bookmarkedbybecky 's review for:

Under the Stars: A Novel by Beatriz Williams

4.25

adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful informative mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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Beatriz Williams is back with another story from Winthrop Island, and I couldn’t be more excited to return. Under the Stars combines many elements that I love in a summer read: a touch of romance, a hint of mystery, plenty of family drama, and her signature layered historical fiction.

This story unfolds across three timelines and features three POVs. I’ll be honest - at first, I struggled to understand how everything connected. However, in classic Williams fashion, everything comes together beautifully by the end.

The Fisher women (who carry two of the timelines) absolutely stole the show for me. They’re fiery, foul-mouthed, and you can't help but root for them. Meredith and Audrey’s messy mother-daughter dynamic felt raw and real, and their romantic entanglements were just as chaotic. I found myself laughing out loud more than once at their banter.

The third timeline focuses on Providence Dare and a shipwreck. Initially, this timeline moved slowly for me, but once the ship began sinking and secrets started to emerge, I was completely hooked.

I also have to give a shoutout to some fantastic side characters - Mike and Sedge were both standouts, and I loved every scene they were in.

The ending was terrific, but I’ll admit, I didn’t want it to end. I would’ve happily stayed on Winthrop Island for another chapter or two. Here’s hoping Beatriz Williams takes us back next summer. 🤞

Final Verdict 👍: Loved it. Smart, funny, dramatic, and full of heart.