by Debbie Macomber
Expected publication: October 8th 2013 by Ballantine Books
Book Blurb
’Tis the season for romance, second chances, and Christmas cheer with this new novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber.
Carrie Slayton, a big-city society-page columnist, longs to write more serious news stories. So her editor hands her a challenge: She can cover any topic she wants, but only if she first scores the paper an interview with Finn Dalton, the notoriously reclusive author.
Living in the remote Alaskan wilderness, Finn has written a megabestselling memoir about surviving in the wild. But he stubbornly declines to speak to anyone in the press, and no one even knows exactly where he lives.
Digging deep into Finn’s past, Carrie develops a theory on his whereabouts. It is the holidays, but her career is at stake, so she forsakes her family celebrations and flies out to snowy Alaska. When she finally finds Finn, she discovers a man both more charismatic and more stubborn than she even expected. And soon she is torn between pursuing the story of a lifetime and following her heart.
Filled with all the comforts and joys of Christmastime, Starry Night is a delightful novel of finding happiness in the most surprising places.
When I discovered that Debbie Macomber had a brand new Christmas book coming out in 2013, I practically squealed with excitement - it was like Santa decided to come early just for me! And then when I spotted Sawyer O'Halloran making a cameo appearance (yes, that Sawyer from Brides For Brothers in the Midnight Sons series), I knew without a doubt that this book was going to wrap around my heart like a warm holiday hug.
Let me tell you about our heroine, Carrie. This woman is so relatable it hurts. She's been stuck writing fluff pieces for the society page while watching less talented colleagues get the meaty assignments she's been dying for. We've all been there, right? That frustrating feeling of being overlooked and underestimated? When she finally reaches her breaking point and demands something better, her editor throws down what seems like an impossible challenge: get an exclusive interview with Finn Dalton, the mysterious reclusive author who has completely vanished from public view.
Now, most people would probably give up after a few phone calls, but not our Carrie. This determined woman actually hops on a plane to Alaska - ALASKA! - and shows up practically on Finn's doorstep. I have to admire that kind of guts, even if it borders on slightly stalker-ish behavior. But hey, desperate times call for desperate measures, and Carrie is nothing if not desperate to prove herself.
Finn Dalton turned out to be exactly the kind of tortured hero that makes my romance-loving heart flutter. He's holed up in the Alaskan wilderness for reasons that become clearer as the story unfolds, and he's definitely not thrilled about having his solitude invaded by a pushy journalist. The tension between wanting to be left alone and finding himself drawn to Carrie's determination creates this delicious push-and-pull dynamic that kept me turning pages.
I'll be honest - the middle section got a bit sappy for my taste. There were moments where I found myself rolling my eyes at some of the more saccharine dialogue. But you know what? Sometimes that's exactly what you need, especially during the holiday season. There's something comforting about letting yourself sink into that warm, fuzzy feeling that only a good Christmas romance can provide.
The central conflict really got to me though. Will Carrie betray Finn's trust and write his story for her own career advancement? Can Finn learn to trust someone enough to share his carefully guarded secrets? These aren't just plot devices - they're real questions about integrity, ambition, and what we're willing to sacrifice for success. Macomber handled this ethical dilemma with more nuance than I expected.
The Alaskan setting was absolutely perfect for this story. There's something about that vast, beautiful, isolating landscape that seems tailor-made for both romance and self-discovery. Macomber painted such vivid pictures of the scenery that I could practically feel the cold air and see the endless snow-covered wilderness.
Don't miss this one if you're looking for a light-hearted romance that still has some emotional depth. Yes, I absolutely love a sweet romance every now and then - isn't that exactly what Christmas romances are supposed to deliver? That perfect blend of holiday magic, romantic tension, and feel-good endings that make you believe in love again?
I'm already hunting for more Christmas romances to stock up on for the coming months because this one reminded me why I gravitate toward holiday books when I need my spirits lifted. There's something about Christmas stories that gives authors permission to be a little more hopeful, a little more magical, and a lot more willing to guarantee happy endings.
Debbie Macomber has definitely added another winner to her already impressive collection of Christmas books. She knows exactly what her readers want and delivers it with the kind of warmth and charm that has made her such a beloved author in this genre.
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Perfect for: Cozy winter nights, holiday romance lovers, and anyone who needs a reminder that sometimes the best gifts come in unexpected packages.
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