The Astronomer's Obsession

Something Wonderful #1

by K. Lyn Smith

2022 NATIONAL EXCELLENCE IN ROMANCE FICTION AWARD FINALIST

An unlikely pair find love beneath the stars in this sweet Regency tale.

AN ASTRONOMER OF HUMBLE ORIGINS
In a discipline dominated by titled noblemen, Harry Corbyn has fought to get where he is. And where he wants to be next is Egypt, to lead an expedition to measure the size of the solar system. Distraction in the form of a childhood friend—his mentor's daughter, no less—is not part of the plan.

A NOBLEMAN'S DAUGHTER
Artist Celeste St. James knows she’s meant for more than needlepoint and high society. With dreams of exhibiting at Paris’s prestigious Académie, she doesn’t need distractions, but she can't seem to help her fascination with her father's protégé.

AN IMPOSSIBLE TASK
When Harry and Celeste join forces to help her father build an ambitious telescope, their powerful connection draws them deeper into each other’s orbit. But when sabotage and her father's shocking revelation threaten their dreams, will Harry and Celeste find their way to love?

Each book in the Something Wonderful series stands alone, but most readers prefer to enjoy the series in order.

Genres: Historical Romance, Regency, Historical, Romance, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Regency Romance

381 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 10, 2021

About the author

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ABOUT K. LYN
K. Lyn Smith’s heart resides in Birmingham, Alabama, where she writes sweet historical romance about ordinary people finding extraordinary love. Her debut novel, The Astronomer’s Obsession, was a finalist for the National Excellence in Romantic Fiction Award, and many of her other titles have been shortlisted for honours such as the American Writing Award, the Carolyn Reader’s Choice Award, the HOLT Medallion and the Maggie Award.

When she’s not lost in the pages of a book, you can find her with family, traveling to far-off places and bingeing period dramas. And space documentaries. Weird, right?

Reviews

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an absolutely scrumptious read! Full of romance, danger, science and droll humor (not many authors would have thought to name an astronomer's love interest "Celeste" - heavenly - and yet have him sigh inwardly that "marriage simply wasn't in the stars for him"). Celeste isn't sure what her future holds, either, but opines to Harry that "To travel and devote your time to something you feel so passionate about" would be wonderful. It is impossible not to love these characters and hope they both get what they want… together!

After years apart, their common love for Celeste's father/Harry's mentor brings them back together when he falls ill. To cheer him, they spend months collaborating on his pet project - a gigantic telescope meant to gauge distances in the galaxy. But after spending so much time and energy gazing into the heavens, will they miss seeing the love that is right under their noses? I wanted to shake them both!

I enjoyed the many unexpected twists in this 19th century story. Multiple love tangles, suspenseful sabotage, class struggles, and more - this book really kept me on my toes. The ending was beautifully paced and satisfying… and now I can't wait for the next installment in this series from author K. Lyn Smith. I received a complimentary advance review copy via Book Sirens, and was under no obligation to post a review.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the kind of book that I call wordy. So many words and descriptions that bog down the storyline. You learn a lot of about how to put a big giant telescope together. The romance was sweet and fun to read.
*After reading the rest of the books in this series I have really come to love the way this author writes. I have to be in the mood for a longer slow moving romance but I just love her writing. I think she has also improved with each new book:}

[K. Lyn Smith]

Notes from the Author
The Astronomer's Obsession
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Series Info: Standalone with HEA / Book 1 of Something Wonderful series
Setting: England, 1818
Tropes: nerdy hero, artistic heroine, friends-to-lovers, slow burn
Trigger Warnings: None
Quote: "If falling stars were indeed a sign that something wonderful was about to happen . . . She turned to him, and her heartbeat quickened when she saw he watched her. His eyes shifted from soft grey to fierce, molten silver. It was hot and intense, and comforting all at once, because it was Harry."
Fun Fact: There were 11 named planets in 1818 (we have 9 today)
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Release Date: 12/10/2021 (eBook); 10/19/21 (trade paperback)
Available On: Amazon
Purchase

[Penelope Daniels · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant debut novel!

This book was everything I hoped and more! It was a cute, slow-burn, friends-to-lovers romance with lovable side characters and an engaging plot. My favorite part was how well it encapsulated the excitement surrounding exploration and the thirst for knowledge during the time period. It really made me sympathize with the characters and their desires for their massive telescope to be successful. When acts of sabotage as well as the reason behind the projects deadline appeared, it really moved the plot forward and made everything feel more desperate. I couldn't stop reading! The hero was honorable and hardworking and the heroine was so kind and relatable. I couldn't help but root for them to end up together. A few precious moments like their meteor shower first kiss made this story entirely swoon-worthy and adorable. Definitely worth the read! I can't wait for more by this author!

[Kimmie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Astronomer’s Obsession was unique and more than met my expectations. I was drawn to this book based on the synopsis, so intriguing, and I loved the slow burn romance that was sweet and sassy. The characters were very well developed, and their communication throughout the book was great. Very engaging and kept me hooked on each chapter waiting to see what would come next.
The overall plot was a unique twist. Original and compelling. I liked how K. Lyn Smith added in relevant facts and history to the book (I love learning through books!) and how it added another layer of realism to the story.
It was refreshing story and I am so looking forward to reading the next book in the Something Wonderful series.
4 out of 5 stars.
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.

[Sharon Breaseale · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book and could barely put it down! Less than five minutes after finishing this one ( and, of course, giving it five stars) I’m starting her next, The Artist’s Redemption. Can’t wait to meet her next wonderful characters!

[Carrie Schmidt · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars

I was intrigued by the premise of The Astronomer's Obsession, specifically the friends-to-more aspect to the romance but, at least for me, the execution fell flat. I got lost amid all the telling (instead of showing), and I felt there was too much emphasis on his physical attraction to certain of her physical attributes. My heart ached instead to feel that emotional connection between characters that I always seek, and I thought the focus on the physical right from the beginning (with little emotional counterpart) cheapened their romance.

All was not completely lost, however. Because the time period it's set in lauded learning and exploration, it seems fitting that the historical tidbits I gleaned from the story were my favorite part. The excitement of that era's discoveries - of being on the cusp of such things - was infectious and, while some of it weighed down the pace, overall I think the author did a great job of portraying the mood of the day and the thrill of the find.

Other reviews indicate that I am in the minority, so if the storyline intrigues you please don't let my review stop you from giving it a try for yourself!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.)

[Ashley Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The description of this plot had me intrigued from the start! I always enjoy a unique spin on a Regency love story and the astronomy interest that was added to this plot was something I had never read before. Harry and Celeste had great chemistry. I really enjoyed their friendship and loved the fact that they had shared childhood memories together. Their slow burn romance was paced well and kept me turning the pages to see how things would end up. Mixed in with the romance of this story was an obvious focus on astronomy and the building of a large telescope which was interesting and really highlighted Harry’s intellectual side and showcased how passionate he was about his profession. I enjoyed this story and really loved these characters together. There were a few minor uses of some langue in this story that was a little unexpected, but nothing excessive and other than those minor occurrences this one is a clean read. There is even a preview of what may come in the next book in the series!

[Auriette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had never read anything by K. Lyn Smith when I saw her new novel “The Astronomer’s Obsession” listed on Book Sirens. I was intrigued by the idea of a scientist hero, and while I don’t mind a steamy romance once in a while, I’m perfectly happy with less explicit stories. When I settled in to read, I was instantly entranced. Both Harry Corbyn, the astronomer-hero and Lady Celeste St. James, the artist-heroine, have unique voices reflecting the way they see the world. While they’ve been friends from childhood, they come from very different backgrounds, which in the Regency era is enough to keep two people apart. These two both have their own ambitions, as well, which leaves them to question the wisdom of starting a relationship with anyone, much less each other.

The attraction between Harry and Celeste builds slowly, but there’s plenty else to keep them occupied, from family drama, to potential suitors for them both, to construction of a massive new telescope designed by Celeste’s father. They’re under a strict deadline with consequences and threats that come as a shock to both Harry and Celeste.

I highly recommend “The Astronomer’s Obsession” for readers who enjoy sweet historical romance with a bit of mystery mixed in. Ms. Smith has also written a short story for one of the characters, with novels in the works for two others. I shall be looking forward to completing the collection as these new stories are released.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kathryn Hannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good, clean, slow-burn story of how two people who thought they knew what they wanted came together to learn what was really important in the long run. I found the characters well developed and interesting. No glaring grammatical or editing errors, which is a good plus to me. I received an advance review copy free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Abi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ugh, that was so cute!

I've been in an awful reading slump lately, and it seems the solution to my dilemma was to switch from my usual genre (fantasy). And I do love regency romances. What I don't love are regency romances featuring the rake x virgin trope. I can't stand it, but unfortunately that's a favorite trope in the genre so it's almost impossible to find books without it. So when I read this was a friends-to-lovers situation, featuring two idiots-in-love, I jumped on it. And I knew from the first page that I'd be enamored from start to finish.

It was the first book I didn't put down for long breaks since the new year started.

In fact, I read it in two sittings, with only one break for sleep.

And look, enemies-to-lovers will always be my first love. But friends-to-lovers just hits different, you know? The intimacy of knowing each other like no one else has, the teasing and banter, the long-term pining, the "it's always been you"...*dreamy sigh*

I won't restate the synopsis, but I do have a few notes.

I love these characters. I love Celeste's boldness and Harry's social awkwardness. I even love her parents for the opposite ways in which they scheme for Celeste's happiness. And yeah, Remy, for his cheek.

I also love the prose itself. Reading this was so effortless (and I mean that in a good way). It felt like I was watching a movie play out in my head. It was also witty and humorous. It sorta felt like the author was nudging me the whole time with a smile and a wink.

I do have a few complaints, which might be big no-nos for other readers, which is why I'll mention them. First, there's a significant amount of other-woman/other-man drama that's wholly unnecessary. I personally feel there is enough tension in the story without this needless drama. Its side effect in this novel is that some of the characters become stereotypes: the perfectly beautiful woman who is silly and shallow, for instance. Another part that made me uncomfortable was how frequently, and thoroughly, Remy is objectified by some of the women characters. It's one thing for them to swoon over his good looks, but the way their attentions are portrayed here are...well, there's the power imbalance to consider.

Overall
Small complaints aside, I adored this book. It was just what I needed to get out of my reading slump! And the ending made me tear up before I was even aware that it did, which was equal parts alarming and endearing. So there's that.

[Tara Peters · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did enjoy this book, to an extent. Historical fiction stories aren't my normal go to, but I decided to read this and I did finish the book. Harry and Celeste had a relationship that spanned years; first as children and then as adults. The story itself was good, I just felt like it was repetitive and slow moving at times.

Harry is a young man who looks up to his mentor, Celeste's dad, and doesn't want to disappoint him. He doesn't believe he is good enough for Celeste, mainly because of his station in life, so when she invites herself to travel with him and lets him know she is interested in him as more than a friend, he turns her away. Over the years, he thinks about her and compares other women to her. When her dad falls ill and he goes back to check on him, he has a second chance. Whether he can take the chance remains to be seen.

Celeste and her family have money, and when she is turned down by Harry she moves to live with her mother. It is only supposed to be for a short time, but it isn't until years later, when her father is ill, that she goes back home. She is also considering a marriage proposal from a man, but she has never gotten over Harry. When she asks him to come back and visit her dad, she doesn't know if he will return. When he does those old feelings come back and she wonders what might be.

Throughout the book, you understand their feelings and reasons for why they do what they do, but want to scream because of the lack of communication. The mystery of who is trying to sabotage the creation of the telescope will keep you entertained and guessing. Her mother coming back to check on her father (and seeing their relationship failure/restart) is also nice. Overall, I did enjoy this book, I just found it slow at times.

I received an ARC and this is my honest, voluntary review.

[Elizabeth S · Rating 2 out of 5]

Harry Corbyn is an astronomer with ambitions of making a new discovery, important to science, that will alter the current understanding of the universe. He's part of a group of 11 astronomers who meet yearly at the home of his patron, Lord Ashford. Harry is the only member with a humble background.

Lord Ashford's daughter, Celeste, has been a friend since childhood, but he begins to notice that she has quite grown up. She is a restless budding artist, who is opposed to efforts to turn her into a docile, needleworking housewife. With a similar restlessness, her mother left for Paris on holiday nine years before and never returned.

Three years later, Harry is still in Berlin, trying to prove his hypothesis, and Celeste is in Paris, trying to improve her painting ability. That takes us to Chapter Two, where both Harry and Celeste return to her father's estate after receiving word that Lord Ashford is ill. Ashford is building a huge telescope, trying to complete it in time for the annual meeting of the 11.

From there on, it's very repetitious, with everyone trying to build the telescope, and with Harry and Celeste fighting their mutual attraction. There's a little mystery about someone trying to sabotage the telescope. There are few grammatical errors, which is nice. However, although it purports to be a Regency era romance, the language and "feel' of it are modern.

[Patricia A · Rating 5 out of 5]

"What fools these mortals be."

A daughter of a country earl who is caught in astronomical obsession is herself compelled by painting. She is very close to her father because her mother abandoned her husband and child at an early age to return
to Parisian society. Her childhood closest friends are Harry, the innkeeper's son who sees her still in braids, and is as obsessed with the stars as her father, and Julian, who apprenticed himself to the county doctor to give himself a career. Julian sees Celeste as a desirable woman, but she turned down his proposal once and he remains hopeful. On graduating Harry moved to Berlin to study under a scientist there, and she went to Paris to her mother, hoping for acceptance by the art community in the less patriarchal air after Napoleon's defeat. Several years later both woman return to England when word of her father's ill health reaches her. As Harry has also chosen to return to advance his prospects, they meet at her home and promptly get dragged into a current project of the Earl. I found the story fascinating because Smith writes so well of the way one's compulsion can expand to others. She so clearly describes how we humans get so involved we can't see our noses on our faces. In the end, of course, every recalcitrant woman in the tale gets her HEA, but the path for all three is convoluted and provides the reader with a lot of amusement, a little fear and trepidation, and much pleasure in the reading.

[Martha B. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Obsession is Risky

Mr. Harry Corbyn's obsession and extensive education regarding all things astronomical could lead to the fulfilling future he wants, but it could also cost him everything he loves.

Instead of childhood friendship, Lady Celeste has of late has had fluttery and confused feelings for Harry. She knows how obsessed he is with his work, but does he have room in his life for her?

This is one of those books that I left me with both positive and negative feelings.

Although The Astronomer's Obsession was a lengthy read, still I liked the story, even the technical parts. I also liked the characters and wanted a good outcome for both the main and supporting personalities.

As to the writing. I personally like to be shown rather than be told. Which is why I felt that the author, K. Lyn Smith, used way too much narration, thoughts, descriptions and not nearly enough dialogue.

Content 411: This is a clean read. Other than a few kisses, there are no vulgarities and no sex.

Disclosure: I received this book for free from BookSirens. I am voluntarily reviewing this book, and this is my honest review.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved The Astronomer's Obsession by K. Lyn Smith! I began reading the series out of order, but since each book is a standalone, it didn't matter.

What a different storyline, especially for a regency era--astronomy! It was interesting to learn about thoughts of the time, and attempts to build a much larger telescope to more clearly study the stars and beyond. The characters were fascinating--Celeste with her big heart, always trying to make things better, helping her father, writing to Harry for help with the telescope. . .seeking to reunite her mother and father. . . realizing her true feelings for Alexandre and Harry. And Harry and Alexandre--how different can these two men be? While Harry was down to earth, scientific and inquisitive, Alexandre was smooth, handsome, French, and artistic.

I enjoyed reading about Celeste's, Harry's and Julian's childhood memories as well as the HEA for all. A wonderful book! Looking forward to reading the others in this series!

I received a complimentary copy of this book and have voluntarily given my honest opinion in this review.

[Judy Kleinman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a charming read, sweet and clean. It reminded me of Celestial Persuasion in that the author did a fair amount of research regarding the science of Astronomy during the Regency era. I loved that she mentions William Herschel; I wished that his sister, Caroline, would have also made the cut. As ALWAYS, I look for some mention or connection to Jewish history and this could have been an opportunity. I didn't withhold a point due to this omission. I COMPLETELY understand that going down that rabbit hole would have been detrimental to the author's timeline, to say nothing of going off on a tangent. STILL, in Trupp's "Celestial Persuasion" there is a nod to the Jewish connection with the Herschel siblings that I quite enjoyed. Smith's story kept me entertained and turning pages. I'm looking forward to the next in the series.

[Robin Willson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet, clean romance set in the early 1800s. Interesting read. In the early days many astronomers were “gentleman” astronomers rather than professionals. Celeste's father is one of those wealthy gentlemen. She has grown up supporting her father's passion for astronomy. She has had a crush on Harry since they were kids, when he came home from school with their neighbor. Harry was not from gentry however. Celeste's father takes an interest in him when he shows a strong interest in astronomy, and paid for his schooling in secret. Intriguing story as her father builds a huge new telescope, and things begin to happen, in hearts - and dangerously with the telescope. Tension builds, and it keeps you intrigued to the end. Excellent read. Looking forward to the next one!

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
#TheAstronomersObsession #KLynSmith #SweetRomance #CleanRomance

[Kylie Bingham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book review: The Astronomer’s Obsession by K. Lyn Smith
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I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
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I have always been obsessed with stars and planets. My favorite place as a kid was the planetarium in Salt Lake City. I would bring a notebook and write as many facts about space as I could. This book was so delightful because it was all about stars and uncovering the mystery of space. It was fun to take a peek into what it may have been like to learn about space back in the early 1800’s. I thought this was a very well researched book. I enjoyed the romance in this book. Harry and Celeste had such a sweet friendship and I loved reading how it grew. I also really liked the side characters. The added mystery and danger enhanced the interest of the overall story.
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My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Content: a few swear words and innuendo (Harry really appreciated Celeste’s curves)

[Patti · Rating 3 out of 5]

Celeste St. James comes back to her father when he is unwell. His major project is building a giant telescope to study the night sky. Celeste’s favorite childhood friend, Harry Corbyn, and astronomer himself, joins in directing the finishing of the telescope. The same attraction they he and Celeste shared as best friends years ago seems to be just as strong as they work on the project together.

This is probably an unfair review as I read this on and off during my Maui vacation. There were times I was really into the story, then other times the details of the giant telescope made my mind wander elsewhere.

It was good, completely predictable but overall, I liked the story. Not one I will keep and read again but I might read on of the others in the series.

[Sam Guptill · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love clean regency stories, and this one had all the makings for a good story. But the allusions to the main characters "bum" on multiple instances felt a little cheap and by the end of the novel were bordering on being silly and distracting. There are many ways to allude to physical attraction that can be swoony and sweet and it might be helpful to study other clean writer's works on physical attraction to see what Christian Romance really is about.

This had the bones of a great story, good character development and an engaging plot but either push the envelope and make it more steamy or get more creative and make it more clean.

[Judith Hale Everett · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story had great characters and an original theme but it had a very slow start. I felt like nothing really happened until about 3/4 way through. The romance was nice and believably slow burn but for the sake of the pacing it felt sluggish to me. And once the couple finally realized they were in love the wall became pretty weak, though there was a lot of story left, so I couldn’t suspend disbelief anymore. The old reasons and almost talking about it became a rehash of what they’d been doing all along, which just wasn’t believable after they had become so close. But I liked the characters and the incorporation of astronomy was cool. The second book in this series is much better.

[Jignet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Celestes father is building a bigger/better telescope. His friend Harry gets involved and its stars and planets together as she helps him. But some do not want to see Harry or the Lord succeed either with the telescope or with the Lady.

This is a very original type of story with lots of well written historical facts. The threads of both weave a wonderful tale that is really enjoyable.

[Bonny Rambarran · Rating 5 out of 5]

An astronomer and an artist fall in love
Oh my goodness - what an amazing book. Childhood friends meet up again at her home. He is helping her father . . .as she is. There is danger here. Love, exploration of the stars . . . this book has everything you will want in a book!!! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Nancy Baker-krofft · Rating 5 out of 5]

A look back at Master's parents...I wish I had read this book first

A charming and involving tale of people knowing what is important in life. I can see how Astor in a subsequent novel came to be who she was. I saw the father, Henry, in a new light as was a young and passionate astronomer. I am so glad the characters chose well in the end.

[Cathy Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

A simple love story

Written so well, the author's presence never interferes. A true love story without the overused devices usually found in historical romance novels. If you are a reader who prefers historical accuracy, you may be disappointed, so it is better to think of this as "timeless."

[Dorothy R. Till · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book

I loved this book! I loved Harry and Celeste. I even loved most of the other characters, especially Celeste's parents, Remy, Julian, and several others. It is a well written book that kept me reading until two in the morning. It was worth losing sleep over. This will definitely be in my TBR List. Only books that I love make that list

[Starflakes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute and Simple!

What a cute read! I adored the astronomical aspect of this read, as I am obsessed with space myself. A HEA set in an early period. Easy to follow. My only dislike is how it is written in a duo perspective without letting me know whose perspective it is from. Aside from that, I enjoyed the book.

[Stace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beyond great

I don't think I can write a review that would do this book justice. I didnt want to stop reading this book. I might of been a tad bit grumpy when having to deal with interruptions, like sleep and etc. It was so well written it was more like watching a movie than just one dimensional words. Absolutely adored the characters and the growth of the characters.

[Saysha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought Smith's Cornwall series was much better written. This one was slow and repetitive. The storyline was oddly pieced together and awkward. Celeste made me think of a young Katherine Hepburn, which felt out of place for the time period. Harry was a likable character, but one of the only ones. I didn't get the sense that Smith had a good grasp on the science of the time. I also got tired of the descriptions of Remy in his navy livery and the rehashing of plot points that had already been clearly explained. It was fine. Lynn, please stop using the word "fizz."