Das Tagebuch der Sterne

Pinch of Magic #2

by Gisele Stein

Wenn Hoffnung den Weg weist, wirst du ihr folgen?

Nachdem Will Talland seine Freundin Lena bei einem tragischen Wanderunfall zu Beginn einer lang geplanten Wanderung von Schottland bis nach Cornwall verliert, hört seine ganze Welt auf, sich zu drehen.

Um seine Trauer zu verarbeiten, beginnt er, in Lenas Wander-Tagebuch zu schreiben, nur um schockiert festzustellen, dass sie ihm antwortet. Zuerst skeptisch, gibt Will bald dem Versprechen des Tagebuchs nach, dass er das Glück wiederfinden wird, wenn er die Wanderung allein zu Ende macht.

Während er Großbritannien von Kopf bis Fuß durchkreuzt, lernt er sein Heimatland, dessen Bewohner und nicht zuletzt auch sich selbst kennen, und der Plan scheint zu funktionieren: Will kehrt langsam ins Leben zurück. Bis er eine Wahl zwischen dem Leben und dem Jenseits treffen muss…

Genres: Fiction

350 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 25, 2024

About the author

Gisele Stein is an Australian author whose work explores witches, women, and the wild. Her urban fantasy series, The Pyre Song Trilogy, blends history and myth with the rawness of nature to tell a story about female power and memory. Through fantasy rooted in real landscapes, her witch novels ask what happens when we start listening again to the wild parts of ourselves. If you love stories steeped in wonder and witchcraft, with a strong dose of female badassery, she’s your girl.

Book One in the Pyre Song trilogy, THE FLAMES THAT FORGED US, released in 2025: Think 'Practical Magic' — but with rage, rebellion, and reckoning, set across centuries of magic and matriarchy, love and loss… A modern witch book about female rage, witches fighting the patriarchy, and deeply rooted sisterhood.

For a free witchy story, join her Reader Group here:
www.giselestein.com/free-story

Reviews

[Ivonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Ever After Diary” is an emotional and heart-warming coming-of-age story for outdoor fans and nature-lovers. It is about Will Talland, who loses his girlfriend Lena in a tragic hiking accident while exploring the Scottish highland. It was supposed to be the start of a life-changing journey, but instead it becomes his worst nightmare. To cope with his grief, he starts writing in Lena’s trail diary, only to find out, that she responds. Soon he realizes that maybe the best way to cope with his loss and to find happiness again, is to complete the trail on his own. As he walks cross-country, he not only gets to know the British Isles, its people, but finally finds what he was searching for: happiness and his will to live again.

When I read the synopsis of the book, I was sure that I was going to cry my eyes out while reading Will’s story and I was right.

This is one of the most emotional, heart-breaking but also hopeful books I’ve ever read. It might sound weird, but despite the very sad and dramatic story, it also feels like coming home. The story gives you hope because it shows in a very beautiful and wonderful way that no matter how bad life can get, there’s always hope and there’s always a reason to live. Even if you have experienced terrible things, you can and may still be happy - even if it takes a while.

I really liked the moments that Will had to himself, because you get a very deep insight into his feelings and thoughts. It was heart-breaking. But the scenes where he meets other people were my absolute favorites, because you get to know Will in a completely different way.

My favorite character definitely is Mr. Bowen, the man, Will meets when he comes to the campsite. He took my heart by storm. At the very beginning, he’s this broken man who has hardly any hope and doesn’t see any real meaning in life anymore, someone who lets everything slide. And then suddenly, Will, a young, equally broken man stumbles into his life and somehow they give each other support without really meaning to or even knowing it. They bond in a very special way and watching Mr. Bowen finally come back to life made my heart jump for joy. His character development is amazing and watching him as he suddenly finds pleasure in his life again and discovers new tasks for himself is very touching. Team Mr. Bowen all the way! Also the dynamic between him and Will is absolutely amazing. I’m a big fan of the two of them as a team and I was ruling for them to team up the whole time.

When I started reading, I was hoping for a very concrete ending, but the more I kept reading, the more I realized that the ending I was hoping for, wouldn’t be a good ending for the story. The ending, as it is, is absolutely perfect because it feels so real. There were a few parts, especially at the end, that gave me goosebumps and made me cry so bad. I was so touched that I couldn’t stop thinking about Wills story.
The story is very quiet, calm and slow-paced, but in a good way. It suits the mood of the story and gives it a very special charm. I really enjoyed reading about all the places Will walked along. I felt like being right there with him. It is exciting, but also kind of depressing, because Will is suffering so much and has lost himself a bit and doesn’t really know how to find himself again.

The story shows how special our world and life are and how important it is to have time alone, but also to have people around who are good for you. It also shows how important it is to allow and accept your own boundaries and to communicate them to others, even if that means saying no sometimes, putting yourself first and listening to your own needs first and to your inner self.

I loved everything about this book and I can’t wait for everyone to read it and hopefully love it as much as I did.

[Nadine S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartbreaking novel with a fight back to life

This new book from Gisele Stein breaks my heart and glued all the pieces back together.
After Will lost his girlfriend Lena on their walking journey from John O’Groats to Cape Cornwall, he was in great grief. And why everybody except him knows what‘s right for him, he started a job at his moms place. After a few days he realises that this isn‘t the way he wants to go on in life, so he tries to unpack the backpacks from his journey with Lena. While he unpacked, Lenas Travel Journey comes up and Wills Journey back to life begins.

Gisele Stein writes again a book with detailed characters and fascinating landscape descriptions. She transports all the feelings of losing a loved one, trying to find a way back to life, helping hands and finding peace in nature. This novel is much more realistic than „Anywhere Hotel“ and takes you on a journey through the highlands of united kingdom, all with a bit of magic.

[Judith Bergkemper · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Ever After Diary is a story about tragic loss, but also self-discovery. When Will loses his girlfriend, Lena, in a tragic hiking accident, he also loses everything he has centered his life around. In his grief, he writes in Lena's diary and suddenly receives a reply. His deceased girlfriend advises him to finish the trail through the UK, which they started together, on his own. Will does so and begins a journey to himself, through his grief and the question of the meaning of it all.
Gradually, however, he discovers how much he enjoys being out in nature and discovers a passion for the wilderness and foraging, which brings him closer to himself and to life again.

In this heart-warming story, Gisele manages to develop places that reflect our state of mind and characters that feel like friends. She makes the emotions they go through tangible, so I felt like I had overcome grief myself and been grounded by the simple but rich life on the trail and in nature.
As hard as the emotions and blows of fate can be at times - this story is accompanied by learning to trust life and that it always has something else up its sleeve. This beautifully written story, with all its chance and non-chance encounters, ignites a spark to get to know ourselves until we find what we want in life and what makes us passionate.

[Ann-Christin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gisele Stein's second novel is about a young man who loses the one he loves and while chasing signs from her finds himself again. Being outside in nature plays a big part in his way to recovery but also the people in his live and those he meets on the way.

In her second novel the author again shows her talent in going into detail without drowning in it. It's so easy to dive into her stories because it is so beautifully described. Whether it's the surroundings (countryside, nature, flowers, animal sightings) or the protagonists feelings.
Gisele Stein describes all the feelings that can come up when you lose someone you love in such an authentic way. But not only Will, also the other characters in the book are easy to like or understand. Apart from the walk and being in nature, the other people play a main part in helping Will find himself again. Whether it's his sister, his two mothers or Mr. B and Harper.

This is definitely a book that I will recommend to others and give it to them as a present. You don't have to be in a similar situation to take some advice for your own life. There are a lot of thought-provoking little aspects in this story.

I'm very much looking forward to reading more from Gisele Stein in the future!

[Annika · Rating 5 out of 5]

"You always do get there, even if the path you take is a winding one."
Following Will on his hike trying to cope with his grief, I was immediately immersed in this emotional story and loved it.
Every introvert can relate to Will and his encounters. I found myself grinning while reading about adorable akwardness. Also the difference between being alone and lonely is highlighted nicely. Family and like every single side character charmingly adds to the story of The Ever After Diary.

This book conveys calmness, "No hurry, just pure, unfiltered moments in nature." Gisele Stein did an amazing job depicting stunning UK nature, making it palpable to the reader. Vivid descriptions of the landscapes across the UK transport the reader directly onto the trail next to Will. He seeks the path of nature, discovery and life. Nature aids Will in finding and following his own path.

While reading I was reminded of the song "Home" by Dotan, especially the line "The sound of the wind is whispering in your head." Experiencing the sound of nature, finding home within yourself - this is The Ever After Diary for me.
I can heartily recommend it not only to those who wish their travel bug to be sparked.

[S_unn_y · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was really looking forward to this novel since I want to do the West Highland Way one day and have already done other treks and know the magic of walking in nature and all the heartbreaks the people on the trail carry. Besides that I already loved Gisele’s first novel „The Anywhere Hotel“ and was sure I would love her second novel probably even more because of the theme. And I did, I really loved this book! It has a good mix of magic, drama, romance, adventure and self-discovery.

My most favorite quote from the book that describes exactly the way I felt on and after my treks is: „If one good thing has come out of it, it‘s this: He knows what he wants his life to be. And it‘s not a job, a purpose, it‘s not even a place. It‘s a feeling. It‘s about how he wants to wake up each morning, and how he wants to approach each day - with this sense of awe and wonder and exitement, for everything and everyone that may come his way, and for every day he gets to walk upon this earth. That‘s what nature does. That‘s what walking in nature does.“

[The book in my backpack · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book you think you know how the story ist going, but no! The author knows her game pretty well. Every time you think that was predictable, she changes directions. Will has lost his girlfriend and gets stuck in his mums house. Will who follows what he is told, Will who finds a new woman. This all sounds so easy but there is much effort in it, in the writing and the development of the story, because it is not only this. It is so much more, how Will tries to avoid people, how he hates what he used to love, how nature inspires him and also takes everything he has.
Also there is another woman but it is a good twist and they start off as strangers who become friends, they get to know each other and there might be a development in their relationship.
My favorit charakter is Mister Bowen, he is kind of the reason why Will finds his purpose in life, which is amazing. Will gets back into life, one that suits him. Mister Bowen doesn't talk much but he gets it and Will is his saver too, but I won't tell you too much. Just get right into it and enjoy the story yourself.

[Paul]

The Ever After Diary is a fairly light and fluffy feel-good read that begins with Will and girlfriend Lena trekking across Britain. Tragedy strikes when Lena dies in an accident, leaving Will distraught and stuck in a rut. However, while unpacking their gear, he discovers that Lena starts communicating with him through the trail diary she had begun. Through the diary, Lena convinces him to finish the journey that they started together.

Its description of the British landscapes that Will treks through and an introduction to foraging are enjoyable. While the narrative is quite often caught up in Will's head as he deals with the loss and a lack of direction, unfortunately it doesn't venture too far deep, and Will's connection and communication with Lena feels inconsistent, sometimes strong and at other crucial times absent. Never fear, it all comes together neatly in the end. If you enjoy a feel-good read with a twinkle of magic sewn through, this may be the journey for you.

[Jessica Hauff · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Ever After Diary deals with a difficult subject. It is about the loss of a loved one, coping with grief and finding yourself. After the death of his girlfriend, Will is lost and slowly finds himself hiking across Scotland and England. At first I had my doubts about the story as it seemed quite predictable at times. But the more I got to know Will, the better I was able to empathise with his complicated emotional chaos. I laughed and cried with him. Although Will is travelling alone most of the time, his story captivated me. Quite apart from that, the descriptions of the landscape were wonderful and the realistic description of the hike made you feel like you were there. The book made me want to hike the trail myself (or at least parts of it)! A book that I can recommend not only to novel readers, but also to hikers and nature lovers.

[Tara Kretzschmar · Rating 5 out of 5]

After loving to read “The anywhere Hotel” by Gisele Stein, I couldn’t wait to dive into her new book. And this one touched my heart unexpectedly deep. I’m amazed how Gisele manages to create characters that seem so authentic that you can feel their pain as if it was yours. Maybe it’s just me, but I really wanted to hug Will and give him my love. I mean I know that he is fictional, but at the same time I think he is not, because he is representing something more profound.

The book gently guides you through an emotional roller coaster, while always providing a positive underlying mindset that reminds us that we are well taken care of. Yap, life sucks sometimes and things turn out to be different than we expected or wanted, but that’s what makes the journey so exciting if we let it happen :D

So… let Will take you with him on his trail and see where it takes you… it’s worth it!!

[Lilli Mixich · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Ever After Diary is very well written book. It grips you from the very first sentences right to the end. It’s full of love for nature and describes a very special journey. A journey of love and grief but also a journey which everyone of us can relate to. If you’re stuck in a certain life situation which leaves you unhappy or unable to see the light at the end of the tunnel, the story encourages you to find a way out. It must not be the same way how Will, the main character in the book found his way back to life and happiness. You’ll find many hints what brings back joy and purpose, even without the pinch of magic, which wasn’t so magical at all in my opinion. Certainly a magic we all can experience and incorporate in our lives. In that regard I can only recommend reading this book and enjoy every step on Will‘s journey.

[Nina · Rating 5 out of 5]

The EVER AFTER DIARY is a book about finding your own path and overcoming whatever obstacles you have to overcome to reach your goal. The main character Will loses his girlfriend and has to find his own way now. His hiking trip has several surprises for him. Gisele depicts very well the struggle of Will’s choices and standing in his own way.
Although I am not into hiking I could relate very well to Will, also the other characters had a nice depth and felt real to me.
The story had not that many twists and surprises as her first novel, but it was not necessary for this story. It still dragged me into Wills world and I wanted to know what would happen next - maybe more „trail magic"?
I would recommend this book to everyone who likes hiking or is trying to find his way in life. It helps to be more open, be more grateful and be more aware of the wonders around you.

[Jojo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Will for showing how tough it could be and for proving that life has always something else upon its sleeve.

This story is about tough feelings, terrible losses, long ways and love for nature and ancient food.
Gisele Stein takes you on a journey through the United Kingdom, on which the protagonist must repeatedly face various external adversities and his own emotional world. On his journey, he comes to terms with a terrible loss in his very own way and finds new meaning in his life. This story gives hope, courage and inspiration.
She shows you a world full of miracles in miniature, full of hope and full of courage.

Will's journey inspires and makes you want to grab your backpack and start hiking right away.

I recommend this book without any reservations, especially to those who love nature, because reading it feels like traveling alongside Will.

[Ann K · Rating 5 out of 5]

After Gisele Stein's first novel "The Anywhere Hotel", I was eagerly awaiting her latest work and got not disappointed. Will`s story in "The Ever After Diary" immediately captivated me and moved me to tears. After Will loses the love of his life in a tragic accident, he is forced to figure out what his future can look like without her. Accompanied by the spirit and memory of his deceased girlfriend, Will experiences adventures he never dreamed of and discovers both the beauty of his homeland and his own purpose. His process of overcoming grief, planning a future without her and realizing his vision of a happy life is both heartbreaking and hopeful. Anyone who loves people and nature and is in the mood for a slightly different love story will love this book.

[Daniel Afanasjev · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Ever After Diary by Gisele Stein is an interesting book to read. The story is very touching to read and covers the deep topic of letting some gone in a special way. It was an emotional journey with a main character who raised from ashes. Piece by piece you see his development back into life.
The nature and hiking part of the story was written with a lot of detail and love. I really felt that lifestyle and enjoyed every piece of that especially the trails magic.
While reading this great story I got to a point towards the end where I was afraid that the ending would be average, but even that bid was carried out beautifully.
All in all it was a book that cought me emotionally and I loved reading it. Definitely a recommendation to read!

[Antonia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful story and grief and the wonders of life!

This story has a lot of heart. To follow Will through his journey of grief brought not only tear to my eyes but also smiles to my face. The way he connects with nature and himself is heartwarming. For me this story is about hope and that no matter what life throws your way, there will always be a silver lining. You decide what a sign is or a message from a loved one and you decide where that could lead you.

[Claudia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will verliert die Liebe seines Lebens bei einer Wanderung quer durch England & Schottland. Nach einiger Trauerzeit verhilft ihm ein "magisches" Tagebuch zu neuem Elan.
Nun beginnt eine inspirierende Reise für Will und den Leser.

"The Ever After Diary" berührt das Herz und weckt sogar in dem Faulsten von uns eine riesige Wanderlust. Am liebsten hätte ich sofort meine Sachen gepackt und wäre nach Schottland geflogen.
Nach 2 oder 3 Seiten bin ich in die Geschichte abgetaucht und es war eine Herausforderung wieder aufzutauchen. Ein Buch, dass man immer wieder lesen kann und bestimmt jedes mal wieder neu davon inspiriert wird.

[Claudia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will verliert die Liebe seines Lebens bei einer Wanderung quer durch England & Schottland. Nach einiger Trauerzeit verhilft ihm ein "magisches" Tagebuch zu neuem Elan.
Nun beginnt eine inspirierende Reise für Will und den Leser.

"The Ever After Diary" berührt das Herz und weckt sogar in dem Faulsten von uns eine riesige Wanderlust. Am liebsten hätte ich sofort meine Sachen gepackt und wäre nach Schottland geflogen.
Nach 2 oder 3 Seiten bin ich in die Geschichte abgetaucht und es war eine Herausforderung wieder aufzutauchen. Ein Buch, dass man immer wieder lesen kann und bestimmt jedes mal wieder neu davon inspiriert wird.

[Kalliste · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed following Will's story through grief and trying to come out the other side by going back to the hike.

I don't know any of the places mentioned, and I ended up Googling a few of them just to see how they looked. After reading the book, I found out that Gisele Stein has an e-book of the research hike she did for this book.

There is also a foraging cook book! Great supplements to the story.

[Anna P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book full of hope, inspiration and wanderlust!

[Sharon Dailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! A young man dealing with grief hikes a trail from the Scottish highlands to Cornwall.

[Jeremy Jl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sentimental and thought provoking; needs to be read with tissues close by.

[Tanya Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice story about moving on, but didn't blow me away

[Nadine S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartbreaking novel with a fight back to life

This new book from Gisele Stein breaks my heart and glued all the pieces back together.
After Will lost his girlfriend Lena on their walking journey from John O’Groats to Cape Cornwall, he was in great grief. And why everybody except him knows what‘s right for him, he started a job at his moms place. After a few days he realises that this isn‘t the way he wants to go on in life, so he tries to unpack the backpacks from his journey with Lena. While he unpacked, Lenas Travel Journey comes up and Wills Journey back to life begins.

Gisele Stein writes again a book with detailed characters and fascinating landscape descriptions. She transports all the feelings of losing a loved one, trying to find a way back to life, helping hands and finding peace in nature. This novel is much more realistic than „Anywhere Hotel“ and takes you on a journey through the highlands of united kingdom, all with a bit of magic.

[Claudia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will verliert die Liebe seines Lebens bei einer Wanderung quer durch England & Schottland. Nach einiger Trauerzeit verhilft ihm ein "magisches" Tagebuch zu neuem Elan.
Nun beginnt eine inspirierende Reise für Will und den Leser.

"The Ever After Diary" berührt das Herz und weckt sogar in dem Faulsten von uns eine riesige Wanderlust. Am liebsten hätte ich sofort meine Sachen gepackt und wäre nach Schottland geflogen.
Nach 2 oder 3 Seiten bin ich in die Geschichte abgetaucht und es war eine Herausforderung wieder aufzutauchen. Ein Buch, dass man immer wieder lesen kann und bestimmt jedes mal wieder neu davon inspiriert wird.

[Claudia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will verliert die Liebe seines Lebens bei einer Wanderung quer durch England & Schottland. Nach einiger Trauerzeit verhilft ihm ein "magisches" Tagebuch zu neuem Elan.
Nun beginnt eine inspirierende Reise für Will und den Leser.

"The Ever After Diary" berührt das Herz und weckt sogar in dem Faulsten von uns eine riesige Wanderlust. Am liebsten hätte ich sofort meine Sachen gepackt und wäre nach Schottland geflogen.
Nach 2 oder 3 Seiten bin ich in die Geschichte abgetaucht und es war eine Herausforderung wieder aufzutauchen. Ein Buch, dass man immer wieder lesen kann und bestimmt jedes mal wieder neu davon inspiriert wird.