Amazon UK
Title: Under The Stars
Author: Linn B Halton
Format reviewed: Ebook
Source: Review copy from author
Publisher: Endeavour Press
Publication Date: 19th May 2015
Rating: 4.5 Stars
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| Amazon UK |
Katherine Dale’s life is in a state of chaos.
She has just been made redundant from her job as an accountant and she finds herself with no career, no direction in life and no relationship to fall back on.
To make matters worse, the one thing that she could always depend on – genius astrological readings from her idol, Mark Ainsley-Thomas – is even beginning to fail her.
At a crossroads in her life and starting a career as a full-time writer, Katherine cannot believe that the readings from the world-renowned astrologist are failing to guide her through this tumultuous time.
She sends an email to Mark’s webpage, venting her frustration at the recent unhelpful readings.
Little does Katherine know that Mark’s busy publicity schedule and his overbearing agent are taking over his life and that he has hired an assistant astrologist, James, to take over the readings.
James, returning to astrology after a failed business career and disastrous marriage, is also at a vulnerable stage in his life and reacts angrily when he receives Katherine’s emails criticising his work.
Their heated email exchange reveals the frustrations in both their lives but the reappearance of Mark Ainsley-Thomas helps to smooth this friction over, and Katherine and James begin a tentative friendship which soon blossoms into something much more.
Katherine, James and Mark realise just how small the world is when their complicated lives become forever entangled.
Amidst the chaos of their lives, including a cat named No. 4, a local writing group, a difficult ex, an old war veteran named Jake, a potential book deal and a last-minute trip to LA, will there ever be a happy ever after for Katherine and James…?
She has just been made redundant from her job as an accountant and she finds herself with no career, no direction in life and no relationship to fall back on.
To make matters worse, the one thing that she could always depend on – genius astrological readings from her idol, Mark Ainsley-Thomas – is even beginning to fail her.
At a crossroads in her life and starting a career as a full-time writer, Katherine cannot believe that the readings from the world-renowned astrologist are failing to guide her through this tumultuous time.
She sends an email to Mark’s webpage, venting her frustration at the recent unhelpful readings.
Little does Katherine know that Mark’s busy publicity schedule and his overbearing agent are taking over his life and that he has hired an assistant astrologist, James, to take over the readings.
James, returning to astrology after a failed business career and disastrous marriage, is also at a vulnerable stage in his life and reacts angrily when he receives Katherine’s emails criticising his work.
Their heated email exchange reveals the frustrations in both their lives but the reappearance of Mark Ainsley-Thomas helps to smooth this friction over, and Katherine and James begin a tentative friendship which soon blossoms into something much more.
Katherine, James and Mark realise just how small the world is when their complicated lives become forever entangled.
Amidst the chaos of their lives, including a cat named No. 4, a local writing group, a difficult ex, an old war veteran named Jake, a potential book deal and a last-minute trip to LA, will there ever be a happy ever after for Katherine and James…?
I will freely admit that I am sceptical as to how accurate horoscopes are, and although I may glance if I come across one, I generally won't try to read anything into it, and treat them with a pinch of salt. So I was intrigued as to how I would find a book where the main character seems to be reliant on the stars for making a lot of decisions.
Admittedly Katherine's life had gone very downhill very fast, her confidence was almost non existent at the start of the book, so she was nervous of any new experiences or people. She had just started trying to write a book, and admits she knew nothing about the writing process, so when her horoscopes are not as accurate as they used to be she sent of a series of rather angry emails to her idol Mark Ainsley-Thomas.
However what she was initially unaware of, is that Mark had hired James to help him out on some of the horoscopes, so he could be busy doing all manner of publicity things. James had, had a rather tough time of things himself and took objection to an unknown female attacking his star readings. A rather humurous set of emails are exchanged, with each of them feeling bad.
With a bit of Mark's wisdom, James and Katherine start emailing regularly and soon a tentative friendship blooms.
Under The Stars is written from the perspectives of Katherine, James and Mark, and their lives do end up completely wrapped up in each others. Katherine's cat No. 4 is a complicated character, and he starts to exhibit inconsistent behaviours.
There are in the first half of the book, some rather in-depth talk about horoscopes and astrology, which went completely over my head. I wasn't too keen on it, but accept for a book with this subject matter, it was relevant, just not my cup of tea!
Under The Stars is a fantastic romance of Katherine and James, as well as Katherine's endeavours to become a published author. There is plenty of entertaining moments, including some of Katherine's involvement in her local town, especially the writers group.
I really enjoyed reading Under The Stars and I'm delighted to know that there is a sequel, which I will be reading very soon. This is definitely a story I want to read more of.
Thank you to Linn for this review copy. This was my honest opinion.
Admittedly Katherine's life had gone very downhill very fast, her confidence was almost non existent at the start of the book, so she was nervous of any new experiences or people. She had just started trying to write a book, and admits she knew nothing about the writing process, so when her horoscopes are not as accurate as they used to be she sent of a series of rather angry emails to her idol Mark Ainsley-Thomas.
However what she was initially unaware of, is that Mark had hired James to help him out on some of the horoscopes, so he could be busy doing all manner of publicity things. James had, had a rather tough time of things himself and took objection to an unknown female attacking his star readings. A rather humurous set of emails are exchanged, with each of them feeling bad.
With a bit of Mark's wisdom, James and Katherine start emailing regularly and soon a tentative friendship blooms.
Under The Stars is written from the perspectives of Katherine, James and Mark, and their lives do end up completely wrapped up in each others. Katherine's cat No. 4 is a complicated character, and he starts to exhibit inconsistent behaviours.
There are in the first half of the book, some rather in-depth talk about horoscopes and astrology, which went completely over my head. I wasn't too keen on it, but accept for a book with this subject matter, it was relevant, just not my cup of tea!
Under The Stars is a fantastic romance of Katherine and James, as well as Katherine's endeavours to become a published author. There is plenty of entertaining moments, including some of Katherine's involvement in her local town, especially the writers group.
I really enjoyed reading Under The Stars and I'm delighted to know that there is a sequel, which I will be reading very soon. This is definitely a story I want to read more of.
Thank you to Linn for this review copy. This was my honest opinion.
Thanks so much, Rachel, for taking part in the tour and for the time reviewing and interviewing ... it's truly fab to be here!!!
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