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The Merriams #3
Valley of Stars
Boyd McClellan is a smooth-talking, wicked-smart, lying jerk.
True, Michaela Merriam isn’t objective where her ex-boyfriend and former business partner is concerned, but she’s justified given he screwed her—and her family’s corporation—over.
Except Boyd is back and dangling the discovery of a lifetime: the location of a rare flower known to cure all illness. He claims that without her, he can’t bring it back.
Yeah, right.
Trusting him seems stupid. She did before and look where that got her: brokenhearted and with a demotion. But she doesn't have any choice but to accompany him to the fabled Valley of Stars after her bossy Mr. President brother orders her to go to make up for her love-sick snafu.
She's definitely not stupid enough to go alone. She's bringing her own chaperones: her beloved Uncle Arthur and Aunt Clara. One caveat: absolutely NO matchmaking.
Trekking in the savannah isn’t like “The Lion King.” Worse, the deeper they go in, the sexier the safari becomes. Michaela doesn’t understand Boyd’s game, and he’s playing his cards close to his vest. She hopes her aunt and uncle will be able to help her figure out his endgame before anyone—namely, her—gets hurt. Because lying with him under the African night sky, she realizes that she’s falling for him all over again. But can she trust it—and him?
True, Michaela Merriam isn’t objective where her ex-boyfriend and former business partner is concerned, but she’s justified given he screwed her—and her family’s corporation—over.
Except Boyd is back and dangling the discovery of a lifetime: the location of a rare flower known to cure all illness. He claims that without her, he can’t bring it back.
Yeah, right.
Trusting him seems stupid. She did before and look where that got her: brokenhearted and with a demotion. But she doesn't have any choice but to accompany him to the fabled Valley of Stars after her bossy Mr. President brother orders her to go to make up for her love-sick snafu.
She's definitely not stupid enough to go alone. She's bringing her own chaperones: her beloved Uncle Arthur and Aunt Clara. One caveat: absolutely NO matchmaking.
Trekking in the savannah isn’t like “The Lion King.” Worse, the deeper they go in, the sexier the safari becomes. Michaela doesn’t understand Boyd’s game, and he’s playing his cards close to his vest. She hopes her aunt and uncle will be able to help her figure out his endgame before anyone—namely, her—gets hurt. Because lying with him under the African night sky, she realizes that she’s falling for him all over again. But can she trust it—and him?
361 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 11, 2019
About the author
Ava Miles
100 books1,195 followersMillions of readers have discovered International Bestselling Author Ava Miles and her powerful fiction and non-fiction books about love, happiness, and transformation. Her novels have received praise and accolades from USA Today, Publisher’s Weekly, and People Magazine in addition to being chosen as Best Books of the Year and Top Editor’s picks. Translated into multiple languages, Ava’s strongest praise comes directly from her readers, who call her books and characters unforgettable.
Ava is a former chef, worked as a long-time conflict expert rebuilding warzones to foster peaceful and prosperous communities, and has helped people live their best life as a life coach, energy healer, and self-help expert. She is never happier than when she’s formulating skin care and wellness products, gardening, or creating a new work of art. Hanging with her friends and loved ones is pretty great too.
After years of residing in the States, she decided to follow her dream of living in Europe. She recently finished a magical stint in Ireland where she was inspired to write her acclaimed Unexpected Prince Charming series. Now, she’s splitting her time between Paris and Provence, learning to speak French, immersing herself in cooking à la provençal, and planning more page-turning novels for readers to binge.
Ava is a former chef, worked as a long-time conflict expert rebuilding warzones to foster peaceful and prosperous communities, and has helped people live their best life as a life coach, energy healer, and self-help expert. She is never happier than when she’s formulating skin care and wellness products, gardening, or creating a new work of art. Hanging with her friends and loved ones is pretty great too.
After years of residing in the States, she decided to follow her dream of living in Europe. She recently finished a magical stint in Ireland where she was inspired to write her acclaimed Unexpected Prince Charming series. Now, she’s splitting her time between Paris and Provence, learning to speak French, immersing herself in cooking à la provençal, and planning more page-turning novels for readers to binge.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
November 27, 2019
viteeeeee yes i want the next one early miss ava Miles
June 6, 2020
Valley of the Stars: Merriam Book 3 is by Ann Miles. This third book deals with Michaela, the youngest of the Merriam children and the scientist. She was concerned with plants and their effects on people. She worked for a division of Merriam Enterprises.
The last person Michaela wanted to see or even hear about was sitting in her brother’s office waiting for her. Boyd McCellan had the nerve to get to her through her older brother, Connor. How Connor could have even listened to that traitor was beyond her; but she was ready to not back down as she entered Connor’s office. Boyd had betrayed her and as far as she could see, Merriam Enterprises too. He had left them to go to another science laboratory leaving Merriam’s and leaving her. What she was not prepared for was the proposition he had put to Connor. He had found the Valley of the Stars and wanted to go in with Merriam Enterprises to actually get into it and procure the flowers there. Connor insisted she go along with her boss, Dr. Iggy Ajara, her Aunt Clara and Uncle Arthur, and their butler. She was definitely not looking forward to this at all.
It was only the Star Flower that would get her on with this mission. This elusive flower was said to be nowhere else and it was protected by a Kenyan army group. Boyd had finally located the connection to getting a guide for the area. Would they be able to actually get into the restricted area and find the flowers? Would they walk out of it together?
The last person Michaela wanted to see or even hear about was sitting in her brother’s office waiting for her. Boyd McCellan had the nerve to get to her through her older brother, Connor. How Connor could have even listened to that traitor was beyond her; but she was ready to not back down as she entered Connor’s office. Boyd had betrayed her and as far as she could see, Merriam Enterprises too. He had left them to go to another science laboratory leaving Merriam’s and leaving her. What she was not prepared for was the proposition he had put to Connor. He had found the Valley of the Stars and wanted to go in with Merriam Enterprises to actually get into it and procure the flowers there. Connor insisted she go along with her boss, Dr. Iggy Ajara, her Aunt Clara and Uncle Arthur, and their butler. She was definitely not looking forward to this at all.
It was only the Star Flower that would get her on with this mission. This elusive flower was said to be nowhere else and it was protected by a Kenyan army group. Boyd had finally located the connection to getting a guide for the area. Would they be able to actually get into the restricted area and find the flowers? Would they walk out of it together?
April 19, 2020
Another wonderful book in this series by Ava Miles about the Merriam Family. This time Connor tries to pull a fast one and sends his sister Michaela and her ex-boyfriend with Uncle Arthur, Aunt Clara, their butler, and the head of Merriam Pharmaceutical Division to Africa after a cure all flower. The trip has problems from the start. No one likes the division head. He treats everyone below him very poorly, and he even thinks that the butler was there to serve him not Aunt Clara, but he get hung up in customs and is left behind much to the relief of the others. Boyd and Michaela get dumped in the nasty river water with the crocs thanks to the hippo tipping the boat. By the time they made it to the village, Michaela had still not returned to normal, and the next morning she was seriously ill. Hard to believe but the trouble just keeps coming. This was one book that had many twist and turns, ups and downs, hang on to the edge of your chair excitement, you will not be able to read fast enough to find out what happens next. I cannot wait to read the next one.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 17, 2025
Valley of the Stars is the third book in the Merriam series and the story of the youngest daughter, Michaela. These books should be read in order as there are many characters who move between the books and I think it would be very confusing otherwise. Michaela's ex-boyfriend and co-worker, Boyd McClellan, arranges for Michaela to go on an adventurous trip to Africa because he has a line on a never-before seen flower/plant, which is hidden by a Massai tribe, and which has amazing healing properties. Unfortunately, it was during the original quest to find the flower that Michaela and Boyd broke up. However, Boyd wants her back, and he believes bringing Michaela along on this journey is his best chance at winning her heart again. But the Merriam Corporation (namely, her brother, Conner) insists they be chaperoned by Michaela's elderly aunt Clara and her journalist husband, Arthur. At first, Boyd is put off by this, but Clara and Arthur are more than along for the ride - they play a big part in its success. Great story - I liked this one as much as I've enjoyed the others.
April 17, 2020
Another episode of the Merriam family, Michaela and another winner for Ava! Mickey and Boyd have always dreamed of finding the Star flower and developing it to be an alternative medicinal restorative. Problem is, they broke up six months ago. They are now on an expedition deep into Kenya to find the flower. The Masai tribe guarding it has given them permission to enter their land. They have taken along Aunt and Uncle Hale, the Jedi matchmakers. They are an 80 year old couple who are an integral part of the adventure. Mickey and Boyd have lots of work ahead of them to resolve their issues. The Hales are busy manipulating the couple to an HEA. And then there is her grieving oldest brother, who is in charges of the family business, is interfering. I love family sagas and this one does not disappoint. After a slower start, the rest of the reading is cruising ahead. Well written and it was a very enjoyable book!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book
May 2, 2020
This is my first time reading something by Ms. Miles and I have to say I was very pleasantly surprised. The storyline had me engaged from the very beginning and I could not put it down. So many plot twists and turns that you will be turning the pages to find out what happens next. Family sagas are one of my favorite types of stories, and this one certainly fits the bill. Michaela and Boyd could have avoided all the misunderstanding if they had just communicated. This is a very well-written story that just simple comes to life as you read it. Ms Miles has done an excellent job with story. I have definitely added her to my author list! This is a great book you don't want to miss out on. Highly recommended!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 20, 2019
Most of the conflict seemed to come from communication issues. Boyd should have told Someone higher up that his manager was disrespectful and encouraging others to be disrespectful. He should also have shared that information with Michaela. She should have listened to Boyd when he changed jobs, instead of just jumping to conclusions and shutting him out. So the story started with tons of avoidable self-inflicted pain for the two of them. I spent a lot of the book frustrated with both of them. The final solution seemed obvious and seemed to take way too long to be reached.
I liked the parts with Clara, Arthur and Hargreaves.
I liked the parts with Clara, Arthur and Hargreaves.
April 23, 2020
This is a great addition to this series.
Standalone with no cliffhangers.
Michaela (Mickey) is the youngest in the family and doesn't always feel like she fits in. The one person she thought understood her best broke her.
Now she has to work with him again.
Boyd just wants to be his own man, not feel like he can never measure up. He thought Mickey would understand his decision and stand by him, she didn't. Now he'll do anything to get her back.
Lots of crazy adventure in this one, with tragedy, lose, twists, lies, and love.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Standalone with no cliffhangers.
Michaela (Mickey) is the youngest in the family and doesn't always feel like she fits in. The one person she thought understood her best broke her.
Now she has to work with him again.
Boyd just wants to be his own man, not feel like he can never measure up. He thought Mickey would understand his decision and stand by him, she didn't. Now he'll do anything to get her back.
Lots of crazy adventure in this one, with tragedy, lose, twists, lies, and love.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 26, 2019
Wow
If I could give this book more s t ars I would I think this is your best book yet to date. And that's saying something as your other books to date have all been fabulous. The genre of this book just isn't a love story as it's got so much more to it. I love all the characters Clara and Arthur are so fab I'd love to meet t h em with all their fibrancy and enthusiasm. Boyd and Michaela are such a lovely couple I know their life is goin g to be amazing. I hope Connor can be saved from his sadness. I look forward to his story. Hugs Ava xx
If I could give this book more s t ars I would I think this is your best book yet to date. And that's saying something as your other books to date have all been fabulous. The genre of this book just isn't a love story as it's got so much more to it. I love all the characters Clara and Arthur are so fab I'd love to meet t h em with all their fibrancy and enthusiasm. Boyd and Michaela are such a lovely couple I know their life is goin g to be amazing. I hope Connor can be saved from his sadness. I look forward to his story. Hugs Ava xx
March 13, 2020
AWESOME!!!!! As I read this, I was picturing the scene in Romancing the Stone, but when the men get excited about a famous romance writer, now they continue to excitedly say with their accent "Ava Miles!!! Ava Miles"!!!! :) As the characters travel in Africa, I was enthralled as if I was living out my bucket list vicariously through the characters created by Ava Miles!!!! Maybe she could write future novels about Australia or Galapagos Island and then my bucket list will feel complete! Bucket list travels and romance....who could want anything more!!!! :)
April 17, 2020
The third book in The Merriams series a well written story that kept me turning pages. Boyd McClellan and Michaela Merriam's story of a man that does not express himself clearly, the family dynamics which is not working for everyone, Connor especially needs help. I loved the interaction between Uncle Arthur and Aunt Clara, and Hargreaves is just Hargreaves, a special man. I want to read the next book. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 18, 2020
I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.
I was so excited to get an Ava Miles book, I haven't read a book by her in ages. I haven't read the previous books in The Merriams series and I didn't feel like I was missing anything.
An entertaining story that is well-written and filled with drama and emotion. The characters are likable, some drama was unnecessary but overall an interesting story.
I was so excited to get an Ava Miles book, I haven't read a book by her in ages. I haven't read the previous books in The Merriams series and I didn't feel like I was missing anything.
An entertaining story that is well-written and filled with drama and emotion. The characters are likable, some drama was unnecessary but overall an interesting story.
September 18, 2019
Nice to see a hero who kinda-sorta had a backbone... I mean, he was doing good on being assertive on what he wanted until certain things that happened at the end. It did of course, end in a HEA, so it works! I'm on the fence about Conner's book, which is next. The way he has acted hasn't left him as someone I really want to get to know. :P
September 21, 2019
Wow,loved this
As always, Ava Miles writes an engaging story. Centered around Dr Michaela Merriam, along with the Dare Valley favorites Arthur and Clara Hale, Valley of Stars takes us into the deepest parts of Africa in search of a magical, mystical healing flower.
No spoilers, just read it.
As always, Ava Miles writes an engaging story. Centered around Dr Michaela Merriam, along with the Dare Valley favorites Arthur and Clara Hale, Valley of Stars takes us into the deepest parts of Africa in search of a magical, mystical healing flower.
No spoilers, just read it.
April 17, 2020
The location of this story, the danger, the adventure and the characters make this book hard to put down. Boyd will do anything to win back Michaela, he really proves how much he loves her. Clara and Arthur are so lovable and sweet but they really show their strength of character and love of family in this story.
April 17, 2020
Oh man, I spent most of the time in this story picturing the adventures Boyd and Michaela went on in Africa while still smiling like a fool at Clara and Arthur. Most of the problem with Boyd was that he didn't communicate properly and probably could have avoided so much tension with everyone had he been honest. The journey to redemption however is sweet.
April 18, 2020
Enjoyable adventure.
Michaela “Mickey” used to date Boyd til it went south for her, a demotion and a break up. It wasn’t clear why Boyd signed with a competitor or why the family was helping match make he and Michaela on a trip to find a rare flower. So, it’s off on an adventure with an aunt along for a chaperone.
Think Romancing the Stone but in The Savannah.
4.5
Michaela “Mickey” used to date Boyd til it went south for her, a demotion and a break up. It wasn’t clear why Boyd signed with a competitor or why the family was helping match make he and Michaela on a trip to find a rare flower. So, it’s off on an adventure with an aunt along for a chaperone.
Think Romancing the Stone but in The Savannah.
4.5
April 22, 2020
A story with emotion, drama, danger, adventure and a stunning location make this a great read. An enjoyable story line and wonderful characters make this a hard one to put down. It's well written and captivating. Highly, highly recommend!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 27, 2020
Entertaining read with interesting and complex characters. Continuing a good story with a good mix of characters and the things that they go through. Hard to put down. Following the journey of the characters makes for entertaining reading.Would recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 6, 2020
Good read... Except
Ava Miles writes a great story; however I have to question why it's necessary to have so much and so many detailed sex scenes. Even normal conversations between people are filled with sexual innuendo. I guess I'm a little old fashioned, but couldn't a little bit be left to the imagination?
Ava Miles writes a great story; however I have to question why it's necessary to have so much and so many detailed sex scenes. Even normal conversations between people are filled with sexual innuendo. I guess I'm a little old fashioned, but couldn't a little bit be left to the imagination?
April 12, 2022
Probably one of my favourites of the series so far, I love how their dad us becoming more involved..how determined Boyd was to win Mickeh back.and though far-fetched for real life, I love how much Clara & Arthur just carry on pushing even in sketchy situations!
Who doesn't want to still be alive and kicking at 80, kef alone doing it so well?!
Who doesn't want to still be alive and kicking at 80, kef alone doing it so well?!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 9, 2022
Another five Star hit fromAva Miles
Fall in love with The Merriam family in this beautiful love story adventure into Kenya with Michaela, Boyd and aunt Clara and Uncle Arthur!
An African safari with a major discovery with The Massi tribe to find the sacred flower in The Valley of The Stars!
This book kept me turning pages late into the night!
Fall in love with The Merriam family in this beautiful love story adventure into Kenya with Michaela, Boyd and aunt Clara and Uncle Arthur!
An African safari with a major discovery with The Massi tribe to find the sacred flower in The Valley of The Stars!
This book kept me turning pages late into the night!
August 15, 2023
A good romance with adventure and mystery. Love Clara and Arthur Hale. They're sort and chipper, with boundless energy. This story takes you on a safari yo Kenya to discover a flower with mystical healing powers. I know it sounds far fetched but the author brings the story to life. NOW on to Conner's story.
August 25, 2025
Ava Miles stories of Dare Valley and the love stories of the Hale family featuring Arthur Hale as the family matchmaker are certainly rivaled by the love stories of the Merriam children with the addition of Arthur’s wife, Clara Merriam Hale and her butler Hargreaves! I am looking forward to reading how Arthur, Clara and Hargreaves work their matchmaking magic with the other Merriam children!
March 30, 2026
A sweet but sometimes slow book that has moments of excitement but falls short of adventure feeling at times. The book does feature harm to an animal and that scene was sad but understandable of why it could happen. But I feel as though there was a need for it. Brought down the mood of the book for me personally, I did enjoy the twist though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 21, 2019
Beautiful
Love this family. Loved the story. As always all these books address different social issues that affect some of us. This one hit home. Lots of feelings, adventures and funnies. A must read.
Love this family. Loved the story. As always all these books address different social issues that affect some of us. This one hit home. Lots of feelings, adventures and funnies. A must read.
October 24, 2019
Awesome book
I really enjoy Ava Miles writing. She has a way of capturing your attention and making you want to continue reading to find out what happens next. I can't wait to read Connors story
I really enjoy Ava Miles writing. She has a way of capturing your attention and making you want to continue reading to find out what happens next. I can't wait to read Connors story
October 24, 2019
I am always on the lookout for Avas books!! I love these stories!! Have already reserved the next book that will be released in January 2020!!! Cannot wait to see what happens next with these families!! Highly recommend this excellent author.
April 17, 2020
Once again the author has written a storyline you can sit and enjoy. The characters are well developed and engaging. The flow of the storyline makes for a great time spent reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 26, 2020
Highly entertaining, action packed sweetly thrilling journey filled with engaging charters, witty banter, heart racing twists and undeniable passion. Was a great read from beginning to end. Really enjoyed this heartwarming journey.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews