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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 books544 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 415 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!
August 27, 2026
(4.5 stars)
Thank you to St. Martin’s Griffin for the opportunity to read a review copy of Rewrite The Stars by Lindsay Hameroff. I thoroughly enjoyed this romance, which included some fairly deep themes.
I loved that the story was mostly set in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. It’s not somewhere that a lot of stories are set.
Marissa Morgan (real name Morganstern) is an actress who has given up her career to take care of her two young children, Isla and Levi. She has resisted all efforts to cast her in movies since Levi was diagnosed with autism. Now she is in the middle of a messy media storm (her ex-husband, Rocky, is a famous actor and director, and a serial cheater, and is newly engaged to another actress). When she inherits her grandmother’s lake house in Pennsylvania, a place she loved as a child, she decides it’s the perfect location for the summer, to get away from the paparazzi and the chaos of Los Angeles. When she gets there, she realizes that the house needs more than just the floors being refinished. She connects with the head of the construction company, Jesse, who turns out to be the boy she was good friends with, back in the day.
I loved the neurodiversity/autism rep and the low-key Jewish representation, along with a lovely romance and a great sense of place. The side characters were terrific: Pooja, her best friend, and Toby, Jesse’s brother and his wife, Shelby, along with some of the townspeople. I relished the journey that Marissa took, seeing her realize that she had been putting herself last for so long, behind her children’s needs and even her ex-husband’s needs. It was wonderful to see her gradually step into herself. And there’s an adorable dog too! The scenes featuring Diesel, especially when he got skunked, were really funny.
I didn’t want this one to end. Highly recommended.
Note: Some spicy scenes
Thank you to St. Martin’s Griffin for the opportunity to read a review copy of Rewrite The Stars by Lindsay Hameroff. I thoroughly enjoyed this romance, which included some fairly deep themes.
I loved that the story was mostly set in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. It’s not somewhere that a lot of stories are set.
Marissa Morgan (real name Morganstern) is an actress who has given up her career to take care of her two young children, Isla and Levi. She has resisted all efforts to cast her in movies since Levi was diagnosed with autism. Now she is in the middle of a messy media storm (her ex-husband, Rocky, is a famous actor and director, and a serial cheater, and is newly engaged to another actress). When she inherits her grandmother’s lake house in Pennsylvania, a place she loved as a child, she decides it’s the perfect location for the summer, to get away from the paparazzi and the chaos of Los Angeles. When she gets there, she realizes that the house needs more than just the floors being refinished. She connects with the head of the construction company, Jesse, who turns out to be the boy she was good friends with, back in the day.
I loved the neurodiversity/autism rep and the low-key Jewish representation, along with a lovely romance and a great sense of place. The side characters were terrific: Pooja, her best friend, and Toby, Jesse’s brother and his wife, Shelby, along with some of the townspeople. I relished the journey that Marissa took, seeing her realize that she had been putting herself last for so long, behind her children’s needs and even her ex-husband’s needs. It was wonderful to see her gradually step into herself. And there’s an adorable dog too! The scenes featuring Diesel, especially when he got skunked, were really funny.
I didn’t want this one to end. Highly recommended.
Note: Some spicy scenes
July 15, 2026
Just finished reading an advanced copy of a book that was just released on July 7th called, Rewrite the Stars. This is about Marissa, she used to be an actress but now she is a single mom of two. She is trying her best to give her kids a great childhood out of the spotlight, which isn't easy when her ex-husband/father of her children is all about the spotlight. When Marissa's ex suddenly gets engaged and it's all over the tabloids, and then she gets a call that she was left her late grandmother's lakehouse, she decides that a summer away from LA and in the Poconos by the lake is the perfect quiet summer getaway for her and the kids. The lake house needs work so she hires a local contractor to fix the place up before they arrive, but when they get there the house is still being worked on. Jesse is one of the guys working on Marissa's lake house and he hasn't seen her since they were young kids playing at the lake together. She doesn't seem to remember him but he could never forget the girl he spent childhood summers with and then watched her career take off on his TV screen. As time passes she keeps wondering why something about Jesse seems so familiar, she is developing feelings for him and wants to see where things could go between them. But summer is short and her family's lives are back in LA, this was supposed to be just a summer getaway.
This was such a good and well-rounded romance! This story was about Marissa's self growth of rediscovering herself/her career, while being a mother to a child with autism, and taking a chance to fall in love again. Everything about this story was sweet and heartfelt! This was a perfect summer read, I felt like I was at the lake house with them! This was my first book by this author and it definitely won't be my last, I really enjoyed this book! 🩷📚
Thank you to Lindsay Hameroff, St. Martin's Press, and Netgalley for this ARC of Rewrite the Stars, in exchange for an honest review.
This was such a good and well-rounded romance! This story was about Marissa's self growth of rediscovering herself/her career, while being a mother to a child with autism, and taking a chance to fall in love again. Everything about this story was sweet and heartfelt! This was a perfect summer read, I felt like I was at the lake house with them! This was my first book by this author and it definitely won't be my last, I really enjoyed this book! 🩷📚
Thank you to Lindsay Hameroff, St. Martin's Press, and Netgalley for this ARC of Rewrite the Stars, in exchange for an honest review.
July 25, 2026
This is a contemporary romance mostly set in The Poconos in Pennsylvania.
Marissa (35) is a divorced single mom. She inherits a lake house from her grandmother. She is a former Hollywood movie star who took a decade off to take care of her kids.
Her son was diagnosed with autism and her marriage fell apart. And now she is so focused on her kids that she struggles to make time for herself.
They live in Los Angeles. But she decides to take her kids to spend the summer in The Poconos, where she used to spend summers as a child.
Jesse is 36. He is a carpenter and the foreman of the construction company Marissa hired to fix up the lake house.
This book is such a quick fun read. I loved the small town/ big city vibes. There is forced proximity and an awesome dog.
Marissa’s ex-husband is a famous Hollywood director. He is a master manipulator and the major villain in the book. I wanted to slap him!
The book features incredible autism/ neurodiversity rep. Marissa’s son has autism and this part of the story is extremely impactful.
The supporting characters are amazing. The romance is sweet. And I loved the Hollywood actress/regular guy trope. If you are looking for a romance that will make you smile. This is an enjoyable heartwarming read.
Thanks to netgalley and St. Martin's Press for allowing me to read this book.
Marissa (35) is a divorced single mom. She inherits a lake house from her grandmother. She is a former Hollywood movie star who took a decade off to take care of her kids.
Her son was diagnosed with autism and her marriage fell apart. And now she is so focused on her kids that she struggles to make time for herself.
They live in Los Angeles. But she decides to take her kids to spend the summer in The Poconos, where she used to spend summers as a child.
Jesse is 36. He is a carpenter and the foreman of the construction company Marissa hired to fix up the lake house.
This book is such a quick fun read. I loved the small town/ big city vibes. There is forced proximity and an awesome dog.
Marissa’s ex-husband is a famous Hollywood director. He is a master manipulator and the major villain in the book. I wanted to slap him!
The book features incredible autism/ neurodiversity rep. Marissa’s son has autism and this part of the story is extremely impactful.
The supporting characters are amazing. The romance is sweet. And I loved the Hollywood actress/regular guy trope. If you are looking for a romance that will make you smile. This is an enjoyable heartwarming read.
Thanks to netgalley and St. Martin's Press for allowing me to read this book.
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!
August 3, 2026
4.5/5 ⭐️
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.
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.
July 27, 2026
This was such a nice story, and I liked it even more than I expected.
Marissa Morgan, an actress, returns to her childhood lake house in the Poconos after her husband announces his engagement to another woman. He built his career and became famous while Marissa stayed home, caring for their children and protecting them from the spotlight.
She takes her two kids and begins renovating the house she inherited from her grandmother, planning to sell it. In that idyllic place, she meets wonderful people who offer her understanding and solitude. That’s when she starts to see her life differently, finally focusing on herself too.
The story is told through two POVs: Marissa’s and Jessie’s, a boy she knew before she left for Hollywood.
I enjoyed both perspectives. Jessie was such a great man. He waited for Marissa to remember him when he was only thirteen, and he cheered her on when she left for Hollywood, even though he was heartbroken to lose her. And when they finally had a chance to be together years later… was he just a carpenter to her, or was there something more between them?
But I especially loved Shelby, Jessie’s sister‑in‑law. She was hilarious and made friends in seconds. She and her husband, Toby, added so much fun and laughter to the story. And the relationship between the brothers was just wonderful.
I loved reading this book and looked forward to picking it up every time I had a break. It was romantic, humorous, and heartwarming.
Marissa Morgan, an actress, returns to her childhood lake house in the Poconos after her husband announces his engagement to another woman. He built his career and became famous while Marissa stayed home, caring for their children and protecting them from the spotlight.
She takes her two kids and begins renovating the house she inherited from her grandmother, planning to sell it. In that idyllic place, she meets wonderful people who offer her understanding and solitude. That’s when she starts to see her life differently, finally focusing on herself too.
The story is told through two POVs: Marissa’s and Jessie’s, a boy she knew before she left for Hollywood.
I enjoyed both perspectives. Jessie was such a great man. He waited for Marissa to remember him when he was only thirteen, and he cheered her on when she left for Hollywood, even though he was heartbroken to lose her. And when they finally had a chance to be together years later… was he just a carpenter to her, or was there something more between them?
But I especially loved Shelby, Jessie’s sister‑in‑law. She was hilarious and made friends in seconds. She and her husband, Toby, added so much fun and laughter to the story. And the relationship between the brothers was just wonderful.
I loved reading this book and looked forward to picking it up every time I had a break. It was romantic, humorous, and heartwarming.
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
August 23, 2026
When the very public news of her ex-husband's engagement drops and a surprise inheritance falls in her lap, former child actress Marissa seizes the opportunity to flee the media storm and LA. Packing up her kids, they head across the country to the lake house in the Poconos. She seeks the solace in the place where she spent her childhood summers and a chance to be out of the public eye. Upon arrival, they find a construction duo still working on renovations, and one in particular might just help repair more than the house for Marissa...
There's so much to love within the pages of 𝗥𝗲𝘄𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘀. The budding romance between Marissa and Jesse is as sweet and messy as a campfire s'mores. Watching Marissa's self growth and rediscovery of herself, though, was probably my favorite aspect. I found a great deal of joy in the pop culture references and connections. Side characters like Toby, Shelby, and Pooja add levity to ground the story, and I adored Isla and Levi with my whole heart. The neurodivergent representation for Levi is thoughtful and earnest and a true love letter to Hameroff's own parental experiences.
Hameroff has penned yet another charming, tenderhearted story that sparkles with love, radiates with warmth, yet also contains a multitude of depth.
There's so much to love within the pages of 𝗥𝗲𝘄𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘀. The budding romance between Marissa and Jesse is as sweet and messy as a campfire s'mores. Watching Marissa's self growth and rediscovery of herself, though, was probably my favorite aspect. I found a great deal of joy in the pop culture references and connections. Side characters like Toby, Shelby, and Pooja add levity to ground the story, and I adored Isla and Levi with my whole heart. The neurodivergent representation for Levi is thoughtful and earnest and a true love letter to Hameroff's own parental experiences.
Hameroff has penned yet another charming, tenderhearted story that sparkles with love, radiates with warmth, yet also contains a multitude of depth.
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!
July 12, 2026
4.5 stars
From the opening chapter of this book until the epilogue, I was hooked. The writing is witty and also emotional. The duel narration bring us Marissa and Jesse’s POV which allows us to get a glimpse into the backstory while also feeling how emotionally charged they both feel at various times. There’s a wonderful depth to these characters and I felt the struggle that Marissa goes through being a mom of a child on the spectrum. Great representation here.
The romance storyline was believable and the build up tension was delightful. I fell in love with Jesse and only took .5 star off because the predictable third act break up was not surprising and I wanted to see Jesse not do the predictable. I was hoping our author would make Jesse our book boyfriend hero without the grand gesture.
I will be getting this one on audiobook for sure.
From the opening chapter of this book until the epilogue, I was hooked. The writing is witty and also emotional. The duel narration bring us Marissa and Jesse’s POV which allows us to get a glimpse into the backstory while also feeling how emotionally charged they both feel at various times. There’s a wonderful depth to these characters and I felt the struggle that Marissa goes through being a mom of a child on the spectrum. Great representation here.
The romance storyline was believable and the build up tension was delightful. I fell in love with Jesse and only took .5 star off because the predictable third act break up was not surprising and I wanted to see Jesse not do the predictable. I was hoping our author would make Jesse our book boyfriend hero without the grand gesture.
I will be getting this one on audiobook for sure.
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.*
August 25, 2026
Absolutely adorable! A fun read for sure. Having the Poconos as part of where some of the novel takes place was a fun treat!
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*****
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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*****
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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.
August 18, 2026
This book was the cutest most adorable story I’ve ever read. Childhood friends he had a massive crush on her and now is helping renovate her grandmother’s house. Marissa, semi-retired actress, single mom to two cute kids escapes to her grandmother’s house after her ex-husband’s scandal is too public for her and her kids. The slow emotional burn between them was excruciatingly satisfying.
Thank you to St Martin's Press & NetGalley for an ARC of this book, in exchange for my honest opinion.
Thank you to St Martin's Press & NetGalley for an ARC of this book, in exchange for my honest opinion.
July 29, 2026
Quick Summary: A this time, our time second chance romance
My Review: Rewrite the Stars by Lindsay Hameroff is a contemporary romance. It was released on 7/7/26.
About the Book: "Marissa Morgan...an ex-actress...mother of two...she’s worked hard to give her kids a normal childhood and shield them from the spotlight. When her ex-husband announces his high-profile engagement and a media storm ensues, Marissa and her kids flee Los Angeles...
Jesse, the handsome (and vaguely familiar) foreman...
...mounting attraction...
...questions 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, Marissa and Jesse wonder how they’ll fit into each other’s future. Can the two of them chart a new course together, or is it too late to rewrite the script for a happily ever after?"
In My Own Words: When unexpected detours meet hearts aflame, a second chance at forever becomes the new narrative.
What I Loved/Liked:
♀️ - Strong woman who persevered in spite of all she faced, representing healthy stability
🏡 - Family bond between Marissa and her kids
🤍 - Neurodivergent representation
🩺 - Therapy/Intervention Shoutout
💜 - Second Chance Element
🔥 - Connection & Chemistry
👤 - All Things Jesse
🛡️ - Shield Vibe (I could book club on this aspect alone. And yes, I did use "book club" like a verb.)
My Final Say: This novel is the type of story that gives off happy sighs and all the love kinds of energy. It was gutpunchingly real and achingly beautiful. It is a real one.
Ultimately, this story was all about family drama and relationships at different levels, novel experiences, and living beyond the whats and whys. I loved that the story addressed what it takes to heal, what giving self permission to move on and to love looked like in the messiness of doing life, and how to exist in the spaces you occupy.
A special nod goes to the author for presenting ASD in such a realistic way. I know this life. She did a masterful job of showing what the day to day looks like. I was very tender towards Marissa's children. It can be challenging to navigate parenthood, sibling dynamics, and partner relationships when dealing with spectrum matters. Well done!
Other: Readers who look for romances with grit, courage, heart, and raw emotion will definitely love this novel. This story is book club gold.
Rating: 4.5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Re-read: Yes
Keeper: Yes
Favorites Shelf: Yes
Status: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 1/2
Level: ❤️🩹❤️
Format: 📱
Cover: +
Title: +
Sincere appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher (St. Martin's Press | St. Martin's Griffin), and to NetGalley. Thank you so very much for granting access to a digital ARC of this title in exchange for an honest critique. The words I have shared are my own thoughts and opinions. I am grateful for the opportunity, and I look forward to reading more books by this author.
My Review: Rewrite the Stars by Lindsay Hameroff is a contemporary romance. It was released on 7/7/26.
About the Book: "Marissa Morgan...an ex-actress...mother of two...she’s worked hard to give her kids a normal childhood and shield them from the spotlight. When her ex-husband announces his high-profile engagement and a media storm ensues, Marissa and her kids flee Los Angeles...
Jesse, the handsome (and vaguely familiar) foreman...
...mounting attraction...
...questions 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, Marissa and Jesse wonder how they’ll fit into each other’s future. Can the two of them chart a new course together, or is it too late to rewrite the script for a happily ever after?"
In My Own Words: When unexpected detours meet hearts aflame, a second chance at forever becomes the new narrative.
What I Loved/Liked:
♀️ - Strong woman who persevered in spite of all she faced, representing healthy stability
🏡 - Family bond between Marissa and her kids
🤍 - Neurodivergent representation
🩺 - Therapy/Intervention Shoutout
💜 - Second Chance Element
🔥 - Connection & Chemistry
👤 - All Things Jesse
🛡️ - Shield Vibe (I could book club on this aspect alone. And yes, I did use "book club" like a verb.)
My Final Say: This novel is the type of story that gives off happy sighs and all the love kinds of energy. It was gutpunchingly real and achingly beautiful. It is a real one.
Ultimately, this story was all about family drama and relationships at different levels, novel experiences, and living beyond the whats and whys. I loved that the story addressed what it takes to heal, what giving self permission to move on and to love looked like in the messiness of doing life, and how to exist in the spaces you occupy.
A special nod goes to the author for presenting ASD in such a realistic way. I know this life. She did a masterful job of showing what the day to day looks like. I was very tender towards Marissa's children. It can be challenging to navigate parenthood, sibling dynamics, and partner relationships when dealing with spectrum matters. Well done!
Other: Readers who look for romances with grit, courage, heart, and raw emotion will definitely love this novel. This story is book club gold.
Rating: 4.5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Re-read: Yes
Keeper: Yes
Favorites Shelf: Yes
Status: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 1/2
Level: ❤️🩹❤️
Format: 📱
Cover: +
Title: +
Sincere appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher (St. Martin's Press | St. Martin's Griffin), and to NetGalley. Thank you so very much for granting access to a digital ARC of this title in exchange for an honest critique. The words I have shared are my own thoughts and opinions. I am grateful for the opportunity, and I look forward to reading more books by this author.
July 23, 2026
I loved just about everything about this book! Marissa and Jesse were great characters and showed so much growth by the end. There were so many sweet moments, coupled with emotionally charged ones allowed for greater connections with each other.
The way Lindsay approaches the inclusion of Levi’s autism was full of care and is so important for inclusivity. Isla is such a sassy kid and a great sister to Levi. Their connection was so cute! Also including the struggle Marissa feels in not being a good enough mom to them was so real.
Marissa and Jesse’s relationship was actually really fun to read! The fact that they knew each other as kids for a few summers made it all the more special! I absolutely loved the paint ball date! Super cute! The way Jesse just inherently knows how to help Levi without trying or actually knowing how to made him all the more better of an MMC. The spice was just enough to not be distracting but did show great intimacy. Also one of the more touching moments was when they were taking care of Diesel after he got skunked. I feel like their level of intimacy was elevated there.
And the fact that the town allows Marissa to just be a person and not care about her celebrity status is just perfect! Shelly and Toby are great supporting characters and let’s not forget Pooja as a best friend was so supportive and funny!
I loved the fact that yes this is a romance, but I was actually more invested in Marissa’s growth as an individual and mother. The romance is nice a sweet and spicy, but the way Marissa is able to realize that she’s doing the best she can and it’s actually a really remarkable job at that. And she learns how to accept help from her found family!
The only thing I didn’t like was the third act breakup. I just never like that in general because what do you mean these guys are middle aged and don’t know how to communicate to avoid this like in a normal situation/relationship. I’m just over them at this point. I did like the grand gesture on the movie set though!
The way Lindsay approaches the inclusion of Levi’s autism was full of care and is so important for inclusivity. Isla is such a sassy kid and a great sister to Levi. Their connection was so cute! Also including the struggle Marissa feels in not being a good enough mom to them was so real.
Marissa and Jesse’s relationship was actually really fun to read! The fact that they knew each other as kids for a few summers made it all the more special! I absolutely loved the paint ball date! Super cute! The way Jesse just inherently knows how to help Levi without trying or actually knowing how to made him all the more better of an MMC. The spice was just enough to not be distracting but did show great intimacy. Also one of the more touching moments was when they were taking care of Diesel after he got skunked. I feel like their level of intimacy was elevated there.
And the fact that the town allows Marissa to just be a person and not care about her celebrity status is just perfect! Shelly and Toby are great supporting characters and let’s not forget Pooja as a best friend was so supportive and funny!
I loved the fact that yes this is a romance, but I was actually more invested in Marissa’s growth as an individual and mother. The romance is nice a sweet and spicy, but the way Marissa is able to realize that she’s doing the best she can and it’s actually a really remarkable job at that. And she learns how to accept help from her found family!
The only thing I didn’t like was the third act breakup. I just never like that in general because what do you mean these guys are middle aged and don’t know how to communicate to avoid this like in a normal situation/relationship. I’m just over them at this point. I did like the grand gesture on the movie set though!
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 22, 2026
Raise your hand if you’d love a book filled with summer days, a cozy lake house, a recently divorced FMC, and—most importantly—the handsome man fixing up the lake house. 🙋♀️😉
Meet Marissa, an actress and mother of two who’s navigating life after divorce. Wanting a break from Hollywood, she spends the summer at the lake house her late aunt left her—a place where she spent countless summers growing up.
Lindsay Hameroff made it so easy to get lost in this story. I felt like I was right there with Marissa, gazing at the stars, falling in love, and making s’mores by the lake. It’s been a few weeks since I finished the book, and I still find myself thinking back to those peaceful summer nights. To me, that’s always a sign of a story that leaves its mark.
At its heart, this felt like a love letter to mothers. While I’m not a mom myself, I really appreciated its message: becoming a parent doesn’t mean losing who you are. Being a mom isn’t your entire identity—it’s a beautiful part of the person you already are.
Jesse was easily my favorite character. He was exactly what Marissa and her children needed: patient, dependable, kind, and quietly supportive throughout the entire story. The only minor thing that stood out to me was that, at times, his dialogue felt a little more feminine because of the word choices. It didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the story, though, and it certainly didn’t stop me from falling for his character.
If you’re looking for a heartfelt romance with small-town summer vibes, healing after heartbreak, and a reminder that it’s never too late to rediscover yourself, I’d definitely recommend picking this one up.
⭐️ Rating: 4/5
Meet Marissa, an actress and mother of two who’s navigating life after divorce. Wanting a break from Hollywood, she spends the summer at the lake house her late aunt left her—a place where she spent countless summers growing up.
Lindsay Hameroff made it so easy to get lost in this story. I felt like I was right there with Marissa, gazing at the stars, falling in love, and making s’mores by the lake. It’s been a few weeks since I finished the book, and I still find myself thinking back to those peaceful summer nights. To me, that’s always a sign of a story that leaves its mark.
At its heart, this felt like a love letter to mothers. While I’m not a mom myself, I really appreciated its message: becoming a parent doesn’t mean losing who you are. Being a mom isn’t your entire identity—it’s a beautiful part of the person you already are.
Jesse was easily my favorite character. He was exactly what Marissa and her children needed: patient, dependable, kind, and quietly supportive throughout the entire story. The only minor thing that stood out to me was that, at times, his dialogue felt a little more feminine because of the word choices. It didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the story, though, and it certainly didn’t stop me from falling for his character.
If you’re looking for a heartfelt romance with small-town summer vibes, healing after heartbreak, and a reminder that it’s never too late to rediscover yourself, I’d definitely recommend picking this one up.
⭐️ Rating: 4/5
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 13, 2026
Rewrite the Stars by Lindsay Hameroff is a slow-loving romance featuring featuring Marissa who is single mom and retired TV/movie star. She has inherited her grandmother’s lake house in Pennsylvania; needing a getaway, she and her two children took off for the summer. It was in worse shape than she thought and the people working on the floors were still there, rather than finished as she thought they’d be. Her small son, Levi, who is five, is autistic. He has made great progress but it had been a long day. He was on the edge. She found the people in the area very friendly, especially the people who owned the business, with whom she contracted to do some other work. The man running the show was a very attractive man named Jesse. They became friends. He was there when her ex-husband, Rocky showed up, unannounced. It was not pretty, but not as bad as it might have been. Rocky was a bigger star than she and now was doing some directing. He had never been much of a father, so she questioned his appearance now.
These were good characters in a not-very-realistic romance. Don’t got me wrong, it was a very entertaining read. I know romances are supposed to be happily-ever-after, but bottom line is, people don’t change as much as one might hope. Marissa’s best friend is a producer, Pooja, who is constantly trying to get Marissa to make a comeback. So far, she was failing, but she was a good friend throughout the story. Ya gotta love a good romance.
I was invited to read Rewrite the Stars by St. Martin’s Press. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #StMartinsPress #LindsayHameroff #RewriteTheStars
These were good characters in a not-very-realistic romance. Don’t got me wrong, it was a very entertaining read. I know romances are supposed to be happily-ever-after, but bottom line is, people don’t change as much as one might hope. Marissa’s best friend is a producer, Pooja, who is constantly trying to get Marissa to make a comeback. So far, she was failing, but she was a good friend throughout the story. Ya gotta love a good romance.
I was invited to read Rewrite the Stars by St. Martin’s Press. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #StMartinsPress #LindsayHameroff #RewriteTheStars
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