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When Stars Align
On the surface, Cosimo Garibaldi is young, handsome, charming, and somewhat naïve, considering he's a member of a royal family. Given his looks and his pedigree, he is rarely at a loss for admirers. Then he meets Megan Walker, an American humanities professor vacationing in Paris who seems both unaware of his status and immune to his charms. Cosimo finds her aloofness refreshing as well as challenging, so he does his best to win her over.
A week later Megan returns home to Boston believing their romance was nothing more than a brief suspension from reality. Meanwhile, Cosimo can't seem to forget her and begins to formulate a plan for their reunion. Unfortunately, his mother, Princess Maria-Carmella, has other plans for him.
When Cosimo resurfaces in Boston several months later, Megan fears that her simple, carefully choreographed life will be upended. As for Cosimo, he's afraid that the secrets he's been keeping from her will scare her away. And they just might, as one by one Megan discovers the truth about him. Megan's life gets even more complicated when she finds herself keeping a secret of her own. A secret that will have her come face to face with Princess Maria-Carmella, a powerful and devious woman who will go to any lengths to protect the family name.
When Stars Align is about the serendipitous nature of life and love. It is a tale that is both tragic and comic. And all the more so because it is inspired by the true story of the last prince of Italy.
A week later Megan returns home to Boston believing their romance was nothing more than a brief suspension from reality. Meanwhile, Cosimo can't seem to forget her and begins to formulate a plan for their reunion. Unfortunately, his mother, Princess Maria-Carmella, has other plans for him.
When Cosimo resurfaces in Boston several months later, Megan fears that her simple, carefully choreographed life will be upended. As for Cosimo, he's afraid that the secrets he's been keeping from her will scare her away. And they just might, as one by one Megan discovers the truth about him. Megan's life gets even more complicated when she finds herself keeping a secret of her own. A secret that will have her come face to face with Princess Maria-Carmella, a powerful and devious woman who will go to any lengths to protect the family name.
When Stars Align is about the serendipitous nature of life and love. It is a tale that is both tragic and comic. And all the more so because it is inspired by the true story of the last prince of Italy.
371 pages, Paperback
Published April 3, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
May 19, 2025
When Stars Align is based on real-life prince of Italy, Cosimo Garibaldi, who meets American humanities professor Megan Walker while visiting Paris. They begin a whirlwind romance that begins in a typical way but is full of many surprises. Mental health, class, royalty, secrets, family dynamics, and more are explored. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this historical romance. It is much more than meets the eye. Fans of The Crown, Gossip Girl, and Bridgerton will be enamored with this novel.
Bruce Genaro writes with beautiful prose, creating realistic characters and exploring sensitive themes with care and accuracy. I highly recommend it. The audiobook performance is superb!
Bruce Genaro writes with beautiful prose, creating realistic characters and exploring sensitive themes with care and accuracy. I highly recommend it. The audiobook performance is superb!
May 31, 2025
Cosimo had a list of mental illnesses that he was diagnosed with that affected his relationship with Megan. The switching between acting dependent on the drugs to the extent of overtaking them, to going weeks at a time without taking anything was not healthy. The problem is that no one seemed to notice these episodes he was going through when it came to whether or not he was taking the medication.
The fact that Megan was able to be the person that he could let his guard down around, and be openly and truly himself was great to witness. Being a Prince and constantly in the public’s eye, that was probably really hard to find.
The biggest surprise was the huge character development we got from Cosimo’s mother, Maria-Carmella. It only took Regina finally standing up to her to get her to reevaluate her life and how she was treating people.
My only complaint about this novel is that it would have been a lot easier if the author had contributed a French to English translation for us throughout the book. It got annoying having to stop and constantly look up translations.
Warning for depression, bipolar disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, mild schizophrenia, and medication non-adherence
The fact that Megan was able to be the person that he could let his guard down around, and be openly and truly himself was great to witness. Being a Prince and constantly in the public’s eye, that was probably really hard to find.
The biggest surprise was the huge character development we got from Cosimo’s mother, Maria-Carmella. It only took Regina finally standing up to her to get her to reevaluate her life and how she was treating people.
My only complaint about this novel is that it would have been a lot easier if the author had contributed a French to English translation for us throughout the book. It got annoying having to stop and constantly look up translations.
Warning for depression, bipolar disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, mild schizophrenia, and medication non-adherence
April 14, 2022
Megan and Cosimo...They couldn't be more different from each other. Yet the city of Paris had plans for them. A one of a kind relationship they didn't expect.
Their past patterns, upbringing, surroundings and voices in their heads may get in the way. Secrets kept and outside interference will challenge the feelings that they have for each other.
Megan and Cosimo's story is told in a way that is like a friend telling you about a couple that they know. Touching upon topics beyond what you might expect. As you read you might identify with something familiar...whether it's regret, humor, internal struggles, love, belonging, acceptance...
"When Stars Align" eases you into what appears to be the somewhat typical beginnings of a romantic relationship. Where you think you'll be able to anticipate each of the highs and the lows, and the outcome. Though this story is so much more.
Their past patterns, upbringing, surroundings and voices in their heads may get in the way. Secrets kept and outside interference will challenge the feelings that they have for each other.
Megan and Cosimo's story is told in a way that is like a friend telling you about a couple that they know. Touching upon topics beyond what you might expect. As you read you might identify with something familiar...whether it's regret, humor, internal struggles, love, belonging, acceptance...
"When Stars Align" eases you into what appears to be the somewhat typical beginnings of a romantic relationship. Where you think you'll be able to anticipate each of the highs and the lows, and the outcome. Though this story is so much more.
October 5, 2019
I’m not a big reader, especially of fiction. I’m also a pretty slow reader. A good friend recommended this book to me. This book totally pulled me in and I could not put it down! The author describes things so vividly, and the writing is so excellent, that I got choked up and cried. That never happens. For days after I finished the book, I was thinking about it and the characters. It really stayed with me, which is incredible. I also loved the way the author wove in several challenging themes and topics. I hope there is a plan to make this into a movie. As I was reading I could picture everything perfectly. I CANNOT WAIT to read more works from this author!
August 2, 2019
From the moment I open the book and started reading the first sentence I was hooked. The author Bruce Genaro is very detailed with his writing, the words will suck you right in to believing you are having coffee in Paris, or strolling the streets of Boston, even if you haven't traveled to any of the locations the description will put you in the area. You will not want to put the book down, the more I read the more i felt like i was part of the family. If you are looking for a vacation but cant find the time to get away this book will take you around the world! After I finished the book I felt like i left my friends and family. You will fall in love with all the characters except one ( Grrr). This book is definitely 5 stars. Thank you Mr. Bruce for sharing this amazing love story, cant wait for what comes next.
May 2, 2022
Bravo! Bruce Genaro and Congratulations on your novel! What a captivating story. A chance meeting in Paris , love, tragedy and a beautiful ending! A must read as once you start this story you need to see it to the end.
August 26, 2019
BEAUTIFUL STORY, ARTFULLY TOLD: When Stars Aligns tells the story of a serendipitous coupling of two spirits which leads to comic, heart-warming and, ultimately, tragic outcomes. Mr. Genaro has a unique skill for creating depth and empathy for characters you will love; and disdain for those you will, at first, hate and later understand. He has a clear relationship with the emotional swings of bipolar disorder as experienced by a central character as well as the collateral impact of those around him. You'll feel like you're traveling with the characters to Paris, New York and Boston; the cities in which the story is set. And for sure you'll look for a sequel...or anything written by this talented new author.
May 31, 2022
When Stars align is a wonderful story told with passion, true love, heartache, forgiveness, and wonderful characters. It was beautifully written and has become one of my favorite books I’ve read this year. Very good!
May 17, 2022
Not your typical romance, but full of love, nonetheless.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews