I loved this book most of the way through. It's about a young woman, Opal, who loves cooking and cleaning, even for a white family in 1930s Georgia. She works with her grandmother, who has raised her since Opal's parents were out of the picture for reasons that are not made clear. Opal has a warm and loving extended family--through blood and church in Colored Town--their section of Parsons. She even mostly loves her white employer's family, including Jimmy Earl, a boy five hears older than her 18, who is back from pharmacy school for the summer and looking at her in a new way. Competing for Opal's affection is Cedric, the preacher's son and up-and-coming pitcher hoping for a shot in the Negro Leagues.

Speaking of the Negro Leagues, Satchel Paige is a character in When Stars Rain Down. And so is the Klan, unfortunately. Despite being about a girl who is happy with her life as it is, a novel about a Black woman in the 1930s south wouldn't be realistic without bad white people doing bad things. It finally gets to be bad enough that Opal loses her patience with white folks' bullshit. She gets made at God, too, but eventually God gets girl back, which is where my love waned because I'm a monster. I had enjoyed Opal's voice and story throughout, but the end came too quickly for me and with too much acceptance and also an unexpected kindness that probably wouldn't really have amounted to much.

Beautiful and insightful look into the lives of the coloured people in the 1900s. I found it very educative.
The characters brought so much live and color to the already engaging plot. The author skillfully wrote a touching and compelling story.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and this is my honest opinion.

Opal Pruitt is the star of this book. The book is set in 1930s Georgia in a small town called Parsons. The town is divided into the white section and the section named Colored Town. Opal lives in Colortown along with her Granny. They both work for a white household in Parsons as cook/housekeeper(s). This is a coming of age story that also deals with racial issues.

Racial relations are very strained. Definitely black and white. The KKK makes its presence known, with no compassionate thoughts towards its targets. There is an unwritten code of conduct within Colored Town when it comes to dealing with the KKK.

Opal understands her place in society but longs for a sense of betterment, she does not want to keep house for someone as a lifetime career. Because she works for a white family, she has developed a good relationship with them.

Every character in this story stands out. Opal's family of Granny, uncles and cousins are fiercely loyal and protective of each other. There are good characters and bad characters. They are equally well portrayed.

This book has many themes: friendship, loyalty, family, strength, hope and the power of a close community.

The ending is very dramatic and emotional.

Ms. Jackson- Brown's style of writing drew me right into the story. I felt as if I was living among the characters. There were some beautiful descriptive passages. This book will stay with me for a long time.

While The Stars Rain Down is classified as Historical Fiction, I believe that a sub-classification could be Young Adult Fiction. There is a lot to be learned from reading this book.

The quote I liked from this book:
“White folks always thinking they know what’s best for Colored folks, then when they mess up, they try to act all sorry.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

WHEN STARS RAIN DOWN
BY ANGELA JACKSON-BROWN

It is 1936 in Parsons, Georgia and it is the hottest, stifling summer that this community has endured. I wondered if the heat was symbolism for what the African American's that are so loving in this beautiful, heartbreaking tale are battling and the heat foreshadows the claustrophobia of feeling like there is a storm brewing. The narrator named Opal is on the cusp of turning eighteen years old. She lives with her Granny and they reminded me how close I was with both of my Grandmother's. The love that these two share is deep and palpable warmth.

Opal and Granny work for a white family cooking and cleaning. Opal is starting to attract the attention of two young men. One is the white boy in the family for whom they work for who is home from College during summer break. The other boy is a respectable black boy like herself. Granny has taught Opal to conduct herself like a proper young lady.

The story was very well written and in Opal and Granny we find two peaceful and loving people who do everything that they can to exist in a town where race relations are tense in the background. I loved these two character's and their family. The only problem is that the KKK are itching for a reason to cause these peace loving folks harm. This story had the feeling that the setting was taking place in the here and now.

I think Angela Jackson-Brown does a fantastic job in portraying her cast of character's whom seem so real that they could walk right out of the story and I would embrace them all and want them to be part of my family or the closest of friend's. They do their best to live by a code of honor and their only crime which I hate to use that word is the color of their skin.

Founder's Day is the day when the whole town gathers together and celebrates. There is trouble looming on the horizon. Opal and Granny and their family just want to enjoy life and the way some of these white character's act make me ashamed to be White.

This is a powerful story that needs to be told and any genre of reader needs to make this fantastic work of art a must read. The story resonates with today. Both men and women will just be so pleased that Angela Jackson-Brown has created a work of art that is masterfully told through Opal's eyes that deserves a wide audience for its authenticity. This book has made me feel deeply that we must all do all that we can to love everyone and treat them as equals. I highly recommend this masterpiece to everyone. It changed my life and it will change yours as well. This is my favorite reading experience when I read a book that opens my eyes that much wider and calls me to action to do everything I can so that I can somehow contribute to society to end the cruelties and indignities that these character's suffer.

Publication Date: April 13, 2021

Thank you to Net Galley, Angela Jackson-Brown and Thomas Nelson-Fiction for providing me with my ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

#WhenStarsRainDown #AngelaJacksonBrown #ThomasNelsonFiction #NetGalley

I was given the chance to read and review this through Net Galley and I'm so grateful for that opportunity. I loved this book so much and can't wait to read more by this wonderful author!!

Opal is a character you will root for from the first to very last page. I really enjoyed this story of race relations in a small post-Reconstruction era town. It was realistic, depressing and uplifting all at the same time. Ultimately, this is a story of love and family.

"The summer of 1936 in Parsons, Georgia, is unseasonably hot, and Opal Pruitt can sense a nameless storm coming. She hopes this foreboding feeling won’t overshadow her upcoming eighteenth birthday or the annual Founder’s Day celebration in just a few weeks. As hard as she works in the home of the widow Miss Peggy, Opal enjoys having something to look forward to.

But when the Ku Klux Klan descends on Opal’s neighborhood of Colored Town, the tight-knit community is shaken in every way. Parsons’s residents—both Black and white—are forced to acknowledge the unspoken codes of conduct in their post-Reconstruction era town. To complicate matters, Opal finds herself torn between two unexpected romantic interests, awakening many new emotions. She never thought that becoming a woman would bring with it such complicated decisions about what type of person she wants to be."

Thanks to NetGalley for the free ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I really like this author’s style, but the actual story was just so-so for me.
A powerful tale race relations in Georgia in 1936. It was difficult to read some parts of how the African Americans were treated, but it is definitely a story that needed to be told..
This novel is heart tugging, relatable, and beautifully written.

I loved this book. As a white woman, I felt like I was truly seeing through the eyes of this young black woman what it must have been like for her - and what it must still be like for so many.

This book was so well-written. The detail is rich and brings the story to vivid life. It covers just one season in the lives of the people of a small southern town, but so much happens during that one season that it feels like a lifetime.

The events that take place in the book are both horrifying and sadly familiar. It's a vivid reminder of how much hasn't changed and still needs to be changed.

It's a truly beautiful book that I think everyone should read.

When the Stars Rain Down swept me off my feet. Angela Jackson-Brown’s words captured my heart right away, making this book thoroughly in-put-down-able. A heart-racing plot, relatable characters, and a beautifully described setting make this novel one I won’t soon forget.

The voice is engaging and pulls you in right from the start. You can hear the characters voices as they speak, feel that Georgia heat beating down on you, and smell the barbecue in the air. The setting is perfectly described, the pacing is perfect, and the characters are so well developed you’re convinced you’ll run into them on the street. Or, you know, that run in could be possible if it didn’t take place in the last century and with us currently in a global pandemic and all.

The plot is, sadly, still topical despite taking place in the 1930s. It’s also expertly crafted. Opal is on the edge of adulthood, and struggling with the contrast between what she wants for herself versus what others want for her. As the heat and tension build to irreversible acts that determine for life who she’ll trust, Opal is faced with tough choices and complicated emotions. Take all of these typical coming of age moments and set it in a time and place where racial tensions run taut, and you’ll find your heart racing in fear on more than one occasion.

This novel is heart tugging, relatable, and beautifully written. I laughed out loud at her gumption, cheered her on as she navigated tough situations, and cried with her when the world was hateful to her.

My only complaint about this novel is that it ended too soon. I wanted to know more about what happens next. However, I often feel this way about characters I love; I just can’t get enough time with them! Thus this isn’t a critique of the book, just a note that I’d love to see more of Opal’s story.

When the Stars Rain Down will be available April 13, 2021. Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the advanced copy, such that I could write this review. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

When Stars Rain Down is a beautifully written Southern Historical Fiction novel set in 1936, Parsons, Georgia. Racial tensions are prevalent and the Klan is strong. Angela Jackson-Brown delivers a passionate story reminiscent of Kathryn Stockett's, The Help. The characters are well developed and have remained with me. Thank you, NetGalley and the publisher, Thomas Nelson/Imprint of HarperCollins, for providing me with an ARC ebook version of When Stars Rain Down in exchange for my honest review.

What was it like growing up in Georgia in the 40’s while the Klan ran wild? Angela Jackson-Brown gives us a stark picture with this coming of age story. Go into this book knowing it will leave you uncomfortable at times, but also laughing and crying along side the characters. I will never know what it like, but Opal takes me along in her everyday life. Those days where she was scared to walk to work because of the Klan threading her and her neighborhood. How her and her grandmother were terrorized only because of the color of her skin. How she tries to help a white man to try to understand and yet knowing he doesn’t understand at all because he can not put himself in her shoes. Each story helped me to learn what I don’t understand and to maybe be part of the solution.
I recommend this book to anyone who has ever said, “I read and love fiction that teaches me something.”

It is the unseasonably hot summer of 1936 in Parsons, Georgia as this story begins, but this story felt so timely that it was only when certain phrases were used that I would remember that this was not set in the present time.

Opal is a young woman who is at the age where she is beginning to attract the attention of boys, but young enough that her grandmother, who raised her after her mother left, is wary of the two young men who are paying attention to her. But despite her protective nature, she realizes that her grand-daughter will eventually grow to be a woman, and that time is not all that far off. She also believes that Opal won’t be swayed by the wrong young man, and that Opal’s moral compass will not lead her astray.

This is Opal’s story, but it is also so much more. It is the story of the growth of shadow of the KKK looming over the lives of those people living in places like Opal’s home town, Colored Town. People just trying to live in peace, but whose very existence seemed to threaten others because of the colour of their skin.

This is also the story of young love, jealousy, aspirations and determination, the search for knowledge outside of our own, and the search for a life that feels like that place that Dorothy goes searching for, only to realize it was there all along. Home. Our own personal definition of that place where we turn to for comfort and love and acceptance, surrounded by those who help us through these storms that life brings with it, along with the lessons we never wanted to learn.

’This world we living in is ‘bout ready to explode and send us all into little bitty unrecognizable pieces. The best thing we can all do is to move past moments like this.’

Angela Jackson-Brown’s research brings this place, these people and these years and events to life in this story. I was so completely invested in this story that I had to force myself to set it down when I reached the halfway point, saving the rest for another day. And when I reached the last page, after already shedding many tears, I was sad that it had ended, but not for the ending... I just wanted to hear the story of the rest of Opal’s life, I wasn’t ready to let her go, or Miss Lovenia, or her granny. There is so much love and beauty in this story, despite the horrors wrought by white supremicists. In times when there has been so much demonstration of hate, then and recently, this is a story about love, and love conquering all.


Pub Date: 13 Apr 2021

Many thanks for the ARC provided by Thomas Nelson -- FICTION / Thomas Nelson

#WhenStarsRainDown #NetGalley

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. While this was not a literary masterpiece, it had great characters in Opal, Granny, Uncle Little Bud and more. Ms Jackson-Brown wrote the book in such a way that made me want to keep turning the pages and I sure hope that we get to read more of this family.

This is the story of a 'colored' family in the 1930's South. And, as you can imagine, the Klan is there terrorizing the community. How this family and community join together is what makes this story so sweet. Have your tissues at the ready for the last couple of chapters, because you are going to need them.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Thomas Nelson for this advanced readers copy. This book is due to release in April 2021.

When stars when down is a beautiful story, the author is really gifted.
In 1930 Opal a young black woman nearly eighteen is living with her grandmother Birdie and working for a white family.
Opal and her grandmother are closed to them and they are good people to work for. But the Ku Klux Klan is looking for trouble and destroy their lives.
Birdie is a woman of faith and she is wise and it's something I really appreciate in her character. She gives her granddaughter good advices.
Opal is a strong woman, down to earth and I liked to see her relationship with Cedric grow.
Even if her life is not always easy she is surrounded by her family and they stick together. I think her experiences helped her gain in maturity.

I did not liked Louvenia's character, not at all. Overall this story was good, very captivating from the start.

When Stars Rain Down is not only a page-turner, but an insightful and compelling picture of black/white relations in the 1930s. While set in the deep south, the issues it explores were pertinent to the whole country--and still are. Jackson-Brown is particularly adept at illustrating the damage done by well-meaning white people who don't understand or refuse to accept the potential consequences of their actions to the black people they befriend. The book's fast-moving plot makes it especially accessible to high school and college students, who--at the same time--will find it impossible not to reflect on its deeper meaning. It will make a great book club selection, as well. I found myself thinking about Opal Pruitt and her family after I'd finished reading her story.

This book will be one of my favourite reads of 2021. Southern Historical Fiction is my favourite genre and this book was everything I was hoping it would be.

This story was so compelling that every word and every character will stay with me. No story that I have ever read brought me to a black community and sat me down in the midst of their life and the struggles, pain, hate and abuse they suffered. The is one of very few books in my life that put me emotionally in to the story.. I cried, I laughed I got very angry I got very embarrassed... and then I found peace. This isn't a book it's a moving experience.

This book is incredible. The themes of race, friendship, forgiveness, personal growth, empowerment, and love are beautifully intertwined. I can’t even describe how intricate the story is. It is simultaneously a heart wrenching and heart warming story, and I strongly recommend When Stars Rain Down to anyone who loves and appreciates the written word.

When Stars Rain Down was an excellently done story about racial tensions in Georgia during the 1930s. Opal’s story is heartbreaking. Her strength is inspiring. Her family support system is full of lovable characters. The only thing keeping me from rating this 5 stars is that the end felt rushed and I felt like some things were left unfinished. I adore the beautiful cover of the book. And I'm beyond grateful for the opportunity to read a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you to Net Galley and Thomas Nelson-FICTION for the chance to read and review this book. The opinions expressed are my own.
This is the story of young Opal Pruitt. It takes place in 1936 in Parsons, Georgia. Opal is approaching her 18th birthday, and she is also looking forward to the Founder's Day Celebration. She seems to have so much to look forward to, but then the KKK attacks her town. These unsettled race relations affect Opal for the rest of her life. I liked this book very much-the author took me into Opal's heart and I felt so bad for her. I liked the setting and the story moved very quickly and kept my attention throughout. I also liked Opal's relationship with her Granny-they were so close. This book was very-well written and I enjoyed it.

Very well written book dealing with race relations and the KKK. I received an advance ebook from the publisher and Netgalley and this is my unbiased review.

I read this book in a day, I couldn’t put it down!
What I liked:
- The setting and tone of 1930s Georgia was well-executed.
- The story was interesting, and well-paced.
- By far the best part was the character development! I loved the main character, Opal, her Granny, their extended family, the love interest, the family friends/people that Opal worked for, all were so well-written.
- This is not a white savior story and though there are times the white characters try to make it about themselves, Opal is having none of it! I found myself highlighting multiple quotes where this strong, amazing female lead articulates complex feelings and issues with beautiful, concise, fierce prose.
-Also, as someone who is not religious, I really appreciated how religion was portrayed. The characters were religious without the book feeling preachy. It was character development, not morality propaganda for the reader.

Thank you NetGalley, author, and publisher for the arc in exchange for an honest review. It was a beautiful story and I’m so glad I read it.