What do you think?
Rate this book
Rewrite the Stars: A Novel
A sparkling romance between an ex-actress and her contractor, reminding us that it’s never too late to rewrite our destiny.
Semi-retired actress Marissa Morgan has played many parts in her life. But these days, her primary role is mother of two. Since hitting pause on her career, she’s worked hard to give her kids a normal childhood and shield them from the spotlight. So when her ex-husband announces his high-profile engagement and a media storm ensues, Marissa and her kids flee Los Angeles for a summer at her recently inherited Poconos lake house.
The long-vacant house needs major TLC, so Marissa hires a home renovation company to do repairs. But when the project hits a snag and Marissa finds herself sharing space with the crew, including Jesse, the handsome (and vaguely familiar) foreman, her plans for a drama-free summer hit choppy water.
Jesse doesn’t expect Marissa to remember him; they were just kids when they last played together at the lake. But he’s never forgotten her; he’s spent the last two decades quietly following her career, even as his own dreams fell apart. And now that she’s stumbled back into his sleepy hometown, Jesse’s predictable life has gotten a lot more complicated.
As the summer days pass, Marissa finds herself centering her own needs for the first time in years—and that includes giving into her mounting attraction to Jesse. Soon, she finds herself wondering if their fling could become something more.
After an unexpected career opportunity falls into Marissa's lap, it feels like the stars have finally aligned. But when new complications arise, the pair wonder how they’ll fit into each other’s future. Can Marissa and Jesse chart a new course together, or is it too late to rewrite the script for a happily ever after?
Semi-retired actress Marissa Morgan has played many parts in her life. But these days, her primary role is mother of two. Since hitting pause on her career, she’s worked hard to give her kids a normal childhood and shield them from the spotlight. So when her ex-husband announces his high-profile engagement and a media storm ensues, Marissa and her kids flee Los Angeles for a summer at her recently inherited Poconos lake house.
The long-vacant house needs major TLC, so Marissa hires a home renovation company to do repairs. But when the project hits a snag and Marissa finds herself sharing space with the crew, including Jesse, the handsome (and vaguely familiar) foreman, her plans for a drama-free summer hit choppy water.
Jesse doesn’t expect Marissa to remember him; they were just kids when they last played together at the lake. But he’s never forgotten her; he’s spent the last two decades quietly following her career, even as his own dreams fell apart. And now that she’s stumbled back into his sleepy hometown, Jesse’s predictable life has gotten a lot more complicated.
As the summer days pass, Marissa finds herself centering her own needs for the first time in years—and that includes giving into her mounting attraction to Jesse. Soon, she finds herself wondering if their fling could become something more.
After an unexpected career opportunity falls into Marissa's lap, it feels like the stars have finally aligned. But when new complications arise, the pair wonder how they’ll fit into each other’s future. Can Marissa and Jesse chart a new course together, or is it too late to rewrite the script for a happily ever after?
312 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 7, 2026
About the author
Lindsay Hameroff
3 books526 followersLindsay Hameroff writes contemporary love stories that will make you laugh and swoon in equal measure. Born in Baltimore, MD, she now lives in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania with her husband and two kids. Her writing has been featured in McSweeney’s Internet Tendency, Weekly Humorist, and fan letters to Harry Styles.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 311 reviews
May 31, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an ARC in exchange for an honest review
The biggest love story in this book isn't the romance—it's Marissa learning how to choose herself again.
Going into this, I expected the relationship to be the main draw. Instead, I found myself far more invested in Marissa's journey as a mother, a woman rediscovering her identity, and someone finally learning that it's okay to put her own needs first.
The family dynamics were easily my favorite part of the book. Marissa's relationship with her children felt warm, authentic, and genuinely wholesome. Some of the strongest emotional moments came from those interactions rather than the romance. That said, I actually wish her kids had been more front and center throughout the story. Considering how central they are to Marissa's motivations and identity, there were stretches where their absence felt a little noticeable, especially when the book was focusing heavily on the romance.
Jesse was easy to like, and I appreciated the role he played in Marissa's story. He offers support without trying to fix her, and it's clear he wants to be a safe place for her. But I never fully bought into the depth of their connection. There were several moments where I wanted them to have deeper conversations, and instead the story seemed to move past opportunities that could have strengthened the relationship.
Because of that, the romance felt secondary to everything else the book was exploring. By the time the third-act conflict arrived, I found myself more frustrated than emotionally invested.
That said, I still enjoyed much of the reading experience. The lake house setting was cozy, the representation of parenting a child on the spectrum was handled thoughtfully, and Marissa's personal growth felt earned.
In the end, this felt less like a romance and more like a story about rebuilding a sense of self after years of losing it in motherhood, expectations, and other people's needs. For me, that ended up being the most compelling part of the book.
February 25, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Thank you St.Martins Press for this gifted copy! All these thoughts are my own.
This story was so heartwarming and made me as a mom feel so seen. We meet Marissa, mom, actress and dealing with an ex husband who is trash. She decides to take her kids to a cabin that was gifted to her by her grandmother who had passed away. In the time there she learns that it’s ok to make choices for herself and not just her children. The representation of autism in this book and the emotions surrounding this were so well done. I loved it.
We meet Jesse the carpenter and childhood crush of Marissa’s. It was so sweet seeing there relationship grow into what it was at the end. Jesse was so good for Marissa and Marissa was so good for Jesse. He really show up and showed her how to be loved. It was just so sweet. Jesse also had his own growing to do. Overall this was such a sweet story and exactly what I needed. If you love neurodivergent rep, golden retriever MMC, actress FMC, and childhood crush then I definitely recommend this one!
Thank you St.Martins Press for this gifted copy! All these thoughts are my own.
This story was so heartwarming and made me as a mom feel so seen. We meet Marissa, mom, actress and dealing with an ex husband who is trash. She decides to take her kids to a cabin that was gifted to her by her grandmother who had passed away. In the time there she learns that it’s ok to make choices for herself and not just her children. The representation of autism in this book and the emotions surrounding this were so well done. I loved it.
We meet Jesse the carpenter and childhood crush of Marissa’s. It was so sweet seeing there relationship grow into what it was at the end. Jesse was so good for Marissa and Marissa was so good for Jesse. He really show up and showed her how to be loved. It was just so sweet. Jesse also had his own growing to do. Overall this was such a sweet story and exactly what I needed. If you love neurodivergent rep, golden retriever MMC, actress FMC, and childhood crush then I definitely recommend this one!
July 5, 2026
I’ve been a fan of Lindsay’s books ever since her debut, Till There Was You!
If you know anything about me by now, it’s probably that I’m obsessed with my family’s lake cabin in northern Wisconsin. So it’s probably no surprise that I’m a sucker for any books set on a lake.
It was a no-brainer for me to read REWRITE THE STARS over my long weekend up north. Marissa Morgan put her career as an actress on hold to raise her two kids out of the spotlight. When her ex-husband gets engaged and it brings a media frenzy to Marissa’s life, she decides to spend the summer at her newly inherited lake house in the Poconos.
I loved Jesse, the hot contractor hired to do some repairs on the home. He was so great with Marissa’s kids and I adored all of their interactions together.
Marissa was such an easy to love character because she always had her kids’ best interests in mind.
I thought it was so cute that Jesse and Marissa knew each other many years prior and bonded over books. I love a childhood friends-to-lovers trope and this one put a fun little twist on it!
Jesse’s brother and sister-in-law provided some humor to the story. They welcomed Marissa and her kids to town, providing a soft place to land.
— celebrity x normie
— small town romance
— childhood crush
— single mom
— neurodivergent rep
— found family
If you know anything about me by now, it’s probably that I’m obsessed with my family’s lake cabin in northern Wisconsin. So it’s probably no surprise that I’m a sucker for any books set on a lake.
It was a no-brainer for me to read REWRITE THE STARS over my long weekend up north. Marissa Morgan put her career as an actress on hold to raise her two kids out of the spotlight. When her ex-husband gets engaged and it brings a media frenzy to Marissa’s life, she decides to spend the summer at her newly inherited lake house in the Poconos.
I loved Jesse, the hot contractor hired to do some repairs on the home. He was so great with Marissa’s kids and I adored all of their interactions together.
Marissa was such an easy to love character because she always had her kids’ best interests in mind.
I thought it was so cute that Jesse and Marissa knew each other many years prior and bonded over books. I love a childhood friends-to-lovers trope and this one put a fun little twist on it!
Jesse’s brother and sister-in-law provided some humor to the story. They welcomed Marissa and her kids to town, providing a soft place to land.
— celebrity x normie
— small town romance
— childhood crush
— single mom
— neurodivergent rep
— found family
February 19, 2026
I really liked this book! A slight departure from her first two books, this was a little more serious and I believe the FMC was a bit older and it really worked for me. I don’t usually like any kind of actor or Hollywood stories but I liked that this FMC was trying to make a comeback.
July 3, 2026
A sweet comfy romance read. It’s a little bit more serious than your other rom coms, & focuses more on Marissa’s self growth as a woman / mother. Heavily focuses on her son’s autism & is welcoming for the autism community. Thank you st Martin’s press for my EARC!
March 19, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the advanced copy of Rewrite the Stars.
Once I started this book, I could hardly put it down. The writing style immediately pulled me in and kept me fully engaged from beginning to end. It flowed effortlessly, making it such an easy and enjoyable read. As a millennial, I especially loved the throwback references sprinkled throughout the story as they added a fun layer of nostalgia that made the reading experience even more relatable and entertaining.
This was a sweet and heartfelt story with characters I genuinely connected with. Marissa was easy to root for, and I found myself invested in her journey from the very beginning. There were also some fantastic supporting characters, particularly Marissa’s best friend, Pooja, and Jesse’s sister, Shelby, who brought strong “girl power” energy and added depth to the story. Of course, there was one character I didn’t love, but every story needs a villain, and it definitely kept things interesting.
While there is a light and charming romance woven throughout the book, what really stood out to me was the deeper message. At its core, this is a story about self-discovery and growth. Watching Marissa reconnect with herself, rediscover her passions, and rebuild her confidence was incredibly rewarding. That emotional journey is what truly made the story shine for me.
One thing to note is that the book includes a significant amount of motherhood-focused content. As someone who isn’t a parent, this didn’t fully resonate with me on a personal level. However, I still appreciated the author’s honest and realistic portrayal of motherhood; the highs, the lows, and everything in between. In particular, the focus on raising an autistic child added an important and meaningful layer to the story. Lindsay handled this topic with care and authenticity, offering insight into the unique challenges and experiences that come with it. It felt both eye-opening and respectful to families navigating similar situations.
Overall, Rewrite the Stars is a warm, engaging, and uplifting read about love, growth, and finding your way back to yourself. If you enjoy character-driven stories with heart, a touch of romance, and meaningful themes, this is definitely one to pick up.
Once I started this book, I could hardly put it down. The writing style immediately pulled me in and kept me fully engaged from beginning to end. It flowed effortlessly, making it such an easy and enjoyable read. As a millennial, I especially loved the throwback references sprinkled throughout the story as they added a fun layer of nostalgia that made the reading experience even more relatable and entertaining.
This was a sweet and heartfelt story with characters I genuinely connected with. Marissa was easy to root for, and I found myself invested in her journey from the very beginning. There were also some fantastic supporting characters, particularly Marissa’s best friend, Pooja, and Jesse’s sister, Shelby, who brought strong “girl power” energy and added depth to the story. Of course, there was one character I didn’t love, but every story needs a villain, and it definitely kept things interesting.
While there is a light and charming romance woven throughout the book, what really stood out to me was the deeper message. At its core, this is a story about self-discovery and growth. Watching Marissa reconnect with herself, rediscover her passions, and rebuild her confidence was incredibly rewarding. That emotional journey is what truly made the story shine for me.
One thing to note is that the book includes a significant amount of motherhood-focused content. As someone who isn’t a parent, this didn’t fully resonate with me on a personal level. However, I still appreciated the author’s honest and realistic portrayal of motherhood; the highs, the lows, and everything in between. In particular, the focus on raising an autistic child added an important and meaningful layer to the story. Lindsay handled this topic with care and authenticity, offering insight into the unique challenges and experiences that come with it. It felt both eye-opening and respectful to families navigating similar situations.
Overall, Rewrite the Stars is a warm, engaging, and uplifting read about love, growth, and finding your way back to yourself. If you enjoy character-driven stories with heart, a touch of romance, and meaningful themes, this is definitely one to pick up.
June 15, 2026
Swoony with a second chance romance I can smile about. I loved these characters so much and the setting made the book such a cozy read! I really enjoyed the character development here. I read this in one sitting, would definitely recommend for romance readers.
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted arc
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted arc
July 9, 2026
Rewrite The Stars is more of a personal growth story than a full on romance in my opinion, I think that would label it better. It definitely has the romance undertone, but the main takeaway is truly Marissa's growth and personal journey. Did I enjoy it, yes I did, did I want more romance, yes I did. When I dove in I really thought this would be more romance focused and I think that's what pulled me out of the storyline a little. The writing was also maybe not one that really grabbed me, I definitely had to be more attentive with her style of writing.
The romance between her and Jesse was good, but I wanted more. I needed more of a connection, more chemistry, more tension. I didn't ever feel fully connected to Marissa either. Some reactions and her way of dealing were just off putting to me personally. The third act breakup was absolutely unnecessary and ridiculous in my opinion. These characters are over 35. I mean come on, have a conversation… That really threw me off. What I can positively say is the relationship with her children was absolutely heartwarming and her journey was what truly highlighted the book for me.
Overall, this was a fast and easy read, but it just lacked a deeper connection for me. I wanted to feel more between the MC’s and for their relationship to feel more real.
✨ Thank you to @youhadmeathea & Lindsay Hameroff for my gifted copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
The romance between her and Jesse was good, but I wanted more. I needed more of a connection, more chemistry, more tension. I didn't ever feel fully connected to Marissa either. Some reactions and her way of dealing were just off putting to me personally. The third act breakup was absolutely unnecessary and ridiculous in my opinion. These characters are over 35. I mean come on, have a conversation… That really threw me off. What I can positively say is the relationship with her children was absolutely heartwarming and her journey was what truly highlighted the book for me.
Overall, this was a fast and easy read, but it just lacked a deeper connection for me. I wanted to feel more between the MC’s and for their relationship to feel more real.
✨ Thank you to @youhadmeathea & Lindsay Hameroff for my gifted copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
May 1, 2026
First off, I want to say thank you to St. Martin’s press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
5 FREAKING STARS ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I absolutely devoured this book, I picked it up and did not put it down other than for sleep and work. This is such an unexpected emotional read. It’s so much more than just a love story. It has incredible autism representation and is also about finding yourself, teaching moms especially that they can be many things and being a mom does not have to be your entire life.
Of course I absolutely loved the MMC and the way he showed up for Marissa, even when it took him a second. And I just loved watching Marissa find her voice, her strength, and herself.
About halfway through I thought it would end up being a 4 star read maybe 4.5, but the ending and so many little moments throughout really got me. I cried, I laughed, I got angry. So many lessons we can all carry with us and should carry with us. Truly a must read!
5 FREAKING STARS ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I absolutely devoured this book, I picked it up and did not put it down other than for sleep and work. This is such an unexpected emotional read. It’s so much more than just a love story. It has incredible autism representation and is also about finding yourself, teaching moms especially that they can be many things and being a mom does not have to be your entire life.
Of course I absolutely loved the MMC and the way he showed up for Marissa, even when it took him a second. And I just loved watching Marissa find her voice, her strength, and herself.
About halfway through I thought it would end up being a 4 star read maybe 4.5, but the ending and so many little moments throughout really got me. I cried, I laughed, I got angry. So many lessons we can all carry with us and should carry with us. Truly a must read!
May 14, 2026
When her ex-husband gets engaged, and she can't stand the thought of being asked about it all summer, Marissa takes her kids to the lake house she just inherited from her grandma. She plans to get it renovated while they are there and then sell it or give it to another family member once they move back to LA. What she didn't count on was her instant spark with Jesse, the owner of the company doing the renovations.
This was a bit slow in the beginning, as it took a while to build up to Marissa and Jesse's romance. It read a lot more like a contemporary fiction book as we got to know them each separately. The book really delved into their pasts and let us get to know them individually before bringing them together as a couple. I liked this approach, and it paid off in the end, but it did take some time for me to get into it.
I really liked Marissa and Jesse separately. I understood their personal struggles and really wanted to see them succeed. Together, they were even better. They brought out the best in each other, and they really earned their happy ending.
Set in a charming small town in the Poconos, Rewrite the Stars was emotional, heartwarming, romantic, and even funny at times. I recommend it, especially if you like:
🌶️ Emotional, open-door romances
🚤 Lake houses
🧩 Autism rep
🐦🔥 Well-earned comebacks
Tropes:
🏘️ Small Town
👩🏻👧🏻👦🏻 Single mom
🔒 Forced proximity
🔄 Second chance
💬 Miscommunication
🔥 Slow burn
*Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Griffin, and Lindsay Hameroff for providing this eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.*
This was a bit slow in the beginning, as it took a while to build up to Marissa and Jesse's romance. It read a lot more like a contemporary fiction book as we got to know them each separately. The book really delved into their pasts and let us get to know them individually before bringing them together as a couple. I liked this approach, and it paid off in the end, but it did take some time for me to get into it.
I really liked Marissa and Jesse separately. I understood their personal struggles and really wanted to see them succeed. Together, they were even better. They brought out the best in each other, and they really earned their happy ending.
Set in a charming small town in the Poconos, Rewrite the Stars was emotional, heartwarming, romantic, and even funny at times. I recommend it, especially if you like:
🌶️ Emotional, open-door romances
🚤 Lake houses
🧩 Autism rep
🐦🔥 Well-earned comebacks
Tropes:
🏘️ Small Town
👩🏻👧🏻👦🏻 Single mom
🔒 Forced proximity
🔄 Second chance
💬 Miscommunication
🔥 Slow burn
*Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Griffin, and Lindsay Hameroff for providing this eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.*
December 31, 2025
Thank you to the publisher for a gifted copy; all thoughts are my own!
📖 Book Review 📖 There is something magical about summers spent at a lake house. Every year, my mom would wake us up at 3am to make the eleven hour trek up to my great-grandmother’s cottage in Canada (very close to Barry’s Bay) with generations of my family. There was barely indoor plumbing and we all squeezed into the tiny accommodations but the memories made there were priceless.
Growing up changes us, and certainly becoming a mom almost rewrites our DNA. And when we go back to our special places with our children, something stirs deep inside. Life has been quite the challenge for Marissa since her husband left her for a younger Hollywood star. While she put aside her career to be a mom, nothing cements true strength like being the anchor for our kids in the storm. When she learns her late grandmother bequeathed her the beloved home in the Poconos, she takes the opportunity to introduce her children to her happy place.
Swept away with nostalgia and a budding new romance, Marissa unexpectedly finds herself in a summer totally worthy of postcards home (and please let’s bring that back in style). Lindsay Hameroff delivers a heartfelt emotional read that blends the best summers of childhood with the realities of adulthood. Life is way harder than it should be but thank our lucky stars for books like this.
📖 Book Review 📖 There is something magical about summers spent at a lake house. Every year, my mom would wake us up at 3am to make the eleven hour trek up to my great-grandmother’s cottage in Canada (very close to Barry’s Bay) with generations of my family. There was barely indoor plumbing and we all squeezed into the tiny accommodations but the memories made there were priceless.
Growing up changes us, and certainly becoming a mom almost rewrites our DNA. And when we go back to our special places with our children, something stirs deep inside. Life has been quite the challenge for Marissa since her husband left her for a younger Hollywood star. While she put aside her career to be a mom, nothing cements true strength like being the anchor for our kids in the storm. When she learns her late grandmother bequeathed her the beloved home in the Poconos, she takes the opportunity to introduce her children to her happy place.
Swept away with nostalgia and a budding new romance, Marissa unexpectedly finds herself in a summer totally worthy of postcards home (and please let’s bring that back in style). Lindsay Hameroff delivers a heartfelt emotional read that blends the best summers of childhood with the realities of adulthood. Life is way harder than it should be but thank our lucky stars for books like this.
February 21, 2026
Lindsay Hameroff, why do you have to make this autistic mom of autistic kids laugh and cry in the same hour? Gosh this book is a beautiful burst of hope for moms who reclaim their identities after having kids and stepping out of troubled marriages. This is also a true depiction of what it means to raise a child on the spectrum and how uniquely isolating that experience can be for moms who struggle to find community. For a Pennsylvania native, Lindsay perfectly captures life in LA (I was born and raised there). I’ve loved all Lindsay’s books, and I celebrate the evolution of her storytelling. This one has romance but really nails the complexities of motherhood as well. The autism element sets it apart from many of works of motherhood lit and is here to help those of us who can relate. I certainly can. I love the humor in this as well. Gosh can Lindsay write. Her work is impossible not to adore.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
*NG ARC READ*
SPOILERS*****
*
*
*
*
*
This gives Hallmark movie vibes. Perfect feel good on a cold winter night read. Marissa an ex actress and ex husband Rocky have two children, one being neurodivergent. Her best friend Pooja provides opinions and support while she tries to go find rhythm in divorced life in the public eye. Post divorce Marissa is afloat trying to navigate life when she decides to go to her inherited lake house that belonged to her grandmother where she had spent time during the summer before becoming famous. She hires family contractors, Jesse and Toby and his wife Shelby. Through the remodel of her home and a few dates she learns Jesse is JJ a boy she played with during the summer as a child and he never got over her. They fall in love and think they're doing what's best for each other when Marissa decides to go back to acting. Rocky makes a few comments to throw Jesse off kilter and Jesse steps back thinking he's doing the right thing. Eventually there's a HEA as everyone comes back to their senses but Marissa learns to stand on her own two feet and do what's best for her instead of putting everyone else first. It was predictable but cute. I can appreciate the little look into life with a neuro spicy child and the fact routines matter but Lindsay also does a great job showing life doesn't have to always stop, sometimes it's just handling things differently.
SPOILERS*****
*
*
*
*
*
This gives Hallmark movie vibes. Perfect feel good on a cold winter night read. Marissa an ex actress and ex husband Rocky have two children, one being neurodivergent. Her best friend Pooja provides opinions and support while she tries to go find rhythm in divorced life in the public eye. Post divorce Marissa is afloat trying to navigate life when she decides to go to her inherited lake house that belonged to her grandmother where she had spent time during the summer before becoming famous. She hires family contractors, Jesse and Toby and his wife Shelby. Through the remodel of her home and a few dates she learns Jesse is JJ a boy she played with during the summer as a child and he never got over her. They fall in love and think they're doing what's best for each other when Marissa decides to go back to acting. Rocky makes a few comments to throw Jesse off kilter and Jesse steps back thinking he's doing the right thing. Eventually there's a HEA as everyone comes back to their senses but Marissa learns to stand on her own two feet and do what's best for her instead of putting everyone else first. It was predictable but cute. I can appreciate the little look into life with a neuro spicy child and the fact routines matter but Lindsay also does a great job showing life doesn't have to always stop, sometimes it's just handling things differently.
July 9, 2026
I received an advanced reader copy of this book from St. Martin’s Press, and I was excited to read it because I enjoyed the author’s previous novel. This book felt quite different from the last one I read by her. While it is marketed as a romance, I found the emotional heart of the story to be Marissa’s personal journey rather than the romance itself.
Marissa is divorced from Rocky and has put her acting career on hold to be a stay-at-home mom. Thanks to her divorce settlement, she is able to make that work financially. Her son, Levi, is on the autism spectrum and struggles with change. Marissa is committed to helping him thrive by ensuring he receives the support and therapy he needs while maintaining a consistent routine and working closely with his therapists.
After Marissa’s grandmother passes away, she inherits her lake house in the Poconos. The home holds many cherished memories from the summers Marissa spent there after her parents separated and before she began her acting career. She decides to spend the summer there with her children, hoping to reconnect with those happy memories. While at the lake, she discovers a welcoming community and gradually begins to feel less isolated. For the first time in a long while, she starts to rediscover herself beyond the roles of mother and caregiver.
I appreciated how the novel explores the realities of parenthood and how easy it is to lose yourself while trying to be the best parent possible, especially when raising a neurodivergent child. I also enjoyed seeing different forms of representation woven naturally into the story.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and would recommend it if you enjoy readings stories with emotional depth. If you’re looking for a romance where the relationship takes centre stage, this may not be exactly what you expect.
Marissa is divorced from Rocky and has put her acting career on hold to be a stay-at-home mom. Thanks to her divorce settlement, she is able to make that work financially. Her son, Levi, is on the autism spectrum and struggles with change. Marissa is committed to helping him thrive by ensuring he receives the support and therapy he needs while maintaining a consistent routine and working closely with his therapists.
After Marissa’s grandmother passes away, she inherits her lake house in the Poconos. The home holds many cherished memories from the summers Marissa spent there after her parents separated and before she began her acting career. She decides to spend the summer there with her children, hoping to reconnect with those happy memories. While at the lake, she discovers a welcoming community and gradually begins to feel less isolated. For the first time in a long while, she starts to rediscover herself beyond the roles of mother and caregiver.
I appreciated how the novel explores the realities of parenthood and how easy it is to lose yourself while trying to be the best parent possible, especially when raising a neurodivergent child. I also enjoyed seeing different forms of representation woven naturally into the story.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and would recommend it if you enjoy readings stories with emotional depth. If you’re looking for a romance where the relationship takes centre stage, this may not be exactly what you expect.
April 30, 2026
Thank you NetGalley for this e-ARC of this title releasing in July 2026.
I have been lucky enough to read this author before and loved her previous books - this one I was a little more divided on.
A romance story that brings a childhood crush from the past to the present, a “has been” Hollywood starlet and the small town carpenter. I loved the FMC in her portrayal of motherhood - especially as her son has autism. My issue is more with the relationship with the MMC - I feel like he could have done better than her - and with the miscommunication trope being on both ends - I feel like he did all the grovel and chasing, and the FMC needed to put a little more effort in. MMC is prime green flag book boyfriend material.
Marissa is feeling a little lost in her own identity - having given up acting to focus on being a mother and a wife, she’s spent the last decade worried about others. When her marriage implodes - very publicly - she then focuses on her children. When tensions are at an all time high - she finds out she inherited her grandmothers lake house - a place she loved as a child. Deciding to hideaway for the summer, she returns to the lake house with her kids in tow. With it being an older house, and being vacant - it’s in need of some repairs and restoration. Marissa immediately feels chemistry and an odd sense of connection to the carpenter, Jesse. Jesse has had a tough time of his own, moving back home to help with the family restoration business after his father passed suddenly. The last thing he expects is the see the woman he knew as a girl from those summers all those years ago. And to realize his crush never went away.
I have been lucky enough to read this author before and loved her previous books - this one I was a little more divided on.
A romance story that brings a childhood crush from the past to the present, a “has been” Hollywood starlet and the small town carpenter. I loved the FMC in her portrayal of motherhood - especially as her son has autism. My issue is more with the relationship with the MMC - I feel like he could have done better than her - and with the miscommunication trope being on both ends - I feel like he did all the grovel and chasing, and the FMC needed to put a little more effort in. MMC is prime green flag book boyfriend material.
Marissa is feeling a little lost in her own identity - having given up acting to focus on being a mother and a wife, she’s spent the last decade worried about others. When her marriage implodes - very publicly - she then focuses on her children. When tensions are at an all time high - she finds out she inherited her grandmothers lake house - a place she loved as a child. Deciding to hideaway for the summer, she returns to the lake house with her kids in tow. With it being an older house, and being vacant - it’s in need of some repairs and restoration. Marissa immediately feels chemistry and an odd sense of connection to the carpenter, Jesse. Jesse has had a tough time of his own, moving back home to help with the family restoration business after his father passed suddenly. The last thing he expects is the see the woman he knew as a girl from those summers all those years ago. And to realize his crush never went away.
July 7, 2026
Thank you to the publisher, St Martin’s Press, and the author, Lindsay Hameroff, for the gifted e-arc and physical copies. All opinions are my own!
Short Synopsis:
Marissa isn’t looking for love. In fact, she’s looking to get escape the spotlight that her ex’s new engagement is throwing her and her kids into. When her late grandmother’s lawyer calls to share she’s inherited the lake home she had in Pennsylvania, she sees it as a sign to get herself and her kids out of LA, but she knows the house that sat vacant is in need of repair. Enter: Jesse, the Swoony construction foreman of Legacy Builders, who she has hired to fix the place up before they arrive. Except a stomach bug keeps his crew from finishing before their arrival, and it leaves Jesse in close proximity to his childhood crush through the completion of the project. Their instant attraction to one another and easy chemistry shouldn’t get in the way right?
My Thoughts:
I’ve been a fan of Lindsay’s writing since her debut book, Till There Was You, but Rewrite the Stars is her best book yet! The way she handled a complex family dynamic between Marissa and her ex husband, along with their two children, and one child’s autism diagnosis felt so real and refreshing. It was easy to connect to Marissa as she navigated her feelings for Jesse and their instant connection. And, Jesse? He was just about everything you’d want in a book boyfriend! The way he took care of Marissa and connected with her children was beautiful!
Read this if you like:
✨ Celebrity romance
✨ Single mom
✨ Mature characters
✨ Found Family
✨ Autism representation
Short Synopsis:
Marissa isn’t looking for love. In fact, she’s looking to get escape the spotlight that her ex’s new engagement is throwing her and her kids into. When her late grandmother’s lawyer calls to share she’s inherited the lake home she had in Pennsylvania, she sees it as a sign to get herself and her kids out of LA, but she knows the house that sat vacant is in need of repair. Enter: Jesse, the Swoony construction foreman of Legacy Builders, who she has hired to fix the place up before they arrive. Except a stomach bug keeps his crew from finishing before their arrival, and it leaves Jesse in close proximity to his childhood crush through the completion of the project. Their instant attraction to one another and easy chemistry shouldn’t get in the way right?
My Thoughts:
I’ve been a fan of Lindsay’s writing since her debut book, Till There Was You, but Rewrite the Stars is her best book yet! The way she handled a complex family dynamic between Marissa and her ex husband, along with their two children, and one child’s autism diagnosis felt so real and refreshing. It was easy to connect to Marissa as she navigated her feelings for Jesse and their instant connection. And, Jesse? He was just about everything you’d want in a book boyfriend! The way he took care of Marissa and connected with her children was beautiful!
Read this if you like:
✨ Celebrity romance
✨ Single mom
✨ Mature characters
✨ Found Family
✨ Autism representation
July 8, 2026
Rewrite the Stars by Lindsay Hameroff is a romance that made me so happy. I absolutely adored this story and Marissa and Jesse. Our two main characters, Marissa and Jesse are both damaged. Marissa, a movie actress and mother of two, is recently divorced from Rocky, a director. Rocky has her questioning herself and making herself as small as possible. When he announces his engagement a mere six months after their divorce, the press comes circling. Marissa needs an escape plan. She has one. After her grandmother's recent death, Marissa was left her summer cottage in the Poconos. She tells her kids they are going there for the summer - the kids are not happy. She hires a small construction firm to replace the floors and when she arrives with the kids, the work is still in progress and that is when Marissa meets Jesse. There is immediate attraction between the two, but I loved how this story kept it real. Marissa has been through a lot. She has two kids and she, due to her ex, is lacking confidence in herself and this story gives her the time to get comfortable with the possibility of a relationship and that she wants and deserves a relationship. So, it is not until the 50% point in the story that we get some movement on the relationship and some spice. You can see the growth and development of both Jesse and Marissa who have been damaged by their past relationships and I just thoroughly enjoyed this one. Thank you so much Net Galley and St. Martin's Press for my arc. This book is out now.
July 8, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Rewrite the Stars was such a heartfelt story about rediscovering yourself after life takes an unexpected turn.
One of my favorite parts of this book was how authentically it explored motherhood—especially the way it can become so easy to lose yourself when you're the primary caregiver. Watching the FMC navigate being a working mom, raising a neurodivergent child, and carrying the emotional weight of always putting everyone else first felt incredibly real and was handled with so much care.
I also loved seeing her journey after divorce as she slowly found herself again, rebuilt her confidence, and opened her heart to love. The romance was sweet, emotional, and full of history, making the childhood friends-to-lovers/second-chance dynamic easy to root for. The found family and sense of community throughout the story added another layer of warmth that made it even more enjoyable.
The only reason this wasn't a full five stars for me was that some scenes and emotions felt a bit repetitive, which slowed the pacing in places. Even so, the emotional depth and character growth kept me invested from beginning to end.
If you enjoy stories with heartfelt romance, second chances, found family, and characters learning that it's never too late to rewrite their own story, I'd definitely recommend picking this one up.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read an advance copy of Rewrite the Stars. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Rewrite the Stars was such a heartfelt story about rediscovering yourself after life takes an unexpected turn.
One of my favorite parts of this book was how authentically it explored motherhood—especially the way it can become so easy to lose yourself when you're the primary caregiver. Watching the FMC navigate being a working mom, raising a neurodivergent child, and carrying the emotional weight of always putting everyone else first felt incredibly real and was handled with so much care.
I also loved seeing her journey after divorce as she slowly found herself again, rebuilt her confidence, and opened her heart to love. The romance was sweet, emotional, and full of history, making the childhood friends-to-lovers/second-chance dynamic easy to root for. The found family and sense of community throughout the story added another layer of warmth that made it even more enjoyable.
The only reason this wasn't a full five stars for me was that some scenes and emotions felt a bit repetitive, which slowed the pacing in places. Even so, the emotional depth and character growth kept me invested from beginning to end.
If you enjoy stories with heartfelt romance, second chances, found family, and characters learning that it's never too late to rewrite their own story, I'd definitely recommend picking this one up.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read an advance copy of Rewrite the Stars. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A special thank you to St. Martin's Press, Netgalley and Lindsay Hameroff for this advance copy of Rewrite the Stars - this one publishes 7/7/26 and honestly should be celebrated.
I'm a fellow autism mom, and representation is so important, but every autism parent should read this book - Marissa, our FMC is an autism momma and actress, and I've never felt so seen by a character. Some of the quotes are stunning in here, and really reflect what every autism parent feels at some point in their lives with their children. On the flip side, I think anyone would enjoy this, special needs parent or not - Marissa and Jesse feel so healthy with their communication and making sure to figure out how this relationship is going to work. Normally I don't love celebrities in books or the "Hollywood life", but this one worked for me. I actually reached out to the author on Instagram to tell her how special this book is, and how everyone needs to pick it up.
Thank you again to Netgalley, the publishers and the author for this ARC in exchange for this honest review - please pick this book up when it publishes in July 2026, it's a beautiful romance.
I'm a fellow autism mom, and representation is so important, but every autism parent should read this book - Marissa, our FMC is an autism momma and actress, and I've never felt so seen by a character. Some of the quotes are stunning in here, and really reflect what every autism parent feels at some point in their lives with their children. On the flip side, I think anyone would enjoy this, special needs parent or not - Marissa and Jesse feel so healthy with their communication and making sure to figure out how this relationship is going to work. Normally I don't love celebrities in books or the "Hollywood life", but this one worked for me. I actually reached out to the author on Instagram to tell her how special this book is, and how everyone needs to pick it up.
Thank you again to Netgalley, the publishers and the author for this ARC in exchange for this honest review - please pick this book up when it publishes in July 2026, it's a beautiful romance.
February 26, 2026
Thank you to Net Galley and Lindsay Hameroff for providing me with this arc. This book was not quite what I was expecting. I really did appreciate the difference in style with this book compared to the other two in the series. It was very much giving Hallmark movie. I appreciated that the central theme surrounded a single mom making her comeback as an actress while prioritizing her children. The book did a good job depicting what moms go through and I liked being able to see Marissa start to prioritize herself rather than putting everyone else’s needs above her own. It touched a lot of the idea of how becoming a mom comes with a shift in identity which can be confusing for people. But it tugged on the heart strings in all the right ways. The aspect of the book that I was very impressed with was Lindsay’s representation of autism in the book. It was very well done and depicted the parent and child perspective in a way that was easy to understand and also related to.
July 5, 2026
This was a delightful read from Lindsay. I especially loved that it takes place in the Poconos primarily as I’m familiar with the area. Former child star Marissa decides to spend the Summer at a newly inherited house in the Poconos with her 2 kids as a way to escape the tabloids. There she reconnects with former childhood friend Jesse and one thing leads to another. I thought this was just as much a women’s fiction as it was a romance book and I loved Marissa’s journey from stay at home mom to finding herself again. Though this book was written with dual narration, I do wish we had gotten more of Jesse’s POV. It felt like most of the book was Marissa’s POV.
Though it wasn’t part of the story, I love that Marissa was Jewish. Loved the pacing of the last 15% and how it leads to a great epilogue. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Griffin for the ARC.
Though it wasn’t part of the story, I love that Marissa was Jewish. Loved the pacing of the last 15% and how it leads to a great epilogue. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Griffin for the ARC.
July 10, 2026
4.5⭐️ Marissa taking back her life while still being a strong mom was so good to read. Her ex is a celebrity that decided his career and validation through others was more important than his family. So when Marissa gets the opportunity to go back to her grandmother’s lake house, she jumps. They need a summer free from the spotlight and drama. At least she thought there wouldn’t be drama. Her ex, Rocky, has offered to take the kids for two weeks with his new fiancé. As much as this stresses Marissa out, she decides that it’s okay to have time for herself. Her summer has just begun and boy is it going to be good with the handsome Jesse around. But there’s a lot more than fun coming her way.
This truly has a little of everything. Autism rep., mother main character, little redemption, great friends, romance, and more. Thank you @stmartinspress @netgalley and @lindsayhameroff for the gifted e-copy.
This truly has a little of everything. Autism rep., mother main character, little redemption, great friends, romance, and more. Thank you @stmartinspress @netgalley and @lindsayhameroff for the gifted e-copy.
February 10, 2026
“Nearly every culture has its own interpretation of hell… across the varied spectrum of beliefs the one commonality everyone agrees on is that hell is a place of suffering. Which is why for parents, hell on earth is a third grade recorder concert”
From this first page knockout, I knew that Lindsay Hammeroff had something special here!
I really loved following Marissa‘s story as she navigated through life as a single parent/former TV and movie star.
The characters felt very genuine, and the battles Marissa went through internally as a mom trying to create her own life were incredibly relatable.
Hammeroff has definitely secured her place on my “must-read” authors list!
From this first page knockout, I knew that Lindsay Hammeroff had something special here!
I really loved following Marissa‘s story as she navigated through life as a single parent/former TV and movie star.
The characters felt very genuine, and the battles Marissa went through internally as a mom trying to create her own life were incredibly relatable.
Hammeroff has definitely secured her place on my “must-read” authors list!
May 29, 2026
I didn’t like the first book I read by this author, mainly because I hated the character’s decisions. But I knew I wanted to try again because I really liked her writing style and it was so easy to read.
This book was AMAZING. I started reading it on the plane and I couldn’t stop giggling, especially when I found out it was a dual POV. Jesse is so cutie I love him so much.
Also, Levi’s representation was so well done. And, as someone with a sister with special needs, the whole Marissa & Rocky storyline and how different they approached Levi’s autism hit really close to home ❤️🩹
I can’t wait to continue reading her!
Thank you NetGalley & St Martin’s Press for the ARC.
This book was AMAZING. I started reading it on the plane and I couldn’t stop giggling, especially when I found out it was a dual POV. Jesse is so cutie I love him so much.
Also, Levi’s representation was so well done. And, as someone with a sister with special needs, the whole Marissa & Rocky storyline and how different they approached Levi’s autism hit really close to home ❤️🩹
I can’t wait to continue reading her!
Thank you NetGalley & St Martin’s Press for the ARC.
March 16, 2026
Rewrite the Stars
By: @lindsayhameroff
Pub date: July 7, 2026
Publisher: St. Martins Press
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Loved this one. Starting over after a painful divorce is hard. When your divorce plays out publicly because you are in the public eye makes it harder to shield children. Marissa is at a crossroads.
The chance comes when she inherits property in another state. A chance at romance and a slower pace of life might be what she needs. Marissa has the chance to find out what she truly needs and what is best for her children.
Heartwarming, charming and being seen are elements of the story that connected with me. I have read all this authors books and highly recommend them all.
Thank you St. Martins Press for the early copy.
By: @lindsayhameroff
Pub date: July 7, 2026
Publisher: St. Martins Press
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Loved this one. Starting over after a painful divorce is hard. When your divorce plays out publicly because you are in the public eye makes it harder to shield children. Marissa is at a crossroads.
The chance comes when she inherits property in another state. A chance at romance and a slower pace of life might be what she needs. Marissa has the chance to find out what she truly needs and what is best for her children.
Heartwarming, charming and being seen are elements of the story that connected with me. I have read all this authors books and highly recommend them all.
Thank you St. Martins Press for the early copy.
July 2, 2026
Actress Marissa Morgan is caught between wanting to go back to her acting and wanting to be with her kids full time. Add to that an ex-husband who is of no help (and also newly engaged to the woman he dated before Marissa), a newly inherited lake house in the Poconos, and a really hot contractor working on said house and you get a summer that she'll never forget,
This as such a good one! Here's what I liked:
The setting: I love a good lake setting and this being set in the Poconos was perfect. You get the small town feel with all of the quirky yet loving neighbors. It's amazing.
The romance: I adored Marissa and Jesse. Marissa has so much going on in her life and Jesse is the perfect person for her to lean on. He's the one to take care of her for once. Jesse I ADORED. He has this need to help which matched with her so well. I also loved how he interacted with her kids.
This was such a good romance!
thank you to the author and publisher for the gifted copy!
This as such a good one! Here's what I liked:
The setting: I love a good lake setting and this being set in the Poconos was perfect. You get the small town feel with all of the quirky yet loving neighbors. It's amazing.
The romance: I adored Marissa and Jesse. Marissa has so much going on in her life and Jesse is the perfect person for her to lean on. He's the one to take care of her for once. Jesse I ADORED. He has this need to help which matched with her so well. I also loved how he interacted with her kids.
This was such a good romance!
thank you to the author and publisher for the gifted copy!
July 9, 2026
I went into this book pretty blindly after receiving a copy from the publisher. There is romance and heartbreak , but there’s also self discovery for Marissa and navigating parenthood with a child on the spectrum. It’s got the predictable 3rd act breakup but this really is a great summer read!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for letting me read this one<3
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for letting me read this one<3
June 8, 2026
This was a very heartwarming romance. Marissa and Jesse were an endearing couple, and their story was tender and loving. I received a copy of the book from the publisher.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
First off, once I started this book I could hardly put it down. I stayed up LAAATEEEE reading it which I think easily reflects my early positive feelings of this book. I found it easy and comforting and really enjoyed the premise of this book.
I will say, I had moments where I felt like some scenes didn’t push into feelings I felt could have been explored for a more meaningful connection between our MMCs. It wasn’t miscommunication… but there were moments where a lack of communication made me feel less invested in the strength of their attraction. Moments where they seemed to finally be seeking out a conversation but didn’t end up talking. And it wasn’t that something would magically be cleared up by talking (which is why I don’t attribute it to a miscommunication trope) but that I had a hard time understanding or buying the strength of their connection because they weren’t talking. How much could they really be learning each other outside the physical when they aren’t talking and truly getting to know one another? The third act drama was particularly meh for me and just further highlighted that even by the end I didn’t feel like they actually knew each other.
Additionally, there is a LOT of mommy topics in this book. So while that aspect didn’t resonate with me as a no kids lady, I think many mommies will love the journey Marissa goes through as a single mom of a son on the spectrum. I think more depth is given to Marissa on this topic than is given to the building of the romantic relationship so a can see how others may feel more drawn into this story and would even venture to say this is the point of this book over it being a romance.
There was one particular scene I kept getting thrown out of because of continuity errors? He takes her over to the bed twice, he’s ’participating in self enjoyment *cough* and later she unbuttons his pants. I tried to think of ways he may have been doing this with buttoned pants but based on the description I just don’t think so? Hoping this gets cleaned up before release. I never rate on grammar or misspelling in ARCS but I kind of feel like this type of thing should be done prior to releasing ARCs. I’ll still try not to rate based on this for now.
Again, I want to note that I DID enjoy this book for a majority of the ride. I loved how much this book highlighted under represented voices. I loved the idea of what role Jesse brings to Marissa. I love how he just wants to be a safe space for her. I just felt the romance could have been provided more depth than was given by providing some meaningful dialogue.
Thank you to Lindsay Hameroff and St. Martins Griffin for the eARC of this book. I always appreciate the opportunity to read and review.
This next part is slightly spoilery but I feel was an important piece to my final Star review so don’t continue if you don’t want to see it.
.
.
.
.
.
.
The third act was a real departure for how I felt about these characters before. While I didn’t feel the romance was front and center for the duration I really didn’t care for how the conclusion was done. I actually find it… to be a true character deficiency that the MMC decided to end their relationship based on the word of her ex without even having a single adult conversation with her about what she wants and no evidence to back up anything the ex said. It gives very, ‘let the men talk’ vibes and made me dislike him. Then the fact he let MONTHS go by without realizing he made a mistake? Ummm no. I’m not taking this guy back. Go talk to my ex about it why don’t you, since you obviously trust his opinion of what I want more than what I say. Sorry but you’re done.
I will say, I had moments where I felt like some scenes didn’t push into feelings I felt could have been explored for a more meaningful connection between our MMCs. It wasn’t miscommunication… but there were moments where a lack of communication made me feel less invested in the strength of their attraction. Moments where they seemed to finally be seeking out a conversation but didn’t end up talking. And it wasn’t that something would magically be cleared up by talking (which is why I don’t attribute it to a miscommunication trope) but that I had a hard time understanding or buying the strength of their connection because they weren’t talking. How much could they really be learning each other outside the physical when they aren’t talking and truly getting to know one another? The third act drama was particularly meh for me and just further highlighted that even by the end I didn’t feel like they actually knew each other.
Additionally, there is a LOT of mommy topics in this book. So while that aspect didn’t resonate with me as a no kids lady, I think many mommies will love the journey Marissa goes through as a single mom of a son on the spectrum. I think more depth is given to Marissa on this topic than is given to the building of the romantic relationship so a can see how others may feel more drawn into this story and would even venture to say this is the point of this book over it being a romance.
There was one particular scene I kept getting thrown out of because of continuity errors? He takes her over to the bed twice, he’s ’participating in self enjoyment *cough* and later she unbuttons his pants. I tried to think of ways he may have been doing this with buttoned pants but based on the description I just don’t think so? Hoping this gets cleaned up before release. I never rate on grammar or misspelling in ARCS but I kind of feel like this type of thing should be done prior to releasing ARCs. I’ll still try not to rate based on this for now.
Again, I want to note that I DID enjoy this book for a majority of the ride. I loved how much this book highlighted under represented voices. I loved the idea of what role Jesse brings to Marissa. I love how he just wants to be a safe space for her. I just felt the romance could have been provided more depth than was given by providing some meaningful dialogue.
Thank you to Lindsay Hameroff and St. Martins Griffin for the eARC of this book. I always appreciate the opportunity to read and review.
This next part is slightly spoilery but I feel was an important piece to my final Star review so don’t continue if you don’t want to see it.
.
.
.
.
.
.
The third act was a real departure for how I felt about these characters before. While I didn’t feel the romance was front and center for the duration I really didn’t care for how the conclusion was done. I actually find it… to be a true character deficiency that the MMC decided to end their relationship based on the word of her ex without even having a single adult conversation with her about what she wants and no evidence to back up anything the ex said. It gives very, ‘let the men talk’ vibes and made me dislike him. Then the fact he let MONTHS go by without realizing he made a mistake? Ummm no. I’m not taking this guy back. Go talk to my ex about it why don’t you, since you obviously trust his opinion of what I want more than what I say. Sorry but you’re done.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 311 reviews