by Debbie Macomber
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
’Tis the season for romance, second chances, and Christmas cheer with this new novel from Debbie Macomber. Carrie Slayton, a big-city society-page columnist, longs to write more serious news stories. So her editor hands her a challenge: She can cover any topic she wants, but only if she first scores the paper an interview with Finn Dalton, the notoriously reclusive author. Living in the remote Alaskan wilderness, Finn has written a mega bestselling memoir about surviving in the wild. But he stubbornly declines to speak to anyone in the press, and no one even knows exactly where he lives. Digging deep into Finn’s past, Carrie develops a theory on his whereabouts. It is the holidays, but her career is at stake, so she forsakes her family celebrations and flies out to snowy Alaska. When she finally finds Finn, she discovers a man both more charismatic and more stubborn than she even expected. And soon she is torn between pursuing the story of a lifetime and following her heart. Filled with all the comforts and joys of Christmastime, Starry Night is a delightful novel of finding happiness in the most surprising places.
I love Debbie Macomber’s holiday books and have watched all the Hallmark movies as well, so I was excited to get my hands on Starry Night. This novel is a departure from her previous holiday reads as we don’t have meddling matchmakers. Starry Night is a straight up clean contemporary. While I missed the magic of her previous novels this was a fresh, clean, inspiring romance. Mini review: sweet, second-chance romance, heart-warming.
The tale introduced us to two lovely characters and has us traveling to the beautiful rugged landscape of Alaska, to the windy city of Chicago, and the fog covered coasts of Seattle. Carrie Slayton works for an esteemed newspaper as their society-page columnist. To get her foot in the door, she accepted the position but longs to write more news worthy columns. She is homesick for her family in Seattle, and decided enough is enough and turns in her resignation. Her editor wants her to stay and offers her a challenge. Obtain an interview from recluse author Finn Dalton and she can write any pieces she wants. Carrie accepts the challenge. Her diligent detective works pays off and has her traveling to Alaska. The tale that unfolds has Carrie rethinking what it is she actually wants. Humorous moments, sweet gifts and tender kisses made this a delight to read.
Finn’s book about surviving in the wild has brought more attention than he ever realized. He likes his privacy and is quite happy living in the wilderness with his dog and the stars. He is a little rough around the edges which makes his gestures all the more romantic. Carrie is a city girl who will buy shoes a size too small because they match her dress. Both have been wounded by love; Finn more deeply and watching these two interact was fun. I loved their banter and the way Carrie got under Finn’s skin.
At its heart, Starry Night is a second chance romance set against some beautiful backdrops. Macomber had me giggling from Finn’s oversized dog to the odd gifts he sent her. Friends and family got involved sharing their thoughts on long distance romances, but we all know love cannot be defeated. The tale was low on angst, and slowly built with little twists and complications but managed to deliver that warm holiday fuzzy feeling these tales bring. While not my favorite holiday read from this author, she still brought elements I love to the table; hope, love, humor, tender moments and spirit. I devoured this in a single afternoon, as Macomber has this excellent flow to her writing that allows the outside world to slip away.
Those searching for a warm, clean, and fuzzy romance this holiday season will enjoy Starry Night. Debbie Macomber has long been an author I enjoy, and I look forward to more of her holiday tales.
Three and half cups of coffee out of five
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
aurian
I do enjoy her books, especially those with the Angels. Adding this one to my wishlist.
kimbacaffeinate
I love those too Aurian 🙂
Heidi
This is an author I have wanted to try and I grabbed this one so I am excited for a sweet holiday romance and hey it visits my neck of the woods! Looking forward to it!
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy, it is a departure from her previous holiday books but was cute 🙂
Ginny
I love Debbie Macomber. I remember waiting at a doctor’s appointment and an older lady sitting next to me was reading a Debbie Macomber book. I asked her if it was good and she said “yes, very good. This is an author you can carry with you everyone and not be embarrassed to read it in a waiting room.” lol…she was right…after that I was hooked. 🙂 Thanks for sharing. I will have to pick this one up.
kimbacaffeinate
Agreed, she delivers clean wholesome romances with a touch of magic and inspiration 🙂
Lark
Love your review! A good, sweet holiday romance. Agree that it’s not my favorite of her holiday books, but still fun.
kimbacaffeinate
thanks Lark, yes I love her previous books more, but it wouldn’t be the holiday without a little Macomber 🙂
Lauren
This sounds like a really sweet holiday read. I love second chance romances, and when opposites attract. I’m really curious now about what gifts Finn gives her, given that he’s an outdoorsy recluse type. I’ll definitely give this one a try, maybe over my Christmas break. Lovely review!
kimbacaffeinate
ooh the gifts were oddly romantic ..hehehe
emaginette
Sounds fabulous! Can’t wait. 🙂
Anna from Shout with Emaginette
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy Anna. I love holiday themed romances – they are magic.
Trish
The Alaska setting sounds great! Sorry it’s missing some magic for you but it sounds like you still enjoyed it. Will add to my holiday reads pile 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
This was a good one, my only disappointment was that it was different..LOL
Pamela D
I have read several of Macomber’s Blossom Street series, and I loved them. I will have to check this one out.
Christy
The author has Hallmark movies? Hmm. You know what’s funny? I don’t really read holiday books, but my TV stays primarily on Hallmark and ABC Family after Thanksgiving. I didn’t even realize that some of those movies were books first. I don’t know why since everything is a book first anymore.
kimbacaffeinate
I watch those channels too. Look for the Mrs. Miracles, Trading Christmas, Call Me Mrs.Miracle etc they are all Debbie Macomber books made into Hallmark movies. 🙂
Giselle
So funny I just reviewed a book with second chance romance but I found that one the guy was just not redeemable – well some liked him more than me anyways >.< I do have this book from BEA and I was wondering if it was any good. Sounds like a cute read for the holidays 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
This was not a typical holiday book from her, but I enjoyed it. Second chance love can be sweet..too bad you didn’t find the fella worthy though. thanks Giselle 🙂
Candace
The backdrops do sound great! I can’t remember if I’ve read any of her books but my mom and aunt love her books. I know they have given me some but I’m not sure if I kept them. I may have to dig cause I know one was a holiday book and it might be perfect for me right now!
kimbacaffeinate
I really like her holiday books, although this one was a departure from her traditional ones, I still ended up laughing and enjoying myself.
Berls
This sounds like a fun read. I haven’t read any Debbie Macomber before, what’s your favorite, since this wasn’t? I’d like to check her work out.
kimbacaffeinate
For a holiday read any of the Mrs. Mircles books.
Lily B
I have this one. Cannot wait to read it myself! love holiday stories <3
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy Lily and have a wonderful weekend 🙂
blodeuedd
Awww it sounds like a great holiday book
kimbacaffeinate
It was a cute read my friend 🙂
Melissa (Books and Things)
Okay, this might just be the holiday book with my name on it. You had me curious with your review, but oversized dog and low angst totally sold me! 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Debbie offers good, clean, fun and that dog was a cutie!
ShootingStarsMag
I haven’t read anything by this author, but I do want to read a holiday read or two this year. Tis the season and all that! sounds like a cute story.
kimbacaffeinate
I always read a 1/2 dozen or so holiday books each year..they get me in the mood for the holiday 🙂
Tanja
I still haven’t started reading these holidays books. I don’t want this year to end. Anyhow this sounds like a sweet read, perfect for this time of the year. And I love this cute cover 🙂 Great review, Kim 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
This year has flown by! This was cute 🙂 thanks Tanja!
kindlemom1
It has been a really long time (like years) since I have read a book by Debbie and I don’t even know why. I always like them!
kimbacaffeinate
*eyes your tbr pile* Hmm..I don;t know why either..LOL
Debbie Haupt
Thanks for the great review Kimba, Debbie is one of my favs, this will be going on my wish list 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
She is a must read for the holiday 🙂
Michele
My mom has never been much of a reader — probably one of the only things we don’t have in common — but after she fell in love with the Hallmark movies, I bought her a Debbie Macomber book and she is obsessed! I just know she will love this one (she’s all about the warm, clean, and fuzzy — hehe), and I will have to buy it for her. Thanks for sharing!
kimbacaffeinate
I enjoy watching all of those sappy movies..but only this time of year..LOL Hope she enjoys this 🙂
brandileigh2003
I was just talking about some of these hallmark movies the other night. Cozy!
kimbacaffeinate
I always watch a few over during the holiday season 🙂
Felicia The Geeky Blogger
One of these days I will try Debbie. I started to pick this one up but decided to try one on my TBR shelf first. I do think the cover is really pretty and does look ready for Hallmark already LOL
kimbacaffeinate
I love her Mrs. Miracle Christmas books 🙂
Mary
Debbie Macomber’s books are classic Hallmark and there’s nothing like a good holiday story. Of course, I’m a bit of a grinch and it’s too early for me to get all in the Christmas spirit but soon!
kimbacaffeinate
LOL, I use to read from Thanksgiving to Christmas, but with reviewing arcs I had to start November 1st..LOL
Kelley
I adore Debbie Macomber’s stories and I’m looking forward to this one!
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy, she is a must read for the holidays 🙂