OVERVIEW
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This is the fifteenth or so book by Beatriz Williams that I have read. What a departure from her other books! Yes, this is a familiar location (Winthrop Island), with familiar characters (from Winthrop Island), but that is where it stops. This is a triple-storyline novel with much more "spice" than any previous Beatriz novel I have read.
For full disclosure, I am writing this review with only about six hours of sleep. I finished this historical fiction novel around 2:00 am because I couldn't put it down. That is my review in a nutshell.
One caveat, this book does stand alone, but it is part of the series based on Winthrop Island. It is up to you if you want to know some of the backstory by reading the other novels.
OVERALL REVIEW: 5.0 stars
Writing: 5.0 stars
Beatriz always writes so amazingly beautifully. This novel is just a notch above her normal writing, as if she found her authentic and true voice. The descriptions are raw, powerful, and detailed without being overwhelming. It is filled with such incredible and strong writing.
I don't consider myself a prude, but "spicy" writing isn't my thing. Also, my favorite swear word is liberally used throughout the book.
Character development: 5.0 stars
The main characters are divided into three distinct timelines: Providence (1846 - a runaway servant); Audrey (2024 - Meredith's daughter); and Meredith (1993/1994, 2024 - Audrey's mother, famous movie star, and former local).
The secondary characters are: Mike (1993/1994, 2024 - Audrey's father, owner of a dive bar, and local); Sedge (2024 - connected visitor to the island); and Starkweather (1846 - police detective).
There are many tertiary characters, as this is a historical novel after all. But all were necessary and important to the progression of the three storylines.
Storyline: 5.0 stars
The three storylines could stand alone; however, the weaving of the three together is what makes this a fantastic novel.
In the 1846 timeline, Providence is escaping the murder warrant as a body is found in the home where she is a servant. In the 1993/1994 timeline, Meredith and Mike are living their lives until a visitor disrupts it all. The 2024 timeline is Meredith returning home with Audrey as chaos reigns.
The location was primarily the fictional Winthrop Island, New York, as well as Boston, Massachusetts.
Memorable/Informative: 5.0 stars
The description of travel in a steamship in 1846 was terrifying.
I cannot imagine how my ancestors traveled from Europe to the United States (most likely in the hold) for weeks on end in smaller vessels across the Atlantic Ocean. My heart aches for them.
Book cover: 5.0 stars
Beautiful.
Book title: 5.0 stars
Perfect and symbolic.
HIGHLY recommend
NetGalley eARC/ebook
Under the Stars by Beatriz Williams
368 pages
Ballantine Books
FUTURE release date: 7/29/2025
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
TRIGGER WARNINGS:
GRAPHIC cursing and sexual situations, murder, gun violence, pregnancy, infidelity, alcohol, alcohol abuse, terminal illness, suicide, medical content, blood
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
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