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Chilton Crosse ##3

Seeking the Star

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One December night, in the sleepy Cotswold village of Chilton Crosse, a drifter named Ben collapses on George and Mary Cartwright’s snow-covered doorstep. As Christmas cheer spreads throughout the village with a Dickens-themed festival, Mary nurses Ben back to health, but she becomes curious about the secrets he seems to carry.

On Christmas Eve, one of Ben’s secrets accidentally comes to light, forcing him to confront the darkness of his past and to rediscover the faith he once knew.

161 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 6, 2015

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About the author

Traci Borum

11 books106 followers
Traci Borum is a writing teacher and native Texan. She’s also an avid reader of women’s fiction, most especially Elin Hilderbrand and Rosamunde Pilcher novels. Since the age of 12, she’s written poetry, short stories, magazine articles, and novels.

Traci also adores all things British. She even owns a British dog (Corgi) and is completely addicted to Masterpiece Theater–must be all those dreamy accents! Aside from having big dreams of getting a book published, it’s the little things that make her the happiest: deep talks with friends, a strong cup of hot chocolate, a hearty game of fetch with her Corgi, and puffy white Texas clouds always reminding her to “look up, slow down, enjoy your life.”

You can follow Traci on Facebook and Twitter:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Traci-...

https://twitter.com/TraciAuthor

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Community Reviews

5 stars
605 (65%)
4 stars
222 (24%)
3 stars
70 (7%)
2 stars
14 (1%)
1 star
7 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
Profile Image for Kari.
4,052 reviews101 followers
November 14, 2015
Seeking the Star is the third book in the Chilton Crosse series. I have enjoyed this series so far and was looking forward to this latest installment. This one was shorter and a lot more serious than the first two. Ben has been wandering the countryside, trying to run from the nightmares that haunt his days and nights. When he collapses on the Cartwright's doorstep, he doesn't realize that this town may be his salvation.

I won't talk too much about plot because it would give too much away. I will say that this book is both heart wrenching and heartwarming at the same time. My heart absolutely broke for what Ben was going through. But I loved how the town just surrounded him with their kindness and friendship. It is a great story that really fits what the upcoming season is all about. The characters from the first two books do make appearances in this one. It was nice to catch up with them and see them doing so well.

As I said, I enjoy this series and I look forward to seeing what happens next in this sweet little village.
Profile Image for Melissa.
2,008 reviews
October 17, 2024
Too much religion

I'm sure lots of people will love this book. It's got a wonderful bunch of characters from previous books, and it's a good story.
But I don't like religion in my books.
253 reviews4 followers
June 28, 2023
Bit too much religion for my liking.
2,083 reviews
June 17, 2025
This was an intriguing story with moments of joy and sadness. I loved this book!


Amazon synopsis:
One December night, in the sleepy Cotswold village of Chilton Crosse, a drifter named Ben collapses on George and Mary Cartwright’s snow-covered doorstep. As Christmas cheer spreads throughout the village with a Dickens-themed festival, Mary nurses Ben back to health, but she becomes curious about the secrets he seems to carry.

On Christmas Eve, one of Ben’s secrets accidentally comes to light, forcing him to confront the darkness of his past and to rediscover the faith he once knew.
Profile Image for Carolyn Strong.
373 reviews3 followers
September 15, 2019
Consistently good

This book differs from the first two in the Chilton Crosse series. The heartbreaking challenges Ben faces are intense and all consuming. It's always difficult to adjust to an unexpected loss. It's even harder when you blame yourself for the tragedy. You'll appreciate all the good souls you get introduced to in this book. I only wish more was added to the important resolution.
Profile Image for Charline Romine.
902 reviews
May 1, 2025
The Anchor ⚓️

Utterly captivating story. Breathless. The perfect love story. A wounded soul looking for redemption and found it. A mystery throughout, revealed slowly. Mary found Ben passed out in the snow outside and went in to get George, her husband to help. As Ben healed, he started to find a place in Chilton Crosse to belong. But still, there was a healing needed. You will love this story of the ages. 😭 Don’t forget the tissues!
91 reviews
October 4, 2025
What a beautiful story!

Having lost my son in a tragic event, I can't tell you how much this story has meant to me. Like Ben I had given up on much of my creativity as a writer and an artist. But maybe I can find that love once again. Thank you for sharing this wonderful story. You are a great writer Track Borum. Please keep up your good work and know that others benefit from your books in more ways than great entertainment.
1,354 reviews5 followers
May 2, 2026
Speaking the Star

A beautiful story. Extremely well written and deeply moving, emotional of loss. You can stop read once you begin, I think that says it all. No matter what our loss is, we are only human with the natural ability to hold blame to that loss. Jesus is the heal you just have to stop because he's there with you, has been all along. A must read, I highly recommend. Enjoy
159 reviews
July 9, 2018
A Journey

A great read, an emotional journey, thought provoking - definitely a book worth reading. Both the characters and the story were well thought out. To give too many details might take away from your enjoyment. It was great to catch up with favorites from previous books though I don’t think you would have to have read them. I would have liked an epilogue.
10 reviews
January 9, 2020
A real-life story...

This was a beautifully written story about real human pain, loss and the struggle to move forward. Written with sensitivity, I couldn’t put the book down! The characters have become friends as I read this series. This story, though, was truly the most touching. We can all find ourselves pondering the faith and wisdom shared within its pages.
387 reviews
February 13, 2020
I would date this much higher than 10!

Mary and George rescue a stranger in a dark snowy night! Passing him off as their nephew to the villagers, they nurse him back to health. While dealing with tragedy in their past, they seem to help him. If it were possible, I would date this book much higher! I hope we see Ben find love again!
662 reviews
April 24, 2025
Great Read!

I enjoyed book 3 in this series watching Ben navigate his way thru his his own personal tragedy with the help of his friend Mary and finally start on the road of healing. I will definitely recommend this book to everyone and can't wait to start reading the next book in this series.
Profile Image for caroljordan.
191 reviews
July 5, 2018
Christmas is for healing

I have Seeking the Star five stars . What a wonderful story for giving support. Ben had so much to give and Mary needed him desperately. They were able to share their grief and help each other. I love the town. Will read more Traci Borum.
125 reviews4 followers
December 16, 2019
Very moving read

This story is about loss and learning to find a way back to living. The author did a wonderful job introducing the characters and weaving the story until the end. Great read!
1,044 reviews1 follower
March 12, 2020
Heartwarming

This story has so much heart in it. The villagers acceptance to Ben,bringing him into their family. The heart wrenching details of his life that he finally shares. Love this series!
Profile Image for Veronica.
113 reviews36 followers
January 28, 2023
I liked this book but I felt it very different compared to the first two books of the series. The action developed more slowly, the ending was not such an unexpected one, neither a very expected one. It definitely felt not alike to the other books but it was still good.
1,762 reviews1 follower
May 31, 2025
These are light ready, but still enjoyable. The series focuses on a differ group of people living in the village, while keeping tabs on the characters previously featured in the prior books. The book is a quite read, while not complex, enjoyable mind candy.
57 reviews1 follower
June 1, 2025
5 stars for Ms Boris, again❣️

After reading these first 3 books in the Cotswold set I’m left feeling so satisfied & pleased. These are not great works of literature or historically enlightening but they are filled with caring, kind & loving people that I wish we could all be.
1 review
June 29, 2025
different than others in the series

I enjoyed the characters in all three books and like that they reappear in minor roles. This was a bit dark and I feel like the ending left things unresolved.
Profile Image for Tomi.
1,535 reviews7 followers
October 23, 2025
First book in the series to be labeled as Christian fiction. Reads like a really sappy Hallmark movie. The first book in the series was delightful, but the subsequent books have not lived up to the original.
1 review
Read
November 15, 2025
I gasped!

Lots of tears with this book. I love getting to know more of the people in Chilton Crosse, but was not ready for Seeking the Star to end when it did. You best be working on book #4!!
Kind Regards for wonderful stories.
Elaine Keyes
Profile Image for Robin M Rosequist.
46 reviews1 follower
January 27, 2026
Devine

I love this series, but this is the best one yet! Simple and true. Sadness and comfort. Love and kindness and generosity! Goodness begets goodness. I wish the world would embrace that! Thank you!
8 reviews1 follower
February 19, 2026
I inspiring

I have now finished 3 of Traci Forum books and each better than the last. Her character s are real and always caring people. I feel peaceful when reading her stories. I need.to.read number 4
37 reviews
March 7, 2026
Have a lot of heartache1 person can have faith

It's a beautiful story in an English country town Loved on a stranger that needed hope. And through that love he found peace And was able to cope with this past . I rarely give a 5 to anything
43 reviews
July 17, 2018
I

I could not put down until I finish this beautiful story. I know the feeling with God,s help and reading this book. I understand..
109 reviews4 followers
September 11, 2018
Heavenly

Can’t wait til all of my bookies read this series.... I love Chilton Crosse and all the citizens and visitors.... this particular book is so very very lovely!
Profile Image for Lauri Gentry.
891 reviews26 followers
December 11, 2018
Drew me in from page one! What secret is Ben hiding? Had me in tears by the end.
44 reviews
December 17, 2019
Great Read

I was hooked from the start. A new take on an old theme. Heart moving. Hard to put down once you start.
Profile Image for Michelle.
598 reviews3 followers
February 4, 2020
Simply wonderful...

Incredibly wonderful story! How do I even try to explain how this book touched me...maybe I just say that you really need to read this story!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews