This book is so well written that I didn't even notice it was written in first person present tense. I usually hate that but I didn't notice! Not until near the end did it dawn on me. It just felt so normal and didn't stick out as weird like the books that turned me off to it. Well done.

I enjoyed the book. It might be a little slow paced but that felt normal too. If I were to put the pacing into an image it would be a woman walking through a park enjoying the flowers. And I don't usually enjoy love triangles but that didn't hinder this book either. Everything worked. I liked the main characters and enjoyed some swoony lines from the duke. I loved how they brought the best out of each other in helping to find themselves and their place in life. Robert was also a good guy but even in his love and care of Juliet he missed understanding things about her. He should get his own book to give him a happily ever after too. Except who wants his mother as a mother-in-law? Ugh.

If you love clean, swoony regency this is a must read.

No sex, language or violence.

I loooooooved this book! Like, super loved! The dialogue was superb, the setting was atmospheric and enchanting and the romance was layered and emotional. I laughed, I teared up, I read it in a day. I. am. a. FAN!

I really enjoyed Heidi Kimball's debut last year and was definitely looking forward to another book from her. But this one pretty much blew my expectations away. Can't wait for her next!

A renaissance romance, Where the Stars Meet the Sea is a beautiful story about love, family, and hardship. The story is told from Juliet’s perspective, an Irish British girl who was orphaned with her younger brother and raised by her aunt and cousins. The story is centered on their visit to Shaldron Castle, where Juliet and her cousins are visiting in order to secure a marriage proposal for one of the younger cousins. Juliet meets the Duke of Halstead and they have several heated arguments that serve as the catalyst for their relationship. The story pivots a few times to Juliet’s brother who is away at a boarding school and Juliet’s older cousin who confesses his love for her. Juliet finds herself embroiled in a complicated circumstance with her aunt, where she is forced to consider marriage with her cousin in order to avoid punishment to her brother. This decision takes us to the end of her story and not without twists and turns along the way.

Juliet is a warm character with a sharp, clever spirit. This is perfectly complemented by the Duke’s corrosive and destructive personality at the onset. While the story had many similarities to an Austen novel, it also has many differences that allow it to stand on its own legs. Juliet’s character is by far the strength of the novel, and her cousins stories walking along behind it. I found the ending to drag just a bit and then abruptly speed up, But overall, I could not put the book down until the very end. Anyone who enjoys a period romance, will enjoy this book for sure.

This book was absolutely everything I want in a regency romance. The characters and their interactions kept drawing me deeper into this story. Halstead was such a wounded character that slowly thawed as the pages turned and I loved every moment of it! Juliet spoke her mind and I loved her honest approach when she spoke with Halstead. Their banter was one of the reasons I loved this story. I savored this romance not wanting it to end! This is my favorite from Heidi Kimball! So many tender moments as these characters discovered love! I definitely recommend this one to regency romance fans!

Where the Stars Meet the Sea is the first book I have read by Ms. Kimball so I didn’t know what to expect. What did I find in this delightful Regency romance that makes me want to read more of her books? The characters are well-developed and memorable. Juliet, the strong, impulsive heroine; Halstead, the broody, reclusive Duke; Lady Everdale, the controlling, manipulating aunt; Robert, the love-sick cousin, and a slew of other interesting family members and acquaintances combine to form an engaging cast of characters. I love the banter between Juliet and Halstead, and the tension/chemistry between the two is delightfully entertaining. The plot flows at a fitting pace and is filled with romance, humor, witty conversation flavored with sarcasm, along with emotional struggles and issues of social disparity which are skillfully woven together to produce an easy-to-read, captivating story. I thoroughly enjoyed this narrative from the intriguing beginning through the emotion-packed, satisfying end. I highly recommend this book.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via netgalley but am under no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

This book is a romance set in 1819 in England. Juliet's outspoken and has a bit of a temper, but she has learned to suppress this around her domineering aunt. At a duke's house party, she's surprised to discover that she was not alone in the library and let her temper free. She unknowingly insulted the duke. The duke is depressed due to a bad injury from a riding accident plus he isn't used to having non-family be unpleasant around him or deny him anything.

Although they had to overcome multiple misunderstandings due to strained circumstances, they drew each other out and supported each other through painful moments. Juliet had to decide between potentially marrying her loyal, considerate best friend (whom she viewed as a brother) or the often arrogant Duke who desired to really know her, not just have an ideal wife.

The characters were likable and reacted realistically to events. The story was not heavily historical, only giving a nod towards social conventions of the time. Everyone preferred to speak bluntly, Juliet was often alone with men who were romantically interested in her (though only in secret with the Duke), and so on. I was worried that this would be a "romance" where the main characters lusted after each other even though they're constantly in conflict, but the characters didn't really intend to insult the other. They would apologize when they saw that their words or actions hurt the other, and often it was plain speaking that needed to be heard (especially to clear up misunderstandings) but wasn't easy to hear. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable historical romance.

I loved this story. It was so good. From the first pages I was sucked in and didn't want to leave. Good thing I didn't have too:} I got to read this beautiful story from start to finish without stopping (except for miner life things). Dark sad hero's and bright optimistic woman are some of my favorites. Kimball did an amazing job of bringing these two together with a mix of bite, sass and attraction. I loved their first meeting! The tension of the romance and the overall feel of the book was so good. I'm so glad I own this. It will be one I reread:}

I am so happy I decided to read this book! Having never read a book by this author I was not sure what to expect. I was not disappointed at all and will continue to seek out books by Ms Kimball.

Juliet (seriously my favorite name for a heroine) is my kind of girl. I love a woman who isn't afraid to speak her mind. But more than that I loved that her temper flaring and honest words were not off putting for the Duke. As a woman who doesn't guard her tongue well it's nice to read about a woman who finds a man who can appreciate that about her. Juliet wasn't perfect and she apologized more than once, but she was still herself. That's all anyone wants. To be loved for who they are.

Halstead (I'd love to know what his Christian name is???) was the perfect tortured soul hero. I can't imagine how hard it would be to have your life so irrevocably changed in an instant and be expected to go on as normal as his mother and grandmother would have had him do. Yet a person shouldn't be allowed to drown in their misery either. And underneath it all he was so sweet. Some of the one liners he said! Swoon!

I feel for poor Robert who really was a good person. But you can't force love. I'll imagine my own HEA for him.

Ellen was probably my favorite supporting character. She was sweet and likeable and not at all pretentious.

This was very well written and I didn't have any problems with feeling like it wasn't realistic for the Regency era. Clean and sweet. Just what I like.

Heidi Kimball is very talented and combined all the right elements to make this a great regency, clean romance novel! Great characters, an interesting plot, and good side stories too, all make for an enjoyable read.

Right from the first chapter, the banter between Juliet and the Duke of Halstead is great! I was pulled right into the story! Juliet is sweet, and courageous, but somewhat strong willed. Her outspoken and 'unladylike' ways intrigue the Duke. Halstead is a brooding, moody, grumpy man who has been injured - both physically and mentally, and is sick of the judgement of Society.
They are quite the pair and their relationship grows as they learn to trust each other, despite their difference in stations. The chemistry is sparky and strong.
I was engaged throughout the whole book. Instead of the 'predictable' circumstances found in a lot of romance novels, the author keeps you guessing - right till the very end - which was fun!
I highly recommend this book! It was worth my time to read. I received an ARC of this book from the publisher. I am not required to leave a review. All opinions stated here are my own.
I was very satisfied with this book! I have not read anything by this author before, but I will be searching out her other works for sure!

I enjoyed this it was a nice romance, I haven’t read regency in awhile and it was a pleasant return. I thought Halstead and Juliet we here lovely relatable characters, their relationship was the main thing that kept me interested, unfortunately the book itself I found quite slow at times and a bit predictable. There didn’t seem to be as much work on supporting characters to make them interesting beyond the main characters. It was a nice story but not one that will stick in my mind.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion

Thank you net galley for the advance reader copy of this novel. I thoroughly enjoyed this regancy romance. The novel was clean (no sexual scenes) and I really appreciate that. The characters of Juliet and Halstead were drawn together despite their stations in life. I really liked how Halstead interacted with Juliet. The character of Aunt Agnes was well portrayed and I thoroughly disliked her. A great read and will read anything by this author!!!

This book has so much heart, there are so many powerful emotions you feel every one right to your core. Juliet is what every heroine should be and Halstead is her well written foil. Their romance brings out the best in each character. The author balances the tension and the humor very well. I think my favorite part is their counterparts, both Robert and Lady Margaret, aren't "villains". Neither character is malicious or catty, all the characters are flawed and all have some redeeming characteristics giving the novel a genuine feeling that I loved. I must admit I was pulled out of the story every so often because I never felt it was clear what Juliet's mother's standing in society had been before she married her husband. I might have missed it, but it was alluded to so often I wished for more than "a gentleman's daughter". Obviously the minor curiosity didn't deter the five star rating, it was that good.

A well written regency romance. Good plot and well developed characters. If you enjoy regency romance read this book. I received an arc from the publisher and this is my unbiased review.

I truly enjoyed Where the Stars Meet the Sea by Heidi Kimball. Juliet was not your typical lady and hated having to behave properly, but her Aunt Agnes, who had raised her and her brother since their parents’ passing, was very concerned with what others think. Juliet and her family are guests of the Duke of Halstead. This book takes you through Juliet’s struggle with her family and love and introduces you to a group of characters, each with their own agenda. I enjoyed the great characters in the story who I both loved and hated. The story evolved the characters and was very well told, pulling pieces of the past in at the right times to expand the story and better understand the characters.

I made the mistake of starting this book at bedtime, yes I know, I should know better by now. I knew I was in for a great story in the first couple of pages. Upon the death of her mother, Juliet and her much younger brother, Harry have become the wards of her mother's sister, Agnes. Not only is Aunt Agnes domineering and demanding. She can be downright cruel and cunning when she wants to get her way. She's one of the few female characters I'd describe as odious. It's been nine years and Juliet patiently waits for her twenty-first birthday in a couple of months, when she can care for Harry and they can get away from her aunt.

The Duke of Halstead has spent the two years since his accident avoiding society, despite his mother's attempts to draw him out by having house parties with guests he doesn't want to associate with. He's become withdrawn and sullen, until he meets Juliet in a dark library where he's hiding from the house party guests and she takes refuge hiding from her overbearing aunt.

These two characters definitely had chemistry from the beginning. Halstead brings out the Scottish fire in Juliet and she interests Halstead like no other women ever has. He brings out a side to Juliet that no one else sees. What was it about him that loosened my tongue and made me share my deepest fears and darkest memories? I admit it might seem as if their relationship advanced at a snail's pace but to me that's what made it feel believable. This man had closed himself off from everyone but his family for almost two years, he isn't going to change overnight. Waiting for Halstead and Juliet to declare their love for each other is rewarded with a swoony kiss in the observatory and his declaration "I am not the man I was before my accident. With you, for the first time, I think I might be something more." *swoon*

Of course they are some twists after they admit their feelings to one another. What kind of romance novel would this be if everything went smoothly afterward? I was put through the emotional wringer the last few chapters of the book. My blood boiled when Aunt Agnes showed how truly despicable she could be when she threatens Juliet with Harry's well-being to get what she wants. I feared for Juliet's safety when she was out on her own searching for her brother and was overcome with joy and happiness when Halstead appears at just the right moment to save the day, and Juliet stood her ground and told her aunt what she thought of her. "I know you have never cared for me. It seems I am a living reminder of everything you believe my mother did wrong. But if anyone should have loved Harry and me these past nine years, it was you." YES!! The only thing I missed was Aunt Agnes getting what she deserved, but that wasn't what the book was about. Still it would've been satisfying to have an epilogue detailing how awful her life had become. Lol

Thank you to NetGalley and Covenant Communications for my copy of this book.. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Whilst the saying goes to not judge the book by its cover, this book had it all! An amazing cover and a beautiful story. From the very first page, I could not put this book down. I resented anything that took me away from it, and found myself thinking of what would come next, when I finally had a chance to read on.
Juliet Graham is a guest of the Duke of Halstead with her aunt and two cousins, Hugh and Robert. Her aunt hopes that Hugh will marry the duke’s sister. Whilst in residence, Juliet finds herself crossing paths with Halstead, sometimes finding herself speaking quite vehemently. Halstead appears to seek out Juliet, which shocks his family as he has been a recluse since his riding accident two years ago. The more time they spend together, the more each opens up to the other. Yet Juliet’s aunt and Halstead’s family, threaten to crush their relationship.
Each and every character is well developed and the fragile relationship between Halstead and Juliet, beautifully played out. As the story is told solely from Juliet’s perspective, every hurt inflicted on her is felt by the reader. This was a story that you will treasure. I have put this into my list of favourites. I so look forward to more by this writer.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

This sweet, clean regency romance is everything I had hoped it would be. The storyline is absorbing and kept me eagerly reading to see what happened next. It’s a “I’ll read just one more chapter” type of book, but then I’d actually read two or three more.

Juliet is a wonderful regency heroine. She’s fiercely loyal; outspoken; and sees past the rules that her society dictates must be followed. The Duke is also outspoken, and the conversations between them were always interesting. This is not exactly a “Beauty and the Beast” type of story, but the Duke’s injuries add an extra dimension to the depth of the story. As Julia tries to understand her own heart, she also realizes that there are sacrifices she must make for her young brother. Her road to happily-ever-after is a rocky one, and that made this story hard to put down.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

I couldn't put this book down. I read it in a day. Juliet is so spunky, I love her character. Her first unexpected meeting with Halstead is so good. They are from different worlds with different expectations put upon their shoulders. But their blossoming friendship is something to behold. I loved this book. It is an emotional roller coaster. It has all the feels throughout it's pages. I would highly recommend this book to all readers who love true romance with depth.

Love triangles aren’t my favorite and if I had known one rested between the pages of this book, I probably wouldn’t have read it. That being said, I still really enjoyed this story. The writing was clean yet lyrical and the interaction between the h/h had enough chemistry to curl one’s toes (in a good way). I liked watching them push and pull one another to be better versions of themselves. I’ll be looking for more books by this author.

It is rare when a book can touch you and make you cry. This book did that. Characters with real depth, feelings and pain. This is the first book I've read by Heidi Kimball, but it will not be my last. This book has made a definite fan,