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As Sure As The Stars: The Sweetheart Romance That Happened!
They captured America’s heart on camera. Now, step into the story that captured theirs.
Inspired by the real-life winners of America’s Favorite Couple.
A timeless story of love, loss, and the God who writes better endings than we ever could.
When millions watched the winners of America’s Favorite Couple share their reunion story—a pair of high school sweethearts who found each other again after thirty-five years apart—it captured the nation’s imagination.
But what if we could see the story behind the headlines?
In As Sure as the Stars , that’s exactly what you’ll find.
Kelly Richardson thought she had love all figured out—once. At seventeen, she was the girl who believed in forever. Jake Forester was the boy who made her believe it. They danced under the Alaskan stars, made promises, and dreamed about a future that was never meant to be.
Then life happened. Choices. Distance. Silence.
Now, decades later, Kelly is a successful divorce attorney in Boise, Idaho—helping other women pick up the pieces of broken vows while quietly wondering if love is just a beautiful lie. Then one morning, she looks up and sees Jake again, and her carefully constructed world begins to shake.
Jake’s now a father of six, and a man carrying his own regrets. As they’re brought together by friends—and maybe by providence—Kelly begins to realize that sometimes the hardest part of love isn’t losing it, but letting it return.
Told in tender, time-swept layers between 1980s Alaska and the present day, As Sure as the Stars is more than a romance—it’s a journey of faith and rediscovery. It’s a reminder that true love isn’t about perfection; it’s about persistence, forgiveness, and trusting that God writes better stories than we do.
Spanning from the golden nights of 1980s Alaska to the quiet ache of present-day Boise, As Sure as the Stars takes readers behind the cameras and into the hearts of two people whose fictional journey mirrors a very real one. It’s a tender, faith-filled portrait of forgiveness, timing, and the kind of love that doesn’t fade—it just waits.
Perfect for readers who
💫 True love stories reimagined through fiction
💫 Clean, emotionally rich romance
💫 Themes of faith, forgiveness, and second chances
💫 Authors like Charles Martin, Karen Kingsbury, and Richard Paul Evans
Inspired by the real-life winners of America’s Favorite Couple.
A timeless story of love, loss, and the God who writes better endings than we ever could.
When millions watched the winners of America’s Favorite Couple share their reunion story—a pair of high school sweethearts who found each other again after thirty-five years apart—it captured the nation’s imagination.
But what if we could see the story behind the headlines?
In As Sure as the Stars , that’s exactly what you’ll find.
Kelly Richardson thought she had love all figured out—once. At seventeen, she was the girl who believed in forever. Jake Forester was the boy who made her believe it. They danced under the Alaskan stars, made promises, and dreamed about a future that was never meant to be.
Then life happened. Choices. Distance. Silence.
Now, decades later, Kelly is a successful divorce attorney in Boise, Idaho—helping other women pick up the pieces of broken vows while quietly wondering if love is just a beautiful lie. Then one morning, she looks up and sees Jake again, and her carefully constructed world begins to shake.
Jake’s now a father of six, and a man carrying his own regrets. As they’re brought together by friends—and maybe by providence—Kelly begins to realize that sometimes the hardest part of love isn’t losing it, but letting it return.
Told in tender, time-swept layers between 1980s Alaska and the present day, As Sure as the Stars is more than a romance—it’s a journey of faith and rediscovery. It’s a reminder that true love isn’t about perfection; it’s about persistence, forgiveness, and trusting that God writes better stories than we do.
Spanning from the golden nights of 1980s Alaska to the quiet ache of present-day Boise, As Sure as the Stars takes readers behind the cameras and into the hearts of two people whose fictional journey mirrors a very real one. It’s a tender, faith-filled portrait of forgiveness, timing, and the kind of love that doesn’t fade—it just waits.
Perfect for readers who
💫 True love stories reimagined through fiction
💫 Clean, emotionally rich romance
💫 Themes of faith, forgiveness, and second chances
💫 Authors like Charles Martin, Karen Kingsbury, and Richard Paul Evans
- GenresChristian Fiction
Kindle Edition
Published February 17, 2026
2 people are currently reading
30 people want to read
About the author
Tricia Goyer
166 books1,685 followersTricia Goyer is a busy mom of ten, grandmother of two, and wife to John. Somewhere around the hustle and bustle of family life, she manages to find the time to write fictional tales delighting and entertaining readers and non-fiction titles offering encouragement and hope. A bestselling author, Tricia has published thirty-three books to date and has written more than 500 articles. She is a two time Carol Award winner, as well as a Christy and ECPA Award Nominee. In 2010, she was selected as one of the Top 20 Moms to Follow on Twitter by SheKnows.com. Tricia is also on the blogging team at MomLifeToday.com, TheBetterMom.com and other homeschooling and Christian sites.In addition to her roles as mom, wife and author, Tricia volunteers around her community and mentors teen moms. She is the founder of Hope Pregnancy Ministries in Northwestern Montana, and she currently leads a Teen MOPS Group in Little Rock, AR. Learn more about Tricia at www.triciagoyer.com.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
February 18, 2026
A wonderful story of second chances! And if you grew up in the 80s you will enjoy the many music, fashion, and social references. Tricia Goyer is a masterful story teller, especially true stories.
I highly recommend this one!
I highly recommend this one!
February 17, 2026
Insightful and well-told
What a lovely story! I finished reading it over my sabbath—it was the perfect way to spend the day. I shared parts of it with my husband, and we both enjoyed it. We were friends in high school but never dated until after we had both been with terrible partners. Now we’re stuck together like glue!!
Here are a few excerpts that resonated strongly with me. I thought about mentioning how each was specific to my own circumstances and how this book felt like it was peering right into my history and my soul. However, I think these passages would have a better impact on the person reading this review if I left them as-is. That would allow readers to experience their own insights if indeed any of the following strikes a chord in their own hearts. Of course, all of these are better when told within the context of the greater story. My hope for you is that when you read it, the book will feel as much a part of you as it did for me.
"He didn't feel lighter exactly, but surrender carried its own kind of relief…Then, somewhere between memory and prayer, he let the exhaustion carry his thoughts away...
"God had been so silent for so long. Yet at that moment, unexpected words filled my mind. Answered prayers are not quick fixes…Was it the truth? Could this moment be the answer to all those prayers I'd prayed? Had God been weaving a new story all along?"
"The words caught me off guard, peeling back my practiced resistance...And I heard something deeper in his words, something I hadn't let myself hear in years. A reminder: God Himself often uses the people we least expect to whisper, ‘You are seen. You are worth it’.”
"...didn't have to earn belonging after all. I cried for the version of me who kept waiting to be chosen...and for the hollow ache of realizing I never truly was. I cried for every quiet compromise I had made just to feel wanted, and for the way I'm only now discovering that joy doesn't come from being picked. It comes from being whole."
"I whispered the only prayer I trusted then, the one that didn't try to tell God how to fix anything: "Help." Just that.
What a lovely story! I finished reading it over my sabbath—it was the perfect way to spend the day. I shared parts of it with my husband, and we both enjoyed it. We were friends in high school but never dated until after we had both been with terrible partners. Now we’re stuck together like glue!!
Here are a few excerpts that resonated strongly with me. I thought about mentioning how each was specific to my own circumstances and how this book felt like it was peering right into my history and my soul. However, I think these passages would have a better impact on the person reading this review if I left them as-is. That would allow readers to experience their own insights if indeed any of the following strikes a chord in their own hearts. Of course, all of these are better when told within the context of the greater story. My hope for you is that when you read it, the book will feel as much a part of you as it did for me.
"He didn't feel lighter exactly, but surrender carried its own kind of relief…Then, somewhere between memory and prayer, he let the exhaustion carry his thoughts away...
"God had been so silent for so long. Yet at that moment, unexpected words filled my mind. Answered prayers are not quick fixes…Was it the truth? Could this moment be the answer to all those prayers I'd prayed? Had God been weaving a new story all along?"
"The words caught me off guard, peeling back my practiced resistance...And I heard something deeper in his words, something I hadn't let myself hear in years. A reminder: God Himself often uses the people we least expect to whisper, ‘You are seen. You are worth it’.”
"...didn't have to earn belonging after all. I cried for the version of me who kept waiting to be chosen...and for the hollow ache of realizing I never truly was. I cried for every quiet compromise I had made just to feel wanted, and for the way I'm only now discovering that joy doesn't come from being picked. It comes from being whole."
"I whispered the only prayer I trusted then, the one that didn't try to tell God how to fix anything: "Help." Just that.
Review of advance copy received from Author
"As Sure As The Stars" By Tricia Goyer and Jennie Drollinger is such a sweet second chance romance inspired by a real story. I really enjoyed the flashbacks to the 80's in this one and the present day where two high schoolers that feel in love reconnect for a second chance. The book is sprinkled with a 1980's sound track and some of the songs just popped into my head while reading bringing some fun into the story.
This book does talk about marriages and divorces that each of the main characters had in between their high school years and now. Kelly's divorce was about a year in the past before the events of the present timeframe and Jake's divorce takes place during the book. It shows the devastation it left on them and their children. It definitely takes a realistic approach on the feelings, emptiness and the brokenness of divorce but how God can work in the midst of all of it to write a better story than we could on our own.
I loved the care their high school friends took for them, reintroducing them when they needed each other the most and how they encouraged Jake and Kelly in their faith life. The glimpses into the lives of children who have had to deal with parent divorce and abandonment is also written into this story in a caring way.
This book is faith-filled and written with wonderful Christian faith references throughout the book. It shows that despite the sin in this world, God can bring people together in His timing, not ours. the back and forth between past and present, as Jake and Kelly's story unwinds is beautifully written. I truly enjoyed reading this story.
Thank you to the authors for an opportunity to read an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
This book does talk about marriages and divorces that each of the main characters had in between their high school years and now. Kelly's divorce was about a year in the past before the events of the present timeframe and Jake's divorce takes place during the book. It shows the devastation it left on them and their children. It definitely takes a realistic approach on the feelings, emptiness and the brokenness of divorce but how God can work in the midst of all of it to write a better story than we could on our own.
I loved the care their high school friends took for them, reintroducing them when they needed each other the most and how they encouraged Jake and Kelly in their faith life. The glimpses into the lives of children who have had to deal with parent divorce and abandonment is also written into this story in a caring way.
This book is faith-filled and written with wonderful Christian faith references throughout the book. It shows that despite the sin in this world, God can bring people together in His timing, not ours. the back and forth between past and present, as Jake and Kelly's story unwinds is beautifully written. I truly enjoyed reading this story.
Thank you to the authors for an opportunity to read an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
February 17, 2026
"As Sure As the Stars" features Kelly and Jake, who felt the stirring of attraction 30+ years ago in the 1980's at an Alaskan high school but for reasons the reader will discover along the way, their paths diverged. It's been decades, but their paths are about to cross, thanks to their two closest friends and an unfortunate family crisis.
The authors indulge readers who came of age in the 80's with a plethora of references to musicians, songs, styles, and even hair products characteristic of the decade. If that's you, you'll feel a sweet kinship with Kelly as she struggles with some choices she made in the past and the ones she has the opportunity to make in the present.
At the heart of it all, the tension in the story is based on misunderstandings and lack of authentic communication, reminding readers of the value of speaking truth and also of forgiveness when we make mistakes or omissions despite our (good) intentions. There is hope in the story, even when tensions are high, and we are reminded that God is faithful, and we should turn our eyes to Him instead of each other.
The authors indulge readers who came of age in the 80's with a plethora of references to musicians, songs, styles, and even hair products characteristic of the decade. If that's you, you'll feel a sweet kinship with Kelly as she struggles with some choices she made in the past and the ones she has the opportunity to make in the present.
At the heart of it all, the tension in the story is based on misunderstandings and lack of authentic communication, reminding readers of the value of speaking truth and also of forgiveness when we make mistakes or omissions despite our (good) intentions. There is hope in the story, even when tensions are high, and we are reminded that God is faithful, and we should turn our eyes to Him instead of each other.
February 5, 2026
I really enjoyed this novel. I would love to read more stories of this family, or like a series of different couples stories. I rated it 4/5 because there were a couple of times, where I got into the book and something that was brought up, I thought I should have known about from near the beginning.
Also, as a Christian novel, I appreciated there was no profanity, or provocative parts. I do think the end was a bit rushed. I also would have loved to see dates for events that happened at the end. Like did they get married after a couple of days, or was it months, years? Would have loved more details on that, for example through the book it would occasionally give us flash backs, with dates, however, at the end it was not clear. Another point was that near the end, the main character said it was months since they were talking again. I thought it was weeks based on the story.
Overall, a good book! I would read again!
Also, as a Christian novel, I appreciated there was no profanity, or provocative parts. I do think the end was a bit rushed. I also would have loved to see dates for events that happened at the end. Like did they get married after a couple of days, or was it months, years? Would have loved more details on that, for example through the book it would occasionally give us flash backs, with dates, however, at the end it was not clear. Another point was that near the end, the main character said it was months since they were talking again. I thought it was weeks based on the story.
Overall, a good book! I would read again!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a wonderful story that brought back many memories for me. I loved every minute of this beautiful heartfelt story.
Im still thinking about this because in some of the story it also brought back some painful memories for me as well. I felt like de ja vu.
I enjoyed getting to know the characters and I most definitely hated saying goodbye to them.
The story that takes place is in a wonderful era. The era of my high school days. Yes, I miss those days.
The writing is amazing and I already love this author. I was happy to see that she had written another story. Its been too long since e the last one so I took my time and savored it all!!
I will be buying a copy to add to my shelf of favorites for sure!
5 stars for an adventure that I simply enjoyed and remembered.
I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.
Im still thinking about this because in some of the story it also brought back some painful memories for me as well. I felt like de ja vu.
I enjoyed getting to know the characters and I most definitely hated saying goodbye to them.
The story that takes place is in a wonderful era. The era of my high school days. Yes, I miss those days.
The writing is amazing and I already love this author. I was happy to see that she had written another story. Its been too long since e the last one so I took my time and savored it all!!
I will be buying a copy to add to my shelf of favorites for sure!
5 stars for an adventure that I simply enjoyed and remembered.
I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is an amazing, emotional, and quite lyrical book. It’s one of my favorite types of fiction in that it is based on a true story! Be prepared to be swept back decades into the lives of 80’s high school kids in Alaska, and then through well-paced jumps forward and flashbacks to the past be brought full circle in this second chance at love story that includes foolish mistakes, sorrow, and brokenness, but also faith, hope and love.
"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."
"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."
February 17, 2026
I had never heard of the Drollingers or the tv show they were on, but I loved this book based on their true story. Mature characters with second chances and clean romance, sprinkled with a little faith and a lot of 80s references, are sweetly relatable. Regrets are redeemed and the impossible becomes possible within these uplifting, feel good pages.
You will not regret diving into this realistic, well-written contemporary romance. Be prepared to settle in for the weekend and binge read.
*I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the authors. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
You will not regret diving into this realistic, well-written contemporary romance. Be prepared to settle in for the weekend and binge read.
*I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the authors. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 21, 2026
The mesmerizing cover of Sure as The Stars will warm your heart. Like many teenagers, Kelly and Jake were high school sweethearts who enjoyed driving out into the country, to go star gazing and dream about their future together. But Jake took a different path to happiness, until God gave him a second chance.
Many of the scenes filled me with nostalgia. Some of scenes brought tears to my eyes and other restaurant scenes will make your mouth water.
Many of the scenes filled me with nostalgia. Some of scenes brought tears to my eyes and other restaurant scenes will make your mouth water.
March 4, 2026
As Sure as the Stars is a wonderful second chance love story made even better by being based on a true story (apparently there's a podcast of the true story, which I will listening to soon). I read this uplifting novel during a time when I needed a boost of hope, which it is full of. It's a good reminder that God loves us, knows us, and cares for us always, all wrapped up in a satisfying romance with mention of plenty of 80's songs that would make an awesome playlist!
Did not finish
March 3, 2026This seems like it could be a sweet story of second chance love, I just can’t get over the over explaining of the 80’s and descriptions of everything little thing. Also, I just can’t connect with the characters and it feels like a chore to read it. Maybe it’s just not the book for right now and for another time later on.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 stars
Review to come, but I sure enjoyed all the '80's nostalgia!
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy (ARC), but I wasn't required to leave a positive review.
Review to come, but I sure enjoyed all the '80's nostalgia!
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy (ARC), but I wasn't required to leave a positive review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I am part of the book launch team....Friendships. Faith. Many Godwinks. Second chances. Healing. Love. 80's memories. What more would you want in a story.
Review of advance copy received from Author
As sure as the stars by Jennifer K. Drollinger and Tricia Goyer is an amazing faith-based, memory beckoning story that will leave you hopeful with possibilities and will have you lost in time.
Just as soon as I started reading "As sure as the stars" I was instantly taken back to my high school days of the 80's.
The old feeling of being in that time with all the wonderful songs, fashion and high school crushes, and dreaming of the future pulled me in.
I felt like I could be in this story. I didn't want to put the book down, couldn't turn the page fast enough to find out what was going to happen next.
The story of Kelly and Jake then and now was so beautifully written you could feel the emotion, the love, the pain and the possibility of what was or could be.
You never know where life is going to take you. I highly recommend reading Kelly and Jakes story.
"I received a complimentary copy of this book for my true and honest opinion.
Just as soon as I started reading "As sure as the stars" I was instantly taken back to my high school days of the 80's.
The old feeling of being in that time with all the wonderful songs, fashion and high school crushes, and dreaming of the future pulled me in.
I felt like I could be in this story. I didn't want to put the book down, couldn't turn the page fast enough to find out what was going to happen next.
The story of Kelly and Jake then and now was so beautifully written you could feel the emotion, the love, the pain and the possibility of what was or could be.
You never know where life is going to take you. I highly recommend reading Kelly and Jakes story.
"I received a complimentary copy of this book for my true and honest opinion.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews