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The Stars Don't Lie
A man who thought he put his shattered past behind him embarks on a reflective journey home in a heartfelt novel by the bestselling author of The Singing Trees and A Spanish Sunrise . Haunted by a tragic decision he made twenty years ago, veterinarian Dr. Carver Livingston has not once returned to his Vermont hometown. Now his parents’ impending divorce and his mother’s plea for support lure Carver to a reluctant homecoming. His sweep into Teterbury, save a marriage, and get out before anyone else from his past knows he was even there. Fate has other plans. It’s hard to hide from former friends. Harder still to fight old feelings for the crushing and beautiful high school soulmate whom he dreams of pursuing again. And Mrs. Cartwright, his fragile English teacher, who once pulled Carver out of sadness. She taught him to always look up and to see life’s grander perspective in the stars. Now it’s Carver’s turn to help Mrs. Cartwright find those bright lights in the dark. Against his need to leave, Carver decides to stay longer, as he, his mother and father, and Mrs. Cartwright are all at turning points in their lives. Hope is not lost. If they look up, they’ll see that tonight, the stars still shine.
347 pages, Hardcover
First published August 22, 2023
5973 people are currently reading
13521 people want to read
About the author
Boo Walker
20 books1,194 followersBestselling author Boo Walker initially tapped his creative muse as a songwriter and banjoist in Nashville before working his way west to Washington State, where he bought a gentleman’s farm on the Yakima River. It was there amongst the grapevines and wine barrels that he fell in love with telling stories that now resonate with book clubs around the world. Rich with colorful characters and boundless soul, his novels will leave you with an open heart and a lifted spirit.
Always a wanderer, Boo currently lives in Valencia, Spain with his wife and son. He also writes thrillers under the pen name Benjamin Blackmore. You can find him at boowalker.com and benjaminblackmore.com.
For a free copy of his Red Mountain cookbook, updates, and other goodies, sign up for his newsletter at boowalker.com.
Always a wanderer, Boo currently lives in Valencia, Spain with his wife and son. He also writes thrillers under the pen name Benjamin Blackmore. You can find him at boowalker.com and benjaminblackmore.com.
For a free copy of his Red Mountain cookbook, updates, and other goodies, sign up for his newsletter at boowalker.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 824 reviews
December 28, 2024
As much as I wanted to, I did not love this book. The story line had promise, but the main character, Carver Livingston, lacked substance and depth... He really made me want to punch him. We meet him as a very wealthy 38yo veterinarian who's established his own practice and has even invented some innovative bone plate thing for dogs, yet emotionally, he's completely stuck in the past... stuck in one day 20 years ago, to be exact. While the event of that day would be major for anyone, it was so frustrating to me that Carver is still ENTIRELY defined by a choice he made for himself that day despite all he has gone on to accomplish. I get that he hasn't truly healed and it still affects him... aren't we all haunted by the poor choices of our past selves? The thing is, he is so self-centered that he thinks everyone (his parents, his ex-girlfriend, his best friend, his entire high school class) is still stuck in his past as well, like their lives for the past 20 years have revolved around him. C'mon, he's got to be smarter than that! This egotism becomes the driving force for the rest of the book, and we're constantly bludgeoned with the "woe is me" mentality of Carver Livingston. Geez, even his name was trying too hard.
2.5-stars
Thank you NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing allowing me early access to the ARC ebook edition of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
2.5-stars
Thank you NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing allowing me early access to the ARC ebook edition of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
November 16, 2023
If you want to "listen" to a grown man whine for hours or days on end, this book is for you!! Carver Livingston is absolutely "stuck," but he's also a self absorbed, egocentric fool who cannot get out of his own way. I finished the book because I hate to "quit" in the middle but regret that I didn't. If Carver were a real person, he'd be absolutely insufferable.
April 17, 2023
*SPOILER ALERT*
I received this ARC in exchange for my honest feedback. I love Boo Walker as an author, but I honestly struggled to get through this book. The plot is not realistic at all. Dr. Carver Livingston is an incredibly successful 38yr old veterinarian who is unable to get over a high school romance. The fact that he is still dwelling on a relationship 20 years later, one that lasted a matter of months, was my initial frustration while reading this book.
Carver goes home to help his parents through their divorce. While visiting his hometown he meets up with an old high school teacher and helps her through a trying time. He attempts to rekindle the romance with his high school girlfriend. When that doesn't work out, he falls in love with the physical therapist of the old high school teacher. He then fixes his parents' marriage. He essentially becomes a hometown hero. Nothing in this book is plausible.
All the characters are shallow and underdeveloped. There are too many plots in this book, and they all fall short.
I hate that I was not a fan of this book because I thought "The Singing Trees" was a beautifully written book by Boo Walker and I was so excited to read this.
I received this ARC in exchange for my honest feedback. I love Boo Walker as an author, but I honestly struggled to get through this book. The plot is not realistic at all. Dr. Carver Livingston is an incredibly successful 38yr old veterinarian who is unable to get over a high school romance. The fact that he is still dwelling on a relationship 20 years later, one that lasted a matter of months, was my initial frustration while reading this book.
Carver goes home to help his parents through their divorce. While visiting his hometown he meets up with an old high school teacher and helps her through a trying time. He attempts to rekindle the romance with his high school girlfriend. When that doesn't work out, he falls in love with the physical therapist of the old high school teacher. He then fixes his parents' marriage. He essentially becomes a hometown hero. Nothing in this book is plausible.
All the characters are shallow and underdeveloped. There are too many plots in this book, and they all fall short.
I hate that I was not a fan of this book because I thought "The Singing Trees" was a beautifully written book by Boo Walker and I was so excited to read this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2023
UPDATE on 8/26/23: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ x2 after a second read and a first time listen to the audio version. There is so much to love about the wisdom, redemption, and life lessons in STARS.
(Happy tears for this wonderful novel!)
Dr. Carver Livingstone has a lot of things figured out in life. Still in his thirties, he is a successful North Carolina veterinarian with several clinics, a surgical patent, and a staff who adores him. But he has a past, one without closure that he has kept buried and at a distance for twenty years. So when his mother asks him to return home to Vermont and mediate a family issue, it isn't an easy decision.
Carver is, after all, a man of science. He seeks facts and doesn't like shades of gray. He can also be slow on the uptake when it comes to emotional cues from others. It's that "different kind of smart," an observation not lost on Mrs. Eloise Cartwright, his favorite teacher from high school. Mrs. Cartwright was there for Carver during his darkest moments as a teen and, while he has never forgotten the impact she had on his life, he has cut ties with her as much as with everyone else.
Mrs. Cartwright would hate the cliché, but Carver had to wait for the stars to align. Or maybe they have aligned and he just needed a good push. Either way, things are being set into motion through a series of events beyond his control. Call it Fate or call it Faith, change is on the horizon.
There was so much I loved about The Stars Don't Lie. Boo Walker effortlessly accomplishes a multitude of objectives with a diverse cast of characters. Diverse in the sense that we meet different people at various stages of life, which means there is someone for whom every reader can relate to and understand. And even though many of them have their own epiphanies, it is Carver who is at the center of it all, trying to stay afloat, constantly doubting his abilities, but still learning what's most important. All he has to do is look up.
On a grander scale is the writing itself, which is done with terrific skill. The pace is just right and the phrasing is very clever. I highlighted several for future reference. I also found myself tapping into personal memories and feelings that few, if any, books have ever brought to the surface. Last but not least there are the messages, mainly of redemption and reminders that we are all a part of something bigger than ourselves, each conveyed with gentle tenderness. Reading, no, experiencing this book was like finally opening a stuck window and airing out a musty room. A refreshing, emotional detox.
I highly recommend it.
My thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy. This is available as a "Read Now" selection.
(Happy tears for this wonderful novel!)
Dr. Carver Livingstone has a lot of things figured out in life. Still in his thirties, he is a successful North Carolina veterinarian with several clinics, a surgical patent, and a staff who adores him. But he has a past, one without closure that he has kept buried and at a distance for twenty years. So when his mother asks him to return home to Vermont and mediate a family issue, it isn't an easy decision.
Carver is, after all, a man of science. He seeks facts and doesn't like shades of gray. He can also be slow on the uptake when it comes to emotional cues from others. It's that "different kind of smart," an observation not lost on Mrs. Eloise Cartwright, his favorite teacher from high school. Mrs. Cartwright was there for Carver during his darkest moments as a teen and, while he has never forgotten the impact she had on his life, he has cut ties with her as much as with everyone else.
Mrs. Cartwright would hate the cliché, but Carver had to wait for the stars to align. Or maybe they have aligned and he just needed a good push. Either way, things are being set into motion through a series of events beyond his control. Call it Fate or call it Faith, change is on the horizon.
There was so much I loved about The Stars Don't Lie. Boo Walker effortlessly accomplishes a multitude of objectives with a diverse cast of characters. Diverse in the sense that we meet different people at various stages of life, which means there is someone for whom every reader can relate to and understand. And even though many of them have their own epiphanies, it is Carver who is at the center of it all, trying to stay afloat, constantly doubting his abilities, but still learning what's most important. All he has to do is look up.
On a grander scale is the writing itself, which is done with terrific skill. The pace is just right and the phrasing is very clever. I highlighted several for future reference. I also found myself tapping into personal memories and feelings that few, if any, books have ever brought to the surface. Last but not least there are the messages, mainly of redemption and reminders that we are all a part of something bigger than ourselves, each conveyed with gentle tenderness. Reading, no, experiencing this book was like finally opening a stuck window and airing out a musty room. A refreshing, emotional detox.
I highly recommend it.
My thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy. This is available as a "Read Now" selection.
August 19, 2023
This is Carver Livingston's story. He banished himself from his hometown in Vermont in self-acclaimed shame that he felt he brought on himself and his family. He felt he was damaged goods. He left after high school, and vowed never, ever to return. Twenty years later he received a phone call from his mother, pleading with him to come home.
The book is about Carver's journey, not just the trip back to Vermont. But, the journey of acceptance, forgiveness and self-redemption. He is learning that his 40-year-old self is not who he was when he left Vermont 20 years earlier. Perception and reality evolve as he matures. The author really takes us into his mind and thoughts. The reader gets to know how he feels about himself, his insecurities, his accomplishments. It is very interesting.
Throughout Carver's journey of healing and rediscovering himself, he also deals with the problems of his parent's marriage.
I especially enjoyed Carver's relationship with a former teacher, Mrs Cartwright. She was someone who supported him during his youth and that support continued as if there had not been a 20-year break. There is a bit of role reversal also.
My favourite quote from the book: It was okay that I wasn't perfect, because I was so far from perfect. Just like everyone else.
There's a saying: You can't go home again. (apologies to Mrs. Cartwright)
But, sometimes you can!
The ending might have been a bit too tidy but it made me happy. And, at one point, there might have been a few tears.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
The book is about Carver's journey, not just the trip back to Vermont. But, the journey of acceptance, forgiveness and self-redemption. He is learning that his 40-year-old self is not who he was when he left Vermont 20 years earlier. Perception and reality evolve as he matures. The author really takes us into his mind and thoughts. The reader gets to know how he feels about himself, his insecurities, his accomplishments. It is very interesting.
Throughout Carver's journey of healing and rediscovering himself, he also deals with the problems of his parent's marriage.
I especially enjoyed Carver's relationship with a former teacher, Mrs Cartwright. She was someone who supported him during his youth and that support continued as if there had not been a 20-year break. There is a bit of role reversal also.
My favourite quote from the book: It was okay that I wasn't perfect, because I was so far from perfect. Just like everyone else.
There's a saying: You can't go home again. (apologies to Mrs. Cartwright)
But, sometimes you can!
The ending might have been a bit too tidy but it made me happy. And, at one point, there might have been a few tears.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
September 16, 2023
I wish I could unread this…
I’ve read bad books and given them good ratings based on entertainment and emotions…this book evoked neither.
The MMC was so freaking unlikable, so self-centered and annoying. This dude went through a breakup so painful that he tried to unalive himself at 18 y/o, and was so traumatized that didn’t set foot on his hometown for 20 years but as soon as he sees his old flame he thinks it’s a good idea to pickup what he thought they had?????? Make it make sense… Then when she gives him her perspective of their high school relationship, he doesn’t like what he hears so he tried to mansplain her feelings??? F*** no!!
The only reason I didn’t DNF this was because I needed to know the real reason behind his parent’s break up.
I’ve read bad books and given them good ratings based on entertainment and emotions…this book evoked neither.
The MMC was so freaking unlikable, so self-centered and annoying. This dude went through a breakup so painful that he tried to unalive himself at 18 y/o, and was so traumatized that didn’t set foot on his hometown for 20 years but as soon as he sees his old flame he thinks it’s a good idea to pickup what he thought they had?????? Make it make sense… Then when she gives him her perspective of their high school relationship, he doesn’t like what he hears so he tried to mansplain her feelings??? F*** no!!
The only reason I didn’t DNF this was because I needed to know the real reason behind his parent’s break up.
December 28, 2023
This whole book felt like a cliché…which is kind of funny when you juxtapose it with Mrs. Cartwright’s disdain of clichés. But this book was certainly not funny. Or even entertaining. It read like a bad Hallmark movie:
Rich, white veterinarian, who never got over his high school girlfriend, still thinks the world revolves around him 20 years later. After an unexpected trip home, a rude awakening instantaneously provides him with all the answers he’s been looking for, and he becomes the town hero. Oh, and he gets the girl.
Just ew.
I feel like I’m not normally this critical of a story. Maybe a character will rub me the wrong way, or the author’s writing style won’t suit me. But everything about this book felt juvenile and underdeveloped. The 38-year-old MMC constantly acted like an 18-year-old. The bravado and self-centeredness got old really fast. And then WHAM! In one short chapter, he had a revelation that turns everything around in his favor. I mean, I love a happy ending, but this was just not satisfying.
A lot of the relationships didn’t make sense, and I had a hard time with the emotions in this book. It was like everyone was stuck in adolescence the whole time.
I won’t be a broken record. This one just isn’t worth the read. It wasn’t the worst. I think Boo Walker writes a well-paced story. This one just fell pretty flat.
UPDATED TO ADD: I come back to Chapter 26 of this book ALL THE TIME because it is so absurd. I read it aloud to anyone who will listen—it is PEAK entertainment. In a bad way. (Example: “The stars are were above me, but also inside me…”) This book freaking haunts me in the worst way. I might change my rating to 1 star. Who knows?
Rich, white veterinarian, who never got over his high school girlfriend, still thinks the world revolves around him 20 years later. After an unexpected trip home, a rude awakening instantaneously provides him with all the answers he’s been looking for, and he becomes the town hero. Oh, and he gets the girl.
Just ew.
I feel like I’m not normally this critical of a story. Maybe a character will rub me the wrong way, or the author’s writing style won’t suit me. But everything about this book felt juvenile and underdeveloped. The 38-year-old MMC constantly acted like an 18-year-old. The bravado and self-centeredness got old really fast. And then WHAM! In one short chapter, he had a revelation that turns everything around in his favor. I mean, I love a happy ending, but this was just not satisfying.
A lot of the relationships didn’t make sense, and I had a hard time with the emotions in this book. It was like everyone was stuck in adolescence the whole time.
I won’t be a broken record. This one just isn’t worth the read. It wasn’t the worst. I think Boo Walker writes a well-paced story. This one just fell pretty flat.
UPDATED TO ADD: I come back to Chapter 26 of this book ALL THE TIME because it is so absurd. I read it aloud to anyone who will listen—it is PEAK entertainment. In a bad way. (Example: “The stars are were above me, but also inside me…”) This book freaking haunts me in the worst way. I might change my rating to 1 star. Who knows?
March 27, 2023
The Stars Don’t Lie had me from the very first page. It’s all about second chances, family, love … Carver is a very successful veterinarian in NC and he did something in his past that caused his whole life to instantly change. It affected him and his whole family 20 years ago. This was so beautifully written that I just could not put it down. And the ending … let’s just say you better have tissues ready!! Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release in exchange for my honest review.
May 31, 2023
4.5/10. I received this ARC copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I really struggled with this book, I think the point of being a good reader is to able to find empathy for characters you don’t like, and I barely could make that happen for Dr. Carver Livingston. He was incredibly narcissistic, thought he had the answer to everything related to other people’s problems, and also insecure. I kept waiting for his character evolution and while it seemed like it was on the horizon he never quite got there. I did enjoy his relationship with his former teacher, and while he was trying to help her it seemed like ti was coming more from a selfish place, rather than an altruistic one.
Also, I’m from Asheville, where the book is partially set, and there were a lot of inconsistencies. It seems to me like he could’ve done a bit more research into a town instead of using it as a prop because it’s a popular tourist destination.
Trigger warning—themes of depression and suicide.
Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for providing me with a free digital copy to review this book.
Also, I’m from Asheville, where the book is partially set, and there were a lot of inconsistencies. It seems to me like he could’ve done a bit more research into a town instead of using it as a prop because it’s a popular tourist destination.
Trigger warning—themes of depression and suicide.
Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for providing me with a free digital copy to review this book.
January 3, 2024
Charming, hopeful, and emotional. Delightfully flawed characters every reader can relate to. I read in two days. Really enjoyed this story.
March 8, 2024
This is a DNF for me. 4 hours in and I simply cannot continue. Carver is a gross, sad, adult male who has never bothered to try to learn to gain a healthy way to process his emotions. He’s self-centered and egotistical and hasn’t even tried to move on emotionally in his life. I agreed with his dad and started rolling my eyes every time he day dreamed about a 20 year old failed relationship. He lives in the past and is a workaholic with no relationships (not even friends) after a girl broke his heart TWENTY years previously. He cannot see past himself and how he feels and doesn’t hear anything his dad tells him. Just. Ew.
After being threatened by my own high school boyfriend that he would unalive himself should I ever break up with him, this reeks of that. He called her before doing it?? What the fuck man. This is an awful, horribly toxic, incel-esque exploration of an incredibly sensitive and nuanced subject. If I could give this book zero stars, I would.
After being threatened by my own high school boyfriend that he would unalive himself should I ever break up with him, this reeks of that. He called her before doing it?? What the fuck man. This is an awful, horribly toxic, incel-esque exploration of an incredibly sensitive and nuanced subject. If I could give this book zero stars, I would.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 13, 2023
The Stars Don’t Lie is a book that readers won’t soon forget. It’s a love letter to that teacher that had the biggest influence on your life; it’s a testament to survival and recognizing how your opinions and projections can color your choices; it’s a wonderful story about past actions, new beginnings, life lessons, forgiveness and stepping up. I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book from NetGalley. Most highly recommend.
September 6, 2023
I absolutely love Boo Walker and have read all his books, so I was really looking forward to this new one. I was disappointed. So much drama—this was a full-grown man who acted like a big baby! Sorry but I just had a hard time with the whole thing, except maybe his teacher, who I left brought common sense into it!
November 21, 2023
Wasted 12 hours of my life listening to this thinking it would be redeeming at some point. No. 20 years of self sabotage over a 3 month long relationship? Just…no. One of these poorly written women characters should’ve slapped this man and brought him to his senses. Whew.
September 2, 2023
I really liked this book. It seemed personal to me. The protagonist didn't want to go home because he did something he's embarrassed and ashamed of, and he is certain everyone thinks of that if he returns. That everything that goes wrong is his fault. But a teacher made a huge difference to him in high school, and does again. Surely we've all had that teacher? I hope so!
August 25, 2023
I really loved this book. I had read done other pre-release reviews and was afraid I wouldn’t like the main character. That never happened. I liked him and understood how he felt. Loved his parents’ part of the story line. It reminded me a bit of Catherine Ryan Hyde’s writing style and that is a compliment, as she is my favorite author. I look forward to reading another book by Boo Walker. Thank you Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for the chance to read this book as a pre-release copy for an honest review.
May 8, 2024
Zero stars.
This book is all about a man who doesn't take no for an answer when it comes to women. And when it comes to women, may they rue the day they ever let a man down...
I was immensely turned off by the main character in this book. The fact that this is the foundation of this whole character's personality (he even called her in action thinking if she knew what he was doing she'd want to stay with him) just stunk of toxic behavior. Throughout the book, the main character is also told no in different ways from the women around him and he just sees it as a game in which he'll convince them that he knows better than they do. He's constantly imagining how much they'll regret turning him down and end up on their knees, begging his forgiveness. He whines about going to his hometown, not wanting anyone to even see him or know he's there but then rents an Audi to drive around in? And a limo later? That's the character we're given: a total self-absorbed douche nozzel. I was really hoping what was going on with his dad was that he was gay, especially given that he changed after his best friends death, but no, just more of shitting on the female characters in this book and how they're depicted groveling at the men's feet. On top of all that, I found the majority of this book to be so boring, my mind kept wandering off and daydreaming (I even completed a whole mental grocery list while reading).
I've read some bad books recently, but this one I regret.
This book is all about a man who doesn't take no for an answer when it comes to women. And when it comes to women, may they rue the day they ever let a man down...
I was immensely turned off by the main character in this book. The fact that this is the foundation of this whole character's personality (he even called her in action thinking if she knew what he was doing she'd want to stay with him) just stunk of toxic behavior. Throughout the book, the main character is also told no in different ways from the women around him and he just sees it as a game in which he'll convince them that he knows better than they do. He's constantly imagining how much they'll regret turning him down and end up on their knees, begging his forgiveness. He whines about going to his hometown, not wanting anyone to even see him or know he's there but then rents an Audi to drive around in? And a limo later? That's the character we're given: a total self-absorbed douche nozzel. I was really hoping what was going on with his dad was that he was gay, especially given that he changed after his best friends death, but no, just more of shitting on the female characters in this book and how they're depicted groveling at the men's feet. On top of all that, I found the majority of this book to be so boring, my mind kept wandering off and daydreaming (I even completed a whole mental grocery list while reading).
I've read some bad books recently, but this one I regret.
November 12, 2023
I was quite disappointed by this book. It genuinely seemed like a good concept, but everything just fell flat. If “I am woe, woe is me” was a book, this is it. Let’s start with issue number one for me, Carver. Carver is so self-centered and wallows in so much self pity that it is hard to like him. I can relate to him and some of his struggles, and not wanting to return to your hometown, but he is just so utterly unlikeable because of how stuck in the past and egotistical he is. Like you can’t get over what happened 20 years ago, and think that everyone in Teterville’s world revolves around you, yet he’s shocked to hear about events from people he seems borderline obsessed with.
It’s just a really predictable, boring book. I felt like I knew how this was going to around around chapter 7, and I was right! By chapter two or three I had the feeling it was going to be the kind of book that wraps a neat little bow around everything, and it’s exactly what happened. You can get a feel for what will happen around 20% into the book, then after that it’s a struggle to finish.
This book had potential, but it was so utterly predictable I found it to lack character. Just a boring story about a man stuck in the past who has to confront it, yet he rises above it all and it all works out in the end.
Or maybe I just lack empathy…
It’s just a really predictable, boring book. I felt like I knew how this was going to around around chapter 7, and I was right! By chapter two or three I had the feeling it was going to be the kind of book that wraps a neat little bow around everything, and it’s exactly what happened. You can get a feel for what will happen around 20% into the book, then after that it’s a struggle to finish.
This book had potential, but it was so utterly predictable I found it to lack character. Just a boring story about a man stuck in the past who has to confront it, yet he rises above it all and it all works out in the end.
Or maybe I just lack empathy…
May 2, 2024
Disappointed. Normally I really like this authors books, but being a vet nurse who loves behavior, the way he portrays treating Mrs Cartwrights dog is horrible!!!! I hope no one goes home and treats their dog like this character does. I’m not even going to finish reading it, as each time he uses an aversive technique to “train” the dog, it makes me cringe. Thank god this dog is fictional
August 5, 2024
Oh my. I borrowed this book from Amazon Prime. Walker has written a lot of books, so I thought I would try this one.
I found no depth in the main character and could not connect. The plot line between the married couple was weird.
I could go on, but won't. A terrible waste of my reading time.
I found no depth in the main character and could not connect. The plot line between the married couple was weird.
I could go on, but won't. A terrible waste of my reading time.
December 3, 2023
Format: Audiobook
Performance: Nothing too memorable from this audiobook performance. I tolerated the voice actor.
Review:
There are not many audiobooks on Kindle Unlimited, but this was one of them. That may be my biggest reason to have listened to this book. Another reason why I decided to is because it is set in my home state of Vermont. I have to say that overall this book wasn’t anything special to me. Though it was set in my home state it gave none of the Vermont feel that I am used to (I have lived here my entire life). Another thing that irked me about this book is Dr Carver Livingston is a grown ass man and he is rushing home because of his parents divorce. The divorce is seemingly coming out of no where however when you learn the reason why you can no longer fault the parent that is seemingly to blame. When it comes to what I did enjoy about this book, it all surrounded Mrs Cartwright, Livingston’s old teacher and half of the pair who helped pull him out of his depression. She was such a great character and I also feel as though we do not talk about how hard it is for most to get old. Everything about you is deteriorating and it is so hard to not fall into depression as you get older.
Overall, mediocre and not going to recommend
Performance: Nothing too memorable from this audiobook performance. I tolerated the voice actor.
Review:
There are not many audiobooks on Kindle Unlimited, but this was one of them. That may be my biggest reason to have listened to this book. Another reason why I decided to is because it is set in my home state of Vermont. I have to say that overall this book wasn’t anything special to me. Though it was set in my home state it gave none of the Vermont feel that I am used to (I have lived here my entire life). Another thing that irked me about this book is Dr Carver Livingston is a grown ass man and he is rushing home because of his parents divorce. The divorce is seemingly coming out of no where however when you learn the reason why you can no longer fault the parent that is seemingly to blame. When it comes to what I did enjoy about this book, it all surrounded Mrs Cartwright, Livingston’s old teacher and half of the pair who helped pull him out of his depression. She was such a great character and I also feel as though we do not talk about how hard it is for most to get old. Everything about you is deteriorating and it is so hard to not fall into depression as you get older.
Overall, mediocre and not going to recommend
October 21, 2023
This was the first book I have read by the author and will now look at more. A beautifully written book about facing the past and revealing and accepting truths, love and loyalty, friendships and enjoying life. I listened on Audible and the narrator did a great job.
May 3, 2024
Good story but it just dragged a bit.
Trigger warning- talk of attempted suicide and description.
Trigger warning- talk of attempted suicide and description.
May 13, 2024
3⭐️
If it was shorter, I would have liked it more. It was way too long for the outcome of the story.
If it was shorter, I would have liked it more. It was way too long for the outcome of the story.
August 26, 2024
there were a few great inspirational quotes but other than that…
I found the main character to be whiny.
I found the main character to be whiny.
August 30, 2025
3.5. The last 20% was better than the rest. But I did finish this book on a hiking trail and upon returning to my car there was a sticky note left on my window that read, “The world is a better place because you exist!” And that actually made for a really perfect ending to this particular book. ❤️
September 23, 2023
First of all let me just say how much I loved reading The Stars Don’t Lie and actually all of Boo Walker’s books! This story centers around Carver Livingston, a veterinarian who owns his own practice in North Carolina. Originally from Vermont, he receives a call from his parents on his birthday when he learns that they are planning to divorce. Because of a horrible thing he did 20 years ago that has caused him shame and guilt, he has never returned home to Vermont but feels this is the time he just might have to. It’s a story of finding forgiveness in yourself, learning to appreciate who you are, and realizing that you are enough just the way you are. It’s a book that held my interest with warm and caring characters and it really pulled at my heartstrings. I suggest having tissues close by as you read. The side story about Carvers attachment to his teacher, who was a very wise woman, was an added delight to the storyline. It was nice giving and showing appreciation for all the care and work that teachers put in for their students. I’d like to thank NetGalley for the arc to read and review. I have come to know that when I see a book by Boo Walker, it’s one that I’ll want to read as they are always enjoyable and delightful stories. It’s a 5 star read and one I will highly recommend to others!
February 17, 2025
WOW. I do not understand how this has such high ratings. Typically, I don't write long reviews, but buckle up. I LOATHE this book.
Stupid Carver is 38 years old. He's a veterinarian, very successful in all aspects of his career, and has refused to go home for TWENTY years because of a suicide attempt he had on his life due to a break up with Shannon who h dated for a few MONTHS. Okay, suicide is not a light subject, which I totally get and will not downplay the seriousness of it all. However, this man is SO caught up in the past and is so egotistical that he thinks the ENTIRE population of the town he grew up in is also still thinking about it and is caught up in it just like he is TWENTY YEARS later--which is why he hasn't been back home. Someone needed to tell this man that other people's lives didn't revolve around him. They all had moved on, and didn't waste that much time ruminating over the subject. He also seems to think that Shannon and him had this soulmate connection, yet she dumped him and started dating someone else. He has spent the last 20 years hung up on her and not been able to love anyone else. Then, he goes back to his hometown because his parents are getting divorced. He runs into Shannon and they hang out for a hot second, and she tells him their relationship wasn't a big deal. He has this epiphany, and then is over her immediately. Before that though, you have to suffer through his inner monologue about how she makes him feel every other sentence and how electric blue her eyes are.
Okay, then we have this Ava lady who helps take care of Carver's favorite teacher/mentor. After Carver has this epiphany about Shannon, he asks Ava out. Ava then proceeds to tell him no because he's all over the place and was well aware he was chasing his ex and also leaving. I was glad Ava called this idiot out. Anyway, then later Ava sees him again and is all "everyone says you are persistent, but you seem to have given up on asking me out." NO. DUH. LADY. You told him he was all over the place, and you weren't interested! And then she's upset.
Okay, then Carver is blaming himself for his parents divorce and says it's his fault. They say it's not blah blah blah. It's revealed that his mom had an affair 20 years ago after Carver tried to kill himself, and his dad has been "faking" it and trying to keep it together....for twenty years while their son wasn't even home. Dad leaves for a road trip, comes back, says he can't live without her after being adamant about the divorce. Mom is happy and she can't live without him either. The end. Everyone lives happily ever after after 300+ pages of pure torture and awful characters. I did like the teacher though 😂
Stupid Carver is 38 years old. He's a veterinarian, very successful in all aspects of his career, and has refused to go home for TWENTY years because of a suicide attempt he had on his life due to a break up with Shannon who h dated for a few MONTHS. Okay, suicide is not a light subject, which I totally get and will not downplay the seriousness of it all. However, this man is SO caught up in the past and is so egotistical that he thinks the ENTIRE population of the town he grew up in is also still thinking about it and is caught up in it just like he is TWENTY YEARS later--which is why he hasn't been back home. Someone needed to tell this man that other people's lives didn't revolve around him. They all had moved on, and didn't waste that much time ruminating over the subject. He also seems to think that Shannon and him had this soulmate connection, yet she dumped him and started dating someone else. He has spent the last 20 years hung up on her and not been able to love anyone else. Then, he goes back to his hometown because his parents are getting divorced. He runs into Shannon and they hang out for a hot second, and she tells him their relationship wasn't a big deal. He has this epiphany, and then is over her immediately. Before that though, you have to suffer through his inner monologue about how she makes him feel every other sentence and how electric blue her eyes are.
Okay, then we have this Ava lady who helps take care of Carver's favorite teacher/mentor. After Carver has this epiphany about Shannon, he asks Ava out. Ava then proceeds to tell him no because he's all over the place and was well aware he was chasing his ex and also leaving. I was glad Ava called this idiot out. Anyway, then later Ava sees him again and is all "everyone says you are persistent, but you seem to have given up on asking me out." NO. DUH. LADY. You told him he was all over the place, and you weren't interested! And then she's upset.
Okay, then Carver is blaming himself for his parents divorce and says it's his fault. They say it's not blah blah blah. It's revealed that his mom had an affair 20 years ago after Carver tried to kill himself, and his dad has been "faking" it and trying to keep it together....for twenty years while their son wasn't even home. Dad leaves for a road trip, comes back, says he can't live without her after being adamant about the divorce. Mom is happy and she can't live without him either. The end. Everyone lives happily ever after after 300+ pages of pure torture and awful characters. I did like the teacher though 😂
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 12, 2023
In this latest novel by Boo Walker veterinarian Carver Livingston has never been able to let go of the incident that happened to him 20 years ago in high school. When his parents are all of a sudden getting divorced and his mother begs him to come home, he returns to his home town for the first time in 20 years. There he is forced to confront what happened to him and how it still affects him and his parents.
While Carver is home he reconnects with a favorite teacher who helped him through his difficult time and is now having issues of her own. Helping her and his mother starts to help Carver realize that everyone has issues and its not all about him.
I am afraid this book was not a hit for me. Although I enjoyed Carvers teacher and that storyline, The other story lines with his unresolved high school incident issues and his parents frustrated me. Without getting into any spoilers I felt that both of those arcs had very unrealistic elements to them which kept me from being immersed in those storylines.
While Carver is home he reconnects with a favorite teacher who helped him through his difficult time and is now having issues of her own. Helping her and his mother starts to help Carver realize that everyone has issues and its not all about him.
I am afraid this book was not a hit for me. Although I enjoyed Carvers teacher and that storyline, The other story lines with his unresolved high school incident issues and his parents frustrated me. Without getting into any spoilers I felt that both of those arcs had very unrealistic elements to them which kept me from being immersed in those storylines.
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