"In Little Stars" by Linda Green is a poignant and emotionally charged novel that explores themes of love, loss, and the complexities of family relationships. The story follows the lives of two women, whose paths intertwine in unexpected ways, as they navigate the challenges of motherhood and the heart-wrenching realities of their pasts.

Green’s writing is both sensitive and evocative, drawing readers into the characters' emotional journeys. The dual perspectives provide depth, allowing for a rich exploration of their struggles and aspirations. The author skillfully balances moments of joy and sorrow, creating a narrative that resonates on many levels.

The themes of hope, resilience, and the bonds of friendship shine through, as the characters confront their fears and work towards healing. Green captures the intricacies of relationships, whether between friends, parents, or children, making the emotional stakes feel incredibly real.

The pacing is well-structured, with a blend of introspective moments and gripping tension that keeps readers engaged. As secrets are revealed and the characters’ lives intersect, the story builds towards a moving conclusion that emphasizes the importance of connection and understanding.

Overall, "In Little Stars" is a heartfelt and impactful read that will stay with readers long after the final page. Linda Green has crafted a beautifully nuanced story that explores the depths of human experience, making it a must-read for fans of contemporary fiction.

This is such a fantastic written story I loved all the twists and turns it was like being on a rollercoaster I didn't want this story too end but such an amazing ending I never guessed I love a good thriller that keeps me on my

The plot is so well written. The characters are well developed. The story is told through multiple perspectives. There is an undertone of impending doom. The author addresses some real issues including Brexit.

A very powerful story told in a sympathetic way in alternate chapters from the members of the two different families. A modern Romeo and Juliet with a very current and relevant theme about race and how it can divide opinions, families and eventually destroy love and incite hatred.

The telling of the young love was beautifully done and the involvement of the viewpoint and struggles of the mothers was brilliant too. The ending was heartbreaking, but also added a glimmer of hope for the future.

Wow. What a book. It's hard to review it in words apart from wow. Great writing, great perspectives. Loved it, even if it's not the easiest at times. Thanks to the publisher for the opportunity to read and review the eARC

What’s not to love when you pick up a book by Linda Green.

This book did not disappoint. The characters are detailed and draw you into their lives

This book was just so emotional and such a good read on a very unfortunate real problem that we see or hear about every day. I can totally understand why Linda Green refers to this as a modern Romeo and Juliet.
The story is about two families, both very different and how their life's will unintentionally entertwine when two young people meet and fall in love.
A really good read and an easy five stars from me :)

This is one of my favourite books ever. I have recommended it to so many people. It gives a great insight into how brexit affected so many people so differently. It’s very well written and really makes you think about how the world we live in is today. I have already re-read it 🩷

Fantastic book that will keep you entranced from start to finish, Linda Green is a writer you can rely on to keep you engaged

When Jodie and Rachid fall in love their families do not approve so have to meet on secret. This is a very moving novel addressing some very difficult subjects but written so well. This will stay with you for a long time!

In Little Stars should be on every book club and school syllabus list – it is quite simply a must and should read.
This is the first book that has really affected me in quite a way since I first read Noughts and Crosses by Malorie Blackman.
Aside from the wonderful characters and clever plot the serious themes Green addresses are brilliant.
It is set in the time of Brexit in Britain, and the racism that runs on the undercurrent of the book is brutally conveyed.
It is often painful to read, written to shock readers and highlight the attitudes of some people in Britain today.
I’m struggling to even write this review without getting upset and angry actually.
There’s some serious topics throughout – racism, classism and terrorism to name but a few but there’s also love and being a teenager and hope for a better life.
It’s been dubbed a modern retelling of Romeo and Juliet and while there are similarities – this moved me so much more than Shakespeare did.
The plot is so extremely well-constructed – the families whose lives, unbeknownst to them, cross several times, and become forever linked.
The reader has an incredible sense of foreboding and dread as the book progresses as it reaches the crescendo and this is through the multiple POVs.
The narrative and the text message conversations keep it flowing and keep the reader gripped and reading well into the night.
I also loved the Yorkshire accents of the characters it felt more real and authentic and showed the divides even more.
The ending is incredible.
I absolutely broke my heart.
My husband was convinced that I’d had bad news I was so upset - inconsolable.
I actually couldn’t speak for several minutes – I had to go and sit in our bedroom and just collect myself and I went through so many tissues.
The role of all the characters and the parts they play in the story shook me to my core.
I have not been this affected by a book in years.
It is one of my favourite books of the year and will be difficult to beat.
I genuinely feel like it has changed me as a person.
Read this book but be prepared to feel so many emotions and definitely have some tissues at the ready.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is a well written and emotional read. It's definitely a thought provoking book that gets you seeing things from a different perspective.

Definitely recommended.

Thank you Netgalley.

This story is based on Romeo and Juliet but set in my hometown of Leeds and the surrounding areas, which added an extra dimension as I could really picture all the scenes in my head.

I read this book with my heart in my mouth most of the time, in fact at one point I am sure my heart stopped beating in shock!

Linda Green draws her reader in straight away. She builds the tension up bit by bit until it reaches a crescendo, but even then, there is no release because the shocks just keep on coming. Every chapter is so atmospheric, I could feel the love blossoming between the two main characters, but I also sensed the approaching danger followed by anger, helplessness and lastly sorrow! This author pulled on every one of my heartstrings until I was wrung out! I just knew that she had poured her heart and soul into writing this novel.

I cannot recommend this book highly enough.

This book was OK but I wasn't gripped by the story. It covers some interesting and important themes but just wasn't the kind of writing style and tone I usually go for.

This was SUCH a clever and important read, especially post-Brexit. It was so thought-provoking and heart-wrenching, thank you for the ARC!

Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. A really enjoyable read, with good writing and characters. A well developed storyline in a modern retelling of Romeo and Juliet, covering some difficult subjects really well. Highly recommend!

I haven’t read any of Linda Green's book but the synopsis for this one had me intrigued - it’s a modern retelling of Romeo and Juliet, set in Yorkshire against the backdrop of Brexit. And Green is to be applauded for taking some difficult, but very real issues, and blending them into a book that is a truly engaging and emotional read, heartbreaking and thought-provoking in equal measure.

Rachid and Jodie meet on the train on their way to college and begin a relationship, but they are both aware of their very different backgrounds - Rachid,despite being born in the UK, is from a family that is feeling increasingly unwelcome, the son of a French mother and French Moroccan Muslim father, whilst Jodie has a pro-Brexit father who makes no secret of his dislike of immigrants and a brother who is being drawn into far right groups. Rachid and Jodie know their relationship will be frowned upon so they decide to keep it secret.

Told from the perspectives not only of Rachid and Jodie, but of both their mothers, who have never met but travel on the same train every morning, it feels like we get a real insight into the complexities of the issue, just how wide the divide has become and how shocking the consequences can be. It is a book that will keep you turning the pages and af times break your heart - but it is also a book that will make you stop and think.

I’ve always been an absolute huge fan of Linda Green’s books. I haven’t read them all; but I was super excited when I knew about this book! Even more excited to be asked to be part of the blog tour.

This book is the best of them all. Absolutely loved this book. Thank you to the author for writing such a gripping; emotive, thought provoking book, that provided an amazing ending

It is quite a hard book to review without disclosing too many spoilers, and giving away important storyline details

However, what I will say, this book needs to be read by you! Have your tissues ready. Be prepared for a book that has you thinking what would I do. I did struggle to get into the book, but I think that was more on me than the book, but once I was fully into it. I found it hard to put down and read on a delayed train journey in one sitting!

In Little Stars is one of the most beautiful and thought-provoking reads I think I've ever read. This is so beautifully written and is a modern day Romeo and Juliet story that is hard to put down. We follow Donna and Sylvie, two women from different families who travel on the same train to work daily but have never spoken to one another. These two women have a lot in common in the sense of arguments at home, family problems etc. Yet they have very differing views on the brexit divide. Sylvie and her family are Muslims and feel more and more unwelcome living in the UK. Donna and Sylvies two eldest children meet and fall in love but they have to hide it and keep it a secret as both are very aware that their families will not understand or approve of their relationship. There are some difficult but current topics within this book (racism and prejudice being two main ones) and some heartwarming moments too. I definitely suggest having a box of tissues at the ready. The story is told from multiple POV and is very cleverly woven together. I felt for each character I different ways and it's really opened my mind on so many levels. Definitely give this book a read, you won't be disappointed!

Rachid is the son of Bilal and Sylvie, immigrants whose life in England is threatened since Brexit, he is just about to start College where he meets Jodie the daughter of staunch Brexiteers. Their families are so different will their relationship survive?

A beautifully told story, highlighting racial prejudice and how it can divide families.