Stars Will Guide You Home: An Emotional Story of Loneliness, Love and Self-Discovery | Inspiring Fiction by Stuti Changle | Feel-Good Reads Th

by Stuti Changle

Would you take a second chance at love if an app matches you up?


Would you take a second chance at love if an app matches you up?

As teenagers, Kiana and Nirvaan were inseparable--until family expectations tore them apart. A decade later, despite having successful careers, their hearts are empty. Then, AILENA, a cutting-edge AI dating app, matches them with a near-perfect compatibility--without revealing their true identities.

As their virtual bond deepens, past wounds resurface but love makes its way through their hearts, until AILENA deems them incompatible and cuts their connection forever. What will they choose? Trust the app or follow their hearts? Can their love survive the test of time and reality?

Set in India and the US, this is a story of love reimagined in the digital age. In a world where we are constantly connected yet feel lonely, Stars Will Guide You Home is a love story for everyone--the ones who overthink, the ones who let go too soon, and the ones still hoping for a sign.

Genres: Romance, Fiction

226 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 27, 2025

About the author

Stuti Changle is a national bestselling author and speaker whose words have inspired an entire generation of readers to chase their dreams. Leaving behind a corporate career, she set out on a journey to share life-changing stories with the world, one book at a time. Over 200,000 copies of her books have found their way into readers' hands, touching more than a million lives and making her a voice of hope, adventure, and self-discovery.

She is the author of You Only Live Once, On the Open Road, Where the Sun Never Sets, Make a Move Boxset, Lost & Found and Stars Will Guide You Home. Her book You Only Live Once continues to resonate deeply with readers, and has earned a place in The Economic Times’ ‘11 Best Books to Shape Your Thinking as Your Ideal Self’ in 2023, alongside other modern classics.

Stuti has been a sought-after speaker at leading corporate houses and esteemed educational institutions like IIT, IIM, ISM, SRCC and The Shri Ram School, where she inspires young minds to dream fearlessly and embrace life to the fullest.

Her work has garnered widespread recognition in major media outlets, including The Economic Times, Live Mint, India Today, Zee News, Dainik Bhaskar, Deccan Chronicle, New Indian Express, YourStory, Deccan Herald, Harper’s Bazaar, Scroll, Business Standard, Entrepreneur, She The People, Sheroes, and ET Edge, and also featured in prominent book festivals across the country.

Stuti’s hometown is Indore, but now, home for her is New Delhi, where she lives with her husband Kushal Nahata and their daughter Avyana. A traveler and seeker at heart, she values experiences over possessions. Wandering through sunlit streets, bustling cafés, and quiet corners of the world, she finds stories waiting to be told.

When she’s not writing, Stuti’s either immersing herself in nature or losing herself in creativity; reading a book, strumming her ukulele, dancing her heart out, running uphill, cruising down the highway or swimming in the sea. She finds joy in life’s simple pleasures like skygazing, gardening, painting, creating and decorating. She could dance all day long; for her, dance isn’t just movement; it’s pure freedom, a celebration of life itself.

Stuti loves to talk to her readers. Connect with her:

Instagram: @stutichangle
YouTube: @StutiChangle
Facebook: stutichangle1
Linkedin: @stutichangle
Threads: @stutichangle
X (Twitter): stutichangle

For updates about meetups, book signings, storytelling workshops, speaking engagements and exclusive content, subscribe to her website or simply DM on Instagram.

Join Stuti’s newly launched IG channel “SC Family” to catch up with fellow readers!

Reviews

[Aakanksha · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story revolves around Nirvaan, Kiana and the AI application ALIENA.
Kiana, the female lead works in a company named Beta based in Chicago. Despite a high-paying job and freedom there, deep down she felt empty. Due to past incidents, she's reluctant to visit her home and meet her parents. When she gets to know about the AILENA app, she decides to sign in.
Nirvana was an entrepreneur in India looking for a good project to invest in and got to know about the new launch of ALIENA due to growing AI usage around the world and started showing interest in it. He got turned down by his influencer girlfriend when he proposed marriage and then he decided to sign in to the ALIENA app to find love and check if he should invest in it or not.

Then destiny plays its part through the app and a beautiful story starts.
The concept of AI in dating felt unique and picked this book. The writing in this book is lucid and it starts amazingly. I really liked the thoughts at the start of each chapter and how they relate to that chapter. The themes of loneliness and problems in modern relationships are captured in the story well.
However, I felt that the story lacked growth toward the end. The romantic build-up and personal growth felt rushed in some parts and AILENA's role could be more utilized and sometimes it felt repetitive at times.
Nevertheless, it was a nice, simple and cosy second-chance romance story with a blend of modern dating scenes, technology and feelings humans harbour for each other.

[Nadia Masood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ever feel like you’re chasing something but not sure what? This is the book that captures that restless ache we all know too well, a journey of finding yourself in a world that’s always “on”.

Kiana and Nirvaan, the heart of this book, are characters many of us can relate to. For me, this wasn’t much about romance but rather about two people wrestling with loneliness and figuring out where they belong.

Stuti explores the loneliness of being connected 24/7. You’re texting, posting, swiping, but still feel empty. It makes you ask: What am I really looking for? It’s a question that lingers long after the last page.

Stars Will Guide You Home (out May 2025) by @stutichangle is for anyone whose ever felt lost in the noise of life. It’s less about finding love and more about finding you.

✨Pick it up, enjoy the book, and let the stars guide you home✨

[Nidhi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm glad I got a chance to read this book, it was a beautiful read. It was very easy to read and the writing style felt simple, smooth and comforting. I didn’t feel confused at any point, which made it even more enjoyable.

The story is about love, second chances and how life sometimes brings people back together in unexpected ways. What I liked most was how connected I felt with the characters. Their emotions, thoughts and struggles felt real and I could understand the choices they made even when things didn’t go perfectly for them.

The main characters grow a lot during the story and it was nice to see how their past and present was shown. I also liked how the book talks about timing in relationships how even if two people love each other, things don’t always happen at the right time. That felt very real and relatable.

The book moves fast, so you won’t feel like it drags. But because of that, there were a few parts I wished had been explored more deeply. Some scenes or moments felt like they ended too soon and I wanted to stay with those emotions a little longer. It's the kind of book that gently reminds you about love, growth and how life sometimes guides you where you're meant to be—even when you don’t expect it.

I totally recommend this book! 💌

[Bookwaliibaat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stars Will Guide You Home by Stuti Changle is a heartwarming tale of love, timing, and emotional healing in a world driven by technology.

This was the first book I read by Stuti, and I can honestly say I’m so glad I picked it up. Her storytelling is simple yet deeply emotional the kind that quietly stays with you. I’ll definitely be reading more of her work!

The plot is refreshingly modern. Imagine an AI-powered dating app called AILENA matching two anonymous beta users who turn out to be childhood sweethearts torn apart by life. Years later, they unknowingly reconnect and fall in love again, discovering pieces of themselves and each other that time hadn’t really erased.

What stood out for me was the balance between technology and raw human emotions. Kiana and Nirvaan’s journey is filled with longing, vulnerability, and beautiful confusion. It shows how even in today’s fast, digital world, love still asks us to slow down, look inward, and take emotional risks.

The book explores how timing plays a huge role in love even if two people care deeply, it doesn’t always align unless it’s meant to. That part felt so real and relatable.

A touching, thought-provoking story that beautifully combines the digital age with old-school feelings. If you're into modern love stories with depth and soul, this one’s for you. 💫📖

Sometimes, even in a world ruled by algorithms, the stars still know the way home. 🌌❤️.

[Abhisikta Basu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stars Will Guide You Home by Stuti Changle revolves around Kiana and Nirvaan, who fell in love in their teens and were separated when the former went to the US for further studies. Now, years later, Nirvaan is a successful entrepreneur, and Kiana is settled and working at a company in Chicago. But both of them are single. Certain circumstances prompt them to sign up as beta testers on the AILENA app. AILENA is a cutting-edge AI dating app that matches pairs with near-perfect compatibility without revealing their true identities.

As they start interacting on the app, their bond deepens, and it somehow reminds them of their past relationship—until the app cuts off their connection. To know what happens next, you have to read the book.

I must praise the author's writing style, which is so beautiful that it made me pause, rethink, and annotate lines. The book is all about hope, and I loved the character arcs of both protagonists. While reading, I got so immersed in the story that I didn't realize when I came to the last page.

This was my first book by Stuti Changle, and I loved it so much. I will highly recommend it to any reader who loves reading heartfelt stories.

[Akash Datta · Rating 5 out of 5]

“ It is all written in the stars, stars will guide you home, always", is the final message of this beautiful book. Here ‘home’ doesn’t mean where you reside, but the place where you have found love or happiness. In this story, mainly the company of the lover can be called ‘home'.
If you know me as a reader, you will certainly know that I am not fond of love stories. But this book is also based on an important thing, that is ‘destiny'. And also, my friend Geetanjali recommended this book. But as I am tired of contemporary stupid ‘love story’ books, I picked this bookwith low expectations. But this book just enchanted me! This book has also changed my perspective about ‘love' a lot.
This is the story of two lovers, Nirvaan and Kiranjeet. They were lovers from their school days. The story starts, when Nirvaan was returning to IIT Delhi as an alumni and an entrepreneur, where he met Asmitha, who introduced the AI based dating app AILENA, for which Nirvaan invested then. He recounts how his lover Kiranjeet left him. After reading that portion, I was thinking of Kiranjeet as a selfish girl. But as the story continued, it got to be known that back in India, she had a narrow minded family with a rustic father. (I felt anger for this fictional character many times!) That’s why she was forced by circumstances to leave India and her lover Nirvaan forever. Her name was changed to ‘Kiana'.
Unexpectedly, Nirvaan and Kiana were selected as the couple for the beta test of AILENA app, where Nirvaan signed in as Neer. So, both were unknowingly dating their ex-lovers! Then the story continues. When everything was going to be perfect, a surprising twist devastated everything. Then the story becomes more interesting and it was unputdownable towards the end.
The chapters are narrated by Nirvaan and Kiana respectively, but when you will read them, you will feel the emotions of two individual of totally opposite sides of perspectives. Such a brilliant author Stuti Changle is! Every line feels like emotion. You can take thousands of quotes from this book, because every words are like gems and jewels. This book also gives a message that everyone is a victim of own circumstances.
If you are a fiction lover, you must read it and if you are not, you must try it.

[a_geminireader · Rating 4 out of 5]

"What is yours, it will find a way."

And that’s exactly what " The Stars Will Guide You Home" by Stuti Changle captures—a story of love, destiny, and the quiet magic of second chances.

Nirvaan and Kiana were once inseparable—until life took them in different directions. Years later, fate (with a little help from an AI matchmaking app called AILENA) brings them back together. They connect as strangers under fake names, not realizing they’re speaking to the very person their heart never truly forgot.

This story is about hope—and how beautifully the universe plays cupid between two souls who were always meant to find each other. It reminds us that second chances can be soft, healing, and transformative. It also explores deep human emotions like loneliness, societal pressure, inner judgment, and the yearning to be truly seen and accepted.

Their chats feel warm, nostalgic, and deeply familiar. But just when it starts feeling real again, the app declares them "incompatible" and ends the connection. That’s when the real journey begins—of showing up, of trusting the pull of the heart.

💫 This book isn’t just about romance—it’s about timing, growth, and believing in something greater than coincidence.

The mix of modern tech and raw emotion makes it feel both real and magical.

If you believe in soul connections, missed chances, and finding your way back to someone who felt like home—this book will speak to you.

✨ A tender reminder that sometimes, love doesn’t leave—it just waits for the right moment to return.

[Vidhya Thakkar · Rating 5 out of 5]

What begins as a modern tech-driven romance evolves into a tender tale of hope, healing, second chances, and self-discovery. Set between the US and India, the story explores the emotional and cultural landscapes of both characters. Kiana, guarded and hyper-independent, carries the weight of painful childhood memories that make her dread returning to India. Nirvaan, on the other hand, is a family-oriented investor longing for love and stability. Their lives seem misaligned—until destiny, or perhaps something greater, steps in. Their contrasting personalities — her hyper-independence and his craving for connection — make their journey incredibly compelling. What unfolds is not just a love story, but a deeper exploration of second chances, inner healing, and rediscovering what truly matters.

Stuti doesn’t just write about love; she writes about life. The narrative seamlessly moves between India and the US, revealing the stark contrast between cultures, mindsets, and the emotional baggage we carry from one continent to another. Especially noteworthy is the social commentary — how girls in Indian middle-class families are often treated as liabilities, expected to marry early, and denied space to dream freely. Kiana’s path of breaking out of that mould is portrayed with grace and honesty.


Stuti’s writing is crisp, clear, and emotionally resonant. Every chapter gently peels back layers of the characters, giving us glimpses into their vulnerabilities, desires, and silent battles. The narrative pace is smooth, and the emotional payoffs feel earned, especially the beautifully cinematic climax, which tugs at your heart in all the right ways.

Stuti Changle beautifully weaves themes of childhood trauma, societal expectations, and emotional growth into this love story. There’s a raw vulnerability in how the characters are written. Kiana’s journey especially stands out. We witness the silent battles she’s fought growing up in a society where daughters are often seen as burdens. Her evolution from wounded to empowered is both touching and inspiring.

Read here https://vidhyathakkar.com/book-review...

[Mrudula Shinde · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stars Will Guide You Home by Stuti Changle is a tender and beautifully written story of love, timing, and the quiet power of connection in the digital age. It follows Kiana and Nirvaan, childhood sweethearts once torn apart. A decade later, with thriving careers but emotionally distant lives, fate brings them together again, this time through AILENA, a futuristic AI dating app that matches people based on deep emotional compatibility.

Their story unfolds with a quiet charm, showing how emotions evolve but never fully fade. Kiana’s journey especially resonates, as she is stuck in a life where her father wants her to marry, yet she yearns for independence and self-discovery. Her internal struggle reflects the lives of many young women navigating between personal dreams and societal expectations.

Set between India and the US, the novel gently explores how time changes people, reshapes choices, and leaves behind unanswered questions as the quote goes "Sometimes, time is on our side and we feel that we can conquer the world. And sometimes, time isn't on our side and we feel down by the world." The writing is graceful and emotionally honest, making you pause and reflect on your relationships, past or present. Stuti's strength lies in her ability to write emotionally intelligent, and mature characters and capture the subtle tensions between modern life and traditional roots. The book doesn’t rush the romance; instead, it lingers in moments of hope, doubt, and rediscovery.

This love story, is for anyone who’s ever felt stuck, who’s let go too soon, or who’s still holding out for a sign. Stars Will Guide You Home is a warm, soulful read that reminds us sometimes, that love needs time, and the courage to follow your own heart.

[Bookish Emotions · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my third book from this author ans I think I love her thought process and her charaters.

Like in this book I loved the Female lead. she is strong independed who has been through thick and thins. Her charater was way to relatable and she voices out so many thoughts that must have been common for a brown girl in a conservative family.

I also like Neer and Kiana love story I love when people know each other from before than meet again or fall in love. the story really shows that sometimes we just think too much because we think no one will understand and break our own heart.

Although I love the book but I wanted to read more of Kiana and Neer conversations. I can't feel the full spectrum of emotions because I connect with the charaters on individual level but I didn't connect emotionally with the same intensity with their love story. I think if they have more conversations with each other or more experience I would have connected with the love story as well as I connected with the charaters on individual level.

Also I love the AI pov so all and all a really good read and definitely unputdownable.

[Riddhi Kishnadwala · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stars Will Guide You Home by Stuti Changle is a captivating and heartfelt novel that beautifully explores love, destiny, and human connection in our tech-driven world. The story reunites Kiana and Nirvaan, childhood sweethearts separated by time, through AILENA, an AI dating app designed for deep emotional resonance. This sparks a compelling second chance at love that unfolds across the U.S. and India.

What begins as a tech-facilitated romance quickly evolves into a poignant journey of healing and self-discovery. Changle's prose is sharp and moving, expertly revealing her characters' inner lives. However, while the pace is engaging and lively, some readers might find that the resolution of certain conflicts feels a bit too convenient, slightly diminishing the emotional impact.

Beyond the romance, the book brilliantly examines the paradox of modern connection, highlighting the emotional void that can persist despite constant digital interaction. It powerfully prompts readers to reflect on what they truly seek in connection. This thought-provoking question lingers, making Stars Will Guide You Home a compelling and resonant read that stays with you.

[Rira · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is based upon the concept of ‘star crossed lovers’ with a modern twist of artificial intelligence acting as ‘the cupid’. Nirvaan and Kiranjeet were childhood sweethearts. These two individuals belonged from two completely different worlds – one was from a loving family while another was from a broken one. Fate intervened and the young adults drifted apart. Years later an artificial intelligence backed dating app brought them together.
Neer and Kiana are worlds apart. The stark contrast to their lives and profession is succeeded by the them being on different continents of the world. A pair of compliments separated by fate. The story masterfully incorporates the rapid infusion of artificial intelligence in almost all the applications that we use in our daily lives. AILENA is one such A.I. is being mentioned in this novel, where it is the sole driving force behind a dating app. The app matches Kiana and Neer in a virtual world where their interaction deepens into deep affection. The author has done a remarkable stint in this novel where she has managed to keep the story flowing with its own unique rhythm.

[Geethanjali · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you believe in your stars or destiny???


Whether you are a believer or not, this book will definitely make you feel the magic of destiny in this modern era… As AI is one of the hot topics of the world, this book will become our favourite read so quickly, because here AI is becoming a matchmaker ( Well AI can do anything 🤭)..


The main leads of this book. Nirvaan, Kiranjeet and our favourite AI “AILENA”... Nirvaan and Kiranjeet are both successful in their respective careers, but the past they both hold together always had an impact in their personal lives… Living normally in the crowd and lonely inside… A couple who has parted their ways due to fate, their stars brought them together with the help of an interesting, matchmaker AI app called AILENA, without even knowing it… Now will their second chance at love with the help of AI work?? 


To find out, dive into this beautiful and emotional rollercoaster ride of Stuti Changle which makes you feel the purity of love and life even in the world of AI , situationships and other things I don't even understand between couples… With an amazing plot, lucid narrative, strong characters, pure emotions and dialogues this book is a perfect blend of everything a fiction or Romance reader needs…


I loved how every chapter of this book is started with a quote from the chapter, that makes readers guess what could happen in the chapter… Personally I love books with strong female characters and Kiranjeet has my heart ❤ ️… I absolutely loved each and every part of this book… 


I highly recommend this book to all my bookish friends to give this beautiful, interesting and relatable (to most of the things) book a try for sure… It's a quick read and you'll definitely love it…

Happy Reading 💝 😊…

[Aarti Arora · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stars Will Guide You Home by Stuti Changle is a contemporary romance that attempts to blend love, nostalgia, and modern technology. The novel follows the lives of Nirvaan and Kiana—childhood best friends turned strangers—who reconnect through ALIENA, an AI-powered dating app. With Kiana living in the US as a project manager and Nirvaan thriving as an entrepreneur in India, their reunion across continents seems promising at first glance.

While the premise is fresh and intriguing, especially with the inclusion of artificial intelligence as a matchmaking tool, the execution falls short of expectations. The narrative feels repetitive at times, particularly when recounting shared memories from the protagonists’ past. These flashbacks are frequently reiterated, hindering the forward momentum of the story.

Read the full review on: https://readreactreview21.wordpress.c...

[Chandni · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a short and easy-to-read book that moved really fast, which made it a good pick for a quick read. The story revolves around Kiana (FMC) and Nirvaan (MMC), who broke up during their college years. And years later, they reconnect through an online matchmaking app called ALIENA. The concept was really beautiful.

Both the characters go through their own struggles, and I liked how the book showed that healing isn't always linear. One thing I really loved was how the characters kept calling each other "home" and here, home meant a place full of love and happiness, which was honestly wholesome for me.

It has a beautiful second chance romance, and self help vibe in it. Overall, it was good enough for a one-time read.

[Madhu MaBookYard - · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Rating : 3.5 / 5
Book 078 / June 2025 / Physical Arc
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This book follows our main characters : Nirvaan, an emerging successful entrepreneur with questionable love life, and Kiana, a 9-5 workaholic with a traumatic family life. Now, they both get their second chance at love, anonymously, through the new cutting edge matchmaking app AILENA.
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When I read the blurb for this book, I was impressed, intrigued and wanted to read more about the story. While the overall story isn't something new, it was still refreshing to read about familiar places, family struggles and relationship issues. Coming to the characters, I think I loved AILENA more than the real characters because of the sassy comebacks and smart retorts she gave her creator while training for the new algorithm. And let's not forget the Aunt who was there for Kiana through thick and thin! I liked the background for both the characters, and the setting was done in a way where they will have the opportunity to fall again without preconceived notions, but.. after some point, the connection between them felt not deep enough to warrant that ending. Or maybe I'm just expecting more of a grand gesture or some heart felt confession or an open conversation.
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The pacing for the first half of the book was perfect, and the rest of the book felt rushed somehow. While I liked the story and the characters, I was a bit disappointed with how the story wrapped up and I wish the author had explored the past emotional pain and the way the characters came together or even what happened with Kiana's family more. Overall, a book with a fresh perspective on modern love, second chances and fate while gently exploring topics of racism and life of an immigrant.
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Thank you @harpercollinsin @bookreviewersclub for the physical copy of the book !

[noorthebookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

🪻because some stories aren't mapped in code but written in the stars... @StutiChangle 's
✨STARS WILL GUIDE YOU HOME✨
232pgs
#readwithharpercollins
.
🪻#BestSeller Rank
669 in #Books (See Top 100 in Books)
5 in #NewAdult & #CollegeRomance
7 in #CleanWholesomeRomance (Books)
9 in #SelfHelp for #Happiness
.

✨Nirvaan & Kiana✨
🫶🏻
#starswillguideyouhome
What a beautiful story of Nirvaan, Kiranjeet (Kiana), Zayn (zee)! The story is relevant to the present era, AI, technology, app matchmaking but the basics, the emotions are of the 90's. The story covers the timeline from December 2022 to December 2023 roughly & you wonder, how much can happen in a year! How much can happen in mere ~200 pages!

First & foremost, the book is an author's hand signed copy which makes it super precious. The author is very sweet & super responsive on her social media handle.

Write from the moment I started reading this book, it was so so relatable, hitting all the right spots & we love things, which we can relate to. The author seems to have done an extensive research to garner so much of information which makes the fictional characters so real, so life like & so human.
The writing style is so so engaging, vocabulary totally simple & beginner friendly that you get pulled into the story & can easily finish it in one sitting.
Nirvaan is living the dream, most of the Indian boys wish to attain. Kiana is the girl next door. So it's a typical set up of a middle class boy & a girl who work hard to attain & achieve in the careers but still that longing, that vacant space in their hearts ache for that "special" one.

Spoiler alert, it has a HEA & reading it made my heart so full & brought a smile to my face.
Donot miss the dedication, the life lessons in each chapter, the epilogue, the author's note & the acknowledgements. They are precious.
A total entertainer, I liked this breezy, light, realistic story in an uncertain world constantly changing with updates in technology & a fast paced life. AI can definitely do something good, after all!

🪻Blurb:
Would you take a second chance at love if an app matches you up?
As teenagers, Kiana and Nirvaan were inseparable-until family expectations tore them apart. A decade later, despite having successful careers, their hearts are empty. Then, AILENA, a cutting-edge AI dating app, matches them with a near-perfect compatibility-without revealing their true identities.
As their virtual bond deepens, past wounds resurface but love makes its way through their hearts until AILENA deems them incompatible and cuts their connection forever. What will they do: Trust the app or follow their hearts? Can their love survive the test of time and reality?
Set in India and the US, this is a story of love reimagined in the digital age. In a world where we are constantly connected yet feel lonely, Stars Will Guide You Home is a love story for everyone-the ones who overthink, the ones who let go too soon and the ones still hoping for a sign.


🪻About the AUTHOR:
#StutiChangle is a #nationalbestsellingauthor whose words have inspired an entire generation of readers to chase their dreams. Leaving behind a corporate career, she set out on a journey to share #lifechangingstories
with the world, one book at a time. Over 1,50,000 copies of her books have found their way into the hands of readers, touching more than 6,00,000 lives and making her a voice of hope, adventure and self-discovery.

She is the author of #OntheOpenRoad , #YouOnlyliveOnce , #WheretheSunNeverSets , #MakeaMove and #Lost&Found . Her book You Only Live Once earned a place in The Economic Times’s ‘11 #BestBooks to Shape Your Thinking as Your Ideal Self’ in 2023, alongside other modern classics.

Stuti has been a sought-after speaker at leading corporate houses and esteemed educational institutions like the Indian Institute of Technology, Indian Institute of Management, Shri Ram College of Commerce and the Shri Ram School, where she inspires young minds to dream fearlessly and embrace life to the fullest. Her work has garnered widespread recognition in major media outlets, including The Economic Times, India Today, Zee News, Dainik Bhaskar, The Nav Bharat Times, Deccan Chronicle, YourStory, Deccan Herald, Harper’s Bazaar, Scroll, Entrepreneur, SheThePeople, Sheroes, RedFM and ET Edge, and also featured in prominent book festivals across the country.

Stuti’s hometown is Indore, but now home for her is New Delhi, where she lives with her husband, Kushal Nahata, and their daughter, Avyana. A traveller and seeker at heart, she values experiences over possessions. Wandering through sunlit streets, bustling cafés and quiet corners of the world, she’s always looking for stories waiting to be told.

When she’s not writing, Stuti’s either immersing herself in nature or losing herself in creativity—reading a book, strumming her ukulele, dancing her heart out, running uphill, cruising down the highway or swimming in the sea. She finds joy in life’s simple pleasures—skygazing, gardening, painting, creating and decorating. She could dance all day long; for her, dance isn’t just movement—it’s pure freedom, a celebration of life itself.

[Debabrata Mishra · Rating 4 out of 5]

In an era where algorithms predict everything about us starting from our purchases to choosing our partners, "Stars Will Guide You Home" by Stuti Changle is a contemporary romance book that attempts to reimagine the classic theme of second-chance love through the lens of modern artificial intelligence. Set across two different continents, India and the United States, the book follows childhood sweethearts Kiana and Nirvaan as they unknowingly reconnect through a cutting-edge AI dating app named "AILENA".

The central theme of the book focuses how technology mediates, intermediates, transforms, and sometimes limits human relationships with each other. AILENA, the AI dating app, represents the modern craving for predictability and efficiency in love. However, by reuniting Kiana and Nirvaan anonymously and later disconnecting them based on algorithmic incompatibility, the author critiques the notion that love can be rationalized or reduced to data points.

The idea of “timing” reverberates through the story. Whether it’s the timing of a career move, a missed phone call, or a chance swipe on a dating app, the book shows how modern relationships hinge as much on emotional preparedness as on serendipity. Nirvaan and Kiana are not just older by age, they’re wiser, mature, more guarded, and self-aware making their reconnection more tender, hesitant, and painfully real.

Kiana’s move to the U.S., her emotional estrangement from her family, and Nirvaan’s entrepreneurial pursuits in India illuminates the tensions and transition between tradition and individualism, guilt and struggle for own freedom. The book doesn’t clearly politicize these themes but lets them simmer under the surface, especially through Kiana’s internal dilemmas. In using AILENA, both characters believe they are exercising control over their love lives. Yet, ironically, they are again caught in a loop of fated connection and algorithmic disconnection.

Both protagonists are emotionally damaged in many ways, Kiana, on one hand is a scarred by parental pressures and a patriarchal home; where as Nirvaan, who is disillusioned by a transactional influencer relationship. Their connection through AILENA is not just romantic; it gradually becomes a space for confession, therapy, nostalgia, and rebuilding yourself as a person.

✍️ Strengths :

🔸The integration of AI and romance isn’t just a gimmick here in this book but it serves as a symbolic tool to explore the way we live, connect, and love in today’s digitized world.

🔸Kiana, especially, is a standout stalwart character in this book. Her emotional evolution from a passive daughter and dutiful employee to a woman raising her voice is clear and real. Nirvaan’s narration, while less dynamic, it carries a quiet depth and steadiness that complements her and her peace in this book.

🔸Each chapter begins with a quote that frames the emotional tone of the book what follows profoundly. These aren't filler, they’re anchors in the plotline that raised the reading experience and offer a lyrical counterpoint to the plot.

🔸The author's writing is clean, graceful, and emotionally connected with every reader. She avoids focusing more on melodrama instead trusts the reader to sit with silences, pauses, and uncertainties, a rare maturity in contemporary romance.

✒️ Areas for Improvement :

▪️The concept of AI in matchmaking is quite promising and completely different, but AILENA's role is more functional in this book than integral. The app’s philosophy, back-end logic, and emotional learning capability is not explored fully. There are some voids left unsaid.

▪️The book starts strong with building a world which is immersive and emotional layered, but the later half of the book feels rushed where crucial scenes especially the revelation of identities and final reunion lack the emotional crescendo that they deserve to finish it on a high note.

▪️There are instances in the book when Kiana and Nirvaan’s internal reflections become cyclic and repeating. A tighter edit of the book could have enhanced the impact of plotline and maintained smooth narration.

In conclusion, it is a gentle and emotionally evocative exploration of modern love. It tells a story that is at the beginning familiar, futuristic that blends nostalgia with innovation, and heartache with hope. While the book collapsed occasionally in its execution, particularly in the underdeveloped climax and overused motifs, it remains a warm, connecting, and thematically rich book that speaks to anyone who has ever searched for true love in the age of screens and swipes.

[thebookaliciousgirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, I finished reading this book 2 days back, and I just loved how it ended. The story was unique, but it felt real instead of fictional. It wasn't fast-paced from the start, but after 30 pages, it grabbed my full attention. This was also my first time reading something from the author, and I'd love to read more of her books. The book tells the beautiful story of Kiana (Kiranjeet) and Nirvaan (Neer), teenage sweethearts who fell in love long ago but were separated by life and family expectations. She fought with her family for her career, as they wanted her to get married as soon as possible, so she went away from them and India, and she never dared to go back there. Nine years later, when they're successful in their own ways but still lonely inside, Kiana is settled in the U.S., and Neer is in India. They've never met in these years until they meet through an AI-powered dating app called AILENA, which matches them with perfect compatibility.

As they start chatting casually, their emotional connection deepens, and their void starts to evaporate. Both hearts knew the truth but ignored it. They started feeling something magical, something they had lost or yearned for a long time. But fate wasn't ready for their new beginning and played another test on them when the app AILENA declares them incompatible, but why? They're left wondering if they should trust the app or their hearts, they both were shocked. Now, what do you think? Will their love win this time, or will the same past repeat itself? Will their story take a new turn or end happily? Or will they succeed? The story doesn't have any perfect twists, but trust me, it will stay with you long after you finish reading it. The characters are relatable, messy, and emotional, making their journey feel real.

I loved the character of Kiana, she felt relatable. I could feel her family traumas, and being from a brown family, I was like "Uss Bro Uss" for real. The writing is warm and easy to understand; her writing feels like you're talking with a friend. I didn't feel like I was reading a book, it felt like I was listening to a friend. I loved how she used the benefits of AI as a plot device, which raises questions about the technology's influence on relationships, it's not that bad, if used positively. The book also teaches us some valuable lessons about love. It's a gentle, emotional read that will resonate with anyone who believes in second chances. And it's also a gentle reminder that sometimes some bonds take time, it's all about the right timing. If someone (true love) or something is meant for you, it will always find its way to you no matter what. You just need to have some patience and listen to your heart and intuition, that's it, because your heart knows what's best for you. I loved the whole concept of this book, it didn't disappoint me even a bit. It inspired me and made me smile at the end. So, this is a beautiful story about love, hope, and following your heart. If you're an overthinker and dreamer like me, I'm sure you'll enjoy this book. And if you're also looking for a heartwarming and thought-provoking read, this book is definitely for you, trust me, it's worth it.

[Fictionandme · Rating 4 out of 5]

stars will guide you home by stuti changle

genre : contemporary

My 💭:
[18/6/25 9.09 PM]

I finished reading the book today evening, some 3 hours back and now, finally, I have gathered my thoughts enough for penning them down.

First of all, full disclosure: this is my first Stuti Changle book and I was very very excited to read it, after hearing so much about the author on booksta and Amazon recommendations. While devouring the first chapter, I understood why - the author has a very simple flowy writing style, without any convoluted or layered phrases. So everything I was reading, every word, every sentence - I could take it at face value, without needing to ponder and introspect. And that was something very much appreciated by my forever thought and anxiety riddled brain. The whole reading experience was a fun breezy one! 🌼

Coming to the story, this is a full on youth love story set in this ever progressing world of technology, where situationships are more common than relationships and AIs are forming couples using data. So Neer and Kiana get chosen to be the first beta users of a new cupid AI program and they get to know each other via chatting and VR experience. Since the whole thing is anonymous, they are unaware of each other's real identities - they were actually school sweethearts and first loves for one another, until life tore them apart. Now, what follows is a story about how some journeys are written in the stars, how some experiences are meant to happen to take you on the path that you are on today and hereafter evolve you and how you can finally navigate to "home" - the one - under the guidance of the star studded universe.

Tbh I found Nirvaan to be very cringey and grating. He was behaving so pathetically and needily - who does future planning with a girl THAT disconnected with you? And who calls a girl they have just met online as "baby" (*HUGE EYE ROLL*)?? But Kiana, I loved! She went through A LOT! Her toxic family culture was so much triggering omg, and I was soo proud and inspired after reading how she overcome and outgrew that environment! I guess all of us women face some kind of mountain in our lives that only a loving guide can help us through. Not a romantic partner, not a guy - rather a woman who you can look up to and who you know will understand you, without you needing to explain. Aunt Mannie for Kiana, my sister for me.

You guys know what kind of cynical Slytherin person I am when it comes to romance books 🙊. So I did find the whole love story plot a bit underwhelming. But from the perspective of mental health and self growth, I was really really inspired by the author's words and the characters' journey.

And I really REALLY want to know Zayn's life story. He was sooo cool and awesome! 😎

[Kiranmayi · Rating 4 out of 5]

https://blog.medhaapps.com/2025/06/bo...

Nirvaan, an entrepreneur and investor meets his old college mate Asmitha during a pitching event for IIT-Delhi students and alumni where he was invited as a judge. Asmitha presented her new idea AILENA(Artificial Intelligence-based Love and Engagement Neo Algorithm) a dating app that matches users based on a plethora of data points and advanced algorithms to make sure they are as perfect a match as possible.

Nirvaan finds the app promising and decides to invest in it; he also compels Asmitha to sign him up as a beta user, to experience the app firsthand but also since he is in a dilemma about his future with his current girlfriend. Kiranjeet Kaur who worked as product manager at Beta in Chicago was matched by AILENA with Nirvaan.

Nirvaan and Kiranjeet continued their interaction on the app without even seeing each others faces as the app allowed users to have their identity and personal details private till they wanted to share with each other. From casual chats to interactive moments, AILENA provided Nirvaan and Kiranjeet the perfect vibe to grow closer. Will this online friendship grow into real life love forms the rest of the story.

The story begins with the protagonists meeting through a dating app that matches them based on their compatibility and the reader will be intrigued to know how their relationship will progress. The author then introduces their back stories which makes the narration even more interesting. Kiranjeet’s past is interesting of the two but also heartbreaking. Along with the well paced narration, the author’s insights of life, love and relationships is the USP of the story, which is the strength of the author as I have seen in all her early works.

The sequences involving AILENA and its interactions with Asmitha are interesting in the beginning but turn too fictitious as they progress. The ending seems rushed as the emotional connect that is maintained till the pre-climax is missing towards the end. Also, if you have lived overseas, after a few chapters, Kiranjeet’s detailing about life abroad can get tedious. The story is mostly narrated from the female protagonist POV especially in the second half and I would have liked balance between the story narrated by both the male and female protagonist.

Though the story begins with the protagonists meeting through an AI based dating app, it highlights how human connection and emotions surpasses technology. A Gen Z love story that blends emotions with modern dating trends, Stars will guide you home makes for a good read.

[FATHIMA SHAZNA · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author has well weaved the story with neatly arranging the plot with the past scenes and the present situation. The plot has been well developed and characters are finely detailed and the emotions are well expressed.

This book is not just uniting two people, but a book filled with inspiration, healing, a change which is necessary to lead your way of life, some things should be forgiven so you can come back where you belong.

I loved the story placed In India as well as in US, I felt thrilled to know how the people and the way of life in US which was new to me and thrilled to travel to San Francisco, Kiana way of independent life which I loved to life my dream, but still now didn’t find the courage to face it. Loved the coffee shop, her apartment etc. The most I fell in love with her courage and braveness to lead a single independent life, where the FMC is an inspiration.

I loved the way the AILENA app was developed and its role and logical thinking along with providing a virtual tour to the beautiful island where I enjoyed with both of them, and travelled along with them. Even though apps and technology can’t be trusted sometimes as we can see in social media, the author has taken the positive side of the AI innovation and let it sync within the story.

I love the way cultural differences have been explained well and the bliss of independent life has well placed a positive outcome even though we all can’t be alone till the last we should need a person and bond to support and travel with us. Our happiness is found within ourselves, we can choose our path to what we need or not. We should mix with the reality to live in the culture ,without losing our values and virtues. When the universe wants to give us something it will bring back what you needed even though it is a galaxy apart.

Life is one get to travel around enjoying yourself and meeting different people and cultures around the world. The more you travel or live in a culture which differs from you, which gives you many life lessons and feel that you have lived a meaningful life.

Life is to be lived, Living means finding nature and more of its beauty.

I myself am a person finding a way to awaken my courage to travel to my favorite countries and mix with nature's beauty. A person striving led an independent life. I Hope someday I will find my path to fulfill my life with some adventures and stand on my own.

I highly recommend this book to read where you will be taken to a journey of courage, strength and love, a book which sparks you with inspiration to stand strong like Kiana and face the reality and grow within yourself as Nirvaan.

[Ishmeet Kaur · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stuti Changle’s Stars Will Guide You Home is a heartwarming and soul-searching novel that delves into the emotional turbulence of today’s youth, especially the Gen Z experience of love, identity, and belonging. With a blend of poetic reflections and raw emotional depth, Changle weaves a story that is as much about finding love as it is about finding oneself.
At the core of the novel lies a poignant critique of contemporary dating patterns, especially as seen through the eyes of Gen Z. The book captures the emptiness that often hides behind dating apps, casual flings, and “situationships”—terms that were meant to simplify love but have, paradoxically, complicated it further.
Changle beautifully explores this through her characters, who are constantly caught between the desire for genuine connection and the fear of emotional vulnerability. In a world where “ghosting” is common and labels are feared, the book sheds light on the emotional toll of being almost loved but never fully seen.
The quote, “...love isn't something you can plan or schedule. It's a feeling that sweeps you off your feet when you least expect it” captures the heart of this chaos. While modern dating often attempts to rationalize and schedule intimacy, Changle reminds us that love, in its truest form, resists control.
Beyond romance, Stars Will Guide You Home is a tender exploration of selfhood—especially in the age of constant change. One of the most powerful lines in the book, “May be adulting is realizing that you're the one constant in your life, your truest best friend until the end of time”, reflects the emotional maturity the characters must develop.
Through heartbreaks, relocations, and moments of existential longing, the characters learn that while love is uncertain, the relationship you build with yourself is permanent. In this sense, the book offers a coming-of-age narrative wrapped in quiet wisdom.
Stars Will Guide You Home is more than just a contemporary romance—it’s a mirror to the confused, vulnerable, yet hopeful heart of Gen Z. Stuti Changle captures the emotional disarray of modern relationships while guiding readers toward self-awareness and emotional growth.
If you’ve ever felt lost in love, longed for clarity in chaos, or struggled to define your place in a rapidly changing world, this book will speak to you. In a culture obsessed with "likes" and labels, it gently nudges you back to what matters most: honest emotions, inner truth, and the courage to love and be loved.

[Anandarupa Chakrabarti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some books give you a fulfilling fictional world, the characters embrace you, and you feel it’s just the book you needed. But then comes the other set of books, which feel like someone finally understood the point. Be it the events in the books or the protagonist's life, we feel every aspect of it as if hoping that if their life gets fixed, our life will get on track. Such is the impact of Stuti Changle’s new book ‘Stars Will Guide Us Home’. It is a deeply emotional masterpiece.

‘Stars Will Guide Us Home’, not only explores the modern dating app scenarios of virtually meeting another person and putting yourself out there, but it revolves so much around putting yourself first, so much so, it might look like they are selfish. Thus presenting, Kiana. She is self-made and really fought to get the life she leads in the States. With a heartbreaking past of her family, and a messy past relationship, the only thing that might comfort her is the feeling of coming home on her own.
An IIT-D graduate, Nirvaan has everything a man seeks- A great entrepreneurial career, shifting between Bangalore and Mumbai, and a supportive family. The only thing that is lacking is the feeling of love, the feeling of someone committing to him and waiting for him at the end of the day, the feeling of home.
As destiny would have it, these two individuals meet on a dating app Ailena. But with complexities and technically flawed circumstances, the app concludes their interaction, declaring they are not the right partner for one another. But will they get back to each other when technology fails?
What began as a modern online dating application scenario, ‘Stars Will Guide Us Home’, begins to talk to its readers like a ray of hope, a reflection on loss and trauma with the sweetness of school-life nostalgia.

When I read the blurb, it followed a trail of a love story, I was craving for and believing in Stuti’s writing, I was confirmed, it would be mesmerising. But honestly, ‘Stars Will Guide You Home’ is more than that. It's hopeful, engrossing and addictive. The writing resonates without beating around the bush. This book successfully brings together topics like loneliness, trauma, homesickness in other countries, and vulnerabilities, to say the least. This book is wrapped in hope, a rooting love story and strong characterisation that will make its readers meaningfully invested in the book throughout.
If you're looking for a light-hearted, meaningful and fulfilling read that throws light on love and life, Stuti Changle’s ‘Stars Will Guide You Home ’ is the perfect book.

[Saachi Iyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

📚 Stars Will Guide you Home

“Sometimes, time is on our side and we feel that we can conquer the world. And sometimes, time isn't on our side and we feel let down by the world. Good times don't come with the guarantee that they will stay, so when the times are good, one must make the most of it.”

Do you remember the first time you fell in love? Do you still have that person in your life? If not, have you been able to move on from it?

Nirvaan is a successful entrepreneur in India’s Tech scene. His life has been pretty sorted. IIT-Delhi Alum, worked hard to reach at a position where he is up and ready to invest in India’s best tech startups.

Kiana is a successful Product Manager is one of the largest US based company. She has been living in the US for 9 years now. Her life has been anything but sorted. There is a reason she has never gone back to India after she left- her broken family.

Now, both of them are rich and successful in their respective lives but that’s not the only thing common between them. Both of them are lonely and desperate to find love. Enter AILENA, a powerful, cutting edge AI-powered dating app which matches them with a near-perfect compatibility- and the catch? They do not know each other’s identities.

As their bond deepens virtually, they feel the connection they felt with their respective first loves. They finally think they might be perfect for each other until AILENA abruptly cuts their connection off, deeming them incompatible and finding other matches for them. But what they don’t know is that they were matched to their first loves itself-each other. Teenage Kiana and Nirvaan were inseparable until life happened. When fate brought them together again, AI separated them.Will they follow the app’s algorithms to find themselves their soulmates or will they defy the rules of data analysis and science to follow their hearts?

Stars Will Guide You Home was a comfort read. I finished it in under 24 hours and I loved it!❤️ I love how it throws light on the life of an Immigrant in a raw, natural way. Because people often seem to think that all our problems go away when we move abroad.

I really love how it also focuses on the fact that India is also successful in the Technology Sector and we might be underestimating it. And the fact that AI can never replace humans.

Deeming a match incompatible because the machine cannot understand complex emotions is what makes Humans superior. I really loved the concept of this book and I cannot wait to read more books by Stuti!

[The_reading_soul · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ Book Review ✨
*Title:Stars Will Guide You Home*
Author:Stuti Changle
*Rating:*⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

*“Sometimes, the universe has strange ways of reconnecting two hearts meant to find each other again.”*

From childhood love to chance re-discovery through an AI matchmaking app, *Stars Will Guide You Home* is a heartfelt modern romance wrapped in tech, emotion, and second chances.

The story follows *Nirvaan*, a successful entrepreneur and investor who returns to his alma mater IIT Delhi to attend a Shark Tank-style event. Among the routine pitches, a fresh idea by a girl named *Ashmita* catches his attention— *AILENA*, an AI-based matchmaking app that matches people through compatibility and meaningful interactions. Intrigued, Nirvaan not only decides to invest but also becomes a beta tester, registering under the alias Neer.

On the other side of the world, *Kiranjeet*, aka *Kiana*, a senior developer in Chicago, is also chosen as a beta user. She has her own emotional baggage—she left India nine years ago and carries the pain of a toxic household. Kiana finds comfort in her uncle’s home in San Francisco but has kept her heart closed ever since leaving behind a love from her past.

Fate intervenes when Neer and Kiana match on the app—unaware that they are, in fact, each other’s childhood sweethearts. Through virtual conversations, emotions bloom again, this time layered with wisdom, healing, and maturity. But love isn’t easy, especially when a technical glitch in the app threatens to delete their budding connection forever. Will Kiana find Neer in real life before it’s too late? And will Nirvaan finally reveal his true identity?

What I loved:
💜 The concept is *so* refreshing—blending AI and modern dating with emotional depth.
💜 The idea of meeting your past in a new form without knowing it—pure magic!
💜 The thoughtful quotes at the start of each chapter added a poetic beauty to the narrative.
💜 The emotional vulnerability of the characters made their journey feel personal and real.

While the first half takes its time setting the stage, the second half rushes through key developments a bit too fast. But despite that, the emotional pull never drops. The ending ties things together with a touch of hope and stardust.

🌟 Overall, *Stars Will Guide You Home* is a warm, tech-touched tale of love lost and rediscovered. If you enjoy slow-burn romances, apps with a twist, and stories that make you believe in destiny again—this one’s for you!

[Neer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kiranjeet and Nirvaan, two people who were once in love during their teenage years. Life happened, and they had to go their separate ways. Years passed. They both became successful—financially, professionally—but something was still missing. Their hearts, though full of memories, were not full of happiness. Enters AILENA, an advanced AI-powered dating app that matches people based on deep personality traits and emotional compatibility. Kiranjeet and Nirvaan, without knowing each other’s real identities, sign up using pen names—KIANA and NEER. The app matches them together. Their connection becomes stronger and more beautiful each day. But then, out of nowhere, AILENA decides they are not compatible and breaks the connection.
Will they ever be able to reconnect?
Why would AILENA do that when everything felt so perfect?
Grab the book and find out.

I can confidently say— the book left me with a smile on my face and warmth in my heart. This book is one of those reads that gently touches your soul and also makes you think deeply about life, technology, destiny, and human connection. One more thing I absolutely loved was the simple and clear language. The writing is so smooth, you don’t even feel like you’re reading—you feel like someone is talking to you. The book will speak to you directly. No complicated words. No confusing storytelling. Just straight from the heart.

Not once did I feel bored or rushed. The story flows at the perfect speed. It takes its time to develop the characters, the emotions, and the situations. You get to see the past and present of Kiranjeet and Nirvaan. You feel their pain, their growth, their hope. Every chapter feels necessary. Every scene adds value. And by the end, it all comes together.

The way the story includes AI and technology was very smart and fresh. We’re all living in a world full of dating apps, chatbots, and recommendations. But what happens when machines try to measure something as complex as love? That’s the core question this book explores. Sometimes, even a super-smart app can’t understand emotions. And sometimes, the heart knows what even the best algorithm doesn’t. This idea made me think—are we giving too much power to technology to decide what’s right for us? This makes the book very relevant and relatable in today’s world where AI is everywhere—from Instagram filters to dating apps.

The book doesn’t just tell a story. It gives you a feeling—a feeling that maybe, just maybe, the stars are guiding us all, silently. Pick it up when you’re feeling low. Or when you want a soft, gentle story that reminds you of the power of love and fate. You won’t regret it.

[Ibtesam Rahman · Rating 4 out of 5]

STARS WILL GUIDE YOU HOME BY STUTI CHANGLE
Harper Collins
Rs. 250
209 pages

" It's all written in the stars, and the stars will guide you home, always."

Have you ever heard- "What you are seeking is seeking you?" I strongly believe in this. And this story was a reminder to that.

Kiranjeet and Nirvaan were childhood sweethearts but fate and family expectation tore them apart. A decade later, Kiranjeet is now Kiana, well settled in US, earning a six figure salary and happy with everything except her love life which is as dry as the Sahara. Nirvaan is a big hot shot investor, looking to finally settle down. They meet on AILEENA, a cutting edge Ai dating app, which matches you based on your compatibility. But midway, they get unmatched. The story to come is if they will follow their heart or trust the app.

The story is truly love reimagined in the digital age, where we are constantly connected yet feel lonely. Talking about the storytelling, the story keeps you hooked and makes it difficult to keep the book down. However, at times all the information about love felt repetitive.

The characters are very well sketched. Nirvaan is a mature, well settled person. His ideas about love is concrete. He knows what he desires, the way he cared for Kiranjeet and his loyalty is such a green flag. Kiana on the other hand is a complex creature. She is flawed, has tons of regrets, she has panic attacks, her family is messed up, but she's surviving. She's a hero in my eyes. (A friend told me that her cat Luna was imaginary, I completely missed that part. This was shocking to realise how deeply depressed she was that she created an imaginary character to share her feelings with.)

The narration was smooth. The language is easy to read and simple to follow. The themes include, mental health, social diaspora, family and societal expectations, toxic relationships, domestic abuse, love and loneliness. The climax felt a little rushed. Would you propose a person you meet for the first time after a decade? Overall, the story had so much potential but failed to make me cry bucket loads. There were times when I was left my mouth gaping wide open and times when I wanted to slap Kiana when she was leaving for US without telling Nirvaan why.

Ps- Absolutely love when there are Easter eggs of Stuti's previous books mentioned in the story. It's like a secret between her and her readers. ( I saw mention of On the open road and You live only once)

[Padmajha [PJ] Me and My Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set against the backdrops of India and the United States, Stars Will Guide You Home is a modern second-chance romance that reimagines reconnection in the age of technology.
At the heart of the story are two estranged high school sweethearts who want to find their way back to each other. An AI-powered dating app,an inventive and fitting concept for our increasingly digital lives comes into play and what happens when the app pairs soulmates is the crux of the story.
But what made this book stand out for me is that it is more than just a love story.It weaves in thought-provoking themes like migration, cultural pressure, identity, domestic abuse and the emotional complexities of pursuing the so-called American Dream.
The novel captures the highs and lows of modern relationships—the loneliness, the confusion, and the longing—while still holding space for healing, hope, and emotional growth.
The idea that an app could understand your heart better than you do yourself is both romantic and eerily plausible, making the story feel fresh and relevant.
The author doesn’t shy away from critiquing our tech-dependent world, but she does so with warmth and optimism, offering a sentimental yet grounded view of love and human connection.
Shahnawaz and Zayn make for strong and memorable supporting characters, each adding depth to the story in their own way. Kiranjeet’s family dynamics felt incredibly relatable, and I especially loved the way Joe and Mannie were portrayed. The interactions between Asmitha and AILENA were a delight to read—thoughtful and often quite impactful.
The writing is simple yet emotionally resonant, moving seamlessly between humor, nostalgia, and reflection. Each chapter opens with a meaningful quote and ends with a quiet thought that lingers, creating a rhythm that enhances the emotional journey of the characters.
There were so many moments that resonated with me deeply; I found myself annotating several parts throughout the book!
In all,this is a heartfelt and enjoyable read. It celebrates emotional vulnerability, the courage to love again, and the magic of second chances.
For anyone interested in contemporary romance with a desi touch, or stories that balance tech, tenderness, and introspection, this book is sure to resonate. It’s ideal for readers looking for a quick, warm, and emotionally satisfying read.

[Achu Aswathi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stars Will Guide You by Stuti Changle is a simple and short read filled with love, dreams, sacrifice, and misassumptions. The story moves so fast that you can sit and read it in one go—it keeps you engaged, always wanting to know what happens next.

The characters—Neer, Kiana, and their backstories—are built really well. Their emotional journeys felt genuine and easy to connect with. First love is always unforgettable. It brings with it sweet and bitter memories that stay with us, often changing a part of who we are. Some are lucky if their first love becomes their forever, or if life gives them a chance to go back to it.

When Kiana and Neer get matched through the AILENA app without knowing each other’s identity, it takes them down memory lane and stirs something they once had. I really liked the idea of the dating app AILENA and its features, but at the same time, it shows how a machine can’t truly understand what’s going on in human hearts and minds.

Sometimes, we feel a rare kind of comfort, warmth, and safety with someone—that feeling of being truly heard and seen. And maybe, when we deeply wish for something, the universe does listen. That idea is beautifully reflected in the title, Stars Will Guide You.

Kiana, or Kiranjeet, is an introvert who ended her first relationship due to family issues—something she never explained to Neer. He, in turn, never found closure. I loved Kiana’s aunt and her positive outlook, especially when Kiana said she wouldn’t fall in love again. Her words stayed with me: “Love is a beautiful thing—it’s the greatest gift to give or receive from someone.”

Overall, I really enjoyed the story. One thing that stood out was how much communication matters in relationships. Neer didn’t even realize he was in a situationship with Nia until he brought up settling down.

With a small but memorable cast of characters and a story that touches the heart, Stars Will Guide You was a delightful and emotional read. It’s a reminder that love, when genuine and pure, always finds its way—no matter how lost it may seem.

A light and emotional read that makes you reflect on love, connection, and timing—this book definitely left a mark on me. This book is perfect for readers who enjoy modern love stories rooted in emotions, fate, and second chances.