Review: Stargazey Point by Shelley Noble

Stargazey Point: A Novel

Author: Shelley Noble
Genre: Women's Fiction
Release Date: July 9, 2013
Publisher: William Morrow
Source: Review Copy from Publisher

Description:

From the New York Times bestselling author of Beach Colors, a stunning new novel of sun, sand, love, and family set against the beautiful backdrop of the South Carolina coast

Devastated by tragedy during her last project, documentarian Abbie Sinclair thinks she has nothing left to give by the time she arrives in Stargazey Point. Once a popular South Carolina family destination, the town's beaches have eroded, local businesses are closing, and skyrocketing taxes are driving residents away. Stargazey Point, like Abbie, is fighting to survive.

But Abbie is drawn slowly into the lives of the people around her: the Crispin siblings, three octogenarians sharing a looming plantation house; Cab Reynolds, who left his work as an industrial architect to refurbish his uncle's antique carousel, a childhood sanctuary; Ervina, an old Gullah wisewoman with the power to guide Abbie to a new life, if only she'd let her; and a motley crew of children whom Abbie can't ignore.

Abbie came seeking a safe haven, but what she finds is so much more. For Stargazey Point is a magical place . . . a place for dreamers . . . a place that can lead you home. 

Stargazey Point is a beautifully written contemporary women's fiction novel that follows lead character Abbie Sinclair as she travels to the small town of Stargazey Point in South Carolina. As she gets to know the people of the town, Abbie realizes that Stargazey Point is much more than an old destination town. It's a place for love, new beginnings, and finding yourself.

This was a fantastically written contemporary novel that features a strong female lead character - Abbie Sinclair - who is incredibly realistic and easy to identify with. We see her fears, dreams, strengths, and weaknesses - and are able to empathize right alongside her as she grows and changes throughout the novel. The other characters in the novel - namely the people Abbie meets in Stargazey Point - are also well written. They are all unique and have distinct personalities and give a great depth to the novel. The setting is perfect - a small coastal town that was once a popular family vacation destination, but is now struggling to survive. The beautiful scenery along with the author's vivid imagery allowed me to fully immerse myself in the novel and into the town itself. The plot wasn't anything mind-blowingly original, but the author writes with such feeling that it gives the story a life all its own. The pace is natural with an effortless flow that had me gliding easily through the pages. Although at first glance this looks like just another women's fiction novel, it is so much more. It deals with real topics like family, grief, love, and finding yourself along with the quirky people and town and the beautiful coastal scenery. Definitely recommended for fans of the genre and those who enjoy contemporary fiction.