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Northstar Holidays #2
Starlight Magic
Artist Celeste Dawson is in desperate need of a tranquil place where she can rebuild herself, and for that, there is no place better than Northstar, Montana, and no one more adept at soothing her troubled soul than single father Brodie Dunn and his adorable little boy, Brendan.
Two months after the tragic end of Celeste’s marriage, the heartbreak continues. Her career is in jeopardy, her emotional state is deteriorating, and she has no will to engage in the activities that were once her escape from the world. With the help of her best friend, she decides it’s time for a Northstar-style intervention with the hope that two months of skiing, solitude, and a New Year’s resolution will give her the fresh start she needs.
Brodie knows Celeste is going to be trouble right from the get-go, but he’s irresistibly drawn to the pain in her eyes—he knows it too well himself to stand by and let it consume her. On the starlit eve of the saddest day of his life, he made a promise to laugh instead of cry and to help any wounded heart he comes across. He’s sure that same attitude, his irresistably charming son, and maybe a little starlight magic will do wonders for Celeste… if his apparent inability to take anything seriously doesn’t drive her mad first.
Two months after the tragic end of Celeste’s marriage, the heartbreak continues. Her career is in jeopardy, her emotional state is deteriorating, and she has no will to engage in the activities that were once her escape from the world. With the help of her best friend, she decides it’s time for a Northstar-style intervention with the hope that two months of skiing, solitude, and a New Year’s resolution will give her the fresh start she needs.
Brodie knows Celeste is going to be trouble right from the get-go, but he’s irresistibly drawn to the pain in her eyes—he knows it too well himself to stand by and let it consume her. On the starlit eve of the saddest day of his life, he made a promise to laugh instead of cry and to help any wounded heart he comes across. He’s sure that same attitude, his irresistably charming son, and maybe a little starlight magic will do wonders for Celeste… if his apparent inability to take anything seriously doesn’t drive her mad first.
260 pages, Paperback
Published January 21, 2016
296 people are currently reading
532 people want to read
About the author
Suzie O'Connell
43 books133 followersSuzie O'Connell grew up in a small town on the Kitsap Peninsula in Western Washington, but has called the mountains and valleys of Western Montana home for well over a decade. She has been writing stories since she was old enough to know how (the first she can recall was penciled in the second grade, about the mouse who went to the sea) and completed her first novel, Summer Angel, before she graduated from high school. After high school, tired of the endless rain, she attended college at the University of Montana-Western and graduated in 2005 with a Bachelor of Arts in Literature and Writing. She is currently working on a Masters of Education and teaches high school English.
Suzie considers herself to be a rather quirky individual with ecclectic tastes in music, movies and books. She listens to just about anything, including pop, rock, country and techno and her favorite movies range from Grumpy Old Men to Lord of the Rings to Moulin Rouge to Pirates of the Caribbean. When it comes to reading, she prefers fantasy, science fiction, romance and literary fiction.
She firmly believes it's healthy to laugh at yourself, that best friends are worth far more than their weight in gold, and that home truly is where the heart is.
When she isn't writing, teaching or studying, Suzie enjoys playing in the mountains with her husband Mark, their daughter Maddie and their energetic golden retriever Reilly. She is also a hobby photographer, specializing in landscapes.
Suzie considers herself to be a rather quirky individual with ecclectic tastes in music, movies and books. She listens to just about anything, including pop, rock, country and techno and her favorite movies range from Grumpy Old Men to Lord of the Rings to Moulin Rouge to Pirates of the Caribbean. When it comes to reading, she prefers fantasy, science fiction, romance and literary fiction.
She firmly believes it's healthy to laugh at yourself, that best friends are worth far more than their weight in gold, and that home truly is where the heart is.
When she isn't writing, teaching or studying, Suzie enjoys playing in the mountains with her husband Mark, their daughter Maddie and their energetic golden retriever Reilly. She is also a hobby photographer, specializing in landscapes.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
February 18, 2016
Northstar is one of my favorite small towns to read about and Celeste and Brodie's story is such a welcome and unique additional the the Northstar family. Celeste and Brodie’s story is one of healing, mutual trust and love after tragedy. I especially loved how music and food was woven into the story in several different parts and how the epilogue brought things together nicely at the end! Also, how cute is Brendan?
January 25, 2016
This story had a lot of tense moments and memories for Celeste. What was she running from, what was she afraid of? Will the peacefulness of the mountains be the answer?
It also has a deep emotional feeling that draws you into it by the writers words. I have mixed feelings about how it made me feel, but the writing was good and I couldn't put it down. JMO
It also has a deep emotional feeling that draws you into it by the writers words. I have mixed feelings about how it made me feel, but the writing was good and I couldn't put it down. JMO
March 5, 2016
I DEFINITELY ENJOYED THIS BOOK. IT HIT KINDA CLOSE TO HOME WITH THE ABUSE AND CONTROLLING MEN. BUT IT IS DEFINITELY WELL WORTH READING. HATS OFF TO THE AUTHOR FOR SHOWING THAT YOU CAN COME OUT OF ABUSIVE SITUATIONS, AND THAT HERE ARE GOOD PEOPLE OUT THERE
January 30, 2016
Suzie O'Connell is fast becoming one of my favorite authors. I have loved everything she has written. Starlight Magic was a beautiful story of healing,courage and love.
February 26, 2016
I won this book through goodreads. Started it immediately and finished just as quickly. Such a great story to go with a great with the other books. Highly recommend.
November 12, 2025
This is one of the most enjoyable books I have read this year. Celeste is a woman who has been mistreated, abused and broken by a previous relationship. She has come to a place where she hopes to begin to heal and rebuild herself. She has only a few people that she trusts and is hesitant when a new man comes into her life. Celeste has really lost faith in men, but perhaps Brodie can help change that.
The story delves into the ways Celeste's life has been damaged. There are many events that bring back terrible memories and cause her to wonder if she can ever be well again. Brodie quickly takes to her and tine and again he tries to bolster her confidence and convince her that she is strong and resilient. Eventually Celeste and Brodie develop a relationship that is more than just friendship. This, of course, gives Celeste second thoughts about Brodie since he is, of course, a man. Can she really trust him?
The setting of the story is in a mountain community, far away from where Celeste has her terrible memories. The season is late fall, and the ski season is just beginning. Celeste is an accomplished skier, and the skiing and snowboarding activities do much to help her hide her fears and trust having fun with Brodie, and when she meets his son and his pet, rescued animals, she begins to see a warm and caring side of Brodie. Everyone, especially her best friend, Shannon and her husband Ty, make her feel loved and accepted, which goes a long way toward helping her emotions to heal.
As the story progresses Celeste and Brody's relationship continues to strengthen and heat up. The attraction at times gets very close to bringing them together sexually. But each time one of them or the other or both of them pull back, not wanting to go that far....for now...or maybe forever. Celeste's personal injuries make her fearful of ever getting that close to a man again. In the end, however, they realize that neither of them wants to be without the other. So if you like stories that have a happily ever after ending, I'm sure you will enjoy the ride of getting there!
The story delves into the ways Celeste's life has been damaged. There are many events that bring back terrible memories and cause her to wonder if she can ever be well again. Brodie quickly takes to her and tine and again he tries to bolster her confidence and convince her that she is strong and resilient. Eventually Celeste and Brodie develop a relationship that is more than just friendship. This, of course, gives Celeste second thoughts about Brodie since he is, of course, a man. Can she really trust him?
The setting of the story is in a mountain community, far away from where Celeste has her terrible memories. The season is late fall, and the ski season is just beginning. Celeste is an accomplished skier, and the skiing and snowboarding activities do much to help her hide her fears and trust having fun with Brodie, and when she meets his son and his pet, rescued animals, she begins to see a warm and caring side of Brodie. Everyone, especially her best friend, Shannon and her husband Ty, make her feel loved and accepted, which goes a long way toward helping her emotions to heal.
As the story progresses Celeste and Brody's relationship continues to strengthen and heat up. The attraction at times gets very close to bringing them together sexually. But each time one of them or the other or both of them pull back, not wanting to go that far....for now...or maybe forever. Celeste's personal injuries make her fearful of ever getting that close to a man again. In the end, however, they realize that neither of them wants to be without the other. So if you like stories that have a happily ever after ending, I'm sure you will enjoy the ride of getting there!
December 30, 2024
Lovely Christmas book. The way the relationship develops between charachters in this book, Celeste is beautiful and tortured from being in an abusive marriage when her husband turns to alcohol. After a final trauma ( I won’t spoil ) she moves location to be closer to her best friend.
Brodie a single dad and her new neighbour sees her pain and wants to make it better to see her smile, he’s kind and patient and knows instinctively what she needs.
The trauma suffered by heroine and how hero with his patience and love pulls her out is worth reading, I loved they got their HEA I would have liked an epilogue of her pregnant to round it off nicely
Brodie a single dad and her new neighbour sees her pain and wants to make it better to see her smile, he’s kind and patient and knows instinctively what she needs.
The trauma suffered by heroine and how hero with his patience and love pulls her out is worth reading, I loved they got their HEA I would have liked an epilogue of her pregnant to round it off nicely
August 30, 2017
The promises we keep when we're at our lowest point are the hardest to see through but Brodie's of strong heart and follows through on his convictions. Celeste has had her world ripped from under her feet but can Brodie's promise help her through? Well, you have to read the book in order to find out but like any other book written by Suzie O'Connell you can guarantee that you'll be drawn into the story and characters and you'll get involved mentally and emotionally in their lives. I love the Northstar books and I think so will you.
January 4, 2025
Enjoyable Love Story
Brodie is an auburn haired man who helps with the family ski lodge in winter, and has a contracting business in summer. He has a young son, but is not married to Brendan's mother. Celeste s friends with a couple -- Ty and Shannon- who live in the same town. Celeste came to forget the abusive marriage she had been in, and to see Ty and Shannon' s new baby boy. Can she put her life back together? Is Brodie and his son Brendan an answer to her happiness? Great story
Brodie is an auburn haired man who helps with the family ski lodge in winter, and has a contracting business in summer. He has a young son, but is not married to Brendan's mother. Celeste s friends with a couple -- Ty and Shannon- who live in the same town. Celeste came to forget the abusive marriage she had been in, and to see Ty and Shannon' s new baby boy. Can she put her life back together? Is Brodie and his son Brendan an answer to her happiness? Great story
January 16, 2025
This is a very poignant post traumatic toxic relationship story. Set at a ski hill in Montana (Northstar). Her remaining close female friend introduces her to son of/owner Brodie who has an amazing ability to be there for her as she rebuilds herself. One tiny issue I had was that I have taken a lesson in watercolors and each color has to dry or they bleed over each other. Also, when alcohol is involved, I appreciate it when Al-Anon is brought up. This is a clean romance.
December 20, 2020
I really enjoyed this Christmas Romance. I've voluntarily chose to review this and I gave it a 4.5*. This heroine is recovering from abuse and low self esteem and not being able to trust people. There are a lot of twists and turns to keep you wanting to turn those pages Because of the abuse, not sure this is for the under 18 readers. Lots of animals and children in this.
January 9, 2025
Northstar Love
I didn’t want to put this down! I found little moments in my days to read as much as I could! I haven’t read any of the other Northstar Books, but hopefully that will remedied! Celeste visits friends in Northstar & meets Brodie. She has lived through a horrendous time & needed to get away to reclaim her life. It is a really good book! Read it for yourself!
I didn’t want to put this down! I found little moments in my days to read as much as I could! I haven’t read any of the other Northstar Books, but hopefully that will remedied! Celeste visits friends in Northstar & meets Brodie. She has lived through a horrendous time & needed to get away to reclaim her life. It is a really good book! Read it for yourself!
January 12, 2025
awesome love story
This book was so different and interesting. From the very beginning where you are being told of a tragic event that wasn’t fully disclosed until near the end of the story. Layers were peeled back to reveal the pain and replaced with hope, understanding and love.
This book was so different and interesting. From the very beginning where you are being told of a tragic event that wasn’t fully disclosed until near the end of the story. Layers were peeled back to reveal the pain and replaced with hope, understanding and love.
May 10, 2018
Moving
I have decided that after reading7 of the Northstar books that I need to move to Northstar, the wonderful interactions between all the residents around northstar is just brilliant, thank you Suzie for these amazing books, please keep them coming💖💖💖
I have decided that after reading7 of the Northstar books that I need to move to Northstar, the wonderful interactions between all the residents around northstar is just brilliant, thank you Suzie for these amazing books, please keep them coming💖💖💖
December 20, 2019
I enjoy this series but got a real kick out of this one. There was a lot of back and forth to Butte, with mentions of Walkerville and Silver Bow Pizza. All of which I can picture thanks to visits to my family in Butte.
January 4, 2025
Learning to trust again
This was a hard book to read in parts as she wad trying by I get over a truly tragedy filled marriage. She went to the mountain to start on anew life. What she found was so much more. Its a great story of new found love and trust.
This was a hard book to read in parts as she wad trying by I get over a truly tragedy filled marriage. She went to the mountain to start on anew life. What she found was so much more. Its a great story of new found love and trust.
January 6, 2025
starlight magic
Such a sweet moving romance. Celeste's past. Brodies past. Young Brendan. And Brendan's mom. Excellent characters. Described in a way I can see them. Highly recommend.
Such a sweet moving romance. Celeste's past. Brodies past. Young Brendan. And Brendan's mom. Excellent characters. Described in a way I can see them. Highly recommend.
December 13, 2017
Really enjoyable read.
June 16, 2019
Highly recommended!
As with all of this series,I really enjoyed this book. I hope the Author continues the North star series.I highly recommend this book!
As with all of this series,I really enjoyed this book. I hope the Author continues the North star series.I highly recommend this book!
November 27, 2021
Love heals. Love strengthens and unites. This was a good story.
December 21, 2024
Brodie is the sort of guy you wish you could meet in real life. Such a patient, loving man.
January 5, 2025
sweet romance
January 5, 2025
There aren't many Brodie's in the world! A lovely story of survival after spousal abuse. The characters were all wonderful and the setting was appealing.
February 8, 2025
Wow
Great story of love, patience and redemptive love! To have some one so understudy what you need to heal from huge trauma.
Great story of love, patience and redemptive love! To have some one so understudy what you need to heal from huge trauma.
January 28, 2025
This was a beautiful story and gave me all kinds of feels! Thank you, Ms. O'Connell, for writing this beautiful story!!!
January 27, 2016
Never disappointed...
I have read every book in the series... I feel like I personally have been to North star and I have met all the families. Love the books and recommend them as must reads.
I have read every book in the series... I feel like I personally have been to North star and I have met all the families. Love the books and recommend them as must reads.
January 6, 2017
Great read
I have read all of the books so far and still find myself in my dream world sitting somewhere on a rustic porch in the stunning mountain side in Montana reading more of Susie's books. Love everyone that I have read
I have read all of the books so far and still find myself in my dream world sitting somewhere on a rustic porch in the stunning mountain side in Montana reading more of Susie's books. Love everyone that I have read
April 11, 2016
I enjoyed reading this book, I found the characters to be well written and the story kept me interested until the end
April 11, 2016
I have read all of the North star series and Hammond brothers and love them.
Would recommend all of them I can not wait for the next series. Hope you enjoy them as much as I have.
Would recommend all of them I can not wait for the next series. Hope you enjoy them as much as I have.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews