What do you think?
Rate this book
Win a free print copy of this book!
20 days and 13:06:49
10 copies available
U.S. and Canada only
The Stargazer of Nantucket: A Novel
Not yet published
Expected 9 Jun 26Win a free print copy of this book!
20 days and 13:06:49
10 copies available
U.S. and Canada only
From award-winning author Julie Gerstenblatt, an epic tale of adventure on the high seas, a spunky stowaway, and a family confronting the past to secure their future.
Massachusetts, 1851
Winifred Starbuck wants only one to join her parents on their final merchant voyage—from Nantucket Island to bustling San Francisco, then across the glittering Pacific to the distant ports of China. Yet renowned trade captains Nell and Peter Starbuck have forbidden their daughter from coming aboard on the adventure of a lifetime. So Winnie does what any strong-willed eighteen-year-old would she stows away.
Once the ship sets sail, Winnie is plunged into turbulent waters, treachery, and the thrill of life on the high seas. As she drifts farther from shore, and closer to fabled Canton port, she uncovers a long-buried secret—one that reveals the truth behind her parents’ desperate fear. And as she continues to chart her own course, she’ll have to plumb the depths of her courage to take on a world far bigger—and more dangerous—than she ever imagined.
Massachusetts, 1851
Winifred Starbuck wants only one to join her parents on their final merchant voyage—from Nantucket Island to bustling San Francisco, then across the glittering Pacific to the distant ports of China. Yet renowned trade captains Nell and Peter Starbuck have forbidden their daughter from coming aboard on the adventure of a lifetime. So Winnie does what any strong-willed eighteen-year-old would she stows away.
Once the ship sets sail, Winnie is plunged into turbulent waters, treachery, and the thrill of life on the high seas. As she drifts farther from shore, and closer to fabled Canton port, she uncovers a long-buried secret—one that reveals the truth behind her parents’ desperate fear. And as she continues to chart her own course, she’ll have to plumb the depths of her courage to take on a world far bigger—and more dangerous—than she ever imagined.
400 pages, Paperback
Expected publication June 9, 2026
About the author
Julie Gerstenblatt
5 books176 followersJulie Gerstenblatt is the author of Daughters of Nantucket, which won the New England Society Book Award for Fiction and The Stargazer of Nantucket, publishing in 2026. She holds a doctorate in curriculum and instruction from Teachers College, Columbia University and has taught everything from middle school English to graduate studies. Her essays have appeared in Huffington Post and Grown & Flown, among others. A native New Yorker who has been visiting Nantucket since childhood, Julie now lives in coastal Rhode Island with her family and one very smart shichon poo.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
May 21, 2026
Thank you to Park Row and Harlequin Audio for the opportunity to read and listen to an advance copy of The Stargazer of Nantucket by Julie Gerstenblatt. This was gripping historical fiction, about a fast clipper ship that sails from Nantucket to San Francisco and then to China in 1851.
We meet a married couple, Peter and Nell Starbuck, and their 18-year-old daughter, Winifred, along with a whole cast of Nantucket neighbors and the ship’s crew. The period detail was so interesting, but it didn’t overwhelm the story. Along the way, I learned a lot about how those sailing ships managed to keep their crew fed and the ship in good repair for all those months at sea.
The story stars when Peter Starbuck is ready to start what he hopes to be a record-breaking trip to San Francisco and Canton, China. As captain and owner of the Stargazer, he wants to break the speed record. Nell, his wife, is a skilled merchant and the two of them have made many sea voyages together. Winifred REALLY wants to go with her parents but since she is forbidden, she manages to stow away. (There’s a prologue that tells the reader why her parents don’t want her on board with them but she doesn’t know anything about that.) Once Winnie is discovered on board, there’s not much her parents can do about it!
The voyage runs into several problems along the way, including a massive storm not far from their starting point, which damages the main mast, and more. But Peter refuses to stop for repairs, because his heart is set on that speed record.
I enjoyed the various characters on board the Stargazer (and loved their diversity), and the visit to San Francisco, when it was in the throes of the Gold Rush. The story got more exciting as it went along. I was a bit disappointed that we didn’t get much about Hong Kong or Canton, because those places were at the very end of the story, but that’s a small quibble.
The author’s note tells us that she based her fictitious story on a real ship and on a real husband-and-wife team.
I mostly listened to the audiobook version and Erin Lin, a new-to-me narrator, did an excellent job with all the various voices and accents.
We meet a married couple, Peter and Nell Starbuck, and their 18-year-old daughter, Winifred, along with a whole cast of Nantucket neighbors and the ship’s crew. The period detail was so interesting, but it didn’t overwhelm the story. Along the way, I learned a lot about how those sailing ships managed to keep their crew fed and the ship in good repair for all those months at sea.
The story stars when Peter Starbuck is ready to start what he hopes to be a record-breaking trip to San Francisco and Canton, China. As captain and owner of the Stargazer, he wants to break the speed record. Nell, his wife, is a skilled merchant and the two of them have made many sea voyages together. Winifred REALLY wants to go with her parents but since she is forbidden, she manages to stow away. (There’s a prologue that tells the reader why her parents don’t want her on board with them but she doesn’t know anything about that.) Once Winnie is discovered on board, there’s not much her parents can do about it!
The voyage runs into several problems along the way, including a massive storm not far from their starting point, which damages the main mast, and more. But Peter refuses to stop for repairs, because his heart is set on that speed record.
I enjoyed the various characters on board the Stargazer (and loved their diversity), and the visit to San Francisco, when it was in the throes of the Gold Rush. The story got more exciting as it went along. I was a bit disappointed that we didn’t get much about Hong Kong or Canton, because those places were at the very end of the story, but that’s a small quibble.
The author’s note tells us that she based her fictitious story on a real ship and on a real husband-and-wife team.
I mostly listened to the audiobook version and Erin Lin, a new-to-me narrator, did an excellent job with all the various voices and accents.
March 18, 2026
The Stargazer of Nantucket
This author has beautiful stories about Nantucket and this one takes us back to 1851.
Winifred Starbucks family are merchants and sail the world. Her parents won’t let her go on the final merchant voyage. She stowaway as the journey will take them from Nantucket, San Francisco and China.
She sets out to prove she has the will and guts to mar this voyage. Not only are the seas treacherous but she will be challenged in more than ways than she envisioned.
An epic tail not to be missed.
This author has beautiful stories about Nantucket and this one takes us back to 1851.
Winifred Starbucks family are merchants and sail the world. Her parents won’t let her go on the final merchant voyage. She stowaway as the journey will take them from Nantucket, San Francisco and China.
She sets out to prove she has the will and guts to mar this voyage. Not only are the seas treacherous but she will be challenged in more than ways than she envisioned.
An epic tail not to be missed.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This mid-1800s historical fiction adventure hooked me right from the prologue. It was such an interesting way to start the story.
The story follows Winifred, also known as Winnie or Fred, the heir to her family’s fortune. Her mother, Nell Starbuck, is a merchant trader aboard the ship captained by her husband, Peter. Winnie becomes a stowaway on her parents’ ship even though she has always been forbidden from going to sea since she was very young. The crew believes she is bad luck after something that happened years ago, though Winnie herself does not remember being at sea.
I really enjoyed the adventure aspect of this story. From the open sea to Massachusetts, San Francisco, Hong Kong, and California during the Gold Rush era, the setting felt very immersive. The writing was descriptive and painted such a strong picture. You could almost smell the salt in the sea air while listening.
The audiobook narration by Erin Lin was very well done, especially with how many characters this story had.
This story felt very well researched, and I loved finding out at the end that it was inspired by a real ship captained by a husband-and-wife team.
One of my favorite aspects was how the story highlighted the struggles women faced during this timeframe. It explored being underestimated, women fighting to be seen in a man’s world, and the strength they had to have to survive. The story also touched on slavery, the Gold Rush, and conflicts between different countries and cultures during this period.
The crew and passengers aboard the Stargazer really made this story for me. There were so many mysteries, secrets, betrayals, dangers at sea, and questions about what would become of everyone. I was never bored and always wanted to keep listening to see where the story would go next.
My one complaint was that the writing occasionally felt a little choppy. I think it was mostly because there was so much happening with such a large cast. I never felt confused or lost, but I did wish some of the dialogue and moments had been given a little more room to breathe.
And I have to say it. If I heard the phrase ‘poop deck’ one more time, I thought I might lose my mind. I know it is a real nautical term, but hearing it repeated so often started driving me nuts. I even looked it up and found there were multiple other names that could have been used instead.
Overall, this was a captivating historical fiction adventure full of mystery, family secrets, danger at sea, betrayal, coming-of-age themes, and strong women. I especially loved Joseph and wish we could have gotten even more of his storyline.
I definitely plan to read the author’s other book, Daughters of Nantucket.
Thank you Harlequin Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to experience the audiobook early.
The story follows Winifred, also known as Winnie or Fred, the heir to her family’s fortune. Her mother, Nell Starbuck, is a merchant trader aboard the ship captained by her husband, Peter. Winnie becomes a stowaway on her parents’ ship even though she has always been forbidden from going to sea since she was very young. The crew believes she is bad luck after something that happened years ago, though Winnie herself does not remember being at sea.
I really enjoyed the adventure aspect of this story. From the open sea to Massachusetts, San Francisco, Hong Kong, and California during the Gold Rush era, the setting felt very immersive. The writing was descriptive and painted such a strong picture. You could almost smell the salt in the sea air while listening.
The audiobook narration by Erin Lin was very well done, especially with how many characters this story had.
This story felt very well researched, and I loved finding out at the end that it was inspired by a real ship captained by a husband-and-wife team.
One of my favorite aspects was how the story highlighted the struggles women faced during this timeframe. It explored being underestimated, women fighting to be seen in a man’s world, and the strength they had to have to survive. The story also touched on slavery, the Gold Rush, and conflicts between different countries and cultures during this period.
The crew and passengers aboard the Stargazer really made this story for me. There were so many mysteries, secrets, betrayals, dangers at sea, and questions about what would become of everyone. I was never bored and always wanted to keep listening to see where the story would go next.
My one complaint was that the writing occasionally felt a little choppy. I think it was mostly because there was so much happening with such a large cast. I never felt confused or lost, but I did wish some of the dialogue and moments had been given a little more room to breathe.
And I have to say it. If I heard the phrase ‘poop deck’ one more time, I thought I might lose my mind. I know it is a real nautical term, but hearing it repeated so often started driving me nuts. I even looked it up and found there were multiple other names that could have been used instead.
Overall, this was a captivating historical fiction adventure full of mystery, family secrets, danger at sea, betrayal, coming-of-age themes, and strong women. I especially loved Joseph and wish we could have gotten even more of his storyline.
I definitely plan to read the author’s other book, Daughters of Nantucket.
Thank you Harlequin Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to experience the audiobook early.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Title: The Stargazer of Nantucket
Author: Julie Gersteinblatt
Format: 🎧
Narrator: Erin Lin
Publisher: Harlequin Audio~ Park Row Books
Genre: Historical Fiction
Pub Date: June 9, 2026
My Rating: 3.5 Stars!
Pages: 400
Although I am not a big fan of historical fiction, I was drawn to this story as I always enjoy stories about Nantucket. This story takes readers back to Massachusetts, 1851
Winifred Starbuck wants only one thing that is to join her parents on their final merchant voyage on their new ship “The Stargazer – claimed to the fast ship on the sea and planned to earn the record of the fastest!
This trip starts from Nantucket Island to bustling San Francisco, then across the glittering Pacific to the distant ports of China.
However, her parents, the renowned trade captains Nell and Peter Starbuck have forbidden Winnie from coming aboard on the adventure of a lifetime. So, Winnie does what any strong-willed eighteen-year-old would do-she stowaways to prove she can handle such a journey.
Once the ship sets sail and Winnie and the ship drift farther from shore, she finds it is indeed more dangerous than she imagined. Then she uncovers a long-buried secret—one that reveals the truth behind her parents’ fear.
This story became more interesting than I thought. Plus, the narrator Erin Lin was great at performing the characters!!
In the author’s note Ms. Gerstenblatt tells us that this fiction voyage was based on a real ship that had a husband and wife as the captains.
Want to thank NetGalley and Harlequin Audio for granting me this audiobook.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for June 9, 2026.
Author: Julie Gersteinblatt
Format: 🎧
Narrator: Erin Lin
Publisher: Harlequin Audio~ Park Row Books
Genre: Historical Fiction
Pub Date: June 9, 2026
My Rating: 3.5 Stars!
Pages: 400
Although I am not a big fan of historical fiction, I was drawn to this story as I always enjoy stories about Nantucket. This story takes readers back to Massachusetts, 1851
Winifred Starbuck wants only one thing that is to join her parents on their final merchant voyage on their new ship “The Stargazer – claimed to the fast ship on the sea and planned to earn the record of the fastest!
This trip starts from Nantucket Island to bustling San Francisco, then across the glittering Pacific to the distant ports of China.
However, her parents, the renowned trade captains Nell and Peter Starbuck have forbidden Winnie from coming aboard on the adventure of a lifetime. So, Winnie does what any strong-willed eighteen-year-old would do-she stowaways to prove she can handle such a journey.
Once the ship sets sail and Winnie and the ship drift farther from shore, she finds it is indeed more dangerous than she imagined. Then she uncovers a long-buried secret—one that reveals the truth behind her parents’ fear.
This story became more interesting than I thought. Plus, the narrator Erin Lin was great at performing the characters!!
In the author’s note Ms. Gerstenblatt tells us that this fiction voyage was based on a real ship that had a husband and wife as the captains.
Want to thank NetGalley and Harlequin Audio for granting me this audiobook.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for June 9, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I absolutely adored "The Stargazer of Nantucket." As someone who reads a great deal of maritime historical fiction and non-fiction, I was deeply impressed by how thoroughly researched this novel felt without ever becoming weighed down by unnecessary technical detail. Gerstenblatt clearly understands the realities of life at sea, but she never lapses into the kind of performative minutiae that can alienate readers unfamiliar with sailing history. The result is a story that feels authentic, immersive, and highly approachable.
What struck me most was the way the novel handled its mother and daughter female protagonists. Too often, historical fiction tries to communicate “strength” by making women seem unrealistically exceptional in every possible way. Here, the women felt like actual people: intelligent, stubborn, impulsive, frightened, determined, and occasionally sneaky in ways that felt entirely believable for women of the era. They were simply women doing extraordinary things, and that made their accomplishments feel all the more powerful.
I was also fascinated to learn, in the author’s note, that the story was inspired by a real voyage involving an actual woman navigator. That revelation genuinely stayed with me after finishing the book and sent me down a rabbit hole of further reading — something I greatly appreciated, especially with the included bibliography and historical notes.
This was thoughtful, engaging historical fiction with excellent prose, compelling characters, and a refreshing approach to feminism and maritime history, and I am anxious to read more of Gerstenblatt's work!
What struck me most was the way the novel handled its mother and daughter female protagonists. Too often, historical fiction tries to communicate “strength” by making women seem unrealistically exceptional in every possible way. Here, the women felt like actual people: intelligent, stubborn, impulsive, frightened, determined, and occasionally sneaky in ways that felt entirely believable for women of the era. They were simply women doing extraordinary things, and that made their accomplishments feel all the more powerful.
I was also fascinated to learn, in the author’s note, that the story was inspired by a real voyage involving an actual woman navigator. That revelation genuinely stayed with me after finishing the book and sent me down a rabbit hole of further reading — something I greatly appreciated, especially with the included bibliography and historical notes.
This was thoughtful, engaging historical fiction with excellent prose, compelling characters, and a refreshing approach to feminism and maritime history, and I am anxious to read more of Gerstenblatt's work!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the opportunity to read this book. The Stargazer of Nantucket was a beautifully atmospheric historical fiction audiobook with vivid writing, strong maritime adventure elements, and an engaging layer of mystery woven throughout the story. Julie Gerstenblatt did an excellent job creating an immersive setting that was very easy to visualize while listening. She is an author I will certainly read again.
Winnifred “Winnie” Starbuck was a standout character for me. I really enjoyed her determination, courage, and adventurous spirit throughout the novel, and I found myself consistently invested in her storyline. I also loved the character “Chen”. The audiobook narrator also did an excellent job bringing the atmosphere and emotional moments of the story to life.
The main reason this was a 4-star rather than 5-star read for me was that I personally would have liked a little more character development surrounding Nell and Peter Starbuck. While their presence in the story was important, I didn’t connect with their characters as strongly as I did with Winnie.
Overall, this was a very immersive and thoughtfully written audiobook, and I would absolutely read more from Julie Gerstenblatt in the future.
I received an advance listening copy for free, and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
Winnifred “Winnie” Starbuck was a standout character for me. I really enjoyed her determination, courage, and adventurous spirit throughout the novel, and I found myself consistently invested in her storyline. I also loved the character “Chen”. The audiobook narrator also did an excellent job bringing the atmosphere and emotional moments of the story to life.
The main reason this was a 4-star rather than 5-star read for me was that I personally would have liked a little more character development surrounding Nell and Peter Starbuck. While their presence in the story was important, I didn’t connect with their characters as strongly as I did with Winnie.
Overall, this was a very immersive and thoughtfully written audiobook, and I would absolutely read more from Julie Gerstenblatt in the future.
I received an advance listening copy for free, and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
May 12, 2026
I loved Julie's first novel, Daughters of Nantucket, and have been anxiously awaiting this one, and it is worth the wait! The main characters hail from Nantucket, but the story begins with their imminent departure for the voyage of a lifetime - sailing around Cape Horn to San Francisco, and on to China, on a brand-new, untested clipper ship. And unbeknownst to the ship's captain Peter Starbucks and his wife Nell, a sea merchant, their headstrong 18-year-old daughter Winifred is onboard as a stowaway. Adventure on the high seas ensues, but with strong female characters asserting themselves in a world inhabited largely by men, and a diverse cast of supporting characters who move in and out of the Starbucks' life, as they encounter struggles and successes of their own. Julie knocks it out of the park again, with wonderfully developed characters, a storyline that moves at a brisk pace and includes many suspenseful, edge-of-your-seat moments, and beautiful descriptions that fully immerse you in the setting - but that is also infused with so much emotional depth, as the characters evolve over the course of this life-changing voyage, and you will be sad to leave them when you turn the last page.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I first chose this book because I absolutely loved the title and the cover. I grew up in New England, have spent time in Nantucket and lived on or near the water off and on over the years. Living in more modern times, I've always been amazed by non-fiction and historical fiction about journeys like this one about risky travel. This ship was state of the art for this period but something many people in current day would not seek to undertake.
I found the writing to be very atmospheric and felt like I was on the ship with them many times during their treacherous journey. I learned a lot about ocean travel in the days without today's luxuries. While Winifred struck me as spoiled and bratty at first to deceive her parents yet the fact that she did not sit on the sidelines was admirable. While not well received at first, she learned to be an asset to the crew.
Thank you again for granting me an ARC of this book. I enjoyed the experience on this (white knuckle) journey very much!
I first chose this book because I absolutely loved the title and the cover. I grew up in New England, have spent time in Nantucket and lived on or near the water off and on over the years. Living in more modern times, I've always been amazed by non-fiction and historical fiction about journeys like this one about risky travel. This ship was state of the art for this period but something many people in current day would not seek to undertake.
I found the writing to be very atmospheric and felt like I was on the ship with them many times during their treacherous journey. I learned a lot about ocean travel in the days without today's luxuries. While Winifred struck me as spoiled and bratty at first to deceive her parents yet the fact that she did not sit on the sidelines was admirable. While not well received at first, she learned to be an asset to the crew.
Thank you again for granting me an ARC of this book. I enjoyed the experience on this (white knuckle) journey very much!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A lovely historical fiction novel exploring adventure, self discovery and courage.
Eighteen year old, Winifred “Winnie” Starbuck stows away in her parent’s ship to sail from Nantucket to China on their final voyage. Nell and Peter Starbuck have forbidden Winnie to join them. This is an epic tale of seafaring life as well as the exotic adventure of travel to new and faraway destinations. As the ship bears Canton Winnie becomes aware of a family secret.
The book is meticulously researched and has such an authentically genuine feeling you sense you are with Winnie if not physically at least spiritually. Don’t forget to read the Author’s Note. The Stargazer is based on an actual ship. As with all Author Notes lots of other interesting information is given that illuminates the book. I liked this book so much I ordered a copy!
If like to thank NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for granting me access to this ARC.
Eighteen year old, Winifred “Winnie” Starbuck stows away in her parent’s ship to sail from Nantucket to China on their final voyage. Nell and Peter Starbuck have forbidden Winnie to join them. This is an epic tale of seafaring life as well as the exotic adventure of travel to new and faraway destinations. As the ship bears Canton Winnie becomes aware of a family secret.
The book is meticulously researched and has such an authentically genuine feeling you sense you are with Winnie if not physically at least spiritually. Don’t forget to read the Author’s Note. The Stargazer is based on an actual ship. As with all Author Notes lots of other interesting information is given that illuminates the book. I liked this book so much I ordered a copy!
If like to thank NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for granting me access to this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Do not sleep on The Stargazer of Nantucket by Julie Gerstenblatt! Mark your calendars for the June 9th pub date and take an adventure on the high seas! If you tend to gravitate towards contemporary fiction, consider this your gateway to historical fiction, along with her previous novel Daughters of Nantucket. Strong female characters drive the narrative as the Starbuck women forge their way through a multitude of catastrophes at sea and emerge stronger for it, gaining a renewed sense of self and building stronger relationships along the way. A diverse cast of characters with a hopeful and inspiring message is the kind of novel we need right now.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the ARC!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the ARC!
February 8, 2026
Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the ARC.
Solid 3.5 stars. I’m biased because I love Nantucket, so I’ll love anything with Nantucket roots. I enjoyed the strong female characters but at the same time wanted more of Joseph’s story. Maybe we’ll get a sequel?
The story is tragic yet hopeful and I can tell a lot of thought and research went into portraying what it is like on a clipper ship such as the Stargazer.
If you love historical fiction, strong female leads, the sea (and Nantucket), add this one to your list!
Solid 3.5 stars. I’m biased because I love Nantucket, so I’ll love anything with Nantucket roots. I enjoyed the strong female characters but at the same time wanted more of Joseph’s story. Maybe we’ll get a sequel?
The story is tragic yet hopeful and I can tell a lot of thought and research went into portraying what it is like on a clipper ship such as the Stargazer.
If you love historical fiction, strong female leads, the sea (and Nantucket), add this one to your list!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I wasn’t sure what to expect from this book but I am so happy I read it. Set in the early 1800s, the 18 year old daughter of 2 successful sea merchants, stows away onboard their newest ship for the adventure of a lifetime. Sailing around Cape Horn en route to San Francisco, and then on to China, I enjoyed the stories of the sailors and passengers aboard The Stargazer. I found the story both exciting and heartbreaking at times. Thank you NetGalley and Park Row books for this advanced reader copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I loved how this book was written! The writing style is meticulously crafted and creates a beautiful atmosphere. While I was reading, I was fully immersed in the setting and felt like I was right there with the characters! Moreover, I loved the characters! I loved getting to know more about them and experiencing their character development. One thing that stood out to me was the meaningful message embedded in this story. It really resonated with me and I loved the "theme." I would definitely recommend this!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was such a refreshing historical fiction read. I loved the nautical aspect and a female empowerment message. It got a bit slow in the middle but at the same time, the characters are literally on a ship at sea for months, it would be kind of hard to avoid a lull there. Overall the descriptions of sailing and the ship were done so well. I could so easily picture everything. When I pictured the story as I was reading it: it was all vibrant blues and jewel tones.
I will definitely be looking for more from Julie in the future!
I will definitely be looking for more from Julie in the future!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was a sweeping, sea-soaked adventure with a strong emotional core. I loved the historical setting, the sense of danger on the open water, and Winnie’s determination to chart her own path despite the limits placed on her. The stakes felt real, the family dynamics were compelling, and the journey itself was immersive. A little slower in spots, but overall a satisfying and heartfelt read that left me thinking about courage, choice, and belonging long after the final page.
February 20, 2026
If you love historical fiction (I do) and stories set on Nantucket (me again), you’ll absolutely enjoy The Stargazer of Nantucket. This novel delivers adventure, strong and resilient women, complex family dynamics, moments of real heartbreak, and a solid ending. I’d happily read a sequel exploring the “new” Starbucks—or even better, a prequel diving deeper into Joseph’s story.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
After hearing great reviews about Daughters of Nantucket I couldn’t wait to read The Stargazer of Nantucket.
Winifred Starbuck, the wealthy daughter of the notable Starbuck family of Nantucket, longs to sail on the high seas like her parents. Her father, a respected sea captain and her mother, one of the few successful female merchants, have made their fortune at sea. Yet for some reason, they want to keep Winifred safely on shore. When their newest merchant ship The Stargazer sets sail for San Francisco and on to China, Winifred decides to stow away on board.
Gerstenblatt’s tale is full of details about life on Nantucket in the 1850s including well-known families, the history and society’s expectations of a young woman during the time. The descriptions of the risks and unexpected trials of life on the high seas add to this thrilling adventure. With tension, twists and an interesting cast of characters The Stargazer of Nantucket will thrill historical fiction fans. I especially liked the representation of strong resilient women in this book! If you haven’t read it yet, you’ll want to go back and read her first one too.
Winifred Starbuck, the wealthy daughter of the notable Starbuck family of Nantucket, longs to sail on the high seas like her parents. Her father, a respected sea captain and her mother, one of the few successful female merchants, have made their fortune at sea. Yet for some reason, they want to keep Winifred safely on shore. When their newest merchant ship The Stargazer sets sail for San Francisco and on to China, Winifred decides to stow away on board.
Gerstenblatt’s tale is full of details about life on Nantucket in the 1850s including well-known families, the history and society’s expectations of a young woman during the time. The descriptions of the risks and unexpected trials of life on the high seas add to this thrilling adventure. With tension, twists and an interesting cast of characters The Stargazer of Nantucket will thrill historical fiction fans. I especially liked the representation of strong resilient women in this book! If you haven’t read it yet, you’ll want to go back and read her first one too.
May 9, 2026
The imagery in this writing was so beautiful. It drew me in. It was so fun to be fully inside the story. As a Midwest girl, my main knowledge of boats, is pontoons in a lake. I thought the information on boat travel was so cool and really brought you into the story. I also thought the overall sense of hope and teamwork as they fight for their lives created strong character growth.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
It's 1851 and Winnie Starbuck wants only one thing, to embark on her parents ship to China. They have told her no, but she says yes, yes, yes! She is going to stowaway! She knows she is going to have the time of her life, but gets way more than she bargains for.
4 stars
Many thanks to Net Galley and Harlequin Audio for an audio ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
4 stars
Many thanks to Net Galley and Harlequin Audio for an audio ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Absolutely loved this! Such a beautiful and stunning atmospheric read… it was almost as if I was watching a limited series show play out in my head… I just felt like I was *there* alongside Winnie Starbuck. This historical fiction of merchant sailing aboard a clipper on the high seas in the 1850s had me hooked.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you for the ARC! I enjoyed this book.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews