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The Woman and Her Stars
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25 copies available
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She must find her own place amongst the stars.
Caroline Herschel has always lived in the shadows. Beholden to her wildly popular older brother, William, who rescued her from servitude, she's worked hard to build a life for herself – one where she can go unnoticed and repay the debt she believes she owes. But when her brother becomes obsessed with sweeping the heavens, everything changes.
Newly appointed as the King's Astronomer, William is rushed away from the bustling streets of Bath to the quiet countryside of Windsor. When Caroline makes a discovery that could send her right back to the people she was rescued from, she has no choice but to leave her carefully constructed life and follow her brother. Taking up the position as William's assistant, Caroline resolves to learn everything she can about astronomy. But the more she understands, the more she falls in love with her telescope, and soon, she discovers that she might be good at the science, great, even, and that the stars could offer her the freedom she's always secretly wanted. When it’s clear that Caroline is just as much the astronomer as her brother, she realizes she must break free from the life she has lived and find her own place in the night sky.
Based on the true story of Caroline Herschel, The Woman and Her Stars shines a light on a woman who was raised to believe she was worth nothing more than to serve others, but whose genius and resolve made her one of the world’s leading astronomers. An awe-inspiring story set within the societal boundaries of the Georgian era, it’s a hopeful journey of self-discovery, familial bonds, and passion.
Caroline Herschel has always lived in the shadows. Beholden to her wildly popular older brother, William, who rescued her from servitude, she's worked hard to build a life for herself – one where she can go unnoticed and repay the debt she believes she owes. But when her brother becomes obsessed with sweeping the heavens, everything changes.
Newly appointed as the King's Astronomer, William is rushed away from the bustling streets of Bath to the quiet countryside of Windsor. When Caroline makes a discovery that could send her right back to the people she was rescued from, she has no choice but to leave her carefully constructed life and follow her brother. Taking up the position as William's assistant, Caroline resolves to learn everything she can about astronomy. But the more she understands, the more she falls in love with her telescope, and soon, she discovers that she might be good at the science, great, even, and that the stars could offer her the freedom she's always secretly wanted. When it’s clear that Caroline is just as much the astronomer as her brother, she realizes she must break free from the life she has lived and find her own place in the night sky.
Based on the true story of Caroline Herschel, The Woman and Her Stars shines a light on a woman who was raised to believe she was worth nothing more than to serve others, but whose genius and resolve made her one of the world’s leading astronomers. An awe-inspiring story set within the societal boundaries of the Georgian era, it’s a hopeful journey of self-discovery, familial bonds, and passion.
336 pages, Paperback
Expected publication March 3, 2026
8 people are currently reading
8143 people want to read
About the author
Penny Haw
7 books247 followersPenny Haw was the recipient of the 2024 Philida Literary Award for her “oeuvre of literary excellence” and won the 2022 Women's Fiction Writers Association Star Award.
Her books feature remarkable women, illustrate her love for animals and nature, and explore the interconnectedness of all living things.
Penny’s works of biographical historical fiction are published by Sourcebooks Landmark and include The Invincible Miss Cust (2022), The Woman at the Wheel (2023), Follow Me to Africa (2025) and The Woman and Her Stars (2026). Her other books include The Wilderness Between Us (2021), which is contemporary fiction while Nicko (2017) is a children’s book.
Penny lives in Hout Bay near Cape Town, South Africa with her husband and three dogs, all of whom are well-walked.
Her books feature remarkable women, illustrate her love for animals and nature, and explore the interconnectedness of all living things.
Penny’s works of biographical historical fiction are published by Sourcebooks Landmark and include The Invincible Miss Cust (2022), The Woman at the Wheel (2023), Follow Me to Africa (2025) and The Woman and Her Stars (2026). Her other books include The Wilderness Between Us (2021), which is contemporary fiction while Nicko (2017) is a children’s book.
Penny lives in Hout Bay near Cape Town, South Africa with her husband and three dogs, all of whom are well-walked.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
November 2, 2025
4.5🌟
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC of this book. This book started off slow for me with a lot of character dialog and foundation building, more than I thought necessary. The story picks up and evolves into a terrific tale. While this is an historical fiction novel, it tracks closely to Caroline Hershel's memoir and her work as an astronomer. I recommend reading this book!
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC of this book. This book started off slow for me with a lot of character dialog and foundation building, more than I thought necessary. The story picks up and evolves into a terrific tale. While this is an historical fiction novel, it tracks closely to Caroline Hershel's memoir and her work as an astronomer. I recommend reading this book!
October 15, 2025
‘The skies are full of surprises. That’s what excites me.’
What a powerful historical novel! First, the cover is stunning. It is atmospheric, dreamy and full of promise and reminds me of all the nights as a child lying on the grass and gazing up at the stars. My imagination was limitless and the night sky sparked many poems, songs and stories. So it was easy for me to fall in love with a story about astronomy. And being written by Penny Haw, made it in more inviting.
I have read some amazing historical fiction novels of late but Penny Haw’s The Woman and Her Stars gripped and captivated me in a way that is hard to express. I felt incredible emotions while reading this book. Sadness, annoyance, disbelief, compassion and so much more. I was pulled into Caroline’s world so quickly and completely I forgot my own environment. I could not put this book down. Penny Haw is an incredible artist of words. I have loved each one of her novels for they are always literary, imaginative and well written. She offers unique perspectives on real historical women. She combines her investigative skills as a journalist and creative writing skills as a novelist and produces the perfect union of fact and fiction. Her research is thorough and her imagination fills in the missing pieces divinely.
A usual topic for Penny is historical women of significance who struggled for recognition. She has the gift of delivering a descriptive setting, common speech and cultural norms of the day to create believable characters that we can visualise, have emphathy for and cheer on. We get to see their challenges and what they must overcome to succeed and be happy. In The Woman and Her Stars, we slip inside Caroline’s skin where all her emotions become ours.
As mentioned, I have always been fascinated by the stars as most dreamers are! But to see how Caroline’s passion for astronomy develops is interesting and even more how it goes beyond even her love of music and singing. Caroline is on a detour that will change her life. This new direction, though, was spurred on by a need to escape control from her mother. If she lives with her brother William, becomes useful to him, she won’t be sent back to nursing her difficult mother. The motive may have initially been a negative one but in the end, it forces her to move in a different direction to achieve a positive result. The trials make her stronger, wiser and lead her to reach beyond herself to new areas such as the stars and to discovering unknown heavenly bodies. This in turn gives her the recognition and independence she desires and deserves. Something unheard of in those days for women!
The author takes us on an in-depth study of Caroline’s character. Her journey of self discovery and confidence is a rough one. With so many cultural habits and views to overcome, it is hard for her to accept she is worthy of the fame she receives. She also misses out on love, even though she is briefly tempted. But her life, perceptions and successes are so tangled up with her brother William’s, that it becomes a snare for her feet as she tries to walk her own path. During one of her blind moments, her brother Alex makes a comment that is perceptive and true. He notes that even though she has fled Hanover to escape being her mother’s servant, she has now become her brother’s keeper and his assistant. So what has she gained? Has she traded one yoke for another? In her words ‘It is not the same…William has given me an education. I am not his servant. But I must remain useful to him if I’m to stay in England. I don’t want to go back to Hanover.’ This belief causes her to miss out on many things. But there is a moment of revelation at the end where she realises she does have a choice—even though women in those days had very little freedom and were governed by a male hierarchy. So many times I wanted Caroline to rebuke that system and fight for her rights but in the end I realised she was her own worst enemy or prisoner. Thankfully experience and time show her another path is possible.
Sadly, for a better part of her life she becomes so entwined with her brothers’ existence, dreams and accomplishments, when change comes, she does not know how to handle it. Or to sail on her own merit. This makes her angry, resentful and bitter. Until the one person in her life she loves the most has a terrible tragedy which forces her to mend her fences, look at her actions and attitudes and see what is really important. I don’t want to give away the plot so I won’t say what happens but it is easy to see why the drastic change that comes from an unexpected event could make her feel threatened and as though her whole world is falling apart.
I need to mention a canine character. Comet stole the scenes many times and added so much to Caroline’s life. He helped eased her loneliness and pain when she left Bath and her singing— to work with her brother in Datchet. She learned some hard lessons about the need for companionship—while coming to grips with Comet and his needs. Then another bigger challenge happens that exposes her low self-esteem. These issues possibly stem from the culture’s viewpoints of women at the time. Archaic society certainly fuelled her weakness but also scars she received as a child from an illness hindered her self image, too. There was so much stacked against her, even though she was a talented and smart woman. Her excellent stage singing helped her face people in the public. But she took a back step when she had to give it up to live with her older brother in a rural town. Where he went, she followed. He was her lifeline.
There are a number of engaging likeable characters who supported Caroline and her brothers Alex and William. There’s Mr Corden with his sincere friendship and constant rescue and assistance. And Dr. Watson’s with his life-saving knowledge and trustworthiness. Then the two women Margaret and Mary who enter the brother’s lives and prove to be supporters of Caroline and care about her even when she doubts them. Caroline’s insecurities become clear and why she resists these women’s friendship initially before change happens. On the flip side, there is the antagonist Miss Hudson who is self-serving, manipulative and a major opposition at times. She adds stress, frustration and worry to Caroline and William’s lives (and tension to the plot). I was often aligned with Caroline in her desire to put Miss Hudson in her place!
Love is a topic Caroline struggles with and not just romance or marital but also friendship. When Mary is pleading with Caroline to see reason she makes an excellent comparison. ‘Affection doesn’t come in limited quantities. It’s not like a bag of flour from the miller that gets used up. It’s, it’s…like the night sky. There’s no obvious end to it, no matter how powerful your instrument is. There is no limit to love.’ Caroline, at times, is harsh in her response to others. But this stems from her own lack of self-worth—and how she thinks everyone sees her. Using first names for Caroline is a no no… in her mind, you have to earn it.. to be considered a friend. And Mary tries hard to accomplish this. It takes a tragedy for Caroline to come to her senses and to see what is in front of her—not the dim, loveless world her mind believes.
Often references to astronomy, planets, etc are used by the characters to describe relationships. In a discussion Mary has with Caroline, she explains how William believes his sister is his equal. As Mary relates, when William and Caroline practice astronomy together—‘it is not always self-evident who of the two of you is the planet and who the moon.’ ‘…it isn’t always evident who orbits who.’ This stuns Caroline and is a turning point for her when she hears this.
Yes, the astronomy journey starts with Caroline’s brother. After he discovers planet Georgian Sidus, his name goes ‘to the top of the list of the world’s notable astronomers’ and he is awarded the Royal Society Copley Medal for discovery. But when Caroline also discovers new celestial bodies, her name becomes just as important. It is hard at first for her to believe she is more than her brother’s assistant. She may have learned from him but she has excelled and is an astronomer in her own right. And this new found victory made her known to a world that did not originally acknowledge women in this field (or any others).
This story, beautifully told by Penny Haw, made my heart sing and dream and appreciate even more the beauty of the stars and the ones who discovered them—particularly Caroline Herschel who came out of the shadows into the light. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to SourceBooks Landmark and Netgalley for the ARC.
What a powerful historical novel! First, the cover is stunning. It is atmospheric, dreamy and full of promise and reminds me of all the nights as a child lying on the grass and gazing up at the stars. My imagination was limitless and the night sky sparked many poems, songs and stories. So it was easy for me to fall in love with a story about astronomy. And being written by Penny Haw, made it in more inviting.
I have read some amazing historical fiction novels of late but Penny Haw’s The Woman and Her Stars gripped and captivated me in a way that is hard to express. I felt incredible emotions while reading this book. Sadness, annoyance, disbelief, compassion and so much more. I was pulled into Caroline’s world so quickly and completely I forgot my own environment. I could not put this book down. Penny Haw is an incredible artist of words. I have loved each one of her novels for they are always literary, imaginative and well written. She offers unique perspectives on real historical women. She combines her investigative skills as a journalist and creative writing skills as a novelist and produces the perfect union of fact and fiction. Her research is thorough and her imagination fills in the missing pieces divinely.
A usual topic for Penny is historical women of significance who struggled for recognition. She has the gift of delivering a descriptive setting, common speech and cultural norms of the day to create believable characters that we can visualise, have emphathy for and cheer on. We get to see their challenges and what they must overcome to succeed and be happy. In The Woman and Her Stars, we slip inside Caroline’s skin where all her emotions become ours.
As mentioned, I have always been fascinated by the stars as most dreamers are! But to see how Caroline’s passion for astronomy develops is interesting and even more how it goes beyond even her love of music and singing. Caroline is on a detour that will change her life. This new direction, though, was spurred on by a need to escape control from her mother. If she lives with her brother William, becomes useful to him, she won’t be sent back to nursing her difficult mother. The motive may have initially been a negative one but in the end, it forces her to move in a different direction to achieve a positive result. The trials make her stronger, wiser and lead her to reach beyond herself to new areas such as the stars and to discovering unknown heavenly bodies. This in turn gives her the recognition and independence she desires and deserves. Something unheard of in those days for women!
The author takes us on an in-depth study of Caroline’s character. Her journey of self discovery and confidence is a rough one. With so many cultural habits and views to overcome, it is hard for her to accept she is worthy of the fame she receives. She also misses out on love, even though she is briefly tempted. But her life, perceptions and successes are so tangled up with her brother William’s, that it becomes a snare for her feet as she tries to walk her own path. During one of her blind moments, her brother Alex makes a comment that is perceptive and true. He notes that even though she has fled Hanover to escape being her mother’s servant, she has now become her brother’s keeper and his assistant. So what has she gained? Has she traded one yoke for another? In her words ‘It is not the same…William has given me an education. I am not his servant. But I must remain useful to him if I’m to stay in England. I don’t want to go back to Hanover.’ This belief causes her to miss out on many things. But there is a moment of revelation at the end where she realises she does have a choice—even though women in those days had very little freedom and were governed by a male hierarchy. So many times I wanted Caroline to rebuke that system and fight for her rights but in the end I realised she was her own worst enemy or prisoner. Thankfully experience and time show her another path is possible.
Sadly, for a better part of her life she becomes so entwined with her brothers’ existence, dreams and accomplishments, when change comes, she does not know how to handle it. Or to sail on her own merit. This makes her angry, resentful and bitter. Until the one person in her life she loves the most has a terrible tragedy which forces her to mend her fences, look at her actions and attitudes and see what is really important. I don’t want to give away the plot so I won’t say what happens but it is easy to see why the drastic change that comes from an unexpected event could make her feel threatened and as though her whole world is falling apart.
I need to mention a canine character. Comet stole the scenes many times and added so much to Caroline’s life. He helped eased her loneliness and pain when she left Bath and her singing— to work with her brother in Datchet. She learned some hard lessons about the need for companionship—while coming to grips with Comet and his needs. Then another bigger challenge happens that exposes her low self-esteem. These issues possibly stem from the culture’s viewpoints of women at the time. Archaic society certainly fuelled her weakness but also scars she received as a child from an illness hindered her self image, too. There was so much stacked against her, even though she was a talented and smart woman. Her excellent stage singing helped her face people in the public. But she took a back step when she had to give it up to live with her older brother in a rural town. Where he went, she followed. He was her lifeline.
There are a number of engaging likeable characters who supported Caroline and her brothers Alex and William. There’s Mr Corden with his sincere friendship and constant rescue and assistance. And Dr. Watson’s with his life-saving knowledge and trustworthiness. Then the two women Margaret and Mary who enter the brother’s lives and prove to be supporters of Caroline and care about her even when she doubts them. Caroline’s insecurities become clear and why she resists these women’s friendship initially before change happens. On the flip side, there is the antagonist Miss Hudson who is self-serving, manipulative and a major opposition at times. She adds stress, frustration and worry to Caroline and William’s lives (and tension to the plot). I was often aligned with Caroline in her desire to put Miss Hudson in her place!
Love is a topic Caroline struggles with and not just romance or marital but also friendship. When Mary is pleading with Caroline to see reason she makes an excellent comparison. ‘Affection doesn’t come in limited quantities. It’s not like a bag of flour from the miller that gets used up. It’s, it’s…like the night sky. There’s no obvious end to it, no matter how powerful your instrument is. There is no limit to love.’ Caroline, at times, is harsh in her response to others. But this stems from her own lack of self-worth—and how she thinks everyone sees her. Using first names for Caroline is a no no… in her mind, you have to earn it.. to be considered a friend. And Mary tries hard to accomplish this. It takes a tragedy for Caroline to come to her senses and to see what is in front of her—not the dim, loveless world her mind believes.
Often references to astronomy, planets, etc are used by the characters to describe relationships. In a discussion Mary has with Caroline, she explains how William believes his sister is his equal. As Mary relates, when William and Caroline practice astronomy together—‘it is not always self-evident who of the two of you is the planet and who the moon.’ ‘…it isn’t always evident who orbits who.’ This stuns Caroline and is a turning point for her when she hears this.
Yes, the astronomy journey starts with Caroline’s brother. After he discovers planet Georgian Sidus, his name goes ‘to the top of the list of the world’s notable astronomers’ and he is awarded the Royal Society Copley Medal for discovery. But when Caroline also discovers new celestial bodies, her name becomes just as important. It is hard at first for her to believe she is more than her brother’s assistant. She may have learned from him but she has excelled and is an astronomer in her own right. And this new found victory made her known to a world that did not originally acknowledge women in this field (or any others).
This story, beautifully told by Penny Haw, made my heart sing and dream and appreciate even more the beauty of the stars and the ones who discovered them—particularly Caroline Herschel who came out of the shadows into the light. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to SourceBooks Landmark and Netgalley for the ARC.
November 4, 2025
Absolutely beautiful novel! Interesting, innovative and a new subject for me. I have always loved the stars, comets and astronomy. The main female character was innovative in discovery and truly inspiring.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
every now and then I read an ARC that is SO GOOD it just reminds me why I keep requesting them
January 19, 2026
Another great book by this author. This story recognizes Caroline Herschel's love of astronomy and discovers in the late 1700s England. She worked with her brother, William, the Royal Astronomer, to find new objects in the sky and create up to date catalogs. She was the first woman to discover a comet and a few other celestial bodies. William, Caroline, and their brother Alex built a 20 foot telescope and were working on a 40 footer through the book. This was complex and detailed construction and it was interesting to learn the challenges to find the competent craftsmen to make the components. As Caroline's love of the skies grew, she found her confidence to push societal boundaries and be the astronomer, especially after she was given a salary by the crown.
This is one of my favorite types of books where it highlights women's accomplishments that have been left out of many history lessons. It was well researched and provided a glimpse into this era of astronomical achievements by the Herschel family. William was the discoverer of Uranus. We take all we know about the skies for granted and this book brings the early challenges of discoveries to light. I highly recommend this book for historical fiction fans, fans of science, and those that enjoy reading about lesson known historical figures.
#TheWomanandHerStars #NetGalley
Thank you Sourcebooks Landmark and Net Galley for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
This is one of my favorite types of books where it highlights women's accomplishments that have been left out of many history lessons. It was well researched and provided a glimpse into this era of astronomical achievements by the Herschel family. William was the discoverer of Uranus. We take all we know about the skies for granted and this book brings the early challenges of discoveries to light. I highly recommend this book for historical fiction fans, fans of science, and those that enjoy reading about lesson known historical figures.
#TheWomanandHerStars #NetGalley
Thank you Sourcebooks Landmark and Net Galley for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
December 7, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ebook ARC of this excellent novel. I was inspired to read it after my fiance and I watched the PBS docu-series ‘Ancient Skies.’ I was searching through my NetGalley/Kindle libraries in an effort to discover an astronomy-related story, and upon seeing this book, I knew it was the right choice!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Woman and Her Stars by Penny Haw
Synopsis /
Caroline Herschel has always lived in the shadows. Beholden to her wildly popular older brother, William, who rescued her from servitude, she's worked hard to build a life for herself – one where she can go unnoticed and repay the debt she believes she owes. But when her brother becomes obsessed with sweeping the heavens, everything changes.
Newly appointed as the King's Astronomer, William is rushed away from the bustling streets of Bath to the quiet countryside of Windsor. When Caroline makes a discovery that could send her right back to the people she was rescued from, she has no choice but to leave her carefully constructed life and follow her brother. Taking up the position as William's assistant, Caroline resolves to learn everything she can about astronomy. But the more she understands, the more she falls in love with her telescope, and soon, she discovers that she might be good at the science, great, even, and that the stars could offer her the freedom she's always secretly wanted. When it’s clear that Caroline is just as much the astronomer as her brother, she realizes she must break free from the life she has lived and find her own place in the night sky.
My Thoughts /
First and foremost, a huge THANK YOU to NetGalley, SOURCEBOOKS Landmark and author, Penny Haw for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
My first introduction to author, Penny Haw, was reading Follow Me to Africa which I just fell in love with. Coincidentally (or not?), that was in January of 2025. So when I saw that Haw had written a new novel, The Woman and Her Stars I knew I just had to read it. One of the things that I most loved about Follow Me to Africa was that Haw blended together a mixture of both non-fiction and fiction, and this is what she has done again here.
The Woman and Her Stars introduces the reader to a pioneer in the field of astronomy, German-born Caroline Herschel. Herschel, born in the mid-1700s was the eighth child of Isaac Herschel and his wife Anna Moritzen. As you can imagine, the life expectancy in the early 1700s wasn't high, typically ranging between 30-40 years; with up to 50% of children dying before reaching age 10. Caroline was sick at lot as a child. A bout of small pox at age 4 left her face extremely scarred. At the age of ten Caroline was struck with a severe case of typhus which stunted her growth, so that she never grew more than 4 feet 3 inches tall. Because of this, her mother assumed she would never marry and committed Caroline to a life of servitude.
In 1772, at the age of 22, Caroline arrived in Bath, England from Hanover, Germany. Together with her brother William, the pair performed music recitals – with William playing the organ while Caroline sang vocals. However, William's first love was astronomy and it wasn't long before William's talent for building telescopes and looking at the night skies became an obsession.
Now I realise this is the story of Caroline, but can we just, for a minute, sit back and appreciate William's contributions to his field:
🔭 William Herschel was appointed Astronomer to the Royal Family under King George III;
🔭 During his appointment William discovered the planet, Uranus, in 1781;
🔭 Even more impressive, is that Uranus was the first planet to be discovered by a telescope.
It was during this time, as William's notoriety in the field took off, Caroline realised that she and William would no longer be making and performing music together. Caroline was very aware that, due to her childhood illness, she had little to no prospect of marrying. Being able to sing and perform with William gave her a purpose and, more importantly, in her mind, made her invaluable to William. With William's career veering off on an alternate course, Caroline knew that she herself had to make a change to survive. So she started assisting her brother when he was star gazing. When he was scanning the night sky, William would dictate to Caroline what he was seeing, and then Caroline would meticulously record his notes and then draw diagrams of the night sky. It wasn't long before Caroline became just as fascinated with the sky as her brother.
In 1786 Caroline Herschel became the first ever woman to discover a comet, which her brother named after her. Over the span of her career, Caroline discovered a total of eight comets; three separate groupings of nebula and catalogued over 2,500 nebulae. She became the first woman to receive a salary in recognition of her work in astronomy and as such, was the first woman in England to hold a paid government position. Caroline passed away in 1848 and her tombstone reads The eyes of her who is glorified here below turned to the starry heavens.
The author's descriptive imagery manages to evoke the colours and shapes of the night sky and its celestial inhabitants. The characters are fully fleshed out and at times, vulnerably raw; but are at all times - engaging.
Haw is very quickly becoming one of my favourite authors – she excels at highlighting women's accomplishments in history without it seeming like a long, boring, history lesson.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to publishers, SOURCEBOOKS Landmark 💗 for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for March 03, 2026.
Synopsis /
Caroline Herschel has always lived in the shadows. Beholden to her wildly popular older brother, William, who rescued her from servitude, she's worked hard to build a life for herself – one where she can go unnoticed and repay the debt she believes she owes. But when her brother becomes obsessed with sweeping the heavens, everything changes.
Newly appointed as the King's Astronomer, William is rushed away from the bustling streets of Bath to the quiet countryside of Windsor. When Caroline makes a discovery that could send her right back to the people she was rescued from, she has no choice but to leave her carefully constructed life and follow her brother. Taking up the position as William's assistant, Caroline resolves to learn everything she can about astronomy. But the more she understands, the more she falls in love with her telescope, and soon, she discovers that she might be good at the science, great, even, and that the stars could offer her the freedom she's always secretly wanted. When it’s clear that Caroline is just as much the astronomer as her brother, she realizes she must break free from the life she has lived and find her own place in the night sky.
My Thoughts /
First and foremost, a huge THANK YOU to NetGalley, SOURCEBOOKS Landmark and author, Penny Haw for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
My first introduction to author, Penny Haw, was reading Follow Me to Africa which I just fell in love with. Coincidentally (or not?), that was in January of 2025. So when I saw that Haw had written a new novel, The Woman and Her Stars I knew I just had to read it. One of the things that I most loved about Follow Me to Africa was that Haw blended together a mixture of both non-fiction and fiction, and this is what she has done again here.
The Woman and Her Stars introduces the reader to a pioneer in the field of astronomy, German-born Caroline Herschel. Herschel, born in the mid-1700s was the eighth child of Isaac Herschel and his wife Anna Moritzen. As you can imagine, the life expectancy in the early 1700s wasn't high, typically ranging between 30-40 years; with up to 50% of children dying before reaching age 10. Caroline was sick at lot as a child. A bout of small pox at age 4 left her face extremely scarred. At the age of ten Caroline was struck with a severe case of typhus which stunted her growth, so that she never grew more than 4 feet 3 inches tall. Because of this, her mother assumed she would never marry and committed Caroline to a life of servitude.
In 1772, at the age of 22, Caroline arrived in Bath, England from Hanover, Germany. Together with her brother William, the pair performed music recitals – with William playing the organ while Caroline sang vocals. However, William's first love was astronomy and it wasn't long before William's talent for building telescopes and looking at the night skies became an obsession.
Now I realise this is the story of Caroline, but can we just, for a minute, sit back and appreciate William's contributions to his field:
🔭 William Herschel was appointed Astronomer to the Royal Family under King George III;
🔭 During his appointment William discovered the planet, Uranus, in 1781;
🔭 Even more impressive, is that Uranus was the first planet to be discovered by a telescope.
It was during this time, as William's notoriety in the field took off, Caroline realised that she and William would no longer be making and performing music together. Caroline was very aware that, due to her childhood illness, she had little to no prospect of marrying. Being able to sing and perform with William gave her a purpose and, more importantly, in her mind, made her invaluable to William. With William's career veering off on an alternate course, Caroline knew that she herself had to make a change to survive. So she started assisting her brother when he was star gazing. When he was scanning the night sky, William would dictate to Caroline what he was seeing, and then Caroline would meticulously record his notes and then draw diagrams of the night sky. It wasn't long before Caroline became just as fascinated with the sky as her brother.
In 1786 Caroline Herschel became the first ever woman to discover a comet, which her brother named after her. Over the span of her career, Caroline discovered a total of eight comets; three separate groupings of nebula and catalogued over 2,500 nebulae. She became the first woman to receive a salary in recognition of her work in astronomy and as such, was the first woman in England to hold a paid government position. Caroline passed away in 1848 and her tombstone reads The eyes of her who is glorified here below turned to the starry heavens.
The author's descriptive imagery manages to evoke the colours and shapes of the night sky and its celestial inhabitants. The characters are fully fleshed out and at times, vulnerably raw; but are at all times - engaging.
Haw is very quickly becoming one of my favourite authors – she excels at highlighting women's accomplishments in history without it seeming like a long, boring, history lesson.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to publishers, SOURCEBOOKS Landmark 💗 for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for March 03, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I am a space geek that minored in Anthropology, so Penny Haw's last two books have been right up my alley. Her latest addresses the former interest, as it is about Caroline Herschel, the first recognized female astronomer in England. Haw's book mainly covers her life during the late 1780s, when her brother was appointed as Royal Astronomer and Caroline made a transition from a passion of music to observing the night sky to continue living and working with her brother William (who was a discoverer of the planet Uranus).
Much as the topic interests (yay, women in astronomy!), I was a little reluctant to read it because I had read a previous book about Caroline Herschel, The Stargazer's Sister, by Carrie Brown. This book covered the full span of Caroline's life, and there were many parts of her life that weren't very happy. Her mother and one of her other brothers treated her more like a lowly servant than a daughter or sister.
The threat of having to go back to that life in Hanover is one of the opening themes in Haw's book. Caroline has settled in Bath with her older brother William and is passionate about the life she has as a musician. When William finds out that he has been appointed to be the Royal Astronomer, Caroline feels she too must take on the study of the sky, or risk William sending her back to Hanover.
The way Haw writes the transition feels a little rough, because she goes from trying to wheedle a way to continue to pursue music out of her brother, to digging in and being determined to master the field of astronomy, to sincerely falling in love with it. A more gradual transition of her feelings on the matter would have felt more natural.
In that time period, women were not regarded as being equally intelligent as men, most often were relegated to household tasks, and had almost no opportunity to pursue any form of knowledge or career. Lina (as her family members refer to Caroline) is luckier in some regards than most women of her time in that she is not only relegated to managing the household, though she is expected to do that too.
William may have been less provincial than most men of his time, but for most of the book told from Lina's perspective, he stills seems to regard her as more of an assistant capable of managing his notes and thoughts than as someone capable of making discoveries of her own. Haw did a great job of making me want to shake him as a modern woman when he wouldn't listen to her suggestions or regularly referred to her as his assistant, though she had acquired much of the same knowledge as him.
While constantly feeling threatened by the thought of returning to Hanover, of being mocked because of her appearance, and feeling underappreciated for her skills, Caroline is not a completely blameless heroine. She feels threatened by the wives of both of her brothers in England (Alex and William) and treats them poorly. Mr. Corden as well gets the cold shoulder, because she feels both an attraction to him and confusion on how to treat him because of their different class status.
How Lina handles William's marriage is complete conjecture by Haw, as Lina destroyed her personal records and correspondence from the beginning of their marriage, though I like the direction she takes in guessing what happened.
I still think Haw could do a better job of truly letting the reader feel the emotions and experiences of the historical female figures she writes about, which is probably the one hang-up I have with her stories. Otherwise, I'm thrilled to death that she chooses to pursue stories about real women that are not often told (and aren't connected to World War I or II!)
A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Much as the topic interests (yay, women in astronomy!), I was a little reluctant to read it because I had read a previous book about Caroline Herschel, The Stargazer's Sister, by Carrie Brown. This book covered the full span of Caroline's life, and there were many parts of her life that weren't very happy. Her mother and one of her other brothers treated her more like a lowly servant than a daughter or sister.
The threat of having to go back to that life in Hanover is one of the opening themes in Haw's book. Caroline has settled in Bath with her older brother William and is passionate about the life she has as a musician. When William finds out that he has been appointed to be the Royal Astronomer, Caroline feels she too must take on the study of the sky, or risk William sending her back to Hanover.
The way Haw writes the transition feels a little rough, because she goes from trying to wheedle a way to continue to pursue music out of her brother, to digging in and being determined to master the field of astronomy, to sincerely falling in love with it. A more gradual transition of her feelings on the matter would have felt more natural.
In that time period, women were not regarded as being equally intelligent as men, most often were relegated to household tasks, and had almost no opportunity to pursue any form of knowledge or career. Lina (as her family members refer to Caroline) is luckier in some regards than most women of her time in that she is not only relegated to managing the household, though she is expected to do that too.
William may have been less provincial than most men of his time, but for most of the book told from Lina's perspective, he stills seems to regard her as more of an assistant capable of managing his notes and thoughts than as someone capable of making discoveries of her own. Haw did a great job of making me want to shake him as a modern woman when he wouldn't listen to her suggestions or regularly referred to her as his assistant, though she had acquired much of the same knowledge as him.
While constantly feeling threatened by the thought of returning to Hanover, of being mocked because of her appearance, and feeling underappreciated for her skills, Caroline is not a completely blameless heroine. She feels threatened by the wives of both of her brothers in England (Alex and William) and treats them poorly. Mr. Corden as well gets the cold shoulder, because she feels both an attraction to him and confusion on how to treat him because of their different class status.
How Lina handles William's marriage is complete conjecture by Haw, as Lina destroyed her personal records and correspondence from the beginning of their marriage, though I like the direction she takes in guessing what happened.
I still think Haw could do a better job of truly letting the reader feel the emotions and experiences of the historical female figures she writes about, which is probably the one hang-up I have with her stories. Otherwise, I'm thrilled to death that she chooses to pursue stories about real women that are not often told (and aren't connected to World War I or II!)
A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Woman and Her Stars is based on the true story of Caroline Herschel, an aw-inspiring woman who lived during the Georgian era, when women were seen as inferior to men and not allowed to be independent thinkers, but she rose above those restrictions with her curious mind making her one of the leading astronomers of her time.
England, Bath, 1782. When Caroline is thirty-two, her brother is appointed King’s Astronomer which means he has to move close to court, and that means she has to move with him. When Caroline was twenty-two, she was fetched by William from Hanover (Germany) to become a useful singer for his concerts.
The Herschels were a musical family. Her brother, William, became the esteemed musical director of Bath’s publish concerts. Singing gave her life she’d never imagined. Bath became her home and she didn’t want to leave it, but she was in England only because William made it possible for her.
However, William had another passion; it was for celestial objects, which eventually outweighed his interest in music. Caroline preferred singing but as she was assisting William, she also took part in stargazing.
As a child, her face was marked by smallpox and her growth was stopped by typhus. She dreamed about education which she saw as a way for her independence but was denied it by her mother and oldest brother as they saw her worthless. William rescued her and she felt she had to remain useful to him, otherwise she’d be sent back to Hanover.
Caroline’s personal growth is masterfully presented. She felt a very strong connection to the music. She didn’t like William being distracted by the stargazing, but when she confirmed that his calculations were right and the object wasn’t a comet but a planet – she surprised herself how excited she was by the new discovery. Once at their new location, William presented her with an instrument made only for her so she could observe the sky for him when he was at Windsor Castle. This gave her a boost in her confidence, dreaming of being more than just an assistant to her brother. This further led to her own discoveries, and certain events made her realized that speaking up for herself didn’t mean her going back to Hanover.
The Woman and Her Stars skillfully paints a portrait of a woman who let the society put limitations on her as a woman, and the limitations she put on herself due to her appearance. But life pushed her to learn her lessons, some of them were painful lessons due to her own stubbornness. It’s a story of a woman who when shown the path, she took the opportunity to elevate herself, transform herself as a human being and rise above limitations imposed by the society.
This historical biography is a masterpiece, mindfully exposing the layers of human nature, and showing how much more we all are capable of, only if we pushed the societal limitations and looked up into the skies and saw how universe is infinite.
The backstories are beautifully woven with depth and touching upon human emotions. This story is so beautiful and touching that I didn’t want to part from the Herschel family.
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
England, Bath, 1782. When Caroline is thirty-two, her brother is appointed King’s Astronomer which means he has to move close to court, and that means she has to move with him. When Caroline was twenty-two, she was fetched by William from Hanover (Germany) to become a useful singer for his concerts.
The Herschels were a musical family. Her brother, William, became the esteemed musical director of Bath’s publish concerts. Singing gave her life she’d never imagined. Bath became her home and she didn’t want to leave it, but she was in England only because William made it possible for her.
However, William had another passion; it was for celestial objects, which eventually outweighed his interest in music. Caroline preferred singing but as she was assisting William, she also took part in stargazing.
As a child, her face was marked by smallpox and her growth was stopped by typhus. She dreamed about education which she saw as a way for her independence but was denied it by her mother and oldest brother as they saw her worthless. William rescued her and she felt she had to remain useful to him, otherwise she’d be sent back to Hanover.
Caroline’s personal growth is masterfully presented. She felt a very strong connection to the music. She didn’t like William being distracted by the stargazing, but when she confirmed that his calculations were right and the object wasn’t a comet but a planet – she surprised herself how excited she was by the new discovery. Once at their new location, William presented her with an instrument made only for her so she could observe the sky for him when he was at Windsor Castle. This gave her a boost in her confidence, dreaming of being more than just an assistant to her brother. This further led to her own discoveries, and certain events made her realized that speaking up for herself didn’t mean her going back to Hanover.
The Woman and Her Stars skillfully paints a portrait of a woman who let the society put limitations on her as a woman, and the limitations she put on herself due to her appearance. But life pushed her to learn her lessons, some of them were painful lessons due to her own stubbornness. It’s a story of a woman who when shown the path, she took the opportunity to elevate herself, transform herself as a human being and rise above limitations imposed by the society.
This historical biography is a masterpiece, mindfully exposing the layers of human nature, and showing how much more we all are capable of, only if we pushed the societal limitations and looked up into the skies and saw how universe is infinite.
The backstories are beautifully woven with depth and touching upon human emotions. This story is so beautiful and touching that I didn’t want to part from the Herschel family.
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
What It’s About
The Woman and Her Stars brings to life a real historical figure — a brilliant, determined woman whose contributions to astronomy were overshadowed by the limitations placed on women in the late 18th century. The novel follows her journey from a childhood of neglect and servitude to a life shaped by intelligence, loyalty, and quiet resilience. Rescued by her brother, she becomes his assistant and collaborator, yet remains in his shadow, battling insecurity and the belief instilled by her family that she is worth little more than domestic labour.
Review
What makes this book so compelling is the way it honours a woman who truly existed but was never given the recognition she deserved. Penny Haw captures the tension between her remarkable abilities and the societal constraints that tried to define her. She is intelligent, skilled, loyal, and deeply committed to her work — yet she carries the emotional scars of a childhood where she was treated as little more than a servant.
One of the elements that truly lifts this story is the stargazing itself — the quiet, awe‑filled moments spent observing the night sky and discovering new celestial bodies. These scenes add a sense of wonder and possibility, contrasting beautifully with the limitations placed on her in everyday life. Mapping the heavens becomes both her escape and her empowerment. It’s where her intelligence shines most clearly, where she steps out of her brother’s shadow, and where the reader feels the full magnitude of her talent. Those discoveries give the narrative a magical, almost transcendent quality.
The writing flows smoothly, and the historical detail is rich without ever becoming heavy. Haw balances fact and emotion in a way that makes the story both educational and deeply human. You feel the weight of the era, the limitations placed on women, and the courage it took for her to carve out a place in a world that never expected greatness from her.
It’s a captivating, respectful tribute to a woman who deserved to be seen.
My Rating
- Plot – 4 out of 5 stars
A well‑structured narrative that brings a forgotten historical figure into the light.
- Character Development – 4.5 out of 5 stars
A nuanced, emotionally rich portrayal of a woman shaped by brilliance, loyalty, and lifelong insecurity.
- Themes & Message – 4.5 out of 5 stars
Women in science, historical injustice, resilience, and the quiet strength required to defy expectations.
- Writing Style – 4 out of 5 stars
Elegant, engaging, and grounded in historical authenticity.
- Enjoyment – 4 out of 5 stars
A moving, inspiring read that lingers long after the final page.
- Overall – 4 out of 5 stars
A beautifully written tribute to a remarkable woman whose story deserved to be told.
Recommended For
Readers who love historical fiction based on real women, stories about resilience and intelligence, and novels that explore the quiet but powerful ways women shaped history despite being overlooked.
Review copy provided by Netgalley at no cost to me.
The Woman and Her Stars brings to life a real historical figure — a brilliant, determined woman whose contributions to astronomy were overshadowed by the limitations placed on women in the late 18th century. The novel follows her journey from a childhood of neglect and servitude to a life shaped by intelligence, loyalty, and quiet resilience. Rescued by her brother, she becomes his assistant and collaborator, yet remains in his shadow, battling insecurity and the belief instilled by her family that she is worth little more than domestic labour.
Review
What makes this book so compelling is the way it honours a woman who truly existed but was never given the recognition she deserved. Penny Haw captures the tension between her remarkable abilities and the societal constraints that tried to define her. She is intelligent, skilled, loyal, and deeply committed to her work — yet she carries the emotional scars of a childhood where she was treated as little more than a servant.
One of the elements that truly lifts this story is the stargazing itself — the quiet, awe‑filled moments spent observing the night sky and discovering new celestial bodies. These scenes add a sense of wonder and possibility, contrasting beautifully with the limitations placed on her in everyday life. Mapping the heavens becomes both her escape and her empowerment. It’s where her intelligence shines most clearly, where she steps out of her brother’s shadow, and where the reader feels the full magnitude of her talent. Those discoveries give the narrative a magical, almost transcendent quality.
The writing flows smoothly, and the historical detail is rich without ever becoming heavy. Haw balances fact and emotion in a way that makes the story both educational and deeply human. You feel the weight of the era, the limitations placed on women, and the courage it took for her to carve out a place in a world that never expected greatness from her.
It’s a captivating, respectful tribute to a woman who deserved to be seen.
My Rating
- Plot – 4 out of 5 stars
A well‑structured narrative that brings a forgotten historical figure into the light.
- Character Development – 4.5 out of 5 stars
A nuanced, emotionally rich portrayal of a woman shaped by brilliance, loyalty, and lifelong insecurity.
- Themes & Message – 4.5 out of 5 stars
Women in science, historical injustice, resilience, and the quiet strength required to defy expectations.
- Writing Style – 4 out of 5 stars
Elegant, engaging, and grounded in historical authenticity.
- Enjoyment – 4 out of 5 stars
A moving, inspiring read that lingers long after the final page.
- Overall – 4 out of 5 stars
A beautifully written tribute to a remarkable woman whose story deserved to be told.
Recommended For
Readers who love historical fiction based on real women, stories about resilience and intelligence, and novels that explore the quiet but powerful ways women shaped history despite being overlooked.
Review copy provided by Netgalley at no cost to me.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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The Book Review Crew Blog
⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Woman and Her Stars
Penny Haw
Publication Date: March 3rd, 2026
Sourcebooks Landmark
336 Pages
Amazon | Bookshop.org
Genre: Historical Fiction | Women's Fiction
This is my first book by Penny Haw, and I was impressed. This story is about Caroline Herschel and is based on a true story. Caroline is a female astronomer, and the book takes place in England in the 18th century when women didn't have many rights and society didn't allow them much freedom. Caroline is shy and always worries about her appearance because she has scars from smallpox. She has an older brother named William, whom she felt she owed a debt to because he saved her from a life of service.
When William becomes the King’s astronomer, he ends up in the countryside in Windsor. Caroline makes a discovery that could take her back to the life of service she was just rescued from. When she starts having an interest in astronomy, she realizes that she is good at it and smarter than she thinks.
I loved the way the author wrote our main female character. Caroline had a spirit that was way before her time. Going from a mere secretary type of job to uncovering her own discoveries was such an interesting read. As Caroline discovers things in the cosmos, she also discovers things about herself. The pacing is slow and steady, but the subject matter kept me interested throughout. I kept thinking to myself that the time Caroline was born into really wanted to keep her held back, yet she kept her head in the clouds, so to speak. Some of the technical bits about space and science went over my head, and I did have to look things up, but the fact that Caroline refused to just stay in her lane more than made up for it.
I highly recommend this for historical fiction buffs who enjoy a story with a lot of heart. My only little niggle is that I would have enjoyed seeing more of the sibling dynamic play out, but overall, this is historical fiction at its finest because it was well-researched and well-written. I really connected with Caroline’s journey. It's always inspiring to me to read about real historical figures who defied society, especially when they had to overcome personal insecurities as Caroline did.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
The Book Review Crew Blog
⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Woman and Her Stars
Penny Haw
Publication Date: March 3rd, 2026
Sourcebooks Landmark
336 Pages
Amazon | Bookshop.org
Genre: Historical Fiction | Women's Fiction
This is my first book by Penny Haw, and I was impressed. This story is about Caroline Herschel and is based on a true story. Caroline is a female astronomer, and the book takes place in England in the 18th century when women didn't have many rights and society didn't allow them much freedom. Caroline is shy and always worries about her appearance because she has scars from smallpox. She has an older brother named William, whom she felt she owed a debt to because he saved her from a life of service.
When William becomes the King’s astronomer, he ends up in the countryside in Windsor. Caroline makes a discovery that could take her back to the life of service she was just rescued from. When she starts having an interest in astronomy, she realizes that she is good at it and smarter than she thinks.
I loved the way the author wrote our main female character. Caroline had a spirit that was way before her time. Going from a mere secretary type of job to uncovering her own discoveries was such an interesting read. As Caroline discovers things in the cosmos, she also discovers things about herself. The pacing is slow and steady, but the subject matter kept me interested throughout. I kept thinking to myself that the time Caroline was born into really wanted to keep her held back, yet she kept her head in the clouds, so to speak. Some of the technical bits about space and science went over my head, and I did have to look things up, but the fact that Caroline refused to just stay in her lane more than made up for it.
I highly recommend this for historical fiction buffs who enjoy a story with a lot of heart. My only little niggle is that I would have enjoyed seeing more of the sibling dynamic play out, but overall, this is historical fiction at its finest because it was well-researched and well-written. I really connected with Caroline’s journey. It's always inspiring to me to read about real historical figures who defied society, especially when they had to overcome personal insecurities as Caroline did.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Landmark for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
Caroline Herschel really only wanted one thing – to make her brother proud so he wouldn’t send her back to their family in Hanover. When William’s main interest and success was in music, Caroline learned to sing with his orchestra. But when William’s interests turned to the skies and he was commissioned as the Royal Astronomer, Caroline quickly learned to help her brother build his telescopes and record his discoveries. But it was her own work in this field that would not only seal her place in history, but help salvage her brother’s reputation when a series of challenges befell his work, putting him behind schedule and at risk of losing his commission.
Penny Haw’s work as a historical biographer is on full display in her latest release The Woman and Her Stars, following the life of Caroline Herschel. From supporting character in her brother’s life to the star of her own show, Haw takes care to the influence and skill Caroline deployed throughout her life, despite her diminutive physical and societal stature. This impressive novel carries depth and detail that will bring readers back in time to the 18th century with an ease I have grown to love about Haw’s writing!
I give The Woman and Her Stars 4 out of 5 stars. Given the complexity of the science behind telescopes and astronomy, I was afraid I would be completely out of my element with this book, but Haw breaks it down in a way that readers of any amount of science background can enjoy. I also appreciate the way she explores the social requirements of the time, explaining them in a way that feels like part of the narrative. With that said, I found the late chapters frustrating for me – it felt like Caroline’s character was being held back and I’m not entirely sure that’s because of the circumstances of her life. It felt as though Haw was rushing some aspects of the storyline and may have left pieces out or ended too soon. As with all of Haw’s books I’ve read, I didn’t want to stop learning about Caroline’s life when this story ended and went looking for more immediately!
If you have always been fascinated by the heavens, this is a great book for you – Caroline is one of the firs female astronomers recognized by history and her works set the stage for equality in science. I would also recommend this book to readers who enjoyed Haw’s other works, or novels like Trace Enerson Wood’s The Wright Sister or Marie Benedict’s The Only Woman in the Room. With several mentions of King George III, this is also a wonderful glimpse of life both in court and the countryside during his reign for fans of Bridgerton and Hamilton, too.
Caroline Herschel really only wanted one thing – to make her brother proud so he wouldn’t send her back to their family in Hanover. When William’s main interest and success was in music, Caroline learned to sing with his orchestra. But when William’s interests turned to the skies and he was commissioned as the Royal Astronomer, Caroline quickly learned to help her brother build his telescopes and record his discoveries. But it was her own work in this field that would not only seal her place in history, but help salvage her brother’s reputation when a series of challenges befell his work, putting him behind schedule and at risk of losing his commission.
Penny Haw’s work as a historical biographer is on full display in her latest release The Woman and Her Stars, following the life of Caroline Herschel. From supporting character in her brother’s life to the star of her own show, Haw takes care to the influence and skill Caroline deployed throughout her life, despite her diminutive physical and societal stature. This impressive novel carries depth and detail that will bring readers back in time to the 18th century with an ease I have grown to love about Haw’s writing!
I give The Woman and Her Stars 4 out of 5 stars. Given the complexity of the science behind telescopes and astronomy, I was afraid I would be completely out of my element with this book, but Haw breaks it down in a way that readers of any amount of science background can enjoy. I also appreciate the way she explores the social requirements of the time, explaining them in a way that feels like part of the narrative. With that said, I found the late chapters frustrating for me – it felt like Caroline’s character was being held back and I’m not entirely sure that’s because of the circumstances of her life. It felt as though Haw was rushing some aspects of the storyline and may have left pieces out or ended too soon. As with all of Haw’s books I’ve read, I didn’t want to stop learning about Caroline’s life when this story ended and went looking for more immediately!
If you have always been fascinated by the heavens, this is a great book for you – Caroline is one of the firs female astronomers recognized by history and her works set the stage for equality in science. I would also recommend this book to readers who enjoyed Haw’s other works, or novels like Trace Enerson Wood’s The Wright Sister or Marie Benedict’s The Only Woman in the Room. With several mentions of King George III, this is also a wonderful glimpse of life both in court and the countryside during his reign for fans of Bridgerton and Hamilton, too.
November 19, 2025
As a young girl, my dream was to be an astronaut. While it was a short-lived dream, my love of astronomy has persisted. That is why I couldn't resist the opportunity to read The Woman and Her Stars. This is based on the true story of Caroline Herschel, one of the world's leading astronomers and a fantastic tribute to women in science.
As a reader, we are transported back to England during the late 1700s and early 1800s (Georgian era) and to the life of Caroline Herschel. Caroline's brother has been appointed the King's Astronomer, and she serves as his assistant. She soaks up all of this knowledge, only to discover her scientific abilities and achieve great things on her own, in a time that women's successes weren't always acknowledged. She is a story of setbacks and opportunities, hesitations and confidence.
The story is set in the rural areas near Windsor Castle, places like Old Windsor, Datchet and Slough. This was especially meaningful for me. I lived in this area for many years, so the imagery enhanced the reading experience. It's a joy to try and imagine a time that was quieter...no major roads, excessive cars, planes flying over the castle or numerous housing additions.
On a constructive note, I did find the story off to a slow start. This is always a worry, because readers might not stick with it. I felt the first half of the book could have used quicker pacing and many thoughts felt repetitive. Thankfully the pace picks up at the halfway point to reveal an inspiring story about a relatively unknown woman in history.
Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark for an advanced digital copy via NetGalley. These opinions are entirely my own. I'm looking forward to more books about lesser known women in history.
(3.5 stars rounded up - in hopes that there is a little more editing on the front end)
As a reader, we are transported back to England during the late 1700s and early 1800s (Georgian era) and to the life of Caroline Herschel. Caroline's brother has been appointed the King's Astronomer, and she serves as his assistant. She soaks up all of this knowledge, only to discover her scientific abilities and achieve great things on her own, in a time that women's successes weren't always acknowledged. She is a story of setbacks and opportunities, hesitations and confidence.
The story is set in the rural areas near Windsor Castle, places like Old Windsor, Datchet and Slough. This was especially meaningful for me. I lived in this area for many years, so the imagery enhanced the reading experience. It's a joy to try and imagine a time that was quieter...no major roads, excessive cars, planes flying over the castle or numerous housing additions.
On a constructive note, I did find the story off to a slow start. This is always a worry, because readers might not stick with it. I felt the first half of the book could have used quicker pacing and many thoughts felt repetitive. Thankfully the pace picks up at the halfway point to reveal an inspiring story about a relatively unknown woman in history.
Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark for an advanced digital copy via NetGalley. These opinions are entirely my own. I'm looking forward to more books about lesser known women in history.
(3.5 stars rounded up - in hopes that there is a little more editing on the front end)
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The first novel I read by this author was The Invisible Miss Cust, which tells the extraordinary story of a woman chasing an obviously impossible dream: becoming a veterinarian in a field dominated exclusively by men. I appreciated how the author followed Miss Cust's path with sensitivity and determination, emphasizing both her dedication and the difficulties she encountered. The Woman and her stars follow a similar adventure.
I jumped at the chance to read about another brave woman taking an alternative path to achieving her goal. This woman desired to be an astronomer, something no woman had done before.
Overall, the author vividly brings Caroline Herschel's adventure to life, skillfully portraying the courage, determination, and resilience required for Caroline to achieve her goal of being an astronomer in a male-dominated profession.
I like what the author said in the notes to readers. “I believe it is essential to celebrate women from history whose achievements are acknowledged. Which will inspire others to follow their passions and pursue paths in traditionally male-dominated fields. “ This is an inspiring read you don’t want to miss.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog https://psalm516.blogspot.com/
I jumped at the chance to read about another brave woman taking an alternative path to achieving her goal. This woman desired to be an astronomer, something no woman had done before.
Overall, the author vividly brings Caroline Herschel's adventure to life, skillfully portraying the courage, determination, and resilience required for Caroline to achieve her goal of being an astronomer in a male-dominated profession.
I like what the author said in the notes to readers. “I believe it is essential to celebrate women from history whose achievements are acknowledged. Which will inspire others to follow their passions and pursue paths in traditionally male-dominated fields. “ This is an inspiring read you don’t want to miss.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog https://psalm516.blogspot.com/
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Woman and Her Stars is a deeply inspiring story of boldness, perseverance, pain, and the quiet vulnerability that comes from feeling different in a world that prizes physical “normalcy.” Caroline Herschel lived under the weight of servitude and fear—the constant threat of being forced back into a life she had fought to escape—and that tension follows her throughout the story.
I deeply empathized with Caroline and the fears she carried. Her story was a painful reminder of what it meant to be a woman in historical times—and even more so, a woman marked by scars she did nothing to deserve. Despite the many hardships she endured, Caroline continued to believe, to hope, and to press forward. That resilience was truly awe-inspiring.
This book challenged me personally to keep fighting for my own dreams and not allow circumstances to discourage me. The setting was vividly drawn and beautifully rendered, and the characters felt real and grounded—made even more powerful by the fact that Caroline’s story is rooted in real life.
My only reservation was the pacing, which felt slow in places, with moments of heavy explanation that leaned more toward telling than showing. Even so, the emotional impact of the story remained strong.
Overall, this was a moving and heartfelt read. Caroline Herschel’s life is remarkable, and I’m grateful to Penny Haw for bringing her story and legacy to the page.
Thanks to NetGalley and SourceBooks Landmark for the complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
I deeply empathized with Caroline and the fears she carried. Her story was a painful reminder of what it meant to be a woman in historical times—and even more so, a woman marked by scars she did nothing to deserve. Despite the many hardships she endured, Caroline continued to believe, to hope, and to press forward. That resilience was truly awe-inspiring.
This book challenged me personally to keep fighting for my own dreams and not allow circumstances to discourage me. The setting was vividly drawn and beautifully rendered, and the characters felt real and grounded—made even more powerful by the fact that Caroline’s story is rooted in real life.
My only reservation was the pacing, which felt slow in places, with moments of heavy explanation that leaned more toward telling than showing. Even so, the emotional impact of the story remained strong.
Overall, this was a moving and heartfelt read. Caroline Herschel’s life is remarkable, and I’m grateful to Penny Haw for bringing her story and legacy to the page.
Thanks to NetGalley and SourceBooks Landmark for the complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
September 22, 2025
I love it when authors “demystify the legend”, stripping away the layers of myth to reveal the flesh and blood beneath. It makes the story feel more grounded, relatable, and ultimately more powerful, because you see not just the legend, but the struggles, flaws, and choices that shaped them.
“The Woman and Her Stars” is the beautiful story of Caroline Herschel, William Herschel’s younger sister and an accomplished astronomer in her own right. Her discoveries of celestial bodies in 18th century England earned her the recognition of King George III and helped her obtain a salary as a scientist at a time in history when women barred from scientific societies.
In this book, we get a glimpse at Caroline’s life with William after he is appointed Court Astronomer. We get to learn about Caroline’s fears of not being enough – of a person, of a sister, of an astronomer – and how the people around her help her recognize the remarkable, accomplished individual she is becoming in her own right.
I gave it four stars because it felt like the story ended on a cliffhanger. I would have loved for the story to carry on at least until the garden party with the king, or the completion of the 40-footer telescope.
This book will appeal to readers interested in history, women in science, and overlooked pioneers.
“The Woman and Her Stars” is the beautiful story of Caroline Herschel, William Herschel’s younger sister and an accomplished astronomer in her own right. Her discoveries of celestial bodies in 18th century England earned her the recognition of King George III and helped her obtain a salary as a scientist at a time in history when women barred from scientific societies.
In this book, we get a glimpse at Caroline’s life with William after he is appointed Court Astronomer. We get to learn about Caroline’s fears of not being enough – of a person, of a sister, of an astronomer – and how the people around her help her recognize the remarkable, accomplished individual she is becoming in her own right.
I gave it four stars because it felt like the story ended on a cliffhanger. I would have loved for the story to carry on at least until the garden party with the king, or the completion of the 40-footer telescope.
This book will appeal to readers interested in history, women in science, and overlooked pioneers.
December 7, 2025
Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I had never heard of Caroline Herschel. Such an inspiring woman, yet often unseen in both her time and ours. Thank you to Penny Haw for the introduction.
Caroline was sister to King George III’s Royal Astronomer, William Herschel. She was also an astronomer in her own right. Caroline oversaw the building and use of groundbreaking telescopes and discovered more than one never-before-seen heavenly body. She was exceptional, yet unknown.
It wasn’t just the era that contributed to Caroline’s lack of widespread acknowledgment. Driven by a fear of being returned home to Hanover (Germany), she took on the role of brother’s assistant and housekeeper with an air of silent resolve. She didn’t want to risk either asking or knowing too much. Yet, this submission was in complete opposition to her inherent inquisitive, driven, and headstrong nature.
We watch Caroline as she is torn between the need to defend her household place (especially against sisters-in-law) and her desire to rise above it all. What defines personhood, especially for a woman? A woman with aspirations beyond what society has prescribed?
I loved this book and read it in just a few sittings. It was educational and engaging. Historical fiction at its best.
I had never heard of Caroline Herschel. Such an inspiring woman, yet often unseen in both her time and ours. Thank you to Penny Haw for the introduction.
Caroline was sister to King George III’s Royal Astronomer, William Herschel. She was also an astronomer in her own right. Caroline oversaw the building and use of groundbreaking telescopes and discovered more than one never-before-seen heavenly body. She was exceptional, yet unknown.
It wasn’t just the era that contributed to Caroline’s lack of widespread acknowledgment. Driven by a fear of being returned home to Hanover (Germany), she took on the role of brother’s assistant and housekeeper with an air of silent resolve. She didn’t want to risk either asking or knowing too much. Yet, this submission was in complete opposition to her inherent inquisitive, driven, and headstrong nature.
We watch Caroline as she is torn between the need to defend her household place (especially against sisters-in-law) and her desire to rise above it all. What defines personhood, especially for a woman? A woman with aspirations beyond what society has prescribed?
I loved this book and read it in just a few sittings. It was educational and engaging. Historical fiction at its best.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
To me, historical fiction needs to teach you about history yes and to make you imagine what it was like living in the time period, setting, etc that the author's putting forth on the page. Historical fiction also needs to make you look at something natural a different way or say to yourself "I know something about this . . ."
In the case of The Woman and Her Stars: A Novel by Penny Haw, readers are transported to 18th century England and are entranced by the remarkably true story of Caroline Herschel who was a woman who knew her place, but couldn't help but want more and was determined to let nothing get in her way. What started out as being her older brother William's astronomy assistant, as Caroline got familiar with the night sky and the inner world of 'astronomy', she forged her own path to fame and thus started to dream bigger than just being an assistant - she wanted to be an independent, free thinking woman during a time when women weren't valued or respected enough.
This is my fourth historical fiction read by Penny Haw, and once again like her other three novels am left with vast knowledge of a historical figure who is either a lesser known figure or one that got lost entirely to the 'black hole' of history.
Do I dare go further and be so bold to say that Penny Haw is "South Africa's equivalency to Marie Benedict?”. Why yes, I do!
Thank you to Penny Haw for writing this wonderful story and bringing this historical figure to the pages and publisher (Sourcebooks Landmark) for the physical ARC.
Please watch for The Woman and Her Stars: A Novel shooting across the night sky in bookstores everywhere March 3, 2026. All opinions expressed are my own.
In the case of The Woman and Her Stars: A Novel by Penny Haw, readers are transported to 18th century England and are entranced by the remarkably true story of Caroline Herschel who was a woman who knew her place, but couldn't help but want more and was determined to let nothing get in her way. What started out as being her older brother William's astronomy assistant, as Caroline got familiar with the night sky and the inner world of 'astronomy', she forged her own path to fame and thus started to dream bigger than just being an assistant - she wanted to be an independent, free thinking woman during a time when women weren't valued or respected enough.
This is my fourth historical fiction read by Penny Haw, and once again like her other three novels am left with vast knowledge of a historical figure who is either a lesser known figure or one that got lost entirely to the 'black hole' of history.
Do I dare go further and be so bold to say that Penny Haw is "South Africa's equivalency to Marie Benedict?”. Why yes, I do!
Thank you to Penny Haw for writing this wonderful story and bringing this historical figure to the pages and publisher (Sourcebooks Landmark) for the physical ARC.
Please watch for The Woman and Her Stars: A Novel shooting across the night sky in bookstores everywhere March 3, 2026. All opinions expressed are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I love a strong female character. Caroline Herschel is just that. She grows up only wanting to stay with her brother William and not be forced to go back to her mother. William treats her as an intelligent woman, giving her the skills to work along side him. It is a time when woman are not thought to be smart but she is recognized as a talented singer and eventually an astronomer. I felt that the biggest obstacle was herself, she struggled to accept herself as someone who was more than just the assistant.
Some of the stargazing was beyond what I was looking for while reading the book but I truly enjoyed the family dynamics, the strength of Caroline’s knowledge, and the protection that William gave her. William protected her from society and family but held her back, unintentionally, within her own knowledge. She deferred to him and let him guide her even when there were times that she had more knowledge than he did. The best parts of the book are when she discovered or realized something new and showed her excitement in being the one to find it.
The Woman and Her Stars is a historical British fiction book. I enjoyed the story, the characters, and the settings.
Thank you Sourcebooks LAndmark for a copy of the book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review
Some of the stargazing was beyond what I was looking for while reading the book but I truly enjoyed the family dynamics, the strength of Caroline’s knowledge, and the protection that William gave her. William protected her from society and family but held her back, unintentionally, within her own knowledge. She deferred to him and let him guide her even when there were times that she had more knowledge than he did. The best parts of the book are when she discovered or realized something new and showed her excitement in being the one to find it.
The Woman and Her Stars is a historical British fiction book. I enjoyed the story, the characters, and the settings.
Thank you Sourcebooks LAndmark for a copy of the book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher, for which I thank them.
“The Woman and Her Stars” is by Penny Haw. Let me start with the positives - I’m one who never heard of the Hershel family before, so learning about William and Caroline was really interesting. I also liked how Caroline straddled the line between “proper” British woman of the time and wanting to be free of some of the societal expectations of the time - it’s a tough balancing act. Also, due to her role (unmarried woman) she was always afraid that she’d be sent back home to care for her family back in Germany. What I found off a bit was the pacing - at times it was really slow with a lot of internal dialogue (some setting up the story) and at other times things seemed at a much quicker pace. However, that’s often how life is - we’ve got exciting bits surrounded by slower ones, and there were a number of years between William being appointed the King’s Astronomer and her discovering the comets … so those needed to be filled up (or have a really large time gap). However, I did learn a bit - so that was a plus. I think that if you enjoy historical fiction, especially astronomical discoveries, or don’t know much about the 1780s in regard to astronomy and want to learn more, this book may be up your alley.
“The Woman and Her Stars” is by Penny Haw. Let me start with the positives - I’m one who never heard of the Hershel family before, so learning about William and Caroline was really interesting. I also liked how Caroline straddled the line between “proper” British woman of the time and wanting to be free of some of the societal expectations of the time - it’s a tough balancing act. Also, due to her role (unmarried woman) she was always afraid that she’d be sent back home to care for her family back in Germany. What I found off a bit was the pacing - at times it was really slow with a lot of internal dialogue (some setting up the story) and at other times things seemed at a much quicker pace. However, that’s often how life is - we’ve got exciting bits surrounded by slower ones, and there were a number of years between William being appointed the King’s Astronomer and her discovering the comets … so those needed to be filled up (or have a really large time gap). However, I did learn a bit - so that was a plus. I think that if you enjoy historical fiction, especially astronomical discoveries, or don’t know much about the 1780s in regard to astronomy and want to learn more, this book may be up your alley.
October 1, 2025
The Woman and Her Stars by Penny Haw
Caroline Herschel lives in the shadow of her older brother, William, and when he turns to the stars, she is obliged to follow him. William becomes the King's Astronomer, and the siblings relocate to Windsor, where Caroline becomes William’s humble assistant.
The novel is set in the Georgian era and shines a light on a woman destined to become one of the world’s leading astronomers. On her journey of self-discovery, Caroline is compelled to reassess family ties and her own self-doubt.
Penny Haw demystifies the iconic Caroline Herschel and draws the readers into her intriguing night sky. As we are bewitched by the stars, we are also inspired to question our own journeys.
Haw’s meticulous research and evocative writing propel us into her protagonist’s multi-layered inner world.
The award winning author of The Invincible Miss Cust, The Woman at the Wheel, and Follow me to Africa has penned another inspirational story about an incredible woman.
If you have ever doubted yourself and your abilities, then this novel will have you mulling over things … as I am.
Take a bow, Penny Haw!
(I had the privilege of reading this novel pre-launch date.)
Caroline Herschel lives in the shadow of her older brother, William, and when he turns to the stars, she is obliged to follow him. William becomes the King's Astronomer, and the siblings relocate to Windsor, where Caroline becomes William’s humble assistant.
The novel is set in the Georgian era and shines a light on a woman destined to become one of the world’s leading astronomers. On her journey of self-discovery, Caroline is compelled to reassess family ties and her own self-doubt.
Penny Haw demystifies the iconic Caroline Herschel and draws the readers into her intriguing night sky. As we are bewitched by the stars, we are also inspired to question our own journeys.
Haw’s meticulous research and evocative writing propel us into her protagonist’s multi-layered inner world.
The award winning author of The Invincible Miss Cust, The Woman at the Wheel, and Follow me to Africa has penned another inspirational story about an incredible woman.
If you have ever doubted yourself and your abilities, then this novel will have you mulling over things … as I am.
Take a bow, Penny Haw!
(I had the privilege of reading this novel pre-launch date.)
January 11, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 stars)
The Woman and Her Stars by Penny Haw was a beautiful, thoughtful read, and I’m really glad I got the chance to discover it.
This is the kind of novel that quietly pulls you in. Rather than relying on fast twists, it focuses on emotion, reflection, and the inner world of its characters. Penny Haw’s writing feels gentle yet purposeful, weaving together themes of womanhood, longing, resilience, and the way our dreams — like stars — can guide us even in our darkest moments.
I especially enjoyed the atmosphere of this book. There’s something very soothing and lyrical about the way the story unfolds, giving you space to sit with the characters and really feel their struggles, hopes, and small victories. It’s a story about finding meaning, about listening to your own voice, and about the courage it takes to follow what lights you up.
While parts of the pacing felt a little slow for me personally, the emotional payoff and the reflective tone more than made up for it. This is a novel best savored rather than rushed.
Overall, The Woman and Her Stars is a heartfelt, introspective read that will appeal to readers who enjoy character-driven stories and quietly powerful storytelling. A solid 4-star book that I’d happily recommend.
The Woman and Her Stars by Penny Haw was a beautiful, thoughtful read, and I’m really glad I got the chance to discover it.
This is the kind of novel that quietly pulls you in. Rather than relying on fast twists, it focuses on emotion, reflection, and the inner world of its characters. Penny Haw’s writing feels gentle yet purposeful, weaving together themes of womanhood, longing, resilience, and the way our dreams — like stars — can guide us even in our darkest moments.
I especially enjoyed the atmosphere of this book. There’s something very soothing and lyrical about the way the story unfolds, giving you space to sit with the characters and really feel their struggles, hopes, and small victories. It’s a story about finding meaning, about listening to your own voice, and about the courage it takes to follow what lights you up.
While parts of the pacing felt a little slow for me personally, the emotional payoff and the reflective tone more than made up for it. This is a novel best savored rather than rushed.
Overall, The Woman and Her Stars is a heartfelt, introspective read that will appeal to readers who enjoy character-driven stories and quietly powerful storytelling. A solid 4-star book that I’d happily recommend.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A well researched historical fiction regarding the life of Caroline Herschel, an 18th century astronomer. It provides a glimpse inside the life of Caroline as she struggles to find acceptance from her family and the world she was born into. Treated more like a servant than a family member by her mother and one of her brothers, Caroline leaps at the opportunity to live with and assist her older brother, William in England. As William transitions from life as a popular and gifted musician to the king's advisor to the stars, Caroline loyally follows him. Over time, she begins to discover her own self worth and moves beyond his shadow as she establishes her reputation as a gifted astronomer to the world.
I found the historical aspects of the story fascinating. The research regarding the struggles of the Herschel siblings to create their ground breaking telescope was well executed. Caroline's dog, Comet showed a warm and fun side to her otherwise closed off personality. Overall, I didn't find Caroline that likeable as a person. I thought the book was well written, well researched and exposed me to a piece of history that was not familiar to me. Yet, for me it did not resonate the way I expected. Thank you Penny Haw, Netgalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for this ARC to review.
I found the historical aspects of the story fascinating. The research regarding the struggles of the Herschel siblings to create their ground breaking telescope was well executed. Caroline's dog, Comet showed a warm and fun side to her otherwise closed off personality. Overall, I didn't find Caroline that likeable as a person. I thought the book was well written, well researched and exposed me to a piece of history that was not familiar to me. Yet, for me it did not resonate the way I expected. Thank you Penny Haw, Netgalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for this ARC to review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Woman and Her Stars by Penny Haw is a fantastic piece of historical fiction centered on the life of Caroline Herschel, an 18th‑century astronomer whose story is every bit as compelling as the stars she studied. The novel traces her path from a difficult upbringing and fragile health to becoming a renowned scientist in her own right, and that transformation is truly fascinating to watch unfold.
For years, Caroline devoted herself to supporting her brother, first in his musical pursuits and later in his astronomical work. She spent much of her life trying to shape herself into what she believed she was expected to be, convinced that her value existed only in service to others. Seeing her slowly recognize her own worth and finally step beyond the safe, familiar world she had built around herself was incredibly rewarding.
Set in the Regency era, the story brings to life the societal and gender boundaries, yet Caroline ultimately shines in a field dominated entirely by men. Her perseverance, her hardships, and her acceptance of her own brilliance make her journey both inspiring and deeply moving.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
One of the things I love most about Penny Haw’s writing is how intimately she brings her characters to life, and The Woman and Her Stars is no exception. From the opening pages, we see Caroline Herschel shaped by a lifetime of minimization. She has been taught to see herself as small, as secondary, as someone whose purpose is to serve rather than to shine. Even when others begin to recognize her brilliance, that early conditioning sticks around.
Haw doesn’t tease out Caroline’s past in fragments or withhold key details for drama. Instead, we’re given the full emotional context early on, which makes her motivations feel grounded and deeply human. We understand why she hesitates. We understand why she clings. We understand why she sometimes falters.
And that’s what makes Caroline such a compelling heroine. She isn’t polished or endlessly noble. She can be guarded. She can make choices that frustrate you. But she feels real. Haw has a gift for writing women who are complicated, ambitious, wounded, and resilient all at once. Watching Caroline step into her own brilliance in a field dominated by men is both satisfying and powerful.
Haw doesn’t tease out Caroline’s past in fragments or withhold key details for drama. Instead, we’re given the full emotional context early on, which makes her motivations feel grounded and deeply human. We understand why she hesitates. We understand why she clings. We understand why she sometimes falters.
And that’s what makes Caroline such a compelling heroine. She isn’t polished or endlessly noble. She can be guarded. She can make choices that frustrate you. But she feels real. Haw has a gift for writing women who are complicated, ambitious, wounded, and resilient all at once. Watching Caroline step into her own brilliance in a field dominated by men is both satisfying and powerful.
January 6, 2026
I loved the way this book was written - I really felt like I was reading a diary from the 1700s with the word choice, sentence structure, etc. Loved all of the details of what was proper, how the households worked, how the telescopes worked, the day-to-day, the historical-fictionness of it!
I started off loving Caroline and really rooting for her, especially given her background. There were a few times she seemed to have "ah ha" moments - realizing she could make decisions in her own life, ignoring the spectres of those in her past... but then she still was so, so cruel to other women. I get that she's insecure about many things - but she doesn't really seem to be open to making a change until the very end of the book - and then it's over! The ending was so abrupt.
I liked it, but was disappointed. :(
Thank you Sourcebooks Landmark for providing this book for review via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
I started off loving Caroline and really rooting for her, especially given her background. There were a few times she seemed to have "ah ha" moments - realizing she could make decisions in her own life, ignoring the spectres of those in her past... but then she still was so, so cruel to other women. I get that she's insecure about many things - but she doesn't really seem to be open to making a change until the very end of the book - and then it's over! The ending was so abrupt.
I liked it, but was disappointed. :(
Thank you Sourcebooks Landmark for providing this book for review via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
✨I just went on the most epic historical women’s fiction binge, and I’m not even sorry.
Reading All in Her Hands, The Woman and Her Stars, Sweetbitter Song, and The Hope Keeper back-to-back reminded me why I love stories about women carving out their own destinies. From Dr. Nora Gibson fighting cholera in 1849 London, to Caroline Herschel defying societal limits and finding her place among the stars, to Melantho and Penelope’s forbidden love in ancient Greece, to Elisabeth Beaumont navigating the glittering danger of D.C.’s elite and the Hope Diamond, these books were packed with courage, passion, and resilience. Each story left me inspired, emotional, and utterly captivated by women refusing to be confined by the rules, expectations, or tragedies of their worlds.
✨️Thank you Sourcebooks Landmark, Heather Webb, Rosie Hewlett, Penny Haw, Audrey Blake and Netgalley for sharing these books with us!
Reading All in Her Hands, The Woman and Her Stars, Sweetbitter Song, and The Hope Keeper back-to-back reminded me why I love stories about women carving out their own destinies. From Dr. Nora Gibson fighting cholera in 1849 London, to Caroline Herschel defying societal limits and finding her place among the stars, to Melantho and Penelope’s forbidden love in ancient Greece, to Elisabeth Beaumont navigating the glittering danger of D.C.’s elite and the Hope Diamond, these books were packed with courage, passion, and resilience. Each story left me inspired, emotional, and utterly captivated by women refusing to be confined by the rules, expectations, or tragedies of their worlds.
✨️Thank you Sourcebooks Landmark, Heather Webb, Rosie Hewlett, Penny Haw, Audrey Blake and Netgalley for sharing these books with us!
December 2, 2025
Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark and Net Galley for the chance to read and review this book. All opinions are my own.
First, Penny Haw is becoming one of my favorite authors! I have read several of her book and enjoyed every one of them. Her writing brings women in history alive! This story takes place in the 18th century, when women didn't really have any rights. Even though Caroline Herschel wanted to be an astronomer, she was overshadowed by her brother William. She was expected to be only his assistant. In spite of these circumstances, she persevered and became one of the world's leading astronomers. Her story was so interesting, and I learned a lot about the science of astronomy. I highly recommend this book! I can't wait to read the next book by Penny Haw. This one is a masterpiece!
First, Penny Haw is becoming one of my favorite authors! I have read several of her book and enjoyed every one of them. Her writing brings women in history alive! This story takes place in the 18th century, when women didn't really have any rights. Even though Caroline Herschel wanted to be an astronomer, she was overshadowed by her brother William. She was expected to be only his assistant. In spite of these circumstances, she persevered and became one of the world's leading astronomers. Her story was so interesting, and I learned a lot about the science of astronomy. I highly recommend this book! I can't wait to read the next book by Penny Haw. This one is a masterpiece!
December 23, 2025
I really enjoyed learning about theses historical characters that I knew nothing about. Caroline Herschel is a fascinating character full of complexity as she aspires to do something no other woman had done up to that point; be an astronomer. It was neat learning about all that went in to designing, finding people that make the different aspects of the structure, assembling it. I was frustrated at the grudges Caroline held, but also could understand the trauma that would make it challenging to accept change. My biggest issue was the way the book ended, which was with not a lot of closure on very big storylines! I was actually shocked when it went to Authors Note and said "WHAT?!" aloud (my husband looked at me strange). Overall, I love a good historical fiction and I did enjoy it.
Thanks to Netgalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for this ARC copy.
Thanks to Netgalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for this ARC copy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is the second Penny Haw book I have read. Both have been well researched and informative. I think her skills lay in facts and historical reference and there was plenty of both throughout. Sometimes those facts got in the way of the emotional story. I appreciate that Caroline Herschel is obsessed with astronomy but there must have been more to her than comets and keeping house for her brother. My favorite parts featured Mr Corden and the walks she undertook with her dogs. That’s when the author let go of all the astronomy facts she had researched and let her imagination take over.
What a remarkable woman Caroline Herschel was and so humble. I look forward to reading all of Penny Haw’s novels.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.
What a remarkable woman Caroline Herschel was and so humble. I look forward to reading all of Penny Haw’s novels.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.
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