The Same Bright Stars
Fiction
Simon and Schuster
July 2, 2024
Hardcover/Audio
304
Purchased/Library
Three generations of Schmidts have run their family’s beachfront restaurant, and Jack has been at the helm since his father's death. He puts the demands of the restaurant above all else, with a string of failed relationships, no hobbies, and no days off as proof of his commitment to the place. He can’t remember the last time he sat on the beach or enjoyed a moment to himself.
Meanwhile, the DelDine group has been snapping up beloved eateries along this stretch of coast, and it is pursuing Jack with a very generous offer to take Schmidt’s off his hands. Jack craves companionship and maybe even a family. He wonders whether closing the door on the restaurant might open a window for him—but who would he be without Schmidt’s, and can he trust DelDine’s claims that it will continue to employ his staff and honor his family’s legacy?
My review:
This is what i would call a quiet book that packs a punch. Definitely a character driven story, it follows a man who runs a restaurant that has been in his family for decades. His whole life is tied up in this venture, and as the story opens he starts to question if this is enough? Does he want and deserve more out of his life? I loved the characters in this story! From the friends, to the employees and loyal customers, it encompasses a lot of different pieces that show the inner turmoils not always visible on the surface. The found family aspect is one that I thoroughly enjoy in novels, and this one had that in spades. The beach setting was of special significance since I also live in a beach city, and could relate to the tourist season aspects of business.
This is a book that will have you rooting for the characters to find their happy ever after! Wonderfully written and highly memorable, this is a book that has earned a bunch of bright stars. If you like thoughtful character based stories, don't sleep on this one!
