Starry Night: A Christmas Novel (Christmas)

by Debbie Macomber

"Carrie Slayton is a successful gossip columnist, but her dream is to become a serious journalist. Finnegan Dalton is a notorious recluse whose book about living in the Alaskan wilds skyrocketed to the top of the New York Times bestseller list. Recognizing a golden opportunity, Carrie uses a little guile in tracking down Finn's whereabouts in the snowy Alaskan wilderness outside of Fairbanks, only to discover that he truly is as mysterious and withdrawn as his reputation suggests. As she grows closer to finding out who Finn really is, Carrie will have to decide whether to respect his wishes by abandoning the story that would make her career, and Finn will have to decide whether he can open his heart again"--

• ISBN10: 0345528891
• ISBN13: 9780345528896
• Publish Date: 8 October 2013 (first published 1 January 2013)
• Publish Status: Remaindered
• Imprint: Ballantine Books
• Format: Hardcover
• Pages: 256
• Language: English

Reviews

[Page-Turners]

Wow, this was such a great book. I read it in less than two days. I couldn't put it down and I didn't want it to end. I lived in Fairbanks Alaska for 3 1/2 years so I could easily relate to the climate and conditions. Not to mention, I remember the first time I saw the aurora borealis up there....it truly is breathtaking. What a great book. I highly recommend this to anyone who likes to get lost in the story. Thanks Debbie, keep the stories coming.

[Linda]

*I received a free ARC of Starry Night from Randomhouse Publishing / Ballantine via Netgalley in exchange of an honest review*

Beautiful and breathtaking story! Loved the characters.

This and all my other reviews are originally posted on my blog (un)Conventional Bookviews

[kimbacaffeinate]

3.5
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, but and while I miss 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 and the tale that unfolds has Carrie rethinking what it is she actually wants.

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. 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 Finn 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.

Copy received in exchange for unbiased review and originally published @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer

[cherryblossommj]

As the leaves are starting to fall, are you ready to start your stack of books for hibernation months? What I mean is the months when it gets a chill in the night air no matter where you are or perhaps you want to imagine that romantic white Christmas since you will not have the snow. Either way, add this to the pile. To those days when life is completely chaotic and getting away from you and it seems there will never be a break or to be fully accomplished on your to-do list, this is a relaxation read. If you know me at all, you know things have been up and down lately and this week is no exception with sick girls and a bit of a cold myself and I thought I would never get everything done. While I still have one more review to come, and this one is much later in the day than I would wish it is still in plenty of time for you to add it to your lists to pre-order for this Christmas season. Honestly this could be a great Thanksgiving read, or just anytime.

Debbie Macomber has a way with storytelling. Her series are wonderful such as Blossom Street, but her Christmas novellas are worth every penny and something I look forward to each year since I first discovered her books. Starry Night is about magic, and that magic is called love. This story is enough to give anyone hope and a wistful feeling, but it is more than that especially to me. When I met my husband it was just automatic for us, and we never really planned dates or to go out again as such -- it was always just what do you want to do Friday, etc. Then after a few months when we really made it official to be his girlfriend, I went out of town for over four weeks. So in reading this story, about after *spoiler* Finn and Carrie meet, and their two days together end with a kiss to be divided by a great distance, I felt it... I could completely relate to the hopes and dreams but unsure feelings.

Every book I read from Debbie Macomber comes off the page and this one is no surprise. Definitely a recommendation from this reading romantic.

I received this product free for the purpose of reviewing it. I received no other compensation for this review. The opinions expressed in this review are my personal, honest opinions. Your experience may vary. Please read my full disclosure policy for more details.