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The Stargazer of Nantucket: A Novel
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
Published June 9, 2026
About the author
Julie Gerstenblatt
5 books190 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 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.
June 19, 2026
3.5
Winnie wants to be a sailor and merchant like her parents. They are afraid to have her on their ship since she almost died as a little girl sailing with them. Now 18, her parents are setting off on their final voyage- Winnie's last chance to prove herself. So she does what any headstrong girl would do, stows away!
This was a fun adventure book, hearing all about life aboard a ship was fantastic for the reader to feel like you're going on a journey too. I did think a lot of the characters were very silly and foolish, but that was okay, I still wanted them to get what they wanted (mostly). This book had a lot happen within it and is excellent if you want something that takes you somewhere. But it did stay fairly surface level with characters and motives.
Overall, I was happy to have read it and let my mind go someplace new with Winnie. Her desire to prove herself was excellent. I'm a little conflicted over the ending, but one thing I enjoyed was that it was not completely smoothed over.
I'd like to thank Get Red PR, HTP Books and Julie Gerstenblatt for my free reader copy. My review is unbiased and opinions my own.
Winnie wants to be a sailor and merchant like her parents. They are afraid to have her on their ship since she almost died as a little girl sailing with them. Now 18, her parents are setting off on their final voyage- Winnie's last chance to prove herself. So she does what any headstrong girl would do, stows away!
This was a fun adventure book, hearing all about life aboard a ship was fantastic for the reader to feel like you're going on a journey too. I did think a lot of the characters were very silly and foolish, but that was okay, I still wanted them to get what they wanted (mostly). This book had a lot happen within it and is excellent if you want something that takes you somewhere. But it did stay fairly surface level with characters and motives.
Overall, I was happy to have read it and let my mind go someplace new with Winnie. Her desire to prove herself was excellent. I'm a little conflicted over the ending, but one thing I enjoyed was that it was not completely smoothed over.
I'd like to thank Get Red PR, HTP Books and Julie Gerstenblatt for my free reader copy. My review is unbiased and opinions my own.
June 19, 2026
I feel so bummed about this one. Amazing premise but a very bothersome telling. Not a single character makes sense. Maybe the 10 year old cabin boy. Maybe. The pacing was odd and you learn too little about too many characters.
June 30, 2026
3.75/5
Thank you to Harlequin Trade Pub, the author, and Netgalley for the gifted eARC copy of this book!
Told with a omniscient narration, this historical fiction novel pivots between several characters on the fastest ship in the 1850s, the Stargazer , a fictional clipper sailing from Nantucket to China, and the pride of the merchant Starbuck Family.
The story itself takes place over the span of roughly a year, which marks the entire duration of the family's voyage. Winnie Starbuck, a young girl with big sea-faring dreams, sneaks onto her parents' ship when she learns that this will be their last global trading trip, and that she is forbidden to join. What follows is several months of adventure, filled with friendship, betrayal, loss, love, and heartbreak.
Much of the focus of this adventurous maritime fiction, is the difference of respect male and female merchants got at the time. I was impressed with the amount of research the author has done, including that of trade deals, opium addiction in East Asia, ships and piracy during that time and women navigating a male dominated profession. It was also a delight to learn that the Starbuck parent duo were based off a real merchant couple that sailed together back in the mid-1800s. I liked seeing the little eccentricities of each of the crew member, watching their relationships as time and tough tides forged lasting bonds.
Between so much good, the book did struggle with pacing issues as much of the action picked up in the last hundred pages or so. There were a few too many mentions of the "poop deck" for my liking, while that is a minor qualm. And while being in the mind of multiple diverse characters was entertaining to some degree, most of what we got felt a bit surface level as there wasn't enough time to dig deeper.
Still, this was a unique and interesting read, and one that really sets itself apart from other historical fiction books I've had the pleasure of reading so far. Recommended if you like medium paced women-forward books with a strong focus on plot focused adventure/action!
cw: mentions addiction, murder/death, drowning, thoughts of self-harm
Thank you to Harlequin Trade Pub, the author, and Netgalley for the gifted eARC copy of this book!
Told with a omniscient narration, this historical fiction novel pivots between several characters on the fastest ship in the 1850s, the Stargazer , a fictional clipper sailing from Nantucket to China, and the pride of the merchant Starbuck Family.
The story itself takes place over the span of roughly a year, which marks the entire duration of the family's voyage. Winnie Starbuck, a young girl with big sea-faring dreams, sneaks onto her parents' ship when she learns that this will be their last global trading trip, and that she is forbidden to join. What follows is several months of adventure, filled with friendship, betrayal, loss, love, and heartbreak.
Much of the focus of this adventurous maritime fiction, is the difference of respect male and female merchants got at the time. I was impressed with the amount of research the author has done, including that of trade deals, opium addiction in East Asia, ships and piracy during that time and women navigating a male dominated profession. It was also a delight to learn that the Starbuck parent duo were based off a real merchant couple that sailed together back in the mid-1800s. I liked seeing the little eccentricities of each of the crew member, watching their relationships as time and tough tides forged lasting bonds.
Between so much good, the book did struggle with pacing issues as much of the action picked up in the last hundred pages or so. There were a few too many mentions of the "poop deck" for my liking, while that is a minor qualm. And while being in the mind of multiple diverse characters was entertaining to some degree, most of what we got felt a bit surface level as there wasn't enough time to dig deeper.
Still, this was a unique and interesting read, and one that really sets itself apart from other historical fiction books I've had the pleasure of reading so far. Recommended if you like medium paced women-forward books with a strong focus on plot focused adventure/action!
cw: mentions addiction, murder/death, drowning, thoughts of self-harm
June 27, 2026
This is one of those historical novels where the setting is easily the biggest draw. I loved the time period and all of the maritime details. You can tell a tremendous amount of research went into life aboard these merchant ships, and I found myself completely immersed in the day-to-day realities of the voyage.
The eclectic crew ended up being my favorites among the characters. They each brought something unique to the story and I honestly wish that we spent even more time with them. Their stories and personalities were often more compelling to me than Winnie and her family. I struggled a bit with Winnie as a protagonist. Although this is marketed as adult historical fiction, her voice and perspective often felt SO much younger than I expected. It leans heavily into a coming-of-age story, and while that isn't a bad thing, I kept waiting for more growth and maturity as the journey unfolded. She remained surprisingly naïve for much of the book, which made it harder for me to fully connect with her.
I also wanted the emotional moments to hit harder than they ultimately did. Several major revelations and events come and go without quite landing with the weight they deserved, and I found myself wishing the story had lingered with those moments instead of moving on so quickly. The relationships, particularly within Winnie's family and her romantic storyline, never felt as emotionally developed as I wanted them to.
The pacing was a little uneven as well. This lets readers settle into shipboard life, but left the end feeling rushed to me.
Even with those criticisms, I enjoyed my time aboard this voyage. The historical setting is wonderful, the nautical details are fascinating, and it's easy to see the care that went into recreating this slice of maritime history. I think readers who especially love historical fiction will really enjoy this.
Thank you to the author, the publisher, and Storygram tours for the complimentary copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
The eclectic crew ended up being my favorites among the characters. They each brought something unique to the story and I honestly wish that we spent even more time with them. Their stories and personalities were often more compelling to me than Winnie and her family. I struggled a bit with Winnie as a protagonist. Although this is marketed as adult historical fiction, her voice and perspective often felt SO much younger than I expected. It leans heavily into a coming-of-age story, and while that isn't a bad thing, I kept waiting for more growth and maturity as the journey unfolded. She remained surprisingly naïve for much of the book, which made it harder for me to fully connect with her.
I also wanted the emotional moments to hit harder than they ultimately did. Several major revelations and events come and go without quite landing with the weight they deserved, and I found myself wishing the story had lingered with those moments instead of moving on so quickly. The relationships, particularly within Winnie's family and her romantic storyline, never felt as emotionally developed as I wanted them to.
The pacing was a little uneven as well. This lets readers settle into shipboard life, but left the end feeling rushed to me.
Even with those criticisms, I enjoyed my time aboard this voyage. The historical setting is wonderful, the nautical details are fascinating, and it's easy to see the care that went into recreating this slice of maritime history. I think readers who especially love historical fiction will really enjoy this.
Thank you to the author, the publisher, and Storygram tours for the complimentary copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
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.
June 16, 2026
I am in the minority on this one.
Winifred Starbuck wants only one thing: 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 do: she stows away.
As much as I enjoyed the setting and the time period on this story, I really did not like Winnie. I found her decision-making skills, very childish and selfish.
And as I said earlier, I am in the minority on my feelings about this book. It is slow in spots. It could have been 50 pages shorter. But I did enjoy learning about the ship, the crew and, of course, the opium trade.
This narrator, Erin Lin, did a pretty good job. I think my issue is more with the story than the narrator.
I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.
Winifred Starbuck wants only one thing: 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 do: she stows away.
As much as I enjoyed the setting and the time period on this story, I really did not like Winnie. I found her decision-making skills, very childish and selfish.
And as I said earlier, I am in the minority on my feelings about this book. It is slow in spots. It could have been 50 pages shorter. But I did enjoy learning about the ship, the crew and, of course, the opium trade.
This narrator, Erin Lin, did a pretty good job. I think my issue is more with the story than the narrator.
I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.
May 26, 2026
This is an exciting tale of Winifred, a tenacious young woman who longs to be a sailor and goods merchant along with her parents but they have forbidden her to sail with them on the Stargazer. Being strong-willed, Winifred stows away in her parents’ ship and learns the hard way what it takes to get what she wants. I loved Winifred’s spirit and how she strived to prove herself in a man’s world. Her parents seemed to be ahead of the times with her mom’s role in trade which made this an exciting read. The story is set in the 1800s and inspired by an actual ship and merchant couple. There is an array of colorful characters that added so much depth to the time period and I enjoyed reading about their voyage and interactions.
Thank you GetRedPR & ParkRowe Books for the gifted copy
Thank you GetRedPR & ParkRowe Books for the gifted copy
June 22, 2026
I started with audio and switched to paper so I could enjoy this book even more. A great summer read and a fantastic example of quality historical fiction.
June 14, 2026
“𝘔𝘺 𝘸𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦, 𝘐’𝘷𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘻𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘰𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘭𝘢𝘺 𝘣𝘦𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘥.”
Don't go into 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗥𝗚𝗔𝗭𝗘𝗥 𝗢𝗙 𝗡𝗔𝗡𝗧𝗨𝗖𝗞𝗘𝗧 thinking it's set on the island - this adventure-filled coming-of-age story takes place on the high seas, as 18-year-old Winifred Starbuck stows away on her family's clipper ship which is endeavoring to set a world record while sailing from Massachusetts to San Francisco and on to China.
I love historical fiction because it teaches us about aspects of the past that might have otherwise been forgotten, and I learned so much from this novel! You can tell Julie Gerstenblatt did her research - the details of how ships were run and how trade was conducted in the 1850s were riveting, and I felt fully immersed in the world. Winnie and her parents, Captain Starbuck and his merchant wife, Nell, along with the crew, like Chinese cabin boy Chin and Zander, an escaped slave who serves as the helmsman, are so compelling, and the treacherous journey had me constantly worried about their fates.
This book has mystery, some romance, lots of thrills and a few really emotional moments, and left me with a new appreciation for the men who braved these trips, and especially for the women. While the sailors used the stars and maps to guide them, Winnie and Nell had nothing to help them navigate a world that treated them as less than just because of their gender. Together, they charted their own paths in a man's world, and it was beautiful to read about.
PS - If you read Julie's first book 𝗗𝗮𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗡𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘂𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘁, you'll be excited to see some cameos from its characters in this one!
Thanks to Park Row Books and HTP for the copy to review.
Don't go into 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗥𝗚𝗔𝗭𝗘𝗥 𝗢𝗙 𝗡𝗔𝗡𝗧𝗨𝗖𝗞𝗘𝗧 thinking it's set on the island - this adventure-filled coming-of-age story takes place on the high seas, as 18-year-old Winifred Starbuck stows away on her family's clipper ship which is endeavoring to set a world record while sailing from Massachusetts to San Francisco and on to China.
I love historical fiction because it teaches us about aspects of the past that might have otherwise been forgotten, and I learned so much from this novel! You can tell Julie Gerstenblatt did her research - the details of how ships were run and how trade was conducted in the 1850s were riveting, and I felt fully immersed in the world. Winnie and her parents, Captain Starbuck and his merchant wife, Nell, along with the crew, like Chinese cabin boy Chin and Zander, an escaped slave who serves as the helmsman, are so compelling, and the treacherous journey had me constantly worried about their fates.
This book has mystery, some romance, lots of thrills and a few really emotional moments, and left me with a new appreciation for the men who braved these trips, and especially for the women. While the sailors used the stars and maps to guide them, Winnie and Nell had nothing to help them navigate a world that treated them as less than just because of their gender. Together, they charted their own paths in a man's world, and it was beautiful to read about.
PS - If you read Julie's first book 𝗗𝗮𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗡𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘂𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘁, you'll be excited to see some cameos from its characters in this one!
Thanks to Park Row Books and HTP for the copy to review.
July 7, 2026
An exceptionally good blend of Historical Fiction and compelling adventure on the high seas.
I love a good nautical adventure, and this one takes bits of real history and blends them with a wonderfully imagined tale of derring do and excitement at sea.
Part family saga, part old fashioned adventure, and part travelogue, the story sees the daughter of the Starbuck family stowing away on her parents’ merchant vessel on a voyage from Nantucket to Canton.
The atmosphere and sense of place are beautifully wrought in every one of the locations used in the book (including aboard the ship itself), and the plot is a terrific mix of educational, sweet, and filled with adventurous spirit and excitement.
Everything, from the characters to the sea itself, is richly drawn, and the story feels both intense and immersive while still remaining a stalwart feed good read.
A perfect summer read for those who like their beach books to have a bit of brains to them.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
I love a good nautical adventure, and this one takes bits of real history and blends them with a wonderfully imagined tale of derring do and excitement at sea.
Part family saga, part old fashioned adventure, and part travelogue, the story sees the daughter of the Starbuck family stowing away on her parents’ merchant vessel on a voyage from Nantucket to Canton.
The atmosphere and sense of place are beautifully wrought in every one of the locations used in the book (including aboard the ship itself), and the plot is a terrific mix of educational, sweet, and filled with adventurous spirit and excitement.
Everything, from the characters to the sea itself, is richly drawn, and the story feels both intense and immersive while still remaining a stalwart feed good read.
A perfect summer read for those who like their beach books to have a bit of brains to them.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
Review of advance copy received from Author
If you are looking for a lovely historical fiction novel that is filled with adventure then The Stargazer of Nantucket is the novel for you! I have to admit not only did I love this book because of the historical fiction side I loved it because it was a teenage rebellion story as well! You really have to admire the journey that our main heroine goes on and she doesn't let the putdowns of others get in the way of pursuing her own path. Set against the backdrop of the 1850's readers are sure to be in awe!
We are introduced to Winifred who decides to stowaway on her parents ship after they forbid her not to. Eventually they do find out about it but there is nothing they can do since they are already at sea. From there it is an epic tale that is filled with storms and adventure. One that is truly to be remembered for the years to come!
We are introduced to Winifred who decides to stowaway on her parents ship after they forbid her not to. Eventually they do find out about it but there is nothing they can do since they are already at sea. From there it is an epic tale that is filled with storms and adventure. One that is truly to be remembered for the years to come!
July 8, 2026
This is my first book from this author and I really appreciated the immersion into the history. The authors research was evident in every page. It was interesting to see how information and news traveled in this time, how women were treated individually and in the presence of a man, the inner workings of a working ship, how care was given on a voyage and the effects and cause of the opium crisis. The one item I had an issue was, is the constant mention of poop deck. The narrator for this book added to the atmosphere of the story and fit in perfectly.
Thank you Harlequin Audio and Netgalley for this ALC, all opinions are my own.
Thank you Harlequin Audio and Netgalley for this ALC, all opinions are my own.
May 28, 2026
Winifred Starbuck is a young lady who desires so much to be at sea with her parents. Her parents have forbidden her to go on journeys with them because they want to protect her. She is decided on what she wants to do and she manages to be a stowaway on the ship.
This is her parents last voyage and what she wants the most is to go with them and follow their footsteps and becoming a merchant.
She’s courageous and witty.
This is set in the 1800s and it’s definitely a journey!!
This is her parents last voyage and what she wants the most is to go with them and follow their footsteps and becoming a merchant.
She’s courageous and witty.
This is set in the 1800s and it’s definitely a journey!!
July 9, 2026
The Stargazer of Nantucket (historical fivtion) was a great read!! Imagine your 18 year old daughter so desperate to travel on your final voyage on their new Clipper, that she stows away secretly?
Captain Starbucks is anxious to beat the world record in sailing to San Francisco, taking risks, but will they pay off?
Read and find out for yourself
June 12, 2026
Sometimes the biggest adventures start with one spectacularly bad idea, and stowing away on your parents’ ship in 1851 definitely qualifies. Julie Gerstenblatt’s The Stargazer of Nantucket had me completely invested from the moment Winnie Starbuck decided that “no” was simply not going to be an acceptable answer.
Thank you to Park Row Books for the gifted book.
I went into this expecting a historical fiction adventure, but what surprised me most was how attached I became to the characters. Yes, there are dangerous seas, storms, family secrets, suspicious crew members, and a voyage that stretches from Nantucket to San Francisco and eventually China. But for me, this book was really about a young woman trying to figure out who she is when the people she loves most are standing in her way.
Winnie is exactly the kind of character I enjoy reading about. She’s stubborn, impulsive, determined, and sometimes frustrating, but in the best way. The entire time I was reading, I kept thinking that if I were her mother, I’d probably be losing my mind. Yet I couldn’t help cheering her on as she fought for the chance to prove herself in a world that expected her to stay safely on shore.
I also loved the relationship between Winnie and her parents, Nell and Peter. Their decisions aren’t always easy to understand at first, but as more of their history comes to light, everything takes on a different weight. And I have to mention Chin, the young crew member who quietly became one of my favorite characters. Every time he appeared on the page, I found myself paying closer attention.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars
“My whole life, I’ve stared at the horizon and wondered what lay beyond.”
That line perfectly captures the feeling of this book. There’s a sense of longing woven through these pages that stayed with me long after I finished reading.
What I appreciated most was that the historical detail never felt overwhelming. It was clear that Julie Gerstenblatt did her research, but I never felt like I was sitting through a history lesson. Instead, I felt like I was right there on the deck of the Stargazer, wondering what disaster might happen next.
There were moments when I felt anxious for the crew, moments when I wanted to shake certain characters, and moments that genuinely made me emotional. By the end, I wasn’t ready to leave these people behind, which is always a good sign.
If you love historical fiction with adventurous heroines, complicated family relationships, vivid settings, and stories that make you feel like you’ve traveled somewhere far from home, I think you’ll enjoy this one as much as I did.
Have you ever picked up a book for the setting and ended up staying for the characters?
#TheStargazerOfNantucket #JulieGerstenblatt #HistoricalFiction #BookReview #Bookstagram
Thank you to Park Row Books for the gifted book.
I went into this expecting a historical fiction adventure, but what surprised me most was how attached I became to the characters. Yes, there are dangerous seas, storms, family secrets, suspicious crew members, and a voyage that stretches from Nantucket to San Francisco and eventually China. But for me, this book was really about a young woman trying to figure out who she is when the people she loves most are standing in her way.
Winnie is exactly the kind of character I enjoy reading about. She’s stubborn, impulsive, determined, and sometimes frustrating, but in the best way. The entire time I was reading, I kept thinking that if I were her mother, I’d probably be losing my mind. Yet I couldn’t help cheering her on as she fought for the chance to prove herself in a world that expected her to stay safely on shore.
I also loved the relationship between Winnie and her parents, Nell and Peter. Their decisions aren’t always easy to understand at first, but as more of their history comes to light, everything takes on a different weight. And I have to mention Chin, the young crew member who quietly became one of my favorite characters. Every time he appeared on the page, I found myself paying closer attention.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars
“My whole life, I’ve stared at the horizon and wondered what lay beyond.”
That line perfectly captures the feeling of this book. There’s a sense of longing woven through these pages that stayed with me long after I finished reading.
What I appreciated most was that the historical detail never felt overwhelming. It was clear that Julie Gerstenblatt did her research, but I never felt like I was sitting through a history lesson. Instead, I felt like I was right there on the deck of the Stargazer, wondering what disaster might happen next.
There were moments when I felt anxious for the crew, moments when I wanted to shake certain characters, and moments that genuinely made me emotional. By the end, I wasn’t ready to leave these people behind, which is always a good sign.
If you love historical fiction with adventurous heroines, complicated family relationships, vivid settings, and stories that make you feel like you’ve traveled somewhere far from home, I think you’ll enjoy this one as much as I did.
Have you ever picked up a book for the setting and ended up staying for the characters?
#TheStargazerOfNantucket #JulieGerstenblatt #HistoricalFiction #BookReview #Bookstagram
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.
July 9, 2026
THE STARGAZER OF NANTUCKET
BY: JULIE GERSTENBLATT
I bought and really enjoyed Julie Gerstenblatt's earlier novel's called, "The Daughters of Nantucket," a lot more which was not to say that this wasn't the perfect Historical Fiction Summer read because it was. This Author does a lot of research and a great impressive Academic so her one that this covers is a Maritime voyage that takes place aboard a Clipper Vessel that is shorter where a Husband and Wife are in a race to leave and break the record in terms of how fast they travel from Nantucket to the San Francisco and arrive in record time to their final destination of Canton, China.
Their Eighteen year old Daughter Winifred has been forbidden by both her Father and Mother that she cannot attend this journey of a lifetime over the reason for which the reader learns in the beginning of this plot driven tale we learn the reason why she's being denied the chance which Winifred doesn't understand. What does she decide to do about it?? Winifred decides what any Headstrong teenager would do and secretly makes her way aboard, hides, stows away, and boards the ship anyway. By the time that she is discovered that she is traveling aboard, it is too late since there's not a thing that can be done about it.
There are a lot of diverse Characters, huge epic storm that rips the Mast, and does some other damage and remember her Father is out to break the record to travel in record time which most would be making that choice since it is quite a distance they are all traveling at Sea. However, he doesn't get the repairs since he's not motivated by anything that would have him not to lose time to slow down, and this gives an exciting story since you learn a lot of different history about what this would entail as far as what the crew does to undertake such a long voyage by sea in 1851.
Publication Dare: June 9, 2026
Thank you to Net Galley, Julie Gerstenblatt, and Harlequin Trade Publishing/Park Row for generously providing me with my ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own, as always.
#TheStargazerofNantucket #JulieGerstenblatt #HarlequinTradePublishing #ParkRow #NetGalley
BY: JULIE GERSTENBLATT
I bought and really enjoyed Julie Gerstenblatt's earlier novel's called, "The Daughters of Nantucket," a lot more which was not to say that this wasn't the perfect Historical Fiction Summer read because it was. This Author does a lot of research and a great impressive Academic so her one that this covers is a Maritime voyage that takes place aboard a Clipper Vessel that is shorter where a Husband and Wife are in a race to leave and break the record in terms of how fast they travel from Nantucket to the San Francisco and arrive in record time to their final destination of Canton, China.
Their Eighteen year old Daughter Winifred has been forbidden by both her Father and Mother that she cannot attend this journey of a lifetime over the reason for which the reader learns in the beginning of this plot driven tale we learn the reason why she's being denied the chance which Winifred doesn't understand. What does she decide to do about it?? Winifred decides what any Headstrong teenager would do and secretly makes her way aboard, hides, stows away, and boards the ship anyway. By the time that she is discovered that she is traveling aboard, it is too late since there's not a thing that can be done about it.
There are a lot of diverse Characters, huge epic storm that rips the Mast, and does some other damage and remember her Father is out to break the record to travel in record time which most would be making that choice since it is quite a distance they are all traveling at Sea. However, he doesn't get the repairs since he's not motivated by anything that would have him not to lose time to slow down, and this gives an exciting story since you learn a lot of different history about what this would entail as far as what the crew does to undertake such a long voyage by sea in 1851.
Publication Dare: June 9, 2026
Thank you to Net Galley, Julie Gerstenblatt, and Harlequin Trade Publishing/Park Row for generously providing me with my ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own, as always.
#TheStargazerofNantucket #JulieGerstenblatt #HarlequinTradePublishing #ParkRow #NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
So let me start by saying that I saw 'Nantucket' and immediately requested the book. Although I've only been there once, I've read so much about the island and loved our visit there, that it will always hold a special place in my heart! BUT, this book has absolutely NOTHING to do with Nantucket. Except of course, that the ship that the entire book is based upon hails from Nantucket!
Winnifred Starbuck is a young, wealthy 18 year old girl who wants to go on the ship 'The Stargazer of Nantucket' with her parents. For their final journey. Nantucket to San Francisco, and then, basically across the world to China! Her parents own, run and captain the ship. But they do not want their daughter on board. SO... Winnie aka Fred must find her own way onto the ship and a way to stay aboard once she is discovered.
What she does not truly know are all the things that are 'hidden' from the public. And everything that shipmates must endure to be on the ship. As well as some darkly hid secrets that no one is ever supposed to find out!
This was eye opening in many ways! And the fact that it took place in the 1850's... well, that's just another can of worms alltogether!
The story showcases family and friends made in harsh circumstances, yet friends all the same! And all that they go through, planned or not, in order to survive and bring the ship where it needs to go!
Beautifully written and executed!
#TheStargazerOfNantucket by @JulieGerstenblatt and narrated nicely by @ErinLin.
4 bold, brazen, brave, leary stars for me! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This one has not been released yet, but please look 👀 for it on 6/9/26!
Thanks so much to #NetGalley and @HarlequinAudio for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
You can also find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Instagram: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!!
And as always, thanks for reading along with me! 📚⭐️📖🩷
Winnifred Starbuck is a young, wealthy 18 year old girl who wants to go on the ship 'The Stargazer of Nantucket' with her parents. For their final journey. Nantucket to San Francisco, and then, basically across the world to China! Her parents own, run and captain the ship. But they do not want their daughter on board. SO... Winnie aka Fred must find her own way onto the ship and a way to stay aboard once she is discovered.
What she does not truly know are all the things that are 'hidden' from the public. And everything that shipmates must endure to be on the ship. As well as some darkly hid secrets that no one is ever supposed to find out!
This was eye opening in many ways! And the fact that it took place in the 1850's... well, that's just another can of worms alltogether!
The story showcases family and friends made in harsh circumstances, yet friends all the same! And all that they go through, planned or not, in order to survive and bring the ship where it needs to go!
Beautifully written and executed!
#TheStargazerOfNantucket by @JulieGerstenblatt and narrated nicely by @ErinLin.
4 bold, brazen, brave, leary stars for me! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This one has not been released yet, but please look 👀 for it on 6/9/26!
Thanks so much to #NetGalley and @HarlequinAudio for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
You can also find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Instagram: @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!!
And as always, thanks for reading along with me! 📚⭐️📖🩷
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5 Stars
Thank you so much to Park Row and Harlequin Audio for the ALC.
There's something irresistible about a ship setting sail for the other side of the world, and The Stargazer of Nantucket leans fully into that appeal. Set in 1851, this historical adventure follows the Starbuck family: captain Peter, his merchant wife Nell, and their eighteen-year-old daughter Winifred, who refuses to be left behind on Nantucket when her parents embark on what Peter hopes will be a record-breaking run to San Francisco and Canton, China. So she does the only logical thing and stows away.
The period detail here is one of the book's real strengths. I came away knowing far more than I expected about how clipper ships were provisioned and maintained over months at sea, and that knowledge never felt like homework. It wove naturally into the story, grounding the adventure in something tactile and real. The stop in Gold Rush-era San Francisco was a particular highlight, buzzing with the chaotic energy of that moment in American history.
Where the book shines most, though, is in its portrait of women navigating a world that consistently underestimates them. Nell is a compelling figure, and the broader theme of female resilience felt earned rather than imposed. The story also touches on slavery, cross-cultural tensions, and the human cost of ambition, all without overwhelming the plot.
My main frustration was Winifred herself. For a protagonist meant to be eighteen, she reads much younger, and her impulsiveness wore on me more than it charmed. I also wished we'd spent more time in Canton and Hong Kong, which arrive almost as an afterthought after such a long buildup.
Erin Lin's narration on the audiobook is excellent, handling the varied voices and accents with real skill. For readers who enjoy richly detailed maritime historical fiction with a feminist undercurrent, this is a satisfying voyage, even if the destination arrives a little too quickly.
Thank you so much to Park Row and Harlequin Audio for the ALC.
There's something irresistible about a ship setting sail for the other side of the world, and The Stargazer of Nantucket leans fully into that appeal. Set in 1851, this historical adventure follows the Starbuck family: captain Peter, his merchant wife Nell, and their eighteen-year-old daughter Winifred, who refuses to be left behind on Nantucket when her parents embark on what Peter hopes will be a record-breaking run to San Francisco and Canton, China. So she does the only logical thing and stows away.
The period detail here is one of the book's real strengths. I came away knowing far more than I expected about how clipper ships were provisioned and maintained over months at sea, and that knowledge never felt like homework. It wove naturally into the story, grounding the adventure in something tactile and real. The stop in Gold Rush-era San Francisco was a particular highlight, buzzing with the chaotic energy of that moment in American history.
Where the book shines most, though, is in its portrait of women navigating a world that consistently underestimates them. Nell is a compelling figure, and the broader theme of female resilience felt earned rather than imposed. The story also touches on slavery, cross-cultural tensions, and the human cost of ambition, all without overwhelming the plot.
My main frustration was Winifred herself. For a protagonist meant to be eighteen, she reads much younger, and her impulsiveness wore on me more than it charmed. I also wished we'd spent more time in Canton and Hong Kong, which arrive almost as an afterthought after such a long buildup.
Erin Lin's narration on the audiobook is excellent, handling the varied voices and accents with real skill. For readers who enjoy richly detailed maritime historical fiction with a feminist undercurrent, this is a satisfying voyage, even if the destination arrives a little too quickly.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
🌊 𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝕊𝕥𝕒𝕣𝕘𝕒𝕫𝕖𝕣 𝕠𝕗 ℕ𝕒𝕟𝕥𝕦𝕔𝕜𝕖𝕥 by Julie Gerstenblatt
Available 6/9/2026
🔖 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐞: Much appreciation to @thehive and @harlequinaudio for the gifted audiobook. Excited to share my thoughts with you all.
📚🎧 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰: Erin Lin’s single narrator performance was great. Each role was clearly defined by her voice and easy to follow.
✨ 𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬: Seeking an adventure, Winifred stows away on her family’s merchant ship. Life aboard the ship is challenging, but Winifred sets out to prove her mettle.
📖 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: Historical Fiction
🌙 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐄𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐲: Adventurous, perilous, and mysterious; Feminist
🕯️ 𝐀𝐭𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞: The Stargazer sets out in 1851 sailing from Nantucket, then on to San Francisco and China during a time when the fastest merchant ships were a point of pride and women’s roles and freedoms were limited. As the crew presses forward to break records, the women aboard also rise to the challenge.
🖤 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬/𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐬: Coming of age, forbidden journey, historical trade, mother/daughter relationships, secret deals, hidden past
⏳ 𝐏𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠: Fast-paced
💭 𝐄𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭: The journey itself evokes a sense of adventure and wonder, but it’s riddled with scenes that will leave you fearing for the safety of the family and crew. Meanwhile, societal limitations placed on Winifred are frustrating but her courage and resilience are inspiring.
✨ 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐀𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠: For me, this one struck a pragmatic balance between plot, historical context, and atmosphere. I loved when the voyage stopped by San Francisco to sell their merchandise during the California Gold Rush. This was such an interesting part of the story and I’d love to see a book two set in this location.
📚 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬: When I saw that two of my favorite authors, Fiona Davis and Beatriz Williams, blurbed this book it became a must read for me and I’m so glad I picked it up. It has the spirit of The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi but with less fantasy and more history which I think a lot of readers will love.
Available 6/9/2026
🔖 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐞: Much appreciation to @thehive and @harlequinaudio for the gifted audiobook. Excited to share my thoughts with you all.
📚🎧 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰: Erin Lin’s single narrator performance was great. Each role was clearly defined by her voice and easy to follow.
✨ 𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬: Seeking an adventure, Winifred stows away on her family’s merchant ship. Life aboard the ship is challenging, but Winifred sets out to prove her mettle.
📖 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: Historical Fiction
🌙 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐄𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐲: Adventurous, perilous, and mysterious; Feminist
🕯️ 𝐀𝐭𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞: The Stargazer sets out in 1851 sailing from Nantucket, then on to San Francisco and China during a time when the fastest merchant ships were a point of pride and women’s roles and freedoms were limited. As the crew presses forward to break records, the women aboard also rise to the challenge.
🖤 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬/𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐬: Coming of age, forbidden journey, historical trade, mother/daughter relationships, secret deals, hidden past
⏳ 𝐏𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠: Fast-paced
💭 𝐄𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭: The journey itself evokes a sense of adventure and wonder, but it’s riddled with scenes that will leave you fearing for the safety of the family and crew. Meanwhile, societal limitations placed on Winifred are frustrating but her courage and resilience are inspiring.
✨ 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐀𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠: For me, this one struck a pragmatic balance between plot, historical context, and atmosphere. I loved when the voyage stopped by San Francisco to sell their merchandise during the California Gold Rush. This was such an interesting part of the story and I’d love to see a book two set in this location.
📚 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬: When I saw that two of my favorite authors, Fiona Davis and Beatriz Williams, blurbed this book it became a must read for me and I’m so glad I picked it up. It has the spirit of The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi but with less fantasy and more history which I think a lot of readers will love.
June 18, 2026
Thank you to HTP Books for the ARC of The Stargazer of Nantucket by Julie Gerstenblatt.
I picked this up expecting a historical fiction novel set mostly in Nantucket and instead got a full-on seafaring adventure. Honestly? I was not mad about it. This book has stowaways, merchant ships, family secrets, dangerous voyages, and a heroine who absolutely refuses to accept "no" for an answer.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Winnie was easily my favorite part of the story. She’s stubborn, determined, and constantly pushing against the limits society places on her. I loved watching her try to prove herself aboard the Stargazer, even when everything seemed determined to prove her wrong.
The historical details were also really fascinating. You can tell the author put a lot of research into the realities of merchant shipping and global trade in the 1850s. I learned way more than I expected about life at sea, and it never felt like a history lesson.
The voyage itself kept me engaged the whole way through. Between the colorful crew, the dangers of the journey, and the secrets slowly being uncovered, there was always something happening.
What I Loved
• Winnie’s determination and adventurous spirit
• The detailed historical setting and maritime research
• The diverse cast of characters aboard the ship
• The blend of adventure, mystery, and family secrets
• The exploration of women carving out their place in a male-dominated world
What Didn’t Work for Me
• The beginning takes a little time to fully get moving
• I wanted more time in Hong Kong and Canton
• Some plot developments felt a bit predictable
Overall, this was an engaging historical adventure with a strong heroine and a fascinating glimpse into nineteenth-century trade and life at sea. If you enjoy coming-of-age stories, maritime history, and determined young women refusing to stay where they're told, this is definitely worth picking up. 🌊⛵✨
I picked this up expecting a historical fiction novel set mostly in Nantucket and instead got a full-on seafaring adventure. Honestly? I was not mad about it. This book has stowaways, merchant ships, family secrets, dangerous voyages, and a heroine who absolutely refuses to accept "no" for an answer.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Winnie was easily my favorite part of the story. She’s stubborn, determined, and constantly pushing against the limits society places on her. I loved watching her try to prove herself aboard the Stargazer, even when everything seemed determined to prove her wrong.
The historical details were also really fascinating. You can tell the author put a lot of research into the realities of merchant shipping and global trade in the 1850s. I learned way more than I expected about life at sea, and it never felt like a history lesson.
The voyage itself kept me engaged the whole way through. Between the colorful crew, the dangers of the journey, and the secrets slowly being uncovered, there was always something happening.
What I Loved
• Winnie’s determination and adventurous spirit
• The detailed historical setting and maritime research
• The diverse cast of characters aboard the ship
• The blend of adventure, mystery, and family secrets
• The exploration of women carving out their place in a male-dominated world
What Didn’t Work for Me
• The beginning takes a little time to fully get moving
• I wanted more time in Hong Kong and Canton
• Some plot developments felt a bit predictable
Overall, this was an engaging historical adventure with a strong heroine and a fascinating glimpse into nineteenth-century trade and life at sea. If you enjoy coming-of-age stories, maritime history, and determined young women refusing to stay where they're told, this is definitely worth picking up. 🌊⛵✨
June 29, 2026
I love being swept back in time. The ways in which people lived, the culture, what they considered normal, the history of it all. In 1851, the world was a completely different place. In order to cross the seas, you must take a boat and it takes months or even years to return home. Not bathing the entire time you are on a boat, that I could not do! The women in this book are not the norm. They take charge, believe in themselves, and are willing to do anything to make their dreams come true. Nell and Winnie are both one of a kind and I needed to keep reading in order to see what happened to them.
Nell and Peter Starbuck are planning their final voyage on their new clipper from Nantucket to China. They will be gone for almost a year and they are planning on leaving Winnie at home, again! Winnie has never been on one of their adventures. This time Winnie is determined to be on that ship when it sets sail. Even if it is as a stowaway. Winnie and her friends pay off a few of the sailors to get her on board, hide and feed her until she can come out of hiding. Once they are far enough away from Nantucket. These unlikely four become fast friends. I loved this fun and unusual friendship between Chin, Red, and Cook. Winnie's father, Peter, has put so much pressure on himself to set the new world record time from Nantucket to San Francisco that he has thrown safety of his men and his family to the wayside. As masts are broken, a man falls to his watery death, and corners are cut all in the name of speed. Will they safely make it to San Francisco, let alone China?
This is a high-speed adventure that had me reading way too late into the starry night. Winnie is such a determined young woman. Doing whatever it takes to prove to her father that she deserves to go to China, even if it means cleaning out the latrine, hanging from the sails, and working alongside the sailors. Her mother, Nell, is fantastic. A woman merchant who does not bow down to her husband, but will disagree when he is wrong. The history that is woven into the story made my heart ache. I had no idea how opium found its way to China and why. Thank you to Julie Gerstenblatt, Park Row, and Book Sparks for my gifted copy of this high stakes read.
Nell and Peter Starbuck are planning their final voyage on their new clipper from Nantucket to China. They will be gone for almost a year and they are planning on leaving Winnie at home, again! Winnie has never been on one of their adventures. This time Winnie is determined to be on that ship when it sets sail. Even if it is as a stowaway. Winnie and her friends pay off a few of the sailors to get her on board, hide and feed her until she can come out of hiding. Once they are far enough away from Nantucket. These unlikely four become fast friends. I loved this fun and unusual friendship between Chin, Red, and Cook. Winnie's father, Peter, has put so much pressure on himself to set the new world record time from Nantucket to San Francisco that he has thrown safety of his men and his family to the wayside. As masts are broken, a man falls to his watery death, and corners are cut all in the name of speed. Will they safely make it to San Francisco, let alone China?
This is a high-speed adventure that had me reading way too late into the starry night. Winnie is such a determined young woman. Doing whatever it takes to prove to her father that she deserves to go to China, even if it means cleaning out the latrine, hanging from the sails, and working alongside the sailors. Her mother, Nell, is fantastic. A woman merchant who does not bow down to her husband, but will disagree when he is wrong. The history that is woven into the story made my heart ache. I had no idea how opium found its way to China and why. Thank you to Julie Gerstenblatt, Park Row, and Book Sparks for my gifted copy of this high stakes read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Stargazer of Nantucket, written by Julie Gerstenblatt and narrated by Erin Lin, was a 4star book for me. This read falls under the historical fiction/women's fiction genres, and it was beautifully done. The Stargazer of Nantucket initially caught my eye because of the link to Massachusetts, and the story sounded too good to pass up. The book follows Winifred Starbuck after she stows away on her parents merchant clipper ship sailing from Nantucket to China in the 1850s.
There was a lot I enjoyed about this book. I really loved how the descriptions of the different scenes were so vivid-- Gerstenblatt really writes you directly INTO a painting with her words. The narration by Erin Lin was gorgeous and also helped transport me to a very different time and place. This book was great because I felt like I got to visit many different places at one point in history... from the island of Nantucket, to gold-rush-mobbed San Francisco, overseas to China. She really showcased how dramatically different these different landscapes were, even at the same point in time. I also really enjoyed how this one main story of Winnie stowing away on the boat was woven together by many different stories spun together. I got to experience many different relationships, and changes to those relationships, to really build the story. Gerstenblatt really excels in writing interpersonal dynamics in a realistic but captivating way. That being said, the reason the book fell short of 5 stars for me was because I felt that overall the book did move a bit slowly. I SO enjoyed the relationship building, but I would've enjoyed if that was paired with a plot that maybe moved a bit faster.
Overall, terrific book. I would recommend this one to anybody who is into historical fiction or appreciates a strong female lead.
There was a lot I enjoyed about this book. I really loved how the descriptions of the different scenes were so vivid-- Gerstenblatt really writes you directly INTO a painting with her words. The narration by Erin Lin was gorgeous and also helped transport me to a very different time and place. This book was great because I felt like I got to visit many different places at one point in history... from the island of Nantucket, to gold-rush-mobbed San Francisco, overseas to China. She really showcased how dramatically different these different landscapes were, even at the same point in time. I also really enjoyed how this one main story of Winnie stowing away on the boat was woven together by many different stories spun together. I got to experience many different relationships, and changes to those relationships, to really build the story. Gerstenblatt really excels in writing interpersonal dynamics in a realistic but captivating way. That being said, the reason the book fell short of 5 stars for me was because I felt that overall the book did move a bit slowly. I SO enjoyed the relationship building, but I would've enjoyed if that was paired with a plot that maybe moved a bit faster.
Overall, terrific book. I would recommend this one to anybody who is into historical fiction or appreciates a strong female lead.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
✨ The Stargazer of Nantucket – Julie Gerstenblatt ✨
Thank you to Harlequin publishing and GetredPr for this ARC.
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (3.5/5)
⛵️🌊✨📜⚓️
If you love:
• historical fiction
• seafaring adventures
• strong-willed heroines
• family secrets
• coming-of-age journeys
• 1800s maritime history
THIS WAS AN ENGAGING ADVENTURE WITH A LOT OF HEART 🌊✨
Winifred Starbuck is the kind of heroine who refuses to accept “no” for an answer, and honestly, stowing away on her parents’ merchant voyage was a pretty unforgettable way to start a story 😭⛵️
I loved watching Winnie leave behind the familiar world of Nantucket and experience life at sea. The historical details and descriptions of the voyage helped bring the setting to life, and it was easy to get swept up in the excitement of traveling to places she’d only dreamed about.
The family mystery was also one of the strongest parts of the book. As Winnie uncovers secrets about her parents and their past, the story gains an emotional depth that kept me invested 📜❤️
What worked especially well was Winnie’s growth throughout the novel. She starts out determined and impulsive, but her experiences force her to mature and confront realities much larger than herself.
That said, the pacing felt uneven at times. Some sections moved slowly, and I found myself wanting a little more tension and urgency during parts of the journey. There were also moments where I wished the emotional impact of certain revelations had been explored more deeply.
Even so, the adventure, historical atmosphere, and Winnie’s determination kept me turning the pages.
Overall, this was a solid historical fiction read with a brave heroine, fascinating maritime details, and a meaningful coming-of-age journey. While it didn’t completely captivate me from beginning to end, it was still an enjoyable voyage worth taking ⛵️🌊✨📖💙.
Thank you to Harlequin publishing and GetredPr for this ARC.
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (3.5/5)
⛵️🌊✨📜⚓️
If you love:
• historical fiction
• seafaring adventures
• strong-willed heroines
• family secrets
• coming-of-age journeys
• 1800s maritime history
THIS WAS AN ENGAGING ADVENTURE WITH A LOT OF HEART 🌊✨
Winifred Starbuck is the kind of heroine who refuses to accept “no” for an answer, and honestly, stowing away on her parents’ merchant voyage was a pretty unforgettable way to start a story 😭⛵️
I loved watching Winnie leave behind the familiar world of Nantucket and experience life at sea. The historical details and descriptions of the voyage helped bring the setting to life, and it was easy to get swept up in the excitement of traveling to places she’d only dreamed about.
The family mystery was also one of the strongest parts of the book. As Winnie uncovers secrets about her parents and their past, the story gains an emotional depth that kept me invested 📜❤️
What worked especially well was Winnie’s growth throughout the novel. She starts out determined and impulsive, but her experiences force her to mature and confront realities much larger than herself.
That said, the pacing felt uneven at times. Some sections moved slowly, and I found myself wanting a little more tension and urgency during parts of the journey. There were also moments where I wished the emotional impact of certain revelations had been explored more deeply.
Even so, the adventure, historical atmosphere, and Winnie’s determination kept me turning the pages.
Overall, this was a solid historical fiction read with a brave heroine, fascinating maritime details, and a meaningful coming-of-age journey. While it didn’t completely captivate me from beginning to end, it was still an enjoyable voyage worth taking ⛵️🌊✨📖💙.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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
Julie Gerstenblatt returns with another novel about the hardy Nantucketers, but this time she focuses on those at sea rather than the families left ashore.
Winifred—affectionately called Fred by her captain father, Peter Starbuck—wants nothing more than to join her parents on their voyage to San Francisco and then on to China. Still haunted by a violent encounter with a sailor when she was a small child, her parents once again refuse to let her sail with them. But Wini is determined. She has studied everything there is to know about life at sea and can drive a bargain as hard as her merchant mother Nell. Convinced there is only one way to make her dream a reality, she stows away aboard the ship, planning to reveal herself only once they are too far from shore to turn back without jeopardizing the voyage.
What follows is a high-seas adventure filled with fierce storms, pirates, long stretches of monotony, and unexpected dangers in ports around the world. As the crew races across the oceans at record speed, the Starbuck name continues to be revered far beyond Nantucket.
Gerstenblatt creates a heroine who is impossible not to root for despite her impulsive streak. The supporting cast adds depth and charm to the story, especially the lovable cabin boy, Chin. It is a pleasure to follow Wini as she charts her own course, proving that determination and courage can carry a person farther than anyone imagined.
Thank you to NetGalley, Harlequin Audio, and author Julie Gerstenblatt for the advanced copy of the audiobook. The Stargazer of Nantucket is out on June 9th. All opinions are my own.
http://www.instagram.com/passionforprose
Winifred—affectionately called Fred by her captain father, Peter Starbuck—wants nothing more than to join her parents on their voyage to San Francisco and then on to China. Still haunted by a violent encounter with a sailor when she was a small child, her parents once again refuse to let her sail with them. But Wini is determined. She has studied everything there is to know about life at sea and can drive a bargain as hard as her merchant mother Nell. Convinced there is only one way to make her dream a reality, she stows away aboard the ship, planning to reveal herself only once they are too far from shore to turn back without jeopardizing the voyage.
What follows is a high-seas adventure filled with fierce storms, pirates, long stretches of monotony, and unexpected dangers in ports around the world. As the crew races across the oceans at record speed, the Starbuck name continues to be revered far beyond Nantucket.
Gerstenblatt creates a heroine who is impossible not to root for despite her impulsive streak. The supporting cast adds depth and charm to the story, especially the lovable cabin boy, Chin. It is a pleasure to follow Wini as she charts her own course, proving that determination and courage can carry a person farther than anyone imagined.
Thank you to NetGalley, Harlequin Audio, and author Julie Gerstenblatt for the advanced copy of the audiobook. The Stargazer of Nantucket is out on June 9th. All opinions are my own.
http://www.instagram.com/passionforprose
June 26, 2026
4 stars — a tender, adventurous coming‑of‑age story that feels both timeless and deeply modern.
This book left me with a mix of feelings in the best way. Winifred’s voice is full of dreams, impulsiveness, and that bright, restless hope that defines the edge between childhood and adulthood. The story captures that emotional space with a clarity that made me remember what it felt like to stand on the cusp of possibility, looking outward and forward at the same time.
What struck me most was how lived‑in and emotionally accessible the world feels. There’s a distinctly modern resonance to Winifred and her parents — not in a way that breaks the historical frame, but in the same way classic adventure stories reflect the eras that shaped them. It gives the novel a warmth and immediacy that makes it incredibly easy to step into.
The book carries the spirit of the old adventure tales — Kidnapped, Treasure Island, those golden‑age coming‑of‑age journeys — but reframed through a lens that feels more inclusive, more emotionally open, and far more inviting.
While the story echoes the energy of YA adventure, it is firmly adult historical fiction. Its emotional accessibility makes it easy for mature teen readers to enjoy, but the themes and narrative depth are grounded in an adult perspective.
The writing is vivid, the characters feel real, and the emotional beats land with a sincerity that lingers. For me, this was a 4‑star read — a blend of admiration for the craft, affection for the characters, and appreciation for how the book bridges youthful adventure with adult reflection.
Thank you to @juliestenblatt @htpbooks and @getredprbooks for the #gifted copy.
This book left me with a mix of feelings in the best way. Winifred’s voice is full of dreams, impulsiveness, and that bright, restless hope that defines the edge between childhood and adulthood. The story captures that emotional space with a clarity that made me remember what it felt like to stand on the cusp of possibility, looking outward and forward at the same time.
What struck me most was how lived‑in and emotionally accessible the world feels. There’s a distinctly modern resonance to Winifred and her parents — not in a way that breaks the historical frame, but in the same way classic adventure stories reflect the eras that shaped them. It gives the novel a warmth and immediacy that makes it incredibly easy to step into.
The book carries the spirit of the old adventure tales — Kidnapped, Treasure Island, those golden‑age coming‑of‑age journeys — but reframed through a lens that feels more inclusive, more emotionally open, and far more inviting.
While the story echoes the energy of YA adventure, it is firmly adult historical fiction. Its emotional accessibility makes it easy for mature teen readers to enjoy, but the themes and narrative depth are grounded in an adult perspective.
The writing is vivid, the characters feel real, and the emotional beats land with a sincerity that lingers. For me, this was a 4‑star read — a blend of admiration for the craft, affection for the characters, and appreciation for how the book bridges youthful adventure with adult reflection.
Thank you to @juliestenblatt @htpbooks and @getredprbooks for the #gifted copy.
June 13, 2026
I have always been fascinated by pirates and the high seas, and those who ventured into unknown waters in search of new lands, places and opportunities. The Starbucks have been traveling the seas for decades, becoming well known merchants. This voyage is unlike the others in that they are actually carrying passengers who are headed to San Francisco, and this will be a stop before they venture to their usual port in China where they will reside for a few months before heading back to New England. Winnie has begged her parents for years to take her with, so this time she comes up with a plan to stowaway. She has always wanted to go to China and this is her chance. A brand new ship, out to beat the previous record for making it to San Francisco in record time and a daughter in tow, could either be a curse or make Peter Starbuck even more rich and known than he already is. Weather, Winnie, needed repairs and Peter's high stress often puts them at risk of their lives as they venture to San Francisco, ways clocking distance and time. Told through various characters and point of view this is based off a true ship that held the record for over a century and husband and wife who were merchants of the sea during the 1850's. This was a fascinating read, I loved the storyline set during this voyage and what life was like on a ship of this size, for months on end. Thank you to the author and publisher for the complementary novel and to Get Red PR for the tour invite. This review is of my own option and accord.
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