“Keeper of the Stars” by Robin Lee Hatcher

Because it’s not always love at first sight!

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.

Robin Lee Hatcher ‘s newest book is a ‘keeper’ in more ways than one!  It may be a love story at heart, but there’s much more happening within the pages of this book.

This isn’t your ordinary love story.  There’s not a simple obstacle keeping the two main characters apart, and finding love isn’t simple on either end.  Penny’s been seriously hurt in the past, and she’s still grieving the loss of her brother.  She’s not ready to trust her heart with anyone, and staying in control sounds great to her.  Forgiveness isn’t an easy road to walk.

Trevor’s finding that out.  While he wasn’t directly to blame for the accident, he feels guilt for his part in it, and he knows that Penny’s brother had his head on a bit straighter than he does himself.  Brad’s life and the legacy he left on Trevor’s heart inspires him to begin making changes, but choosing between love and life and fame and long-held dreams … that’s a hard road to walk, too.

I would’ve loved this book if it were just that: the story of two hurting souls trying to heal and finding love with each other in the process.  That’s a doozy of a story, and Hatcher crafts it expertly.  The ride isn’t smooth but the love is sweet and the story draws you in.  Just like an info-mercial, though, there’s more!  Hatcher sends the reader back in time to hear Brad’s interactions with the main characters of the book. You read crucial interactions that feed what’s happening with the characters now.  Even though Brad is gone before the book begins, he’s still a major player in the story – and you feel like you know him well when you turn the last page.

I love that.  It takes a gifted author to make a dead man a main character in a story, but Hatcher pulls it off, and she does so well.  As you read, you share the pain of the characters, but you also learn their lessons and experience their joy as their journey progresses.

I couldn’t put Keeper of the Stars down.  I was enthralled from the first page to the last.

It’s definitely a keeper.

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Best-selling novelist Robin Lee Hatcher is known for her heart-warming and emotionally charged stories of faith, courage, and love. The winner of the Christy Award for Excellence in Christian Fiction, the RITA Award for Best Inspirational Romance, two RT Career Achievement Awards, and the RWA Lifetime Achievement Award, Robin is the author of over sixty novels.

Connect with Robin: website, Twitter, Facebook

I received a free copy of Keeper of the Stars from LitFuse Publicity in exchange for an honest review.

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