Immer wieder zurück zu dir

by Emma Heatherington

Die erste Liebe wird immer ein Teil von uns sein. Doch was, wenn das Schicksal andere Pläne hat?

Charlotte ist 22, als sie Tom das erste Mal begegnet. Er ist Drummer in der Band ihres Bruders, und die Anziehungskraft zwischen ihnen ist offenkundig: Es ist Liebe auf den ersten Blick. Doch Tom ist vergeben, und die Band löst sich nach einem Streit auf – die beiden verlieren sich aus den Augen.
Fünf Jahre später: Charlotte arbeitet als Lehrerin in Dublin, als sich ihre Wege erneut kreuzen. Dieses Mal nutzen sie ihre Chance. Es ist die ganz große Liebe. Tom will Charlotte mit zurück in sein Heimatland USA nehmen, weil er sich dort den musikalischen Durchbruch erhofft. Doch kurz bevor sie ihm folgen kann, passiert eine schreckliche Tragödie, die die beiden erneut auseinanderreißt. Kann ihre Liebe trotz allem Bestand haben?

Genres: Romance, Christmas, Contemporary, Audiobook, Fiction, Chick Lit, Ireland

352 pages, Paperback

First published September 6, 2019

About the author

Emma Heatherington is from Donaghmore, Co Tyrone.

Her latest novel, THE PROMISE, is out now in Ireland (HarperFiction) and available elsewhere on Kindle and Audio.

Reviews

[Paromjit · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a Christmas romance set in Dublin in Ireland by Emma Heatherington that follows the challenging relationship of Charlotte 'Charlie' Taylor, and Tom Farley, an Irish American who grew in Ohio. They first meet in 2010, and fall for each other hard, he is super impressed by her songwriting abilities in the country music genre and is convinced she could make it big in the music business, something that had never crossed her mind. Despite the palpably obvious attraction between them, nothing happens between them. Charlie's over protective older brother, Matthew, had recruited Tom as a drummer in his band, Deja Vu, intervened, preventing any possibility of the two of them getting together, citing Tom's unsuitability as a long term prospect. Then just as the band look to be on the cusp of making it after being signed by a small music recording label, Tom leaves the band and Matthew's life falls apart as he returns to live with his parents with severe mental health issues and his plans for a career as a architect in tatters.

Matthew has never talked about what happened to break up the band, nor how Tom came to leave, and in a remarkable piece of serendipity, Charlie and Tom meet in 2015. Charlie is working as a schoolteacher, her dreams of a career in music packed away as a life that was just not going to happen. Tom is working in real estate, yet to make any meaningful impact in rock music. The feelings between the two of them are still so strong that they make plans for their own future, plans that are derailed as Matthew has an accident requiring long term care and rehabilitation. A guilt ridden Charlie puts her relationship with Tom on ice as he leaves for London. In 2018, Charlie is in a safe and secure relationship with Jack Malone, Matthew's consultant neurologist. Jack loves Charlie, Tom is now famous, is there any possibility of a future for Charlie and Tom?

Heatherington's novel has all the ingredients for a great story, a story that many have loved. However, for me it never quite gelled and I just could not invest in either of the main characters to any great degree. It lacked that certain alchemy that lifts a narrative for me to love it. It may well be possible that my previous books which had proven to be exceptional reads spoilt this novel for me. I am sure many people are familiar with that feeling of let down experienced at novels read after stellar books. I should point out many reviewers disagree with my opinions, so I recommend reading other reviews before making up your mind whether to read this. Many thanks to HarperCollins for an ARC.

[Syndi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is so awe!!! I am emotional wreck. I am tore apart between team Jack and team Tom. Both men represent Charlie's character development. Her desire, her dream, her future and her past. Both men are her cross road in her life.

I like how the book ends. In my opinion this book is more chick lit than romance. Cause the HEA ending is not like the other romance book.

The story is bit dragging. Sometime I got frustrated with how Charlie seems to be back and forth between 2 men. At the end I am happy with her choice.

For all of you who read this book, what is the HEA scenario should be for Charlie according to you??

4 stars

[Mackey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rewrite the Stars is a beautiful story of love, loss and fate-vs-self determination. It has a holiday setting through the years but is perfect reading for anytime.

Charlotte, Charlie, loves music and loves to write music. She falls in love with the drummer of her brother's band but her brother is determined to keep them apart. Over the years they are thrown back together again but never quite make the connection with one another. Tragedies occur in both of their lives altering their dreams and hopes. When they finally meet again we are asked if it is too late or can we "rewrite destiny" and create our own fate.

The story is simply written, flows beautifully from start to finish and is perfect for readers of multiple genres.

[Bookread2day · Rating 5 out of 5]

My review on www.bookread2day.wordpress.com. Twitter @bookpage5

I could see this book turned into a film, with love at first sight in the past and present day. I love romance in December, with special heart tugging scenes. We all know the most beautiful words it's never too late to fall in love and say I love you.

Tom Farley is in Charlotte's brothers boyband. Tom could be the best drummer in Dublin and Charlotte was falling in love with him. Tom is paying too much attention to Charlotte, calling her Charlie, and Charlotte's brother, Matthew doesn't like his sister getting any attention. When Charlotte sings some songs that she wrote herself to Tom, he tells her that she is not to be going to be a teacher but that Charlotte is going to be a huge star. Does Tom really mean that or is he leading her on?

Some years later when by chance Charlotte meets Tom again. Heart touching, Charlotte in the past few years has spent so many years fantasizing about him putting him in her song and now finally Tom want to go somewhere for them both to talk. Will Tom and Charlotte, going for just a talk go much further?

This is very much a lovely story, one that I'm going to remember for a long time.

[Hannah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Never judge a book by it's cover or title. It's not very christmassy and with the name being a song title I was expecting to enjoy it more. It just fell a little flat for me.

The love between Charlie and Tom it's just description to me, there's not much written emotion. I couldn't connect with their big love affair.

Charlie cared too much what other people thought of her, only by the end was she accepting this is me. Tom to me was quite dull to be the lead showman, I've loved showmen in other stories this is not one I love.

The good points to the story; the setting of Dublin (I love the city) and the songs written for the book.

2.5 Stars

[Bridget · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rewrite the Stars by Emma Heatherington was an enjoyable read and I soon became engrossed in the story.

This is a lovely Christmas romance set in Dublin that follows the challenging relationship of Charlotte 'Charlie' Taylor, and Tom Farley, an Irish American. Charlotte meets the love of her life at twenty-one-years-old and they fall for each other in a big way but it was never really meant to be. Charlie and Tom meet again in 2015 and Charlie is now working as a schoolteacher, her dreams of a career in music a distant memory. Tom is working in real estate. The feelings between the two of them are still really strong so they make plans for their future, but their plans are thwarted. Moving on to 2018, Charlie is in a safe and secure relationship with Jack Malone and Jack loves Charlie very much. Tom is now a famous musician, but is there any real possibility of a future for Charlie and Tom?

I found the story to be well written, believable and thought provoking - who has not wondered how events may have played out if something in their life had worked out differently?

This is the first book I've read by Emma Heatherington and I look forward to reading more if they are as well written as this one.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel from HarperCollins UK via NetGalley at my own request. This review is my own unbiased opinion.

[Claire · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was a free copy for an honest review from our book club #novelideas.
Sorry but I thought it was terrible. The entire novel was tell not show meaning that as a reader I felt patronised and not able to really immerse myself into the characters and their world the way a well written novel can make you. Additionally, it made the characters flat, cliched and unrealistic.
There were too many timeframes, characters and subplots contained in this novel that, again, there was an over reliance on cliches and the author telling not showing. I suspect she was hoping for a similar success as novels such as One Day, but unfortunately it fell far short from the mark.
I teach secondary school and when I was reading this I felt that the writing was like that of a teenage girl rushing to tell a entire novel in 2 sides of A4. I just kept thinking, slow down! Add detail! I can’t picture where you are and I can’t just like your characters because you told me to! Show don’t tell!
Because it felt so rushed, I never really felt a deep connection between any of the characters and therefore, by the end, really had no opinion who she should be with and didn’t care either way.
There was also a really weird mistake as on page 138 she was explaining how she was going to visit Sarah and her husband for the first time, however, by the next page Sarah was Sophie! Who was proof reading this?!
The only time there was ever any hint of detail or description it was, again, cliched and contrived to show how “successful “ her life now was such as lying in her king size bed with her duck down duvet.

I am partial to a bit chick lit and usually just enjoy it for the light relief it usually provides but this has no redeeming features for me.

[Karschtl · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's another one of those books about having a second chance with the love of your (past) life. While those often follow the same path, I liked it that the story by Emma Heatherington is kind of unique (although the framework did remind me of "One Day in December" by Josie Silver). I also really appreciated it that I wasn't 100% sure how Charlotte will decide until the very end. Will she choose the safe option? Or the adventurous one? Will she go with her heart? But what is it that her heart wants? Will she try to fulfil her dream of becoming a musician? Will she do what the people around her hurts the less? Will she remember what her friend once said to her: "Just because things could have worked out differently, doesn't mean they'd have been better!"? (This advice is applicable to many situations in ones life, actually.) But another one said: "No matter how long you feel you have travelled in the wrong direction, you still have the choice to turn around."

But there were also things that made the book not perfect for me:
- All the musing of Charlotte about her past, present and future are too often repetitive. Here some editing would have definitely helped the story to move along less tedious.
- We never get to see Charlotte and Tom as a couple, the time they do spend together is only told retrospectively, plus we only get small glimpses. This did not necessarily help me root for them getting together, and it also made it harder to understand why they are both obviously so madly in love with each other.
- The epilogue is cheesy times three! Way too over the top.

[Deyane Brun · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m still thinking about this story, the biggest “what if” I've read so far.

[Hannah Snell · Rating 2 out of 5]

I feel like this might be an unpopular opinion, but I really - and I mean REALLY - did not get on with this book. You're quite right, I should probably stop trying to read romance. But here we are.

Let's start with the characters. Charlotte/Charlie Taylor is weak and insipid. Throughout this novel she is constantly told what to do and how to feel by the men around her.

I thought I would love her 'missed connection' with Tom Farley (drummer, singer, all round sex god who can only be referred to by his full name) - one of my favourite feelings is that spark you get when you just connect with a person. And sure, it makes you wonder 'what if' - AND THEN YOU MOVE ON WITH YOUR LIFE.

Charlotte did not move on with her life. At all. In fact, she spends the next DECADE wondering 'what if'. I'm sorry Charlie, but that's just unhealthy and you really need to seek some kind of professional help.

This means that she allows things to happen in her life, but is never happy with what she's got - whether that's a dream marriage, a beautiful home, or a good job. She is constantly unhappy and incapable of staying in the 'now', instead she is stuck in the 'what if'.

This is not to mention her severely unhealthy relationship with her brother, Matthew. Matthew and Tom Farley were in a band together, which is how Charlie met the great TF, but the band broke up under 'mysterious circumstances' and Matthew now lives at home with his parents after suffering a series of mental breakdowns. Charlie's revelation that she's going to run away and live happily ever after with Tom Farley (not a spoiler, it happens early on), triggers a severe breakdown for Matthew, who reacts incredibly badly and leads to a debilitating accident, that Charlie then carries the guilt for years.

Wait, what? Not only is Charlie crushed by her inability to stay grounded because she's busy wondering 'what if' but now she is being guilt-tripped by a mentally unstable brother? Not that they refer to what Matthew has as depression or suicidal tendencies - it's always his 'dark times'. Come on.

I'm sorry, but on so many levels, this book just wasn't for me.

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Shirleyann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book and was gutted it had to come to an end. For me,this is more than a romance novel and a will they won't they? It touches on real emotions and feelings that the reader can surely identify with. There is a touch of sliding doors about this story, what would happen if the characters were to take that different path in life and if they had the chance in future to walk that path would they?will they? Being in the right/wrong place,deciding on the right thing to do., regrets,guilt,love,family,friends,secrets,lies this book has it all. It just got better and better as the story unfolded. A wonderfully written, heartwarming emotional story. I heartily recommend reading it.

[Mairead Hearne (swirlandthread.com) · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘It’s never too late to say I love you…’

Rewrite the Stars is the latest novel from bestselling author Emma Heatherington. Just published in paperback with Harper Collins, it is described as ‘a Sliding Doors meets One Day life-affirming story, it invites you to reassess all of your own tomorrows, it will inspire you to leave your regrets in the past, and it will remind you it’s never too late to discover a different you.'

I’m not going to lie…I shed a tear or two reading this one!

Rewrite the Stars is a love story. It questions the what if?, asking the reader…

‘Have you ever wondered how, in the blink of an eye, your whole life could have been totally different?'

December 2010 and Charlotte Taylor was living the student life in shared accommodation in Dublin, when her brother, Matthew, brought Tom Farley home. Matthew was a musician, as was Tom, and they were in the throes of attempting to pull a band together. The connection between Charlotte and Tom was instant. Charlotte played guitar and, with Tom’s encouragement, she performed beautifully a few of her own pieces right there in the ‘tiny, smelly, hormone-filled student sitting room.’ Charlotte was completely smitten with Tom Farley ‘with his old-school, movie-star-type swagger’, she fell immediately in love. But life happens, reality kicks in and Charlotte and Tom never did continue that budding romance in 2010.

The years pass and Charlotte taps down her creativity and dreams, becoming a primary school teacher instead, using her musical abilities and way with words in the classroom instead of on stage. But Charlotte never forgot Tom Farley. A chance encounter five years later and Charlotte’s life changes beyond anything she could have possibly imagined. Exciting possibilities stretch out in front of Charlotte, a possible future that she had secretly dreamed of but when a challenging situation arises, Charlotte has to make a decision that will break her heart.

Emma Heatherington takes the reader on such an emotional roller-coaster. Charlotte’s life goes through many transformations over the years. Charlotte doesn’t like to live her life according to the rules. There is an underlying need to be different, to challenge the system and to be her own individual person. Life has a way of sucking this individuality out of people and Charlotte tries hard to maintain her own person but with so many obstacles facing her, it proves to be very difficult indeed.

Charlotte’s story will resonate with many. Not for the specific details but for the idea of dreams being shelved and living the expected life, as opposed to the imagined life. As children we dream, we dream of being anything we want to be and believe that this will happen, but, unfortunately, life doesn’t always work out that way for most people. Charlotte’s character is wonderfully depicted. Her life passions, the importance she places on family and on her relationships, portray a person with generosity and a very big heart.

Rewrite the Stars is so much more than a romantic novel. Emma Heatherington raises many important issues in her book, in particular that of mental health. She handles it with great sensitivity, while also highlighting the impact of our actions and decisions on the well-being of others.

And….there is a song!

Award winning singer songwriter, Gareth Dunlop has written an EXCLUSIVE original song, ‘You’, just for Emma Heatherington’s novel. The lyrics of ‘You’ is featured within the book, so it really is a special and rather unique addition to Charlotte’s story. (The song is available to listen to online)

Rewrite The Stars is such a heart-warming read. The individual characters are all wonderfully depicted as they deal with life’s ups and downs. Filled with love and regret, hope and inspiration, Rewrite the Stars is a sentimental and affecting read, the perfect book to snuggle up with in the run up to the festive season.

[Nicola Clough · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very well written and realistic story from the start to the end and I simply didn't want to put it down as so brilliant. Full of how you have to face your feelings for someone and having to let them go for one reason then never forgetting them but trying to move on. It's never to late to say I love you but will it be to the right guy or not. Also plenty of romance and about families to a brilliant Christmas read.
Charlotte is only young and her brother is older and is in a band she writes songs to and Tom is in the group and she falls for him but he's not available so she lets him go. She moves on forgets her singing and becomes a teacher and five years pass and Tim sees her again and they really think they can make a GP of it but due to her brother she has to let him go and she really wonders if she's made the right decision. Her brother has a nasty accident and is in hospital for a long time and she then meets her husband but she can't stop thinking of Tom. She goes to a concert with her husband and then things come out about her past and her husband wants to know if she's ever loved him and he wants her to make up her mind who she wants so he goes away and she meets up with Tom so she can make a decision of if her first love is the one she really wants or her husband who will she choose and can she be happy and can she ever make anything if her singing now or has she left it to late.
A brilliant read highly recommend very emotional and heartwarming.

[Ritu Bhathal · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I opened the book, the song from The Greatest Showman of the same name kept running through my mind. Quite apt, considering the musical theme that runs through the book.

There are moments in all our lives where we wonder "What if?"

This story was exactly that. The story of Charlie Taylor, a young teacher with a passion for songwriting.
She meets Tom, a drummer who plays in her brother's band.

He turns her life upside down within one meeting.
He feels like The One.
He understands her music.
He makes her feel unbelievable.

Yet her brother goes to many lengths to keep them apart.

A chance meeting a few years later makes her wonder whether she should have heeded her brother's warnings, or listened to her heart.

Tragedy strikes and she is torn away from him again.

More time passes and she is happy, settled and married, with a wonderful husband, great friends and a life she is more than happy with.

But that "What if?" keeps popping up in her head, on the radio, in magazines...

What if, indeed.

I'll tell you something, One sign of a good read for me is when I don't constantly look at the percentage counter on my Kindle, to see how much is left, or how much I have read. With this book, I glanced down at 38%. The next time I looked, it was at 73% and then, it was finished!

It only took me over two days to read, because kids needed their mother, but a wonderful read. I'd recommend, definitely.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Jeanniehay64 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book I’ve read by Emma Heatherington and she has done it again. With an original , believable well written story which touched at my heartstrings.

I think everyone at some point wonders what if ? If our lives had taken a different direction would we also be completely different people?

Charlie Taylor is a young teacher who loves music and songwriting. She falls for Tom a drummer in her brothers band. Her protective brother goes to great lengths to keep them apart.

Time and life throw them together again but in the flick of an eye they are separated again by tragedy.

Determined to let their love stay in the past Charlie marries Jack a perfect caring
husband.

But can Charlie truly forget Tom? Will she try to contact him again? Or will she let the past stay in the past? Does your first love hold a special place in your heart ? Does fate win out in the end? Or can we decide our own destiny?

The importance of family and friends is evident in the story and the duty to care for them sometimes forsaking your own dreams.

My teenage years were revisited while I read the storyline remembering my crush on my best friends brother!!

Thank you so much to the publishers and netgalley for my chance to read this fantastic book.

[Elaine · Rating 1 out of 5]

Another disappointing read. Described on Amazon as, ‘The heart-warming and page- turning Christmas romance of 2019’. What!!??? Nope- not for me it wasn’t. Certainly I turned the pages quickly but to get it finished! And as for Christmas? Didn’t notice that either. For me it lacked depth of character and had no real descriptive detail- was just very bland: rambling on and on until the denouement right at the end. Perhaps I would have enjoyed this as a teenager but, sadly, just not my kind of book anymore.

[Michelle Tyson · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not for me, thought i would have enjoyed this book as a Christmas read, however, sadly lacking Christmas and the Christmas spirit . Thought the plot was dreadful and unimaginative and story of Matthew rather far fetched he fancied Tom!!!!! So what why the drama! Quick read, I skim read to finish. The only thing I enjoyed was the sliding door element.

[Trish at Between My Lines · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars


BLOG TOUR: REWRITE THE STARS BY EMMA HEATHERINGTON

Huge thanks to Harper Collins Ireland for asking me to join the blog tour for this fab looking book, I couldn’t reply to the email fast enough. I knew it looked good, but what was inside was even more delightful that I had hoped.

Thanks also to the Publishers for giving me for giving me a copy of this book for review consideration. As always, no matter what the source of the book, you get my honest, unbiased opinion.

MY THOUGHTS ON REWRITE THE STARS

I loved this book about love and fate, and the many twists that life throw at us. It is set in Dublin and features Charlotte, a primary school teacher with a dream of being a country and western singer. And Tom, the one who got away. Or did he? Does fate have a different future planned?

When a book makes me get emotionally involved with the characters, then it’s always a winner for me. And I really couldn’t have been any more attached to these characters. I found myself turning the pages eagerly, sinking down with them during their lows, and soaring high when things were going well. It’s a total heart wringer, and all the emotions felt so genuine and honest that I just got more and more sucked in.

And on top of that it really makes you think about the choices we make in life. It’s one of those books that I didn’t want to end.

Love, love, love.

WHO SHOULD READ REWRITE THE STARS?

If you like emotional romantic plots with themes of serendipity and what ifs, and characters to fall in love with, then I highly recommend this book to you. Fans of authors such as Carmel Harrington, Cathy Kelly and Sheila O’Flanagan should also enjoy.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I must admit this isn’t my preferred genre but I really enjoyed it. I was willing Charlotte to make the right decision! Charlotte had a real talent for composing but had always felt inferior to her older brother’s achievements in the music world. When she met a member of his band, Tom Farley, they had an instant attraction and he appreciated her musical abilities. However, something happened between the members of the band and Tom’s name wasn’t mentioned. There are a number of interesting characters, both friends and family, not all likeable. I couldn’t take to the brother, he appeared to be quite selfish. This is a story of Charlotte wondering what would have happened if she had taken certain options and what part fate played. This will keep your interest until the end, wondering which way Charlotte would choose to go. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Deanne Patterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing book that may make you question what you've believed all along about romance.
Emotional story , realistic characters , a brilliant read!

Pub Date 06 Sep 2019
HarperCollins UK, HarperFictionI was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.

[michelle Simons · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book touched my heartstrings in a way few others have. From tears to smiles and back again. We all have a past and sometimes a reminder of that comes back to haunt us.

One of my favourite books this year.

[thewoollygeek (tea, cake, crochet & books) · Rating 5 out of 5]

An emotional and heartwarming/heart wrenching read, your heart goes on a rollercoaster ride with Charlie, on the edge always hoping she will get her man. So well written, Emma draws you in from the first page and doesn’t let you go. An addictive and thoroughly entertaining book, no spoilers, but you never know what you’ll get from this, pick this up you won’t regret it.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion

[Paulinlong · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not for me. Thanks for the free book club copy to Novel_ideas book club but although I love a romance this was too turgid for me. A soppy, Irish version of A Star is Born. Good luck to Emma Hetherington, keep them coming but they’re too sterile and neat and repetitious for me.

[Konnie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read some of the editorial reviews prior to reading this which stated it had "many twists and plots" and in a way, I wish I never read them because while reading it, I kept turning over the different scenarios of the twists and plots in my mind and pretty much guessed them all - well, almost all.

Having said that, I don't think that is what spoiled the book for me really. It was more that there were not too many characters I really liked or felt connected to. Some of the actions of the heroine were annoying at times and so was her brother. Realistically, I could not see someone freaking out that much and being THAT selfish nor can I see someone not following your heart even if others don't approve. I mean REALLY! how many times have we dated someone despite our family or friend's disapproval - women all over have back stabbed one another for the same guy! The heart wants what it wants. The only character I truly loved was JACK - he is so swoon-worthy!

Oh and the ending - I wanted to know his reaction! ( I say his because I'm not giving anything away!) So yes, I didn't feel the book closed well.

I really did enjoy this read, and it was very hard-to-put down, but it did not produce all the feels for me.

[Gaby Butterfield · Rating 2 out of 5]

Being loosely a Christmassy book (ie it was mentioned at the start and finish), it was much like watching one of those cheesy daily festive films on tv at this time of year. The ones that are predictable and you can leave on in the background without giving it too much thought. I didn’t dislike it as such, but I didn’t like it either. I definitely couldn’t write a book myself and I have respect for the author’s ideas about being happy with your lot, rather than always pursuing the ‘what if’, but that’s about it for me. I didn’t like Charlotte, what an irritating ‘me, me, poor me’ - I wanted to tell her to get over herself all the time!

[Anne OK · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was high on my list of reads with such high hopes for a rewarding weekend of reading. But in place of Ho!Ho!Ho! – it was Bah! Humbug!

The characters were flat, unbelievable and boring. The storytelling lacks any crucial spark. There was hardly any substance in the relationship between Charlotte, a teacher/songwriter and Tom Farley, an up-and-coming musician. I very much enjoyed their shared love for music. But their personal history is a marathon rife with tragedy and sorrow.

Hit and miss brushes in mending their relationship and a ton of crapola that always came first. It never felt like Charlotte solidly placed Tom in first place towards a long-term or permanent relationship. She acted like a star-struck teenager throughout the book. And after giving a couple of tries, Tom blew the coop and moved on.

Considering the sticky mess between Matthew, Charlotte, and Tom that sent them all off the track, there certainly should have been more time invested in those problems rather than handled behind a curtain of fog. Too much just seemed to be shoved under the rug and forgotten.

After her brother's accident, Charlotte meets his doctor, Jack Malone, and they become friends until something more develops between them. Still Charlotte remains whiney and self-doubting – always pondering the “what ifs” of what might have been or could be with Tom – even after years of no contact between them. Charlie cared too much what other people thought of her, and she frustrated the heck out of me. In my opinion, she found a jack-pot at the end of the rainbow with Doctor Jack Malone, who possessed the most credibility and likability of them all. But to be blunt – even he walked around with blinders on most of the time.

Their “surprise-surprise” encounters between Charlie and Tom were just ridiculously annoying and rendering little movement in the story -- often driveling off-topic with meaningless page-filler thrown into the mix. And far too many timeline changes got old real fast – moving nothing forward with any substance. Same old song, just another verse.

So, the big question: Tom vs. Jack: By the end, it didn’t matter one way or the other to me which one Charlotte/Charlie ended up with, I would have been just as unsatisfied. None of them brought out deep feelings in me. However, I did think Dr. Jack Malone was the most well-balanced and had the best heart of them all.

Heatherington’s novel has the potential for a great love story with a thought-provoking plotline. For me, the possibilities slipped through so many cracks and all hope fell to the wayside.

For me, it’s a no win.

[booksofallkinds · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I voluntarily reviewed this book from the Publisher.


Wow! Does Emma Heatherington know how to pull on your heartstrings or what?!?! Pull up a chair, have a cup of tea to hand (and some tissues), and settle down to read REWRITE THE STARS which is one of the best books I have read this year.

Charlotte always had feelings for Tom, ever since they were young, but sometimes young love isn't built to last. Kept apart by Charlotte's brother and other people in the picture, they lose their chance to be together. Or have they?
Fast forward a few years and yet again they come into each other lives but love is never straightforward and they move away from each other once more.
Charlotte's life isn't how she had always imagined it would be but she finds love and someone who is caring and kind. But the spectre of Tom is always there in the back of her mind - the one that got away. But can Charlotte walk away from the life that she has built?

It's the characters that make this story so engaging and relatable. I connected with them immediately and felt like they were friends as they experienced the highest of highs and lowest of lows. Emma Heatherington is an expert at writing emotions and REWRITE THE STARS is no different, packing an emotional punch from beginning to end, showing the importance of love, friendship, individuality, and strength throughout.

REWRITE THE STARS by Emma Heatherington is my favourite from this author so far and I cannot wait for more from one of Ireland's most talented authors.

[Gemma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved every single page of this book.
So easy to read and take in without having to think at all, so similar to Paige Toon in my opinion and I absolutely loved it. What a beautiful unexpected surprise to take me away from reality. I would highly recommend this book.

[Jess]

I DNF’d this around 3/4 of the way through. Maybe I wasn’t in the right place but I couldn’t connect with our main character Charlie at all; it felt like she wanted to constantly tell the reader how amazing and privileged her life was and then complain that it wasn’t all she wanted. Not for me.

[Beth]

DNF @pg 40

This one just isn't me, I had a feeling it might not be,, but I think from what I've read so far it would be an *okay* read but I want something more...