ARC Review: Rewrite the Stars by Christina Consolino

About the Book:

Title: Rewrite the Stars

Author: Christina Consolino

Page Length: 245

Publication Date: March 18, 2021

Publisher: Black Rose Writing

Synopsis: A handsome stranger. A broken marriage. And a choice that could change her life forever.

Mom-of-three Sadie Rollins-Lancaster struggles with a crumbling marriage she had hoped to salvage. Though her husband, Theo, initiated the divorce, he’s now having a change of heart that’s difficult to reconcile as he fights against PTSD demons within.

When a chance encounter with a stranger resurrects emotions in Sadie, she never expected to feel again. Her world is turned upside down. Will Sadie find the courage to shape her own future? Will Theo resolve his internal struggles and win Sadie back?

Rewrite the Stars is an honest, moving portrayal of life and love that reminds us how much of our happiness lies within our own grasp. If you like heartwarming stories about love, loss, and redemption, then you’ll love Christina Consolino’s debut novel.

LINKS:     Goodreads     |      Amazon     |     Book Depository

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My Review:

Rewrite the Stars follows Sadie and Theo, a couple on the brink of divorce after over a decade of marriage. Though they are separated and have unsigned divorce papers, Theo, Sadie, and their three kids all still live together because Theo is not at a point in his life where he can successfully live alone.

After his return from Afghanistan, Theo was diagnosed with PTSD. He struggles with everyday tasks, has bouts of anger, and is emotionally distant from everyone, including Sadie. Sadie knows how much Theo depends on her, and though they still live together, their relationship has irrevocably changed. Both want a divorce, they act more like best friends than lovers, and yet neither makes the next big step of moving on.

On the precipice of divorce, the couple must face their feelings for each other and make decisions about their future. Do they want to remain together? Can Theo live on his own without Sadie’s help? Can they begin again and find happiness apart?

This is a powerful, relatable, and captivating story. The characters and plot are realistic and show the daily grind of raising kids, working on relationships, caring for oneself, working, maintaining the house, and all the other time-consuming and chaotic things that come with marriage and family. It shows how these typical day-to-day happenings affect Sadie and Theo and their marriage.

The story is told from both Sadie and Theo’s perspectives giving the reader an intimate view of each character’s thoughts and feelings. Flashbacks show Sadie and Theo’s relationship as it started and blossomed and contrast with the couple coming to terms with the dissolution of their marriage. With so much tying them together, it proves difficult to face their reality and let go.

Both Sadie and Theo seem to be lost, though in different ways. They spend much of the story trying to find themselves and redefine their relationship while coming to terms with moving on and finding happiness again. It’s complicated and messy and real, and though nothing ever goes according to plan, Sadie and Theo keep pushing toward a healthier and more positive future.

Likable and relatable characters, Sadie and Theo deal with feelings of guilt, remorse, regret, resentment, and more. I like that, even though this couple is at the end of their marriage, it is clear that they love and respect each other. Sadie, for example, meets someone that she is interested in but hesitates to act on her feelings because she worries about the effect it will have on Theo. Theo deeply struggles with PTSD and his life post-military and depends on and is thankful for Sadie’s support, though he often has a hard time expressing his feelings.

Sadie and Theo prove that, though they might be at the end of their marriage and their feelings toward each other have changed, their relationship is still an important part of their lives. They share a deep bond and love for each other, and they show how people can love each other even though they are no longer in love with each other. Sadie and Theo also prove that there’s a chance for new beginnings that include each other as well as new relationships.

Their relationship also highlights the many contributing factors that led to the breakdown of their marriage. It doesn’t place blame but instead shows a whole and comprehensive look at their life. It also offers signs of hope and happiness amid intense and scary real-life situations like dealing with PTSD, falling out of love, feeling guilty about moving on, and more.

A story about love, friendship, marriage, new beginnings, and family, Rewrite the Stars is a powerful and poignant read. I think readers who enjoy contemporary, realistic fiction will enjoy this engrossing story. Thanks so much to the author for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

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Rating:

Favorite Parts:

• The strong messages about love, family, and finding happiness.

• The depth of Sadie and Theo’s love. Even though their love has changed, they still care for each other deeply.

Recommendations:

This is a great book for readers who like realistic fiction with well-developed characters and strong, positive messages.