Stargazey Point

Stargazey #2

by Shelley Noble

Shelley Noble's Stargazey Point is a beautiful story of love, heartbreak, friendship, and new beginnings.

Devastated by tragedy during her last project, documentarian Abbie Sinclair seeks refuge with three octogenarian siblings, who live in a looming plantation house at the edge of the world.

South Carolina’s Stargazey Point used to be a popular family beach resort, but the beaches have eroded, most of the businesses have closed, and the crowds have gone. It's the perfect place to hide from the rest of world.

But hiding is harder than she thought it would be. There's a wise Gullah woman who seems to see into Abbie's soul, and an intriguing man on a quest to bring Stargazey Point back to life.

Stargazey Point by Shelley Nobel is the perfect beach read any time of year.

Genres: Fiction, Romance, Chick Lit, Womens Fiction, Southern, Novels, Contemporary Romance

384 pages, Paperback

First published July 9, 2013

About the author

Shelley Noble is a multi published fiction author whose books have been translated into seven languages. She writes women’s fiction as Shelley Noble and is also the author of several amateur sleuth mystery series, written as Shelley Freydont.

A former professional dancer and choreographer, she most recently worked on the films, Mona Lisa Smile and The Game Plan. She also consults on various dance and theatre projects, most recently the world premiere of a full length Tom Sawyer ballet commissioned by Kansas City Ballet.

Shelley is a member of Sisters-in-Crime, Mystery Writers of America, Romance Writers of America, and Liberty States Fiction Writers.

She lives near the New Jersey shore. In her spare time she loves to discover new beaches and indulge her passion for lighthouses and boardwalks with vintage carousels.

Reviews

[Diane S ☔ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another feel good Southern charmer with some bite. After a traumatic event in her life Abbey Sinclair escapes to Stargazey Point, to the relatives of her best fried, hoping to reassess her life and recover from her heartache. Here she meets three charming, gentile elderly southerns and a wonder Gullah woman who tires to help her. Stargazey Point has seen better days, once an amusement park and boardwalk, it never recovered from the hurricane that leveled the same. Cab, had spent every summer here with his uncle and he wants more than anything to refurbish the old carousal.

The characters and the place are the stars of this novel. They are all so wonderful, and the place just seems for the most part so peaceful and beautiful, I would love to visit. This is a comfort read, a place for second chances, with the unscrupulous land developers providing the tension. The only little complaint is that there is quite a bit of dialogue in this novel, maybe at times an excessive amount, that can get somewhat repetitive. Good summer read.

[Stephanie Ward · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Stargazey Point' is a beautifully written contemporary women's fiction novel that follows lead character Abbie Sinclair as she travels to the small town of Stargazey Point in South Carolina. As she gets to know the people of the town, Abbie realizes that Stargazey Point is much more than an old destination town. It's a place for love, new beginnings, and finding yourself.

This was a fantastically written contemporary novel that features a strong female lead character - Abbie Sinclair - who is incredibly realistic and easy to identify with. We see her fears, dreams, strengths, and weaknesses - and are able to empathize right alongside her as she grows and changes throughout the novel. The other characters in the novel - namely the people Abbie meets in Stargazey Point - are also well written. They are all unique and have distinct personalities and give a great depth to the novel. The setting is perfect - a small coastal town that was once a popular family vacation destination, but is now struggling to survive. The beautiful scenery along with the author's vivid imagery allowed me to fully immerse myself in the novel and into the town itself. The plot wasn't anything mind-blowingly original, but the author writes with such feeling that it gives the story a life all its own. The pace is natural with an effortless flow that had me gliding easily through the pages. Although at first glance this looks like just another women's fiction novel, it is so much more. It deals with real topics like family, grief, love, and finding yourself along with the quirky people and town and the beautiful coastal scenery. Definitely recommended for fans of the genre and those who enjoy contemporary fiction.

Disclosure: I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book from a Goodreads giveaway and found it to be a fabulous beach read, great for finishing out the summer season.
Abbie Sinclair is seeking a place to escape from the horrors that haunt her following a tragic event that fills her nightmares. When her friend offers her the opportunity to stay with her elderly relatives in Stargazey Point, a beach town that has suffered from destructive storms and is in need of rebuilding, Abbie jumps at the chance.
Cab Reynolds has returned to Stargazey Point to restore and reopen his Uncle Ned's carousel, once a mainstay of the boardwalk, and a popular tourist attraction. Having left behind a successful job and jilted by his fiance, Cab too is looking for a second chance.
Sparks are ignited when Cab and Abbie first meet, can they make a fresh start together?
Filled with eccentric, spunky characters with plenty of Southern charm, Stargazey Point is a town worth visiting.

[Obsidian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would suggest that readers start with "Stargazey Nights: A Novella" since it does provide readers with a glimpse at the majority of the characters that will appear in Stargazey Point. I for one was really happy to follow back up with Cabot Reynolds who was introduced in that novella.

The main character in this novel is Abbie Sinclair. Abbie after recovering from a devastating loss is shooed off to her best friend Celeste's family's plantation at Stargazey Point, South Carolina. The idea is that Abbie will get some much needed rest and also let her friend know if she should be concerned about her elder relatives who are doing their best to support themselves. Abbie after meeeting the Crispin family (consisting of sisters Marnie, Millie and brother Beau) falls in love with them and Stargazey. Readers also get to catch back up with Cabot Reynolds who is doing his level best to help bring back life at Stargazey and keep the town out of the hands of land developers who would destroy their way of life.

I have to say that as sad as I was to see that Ms. Noble would not be re-visiting her characters at Crescent Cove it was very nice to sink into a new series.

Ms. Noble's writing of South Carolina was lyrical and all of the discussions of the Gullah culture were very interesting. I would hope in future novels she expands a bit more on the Gullah culture since I was totally fascinated with how that subset of southern culture has been incorporated.

I also really loved reading about the Crispin siblings and hope we that Ms. Noble one day revisits their story in a standalone novel or prequel. Readers are able to guess about events that are alluded to in the past with the ending and I have to say that made me happy. I don't like it when the authors have to force feed the readers some things should be left to the reader's imagination.

The character of Abbie is at times heartbroken and stubborn. I did like her becoming more involved with the community, but it wasn't as if Abbie spent millions of dollars to fix Stargazey. I liked the realistic portrayal of a small town that is slowly dying out and trying to find its way back from that. Things of that nature are just not suddenly fixed and I am glad that Ms. Noble did not throw out some huge money gift from the gods that fixed Stargazey or had Abbie acting as some great white hope that made things better overnight.

I definitely recommend!

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Abbie has suffered from a major tragedy. Cab is at lost ends, feeling empty not only about the planned community that he has been designing but his fiancé. Cab finds that his beloved Uncle Ned, who he spent every summer with, has died. Abbie's friend Celeste is sending her to stay at the beach with her relatives. They both end up in Stargazey Point searching for a new purpose and direction for each of their lives.

Stargazey welcomes them both and quickly involves them in the lives of the people there. But Stargazey is a town taking it's last gasps. Families can't pay their taxes and the threat of the auction block is a yearly occurrence as they try to keep the wolves from their doors. Is there anything that can keep them safe and revive their dying town?

The story was well written and the characters were very likable. I did feel that the end seemed a little rushed and it definitely feels as though there will be another story following this one to let you know what is happening in Stargazey Point.

Thanks, Shelley for an enjoyable story.

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed Stargazey Point by Shelley Noble. Abbie Sinclair finds herself in Stargazey Point, SC after a traumatic episode and living in a beautiful rundown house with three elderly Southerners. OK, I love Beau! I met Cab in Stargazey Nights and in this book he is just as adorable. I just loved the connections in the story and the dual storyline of resurrecting the town as well as the carousel. This was a good read and I look forward to reading more by this author.

Duane, if you read this, it reminds me of the carousel of Fountaine Ferry back in the day!!

Go Cards! L1C4!!

[Laurie Buchanan · Rating 4 out of 5]

New-to-me author Shelley Noble captured my interest with her exquisite attention to detail in this heartwarming seaside tale. Not one to “kiss and tell,” I’ll simply say that you, too, will become part of the everyone-knows-everyone-else’s-business in the all-too-reliable gossip line of Stargazey Point.

Ever think you’d have a harmless flirtation with a twinkle-eyed octogenarian? Me either. But you will.

Ever think you’d want to get emotionally involved with a group of ragtag kids? Me either. But you will.

Ever think you’d want to ride under the fanciful tail of a mythological sea creature? Me either. But you will, and enjoy every minute of!

[Sharon Huether · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Abby reaches Stargazey Point after her last project failed, she is drawn toward the family who owned a large plantation.
The Crispins owned the Plantation. New comer Cab Reynold, who left his promising architectal job to refurbish his Uncles Antique Carousel is working hard on this project
As Abby surrounds herself with the Crispins, she realizes something needed to be done to keep them afloat and not drown in property taxes.
Abby found Stargazey Point to be a magical place where dreams can come true

I won this Free book from Goodreads First reads.

[Brenda Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book....picked it up at the dollar store and have now added all of her books to my list. The story is great and I felt like I was at the beach when I read it.

[Amy Hobby · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’d like to visit here

[kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really good book; much better than I expected, and I expected to like it!I When I was offered the opportunity to review this book by Trish at TLC Book Tours, the first thing that drew me to the book was the cover, but the synopsis also captured my interest.

Abbie Sinclair has had her life devasted by tragedy, and is trying to recover and figure out where she goes from here. Her best friend, Celeste, suggests she take a ‘vacation’ by visiting her elderly relatives in a run down beach town in South Carolina. And so, Abbie heads to South Carolina and the hospitality of Celeste’s relatives, three siblings in their 80s. Stargazey Point was a favorite of beach goers in earlier times, but has fallen into disrepair following several hurricanes, and doesn’t look likely to come back. But there are some who still are working to revive the town, including Cab, an architect who has given up his successful architectural career in order to restore his uncle’s carousel.

From the first page, I loved this book. It is a slow paced, relaxing read. Often in my reviews, I comment that a book moved slowly, and this is not meant as a compliment, but in this case, slow-paced is good. I felt the calm and peace of the ocean community, and loved Beau, Marnie and Millie, the three elderly siblings. They are so filled with southern hospitatlity. The writing is wonderful and filled with descriptive language, so that you feel like you are right in the story.

At times, the book is a little predictable, but not in a way that damages the story. WIth the magical feel of the book, you expect a happy ending! There is a bit of a twist near the end involving the siblings and there are a few hints of what may come. There are also some things left unsaid and I really would have liked to have been given a little more detail at the end. This is one book that really could have used an epilogue updating us on what happened to the characters down the road. I would have particularly liked to have known more of Beau’s story. But all in all, this is a fantastic summer read!

4-1/2 Stars

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher in return for a review as part of TLC Book Tours.

[Darlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell in love with Stargazey Point by Shelley Noble and its quaint and charming townsfolk. This book draws you into the lives of its characters from the very beginning and from that point the pages go by so quickly that before you know it the end is near and you don’t want it to be. Stargazey Point is a story about love, family, and new beginnings.

Stargazey Point is a seaside town on the South Carolina coast and Abbie Sinclair, a documentarian on hiatus, heads to Stargazey Point on the advice of her friend so she can try to heal from the tragedies of her past that continue to haunt her. She’s going to stay with her friend’s elderly family members and she has no idea what to expect but is soon delighted and captivated by the Crispin family: Marnie, Millie, and Beau.

Soon enough Abbie finds out that the town is in trouble because the handsome Cabot Reynolds at first pegs her to be a real estate developer and is none too polite to her. At one time Stargazey Point had been a popular beachside resort for families but over time the beaches have eroded and many businesses have closed and many in the town, including the Crispin’s, are on the verge of losing their homes because they can no longer pay the taxes. Cabot has plans of his own that he hopes will revitalize the town and Abbie decides that while she is there she will do anything she can to help as well. Although the two are making valiant efforts to avoid each other at first they seem to get thrown together at every turn. Maybe romance is in the air…

Stargazey Point is a delightful novel to read and I liked so many of the characters. Abbie herself was a woman who was easy to relate to because of her suffering and you feel drawn to her good nature. The Crispin’s are all wonderful especially Beau who is such a sweet old man that you can’t help but love him. And then there is the old Gullah woman who can see things and is always telling people what she sees or feels about them and the thing is she’s never wrong.

Stargazey Point is the perfect summer read. It’s not a fast paced novel but that is exactly its charm – it captures your heart with the sweet story it tells.

[Haley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m still trying to catch my brain up to all the chaos of a new house, so a beachy romance was just what I needed. Stargazey Point is a sweet summer story set just outside of Myrtle Beach and centers around a hurricane-busted town and its carousel.

This story moves as slow as a hot, sticky South Carolina afternoon, but as refreshing as that glass of sweet tea and wicker rocker. There’s no rushing into this romance. Abbie has a heartbreaking background–and it adds to the depth of the story.

It’s the south, so there’s definitely racism–but it’s repeatedly challenged. POC are more than just background dressing, as they usually are in this sort of book, but are active members of the narrative.

I always like it when a book like this surprises me. I tend to write them off as “empty calories,” guilty pleasures that don’t carry much substance, but Stargazey Point actually gave me some feels. Make sure you put this on your pool bag list!

[Catherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stargazey Point is the sweet, if somewhat slow, story of Abbie, who produces film documentaries. Abbie has recently witnessed a great horror and suffered a huge loss while filming. She visits Stargazey Point, a dying seaside town, to be alone and attempt to recover emotionally.

The story is full of many small town characters, some developed better than others. Overall, it was a good summer read, but one of those books that I probably won't remember in a few months.

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some minor inconsistencies, but a very enjoyable read with memorable characters. I wish there had been ten more chapters!

[Danielle Urban · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stargazey Point by Shelley Noble is a fascinating tale. Full of action, intrigue, and heartfelt moments. It instantly grabbed my heart from the beginning. I laughed, cried, and fell in love. The characters were amazing. Felt so real. It was almost like magic. The plot itself was interesting. Believable. Like stepping into a Hallmark movie. Shelley Noble's words created a deeper meaning. Family, community, and new beginnings. Every page made me feel as if I were really there with the characters.

Stargazey Point is a small southern spot that readers will love. History, culture, and the people who live there come to life on every page. Until now, I haven't read any other books by Shelley Noble. I'm very happy to have read this one. A woman who feels depressed from her past is soon sent by a friend to Stargazey Point. There, she stays with her friend's family. Two older women and an older man. Southern charm is turned up full notch here. Big southern plantation that somehow survived a storm that ruined the once thriving town. Money is almost out for one family. The brother has a kept secret that may come to save them and their home. Abbie comes looking for peace and ends up bringing life into the town and the people she met. It was hard not to like Abbie. She struggled with her own demons. Yet she gave everything she had to help others. Then, there's Cab. He at first mistrusts her...but after knowing her a bit she soon engages his full attention. Sparks fly. But first fears have to be solved if they they even stand a chance at happiness. Themes like friendship and love are strong. Shelley Noble has done a superb job in creating this masterpiece. Entertaining, emotional, and charming. Overall, I recommend it to others.

[Marty]

This is one of those “Hallmark Style” novels: – you know by the time you are half way through the first chapter what the ending is going to be. You also know that there will not be gruesome murder and good will triumph over evil. OK, you know the beginning and the end- you read it for the creative way the author takes you from here to there. Stargazey is a dying seacoast town in South Carolina. Abbie Sinclair has had a terrible experience while helping to make a documentary about an unscrupulous company destroying not only the environment but people’s lives as they robbed the area of natural resources. She barely escaped with her life; her partner and videographer was killed in jail; and the village was destroyed with most of the people and animals drowned in a sea of mud.

Back home, she can’t seem to pull herself together so her best friend sends her off to recoup. Having Abbie stay with her great aunts in Stargazey Point will give Celeste information on how the aunts are doing as well as give them someone to take care of. Of course, Celeste doesn’t know about the sorry state of the town, or that Cab Reynolds has given up his good job as an architect to follow his heart in trying to rebuild the carousel at Stargazey Point. Stay tuned! ---

[Shelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stargazey Point is a fairly typical feel-good story set in the American south complete with the strong but troubled heroine, the unique geography and climate of South Carolina, the love interest that starts out as a possible antagonist, a colorful cast of characters, some moments of humor, and plenty of redemption. Abbie's horrific past experience and the plight of the town make a bit edgier than most of the genre. Yet I often felt that the events in the novel were just a means to an end. As tortured as Abbie is, she never actually deals with her demons as much as fills the space with her new project and - and maybe this is just me - but I didn't feel that she and Cab really had that much chemistry. This is a story that needed time to develop and it just didn't have that. I felt that it was trying too hard to fit into its subgenre and get to the happy ending. Sorry if I spoiled that but it really shouldn't come as too much of a surprise.

[Jeff Lyon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stargazey Point's halcyon days as a tourist attracting community are as forgotten as the delapidated carousel the dying town was known for. A fierce storm on North Carolina's coast wrecked the pier and beach that brought people in droves to relax in the sun south of its famous neighbor Myrtle Beach.

Abbie Sinclair is sent by a close friend in New York to weather her own personal storm and stay with a genteel southern family that helped pioneer the community. Developers are cheating old-time residents out of their properties making new comers to the area suspect by the struggling locals.

The town's recovery becomes deeply intertwined with Abbie's as the author reveals the scarred past of both. Filled with wonderful characters of the Deep South, augmented by beautiful scenery, Shelley Noble's story will warm your heart and make you cheer for the less fortunate.

[Jeanne Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you William Morrow Paperbacks and Goodreads Giveaway for picking me as one of the winners.
I am blessed! I really loved this book and all of the colorful characters in it. I even went and downloaded the prequel to this book, Stargazey Nights. I steamrolled through both of these books and couldn't put either down and I WANT MORE! I really hope this series continues because, I don't think it's done telling all of its stories. This book was one of highlights of my summer reading list. I look forward to reading more books from this author in the future!!!!!

[Alexa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice end-of-summer read, especially with the carousel as a focal point (we always have a Carousel Day in late August / early September to ride our local carousels one last time before they close for the season). I enjoyed the characters and the general plot. There was not a lot of tension or suspense (you knew it would all work out in the end) but it was a cozy read. I didn't realize this is actually the second book set in Stargazey Point - I'd happily read the first novel all about Cab, if I can find it.

[Amy Siegfried · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't remember why I chose to put this novel on my TBR list but am glad I did. Well written with a steady pace to the story. Was glad that the primary characters did not tumble into bed but we're written to become friends who can fall in love at a normal pace. LOVED the Crispin siblings and would love to know the back story but perhaps that's another novel someday. Received this copy from a GoodReads giveaway and thank you.

[Melanie Wissel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is where I need a 3 and 1/2 rating. Sweet though way too predictable story about love, friendship and new beginnings. I hated that there were so few surprises but the was drawn in by the Southern charm and genteel lovable characters. Yes, it's a light read and I don't buy Abbie's over reactions, but I love visiting the quaint town and the beautiful descriptions.

[Vivian · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit Hallmarky in my opinion. The characters were a stretch of the imagination from Millie who was a childish old lady to Sarah who seemed to be all over the place. The whole idea of restoring the old carousel is wonderful in concept but spending that much money unless you’re filthy rich is just ridiculous.

[Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had a nice refreshing flow to it. Easy to read, easy to like all the characters and easy to picture yourself vacationing in this little town. It's nice that the town is helping Abbie just as much as she is helping the town she's visiting.

[Susan Claus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engaging story

By the end of the story, the characters had become so real to me I was ready to pack my bags and make a reservation at the Inn for a long weekend at Stargazey Point.

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The world of Stargazey is such a nice fantasy it is hard for the reader to re-enter reality. Abbie came to Stargazey Point to recuperate and regroup from her traumatic experience in South America. Her vacation turns into much more and affects far reaching changes for the entire town.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book through Goodreads. Loved it. The characters were well developed and likeable.

[Liselle · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first book by this author but definitely not my last. She has a great picturesque way of writing which helps me see everything that's happening so well.

[Sarah Reicker · Rating 1 out of 5]

Good for rich, old, white ladies who can tolerate mild racism and poor, predictable writing.