Review: Keeper of the Stars by Robin Lee Hatcher

Kings Meadow, Idaho, is small-town heaven and it's a shame that Keeper of the Stars is Robin Lee Hatcher's final novel in the Kings Meadow Romance series. Fortunately, for me -- and any others who came into the series with this book -- there are two more books in this series and another two books that take place in Kings Meadow.

Penny Cartwright is still grieving over the death of her 22-year-old brother, Brad, who died in a car accident after falling asleep at the wheel of the car he was driving. She and Brad had fought over his decision to go on the road as drummer for Trevor Reynolds' country music band and she feels guilty for not having resolved anything with Brad before his death.

Trevor Reynolds was supposed to come home with Brad at Thanksgiving and meet Brad's family. Instead, while taking a break from the road after the accident that took Brad's life, Trevor finds himself visiting Kings Meadow to re-evaluate his life. After hearing Brad talk about his family and Kings Meadow, Trevor finds himself renting a small apartment, getting a part-time job, and helping out Brad's father on the Cartwright family ranch.

Now, I've got to stop right here. Remember the episode of The Andy Griffith Show where the stranger comes to town, recognizes everyone he meets on the street, calls them by name, and asks them how things are, yet no one in town knows him? (If not, you can read about the episode here.) I'm not saying that Trevor did exactly that, but it's obvious from Hatcher's writing that Trevor immediately felt at home in Kings Meadow as a result of listening to Brad's stories.

There's a lot to like and enjoy in Keeper of the Stars. As much as I appreciate reading novels in different genres, there's a certain predictability that at some point in a romance novel the guy and the girl are going to get together and live happily ever after. However, I freely admit that I am a pushover for novels and movies set around Christmas. Set a story during the holidays, throw in the title of a Christmas carol or two (or a lyric), and add at least one party and I'm ready to indulge in the festivities -- at any time of the year! It also helps when you have likable but flawed characters like Penny and Trevor, who struggle with some of the same things we readers do.

There may not be anything groundbreaking added to the tried-and-true romance formula, but I still had fun visiting Kings Meadow, Idaho, and recommend you schedule a visit of your own. Hatcher definitely has a winner with Keeper of the Stars.

Rating: 4 Stars

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Harper Collins Christian Publishing (through NetGalley) in exchange for my honest review.