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The Stars Don't Lie
A man who thought he put his shattered past behind him embarks on a reflective journey home in a heartfelt novel by the bestselling author of The Singing Trees and A Spanish Sunrise.
Haunted by a tragic decision he made twenty years ago, veterinarian Dr. Carver Livingston has not once returned to his Vermont hometown. Now his parents’ impending divorce and his mother’s plea for support lure Carver to a reluctant homecoming. His sweep into Teterbury, save a marriage, and get out before anyone else from his past knows he was even there. Fate has other plans.
It’s hard to hide from former friends. Harder still to fight old feelings for the crushing and beautiful high school soulmate whom he dreams of pursuing again. And Mrs. Cartwright, his fragile English teacher, who once pulled Carver out of sadness. She taught him to always look up and to see life’s grander perspective in the stars. Now it’s Carver’s turn to help Mrs. Cartwright find those bright lights in the dark.
Against his need to leave, Carver decides to stay longer, as he, his mother and father, and Mrs. Cartwright are all at turning points in their lives. Hope is not lost. If they look up, they’ll see that tonight, the stars still shine.
Haunted by a tragic decision he made twenty years ago, veterinarian Dr. Carver Livingston has not once returned to his Vermont hometown. Now his parents’ impending divorce and his mother’s plea for support lure Carver to a reluctant homecoming. His sweep into Teterbury, save a marriage, and get out before anyone else from his past knows he was even there. Fate has other plans.
It’s hard to hide from former friends. Harder still to fight old feelings for the crushing and beautiful high school soulmate whom he dreams of pursuing again. And Mrs. Cartwright, his fragile English teacher, who once pulled Carver out of sadness. She taught him to always look up and to see life’s grander perspective in the stars. Now it’s Carver’s turn to help Mrs. Cartwright find those bright lights in the dark.
Against his need to leave, Carver decides to stay longer, as he, his mother and father, and Mrs. Cartwright are all at turning points in their lives. Hope is not lost. If they look up, they’ll see that tonight, the stars still shine.
347 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 22, 2023
About the author
Boo Walker
15 books976 followersBestselling author Boo Walker initially tapped his creative muse as a songwriter and banjoist in Nashville before working his way west to Washington State, where he bought a gentleman’s farm on the Yakima River. It was there amongst the grapevines and wine barrels that he fell in love with telling stories that now resonate with book clubs around the world. Rich with colorful characters and boundless soul, his novels will leave you with an open heart and a lifted spirit.
Always a wanderer, Boo currently lives in Valencia, Spain with his wife and son. He also writes thrillers under the pen name Benjamin Blackmore. You can find him at boowalker.com and benjaminblackmore.com.
For a free copy of his Red Mountain cookbook, updates, and other goodies, sign up for his newsletter at boowalker.com.
Always a wanderer, Boo currently lives in Valencia, Spain with his wife and son. He also writes thrillers under the pen name Benjamin Blackmore. You can find him at boowalker.com and benjaminblackmore.com.
For a free copy of his Red Mountain cookbook, updates, and other goodies, sign up for his newsletter at boowalker.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 690 reviews
April 17, 2023
*SPOILER ALERT*
I received this ARC in exchange for my honest feedback. I love Boo Walker as an author, but I honestly struggled to get through this book. The plot is not realistic at all. Dr. Carver Livingston is an incredibly successful 38yr old veterinarian who is unable to get over a high school romance. The fact that he is still dwelling on a relationship 20 years later, one that lasted a matter of months, was my initial frustration while reading this book.
Carver goes home to help his parents through their divorce. While visiting his hometown he meets up with an old high school teacher and helps her through a trying time. He attempts to rekindle the romance with his high school girlfriend. When that doesn't work out, he falls in love with the physical therapist of the old high school teacher. He then fixes his parents' marriage. He essentially becomes a hometown hero. Nothing in this book is plausible.
All the characters are shallow and underdeveloped. There are too many plots in this book, and they all fall short.
I hate that I was not a fan of this book because I thought "The Singing Trees" was a beautifully written book by Boo Walker and I was so excited to read this.
I received this ARC in exchange for my honest feedback. I love Boo Walker as an author, but I honestly struggled to get through this book. The plot is not realistic at all. Dr. Carver Livingston is an incredibly successful 38yr old veterinarian who is unable to get over a high school romance. The fact that he is still dwelling on a relationship 20 years later, one that lasted a matter of months, was my initial frustration while reading this book.
Carver goes home to help his parents through their divorce. While visiting his hometown he meets up with an old high school teacher and helps her through a trying time. He attempts to rekindle the romance with his high school girlfriend. When that doesn't work out, he falls in love with the physical therapist of the old high school teacher. He then fixes his parents' marriage. He essentially becomes a hometown hero. Nothing in this book is plausible.
All the characters are shallow and underdeveloped. There are too many plots in this book, and they all fall short.
I hate that I was not a fan of this book because I thought "The Singing Trees" was a beautifully written book by Boo Walker and I was so excited to read this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 3, 2023
As much as I wanted to, I did not love this book. The story line had promise, but the main character, Carver Livingston, lacked substance and depth... He really made me want to punch him. We meet him as a very wealthy 38yo veterinarian who's established his own practice and has even invented some innovative bone plate thing for dogs, yet emotionally, he's completely stuck in the past... stuck in one day 20 years ago, to be exact. While the event of that day would be major for anyone, it was so frustrating to me that Carver is still ENTIRELY defined by a choice he made for himself that day despite all he has gone on to accomplish. I get that he hasn't truly healed and it still affects him... aren't we all haunted by the poor choices of our past selves? The thing is, he is so self-centered that he thinks everyone (his parents, his ex-girlfriend, his best friend, his entire high school class) is still stuck in his past as well, like their lives for the past 20 years have revolved around him. C'mon, he's got to be smarter than that! This egotism becomes the driving force for the rest of the book, and we're constantly bludgeoned with the "woe is me" mentality of Carver Livingston. Geez, even his name was trying too hard.
Rounding up my 2.5-star rating to 3 stars.
Thank you NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing allowing me early access to the ARC ebook edition of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Rounding up my 2.5-star rating to 3 stars.
Thank you NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing allowing me early access to the ARC ebook edition of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
November 16, 2023
If you want to "listen" to a grown man whine for hours or days on end, this book is for you!! Carver Livingston is absolutely "stuck," but he's also a self absorbed, egocentric fool who cannot get out of his own way. I finished the book because I hate to "quit" in the middle but regret that I didn't. If Carver were a real person, he'd be absolutely insufferable.
August 26, 2023
UPDATE on 8/26/23: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ x2 after a second read and a first time listen to the audio version. There is so much to love about the wisdom, redemption, and life lessons in STARS.
(Happy tears for this wonderful novel!)
Dr. Carver Livingstone has a lot of things figured out in life. Still in his thirties, he is a successful North Carolina veterinarian with several clinics, a surgical patent, and a staff who adores him. But he has a past, one without closure that he has kept buried and at a distance for twenty years. So when his mother asks him to return home to Vermont and mediate a family issue, it isn't an easy decision.
Carver is, after all, a man of science. He seeks facts and doesn't like shades of gray. He can also be slow on the uptake when it comes to emotional cues from others. It's that "different kind of smart," an observation not lost on Mrs. Eloise Cartwright, his favorite teacher from high school. Mrs. Cartwright was there for Carver during his darkest moments as a teen and, while he has never forgotten the impact she had on his life, he has cut ties with her as much as with everyone else.
Mrs. Cartwright would hate the cliché, but Carver had to wait for the stars to align. Or maybe they have aligned and he just needed a good push. Either way, things are being set into motion through a series of events beyond his control. Call it Fate or call it Faith, change is on the horizon.
There was so much I loved about The Stars Don't Lie. Boo Walker effortlessly accomplishes a multitude of objectives with a diverse cast of characters. Diverse in the sense that we meet different people at various stages of life, which means there is someone for whom every reader can relate to and understand. And even though many of them have their own epiphanies, it is Carver who is at the center of it all, trying to stay afloat, constantly doubting his abilities, but still learning what's most important. All he has to do is look up.
On a grander scale is the writing itself, which is done with terrific skill. The pace is just right and the phrasing is very clever. I highlighted several for future reference. I also found myself tapping into personal memories and feelings that few, if any, books have ever brought to the surface. Last but not least there are the messages, mainly of redemption and reminders that we are all a part of something bigger than ourselves, each conveyed with gentle tenderness. Reading, no, experiencing this book was like finally opening a stuck window and airing out a musty room. A refreshing, emotional detox.
I highly recommend it.
My thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy. This is available as a "Read Now" selection.
(Happy tears for this wonderful novel!)
Dr. Carver Livingstone has a lot of things figured out in life. Still in his thirties, he is a successful North Carolina veterinarian with several clinics, a surgical patent, and a staff who adores him. But he has a past, one without closure that he has kept buried and at a distance for twenty years. So when his mother asks him to return home to Vermont and mediate a family issue, it isn't an easy decision.
Carver is, after all, a man of science. He seeks facts and doesn't like shades of gray. He can also be slow on the uptake when it comes to emotional cues from others. It's that "different kind of smart," an observation not lost on Mrs. Eloise Cartwright, his favorite teacher from high school. Mrs. Cartwright was there for Carver during his darkest moments as a teen and, while he has never forgotten the impact she had on his life, he has cut ties with her as much as with everyone else.
Mrs. Cartwright would hate the cliché, but Carver had to wait for the stars to align. Or maybe they have aligned and he just needed a good push. Either way, things are being set into motion through a series of events beyond his control. Call it Fate or call it Faith, change is on the horizon.
There was so much I loved about The Stars Don't Lie. Boo Walker effortlessly accomplishes a multitude of objectives with a diverse cast of characters. Diverse in the sense that we meet different people at various stages of life, which means there is someone for whom every reader can relate to and understand. And even though many of them have their own epiphanies, it is Carver who is at the center of it all, trying to stay afloat, constantly doubting his abilities, but still learning what's most important. All he has to do is look up.
On a grander scale is the writing itself, which is done with terrific skill. The pace is just right and the phrasing is very clever. I highlighted several for future reference. I also found myself tapping into personal memories and feelings that few, if any, books have ever brought to the surface. Last but not least there are the messages, mainly of redemption and reminders that we are all a part of something bigger than ourselves, each conveyed with gentle tenderness. Reading, no, experiencing this book was like finally opening a stuck window and airing out a musty room. A refreshing, emotional detox.
I highly recommend it.
My thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy. This is available as a "Read Now" selection.
August 19, 2023
This is Carver Livingston's story. He banished himself from his hometown in Vermont in self-acclaimed shame that he felt he brought on himself and his family. He felt he was damaged goods. He left after high school, and vowed never, ever to return. Twenty years later he received a phone call from his mother, pleading with him to come home.
The book is about Carver's journey, not just the trip back to Vermont. But, the journey of acceptance, forgiveness and self-redemption. He is learning that his 40-year-old self is not who he was when he left Vermont 20 years earlier. Perception and reality evolve as he matures. The author really takes us into his mind and thoughts. The reader gets to know how he feels about himself, his insecurities, his accomplishments. It is very interesting.
Throughout Carver's journey of healing and rediscovering himself, he also deals with the problems of his parent's marriage.
I especially enjoyed Carver's relationship with a former teacher, Mrs Cartwright. She was someone who supported him during his youth and that support continued as if there had not been a 20-year break. There is a bit of role reversal also.
My favourite quote from the book: It was okay that I wasn't perfect, because I was so far from perfect. Just like everyone else.
There's a saying: You can't go home again. (apologies to Mrs. Cartwright)
But, sometimes you can!
The ending might have been a bit too tidy but it made me happy. And, at one point, there might have been a few tears.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
The book is about Carver's journey, not just the trip back to Vermont. But, the journey of acceptance, forgiveness and self-redemption. He is learning that his 40-year-old self is not who he was when he left Vermont 20 years earlier. Perception and reality evolve as he matures. The author really takes us into his mind and thoughts. The reader gets to know how he feels about himself, his insecurities, his accomplishments. It is very interesting.
Throughout Carver's journey of healing and rediscovering himself, he also deals with the problems of his parent's marriage.
I especially enjoyed Carver's relationship with a former teacher, Mrs Cartwright. She was someone who supported him during his youth and that support continued as if there had not been a 20-year break. There is a bit of role reversal also.
My favourite quote from the book: It was okay that I wasn't perfect, because I was so far from perfect. Just like everyone else.
There's a saying: You can't go home again. (apologies to Mrs. Cartwright)
But, sometimes you can!
The ending might have been a bit too tidy but it made me happy. And, at one point, there might have been a few tears.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
September 16, 2023
I wish I could unread this…
I’ve read bad books and given them good ratings based on entertainment and emotions…this book evoked neither.
The MMC was so freaking unlikable, so self-centered and annoying. This dude went through a breakup so painful that he tried to unalive himself at 18 y/o, and was so traumatized that didn’t set foot on his hometown for 20 years but as soon as he sees his old flame he thinks it’s a good idea to pickup what he thought they had?????? Make it make sense… Then when she gives him her perspective of their high school relationship, he doesn’t like what he hears so he tried to mansplain her feelings??? F*** no!!
The only reason I didn’t DNF this was because I needed to know the real reason behind his parent’s break up.
I’ve read bad books and given them good ratings based on entertainment and emotions…this book evoked neither.
The MMC was so freaking unlikable, so self-centered and annoying. This dude went through a breakup so painful that he tried to unalive himself at 18 y/o, and was so traumatized that didn’t set foot on his hometown for 20 years but as soon as he sees his old flame he thinks it’s a good idea to pickup what he thought they had?????? Make it make sense… Then when she gives him her perspective of their high school relationship, he doesn’t like what he hears so he tried to mansplain her feelings??? F*** no!!
The only reason I didn’t DNF this was because I needed to know the real reason behind his parent’s break up.
March 27, 2023
The Stars Don’t Lie had me from the very first page. It’s all about second chances, family, love … Carver is a very successful veterinarian in NC and he did something in his past that caused his whole life to instantly change. It affected him and his whole family 20 years ago. This was so beautifully written that I just could not put it down. And the ending … let’s just say you better have tissues ready!! Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release in exchange for my honest review.
December 28, 2023
This whole book felt like a cliché…which is kind of funny when you juxtapose it with Mrs. Cartwright’s disdain of clichés. But this book was certainly not funny. Or even entertaining. It read like a bad Hallmark movie:
Rich, white veterinarian, who never got over his high school girlfriend, still thinks the world revolves around him 20 years later. After an unexpected trip home, a rude awakening instantaneously provides him with all the answers he’s been looking for, and he becomes the town hero. Oh, and he gets the girl.
Just ew.
I feel like I’m not normally this critical of a story. Maybe a character will rub me the wrong way, or the author’s writing style won’t suit me. But everything about this book felt juvenile and underdeveloped. The 38-year-old MMC constantly acted like an 18-year-old. The bravado and self-centeredness got old really fast. And then WHAM! In one short chapter, he had a revelation that turns everything around in his favor. I mean, I love a happy ending, but this was just not satisfying.
A lot of the relationships didn’t make sense, and I had a hard time with the emotions in this book. It was like everyone was stuck in adolescence the whole time.
I won’t be a broken record. This one just isn’t worth the read. It wasn’t the worst. I think Boo Walker writes a well-paced story. This one just fell pretty flat.
UPDATED TO ADD: I come back to Chapter 26 of this book ALL THE TIME because it is so absurd. I read it aloud to anyone who will listen—it is PEAK entertainment. In a bad way. (Example: “The stars are were above me, but also inside me…”) This book freaking haunts me in the worst way. I might change my rating to 1 star. Who knows?
Rich, white veterinarian, who never got over his high school girlfriend, still thinks the world revolves around him 20 years later. After an unexpected trip home, a rude awakening instantaneously provides him with all the answers he’s been looking for, and he becomes the town hero. Oh, and he gets the girl.
Just ew.
I feel like I’m not normally this critical of a story. Maybe a character will rub me the wrong way, or the author’s writing style won’t suit me. But everything about this book felt juvenile and underdeveloped. The 38-year-old MMC constantly acted like an 18-year-old. The bravado and self-centeredness got old really fast. And then WHAM! In one short chapter, he had a revelation that turns everything around in his favor. I mean, I love a happy ending, but this was just not satisfying.
A lot of the relationships didn’t make sense, and I had a hard time with the emotions in this book. It was like everyone was stuck in adolescence the whole time.
I won’t be a broken record. This one just isn’t worth the read. It wasn’t the worst. I think Boo Walker writes a well-paced story. This one just fell pretty flat.
UPDATED TO ADD: I come back to Chapter 26 of this book ALL THE TIME because it is so absurd. I read it aloud to anyone who will listen—it is PEAK entertainment. In a bad way. (Example: “The stars are were above me, but also inside me…”) This book freaking haunts me in the worst way. I might change my rating to 1 star. Who knows?
January 3, 2024
Charming, hopeful, and emotional. Delightfully flawed characters every reader can relate to. I read in two days. Really enjoyed this story.
May 31, 2023
4.5/10. I received this ARC copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I really struggled with this book, I think the point of being a good reader is to able to find empathy for characters you don’t like, and I barely could make that happen for Dr. Carver Livingston. He was incredibly narcissistic, thought he had the answer to everything related to other people’s problems, and also insecure. I kept waiting for his character evolution and while it seemed like it was on the horizon he never quite got there. I did enjoy his relationship with his former teacher, and while he was trying to help her it seemed like ti was coming more from a selfish place, rather than an altruistic one.
Also, I’m from Asheville, where the book is partially set, and there were a lot of inconsistencies. It seems to me like he could’ve done a bit more research into a town instead of using it as a prop because it’s a popular tourist destination.
Trigger warning—themes of depression and suicide.
Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for providing me with a free digital copy to review this book.
Also, I’m from Asheville, where the book is partially set, and there were a lot of inconsistencies. It seems to me like he could’ve done a bit more research into a town instead of using it as a prop because it’s a popular tourist destination.
Trigger warning—themes of depression and suicide.
Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for providing me with a free digital copy to review this book.
March 13, 2023
The Stars Don’t Lie is a book that readers won’t soon forget. It’s a love letter to that teacher that had the biggest influence on your life; it’s a testament to survival and recognizing how your opinions and projections can color your choices; it’s a wonderful story about past actions, new beginnings, life lessons, forgiveness and stepping up. I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book from NetGalley. Most highly recommend.
September 6, 2023
I absolutely love Boo Walker and have read all his books, so I was really looking forward to this new one. I was disappointed. So much drama—this was a full-grown man who acted like a big baby! Sorry but I just had a hard time with the whole thing, except maybe his teacher, who I left brought common sense into it!
September 2, 2023
I really liked this book. It seemed personal to me. The protagonist didn't want to go home because he did something he's embarrassed and ashamed of, and he is certain everyone thinks of that if he returns. That everything that goes wrong is his fault. But a teacher made a huge difference to him in high school, and does again. Surely we've all had that teacher? I hope so!
August 25, 2023
I really loved this book. I had read done other pre-release reviews and was afraid I wouldn’t like the main character. That never happened. I liked him and understood how he felt. Loved his parents’ part of the story line. It reminded me a bit of Catherine Ryan Hyde’s writing style and that is a compliment, as she is my favorite author. I look forward to reading another book by Boo Walker. Thank you Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for the chance to read this book as a pre-release copy for an honest review.
March 8, 2024
This is a DNF for me. 4 hours in and I simply cannot continue. Carver is a gross, sad, adult male who has never bothered to try to learn to gain a healthy way to process his emotions. He’s self-centered and egotistical and hasn’t even tried to move on emotionally in his life. I agreed with his dad and started rolling my eyes every time he day dreamed about a 20 year old failed relationship. He lives in the past and is a workaholic with no relationships (not even friends) after a girl broke his heart TWENTY years previously. He cannot see past himself and how he feels and doesn’t hear anything his dad tells him. Just. Ew.
After being threatened by my own high school boyfriend that he would unalive himself should I ever break up with him, this reeks of that. He called her before doing it?? What the fuck man. This is an awful, horribly toxic, incel-esque exploration of an incredibly sensitive and nuanced subject. If I could give this book zero stars, I would.
After being threatened by my own high school boyfriend that he would unalive himself should I ever break up with him, this reeks of that. He called her before doing it?? What the fuck man. This is an awful, horribly toxic, incel-esque exploration of an incredibly sensitive and nuanced subject. If I could give this book zero stars, I would.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 3, 2023
Format: Audiobook
Performance: Nothing too memorable from this audiobook performance. I tolerated the voice actor.
Review:
There are not many audiobooks on Kindle Unlimited, but this was one of them. That may be my biggest reason to have listened to this book. Another reason why I decided to is because it is set in my home state of Vermont. I have to say that overall this book wasn’t anything special to me. Though it was set in my home state it gave none of the Vermont feel that I am used to (I have lived here my entire life). Another thing that irked me about this book is Dr Carver Livingston is a grown ass man and he is rushing home because of his parents divorce. The divorce is seemingly coming out of no where however when you learn the reason why you can no longer fault the parent that is seemingly to blame. When it comes to what I did enjoy about this book, it all surrounded Mrs Cartwright, Livingston’s old teacher and half of the pair who helped pull him out of his depression. She was such a great character and I also feel as though we do not talk about how hard it is for most to get old. Everything about you is deteriorating and it is so hard to not fall into depression as you get older.
Overall, mediocre and not going to recommend
Performance: Nothing too memorable from this audiobook performance. I tolerated the voice actor.
Review:
There are not many audiobooks on Kindle Unlimited, but this was one of them. That may be my biggest reason to have listened to this book. Another reason why I decided to is because it is set in my home state of Vermont. I have to say that overall this book wasn’t anything special to me. Though it was set in my home state it gave none of the Vermont feel that I am used to (I have lived here my entire life). Another thing that irked me about this book is Dr Carver Livingston is a grown ass man and he is rushing home because of his parents divorce. The divorce is seemingly coming out of no where however when you learn the reason why you can no longer fault the parent that is seemingly to blame. When it comes to what I did enjoy about this book, it all surrounded Mrs Cartwright, Livingston’s old teacher and half of the pair who helped pull him out of his depression. She was such a great character and I also feel as though we do not talk about how hard it is for most to get old. Everything about you is deteriorating and it is so hard to not fall into depression as you get older.
Overall, mediocre and not going to recommend
October 21, 2023
This was the first book I have read by the author and will now look at more. A beautifully written book about facing the past and revealing and accepting truths, love and loyalty, friendships and enjoying life. I listened on Audible and the narrator did a great job.
May 3, 2024
Good story but it just dragged a bit.
Trigger warning- talk of attempted suicide and description.
Trigger warning- talk of attempted suicide and description.
May 13, 2024
3⭐️
If it was shorter, I would have liked it more. It was way too long for the outcome of the story.
If it was shorter, I would have liked it more. It was way too long for the outcome of the story.
August 26, 2024
there were a few great inspirational quotes but other than that…
I found the main character to be whiny.
I found the main character to be whiny.
September 23, 2023
First of all let me just say how much I loved reading The Stars Don’t Lie and actually all of Boo Walker’s books! This story centers around Carver Livingston, a veterinarian who owns his own practice in North Carolina. Originally from Vermont, he receives a call from his parents on his birthday when he learns that they are planning to divorce. Because of a horrible thing he did 20 years ago that has caused him shame and guilt, he has never returned home to Vermont but feels this is the time he just might have to. It’s a story of finding forgiveness in yourself, learning to appreciate who you are, and realizing that you are enough just the way you are. It’s a book that held my interest with warm and caring characters and it really pulled at my heartstrings. I suggest having tissues close by as you read. The side story about Carvers attachment to his teacher, who was a very wise woman, was an added delight to the storyline. It was nice giving and showing appreciation for all the care and work that teachers put in for their students. I’d like to thank NetGalley for the arc to read and review. I have come to know that when I see a book by Boo Walker, it’s one that I’ll want to read as they are always enjoyable and delightful stories. It’s a 5 star read and one I will highly recommend to others!
April 12, 2023
In this latest novel by Boo Walker veterinarian Carver Livingston has never been able to let go of the incident that happened to him 20 years ago in high school. When his parents are all of a sudden getting divorced and his mother begs him to come home, he returns to his home town for the first time in 20 years. There he is forced to confront what happened to him and how it still affects him and his parents.
While Carver is home he reconnects with a favorite teacher who helped him through his difficult time and is now having issues of her own. Helping her and his mother starts to help Carver realize that everyone has issues and its not all about him.
I am afraid this book was not a hit for me. Although I enjoyed Carvers teacher and that storyline, The other story lines with his unresolved high school incident issues and his parents frustrated me. Without getting into any spoilers I felt that both of those arcs had very unrealistic elements to them which kept me from being immersed in those storylines.
While Carver is home he reconnects with a favorite teacher who helped him through his difficult time and is now having issues of her own. Helping her and his mother starts to help Carver realize that everyone has issues and its not all about him.
I am afraid this book was not a hit for me. Although I enjoyed Carvers teacher and that storyline, The other story lines with his unresolved high school incident issues and his parents frustrated me. Without getting into any spoilers I felt that both of those arcs had very unrealistic elements to them which kept me from being immersed in those storylines.
October 19, 2023
This is sadly my least favorite Boo Walker book. I absolutely loved all the rest of his books and was very much looking forward to reading this one. It wasn't awful, but I found the premise hard to believe and a little silly. Basically, an almost 40 year old man who has not had a relationship in 20 years because of a high school relationship that didn't end well.
If you want to read Boo Walker, the Red Mountain books and honestly all the rest of his books are a much better choice!
If you want to read Boo Walker, the Red Mountain books and honestly all the rest of his books are a much better choice!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 22, 2024
Heartfelt story of loss and a new relationship after loss. Enjoyed the setting in St.Petersburg Fla. very familiar with locations mentioned in the story.
Love Boo Walker books!
Love Boo Walker books!
April 20, 2024
Understands teachers
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I loved the growth in the characters as it parallels real life. As a teacher I believe that the relationships I build with students is critical to their and my success. I love Mrs. Cartwright. As one who is about to retire I identify with the loss of who I am when I’m not a teacher. I hope that I have touched lives like she did.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I loved the growth in the characters as it parallels real life. As a teacher I believe that the relationships I build with students is critical to their and my success. I love Mrs. Cartwright. As one who is about to retire I identify with the loss of who I am when I’m not a teacher. I hope that I have touched lives like she did.
November 21, 2023
Wasted 12 hours of my life listening to this thinking it would be redeeming at some point. No. 20 years of self sabotage over a 3 month long relationship? Just…no. One of these poorly written women characters should’ve slapped this man and brought him to his senses. Whew.
April 4, 2023
Outstanding book. Thanks to Netgalley and publisher Lake Union for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
After a tragic incident in his senior year of high school, Dr. Carter Livingston hadn’t been back to his home town in 20 years. Afterwards, and with time, he was able to pick up his life again thanks to some heartfelt help from two people very dear to him – his teacher Mrs. Cartwright and her husband. He became a successful veterinarian and patented a brilliant product that can help dogs recover from a common injury that requires surgery to repair. But he couldn’t face his family and friends and all that being home would dredge up for him emotionally.
When his mother calls to inform him she and his father are getting a divorce and she needed his help and support, after much cajoling, Carter decides he’ll return briefly and secretly for the sake of his mom. That doesn’t go as planned as soon he is reconnecting with his former high school love interest Shannon, his best friend Elliott and Mrs. Cartwright; all the while trying to figure out how best to help his parents and trying to maintain his sense of self.
It turns out the situation with his parents isn’t exactly as it seems on the surface, the woman he’d been pining over for the past twenty years was not his soulmate after all, and the teacher who motivated him in high school needed his help most of all.
Carter is a wonderful character full of blocked emotions and angst over what happened that senior year in high school. In coming home, he, in time, realizes that trying to pretend that year never happened wasn’t helping him – it was dealing with it head on that helped him heal.
I loved his relationship with Mrs. Cartwright and the wisdom she gently imparted to Carter - especially how it relates to the title and using the stars to realize how we are all part of something much bigger than ourselves. I thought his father was marvelous. We want to disapprove of him but we don’t realize at first that he is the strong, silent type who protects those he loves even while putting his own needs aside. All characters have flaws, and Carter’s mother reveals hers as the story unfolds much to the surprise of her son.
Highly recommend.
After a tragic incident in his senior year of high school, Dr. Carter Livingston hadn’t been back to his home town in 20 years. Afterwards, and with time, he was able to pick up his life again thanks to some heartfelt help from two people very dear to him – his teacher Mrs. Cartwright and her husband. He became a successful veterinarian and patented a brilliant product that can help dogs recover from a common injury that requires surgery to repair. But he couldn’t face his family and friends and all that being home would dredge up for him emotionally.
When his mother calls to inform him she and his father are getting a divorce and she needed his help and support, after much cajoling, Carter decides he’ll return briefly and secretly for the sake of his mom. That doesn’t go as planned as soon he is reconnecting with his former high school love interest Shannon, his best friend Elliott and Mrs. Cartwright; all the while trying to figure out how best to help his parents and trying to maintain his sense of self.
It turns out the situation with his parents isn’t exactly as it seems on the surface, the woman he’d been pining over for the past twenty years was not his soulmate after all, and the teacher who motivated him in high school needed his help most of all.
Carter is a wonderful character full of blocked emotions and angst over what happened that senior year in high school. In coming home, he, in time, realizes that trying to pretend that year never happened wasn’t helping him – it was dealing with it head on that helped him heal.
I loved his relationship with Mrs. Cartwright and the wisdom she gently imparted to Carter - especially how it relates to the title and using the stars to realize how we are all part of something much bigger than ourselves. I thought his father was marvelous. We want to disapprove of him but we don’t realize at first that he is the strong, silent type who protects those he loves even while putting his own needs aside. All characters have flaws, and Carter’s mother reveals hers as the story unfolds much to the surprise of her son.
Highly recommend.
August 23, 2023
Enjoyable novel about a vet that goes back to his hometown because his parents are about to divorce, then finds his past facing him, along with some entanglements from his youth. He makes a connection with his parents, with a retired teacher from his high school days, his old girlfriend, a new lady friend, and his best friend from his youth and the story goes from there...It became most engaging when he began to reconnect with his friends and family of his youth. I loved his connection with his old buddy, who is now a happily married man and a Dad. This is impactful to the story. The book has a couple of very charming scenes with his teacher and his new friend...enough that the reader can be touched emotionally...also a highlight was what transpired for him to enhance the life of his old teacher in her waning days of loneliness. Good novel. Enjoyable. I wanted to keep checking to see what would happen next. I thought it was a good cast of characters...I didn't like all the F words and Sh... words....so can't give it more than 4 stars.
September 27, 2023
I was honestly expecting a lot more from this book. It was underwhelming. The positive aspects include the many complex and strong women in this book. They were all different, which I liked immensely. I didn't like a lot of aspects, though. The writing felt a bit flat. There was too much telling and not enough showing. I don't know if that was meant as a reflection on the character and not the author. I don't think that's how male main characters usually think. Trigger warnings should be included. I also felt that the main character understood self-love too quickly. As someone who has been going through the process of working through the issues, I know it takes so much more effort and time. It takes a lot of trial and error. It rang a bit unrealistic to me. I couldn't connect to it. The book wasn't atmospheric, which is a key component to my enjoyment. There weren't many reveals or twists, which was also disconcerting. It just wasn't for me.
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