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See the Stars by Eleanor Ray #Review

  See the Stars by Eleanor Ray will be  published on February 5th 2026 by Piatkus .  Do you ever feel that life isn't going to plan?   When Alice Thorington collapses in the street after a particularly hellish day at work, she must finally admit to herself that her outwardly happy life - steady relationship, well-paid job, beautiful flat in the city - isn't everything she'd hoped it would be. Burnt out by long hours and living a life that doesn't fulfil her dreams, Alice returns home to Yorkshire.  Her childhood home brings complicated family dynamics, a rediscovery of her passion for stargazing and two new friends: Berti, a boy who finds it easier to count the stars than interact with people, and Matt, her brother's best friend and Alice's teenage crush. With each of them facing their own struggles, can the stars that meant so much to Alice in her past help them to find their way in the present?  Filled with heart and warmth, this uplifting novel...

The Only Exception by Claire Huston #Review #LoveInTheComptonsBook2

 


Today is Publication Day for Claire Huston's latest novel, The Only Exception. This is the second in the Love in the Comptons series. You can read my review of the first in the series here: Art and Soul

 Lucinda Green knows something is missing from her life. But what? Her catering business is enjoying modest success and she loves her cosy house, even if she does have to share it with her irritating ex-fiancé.

Whatever’s making her unsettled and edgy, Lucinda’s certain that a lack of romance isn’t the problem. How could it be when she doesn’t believe in true love?

But Lucinda’s beliefs are shaken by a series of electric encounters with Alex Fraser, a newly-notorious actor who gradually proves himself to be infuriatingly funny and smart, as well as handsome.

Not that any of that matters. Because Lucinda doesn’t believe in all that ‘The One’ nonsense. That’s the rule.

But doesn’t every rule have an exception?

This uplifting grumpy-meets-sunshine romance is perfect for fans of Katie Fforde, Phillipa Ashley and Milly Johnson.


 My Thoughts

This is an entertaining summer read which features some interesting characters. You don't find out quite what makes them react as they do at first, especially with Alex and he keeps your sympathy to the end/ I did find Lucinda to be a likeable character with some character depths and a slightly quirky way of looking at relationships. 

    There are some entertaining episodes. I particularly enjoyed Lucinda and Alex's visit to a stately home. Lucinda is not impressed at the start by Alex's reaction to a medical emergency. She steps forwards to help and you see her capable side. I could absolutely buy into her ability to run her own business. The glimpses you get of both Alex and Lucinda's families are illuminating and fill in some gaps as to their adult selves. If you are looking for an uplifting read with some delightful moments, give this one a try!

In short: gentle, heart-warming romance

About the Author


Claire Huston lives in Warwickshire with her husband and two children. She writes uplifting modern love stories about characters who are meant for each other but sometimes need a little help to realise it.

A keen amateur baker, she enjoys making cakes, biscuits and brownies almost as much as eating them. You can find recipes for over a hundred sweet treats at https://clairehuston.co.uk. This is also where she talks about and reviews books.

As well as her website, you can find her on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram and Goodreads: linktr.ee/clairehuston_author


 Book link: Amazon UK 
  
Thanks to Claire Huston and Rachel of Rachel's Random Resources for a copy of the book and a place on the tour.

Follow the rest of the tour!
 
 

Comments

  1. Thank you for reading a reviewing The Only Exception and for taking part in the blog tour. I really appreciate it! x

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