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By Starlight
Colton, Montana, 1931. Struggling through the Great Depression, Maddy Aldridge agrees to run an illegal speakeasy in order to save her family's mercantile store. Keeping her dangerous new business partner at arm's length is no easy task, but her bravery faces its biggest test when Jack Rucker unexpectedly comes home. He left town seven years ago, breaking his promise-and her heart-when he didn't return so they could get married and start a family.
Now Jack is willing to do anything to earn her forgiveness . . . anything except reveal one important that he's a Prohibition agent on an undercover assignment. How far are Maddy and Jack willing to go to keep their secrets? What happens when the truth finally comes out? With violence threatening to shatter their world, Maddy and Jack have only one chance to rekindle their love and trust for each other, one chance to claim a future together.
Now Jack is willing to do anything to earn her forgiveness . . . anything except reveal one important that he's a Prohibition agent on an undercover assignment. How far are Maddy and Jack willing to go to keep their secrets? What happens when the truth finally comes out? With violence threatening to shatter their world, Maddy and Jack have only one chance to rekindle their love and trust for each other, one chance to claim a future together.
368 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
33 people are currently reading
305 people want to read
About the author
Dorothy Garlock
87 books383 followersDorothy Garlock was a best-selling American author of over 60 historical romance novels, most of them set in the American West. More than 20 million copies of her books are in print, in 18 languages. Her books have been on the New York Times best seller list seven times. She was named one of the 10 most popular writers of women's fiction four years in a row, from 1985-1988. In 1997, she was awarded the Romantic Times Lifetime Achievement Award. Garlock is also a member of the Romance Writers Hall of Fame.
Garlock worked as an editor, agent and publicist for most of her writing career. She was a native of Texas who grew up in Oklahoma then married and moved to Iowa. Garlock donated many of her manuscripts and other unpublished writings to the University of Iowa libraries.
Pen names include:
Johanna Phillips
Dorothy Phillips
Dorothy Glenn
Garlock worked as an editor, agent and publicist for most of her writing career. She was a native of Texas who grew up in Oklahoma then married and moved to Iowa. Garlock donated many of her manuscripts and other unpublished writings to the University of Iowa libraries.
Pen names include:
Johanna Phillips
Dorothy Phillips
Dorothy Glenn
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
October 28, 2020
With her mother dead and her father deteriorating from arthritis, Maddy Aldridge has to run the family’s failing mercantile store.
In walks Jeffers Grimm who convinces Maddy to run an illegal speakeasy. A former childhood lover who left Colton, Montana to attend school, Jack Rucker, an agent for the Bureau of Prohibition, returns to Colton, Montana to shut down the illegal speakeasy not knowing his former lover whom he is still in love with running it from her family’s store.
By Starlight was a good read and Rebecca Gibel did a good job in storytelling.
In walks Jeffers Grimm who convinces Maddy to run an illegal speakeasy. A former childhood lover who left Colton, Montana to attend school, Jack Rucker, an agent for the Bureau of Prohibition, returns to Colton, Montana to shut down the illegal speakeasy not knowing his former lover whom he is still in love with running it from her family’s store.
By Starlight was a good read and Rebecca Gibel did a good job in storytelling.
November 1, 2016
I thought the interesting setting and historical period would propel me through this audiobook, but its trite content and horrible delivery left me hankering for something else.
First and foremost, this book is set in Montana, but the narrator delivers most dialog with a Southern accent. I'm not talking a little rural lilt, but a full on drawl, y'all. And these characters live just south of the Canadian border. Mmm-hm.
Second, everything about the plot and supposed romance is cliche. The bad guy is one dimensional. And not even the thrill of an illicit speakeasy can save this one. Plus, Garlock's writing is peppered with a few more expletives than I expected, making this one hard to recommend as a clean read for my patrons that want something free of bad language. Bummer.
First and foremost, this book is set in Montana, but the narrator delivers most dialog with a Southern accent. I'm not talking a little rural lilt, but a full on drawl, y'all. And these characters live just south of the Canadian border. Mmm-hm.
Second, everything about the plot and supposed romance is cliche. The bad guy is one dimensional. And not even the thrill of an illicit speakeasy can save this one. Plus, Garlock's writing is peppered with a few more expletives than I expected, making this one hard to recommend as a clean read for my patrons that want something free of bad language. Bummer.
July 3, 2013
What an interesting book about the prohibition era taken place in Montana along the Canada border. Of course it is fiction, but there is some truths in it about the prohibition that you will pick up on, if you have ever studied the prohibition. I recommend it. An easy read which keeps your attention.
June 29, 2024
Considering the subject matter (prohibition and a couple on either side of the law) this book could have used more tension. Especially considering the love interest left her behind 7 years prior and never came back there should have been some angst but there really wasn't.
September 26, 2019
I almost DNFed this book so many times but I pushed through it because it was a buddy read. The characters were one dimensional and didn’t have any real decernable motives. The historical setting wasn’t immersive and felt cookie cutter and bland. Jeffers’, the bad guy, only two traits were his anger and how much he wanted to rape the main character, Maddy, to the point were it was unsettling how often it was voiced. Jack, Maddy’s love interest and childhood love, works for the Bureau of Prohibition and was fine for the most part up until the end where his Bureau training flew out the window for the sake of the plot and Maddy. Speaking of Maddy, she didn’t seem to do much at all and towards the end she was absolutely useless. She didn’t listen to what Jack told her to do in terms of bringing down the illegal liquor ring and Jeffers, and she thought she knew better than him and didn’t do what he told her to and because of it people got hurt when they shouldn’t have. The last 40 pages were bad but it was enjoyable to write sarcastic comments in the margins to keep me entertained.
May 11, 2022
Part of my $5 bag haul from the Friends of the Library Sale!
I had a hard time putting this down! The time period and backdrop are so interesting; it draws you in and takes you for a ride. A story that shines light on every corner of Prohibition; from the law chasing criminals to everyday Americans chasing away hard times with a drink. How love changes as you grow up and grow into yourself. That when you truly love someone, they never leave your heart.
My only complaint is some of the repetitiveness. Several narratives were really pushed and repeated to the point I became tired of reading about them. I got it the first few times. The bad guy’s gonna do ‘these bad things to someone’ repeated over and over again. ‘I’m a lawman and it’s my job to ect’.
I still enjoyed this novel and recommend!
I had a hard time putting this down! The time period and backdrop are so interesting; it draws you in and takes you for a ride. A story that shines light on every corner of Prohibition; from the law chasing criminals to everyday Americans chasing away hard times with a drink. How love changes as you grow up and grow into yourself. That when you truly love someone, they never leave your heart.
My only complaint is some of the repetitiveness. Several narratives were really pushed and repeated to the point I became tired of reading about them. I got it the first few times. The bad guy’s gonna do ‘these bad things to someone’ repeated over and over again. ‘I’m a lawman and it’s my job to ect’.
I still enjoyed this novel and recommend!
March 10, 2020
I read this as a book I wouldn't normally choose to be honest. I got it at the library and it was wrapped for date with a book for Valentine's day. I was pleasantly surprised. I love books that take place back in the day. It was I thought a little slow at times but still a great read! Check it out!
July 18, 2020
Not her best work
I usually love her stories about ordinary people but this story lacked likable characters. The story was ok, but Maddie just plain irritated me. The heroes of the story should entice the reader but I found myself wanting to shake some sense into her. And Jack was no better.
I usually love her stories about ordinary people but this story lacked likable characters. The story was ok, but Maddie just plain irritated me. The heroes of the story should entice the reader but I found myself wanting to shake some sense into her. And Jack was no better.
April 27, 2023
Prohibition and a Speakeasy in operation. Maddy roped into part owner. Jacks been gone for years. How will his job as agent bureau of prohibition play into their relationship? Love the fact that this author lived in Iowa.
October 29, 2023
I really struggled through this book. The beginning was good. The middle was boring and the end had some action. Overall, I really struggled getting to the end. With that being said, if you are looking for a light hearted read, this book could be for you.
April 5, 2018
Very exciting! We really enjoyed listening to this one. "Chick Lit" set during Prohibition in a small town along the Montana-Canada border.
July 6, 2018
One of Ms. Garlock's better books, IMO.
February 12, 2019
I really loved the story and it is a book that I will read again but the end was kind of an anticlimax moment
December 9, 2019
Very good book
June 22, 2021
Mine wasn't an e-book, but a real, made with paper book and I really enjoyed it!
September 12, 2021
A great book about a love that got a second chance.
September 4, 2022
This book got off to a rather slow start, but once the plot got rolling, it was a real page turner with a satisfying ending.
October 30, 2022
After many years, Dorothy Garlock still does it for me. I have to go back and reread more of her books.
April 5, 2024
Love Dorothy Garlock books. Have read and enjoyed every one.
March 26, 2025
Very nice and refreshing read
October 6, 2025
Easy read. Predictable love story.
November 12, 2012
By Starlight, was unlike any other book that I read before. I actually came across it accidently, while at the library. It was the cover that had actually captured my attention, and the title. So I read the summary and it looked interesting enough to me, so I checked it out. I was glad that I did. I was hooked right from the first page, I needed to know what was going to happen next, especially between Maddy & Jack. It wasn’t just filled with romance; it also had a lot of action, with bit of adventure and a mystery. Every page kept me on edge of my seat. By Starlight is worth checking out.
GOODREADS SUMMARY
In early 1930s Montana, in the small town of Colton, Maddy Aldridge struggles to make ends meet during the Great Depression. With her mother long dead, her stubborn younger sister fighting her at every turn, and her father's arthritis deteriorating so badly that she has to run the family store alone, her desperation grows by the day. Enter Jeffers Grimm with a proposition too great for her to turn down: open an illegal speakeasy in the mercantile's basement, defy Prohibition, and make enough money to make her worries disappear. But, unbeknownst to Maddy, Jeffers has made a deal with the mob to bring huge quantities of alcohol across the Canadian border and store it in the mercantile. He wants to get rich, regardless of who stands in his way.
Jack Rucker is an agent for the Bureau of Prohibition, the federal police force created for the difficult task of enforcing the new law. Years earlier, he'd been a boy living in Colton, loving a young Maddy Aldridge. Now, after hearing rumors of an operation, the Bureau wants him to go back and hide in plain sight. With a pain-in-the-rump partner breathing down his neck, what will Jack do when he finds out what Maddy is up to? Can he and Maddy rekindle the love they once knew? If Jeffers discovers Jack is a federal agent, to what ends will he go to silence him forever?
I love that this book took time during 1930’s, during the depression time, I haven’t read book about that time yet but I remember learning about depression time, in high school. But after I read this book, I actually felt that I learned even more about it. I found myself actually imagining how hard it was for everyone, just by reading the book. I wanted to help those people, just way Maddy and her sister wanted to help them, but at same time I knew that I couldn’t help everyone. It made me sad that so many people would actually starve, and I realized how lucky we are now, to have food, a place to stay.
Maddy, I liked her from a start, she seemed like such strong character to me. To me, she seemed stronger then she was when she was a teenager when Jack first left. Taking care of her family’s business, while at same time taking care of her sick father. I saw why she did what she did with Jeffers. Of course I was also curious if she assumed or knew that at one point they would get caught. It was one of reasons she didn’t go running to Jack right away, into his arms when he first repapered. I wasn’t surprised that she slapped him, if I was in her situation, I would have done the same. I could that despite that; she still cared about him even if she tried denying it at first.
Maddy & Jack, I knew from the first page when Jack was leaving, that they had real love. Of course I haven’t expected for Jack not comes back for so many years, I am kind of curious if he would ever come back, if it wasn’t for his job. I could see the chemistry between rights from day he came back, even before Maddy slapped Jack. Way the two of them were looking at one another; I knew that they still loved each other. Especially when Jack tried to protect Maddy when she ran into trouble, when they caught Jeffers in act, trying to smuggle Wine, from Canada. But all through book, I found myself afraid that Maddy would get arrested to, because she was involved in it, in way. Though she wasn’t aware of Jeffers other actions.
What I loved the most about this book, was fact that it wasn’t all romance, there was quite bit action, adventure with bit of mystery added to it. There wasn’t a single page that didn’t keep me wondering what’s going to happen next, how it will all end. The story felt real, like something that could actually happen. You won’t regret picking it up.
GOODREADS SUMMARY
In early 1930s Montana, in the small town of Colton, Maddy Aldridge struggles to make ends meet during the Great Depression. With her mother long dead, her stubborn younger sister fighting her at every turn, and her father's arthritis deteriorating so badly that she has to run the family store alone, her desperation grows by the day. Enter Jeffers Grimm with a proposition too great for her to turn down: open an illegal speakeasy in the mercantile's basement, defy Prohibition, and make enough money to make her worries disappear. But, unbeknownst to Maddy, Jeffers has made a deal with the mob to bring huge quantities of alcohol across the Canadian border and store it in the mercantile. He wants to get rich, regardless of who stands in his way.
Jack Rucker is an agent for the Bureau of Prohibition, the federal police force created for the difficult task of enforcing the new law. Years earlier, he'd been a boy living in Colton, loving a young Maddy Aldridge. Now, after hearing rumors of an operation, the Bureau wants him to go back and hide in plain sight. With a pain-in-the-rump partner breathing down his neck, what will Jack do when he finds out what Maddy is up to? Can he and Maddy rekindle the love they once knew? If Jeffers discovers Jack is a federal agent, to what ends will he go to silence him forever?
I love that this book took time during 1930’s, during the depression time, I haven’t read book about that time yet but I remember learning about depression time, in high school. But after I read this book, I actually felt that I learned even more about it. I found myself actually imagining how hard it was for everyone, just by reading the book. I wanted to help those people, just way Maddy and her sister wanted to help them, but at same time I knew that I couldn’t help everyone. It made me sad that so many people would actually starve, and I realized how lucky we are now, to have food, a place to stay.
Maddy, I liked her from a start, she seemed like such strong character to me. To me, she seemed stronger then she was when she was a teenager when Jack first left. Taking care of her family’s business, while at same time taking care of her sick father. I saw why she did what she did with Jeffers. Of course I was also curious if she assumed or knew that at one point they would get caught. It was one of reasons she didn’t go running to Jack right away, into his arms when he first repapered. I wasn’t surprised that she slapped him, if I was in her situation, I would have done the same. I could that despite that; she still cared about him even if she tried denying it at first.
Maddy & Jack, I knew from the first page when Jack was leaving, that they had real love. Of course I haven’t expected for Jack not comes back for so many years, I am kind of curious if he would ever come back, if it wasn’t for his job. I could see the chemistry between rights from day he came back, even before Maddy slapped Jack. Way the two of them were looking at one another; I knew that they still loved each other. Especially when Jack tried to protect Maddy when she ran into trouble, when they caught Jeffers in act, trying to smuggle Wine, from Canada. But all through book, I found myself afraid that Maddy would get arrested to, because she was involved in it, in way. Though she wasn’t aware of Jeffers other actions.
What I loved the most about this book, was fact that it wasn’t all romance, there was quite bit action, adventure with bit of mystery added to it. There wasn’t a single page that didn’t keep me wondering what’s going to happen next, how it will all end. The story felt real, like something that could actually happen. You won’t regret picking it up.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 19, 2015
Book 10 of the year and 7 for the Winter Reading Challenge. By starlight by Dorothy Garlick is set in the 1920's. Prohibition is in effect and the mob is very active. Maddie has a father who can't run his mercantile due to his ailing health, her younger sister was not yet responsible for herself let alone caring for the business and their father and Maddie is having a hard time keeping the business running. Jeffers takes advantage of this situation and suggests they open a speakeasy in the basement of the mercantile. Jeffers working with the mob has bigger plans and is accepting shipments of alcohol from Canada, hiding but in the locked storeroom at the mercantile. Enter Jack ... Her past love that left 7 years before and is now a Prohibation agent. Alas, a bungled one as he spends a great time tracking Jeffers and his partner Summers without his gun! He could have called in assistance with his partner Ill and out if the way... But Maddie is involved and he can't...he won't risk exposing her. Jack and his sidekick all Clayton rush in to arrest them and to save Maddie who was caught --- no badge no gun... Realistic probably not .... Stupid? Yes! Of course Jeffers and Summers have a gun but can't get out before Jack physically is able to take them out...Clayton starts to attack Jeffers but Jeffers is amused while Maddie tries to get to the truck to blow the horn so the village will come... She is yanked out by Jeffers and sees Clayton is on the ground. Jack is being beat my Summer but the tables turn when he hears Maddie scream ...the fight scene drags on a bit longer than necessary in my opinion. Jeffers wants to take what he has to his load to Capone and then have his way with Maddie but we know that can't happen. Clayton is out, Summers fell down a shaft but our hero, Jack is on a mission. Jeffers and Maddie take off and sure enough Claytin finally are able to rally and take off after them in Clayton's truck. Running toward the mob diesnt sound like a great idea so they cone up with a plan to stop the truck by force. Maddie takes the truck wheel and they crash into a bridge, the illegal cargo spills out of the truck, Jeffers is hurt... Yet it seems forever before Jack catches up even though the trucks hit several times. This gives Maddie tine to be "enpoweredl to tell Jeffers she wouldn't be abused, or raped...even with all the drama to this point in the book, Jeffers still thinks he has a chance to get the shipment to the mob. Yet ANOTHER fight scene and Jeffers goes done for the final count..... Ahhhh, love wins out a hero in a beat up truck. Would u read another book by this author? Probably not it took too long to get to the end...what happened regarding Her involvement was left to dangle it flashes from Montana to Chicago 1931 like a dream sequence....Jeffers had been arrested he had tried to pin it on Maddie. The townspeople came together and said she was innocent and forced into it.... Summer was paralyzed for life..... Jacks partner recovered and though he thought the matters fishy.... He walked away getting more credit for the bust as a trade for his silence... A happy ending for all they return from their Chicago honeymoon to return to Montana where he would be the new Sherriff and Clayton his sidekick..... Deputy. Oh boy....
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 16, 2017
I haven't read a Dorothy Garlock book in over 15 years, but I found I still enjoy her. I listened to this one on audio. This is not my favorite historical era, Prohibition, but I did find it pretty good.
3 stars.
3 stars.
September 16, 2012
Dorothy Garland has the gift of always capturing the romance inside her characters
Living during prohibition was financially draining and emotionally overwhelming. Maddy Aldridge is trying to keep her family mercantile a float so she can provide for her bed-ridden father and younger sister. Maddy is supplementing that basic income with a less that legal one downstairs where she runs a speakeasy a huge illegal no-no during prohibition.
Jack Rucker walked away from small town life but never forgot the time he shared with Maddy and the love that today beats strong. When he returns home on business, he cannot discuss the one person he wants to reconnect with is Maddy and he hopes she feels the same.
Time can heal so much but the wound of Jack leaving is still healing for Maddy. However, a brush of his lips against hers and the touch of his hand in her hair remind them both of the promises they made when they were young. The problem is Maddy has questions about what Jack is doing back in town and he is so evasive she suspects the worst yet hopes for the best. Can they rekindle the flame of love without fully answering questions? As the problems, come to a definite conclusion all that matters is Maddy and Jack can still walk down the street holding hangs and sharing passionate glances.
Living during prohibition was financially draining and emotionally overwhelming. Maddy Aldridge is trying to keep her family mercantile a float so she can provide for her bed-ridden father and younger sister. Maddy is supplementing that basic income with a less that legal one downstairs where she runs a speakeasy a huge illegal no-no during prohibition.
Jack Rucker walked away from small town life but never forgot the time he shared with Maddy and the love that today beats strong. When he returns home on business, he cannot discuss the one person he wants to reconnect with is Maddy and he hopes she feels the same.
Time can heal so much but the wound of Jack leaving is still healing for Maddy. However, a brush of his lips against hers and the touch of his hand in her hair remind them both of the promises they made when they were young. The problem is Maddy has questions about what Jack is doing back in town and he is so evasive she suspects the worst yet hopes for the best. Can they rekindle the flame of love without fully answering questions? As the problems, come to a definite conclusion all that matters is Maddy and Jack can still walk down the street holding hangs and sharing passionate glances.
January 2, 2013
I don't believe that I have ever read any of Dorothy Garlock books. I liked it so much. It went by quickly and the writing I found was rich. An easy read. I don't usually like romances but I found this one nicely bearable although the heroine was just a little bit dense and reliant on the hero. I do like the way it all worked out.
It takes place in the time of Prohibition and Maddy Aldridge needs to run her father's mercantile store while he is suffering from arthritis. Her younger more progressive sister is fighting for her independence. With the depression she is dealing with more than she can handle. She still wonders why the love of her life, Jack Rucker, never came back for her and she has to deal with the likes of Jeffers Grimm. When Jeffers comes to her and offers to have a speakeasy out of her father's store cellar, she finds that it is the best offer that she has had and takes it. When Jack shows up after 7 years all the emotion that she has buried away comes up. Can they rekindle the romance that they once had?
It takes place in the time of Prohibition and Maddy Aldridge needs to run her father's mercantile store while he is suffering from arthritis. Her younger more progressive sister is fighting for her independence. With the depression she is dealing with more than she can handle. She still wonders why the love of her life, Jack Rucker, never came back for her and she has to deal with the likes of Jeffers Grimm. When Jeffers comes to her and offers to have a speakeasy out of her father's store cellar, she finds that it is the best offer that she has had and takes it. When Jack shows up after 7 years all the emotion that she has buried away comes up. Can they rekindle the romance that they once had?
May 12, 2013
"Maddy Aldridge froze as the floorboard beneath her bare foot creaked loudly." Maddy and her wayward lover Jack are the protagonists in this formulaic romance by Dorothy Garlock, "By Starlight." One can imagine the author ticking off the requirements: pretty girl and handsome young man are separated, happenstance causes their reunion, dangerous situations abound, sexytimes occur and everyone lives happily ever after.
"Suddenly, another hope fluttered in his chest: that he might kiss her again, knowing that he shouldn't but then feeling certain that, if he got the chance, he'd take it." This quote about sums up the atmosphere of the book, and most every aspect is of the stock variety. A saving grace is the prohibition theme which adds a little historical interest.
By my count, this was number 51 for Garlock who is known for her Americana romances. Obviously, there is a market for these stories and there was nothing particularly objectionable about the book, but also nothing particularly enjoyable about it.
"Suddenly, another hope fluttered in his chest: that he might kiss her again, knowing that he shouldn't but then feeling certain that, if he got the chance, he'd take it." This quote about sums up the atmosphere of the book, and most every aspect is of the stock variety. A saving grace is the prohibition theme which adds a little historical interest.
By my count, this was number 51 for Garlock who is known for her Americana romances. Obviously, there is a market for these stories and there was nothing particularly objectionable about the book, but also nothing particularly enjoyable about it.
February 20, 2020
1930s A young woman during depression is force to turn to alcohol during prohibition to keep her family store open & support her family. When her lost love returns as prohibition officer, she is forced to make difficult decisions.
May 9, 2013
I enjoyed this book although it wasn't "great literature". The time period of the Prohibition is one I know little about especially in a place like Montana. I found the characters were well drawn and I could clearly picture the tiny town where the action took place. Not sure if this was aimed at the adult or high school population, although it would work with either.
October 6, 2013
I've adored Dorothy Garlock's writting for years but this one was over the top. Struggles, love, health & crime during prohibition all in one book. I kept turning the pages eager to see what happened next. So detailed I felt I was back in time. If you enjoy books that take place in this bygone era then don't miss this one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews