Bookshelf Friday - Keeper of the Stars by Robin Lee Hatcher

Robin Lee Hatcher was a new-to-me author. I mean, I know who Robin Lee Hatcher is, but I'd yet to  pick up one of her books. After reading Keeper of the Stars, I've decided I'm placing her other books on my TBR pile. Here's a short blurb, and we'll chat on the other side!

When her mother died from pneumonia, Penny Cartwright was heartbroken. But now, after burying her younger brother just 12 years later, she is devastated. Anger, guilt, and sorrow cloud Penny’s mind, and the last thing she wants is to be reminded of her pain—but that’s exactly what happens when a stranger comes to town.

Trevor Reynolds has been chasing fame for more than a dozen years, but his musical career can’t get off the ground. While on the road, an accident kills his young drummer, Brad Cartwright. Trevor wasn’t behind the wheel, but he still blames himself . . . and so does Brad’s sister, Penny. Now Trevor finds himself in Kings Meadow, determined to follow through on his final promise to his friend.

Still feeling the pain of Brad’s death, Penny and Trevor must learn that forgiveness is the only thing that can heal their hearts. And if they do forgive, something beautiful may rise from the ashes of heartbreak.

I loved every aspect of this story. First, Hatcher handles grief so well through Penny. The emotion doesn't weigh the story down, but also doesn't shy away from the depths of it. Penny's character is believable, especially her internals which show from the very beginning how torn she is over Trevor being in her life. It is evident from the start that their paths will connect, but Hatcher moves them at a perfectly-paced winding path that maintained both their authentic arcs.

Trevor is one of my favorite male leads. He comes to King's Meadow not only to fulfill his promise to Brad, but to befriend Penny and her father. Romance wasn't first on his mind, and I love his slow awakening to that emotion. His internals also were great, showing his frustration with Penny's reluctance to take a liking to him, yet retaining an incredibly soft patience with her fragile heart.

I also loved how Hatcher involved Brad throughout the story, even though we opened at his graveside. The glimpses into who Brad was and his relationship with all the characters was an integral part of this story, and one I'm glad the author was allowed to keep. Flashbacks can often slow a story down, but in this one they only added to its depth.

All together I happily give Keeper of the Stars 5 out of 5 stars and you can purchase it here.

If you'd like to see a break-down of what my stars equal, check out my page My Ratings System to the right there. And a big thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free ecopy of this book in exchange for my honest review.