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The Keeper of Stars #1
The Keeper of Stars
Who says you can’t rewrite the stars?
1962—Twelve years removed from the summer when she first gave her heart away, Dr. Elizabeth (Ellie) Spencer, Professor of Astronomy at Indiana University, receives a mysterious package that has her asking that very question.
Inside the unmarked box is a novel written by Ellie’s first love, Jack Bennett. It tells the story of a young man and woman who meet at the water’s edge and fall madly in love, only to have their romance cut short by forces beyond their control. Ellie quickly realizes this is no ordinary story; it’s their story. Captivated by Jack’s words, she immerses herself in the pages, reliving the adventures they shared that magical summer. To her astonishment, hidden among the tales of star-gazing and stolen kisses is a detail that has her questioning everything.
Seeking answers, Ellie turns to her sister for help, but before they can get to the bottom of the mystery, news reaches them of their aunt’s death, sending Ellie back to the water’s edge with the hopes of finding the truth and rewriting the stars.
1962—Twelve years removed from the summer when she first gave her heart away, Dr. Elizabeth (Ellie) Spencer, Professor of Astronomy at Indiana University, receives a mysterious package that has her asking that very question.
Inside the unmarked box is a novel written by Ellie’s first love, Jack Bennett. It tells the story of a young man and woman who meet at the water’s edge and fall madly in love, only to have their romance cut short by forces beyond their control. Ellie quickly realizes this is no ordinary story; it’s their story. Captivated by Jack’s words, she immerses herself in the pages, reliving the adventures they shared that magical summer. To her astonishment, hidden among the tales of star-gazing and stolen kisses is a detail that has her questioning everything.
Seeking answers, Ellie turns to her sister for help, but before they can get to the bottom of the mystery, news reaches them of their aunt’s death, sending Ellie back to the water’s edge with the hopes of finding the truth and rewriting the stars.
320 pages, Paperback
First published July 26, 2024
7356 people are currently reading
46118 people want to read
About the author
Buck Turner
26 books709 followersBuck is a beloved storyteller, best known for his diverse writing style and subject matter. Author of the bestselling romance novels The Long Road Back To You and I'll Wait, Buck explores both the pleasure and the pain that come with finding that once-in-a-lifetime love, and the lengths we'll go to keep it.
As a graduate of Lincoln Memorial University, Buck holds a Fine Arts degree as well as an MBA. Having spent his childhood in East Tennessee, Buck focuses on what he knows best-the south, including its rich traditions, diverse characters, and religion. When he's not busy writing, Buck enjoys spending time with his family, playing golf, fishing, drawing, and painting.
As a graduate of Lincoln Memorial University, Buck holds a Fine Arts degree as well as an MBA. Having spent his childhood in East Tennessee, Buck focuses on what he knows best-the south, including its rich traditions, diverse characters, and religion. When he's not busy writing, Buck enjoys spending time with his family, playing golf, fishing, drawing, and painting.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,577 reviews
February 4, 2024
This is SUCH a beautiful story. The writing gives me Nicholas Sparks vibes, meaning I can see this as a movie that everyone falls in love with. Nothing dark, nothing spicy, just a good old fashioned love story. It’s a novel that shows love at first sight, heartache, and finding your way back to each other. I will be adding more Buck Turner books to my wishlist. Job well done sir!
I am telling you to stop what you are doing and get this book. It will make you feel so many things ❤️
I am telling you to stop what you are doing and get this book. It will make you feel so many things ❤️
April 27, 2024
It’s The Notebook but even more predictable and less interesting. The names, settings and themes are nearly identical. Ellie is Allie and Jack is Noah. A wealthy, sophisticated, young girl meets a poor, simple young boy. She from the city, he from the country. Instead of South Carolina this story is in Tennessee. Her mother hates their love and plots to break them up. He goes off to war. There’s even a big, old but lovely house and row boat. Yet against all odds they reunite later in life as get married. She’s supposed to be an astronomer and yet there is nothing interesting about astronomy in this book. It’s set in the 1950s but you would never know from the language, clothes or buildings.
He’s supposed to be an honorable, faithful, good Christian man but he has sex with Ellie while he’s still in a relationship with another woman. At least break up with your girlfriend!
I appreciate a fun, light romance but this is such a blatant copy of The Notebook I have to give it 2 stars.
He’s supposed to be an honorable, faithful, good Christian man but he has sex with Ellie while he’s still in a relationship with another woman. At least break up with your girlfriend!
I appreciate a fun, light romance but this is such a blatant copy of The Notebook I have to give it 2 stars.
September 12, 2024
Before reading this review I feel like I need to point out that I think I am not exactly the intended audience for this one. I can like romance but I tend to run a little picky and there were several things in this one that that kept it from being a great romance from me. The author set it up for an impossible choice where to be together they both had to give up a piece of themselves and I find that tragic more than romantic. I also found for people so deeply in love they were great at hurting each other (I know tension and separation is part of romance, but those moves felt out of character for the relationship the reader was being given. Overall I found this one to be ok. I saw a lot of reviews say this one gives Nicholas Sparks vibes and I would agree with that (he’s hit or miss for me honestly). At 19 Ellie spends a summer with her aunt and meets and falls in love with a local boy, Jack. But their summer ends abruptly with circumstances they couldn’t control and time and distance are rough on love. I found this book to be alright, but if you like romance read some other reviews before making a decision about this one.
September 19, 2023
Predictable, boring. It read like it was written by a computer or AI.
May 31, 2024
It reads like a Nicholas Sparks novel, and by that I mean pedantic writing, elementary dialogue and basic, at best, prose.
The characters are one dimensional and lacking anything even resembling complex. The plot is so obnoxiously obvious. The chapter titles giving away what to expect before a single word is read.
Essential contexts and important relationships get mentioned as asides, leaving me to feel I’m reading an abridged copy of a better, more emotional novel.
The character development and sub plots are so undeveloped. So juvenile in their introductions and shallow in their interactions.
The conversations contrived simply to allow for trite love advice and philosophical ponderings on love.
Th author cheats the reader incessantly, having characters say “she’s the love of my life” to complete strangers rather than bringing this to life through interactions.
Instead of showing us she’s nervous though actions, behaviors and thoughts, the author uses the all-so-clever “I’m nervous tonight.” approach.
The best writing in the novel is when he’s quoting Pride and Prejudice.
This book was chock-full of platitudes and phrases you could imagine an elderly aunt living in the south having cross-stitched onto a pillow…
“When it comes to matters of the heart you can’t be too careful.”
“… life is short, and when we see something we want, nothing should stand in our way.”
“Life is too short to throw away love. Because once it’s gone you can never get it back.”
“Never take a single day for granted because none of us are guaranteed tomorrow.”
“We are the authors of our own destiny.”
“The end is only the beginning and the greatest adventure is yet to come.”
The characters are one dimensional and lacking anything even resembling complex. The plot is so obnoxiously obvious. The chapter titles giving away what to expect before a single word is read.
Essential contexts and important relationships get mentioned as asides, leaving me to feel I’m reading an abridged copy of a better, more emotional novel.
The character development and sub plots are so undeveloped. So juvenile in their introductions and shallow in their interactions.
The conversations contrived simply to allow for trite love advice and philosophical ponderings on love.
Th author cheats the reader incessantly, having characters say “she’s the love of my life” to complete strangers rather than bringing this to life through interactions.
Instead of showing us she’s nervous though actions, behaviors and thoughts, the author uses the all-so-clever “I’m nervous tonight.” approach.
The best writing in the novel is when he’s quoting Pride and Prejudice.
This book was chock-full of platitudes and phrases you could imagine an elderly aunt living in the south having cross-stitched onto a pillow…
“When it comes to matters of the heart you can’t be too careful.”
“… life is short, and when we see something we want, nothing should stand in our way.”
“Life is too short to throw away love. Because once it’s gone you can never get it back.”
“Never take a single day for granted because none of us are guaranteed tomorrow.”
“We are the authors of our own destiny.”
“The end is only the beginning and the greatest adventure is yet to come.”
April 2, 2023
Written in the Stars ✨
Jack and Ellie were made for each other. They met over a summer break at the ages of 18 and 19 and quickly fell in love making plans for a future together but as soon as they’d found love they were torn apart. Can time, destiny, fate and a little bit of compromise reunite them?
Buck Turner is a new author to me and I thoroughly enjoyed his story. This is a bit of a departure from the books I usually read and I’m so glad I took a chance on this one. It’s a sweet romance, well written and has totally pulled on my heartstrings. I just loved this and I think both Jack and Ellie will stay with me for some time.
“You don’t find love. It finds you. It’s got a little bit to do with destiny, fate and what’s written in the stars.” Anais Nin.
Jack and Ellie were made for each other. They met over a summer break at the ages of 18 and 19 and quickly fell in love making plans for a future together but as soon as they’d found love they were torn apart. Can time, destiny, fate and a little bit of compromise reunite them?
Buck Turner is a new author to me and I thoroughly enjoyed his story. This is a bit of a departure from the books I usually read and I’m so glad I took a chance on this one. It’s a sweet romance, well written and has totally pulled on my heartstrings. I just loved this and I think both Jack and Ellie will stay with me for some time.
“You don’t find love. It finds you. It’s got a little bit to do with destiny, fate and what’s written in the stars.” Anais Nin.
February 9, 2024
Book club pick. (So stop reading Sydney!) I'm just going to start typing and hopefully will form some coherent thoughts about this along the way.
The story/romance between Ellie and Jack was engaging even if the writing was only decent. I can see why this is getting comparisons to The Notebook, even though I thought this was way less sappy than any Sparks.
My big complaint to Matt when I was finished? The romance was too realistic. I KNOW. Long distance is hard! Having different goals in life than your partner is hard! Being a grown up and making grown-up decisions is hard! There were no fake relationships or secret dukes!
Turner describes himself in his author bio as an author of romance novels, but romance novels as a genre have requirements, which he did not meet. If he had lopped off the first and last chapters and just let it be set in the 1950s and 60s, it would have met them. I don't know why he thought we needed to know in the last chapter . It took the previous chapter's satisfactory ending, and instead made my face do this: 🤨
And it made me wonder: I read a lot of genre Romance Novels, and I don't know that I've ever read one by a man. I imagine that there ARE men Romance Novelists that adhere to the genre tropes, somewhere, but books like this ... make me not trust male authors to provide what women want in Romance Novels (or at least what THIS woman wants in a romance novel) - escapism, a good love story, smart banter, a little bit of ridiculousness, medium- to medium-high levels of (well written) steam. If they can't even end with a HEA or HFN, then why do we trust them to tell the story? And does it count as a HEA . I say no. I don't need to know what comes after. Not in my romance novels.
So. It was fine.
The story/romance between Ellie and Jack was engaging even if the writing was only decent. I can see why this is getting comparisons to The Notebook, even though I thought this was way less sappy than any Sparks.
My big complaint to Matt when I was finished? The romance was too realistic. I KNOW. Long distance is hard! Having different goals in life than your partner is hard! Being a grown up and making grown-up decisions is hard! There were no fake relationships or secret dukes!
Turner describes himself in his author bio as an author of romance novels, but romance novels as a genre have requirements, which he did not meet. If he had lopped off the first and last chapters and just let it be set in the 1950s and 60s, it would have met them. I don't know why he thought we needed to know in the last chapter . It took the previous chapter's satisfactory ending, and instead made my face do this: 🤨
And it made me wonder: I read a lot of genre Romance Novels, and I don't know that I've ever read one by a man. I imagine that there ARE men Romance Novelists that adhere to the genre tropes, somewhere, but books like this ... make me not trust male authors to provide what women want in Romance Novels (or at least what THIS woman wants in a romance novel) - escapism, a good love story, smart banter, a little bit of ridiculousness, medium- to medium-high levels of (well written) steam. If they can't even end with a HEA or HFN, then why do we trust them to tell the story? And does it count as a HEA . I say no. I don't need to know what comes after. Not in my romance novels.
So. It was fine.
September 13, 2024
I thought this was a beautiful story. I've seen it compared to The Notebook. I've not read that one, but I did see the movie and I can understand the comparisons. It is a heartwarming, lifelong love story that begins early, is cut short by circumstances, and revisited 12 years later.
Our two main characters meet and fall in love over the course of a summer in 1940. Their lives take different paths, but they are brought back together 12 years later in 1962 and both still feel the pull of their love for each other.
I have to admit that I did not love Ellie the first time she was introduced. She initially came across as spoiled and entitled to me. But after that first meeting, I really enjoyed her character. I also really enjoyed Jack's character and hoped for the two of them to have that magical long-lived romance.
I won't give the details of the story, but Ellie and Jack need to overcome obstacles and are drawn back together repeatedly, yet they never lose their love for each other. A lot of the story is predictable, but you expect that when you are reading a HEA story. There is really no way around it. This was just a really beautiful love story to me.
This is the first book I've read by Buck Turner, but I will definitely look for more of his work in the future.
Thank you to BookishFirst and Page & Vine for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Our two main characters meet and fall in love over the course of a summer in 1940. Their lives take different paths, but they are brought back together 12 years later in 1962 and both still feel the pull of their love for each other.
I have to admit that I did not love Ellie the first time she was introduced. She initially came across as spoiled and entitled to me. But after that first meeting, I really enjoyed her character. I also really enjoyed Jack's character and hoped for the two of them to have that magical long-lived romance.
I won't give the details of the story, but Ellie and Jack need to overcome obstacles and are drawn back together repeatedly, yet they never lose their love for each other. A lot of the story is predictable, but you expect that when you are reading a HEA story. There is really no way around it. This was just a really beautiful love story to me.
This is the first book I've read by Buck Turner, but I will definitely look for more of his work in the future.
Thank you to BookishFirst and Page & Vine for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
April 6, 2023
Very impressed with this book. Made me weep and ugly cry in several places. Enjoyed this book tremendously as I have enjoyed all of Mr. Turner''s book. Thanks for being a tremendous storyteller.
March 22, 2024
first book that’s made me cry in awhile.. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
May 24, 2025
Very sweet book about socialite who falls in love with a boy during her summer break and the years that follow.
December 7, 2023
4.5 Rounded up to 5
I want to start off by saying I was terrified to receive this book from Mr. Buck Turner himself. I rarely accept books for ARCs/Reviews. Mainly because I am picky and a little harsh in my reviews, and I would hate to leave a bad review on a book that was so generously given to me.
THANK GOSH that is not the case here. I could NOT stop reading this book. It is definitely a one to two sitting page turner.
Summary
Jack is a poor Tennessee boy spending his summer working on the water. During one of his fully booked tours Ellie begs to be added last minute. She is one of the prettiest girls he has ever seen, so he helps her aboard. Ellie comes from a wealthy family from the city and has big dreams. She is going to college to be an astronomer. The two spend a glorious summer together but life takes them in different directions. They will be brought back together later in life and can a summer love withstand the test of time?
My Thoughts
I love books that have second chance love and I love a SOUL MATE story. This book hit me personally. My first love was in high school and he joined the military. I will never forgive myself for ending things very similarly to the way Ellie did. Reading that stung.
The book was easy to read and I found myself looking forward to getting time to go back into Ellie and Jack's world. The only reason it was not a true 5 star was because of Sara. Dang this poor girl did not deserve to be in the middle of this. Even with the information we found out, both Ellie and Jack did her so wrong. Ellie is kind of selfish and the fact that she doesn't visit or check in on Aunt Clara (one of my favorite characters) made me mad.
Quotes
I tabbed tons of quotes so...
"This one's different, I can tell. She's out of my league of course."
"This is the place where I fell in love, got married, and shared almost twenty years with the man I loved. And if I close my eyes, I can still feel him here with me. There aren't enough beaches and golden sunsets in the world to make me walk away from those memories."
"...be careful who you give your heart to. Once it’s gone, there’s no takin’ it back, no matter how much you might wanna."
"My father once told me that a person's success isn't measured by money but by what his family thinks of him."
"You were in love. He was your first love. That's a feeling that never goes away no matter how much time passes."
"... And what do you say to the man whose heart you broke?"
"And I'm glad you got over me," she added. "I was afraid you hadn't."
"Over you?" Jack suppressed a laugh. "Is that what you think? That I got over you? Hell, Ellie, I moved on, that's all. Not because I wanted to but because I had to - to keep from going crazy. But I never got over you, and never will. You were the one I was supposed to spend the rest of my life with. How does anyone get over that?
I want to start off by saying I was terrified to receive this book from Mr. Buck Turner himself. I rarely accept books for ARCs/Reviews. Mainly because I am picky and a little harsh in my reviews, and I would hate to leave a bad review on a book that was so generously given to me.
THANK GOSH that is not the case here. I could NOT stop reading this book. It is definitely a one to two sitting page turner.
Summary
Jack is a poor Tennessee boy spending his summer working on the water. During one of his fully booked tours Ellie begs to be added last minute. She is one of the prettiest girls he has ever seen, so he helps her aboard. Ellie comes from a wealthy family from the city and has big dreams. She is going to college to be an astronomer. The two spend a glorious summer together but life takes them in different directions. They will be brought back together later in life and can a summer love withstand the test of time?
My Thoughts
I love books that have second chance love and I love a SOUL MATE story. This book hit me personally. My first love was in high school and he joined the military. I will never forgive myself for ending things very similarly to the way Ellie did. Reading that stung.
The book was easy to read and I found myself looking forward to getting time to go back into Ellie and Jack's world. The only reason it was not a true 5 star was because of Sara. Dang this poor girl did not deserve to be in the middle of this. Even with the information we found out, both Ellie and Jack did her so wrong. Ellie is kind of selfish and the fact that she doesn't visit or check in on Aunt Clara (one of my favorite characters) made me mad.
Quotes
I tabbed tons of quotes so...
"This one's different, I can tell. She's out of my league of course."
"This is the place where I fell in love, got married, and shared almost twenty years with the man I loved. And if I close my eyes, I can still feel him here with me. There aren't enough beaches and golden sunsets in the world to make me walk away from those memories."
"...be careful who you give your heart to. Once it’s gone, there’s no takin’ it back, no matter how much you might wanna."
"My father once told me that a person's success isn't measured by money but by what his family thinks of him."
"You were in love. He was your first love. That's a feeling that never goes away no matter how much time passes."
"... And what do you say to the man whose heart you broke?"
"And I'm glad you got over me," she added. "I was afraid you hadn't."
"Over you?" Jack suppressed a laugh. "Is that what you think? That I got over you? Hell, Ellie, I moved on, that's all. Not because I wanted to but because I had to - to keep from going crazy. But I never got over you, and never will. You were the one I was supposed to spend the rest of my life with. How does anyone get over that?
September 10, 2024
This is not my typical genre to read. Just give me a good thriller! However I did enjoy this sweet little romance. Two teens fall in love over the course of a summer. Both innocent, naive, but wise beyond their years. Jack is a Tennessee native and loves his hometown. Ellie, a northern gal, has dreams of becoming an astronomer. But even though they are different they fall in love. Unfortunately an incident occurs that tears them apart. There were many sad moments in this story and I have to say that I got frustrated with Ellie many times! Make up your mind for goodness sake! This is the first book that I have read by Buck Turner. I describe his writing as smooth as he slowly draws the reader into the lives of the main characters. I liked how the characters matured as the story progressed. On the back jacket it says “Who says you can’t rewrite the stats?” So true.
October 9, 2024
For a specific reason I had to finish this book… it was unpleasant.
Quite literally, the most boring book I’ve ever read.
And being from the south I take personal offense to the dialogue in this book.
Quite literally, the most boring book I’ve ever read.
And being from the south I take personal offense to the dialogue in this book.
January 21, 2024
Too predictable.
For the first 2/3 of the book I felt like I was reading The Notebook again. Almost event for event I could predict what was coming. Which made me a bit sad because I enjoyed Jack and Ellie as characters and loved the Tennessee setting. I just grew bored because it was SO much like the notebook and I could not get Noah and Allie out of my head. I think the premise of this book is a good one and I love a good summer love story, I just wish it didn't follow so closely to The Notebook.
I also felt like there wasn't enough depth to the story, I needed more detail or for the characters to have more depth and more of a character arc I suppose. Jack and Ellie both had such potential to be amazing characters.
Over all I would say I was just disappointed. I felt like what could have been an amazing book was just a rehashing of The Notebook.
For the first 2/3 of the book I felt like I was reading The Notebook again. Almost event for event I could predict what was coming. Which made me a bit sad because I enjoyed Jack and Ellie as characters and loved the Tennessee setting. I just grew bored because it was SO much like the notebook and I could not get Noah and Allie out of my head. I think the premise of this book is a good one and I love a good summer love story, I just wish it didn't follow so closely to The Notebook.
I also felt like there wasn't enough depth to the story, I needed more detail or for the characters to have more depth and more of a character arc I suppose. Jack and Ellie both had such potential to be amazing characters.
Over all I would say I was just disappointed. I felt like what could have been an amazing book was just a rehashing of The Notebook.
July 14, 2025
Ellie Spencer is her name, faced with choices of looking into her past or moving into the future - a will-she-or-won't-she kinda tale. Well-told and safe in the hands of her author, Buck Turner, I never once doubted that she wouldn't stick a perfect landing.
I found this to be a great read for changing genres, or palate cleansing. Basically book candy. . .a romance, sweet characters, affirmations, nothing overly troubling.
That said, I must admit there is something to be said for a little doubt, or even some out and out disbelief about the end of one's current read. . .
I found this to be a great read for changing genres, or palate cleansing. Basically book candy. . .a romance, sweet characters, affirmations, nothing overly troubling.
That said, I must admit there is something to be said for a little doubt, or even some out and out disbelief about the end of one's current read. . .
November 4, 2025
*sigh* 3.5 rounded to 4 stars
I knew as soon as I finished the prologue that this story wasn’t going to make me happy. Not because I don’t like these types of stories, but because the ending was already written, and no one would be riding into the sunset at the end. Feel me?
I read it anyway.
It was a quick read and although I knew that somehow, the author wouldn’t be ending this book in a HEA, I still got lost in the pages for hours. Did I need the epilogues? Well, they made for a poignant ending to a love story, but in romance fiction, those epilogues wouldn’t exist, because reasons. They zapped a lot of joy out of my experience, but I knew they were coming so I only have myself to blame.
This is a great love story, and I hope everyone picks it up to read, but yeah, it’s also The Notebook, so be prepared.
I knew as soon as I finished the prologue that this story wasn’t going to make me happy. Not because I don’t like these types of stories, but because the ending was already written, and no one would be riding into the sunset at the end. Feel me?
I read it anyway.
It was a quick read and although I knew that somehow, the author wouldn’t be ending this book in a HEA, I still got lost in the pages for hours. Did I need the epilogues? Well, they made for a poignant ending to a love story, but in romance fiction, those epilogues wouldn’t exist, because reasons. They zapped a lot of joy out of my experience, but I knew they were coming so I only have myself to blame.
This is a great love story, and I hope everyone picks it up to read, but yeah, it’s also The Notebook, so be prepared.
April 13, 2025
Woof. I don’t typically read romance because I just don’t like it, but a friend gave me this and thought I would try it. The two stars is not for a genre I don’t love, it’s for the writing style. Felt like it was honestly written by a 6th grader that was getting help from Chat GPT. The story was cute enough (and completely predictable), whatever - but this author will never be in my rotation. Glad it only took me two days to trudge through this one.
January 6, 2025
Not for me. All characters are so one-dimensional, it’s super predictable, and the writing is very amateurish. The cover is pretty, so I’ll give it that.
November 21, 2024
In the same vein as Nicholas Sparks’ The Notebook, The Keeper of Stars is a heartfelt romance novel that reminded me of what young love felt like. That there is such as thing as love at first sight. That there is such as thing as love transcending adversity.
On Summer vacation from her studies, Ellie Spencer travels to Tennessee to visit he aunt Clara. From Indiana, Ellie is like a fish out of water as she trys to aclimate herself to the laid back country living style that known for the town of Sims Chapel.
On one of Ellie’s excursions, she meets Jack Bennett, a local lake tour guide. Jack is captured by Ellie’s worldliness and immediately strikes up a friendship with her. Unbeknownst to Ellie and Jack at the time, that friendship would evolve into an everlasting bond stronger than the test of time.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Keeper of Stars. From the beginning of the novel, I was immediately immersed in the narrative. There were plot twists that kept me wondering about a happily ever after.
And the characters? I loved all of them. From Ellie, to Jack, to aunt Clara, and everyone else, there were all so well developed and down to earth. They were fun to be around with for the duration of the novel.
The Keeper of Stars is the best romance novel that I’ve read so far this year. It’s not cheesy, and not overly Hallmark Movie-esque. It has just the right amount of drama, romance and a little dash of suspense. Perfect! Five stars.
I claimed a copy of the novel from Page & Vine through the Bookish First Raffle. This review is completely my own and reflects my honest thoughts and opinions.
On Summer vacation from her studies, Ellie Spencer travels to Tennessee to visit he aunt Clara. From Indiana, Ellie is like a fish out of water as she trys to aclimate herself to the laid back country living style that known for the town of Sims Chapel.
On one of Ellie’s excursions, she meets Jack Bennett, a local lake tour guide. Jack is captured by Ellie’s worldliness and immediately strikes up a friendship with her. Unbeknownst to Ellie and Jack at the time, that friendship would evolve into an everlasting bond stronger than the test of time.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Keeper of Stars. From the beginning of the novel, I was immediately immersed in the narrative. There were plot twists that kept me wondering about a happily ever after.
And the characters? I loved all of them. From Ellie, to Jack, to aunt Clara, and everyone else, there were all so well developed and down to earth. They were fun to be around with for the duration of the novel.
The Keeper of Stars is the best romance novel that I’ve read so far this year. It’s not cheesy, and not overly Hallmark Movie-esque. It has just the right amount of drama, romance and a little dash of suspense. Perfect! Five stars.
I claimed a copy of the novel from Page & Vine through the Bookish First Raffle. This review is completely my own and reflects my honest thoughts and opinions.
January 14, 2024
4.5 / 5 ⭐️’s
Truly “The Notebook meets Where the Crawdads Sing” story! This is my first read of Buck Turner! I instantly fell in love with the characters, Jack and Ellie. Their love story was so sweet and Hallmarky. The only part I did not like was Ellie not keeping in touch with Aunt Clara after she initially left Tennessee. That made Ellie‘s character seem selfish, I guess, or inconsiderate in a way. This read was definitely a tearjerker and absolutely pulled at the heartstrings! I appreciate how Turner connected the prologue to the epilogue of finding the memory box, and the letter that just absolutely destroyed my emotions! 10/10 recommend (with some tissue nearby)!!
Truly “The Notebook meets Where the Crawdads Sing” story! This is my first read of Buck Turner! I instantly fell in love with the characters, Jack and Ellie. Their love story was so sweet and Hallmarky. The only part I did not like was Ellie not keeping in touch with Aunt Clara after she initially left Tennessee. That made Ellie‘s character seem selfish, I guess, or inconsiderate in a way. This read was definitely a tearjerker and absolutely pulled at the heartstrings! I appreciate how Turner connected the prologue to the epilogue of finding the memory box, and the letter that just absolutely destroyed my emotions! 10/10 recommend (with some tissue nearby)!!
May 16, 2024
I struggled to finish this book. I actually hated everything about it. The entire storyline was far to similar to the Notebook and held no originality. I felt like it was immaturely written, and lacked both character and plot depth. While I mostly liked Jack, I found Ellie to be shallow, selfish, and extremely annoying, with absolutely no self awareness. I found myself constantly hoping Jack would find a women who appreciated his dreams, goals, and accomplishments and much as her own. Definitely not what I would consider a true love story. I cannot believe how many people actually enjoyed this book as much as they did.
April 1, 2024
This was not a type of book or story that keeps you guessing. So obvious, who called the mother, who gives up job, who buys the story
This is the story for Pollyannas and those that want happy endings like Life time movies .
This is the story for Pollyannas and those that want happy endings like Life time movies .
July 17, 2024
The Keeper of Stars is one of those special books that you enjoy reading so much that you don't want it to end. I fell in love with Ellie and Jack's story and kept hoping it would work out. Ellie and Jack met in the summer of 1950 and spent most of their time together. Jack was working that summer running a ferry on the lake while Ellie was being tutored in the mornings for math. Ellie went down to the lake and wanted to be on the water desperately. Jack saw her waving frantically as the ferry was about to leave. He let her come aboard even though they had sold all tickets. Ellie sat in the back with Jack and that's how their story started. After that they couldn't stand being apart from one another, but every summer comes to an end.
Ellie has lots of big dreams she wants to fulfill. She loves astronomy and wants to become a professor or work for NASA. She's going to Indiana University in the fall and can't wait to study the stars. Ellie comes from a wealthy family that doesn't struggle for anything, while Jack comes from a poor family and must help provide for his mom. Jack's Dad died when he was young and his mom works hard to keep food on the table. Jack helps a lot with the finances now and has saved a good bit of money for his dream house on the hill. Jack wants to stay in Tennessee by the lake and eventually start his own fishing charters. That's his dream until he meets Ellie.
When the summer ends, will Ellie and Jack's story end too? Will 2 people who seem so perfect for each other really go their separate ways? This book brought out every emotion I think I have. I was rooting for Ellie and Jack to reach their dreams, but have each other, too. Did it work out? Will true love find a way even after years apart? I rate The Keeper of Stars 5 stars with my very highest recommendation. This is the first book I've read by Buck Turner, but it won't be my last. I enjoyed every moment and will be reading more from him. The Keeper of Stars is available now and should not be missed! I'd like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy of The Keeper of Stars in exchange for a fair review. #TheKeeperOfStars
Ellie has lots of big dreams she wants to fulfill. She loves astronomy and wants to become a professor or work for NASA. She's going to Indiana University in the fall and can't wait to study the stars. Ellie comes from a wealthy family that doesn't struggle for anything, while Jack comes from a poor family and must help provide for his mom. Jack's Dad died when he was young and his mom works hard to keep food on the table. Jack helps a lot with the finances now and has saved a good bit of money for his dream house on the hill. Jack wants to stay in Tennessee by the lake and eventually start his own fishing charters. That's his dream until he meets Ellie.
When the summer ends, will Ellie and Jack's story end too? Will 2 people who seem so perfect for each other really go their separate ways? This book brought out every emotion I think I have. I was rooting for Ellie and Jack to reach their dreams, but have each other, too. Did it work out? Will true love find a way even after years apart? I rate The Keeper of Stars 5 stars with my very highest recommendation. This is the first book I've read by Buck Turner, but it won't be my last. I enjoyed every moment and will be reading more from him. The Keeper of Stars is available now and should not be missed! I'd like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy of The Keeper of Stars in exchange for a fair review. #TheKeeperOfStars
September 24, 2024
Rating: 5 Stars!!
Review:
Thank you to Page & Vine, LuvBooks and Buck Turner for sending me this FREE Physical Copy to promote and review for them as part of their Book Tour earlier this year.
This was my first time reading a Historical Romance by Buck so I wasnt sure what to expect but it reminded me alot of Wuthering Heights meets The Grapes of Wrath style writing and storytelling.
The Characters were fun and enjoyable to read about. From Page 1 I really shipped Jack and Ellie since they seemed so compatible with each other.
The Setting was beautifully described which made me feel like I was actually in 2020 and 1950 Sims Chapel Tennessee especially when the scenery was described.
Overall a great Historical Romance about a Couple who try to put their relationship back together after one of them writes a Romance novel about their love story.
Can't wait to read more by Buck in the future!!
Review:
Thank you to Page & Vine, LuvBooks and Buck Turner for sending me this FREE Physical Copy to promote and review for them as part of their Book Tour earlier this year.
This was my first time reading a Historical Romance by Buck so I wasnt sure what to expect but it reminded me alot of Wuthering Heights meets The Grapes of Wrath style writing and storytelling.
The Characters were fun and enjoyable to read about. From Page 1 I really shipped Jack and Ellie since they seemed so compatible with each other.
The Setting was beautifully described which made me feel like I was actually in 2020 and 1950 Sims Chapel Tennessee especially when the scenery was described.
Overall a great Historical Romance about a Couple who try to put their relationship back together after one of them writes a Romance novel about their love story.
Can't wait to read more by Buck in the future!!
July 25, 2024
This story follows two young people who meet each other and fall in love over the summer but go into separate paths and later reconnect. This book is similar to what you see of a summer-themed book. I loved the story of this book and seeing the second-chance romance coming to life. The writing style was mostly great but I do have to say that it didn’t flow to my liking. I loved the concept of how it starts from when they were young and goes onto the story instead of time jumping back and forth. I enjoyed the dual povs and seeing the time lapse for the characters.
Jack meets Ellie while giving a tour and begins to enjoy her company right away. I loved seeing him fall for her and doing anything to get her love. He has a great character development in the book. Ellie starts off more as friends with Jack but begins to also fall in love with him. The only issue is that she comes from a wealthy family and wants to be a professor. I also enjoyed her story and seeing her get her career. There are many side characters in this story. At first I hated Ellie’s mom but I loved how the author explained why she did the things she did. The romance is friends to lovers and second chance.
The ending was well done and I don’t know if it’s considered a HEA. It’s beautifully written story but it did miss some marks. I know many would enjoy this heartfelt story but pay attention to the style it’s written.
*this book was sent to me by the publisher to give an honest review in retrun*
Jack meets Ellie while giving a tour and begins to enjoy her company right away. I loved seeing him fall for her and doing anything to get her love. He has a great character development in the book. Ellie starts off more as friends with Jack but begins to also fall in love with him. The only issue is that she comes from a wealthy family and wants to be a professor. I also enjoyed her story and seeing her get her career. There are many side characters in this story. At first I hated Ellie’s mom but I loved how the author explained why she did the things she did. The romance is friends to lovers and second chance.
The ending was well done and I don’t know if it’s considered a HEA. It’s beautifully written story but it did miss some marks. I know many would enjoy this heartfelt story but pay attention to the style it’s written.
*this book was sent to me by the publisher to give an honest review in retrun*
July 16, 2024
✨B O O K • T O U R✨
The Keeper of Stars // Release Week🎉
#ad I received a gifted copy of this book - many thanks to @pageandvinebooks @luvbooksclub @buckturner_official #partner
Lost loves being reunited - or is it too late? Romance lovers you’ll swoon over this one.
It’s summer 1950 when Jack Bennett (JB) meets Elizabeth Spencer (Ellie). They quickly spark up a romance and fall in love. But soon they’re torn apart when Ellie’s mother comes to take her away.
Broken-hearted Ellie has to write a goodbye letter to JB. 12 years later Ellie receives a mysterious book and begins to read it. But she soon realizes this book is about her and her long lost love. Is there a way that they’ll come back together after all these years - if there is Ellie believes the answers lie within this book.
This was such an emotional read. I enjoyed reading this one. Not only does the story of Ellie draw you into the story, the writing does too. This is one of those books that you can see and feel the author’s ability to write and craft a story.
I’m not sure if I believe in fate, I mean I do, but believing in fate vs making our own paths - I’m not sure. I do believe that everything happens for a reason. So whether it’s fate or choices that lead us that’s a question I can’t answer. Maybe our choices were always our fate.
This book would be perfect for a book club to read. There’s so much to dig into here. Highly recommend this one!
💭QOTD: Fate or choices?
#pageandvine #luvbooksclub #thekeeperofstars #bookrecommendations #bookstagram #readmorebooks #alwaysreading #bookhoarder #bookstack #reads #book #bookworms #bookrecommendation #bookaesthetic #bookshelves #readabook #readmore #books #bookworm #romance
The Keeper of Stars // Release Week🎉
#ad I received a gifted copy of this book - many thanks to @pageandvinebooks @luvbooksclub @buckturner_official #partner
Lost loves being reunited - or is it too late? Romance lovers you’ll swoon over this one.
It’s summer 1950 when Jack Bennett (JB) meets Elizabeth Spencer (Ellie). They quickly spark up a romance and fall in love. But soon they’re torn apart when Ellie’s mother comes to take her away.
Broken-hearted Ellie has to write a goodbye letter to JB. 12 years later Ellie receives a mysterious book and begins to read it. But she soon realizes this book is about her and her long lost love. Is there a way that they’ll come back together after all these years - if there is Ellie believes the answers lie within this book.
This was such an emotional read. I enjoyed reading this one. Not only does the story of Ellie draw you into the story, the writing does too. This is one of those books that you can see and feel the author’s ability to write and craft a story.
I’m not sure if I believe in fate, I mean I do, but believing in fate vs making our own paths - I’m not sure. I do believe that everything happens for a reason. So whether it’s fate or choices that lead us that’s a question I can’t answer. Maybe our choices were always our fate.
This book would be perfect for a book club to read. There’s so much to dig into here. Highly recommend this one!
💭QOTD: Fate or choices?
#pageandvine #luvbooksclub #thekeeperofstars #bookrecommendations #bookstagram #readmorebooks #alwaysreading #bookhoarder #bookstack #reads #book #bookworms #bookrecommendation #bookaesthetic #bookshelves #readabook #readmore #books #bookworm #romance
December 1, 2023
Y’all stop what you’re doing because this is the best romance of 2023 (in my opinion)!
Buck Turner is a new to me author, but when I saw The Keeper of Stars described as “The Notebook meets Where the Crawdads Sing” I just knew I had to read it! And God made the stars align (pun intended), as I was blessed that the author himself reached out to me with a gifted copy.
The Keeper of Stars is a swoony, love at first sight, summer romance, between Jack Bennett and Ellie Spencer. Jack, a country boy, is a lover of all things nature and fishing; Ellie, a city girl, has big dreams of going to college and becoming an astronomer. Do opposites attract? Can love overcome all? Will there be a Happily Ever After?
The Keeper of Stars found me at the best time. This was everything I didn’t know I needed; emotionally satisfying, a touch of mystery, the best quotes, life lessons, and an ending that pulled at the heartstrings.
If you love romance novels, or the Hallmark Channel, Read. This. Book. I promise you, you won’t be disappointed. Oh, and be sure to have the Kleenex near by.
Thank you again to the author Buck Turner. Know that I am forever grateful to have read this story. Jack and Ellie will stay with me indefinitely.
Now excuse me while I go read everything else by this gifted author!
Buck Turner is a new to me author, but when I saw The Keeper of Stars described as “The Notebook meets Where the Crawdads Sing” I just knew I had to read it! And God made the stars align (pun intended), as I was blessed that the author himself reached out to me with a gifted copy.
The Keeper of Stars is a swoony, love at first sight, summer romance, between Jack Bennett and Ellie Spencer. Jack, a country boy, is a lover of all things nature and fishing; Ellie, a city girl, has big dreams of going to college and becoming an astronomer. Do opposites attract? Can love overcome all? Will there be a Happily Ever After?
The Keeper of Stars found me at the best time. This was everything I didn’t know I needed; emotionally satisfying, a touch of mystery, the best quotes, life lessons, and an ending that pulled at the heartstrings.
If you love romance novels, or the Hallmark Channel, Read. This. Book. I promise you, you won’t be disappointed. Oh, and be sure to have the Kleenex near by.
Thank you again to the author Buck Turner. Know that I am forever grateful to have read this story. Jack and Ellie will stay with me indefinitely.
Now excuse me while I go read everything else by this gifted author!
July 26, 2024
I think I wanted to really like this book. And had I read it 5 years ago I think I would have eaten it up, but it just didn’t do it for me. This book is around 380 pages and Ellie and Jack didn’t reunite until probably the last 150 and even that felt like whiplash. Jack said she was the love of his life but then was like “I can’t do this to Sarah.” Then only decides to break up with Sarah after he found out what she did even though he told Ellie that basically everything happened for a reason and does regret them not getting engaged but then he still does. It was constant back and forth.
There were good parts, don’t get me wrong. But overall it just fell flat for me. It felt like it was trying too hard to be the Notebook in the setting of Where the Crawdads Sing.
There were good parts, don’t get me wrong. But overall it just fell flat for me. It felt like it was trying too hard to be the Notebook in the setting of Where the Crawdads Sing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 1, 2024
I think I just need dragons or fantasy in my romance books. I think romance books that are too much like real life don’t fit the bill for me. This is a me problem more than a problem with the book. If you enjoy romance books, this one will be right up your alley!
I really liked Ellie and the fact that she was an astronomy professor. It was great to read about a successful woman who beat the odds to be who she dreamed of.
I really liked Ellie and the fact that she was an astronomy professor. It was great to read about a successful woman who beat the odds to be who she dreamed of.
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