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A review by mackenzierm
The Same Bright Stars: A Novel by Ethan Joella
4.0
The Schmidts have run a family beachfront restaurant through three generations, and Jack has been at the helm since his father’s death. The restaurant is his number one priority, leaving relationships, hobbies, and free time to the wayside as proof of his commitment. Meanwhile, the DelDine chain has been snapping up family run businesses along the coast and are barking up Jack’s door, eager to take Schmidt’s off his hands. Jack is looking for companionship and is considering how giving up Schmidt’s could affect his life positively, but can he trust DelDine to keep his staff and honour his family’s legacy?
THE SAME BRIGHT STARS is far from my usual read, but I read this author’s A Quiet Life last year and really enjoyed it so decided to pick up this new release.
THE SAME BRIGHT STARS is set in a small beach town that is filled with charm. It’s told in Jack’s 3rd person POV and intermingles his present where he’s searching for meaning within his life with the past and how he got to where his now, and also touches on what the future may hold for him. I enjoyed the dual timelines that tell this story, adding understanding, emotion, and depth.
Jack’s story begins where he is caught between a rock and a hard place – he wants more freedom to develop hobbies and relationships, but he also wants to continue his family’s traditions. I adored Jack’s character. He makes for an excellent protagonist with great depth; he’s also kind, caring, and genuine. The other central characters to this story are also well developed and realistic. I enjoyed the relationships Jack shares with both his friends and his employees.
The ending is absolutely perfect for this story. It’s a sweet, hopeful, and introspective novel that touches on the lighter side of difficult topics. I’d recommend this novel for those who enjoy character driven stories, rediscovering self, and small town beach vibes.
THE SAME BRIGHT STARS is far from my usual read, but I read this author’s A Quiet Life last year and really enjoyed it so decided to pick up this new release.
THE SAME BRIGHT STARS is set in a small beach town that is filled with charm. It’s told in Jack’s 3rd person POV and intermingles his present where he’s searching for meaning within his life with the past and how he got to where his now, and also touches on what the future may hold for him. I enjoyed the dual timelines that tell this story, adding understanding, emotion, and depth.
Jack’s story begins where he is caught between a rock and a hard place – he wants more freedom to develop hobbies and relationships, but he also wants to continue his family’s traditions. I adored Jack’s character. He makes for an excellent protagonist with great depth; he’s also kind, caring, and genuine. The other central characters to this story are also well developed and realistic. I enjoyed the relationships Jack shares with both his friends and his employees.
The ending is absolutely perfect for this story. It’s a sweet, hopeful, and introspective novel that touches on the lighter side of difficult topics. I’d recommend this novel for those who enjoy character driven stories, rediscovering self, and small town beach vibes.