quotes
"The stars are like diamonds scattered across the velvet expanse, and I feel small yet connected to everything." This quote captures the essence of Ursa's magical presence and the sense of wonder she inspires.
Overall Review
Where the Forest Meets the Stars is a breathtakingly beautiful novel that will capture your heart and imagination! Glendy Vanderah's writing is luminous and evocative, weaving together a poignant and magical story that explores the complexities of grief, trauma, and love. The characters are richly drawn and relatable, and the plot is both suspenseful and deeply moving. While some plot twists felt slightly predictable, the overall narrative is engaging and emotionally resonant. I highly recommend this novel to fans of magical realism, women's fiction, and stories about the power of love and redemption. Rating: 4.5/5 stars.
Loveable characters:
Yes
Very boring writing, not emotive, repetitive, no plot, no interesting characters.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Wow!!!
I truly truly enjoyed every second of this book!! For me it was a book that made me feel! If a book can do that it is always high on my list!!
Ursa is such a special person and someone that will help you see all the good in life. She lives for the little moments and looking at the world through her eyes was always refreshing!
Jo and Gabe to me are characters that you hardly ever read about. A cancer survivor and a guy with depression. They are both so special!
I would truly love to have a book that continued on with their life to see how it all played out!
I truly truly enjoyed every second of this book!! For me it was a book that made me feel! If a book can do that it is always high on my list!!
Ursa is such a special person and someone that will help you see all the good in life. She lives for the little moments and looking at the world through her eyes was always refreshing!
Jo and Gabe to me are characters that you hardly ever read about. A cancer survivor and a guy with depression. They are both so special!
I would truly love to have a book that continued on with their life to see how it all played out!
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes