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The Keeper of Stars #4
Until the Last Star Falls
The bestselling author of The Keeper of Stars returns with an intimate portrait of reinvention: when Cassandra Montgomery’s twenty year marriage dissolves, she sets out to recapture the woman she once was—and discover who she might still become—while there are still stars left in the sky.
Twenty years together. One chance to begin again.
It begins with a message from an old flame. Max Owens, Cassandra’s high school boyfriend. The one heartbreak she never quite outgrew. For months, they exchange messages that bridge decades of silence, until Nashville beckons with the promise of reunion.
En route, Cassandra stops in Sims Chapel, hoping to walk in the footsteps of Sara Hastings, whose words once altered the trajectory of her young life. She arrives armed with memories and questions, anticipating answers, perhaps even peace. What she doesn’t anticipate is Conrad, the man at the marina, his eyes holding stories that mirror the fracture lines of her own heart.
In Conrad’s company, Cassandra glimpses a startling truth—that the comfort she seeks may not lie in looking backward, but in daring to imagine a future unlike anything she’s ever known. Then Max appears without warning, disrupting the delicate cadence she and Conrad have begun to create. Caught between the legend of her first love and the raw, uncharted territory of new possibilities, Cassandra must navigate which narratives are worth keeping and which are meant to be rewritten.
Twenty years together. One chance to begin again.
It begins with a message from an old flame. Max Owens, Cassandra’s high school boyfriend. The one heartbreak she never quite outgrew. For months, they exchange messages that bridge decades of silence, until Nashville beckons with the promise of reunion.
En route, Cassandra stops in Sims Chapel, hoping to walk in the footsteps of Sara Hastings, whose words once altered the trajectory of her young life. She arrives armed with memories and questions, anticipating answers, perhaps even peace. What she doesn’t anticipate is Conrad, the man at the marina, his eyes holding stories that mirror the fracture lines of her own heart.
In Conrad’s company, Cassandra glimpses a startling truth—that the comfort she seeks may not lie in looking backward, but in daring to imagine a future unlike anything she’s ever known. Then Max appears without warning, disrupting the delicate cadence she and Conrad have begun to create. Caught between the legend of her first love and the raw, uncharted territory of new possibilities, Cassandra must navigate which narratives are worth keeping and which are meant to be rewritten.
- GenresRomance
272 pages, Paperback
Published September 1, 2026
About the author
Buck Turner
25 books883 followersBuck is a beloved storyteller, best known for his diverse writing style and subject matter. Author of the bestselling romance novels The Long Road Back To You and I'll Wait, Buck explores both the pleasure and the pain that come with finding that once-in-a-lifetime love, and the lengths we'll go to keep it.
As a graduate of Lincoln Memorial University, Buck holds a Fine Arts degree as well as an MBA. Having spent his childhood in East Tennessee, Buck focuses on what he knows best-the south, including its rich traditions, diverse characters, and religion. When he's not busy writing, Buck enjoys spending time with his family, playing golf, fishing, drawing, and painting.
As a graduate of Lincoln Memorial University, Buck holds a Fine Arts degree as well as an MBA. Having spent his childhood in East Tennessee, Buck focuses on what he knows best-the south, including its rich traditions, diverse characters, and religion. When he's not busy writing, Buck enjoys spending time with his family, playing golf, fishing, drawing, and painting.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was my first book in The Keeper of Stars series, and while I had no trouble following Cassandra’s story, I could definitely tell there were connections to the earlier books that whoever read the books will appreciate. I loved this so much that I’ll definitely be going back to read the rest of the series… although it looks like I’ll be reading it backwards. 😂 Please don’t do what I did and read them in order because I can already tell the emotional payoff will hit so much harder.
This book is ultimately about choosing between the future you’re building and the past that still has a hold on you.
What really stood out to me were the conversations throughout the book. They were so thoughtful and meaningful that I found myself pausing after almost every chapter just to reflect and i was literally highlighting every single page. That’s always a sign I’ve found a book that’s going to stay with me.
Thank you to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op and NetGalley for providing me with an advance reader copy.
September 12, 2026
Just finished reading an advanced copy of a book that was just released called, Until the Last Star Falls. This is about Cassandra, she just got divorced and needs to find herself again so she decides to take a trip and stay in the town Sara (a beloved family friend) had once called home. An old high school boyfriend named Max reaches out wanting to reconnect, talk about the past, and see if they could possibly have a future together. Then she meets Conrad, a quiet local who she finds herself enjoying both heartfelt conversations and comfortable silences with. And now she finds herself having to choose between rekindling her first love she never quite got over or the possibility of a new love that's blooming.
I really loved this story, this is book 4 in The Keeper of Stars series and I loved getting Cassandra as an adult. I love how these books have connected and how the love stories and lives of all these characters have intertwined for generations from the first book until this one. This is such a well written series, I have loved each book so much individually and then the way they all tie together is just magical and so well done! I can't wait to read whatever Buck Turner writes next! 💙📚
Thank you to Buck Turner, Page & Vine, and Netgalley for this ARC of Until the Last Star Falls, in exchange for an honest review.
I really loved this story, this is book 4 in The Keeper of Stars series and I loved getting Cassandra as an adult. I love how these books have connected and how the love stories and lives of all these characters have intertwined for generations from the first book until this one. This is such a well written series, I have loved each book so much individually and then the way they all tie together is just magical and so well done! I can't wait to read whatever Buck Turner writes next! 💙📚
Thank you to Buck Turner, Page & Vine, and Netgalley for this ARC of Until the Last Star Falls, in exchange for an honest review.
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August 13, 2026Pensé que sería un viaje de autodescubrimiento para Cassie, pero no fue así.
Al final me costó entender los sentimientos de Cassie por Conrad y Max. Para mí era obvio que Max era simplemente un buen recuerdo y que al estar recién divorciada, representaba lo que pudo ser y los recuerdos de su primer amor. Pero, como digo, al final, cuando pasa la inundación, me dejó dudando porque estaba dispuesta a todo por ver cómo estaba.
Luego, con Conrad, era algo nuevo. Alguien que también tenía una historia, pero no con ella y eso le daba miedo, el ser vulnerable. Al final, como él fue quien arriesgó su vida para salvarla, siento que sus sentimientos se mezclaron con el agradecimiento y sumándole el final de Max, pues no le quedó de otra que elegir a C.
Siento que se repite lo de Ellie, Sara y Jack. Jack y Sara se amaban, pero por una u otra razón su relación nunca funcionó y ambos se quedaron con la idea de que cosas ajenas a ellos eran las que los mantenían alejados, en lugar de aceptar que realmente no funcionarían juntos. Porque, de haber sido así, habrían hecho algo para poder estar juntos. Luego él conoce a Ellie y le gusta y llega a quererla. La verdad, no me parece que la amara y en un momento diré por qué. La conoce, ve que ella quiere las mismas cosas que él y que su relación es sencilla, sin dramas, además de que ella lo ama. Entonces decide hacer su vida con ella y se casan. Mientras tanto, Sara lo seguía amando e intenta hacer algo para separarlos, pero no lo logra y vive toda su vida añorándolo.
En el presente, Ellie y Sara ya están muertas y Cassie le pregunta a Jack que, si pudiera cambiar su decisión, lo haría. Él no duda en decir que sí, pero luego cambia de opinión porque fue feliz y por sus hijos. Nunca dice que no porque amaba a Ellie y que nunca cambiaría la vida que vivió junto a ella. Por eso digo que no la amaba. Jack también vivió de recuerdos, añoranza y de pensar en lo que pudo ser. Al no dejar ir su amor por Sara, realmente nunca pudo abrirle por completo su corazón a Ellie y eso me parece injusto. Entonces, ¿para qué casarse con ella si siempre iba a pensar en otra persona? No fue justo para Ellie.
Estas situaciones pasan mucho. Hay tantas parejas casadas en las que una de las partes sigue diciendo estar "enamorada" de otra persona y para mí eso no es amor. Simplemente idealizaron a esa persona y en su mente, engrandecieron lo que tuvieron hasta convertirlo en algo perfecto, que nada ni nadie estará a la altura de su imaginación. Todo está en su mente porque, por algo, terminaron con esa persona y no están con ell@s.
Al final me costó entender los sentimientos de Cassie por Conrad y Max. Para mí era obvio que Max era simplemente un buen recuerdo y que al estar recién divorciada, representaba lo que pudo ser y los recuerdos de su primer amor. Pero, como digo, al final, cuando pasa la inundación, me dejó dudando porque estaba dispuesta a todo por ver cómo estaba.
Luego, con Conrad, era algo nuevo. Alguien que también tenía una historia, pero no con ella y eso le daba miedo, el ser vulnerable. Al final, como él fue quien arriesgó su vida para salvarla, siento que sus sentimientos se mezclaron con el agradecimiento y sumándole el final de Max, pues no le quedó de otra que elegir a C.
Siento que se repite lo de Ellie, Sara y Jack. Jack y Sara se amaban, pero por una u otra razón su relación nunca funcionó y ambos se quedaron con la idea de que cosas ajenas a ellos eran las que los mantenían alejados, en lugar de aceptar que realmente no funcionarían juntos. Porque, de haber sido así, habrían hecho algo para poder estar juntos. Luego él conoce a Ellie y le gusta y llega a quererla. La verdad, no me parece que la amara y en un momento diré por qué. La conoce, ve que ella quiere las mismas cosas que él y que su relación es sencilla, sin dramas, además de que ella lo ama. Entonces decide hacer su vida con ella y se casan. Mientras tanto, Sara lo seguía amando e intenta hacer algo para separarlos, pero no lo logra y vive toda su vida añorándolo.
En el presente, Ellie y Sara ya están muertas y Cassie le pregunta a Jack que, si pudiera cambiar su decisión, lo haría. Él no duda en decir que sí, pero luego cambia de opinión porque fue feliz y por sus hijos. Nunca dice que no porque amaba a Ellie y que nunca cambiaría la vida que vivió junto a ella. Por eso digo que no la amaba. Jack también vivió de recuerdos, añoranza y de pensar en lo que pudo ser. Al no dejar ir su amor por Sara, realmente nunca pudo abrirle por completo su corazón a Ellie y eso me parece injusto. Entonces, ¿para qué casarse con ella si siempre iba a pensar en otra persona? No fue justo para Ellie.
Estas situaciones pasan mucho. Hay tantas parejas casadas en las que una de las partes sigue diciendo estar "enamorada" de otra persona y para mí eso no es amor. Simplemente idealizaron a esa persona y en su mente, engrandecieron lo que tuvieron hasta convertirlo en algo perfecto, que nada ni nadie estará a la altura de su imaginación. Todo está en su mente porque, por algo, terminaron con esa persona y no están con ell@s.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
After twenty years, Cassandra receives a message from Max Owens, her high school boyfriend and the heartbreak she never quite managed to leave behind. As months of messages reconnect them across the years, Cassandra heads towards Nashville hoping their reunion might finally give her the answers and closure she has been seeking.
Along the way, Cassandra stops in Sims Chapel, drawn by the words of Sara Hastings, whose writing had a profound impact on her when she was younger. Instead of finding the answers she expects, she meets Conrad, a man whose own experiences seem to reflect some of the cracks in her heart. As their friendship develops, Cassandra begins to realise that perhaps happiness isn't found by recreating the past but by being brave enough to consider what might come next. When Max unexpectedly reappears, she is forced to choose between the familiarity of her first love and the possibility of a completely new beginning.
I enjoyed the emotional depth of Cassandra's journey and the way the story explores how memories can sometimes make us hold onto an idealised version of the past. Her connection with Conrad was particularly appealing, and I liked the quieter, more thoughtful way their relationship developed. The story also raised some interesting questions about whether we should return to the relationships that shaped us or allow ourselves to move forward and become someone different. I appreciated that the focus wasn't simply on choosing between two men but on Cassandra working out what she actually wanted from her life.
While the pacing was a little slow in places and some of the emotional developments felt somewhat predictable, I still found this to be a moving and engaging read. A great read!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Along the way, Cassandra stops in Sims Chapel, drawn by the words of Sara Hastings, whose writing had a profound impact on her when she was younger. Instead of finding the answers she expects, she meets Conrad, a man whose own experiences seem to reflect some of the cracks in her heart. As their friendship develops, Cassandra begins to realise that perhaps happiness isn't found by recreating the past but by being brave enough to consider what might come next. When Max unexpectedly reappears, she is forced to choose between the familiarity of her first love and the possibility of a completely new beginning.
I enjoyed the emotional depth of Cassandra's journey and the way the story explores how memories can sometimes make us hold onto an idealised version of the past. Her connection with Conrad was particularly appealing, and I liked the quieter, more thoughtful way their relationship developed. The story also raised some interesting questions about whether we should return to the relationships that shaped us or allow ourselves to move forward and become someone different. I appreciated that the focus wasn't simply on choosing between two men but on Cassandra working out what she actually wanted from her life.
While the pacing was a little slow in places and some of the emotional developments felt somewhat predictable, I still found this to be a moving and engaging read. A great read!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Until the Last Star Falls is a heartfelt story about healing, second chances, and discovering that life can still surprise you after everything seems to have fallen apart. The emotional journey is the novel's greatest strength. Cassandra feels authentic, and watching her slowly rediscover herself makes the story easy to connect with. The beautiful lakeside setting and the quiet moments of reflection create a comforting atmosphere that perfectly matches the themes of hope and renewal.
At times, the pacing is slower than I would have liked, especially during the more reflective sections when the plot pauses to focus on memories or personal growth. Some readers looking for constant romance or dramatic twists may find those chapters less engaging. Even so, the emotional payoff and strong character development make the slower moments worthwhile.
This book is an excellent choice for readers who enjoy mature romance, emotional women's fiction, second chance love stories, personal growth, and character-driven novels that focus as much on healing as they do on romance.
At times, the pacing is slower than I would have liked, especially during the more reflective sections when the plot pauses to focus on memories or personal growth. Some readers looking for constant romance or dramatic twists may find those chapters less engaging. Even so, the emotional payoff and strong character development make the slower moments worthwhile.
This book is an excellent choice for readers who enjoy mature romance, emotional women's fiction, second chance love stories, personal growth, and character-driven novels that focus as much on healing as they do on romance.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
This book—and especially the return to Sims Chapel—felt like a hug for my soul. There’s something so comforting about returning to this world and these characters, and yet the story still managed to surprise me!
While this can be read as a standalone, I think it’s even more meaningful if you’ve read the previous books.
Buck Turners writing style and the descriptive language was excellent. I could picture the settings so clearly, and the writing pulled me into the story. There were parts that had me on the edge of my seat, completely invested in what was going to happen next.
Most of all, this book had me feeling ALL the feelings—comfort, anticipation, tension, hope, and everything in between. It’s the kind of story that stays with you after you’ve finished reading, and I absolutely loved returning to Sims Chapel! ✨
This book—and especially the return to Sims Chapel—felt like a hug for my soul. There’s something so comforting about returning to this world and these characters, and yet the story still managed to surprise me!
While this can be read as a standalone, I think it’s even more meaningful if you’ve read the previous books.
Buck Turners writing style and the descriptive language was excellent. I could picture the settings so clearly, and the writing pulled me into the story. There were parts that had me on the edge of my seat, completely invested in what was going to happen next.
Most of all, this book had me feeling ALL the feelings—comfort, anticipation, tension, hope, and everything in between. It’s the kind of story that stays with you after you’ve finished reading, and I absolutely loved returning to Sims Chapel! ✨
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I loved the look of Until The Last Star Falls by Buck Turner instantly. Thank you to the author, Page & Vine Publishing and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for this ARC.
Until The Last Star Falls is a beautifully haunting and poetic journey that will truly leave you feeling it all. As Cassandra's life changes course she embarks on a journey of self discovery and past exploration. In the midst of this she finds herself with a choice to make, whether to find comfort in what is known or dare to take the chance on something new.
I was blown away by how beautifully this story is written. The portrayal of the characters and places is so good I really got a fantastic sense of it all. The introspection with Cassandra really grabbed me and made her journey all the more captivating. I was really struck by the nostalgic nature and consistent self reflection highlighted throughout this story and feel like this will be one of those books that stays with me for quite some time.
Until The Last Star Falls is a beautifully haunting and poetic journey that will truly leave you feeling it all. As Cassandra's life changes course she embarks on a journey of self discovery and past exploration. In the midst of this she finds herself with a choice to make, whether to find comfort in what is known or dare to take the chance on something new.
I was blown away by how beautifully this story is written. The portrayal of the characters and places is so good I really got a fantastic sense of it all. The introspection with Cassandra really grabbed me and made her journey all the more captivating. I was really struck by the nostalgic nature and consistent self reflection highlighted throughout this story and feel like this will be one of those books that stays with me for quite some time.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
In this fourth book, it's decades later, and we're following Cassandra, Diane's daughter, as she's at a crossroads in her life. Her marriage has ended in divorce, her twins are off to college, and she's looking for direction. She decides to travel from Kitty Hawk, NC, to Sims Chapel in East Tennessee to visit the lake she's only heard about in stories from Sara. Is it really as magical as she was told? Once she arrives, she meets Conrad who offers to take her out on his boat where she gets to see parts of the lake she's only ever heard about. A past love reconnects with her, and a hurricane makes the area a disaster zone. This book is so good! I live in this area, two minutes from this lake, and the descriptions are excellent!
September 11, 2026
✨Book review✨
Until The Last Star Falls
Book 4
By @buckturner_official
Genre-romance
I have read more than a few books by this author over the years, so following these characters through the series has been really cool, I didn't read book 3 before but was able to piece things together.
Cassandra isn't sure what she is looking for as she starts a new life after her husband leaves her for greener pasters.
An old romance that might still have a spark even after it was put out several times through the years, a new love that starts out as curiosity with warmth and a journal that holds regrets but also beginnings if you look in the right places.
Cassandra will have to weather the storm to find the answers.
Until The Last Star Falls
Book 4
By @buckturner_official
Genre-romance
I have read more than a few books by this author over the years, so following these characters through the series has been really cool, I didn't read book 3 before but was able to piece things together.
Cassandra isn't sure what she is looking for as she starts a new life after her husband leaves her for greener pasters.
An old romance that might still have a spark even after it was put out several times through the years, a new love that starts out as curiosity with warmth and a journal that holds regrets but also beginnings if you look in the right places.
Cassandra will have to weather the storm to find the answers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This arc was given to me via Netgalley!
I cant express how much i love the way this is written. Its emotional and poetic, makes you think. I loved that we follow Cassandra and how she almost walks backwards through the other books in the series. While this can be read as a standalone, reading the others first provides inside and depth to all the little references splashed throughout this novel. I really enioyed Cassandra and how she worked through her problems like a rational person and Conrad never got angry at her for taking the time to make her choices. The characters feel real, like you've met them before but cant quite place where. Well done I cnst wait to see if theres more!
I cant express how much i love the way this is written. Its emotional and poetic, makes you think. I loved that we follow Cassandra and how she almost walks backwards through the other books in the series. While this can be read as a standalone, reading the others first provides inside and depth to all the little references splashed throughout this novel. I really enioyed Cassandra and how she worked through her problems like a rational person and Conrad never got angry at her for taking the time to make her choices. The characters feel real, like you've met them before but cant quite place where. Well done I cnst wait to see if theres more!
September 6, 2026
I was given this book by NetGalley for an honest review-
I have loved every book Buck has written and he does it again!
Cassandra’s 20 year marriage is over— what is her life now? She has stayed in touch with her high school boyfriend Max and they plan a reunion.
On the way to Sims chapel she meets Conrad —- there is chemistry there - possibilities! Max suddenly drops in and Cassandra’s feelings are in turmoil—- Max - your first love—or Conrad- a new future? Such a tender emotional story of life, love, and changes!
I have loved every book Buck has written and he does it again!
Cassandra’s 20 year marriage is over— what is her life now? She has stayed in touch with her high school boyfriend Max and they plan a reunion.
On the way to Sims chapel she meets Conrad —- there is chemistry there - possibilities! Max suddenly drops in and Cassandra’s feelings are in turmoil—- Max - your first love—or Conrad- a new future? Such a tender emotional story of life, love, and changes!
September 2, 2026
This author always seems to deliver stories with so much depth. This story is told in a single-pov allowing us to see through the lens of Cassandra. I found her character relatable. And because of the solo point of view, you can really feel all the emotions and struggles she encounters. Until the Last Star Falls is part of The Keeper of The Stars series but can be read as a standalone. If you are looking for a profound, and soul-stirring read, this one is for you.
September 6, 2026
This series always delivers with depth and true emotion! This final book in the series shows it’s never too late to begin again, but shows the fears that come with those choices! Also deals with the trauma that was brought by Hurricane Helene. Like the last book, I could feel the breeze off the lake and imagine the lights on the horizon. This was a beautiful ending to a fabulous series! I am sad it is over!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I don't even know where to begin. I was absolutely in love with the first three books. And now he gives us this one. I can't choose. I won't choose. I love all of them. They are all absolutely beautiful stories, and I feel honored that I was able to read this beautiful and amazing story. Everything about this story was absolutely amazing. Thank you, Buck!
September 1, 2026
Until the last Star Falls
I could not wait until September 1st to read the fourth book. It was such a good story. I loved the characters and all the emotions they brought to the story. Even though some parts were sad, the ending left me with a good feeling.
I could not wait until September 1st to read the fourth book. It was such a good story. I loved the characters and all the emotions they brought to the story. Even though some parts were sad, the ending left me with a good feeling.
September 4, 2026
Good way to end the series
September 5, 2026
Beautiful
This was a heart wrenching story. So beautifully written. I loved how the stories are continuing. Definitely worth the read!
This was a heart wrenching story. So beautifully written. I loved how the stories are continuing. Definitely worth the read!
September 10, 2026
Conrad
I really enjoyed this book, it was very interesting, I think it s another great book from my favorite author, I will recommend this book to everyone!
I really enjoyed this book, it was very interesting, I think it s another great book from my favorite author, I will recommend this book to everyone!
September 10, 2026
Disappointing?
No indeed if you read Buck Turner, you will be sad when you know it's almost over.I have never,ever been disappointed by his books!
No indeed if you read Buck Turner, you will be sad when you know it's almost over.I have never,ever been disappointed by his books!
September 11, 2026
Until the Last Star Falls by Buck Turner is book four in the Keeper of Stars Series. The book is published by Victory Editing.
I read and loved the previous books very much and I couldn't wait to get my hands on it. Until the Last Star Falls is hands down my fav read in 2026.
A quiet story with just the right pace, the right amount of drama and suspense. Reading this book I could dive into the characters' lives, could picture myself among them noot just being a visitor. The author is an outstanding wordsmith who took me on a journey along with Cassandra and her loved ones and I wouldn't want to miss the experience.
I highly recommend the book and the series, all the stars.
I read and loved the previous books very much and I couldn't wait to get my hands on it. Until the Last Star Falls is hands down my fav read in 2026.
A quiet story with just the right pace, the right amount of drama and suspense. Reading this book I could dive into the characters' lives, could picture myself among them noot just being a visitor. The author is an outstanding wordsmith who took me on a journey along with Cassandra and her loved ones and I wouldn't want to miss the experience.
I highly recommend the book and the series, all the stars.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews