The Woman and Her Stars

by Penny Haw

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.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Book Club, Audiobook, British Literature, Womens

336 pages, Paperback

Published March 3, 2026

About the author

Penny 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.

Reviews

[Christy fictional_traits · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘I wanted to understand everything, to watch the stars, hunt for comets, and try to understand more about the heavens’.

Caroline Herschel’s early life reads almost like Cinderella. The youngest child, sickly and pock-marked, was deemed only fit for housework, until her brother William whisked her away from Hanover to England. She helped him with his music and, later, his passion for astronomy, determined to prove her worth. She could never have anticipated that she would carve a life, and a career, for herself, becoming the first woman in Britain to earn a living in science in the 18th century.

The Woman and Her Stars by Penny Haw is both fascinating and remarkably readable. Haw brings Caroline vividly to life, balancing her scientific achievements with her resilience and personal story.

An inspiring story that highlights an overlooked pioneer while remaining a pleasure to read.

‘Why don’t you find your own pathway to the stars’?

[Marilyn (not getting notifications) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Woman and Her Stars by Penny Haw was based on the life of Caroline Herschel, a woman who lived beyond the restrictions of the times she lived in. It was uplifting, emotional and inspiring. Caroline Herschel became an inspiration to all when she discovered a comet. Never before had a woman been credited with this feat. Her life was far from easy and as a child she was scarred for life by a childhood disease. Her mother took advantage of her and demanded that Caroline serve her every need. Caroline led a recluse life and was trapped by her mother’s wrath until her older brother, William rescued Caroline from the thankless life she was trapped in. Through William, Caroline discovered that she could sing and that she enjoyed singing in a church choir under William’s direction. It wasn’t until she started assisting William with his astrological observations that she found her real calling. Caroline tended to doubt her abilities, though, and she was constantly worried that William would make her return to her overbearing and demanding mother. As time passed, William tended to extend more and more responsibilities to Caroline and trusted her observations and careful documentation of what she observed in the sky when William was serving the king as his personal astronomer. It was during one of William’s absences that Caroline discovered her comet.

One of the reasons I enjoy reading historical fiction as much as I do is because I really enjoy learning about things I had no prior knowledge of. I had not been aware of Caroline Herschel’s accomplishments before reading The Woman and Her Stars by Penny Haw. Reading about strong, intelligent and curious women that have been previously ignored by society is one of the best things for me. The Woman and Her Stars by Penny Haw was well written and meticulously researched. I enjoyed reading it very much and highly recommend it.

Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark Publishers through NetGalley for allowing me to read The Woman and Her Stars by Penny Haw in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (3.25)

This wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t great either. I went in expecting a story deeply rooted in astronomy and discovery, but what I got was a much quieter character study centered on Caroline’s self-doubt and her struggle to carve out a place for herself in a world that didn’t make space for women like her.

What I liked:
• The premise of centering a woman in early astronomy
• The themes of ambition vs. loyalty and responsibility
• Watching her wrestle with identity and purpose
• The author’s afterword (honestly the most informative part about her actual work)

What didn’t work for me:
• Very little actual astronomy on the page
• A heavy focus on internal conflict that sometimes felt self-imposed
• Caroline felt more frustrating than compelling
• Not much happens plot-wise
• The historical setting felt thinner than I wanted — I craved more depth and immersion
• It could have been shorter

I understand the limitations of the time period are central to her story, and that tension between ambition and expectation is clearly intentional. But for a novel about a groundbreaking woman in astronomy, she doesn’t actually get to do much astronomy on the page. I wanted more discovery, more intellectual momentum, and more sense of the world around her.

It’s well written. It’s fine. It just never fully came alive for me.

If you’re looking for a quiet, introspective historical character study, this may work for you. If you’re hoping for science-forward historical fiction with rich period immersion, you might walk away wanting more.

[Cindy P. · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Cindy Spear · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘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.

[Christine M in Texas (stamperlady50) · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Genevieve · Rating 5 out of 5]

every now and then I read an ARC that is SO GOOD it just reminds me why I keep requesting them

[Deb Kiley · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Kat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Caroline Herschel’s life is already remarkable on its own, but this fictionalized biography adds a layer of intimacy that history books usually skip. It doesn’t try to turn her into a modern heroine or a charming protagonist—in fact, she’s not always easy to like. Caroline grew up in a world that didn’t have much room for women who didn’t want to marry, and you often end up feeling more sympathy than admiration.

The relationship between Caroline and her brother William is one of the most interesting threads. The book doesn’t romanticize their bond; instead, it leaves you wondering how much of their closeness came from genuine affection and how much from practicality. They needed each other, but they also relied on each other in ways that weren’t always comfortable. That ambiguity gives their dynamic a compelling, slightly uneasy depth.
As for the pacing—this isn’t a plot-driven story. Not much “happens” in the traditional sense. Instead, the book lingers on daily routines, frustrations, battles, and the quiet grind behind scientific discovery. The writing style is distinctive and might not be for everyone; it’s very slow.
Overall, it’s a thoughtful, sometimes somber portrait of a woman who carved out a place for herself in a world that didn’t expect her to. Not a light read, but definitely an interesting one.

[Helen - Great Reads & Tea Leaves · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a fan of Penny Haw’s work, I went into The Woman and Her Stars with high expectations, and she has once again delivered a masterpiece. Haw has a rare gift for breathing life into history, and her commitment to celebrating "the women who helped shape the world" is more evident here than ever.

Having previously been captivated by her portrait of Mary Leakey (Follow Me to Africa) I find Haw's mission deeply inspiring. As she says, highlighting these trailblazers does more than just shine a light on the past; it serves as a powerful call for others to pursue their passions in traditionally male-dominated fields.

This particular story felt incredibly personal. As someone with a new found passion for astrophotography, I found the descriptions of the night sky and the meticulous, often solitary work of observation to be breathtakingly accurate and evocative. Haw doesn't just list historical facts; she immerses you in the cold, quiet nights of discovery. Her narrative perfectly captures the determination required for a woman to claim her place among the stars during a time when the scientific community was almost exclusively a "boys' club." Like her previous novels, the historical detail is seamless, making the era feel vibrant and immediate.

Whether you are a fellow enthusiast of the cosmos or simply a lover of rich, biographical fiction, this book is a must-read. Penny Haw continues to be a vital voice in historical fiction, ensuring that these "invincible" women are never forgotten. It is a beautiful reminder that no matter how vast the universe is, there is always room for those brave enough to look up and wonder.

As the author herself states in her notes:

‘Caroline’s legacy is that of an extraordinary woman whose curiosity, intelligence, and diligence placed her among the great scientists of history. I hope, like me, you will turn your eyes to the starry heavens and think of her with wonder and admiration for the role she played in helping us understand our world better.’

[yxebookdragon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am always drawn to books based off the true stories of the women of this world. It always amazes me what women were capable of in times where they were underestimated and undervalued.

The story of Caroline Herschel, the first paid female astronomer, is no different!! I loved learning about her discoveries as an astronomer, but also all the struggles and growth it took to do that in a world where female astronomers didn't exist.

Caroline's story is so interesting and I liked that we got a lot of her inner struggle with wanting to be more than a servant to her brother but also that being the only world she knows. In that time women weren't allowed to ask for more or be more! So it makes sense she would feel this way. I like that by the end she realized how her family saw her and reached for what she wanted. It was really inspiring.

I liked that it felt like a biography but with a little more creative flair. I now wanna go back and read her memoir since I know the author drew a lot of inspiration from that! I did like that she was creative with the ending as it wrapped up the story well.

At times it did feel a bit repetitive with the storyline which did make the pace of the book feel a bit slow. I also wish the story did more showing than telling. I also thought it could have had an epilogue to give us Caroline's ending instead of learning about it in the authors note!

Thank you so much @raincoastbooks and @pennyhaw for the gifted ARC copy! The women and her stars come out March 3rd.

[Maureen Mayer · Rating 4 out of 5]

4-4.5 stars

Loved the story but it ended too abruptly.

[Chloe · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

So let me start by saying that I didn’t realize that this was based on a real person! That alone is phenomenal!!

Caroline Hershel grew up in a family that showed little to no love. She had smallpox as a child, and her Mother told her that basically… she was too ugly to get married, and too stupid to do anything in life! 😮. She was a servant in her own home…

But, her brother William believed in her, and took her under his wing. First, as a singer…. You see, he sang, and he taught her and got her involved. And, she was terrific.

But then he started looking at the stars. And became so good at it that the Royals asked him to be their astronomer! So his sister Caroline (Lena) became his assistant… and they moved far away from home.

Things were not always easy, but they worked well together. And she was his right hand (wo)man! And together they were a powerful duo!

But Lena loved what she was doing and wanted to become an astronomer herself. But this was in the late 1700’s… and women did not have occupations (or any brains, according to many…). So this would be unheard of.

She persevered… and actually discovered a comet, and her brother added HER initials to the finding! It was uplifting and incredible! But she wanted more…

Beautiful story, and amazing to find that it’s based on a real person!

If you enjoy historical fiction that’s based on a real person, please consider giving this a read! It was a touching, heartfelt story that brought on a ton of emotions, as well as realizations…
And, my notes are only a small portion of the actual story.

#TheWomanAndHerStars by @PennyHaw and narrated nicely by @ElizabethKnowelden.

This was released earlier in March, so look 👀 for it on shelves now!

Thanks so much to #NetGalley, @RBMedia and @RecordedBooks for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review!!

You can also find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Instagram: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine

Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️

[Fawn Doyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded up. Historical Fiction at the sweet spot of historical and fiction. 

Based on the accomplished, ground-breaking astronomer Caroline Herschel, this story explores gaps in the historical record while remaining faithful to history. The narrative does not anachronistically give her the confidence of a modern feminist trailblazer. She is stunted and scarred from illness, disparaged by her mother as useless, and beholden to a brother who revealed a world of larger possibilities for her. Her confidence is low, and given the era, she's very concerned about rules of impropriety that hinder her from asserting herself and what she wants.

The story is full of charming vignettes of Georgian life reminiscent of Jane Austen. Caroline is endearing even when her emotions are misguided. Seeing her confidence grow and receive outside validation was heartwarming. There is a faint hope of romance, but it's more about her enduring abandonment issues and mistrust of friendship. The ending was a little abrupt, but the author's note made up for it.

This is the perfect historical fiction if you want to learn about the first royally compensated female scientist and be entertained by the foibles and missteps as you walk in her shoes. 

Narration by SAG-AFTRA member Elizabeth Knowelden was excellent. Her voice lent a delicacy to Caroline's character and felt spot-on historically.

Thank you to Recorded Books and NetGalley for an audio ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Courtney Pityer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I must say if you are looking for a story that empowers women in the field of science during the eighteenth century then this is the story for you! Before reading this book I had never heard of Caroline Herschel so I had to do a little research and let me tell you I was quite impressed with what I found. Caroline was a female astronomer who worked alongside her brother William in the Court of George III. I will say why we were never taught about this in school was beyond me. Despite this I went on reading this book and was truly in awe with how this story played out.

When we first meet Caroline in her parents home she is a bit invisible. Her mother feels that the oly place for her in this world in perhaps domestic work so those are mostly the skills she is taught. However, her brother William offers her the chance of a lifetime when he is given the position as the King's astronomer and asks Caroline to be his assistant. Knowing she will never get this opportunity again. She immediately accepts.

Caroline soon discovers the ins and outs of the trafe. Knowing that if she fails she will go straight back to the life she had before. However, through hard work and perseverance she holds on to everything that she has worked hard for.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imagine my excitement at finally seeing a bit of Historical Fiction turn its attention to the little known but fascinating figure of astronomer Caroline Herschel.

Under the patronage of George III and Queen Charlotte, Herschel quietly becomes the first semi-professional female astronomer, assisting her brother (who is appointed Royal Astronomer) and making scientific discoveries that resonate even today.

Penny Haw does a lovely job of carefully folding in what we know about Herschel with a lightly fictionalized narrative meant to flesh out the real story and add some depth to her character.

As a George III apologist (sorry, fellow Americans), I’m always interested to see novels that highlight the important contributions that he and Queen Charlotte made to furthering science and culture in Britain during their reign.

That Herschel should have been the beneficiary of such opportunities is obvious, but the fact that it actually happened at this time (however modest Herschel was in taking credit for her accomplishments) is nothing short of incredible, and speaks highly of all involved.

*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*

[Dodi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoy reading books about intelligent women, though sometimes it's difficult to see how mistreated the women are. Caroline Herschel is the woman in The Woman and Her Stars. She is whisked away to England by her brother, William, after their parents die. William's care of Caroline (as well as saving her from life as a domestic servant in Germany) is admirable, yet she becomes William's household servant instead. When William's interest in the night sky grows compulsive, Caroline assists him while also managing the household. With time, she becomes skilled with the telescope. William's marriage to Mary in the 1780s marks a turning point in Caroline's life. Their courtship goes on without Caroline's knowledge, and it hurts her feelings when she finds out. Moving out of the house she has kept for William distresses her, yet she soon realizes it frees her to concentrate on astronomy. Penny Haw studied Caroline's actual journals to craft this historical-fiction novel. Caroline really did discover comets as well as becoming the first woman to earn a scientific salary from King George III.

[Nemo (Norma) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

I enjoyed the premise of the novel and I’m always a fan of historical fiction especially when it brings more life to real people. The audiobook was wonderfully narrated and an enjoyable listen.
The story itself was less about astronomy and more about the personal interrelationships of Caroline Herschel. I would be lying if I said I found her to be an enjoyable person. She was often petulant and childish. In addition to her physical growth, she was portrayed as emotionally stunted as well. I often found myself feeling as if I was hearing the narrative of a spoiled child rather than that of a grown woman. However, when looking further into how she was as a person, this all seems in brand.
I did enjoy the narrative and would recommend this book at anyone interested in learning more about a historical female figure who is a nuanced and complex person (as we all are).
I do wish there would’ve been a bit more resolution before the story ended but all in all it was a good read.

[Dianne Alvine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting historical novel, based on the true story of an 18th century woman living in England, who became an astronomer. Caroline Herschel lived in a culture of male hierarchy, when women were only thought to be of service to others. She didn't have any freedom or rights in what was an archaic culture.

Caroline was raised to believe that she had low self-worth. She suffered from the scars of smallpox and had many insecurities. She was, however, very intelligent. she became an onstage singer in her brother William's orchestra, which saved her from servitude to a very difficult mother.

When William became interested in astronomy, and was appointed by King George III as the King's Astronomer, Caroline moves with her brother to assist him with his duties, developing a forty-footer telescope.

There are many things that occur throughout the well developed plot, and it also makes for an interesting story of family dynamics. Caroline develops a sense of worth and her intelligence and tenacity gain her respect as the first female astronomer to discover a comet and eventually she discovered a total of eight comets.

Caroline was certainly an extraordinary woman, and Penny Haw has written an outstanding story.
I received this book as a Goodreads giveawy.

[Belva W · Rating 2 out of 5]

It took me a while to get used to the formal and eloquent writing. Combined with the extremely slow start, I struggled to get through this one. It didn't help that Caroline Herschel was portrayed as peculiar, selfish and jealous of her brothers and their relationships which led me to not care much for her. The plot was lackluster with too much needless dribble and not enough about Caroline's accomplishments and astronomy. This version of her story could have been told in a much shorter book. My thanks to Sourcebooks/Landmark for providing a review copy via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Katie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and RBmedia | Recorded Books for the ARC of The Woman and Her Stars audiobook.

I was really looking forward to this book, but it was a miss. It was incredibly slow, and I didn't feel anything for the characters themselves. I knew going into it that it was a historical fiction and I have a hard time getting into these kinds of books unless they immediately hook me and keep my attention the entire time.

[Caroline · Rating 2 out of 5]

IM FREE
how to describe this book hm
it was about as interesting as reading the ingredients of a shampoo bottle. i could physically feel my eyes going over each word and it took so much effort to focus. caroline had all the personality of an unwashed tea towel.

premise itself is interesting like first female astronomer?? score! but was written like a weird mix between ya and nonfiction. like did anything interesting ever happen to this girl ever?

the book form of could’ve been an email

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this audiobook and found it quite fascinating! 4.5 stars ⭐️

[Megan Goodwin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wildly unlikable main character

[Judy Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the acclaimed historical author, Penny Haw, comes a captivating and awe-inspiring historical novel, The Woman and Her Stars. The plot follows the transformative life of Caroline Herschel, the first woman to discover a comet and a pioneer in astronomy. 

The narrative weaves together Caroline Herschel’s real-world scientific breakthroughs with the complex, often fraught emotional bond she shared with her brother, William.

Drawing inspiration from the remarkable true story of Caroline Herschel, THE WOMAN AND HER STARS illuminates the journey of a woman who, constrained by the beliefs of her time, was raised to feel that her worth lay solely in serving others. Yet, through her extraordinary intellect and unwavering determination, she transcended these limitations to become one of the foremost astronomers in history.

Set against the backdrop of the Georgian era—a time when societal norms often stifled women’s ambitions—this awe-inspiring tale unfolds as a powerful narrative of self-discovery.

The story brilliantly weaves together themes of family bonds, the pursuit of passion, and the resilience of the human spirit, inviting readers to witness Caroline's transformation from obscurity to recognition in the celestial realm of stars.

Highlights...

Rescue and Servitude:
The story begins with Caroline living a life of domestic servitude in Hanover, under the control of her mother and one of her brothers. She is rescued by her older brother, William, a popular musician who brings her to live with him in Bath, England, in 1772.

Life in William’s Shadow:
Caroline initially supports William’s musical career, learning to sing in his orchestra to prove her value and avoid being sent back to Germany. She views herself as beholden to him for her freedom.

The Shift to Astronomy:
When William becomes obsessed with the night sky, their lives change dramatically. They move from Bath to the quiet countryside of Windsor after William is appointed the King’s Astronomer.

From Assistant to Scientist:
Caroline begins as William’s "humble assistant," helping him build massive telescopes and recording his observations. However, as she spends more time with the instruments, she discovers her own genius and a deep-seated passion for the science.

Struggle for Autonomy:
Throughout the novel, Caroline battles personal insecurities and the societal expectations of the Georgian era. She eventually realizes that she is as much an astronomer as her brother and must find her own identity and "place in the night sky".

Breakthrough Discoveries:
The plot highlights Caroline's specific contributions, including her work that salvaged William's reputation during professional challenges and her own historic discovery of a comet.

My thoughts...

Evocative, with emotional depth, meticulously researched, and beautifully written, set in the Georgian era, the book highlights the "societal boundaries" and prejudices Caroline faced as a woman in a male-dominated field. Themes of "boldness, perseverance, and pain" are central to her ability to overcome these obstacles.

At the start, Caroline is defined by her sense of debt and is beholden to her brother, William, for rescuing her. She is resilient and overcomes a childhood illness, stunted growth, and physical scarring to endure grueling nights of astronomical observation.

She is insecure but brilliantly gifted, and despite persistent self-doubt and "mortifications," her innate genius eventually shines through. Caroline is determined and possesses the "resolve" and "meticulous precision" to master a new language, music, and complex mathematics.

The narrative centers on her journey from a life of domestic drudgery to becoming a world-renowned astronomer, emphasizing how a burgeoning "passion" for astronomy can transform a person's life. Caroline’s "fascination" with the night sky drives her to endure freezing temperatures and lack of sleep to "search the sky."

The novel tracks her journey toward recognizing her own autonomy and "worth" apart from her brother. A hopeful journey of self -discovery set against the backdrop of the night sky.

Themes...

~Self-Discovery and Identity
~Freedom and Autonomy
~Familial Bonds and Obligation
~Perseverance Against Societal Boundaries
~Insecurity and Self-Worth
~The Power of Passion

The atmospheric novel captures the "challenges" and "prejudice" women faced in the scientific community, the "intriguing night sky," and the "quiet countryside of Windsor. Ultimately a empowering and uplifting tale of a woman claiming her place in history.

Recs...

THE WOMAN AND HER STARS is recommended for fans of biographical historical fiction that highlights the "hidden" lives of remarkable women in science. Readers who appreciate "uplifting" and "meticulously researched" stories about overcoming personal and societal obstacles will find it a compelling read.

Also for fans of authors Kristin Hannah, Marie Benedict, and Tracey Enerson Wood. If you are fascinated by the heavens, astrology, or enjoy learning about the early days of scientific discovery, this book offers a vivid look at 18th-century stargazing.

The novel is well-suited for book clubs (Q&A included) due to its heavy focus on Autonomy vs. Obligation, Gender Roles, and Legacy: How women's contributions have often been "overshadowed" by their male counterparts.

Special thanks to Sourcebooks Landmark for providing an ARC paperback copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.

Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars
Pub Date: Mar 3, 2026
March Newsletter

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Mal Warwick · Rating 4 out of 5]

She was a pioneering astronomer. In the 18th century.

Women did not begin to gain any measure of equality with men until sometime in the 20th century. So it is always inspiring to read about women whose accomplishments were so outstanding that even under the most egregious pressure of misogyny they made their mark on history. One exceptional woman, who is little known today except in her field of specialization, was the German astronomer Caroline Herschel (1750-1848). South African journalist Penny Haw brings her unusual story to light in The Woman and Her Stars.

Overshadowed by her brother, but standing out nonetheless

Truth to tell, Caroline’s older brother, William Herschel (1738-1822), outshines her in the pantheon of pioneering astronomers. And it was as his long-suffering assistant that she finally gained a modicum of recognition for her own work. William excelled as Europe’s foremost manufacturer of telescopes. He was so well established in the field that King George III—yes, the same king who resisted American independence—named him as the King’s Astronomer in 1782.

His achievements were substantial. He discovered the planet Uranus, the seventh from the sun and the first revealed since antiquity. He also discovered infrared radiation and conducted the first extensive deep space surveys. Herschel served as the first President of the Royal Astronomical Society.

Caroline’s work as an astronomer was far more modest. She spent any time available after assisting him to scan the skies with a smaller telescope he built for her. At William’s direction, she searched for comets, a rare phenomenon. She discovered several, including the periodic comet 35P/Herschel–Rigollet, which bears her name. But at a time when astronomy was in its infancy, this achievement was sufficient to bring her to the king’s attention.

Reportedly at his queen’s urging, King George put her on salary in 1787, making her the first woman to receive a salary as a scientist and the first in England to become a government employee. She also became an (honorary) member of the Royal Astronomical Society and received recognition throughout Europe as an astronomer. All this, in an era when women were treated as chattel.

What happens in the novel

Rescued from a life of servitude by William, Caroline works hard to build a small, unobtrusive existence for herself. It’s one where she can go unnoticed and repay the debt she believes she owes him. When the king names William as the King’s Astronomer, they’re forced to move from the lively town of Bath to the quiet countryside near Windsor.

Taking up a 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. Soon, she discovers that she might be good at the science—great, even. She realizes that the stars could offer her the freedom she has always secretly wanted. Caroline becomes the first woman to discover a comet, and grapples with prejudice, self-doubt, and the constraints placed on women in science.

This is an awe-inspiring story set within the strictures of the Georgian era. It’s a hopeful journey of self-discovery, familial bonds, and passion. Haw’s novel is a tribute to a woman who claimed her own place in the night sky.

About the author

According to Google Books, “Penny Haw is a Cape Town-based freelance writer, journalist, and editor. For the past 12 years, she has written primarily for South Africa’s national daily newspaper, Business Day. Her work has also been published in other national magazines and newspapers.”

The author updates this information on her website: “I am a writer. Previously, of articles and columns for newspapers and magazines. I’ve written for Business Day, Sunday Times, Financial Mail, Sunday Independent, The Weekender and many others I’ve forgotten and you might not recognise.

“Now, I am the author of books featuring strong, interesting and independent women. My writing also illustrates my love for animals and the outdoors, and explores the interconnectedness of all living things.”

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Woman and Her Stars: A Novel by Penny Haw.
SOURCEBOOKS Landmark, thank you for the gifted ARC, and thank you to NetGalley for letting me wander the eighteenth century with Caroline Herschel long before publication day.

Sliding into this book felt like settling under a blanket with a cup of something warm while someone whispers secrets about the universe. Penny Haw gives Caroline such a sharp, observant voice that I occasionally had to set the book down and admire how neatly she skewered the world around her. It is the cozy kind of wit, the sort that sneaks in, makes you smirk, and then hands you a little ache in the chest. Haw knows exactly how to capture a woman who thinks she is small, even as she keeps discovering entire galaxies.

Caroline’s journey begins in Bath, where she lives in the shadow of her brother William. He saves her from a future of servitude, though of course salvation comes with strings; family always has strings. They move through music, then into astronomy, and eventually straight into the court’s orbit where the king wants to know what the stars are up to. Watching Caroline try to stay “useful” to William, even as her own talent shines right through the cracks, is equal parts inspiring and maddening. I kept wanting to tip her chin up and remind her she had every right to be in the room.

One moment that stuck with me was this line: “The skies are full of surprises. That’s what excites me.” It says everything about her, a woman raised to believe she is ordinary, who cannot stop reaching for the infinite. The astronomy itself is delivered with a gentle hand. Haw makes the telescopes, the charts, the late night cold, and the thrill of discovery feel accessible and oddly comforting. There is something grounding about people staring at the night sky and daring to name what they see.

I particularly enjoyed the subtle humor woven through Caroline’s irritation with society’s expectations. She accepts far too little credit for far too long, but the process of watching her step out of that shadow is immensely satisfying. Her relationships are messy, tender, and often hilariously human. William comes across as brilliant but oblivious, while the other figures in her world feel real enough to step off the page. Comet the dog steals multiple scenes, which is a respectable achievement in a novel about stars.

The pacing starts slow, a simmer rather than a boil, but once it warms up you start to feel the emotional shift. Caroline grows, hesitates, pushes herself, pulls back, tries again. It feels true to life for a woman conditioned to serve everyone but herself. Even her small moments of rebellion carry weight. And when the story finally lets her shine, the payoff is lovely and well earned.

What makes the book work is how grounded it is. No melodrama, no unnecessary flourishes, just a rich, steady walk through a life that deserved far more attention from history. Caroline is thoughtful, stubborn, lonely, hopeful, and scared. All of it felt real. All of it mattered.

By the end, I found myself looking up at the night sky with a little more appreciation for the quiet brilliance of people whose names rarely make it into textbooks. Haw brings Caroline to life with care and clarity, showing a woman who wasn’t meant to take center stage but did so anyway because the stars kept calling her name.

If you love historical fiction with heart, gentle humor, and a heroine who slowly steps into her own light, this is one to pick up and savor.

Rating: 4.5 stars

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